Antioxidants – now what’s that all about??

Antioxidants might be familiar to you or they might not. But, they are very important when it comes to healthy skin. What are they and what do they do?

Patrick Holford, the nutritionalist, in his book The Optimum Nutrition Bible heads his chapter up “Antioxidants – the Power of Prevention”. Antioxidants slow down or prevent damage to our cells called oxidative damage. Oxidative damage occurs when the skin is exposed to light, pollution, stress, illness, smoking, burning petrol to create exhaust fumes, frying or barbecuing food and normal body processes. All of these listed situations create free radicals which lead to oxidative damage and antioxidants disarm the free radicals.

Oxidative damage is key to the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin – these are the two fibres responsible for keeping the skin plump and firm – age spots which can have the potential to become more serious.

As antioxidants can help to fight oxidative damage it makes sense to not only to take them in supplement form but also for them to be in our skincare products, thereby absorbing the free radical damage.

The main antioxidants are Vitamins A, C and E plus betacarotene, the precursor of vitamin A that is found in fruit and vegetables. Other antioxidants used in skincare and Jane Iredale makeup are green tea, coenzyme Q10, grape seed extracts, resveratrol, soya bean sterols, niacinamide, pomegranate, idebenone, turmeric and superoxide dismutase.

Whilst some products may contain some of these ingredients, it is thought that a mix of antioxidants is best as they have different benefits. For example, Vitamin C is effective against ozone, grape seed extracts are effective against pollution and Vitamin E is effective against UVA rays.
Antioxidants deteriorate if they are exposed to sunlight and oxygen, so it’s important that they are packaged in opaque, pump only containers. Use them morning and night, ensure they are included in your diet and supplements.

All skincare ranges at Ginger Tree – Environ, Pinks Boutique and Neal’s Yard include antioxidants in their products.

CACI Review

"This was a first time for me - I had not experienced CACI before, although I have had what I would call 'machine intervention' facials rather than the traditional 'hands on' facials in the past.

I hadn't expected it to be, but it was a very relaxing experience, no sensation or 'clicking' or 'fizzing' of electrical pulses. The rollers & probes were comfortable & once I got used to the sensation of targeted micro massaging, it was rather pleasant.

After just this one session I could see instant results - yes honestly, particularly on the 'apples' of my cheeks & under my jawline! Went straight to school pick up & it was immediately noticed by a few of the other Mum's who wanted to know what I'd been up to as I looked fantastic! I would most definitely go for the full 10 sessions just based on the results of one! Quite amazing & truly 'uplifting'."

Lips part 3

So regular readers, I’ve talked about how to care for your lips and started to look at the history of lipstick. Here’s the next history info blog….1900s to the present day. I find the history of make up fascinating and this blog takes in my mother’s youth during WW2, I just love the pictures of her with her red lipstick that she shared with her 4 sisters!

So thank you BABTAC for sharing this with us…….

‘By 1915 lipstick was being widely commercially produced and was sold in cylinder metal containers. These containers were invented by Maurice Levy. To move the lipstick up the case you had to slide a lever on the tube.

In 1923 (the year my mum was born) the swivel-up lipstick was created by James Bruce Mason Jr. Lipstick became more and more popular due to the evolution of the cinema and film, where actresses would be seen with a fully make up look. In the late 1940s, Hazel Bishop, an organic chemist, created the first long lasting lipstick, which was named No Smear Lipstick.

During the 20th Century various new shades of lipstick were introduced due to advances in technology and trends. In the 1920s a deep red was very popular and flapper girls would wear lipstick to symbolize their independence. (See more about this in the link below). In the 1930s Elizabeth Arden introduced new lipstick colours and inspired other make up companies to create a variety of shades. In the 40s lipstick was considered a morale booster during the war, due to it being inexpensive to make. A brand name Gala introduced a pale shimmery lipstick in the 50s and later Max Factor created a popular lipstick called Strawberry Meringue, colours then began being made in lavender, pale pink, white and peach, providing more neutral shades for teens. Red remained popular still, as film stars continued to opt for a bolder make up look.
Later in the 20th Century technologies advanced and ‘mood’ lipsticks were introduced, that were supposed to change colour when applied depending on the wearers’ mood. In the 90s semi-matte finish lipsticks were introduced, but towards the end of the 90s pearl shades in a shiny finish came into fashion.’

And above is an advert from the 1930s that brings us full circle to my first article about caring for your lips – not sure I fancy this product though!

Next time, a bit more about today’s lipsticks and trends.

Lipstick History

 Hi all, I’m a member of BABTAC the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology and last month in our monthly magazine BABTAC had a great article on Lips Through the Ages….here are some of the main points to share with you as we continue our look at LIPS. Today lipstick is probably the most popular cosmetic product which a huge number of colours, finishes, brands and textures. People and society cultural attitudes vary widely, so where did it all begin………

In the Beginning 

The first known creation of lipstick was carried out by Mesopotamian women around 3100 BC, who ground up precious gems and used the dust to decorate their lips to create a glistening finish.

