The Naturalist

This Blog has moved!

2009-05-05T05:45:00.000-07:00

I will no longer be writing from this blog, but will continue writing at my new blog, Natural Beauty, http://organicnaturalbeauty.blogspot.com

Dr. Hauschka for Acne, Oily SKin Works!

2009-02-02T08:55:00.000-08:00

Dr. Hauschka Daily Skin Care Kit for Oily Skin, £15, available Dolphin House Shop, 01273 721 720.

It's been five months since I started using Dr. Hauschka, and I am happy to report that it has cleared my skin, and has made it normal. Something I find a bit misleading in beauty marketing is the idea of "skin type". It implies that it is a more permanent condition. However, the truth is, skin conditions can change.

About after there months, I was not so sure if it was working for me, and was slightly discouraged. I persisted and my skin is visibility improved. My skin no longer pumps out oil excessively, it's soft and supple. I still have some post-acne scarring, but I am sure they will fade over time.

Here are the products that I have been using:

Cleansing Cream: Good skin starts with proper cleansing. The cream consists of almond granules that you press in your skin, which is help loosen dead skin cells and pull out dirt and excess oil. Most conventional cleansers strip your skin of all natural oils, which leads to your skin overcompensating by producing excessive amounts of oil.

Clarifying Toner: Use it immediately after cleansing. It helps to cleanse the skin internally.

Normalising Day Oil: This is a dry, non-greasy oil that is applied sparingly to the skin. It was "normalise" the production of oil. In principle, bu applying oil, it fools the skin into slowing down oil production.

Rejuvenating Mask: This mask smells wonderful, and really does what it says. It leaves your skin glowing, and importantly, it reduces the appearance of acne scars. It can be applied in a thin layer before applying the Noarmalising Day Oil as an intensive treatment.

Cleansing Clay Mask: This mask is a bit messy, but it works. It draws out impurities from the skin. It leaves skin glowing. The work involved is worth the results. It has to be mixed with water, but it can be mixed with other product, which is what I prefer. I mix it with Cleansing Milk and Rejuvenating Mask. It should be used with the Steam Bath to steam your face before applying the mask.

All these products are available in a trial kit. The samples are enough to last about a week. It will take about 28 days to see some results, but don't be discouraged if they don't appear right away. Your skin might break out a bit more, because it is detoxifying itself. But once this passes, your skin will clear up.

I feel really happy with the results. I can say that my skin is normal and can switch to other Dr. Hauschka products meant for normal skin. I wish I knew about these products sooner. I spent so much time trying conventional product systems that probably dried out my skin and worsened my condition. Seriously, give it a try! But be patient and you will see results.

Save Our Bees!

2009-01-11T15:07:00.000-08:00

A PSA by Burt`s Bees.

Dr. Huaschka Normalising Day Oil

2009-01-11T14:26:00.000-08:00

Dr. Hauschka Normalising Day Oil, available Dolphin House Shop 07527285609.

I've used the Dr. Hauschka Normalising Day Oil for four months now. I was using it to treat my oily and acne skin condition, but I think it's finally "normalised". Prior to using Hauschka, the cleaners I used would dry out my skin, strip away all the oil, and I would wake up the next morning with oily skin. As the experts at Hauschka explains it, the stripping of the skin's natural oils cause the sebum, to work extra hard to produce even more oil. By applying a natural non-greasy oil to the skin, it stops the over-production of oil. Nowadays, my skin is mostly normal, but a bit on the dry side because of the freezing weather and chilling winds in Brighton.

The Perfect Gift? A Dr. Hauschka Treatment

2008-12-14T11:58:00.000-08:00

A two-hour Dr. Hauschka treatment costs £ 80 at Dolphin House Shop. Call to book or purchase a gift voucher. 01273 721 720

Want to treat a loved one to a special gift this Christmas? Or do you just need a place to de-stress in the New Year? How about a Dr. Hauschka Treatment; a wonderfully soothing two-hour treatment, that will ease away tensions and worries, while reviving skin's natural capabilities. Our Dr. Hauschka expert, Amanda Porteous will address your skin's needs throughout this treatment. Amanda has a calmness and grace about her that draws people in to feel relaxed and safe around her. Each treatment begins with a Sage foot bath, a skin consultation, moving on to wonderfully rhythmic leg and arm toning, steam bath, and of course a luscious facial, ending with skin care recommendations from Amanda. Truly a lovely treatment and a gift that anyone would appreciate!

New Weleda Product!

2008-12-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

Weleda Lavender Creamy Body Wash, £ 5.95, available Dolphin House Shop 01273 721 720

This is my favorite new product from Weleda. I recently started using their creamy body washes when this new Lavender one came int the shop! I was thrilled! Lavender is just so relaxing and de-stressing. The creamy body washes from Weleda works well as a hair shampoo as well (their baby Calendula body wash is marketed as a shampoo as well, so I thought I'd try them as shampoo). I like this as a shampoo as opposed to using an actual hair shampoo because of its creamy texture, it gives a rich lather but also washes out clean and free of residue. Their light foaming ingredient is coco-glucide, which is the same ingredient used in Dr. Hauschka shampoo. I recently started going to the gym and this is what I take with me. The fact I can use this as a shampoo is great since it's one less product I'd have to carry around with me. I could never use what they put in the shower dispensers at the gym showers, knowing what I know about SLS and synthetic based chemicals.

Also available, Weleda Creamy Body Wash in Wild Rose, Citrus, and Sea Buckthorn.

We Love Weleda x2

2008-12-02T15:40:00.000-08:00

Just discovered these two YouTube videos about Weleda. They offer an inside look on how their wonderful product range is produced; organically, bio-dynamically, and traded fairly.

Beauty Secret from a Ford Model

2008-12-02T15:08:00.000-08:00

Dr. Hauschka Neem Hair Oil, £20, available Dolphin House Shop 01273 721 720

Dr. Hauschka Neem Hair Lotion, £14, available Dolphin House Shop 01273 721 720

I have to agree with Marie Claire about Dr. Hauschka's Neem Hair Oil. It works amazingly to treat dry and damaged hair. I prefer to use the Neem Hair Lotion as it can be applied after washing hair. The Neem Hair Oil is also excellent for anyone who has undergone chemotherapy and suffers from hair loss.

Emergency Burn Relief

2008-12-02T14:48:00.000-08:00

Dr. Hauschka Lavender Bath, £16/100 ml, £3/trial, available Dolphin House Shop 01273 721 720.

Most of us know how to treat a burn using cold water or an ice pack. But since joining Dolphin House Shop, I learned that lavender is the most effective way to immediately treat burns and prevent scarring from burns. I recommend keeping a bottle of Dr. Hauschka Lavender Bath to add to cold water to treat scalds and burns immediately. With a bowl of cold water, add a few drops of Lavender Bath and use a flannel cloth as a compress to apply to affect area of skin. It gives skin immediate relief.

Just another thing that a bottle of Lavender |Bath can do for you, other than help you relieve stress, anxiety, and irritated skin... is there anything more you can ask for in just one product?

Lip Soother

2008-12-01T15:01:00.000-08:00

Dr. Hauschka Lip Care Stick, £9, available Dolphin House Shop 01273 721 720.

Today I bought a Dr. Hauschka Lip Care Stick. Possibly the best lip balm ever! It gives chapped lips immediate relief. It contains jojoba wax, carrot extract, rose wax, rosehip oil, anthyllis extract, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, and shea butter. Lips feel soft and nurtured while protected from the elements.

Skin specialists recommend using a natural based lip balm because a petrol um oil based one will cause a dependency because the oil blocks the pores of the lips, and the skin will stop producing its own natural oils. The catalog says that it does not encourage product dependency, but I disagree, the product is so amazing that one would start to feel an emotional dependency for it!

Homopathic Solutions for Acnes Spots

2008-11-30T13:04:00.000-08:00

Weleda Aknedoron Cleansing Lotion, £5.25, available Dolphin House Shop 01273 721 720.