Archaeological finds indicate that between 3000 BC and 1500 BC women of the Indus Valley civilisation, which was located in modern day Pakistan and north west india, used lipstick. This culture traded with the Mesopotamians, so it’s thought this is how the practice spread.

It was the ancient Egyptians who created the first lipsticks with a creamy consistency which were kept in little lidded post. Bright red shades were used by royalty and the upper ranks of the clergy to show their status. A carmine colour was made by crushing beetles and ants, which is known to have been favoured by Cleopatra.

Another popular shade was a purple-red, which was made from seaweed,iodine and bromine mannite. Unfortunately bromine mannite is poisonous and even the small amount used in the lipstick receipe was probably enough to kill the wearer and anyone who kissed them!

Ancient Greek prostitutes were expected to have a made up look so they didn’t trick men or pass themselves off as ladies and would be fined if they were found working without wearing lipstick.

Around 5000 years ago in Ancient China, reddening of the lips was popular. Painting the lips was practiced to please the gods and was carried out by both men and women.

During Medieval times red lipstick was banned by the church, but natural pinks were deemed acceptable. But only by 16th Century was lipstick widely used. Cosmetics were expensive and the right the person, the less natural the look: Queen Elizabeth I favoured red lips, which became a trend. Elizabethan lipsticks were made using beeswax and plant dyes. In the late 17th Century, lipstick became on trend for men. During the reign of Charles II in England and Louise XIV in France, lips were rouged heavily by both men and women, with inspiration coming from actors. Carmine and grease were used to colour the lips and even men with a moustache and beard would wear lipstick.

In 1656 Parisian rosary-maker Francoise Jaquin created a pearl essence from fish scales to be used in lipsticks. This substance is known as crystalline guanine. Guanine is still used today, as a synthetic ingredient to create a pearly shimmer.

Lipstick was first commercially produced in the 1880s, advertised in 1890s and sold in paper tubes. Isn’t it interesting to see the different attitudes through the ages and I think the same diversity of thinking is still apparent today.

Next time: The 1900s to the present day 

 Further reading Lisa Eldridge; Face Paint - The Story of Make Up

My First Experience with Jane Iredale Makeup

I was completely unaware of the makeup brand, Jane Iredale, until I first met Kathy when discussing about wedding makeup. Before experiencing this exciting cosmetic range I was never really a wearer of makeup, and when I did, it was usually inexpensive high street brands. I was often frustrated that most of the foundation I purchased were not a close match in skin colour and I frequently experienced outbreaks of spots from using them. I guess I wasn’t very knowledgeable about makeup at all!

It seemed like the mission for finding makeup that did not fight with my skin was at an end… until Kathy convinced me to give Jane Iredale a chance. She offered to do a quick makeover on me so I could experience the feel and look of the cosmetics. She gently applied PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation with a powder brush around my face. She didn’t take long but I was astounded by the coverage I received - my acne and red blemishes were completely covered and it felt weightless! The foundation gave my appearance a sheer and matte finish, which I greatly appreciate as I have oily skin. The colour was a perfect match too! I had no idea I had yellow undertones in my skin.

Kathy said that this brand of makeup also carries skin care benefits, where the mineral powders also contain a sunscreen to protect the skin from UV damage. One of my main concerns was whether or not my skin would retaliate from the application of this makeup. I was dead chuffed! Not a single spot emerged to taunt me.

Jane Iredale has gained a happy customer! I now use the PurePressed Base Mineral Foundation and apply it with The Handi Brush, which is so quick and easy to do. I’m so excited to try her other products and I know I can buy with confidence as I have been introduced to a makeup that is kind to my acne prone skin, has handy skin care benefits and has a super close match with the complex colour of my skin. My mission is completed, thanks Kathy!

Bev

Let’s look at LIPS

Lips have been much on my mind this month and as we enter February I thought it would be a great time to blog about them. Looking after your lips and using great products on them, can really enhance how you feel. A bit of lippy and away you go! Lipstick is a great pick me up and a relatively affordable treat. I always feel fully made up, even if I haven’t done more than a 5 minute face, with a pop of colour on my lips.

Last month I had the opportunity to work with David Miller Photography on a photoshoot entitled Peer Pressure and featured some of the finalists of Miss North Yorkshire. 12 beautiful faces to play with – oooh I had fun. I did notice that some of the models were suffering from winter lips. When I asked what products they were using, the common reply was a product that was Vaseline based.

Anyone who has been reading my newsletters, blog, Facebook or website will know that ingredients, such as a petrochemical based ingredient like Vaseline are a big no-no for healthy skin.

Also, we’re in winter time. Winter can play havoc with the skin. Lips don’t have oil glands. Also, unlike the skin on the rest of the body, lip tissue has no thick, protective outer layer, either. They are also constantly moisturized by saliva, then dried by breathing, which has an evaporative effect.

I stock Pinks Boutique Organic Skincare in the salon, here’s what they have to say about Petrochemicals;

“Petroleum-paraffinum liquidum, mineral oils, petroleum oils.  These are some of the cheap base products in nearly every non-organic cleanser, body lotion or moisturiser [and many other things]. Much like wrapping your skin in cling film, these chemicals block pores and interfere with the skin’s ability to eliminate toxins. They can slow down skin function and cell development resulting in premature ageing.” (www.pinksboutique.com)

Take a look at your lip balm, lipsticks or lip glosses. If they contain any of the listed petrochemicals, then they are drying out your lips and when you add in the effects of winter – no wonder these models were experiencing dry lips.

So what can we do;

I recently had a cold and after a couple of days, my normal soft, pouty lips were cracked and painful. I used my favourite product, Jane Iredale Lip Drink all over my lips and top lip area. Within 2 days the pain and cracking had diminished and by day 3 I was well on the way to being back to normal.

As a little extra during facials, I include a lip exfoliation and lip plumping moisturiser with the Jane Iredale Sugar/Butter £19.95.
Lip Drink costs £12.00. Not cheap, but it lasts for ages, has an SPF 15 in it and comes in 3 shades – sheer, nude and pale berry.

Neal’s Yard also do two products – Bee Lovely Lip Balm £6.50 which comes in a handy tin and Shea Butter and Rosehip Lip Balm £7.00 and comes in a lipstick bullet.

If your lips are in great condition, then your lipstick will stay on longer, look smoother and of course you’ll have soft kissable lips.

Next blog: The history of lipstick and lipsticks for healthy lips

My Environ and Accumax Journey to Acne Free Skin

Today we have another Guest Blog written for us by Bev who has been travelling on her Environ and Accumax Journey!

My Environ and Accumax Journey to Acne Free Skin

I've always had problematic, acne-prone skin, which took hold in my early teenage years and was ever so determined to make me self-conscious and continuously chip at my confidence. My skin is best described as oily and sensitive, where I constantly have breakouts on my cheeks, chin and forehead (well, pretty much my whole face!). I also had acne present on my shoulders, which is (thankfully) no longer the case, as it was terribly uncomfortable.

Over the years I tried many different types of concoctions and tricks to obliterate my spots. I wanted a quick fix, I was pretty desperate! I was often told that my acne will disappear in my 20s... it did not! I tried many different solutions, such as drinking more water, exercising more and sleeping more, which did help to an extent, but it didn't fully banish my acne curse. So I somewhat put it to rest and convinced myself to accept that my problematic skin was a part of me, even though it was chewing me up inside emotionally.

This time last year, my boyfriend popped the question and the exciting journey to our big day commenced! I met Kathy to discuss wedding hair and make-up. My skin was in quite a state at this stage, being infested with a lot of red, sore-looking spots. I queried if she was able to help with my problematic skin and she reassured me that it had the potential be fixed. She explained the situation that my skin was in and how it was constantly being under attack by free radicals, which involves junk food (my vice!), stress, pollution and exposure to sunlight.

Kathy introduced me to a product range called Environ, created by Dr Des Fernandes, a renowned plastic surgeon who developed the Environ product range to tackle the damaging free radicals with Vitamin A. Some of the key ingredients contained in Environ are:

Vitamin A - which helps improve the collagen, elasticity and increase the natural moisture levels of the skin.
Vitamin C - helps improve skin elasticity, cleans up the the free radicals and brightens the complexion.
Antioxidants - this includes, green tea, rooibos tea, honey bush extract and beta-carotene, which neutralises the damage by free radicals.

I'm now on a great skincare regime using the Environ AVST moisturiser range, which allows the skin to gradually get accustomed to higher levels of Vitamin A, as jumping to high levels of Vitamin A can shock the skin. I have so far completed my two bottles of AVST 1 and have almost completed my first bottle of AVST 2. I have definitely noticed a significant improvement on my skin tone, texture and reduction in pore size on my cheeks. I no longer suffer from acne on my forehead and the spots on my cheeks and chin have reduced in number and size. What's left to tackle is the redness caused by the previous spots, which will hopefully reduce over time.

As part of the regime, I'm also taking Skin Accumax supplements, which is an Advance Nutrition Programme that feeds the skin from within. The supplement is quite effective as it targets the dermal layer of the skin, reducing inflammation, texture, scarring and excessive sebum production. I take these supplements with my meals and have woken up to seeing my skin look calmer each day!

So far I'm enjoying this skincare regime! I ritually apply the Environ AVST moisturiser to my face in the morning and evening. You can even apply make-up over the moisturiser once dried. The only hiccup I'm really having is experiencing dryness around my mouth, but this is solved by applying Environ Intensive Colostrum Gel as it helps hydrate sensitive skin. I'll admit the process is a bit on the slow side, but Environ's aim is to focus on the long term benefits, instead of a quick and temporary fix... so it's definitely worth the wait, as it's the only product so far that I've noticed a significant improvement in my problematic skin!

My aim is to get radiant, spot-free skin for our wedding day in the Summer of 2016, and I believe it's possible with this fantastic skin regime!

Bev