Weleda Aknedoron Purifying Lotion, £5.25, available Dolphin House Shop 01273 721 720.

Just discovered Weleda's Aknedoron range, consisting of two products, Cleansing Lotion and Purifying Lotion. Designed for treating spots. I've been using it along side with Dr. Hauschka to treat spots, and it seems to have made a great deal of difference, even Amanda, our Dr. Hauschka eustachian notices. The main homeopathic ingredient in the Purifying Lotion is Sulphur, known for treating chronic acne aggravated by warmth and washing. The Purifying Lotion contains calendula, lavender, chamomile, sage, and thyme. The Cleansing Lotion has a fresh citrus scent, it cleanses deeply, but gently without stripping the skin;s natural protective layer.

When I tired it, there seem to be immediate effect. Overnight, the spots had shrunk dramatically, and the redness and irritation was gone. If you've been struggling to deal with acne, this is a must-try. Conventional creams just seem to dry out the area and the problem always just comes back, possibly worsened with even more oily skin.

Lavish Yourself in Body Silk

2008-11-30T12:41:00.000-08:00

Dr. Hauschka Body Silk, £20, available Dolphin House Shop 01273 721 720.

I recently started using the Dr. Hauschka Body Silk. Truly a beautiful product to use. It can be use all over the body, on the feet to keep them dry, used as a deodorant under the arms, in your hair if you want to pass on washing your hair for a day. Or use it on your face or baby, it is just that gentle, and a pleasure to use. It leaves a light scent of roses. The powder is made from silk, rice starch, gentian, oak and sage extracts. Silk absorbs excess moisture, and has anti-bacterial properties. It keeps me dry and deodorized, what more can you ask for?

Dolphin House Celebrates 25!

2008-10-31T14:16:00.000-07:00

Here's an update on the list of the wonderful auction items! Be sure to get your ticket to attend the celebration!

Auction Prizes;

• two designer tables from Richard Hill Interiors
• artwork from two local artists Patrick O'Donnell and Rachael Plummer
• a signed shirt Sussex County Cricket Club
• a pair of VIP tickets to next year's Beachdown festival
• a signed copy of “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” by JK Rowling
• antique Chinese figures
• a dance with Liz Aggiss,
• 1 pair of VIP tickets plus 20 drinks vouchers for Beachdown festival 2009
• a round of golf for 4 from Mid Sussex Golf and Country Club

• and a Quarter-Peal bell ring rung in your honour

And don't forget the raffle! You don't have to make it to the auction event to support Dolphin House. Buy a raffle ticket online!

Raffle:
• three pairs of tickets to next year's Green Man festival
• lovely products from Barefoot Botanicals

• a Dr Hauschka Facial
• a Natural Balance facial
• a months supply of nutritional supplements and a nutrition book from the Dolphin House nutritionist Martina Watts
• 2 x Family Tickets (Each family ticket comprises of 2 x adults and 2 xchildren) for Baby Loves Disco @ Coalition, Brighton(www.babylovesdisco.co.uk) for December or January dates
• £50 vouchers for Strada
• a baby massage workshop with Sally Cranfield
• 6 acupuncture treatments with Pippa Hancock
• Stop smoking now! Hypnotherapy session with Richard Cupidi
• Hot Stone massage with Heather Edwards
• A luxury gift set and organic cotton robe from Dr Hauschka
• A luxury gift set from Natural Balance
• full haircut and colour make-over Mooch Hairdressers
• Nick Cave merchandise
• a meal for 2 from Zilli's Brasserie and No Name restaurant
• and the star prize, a weekend for 2 at Alvia luxury boutique hotel in Brighton!

And many more prizes to come!

The Perfect Gift!

2008-10-30T16:58:00.000-07:00

Dr. Hauschka Body Care Kit, £15, available here.

I recently went home to Canada and brought back a Dr. Hauschka Body Care Kit for my best friend. She loved it! She is new to the whole concept of natural cosmetics, but this really got her interested in learning about it. Plus it;s always lovely to receive a sampler of so many glorious products in one small package.

In the kit, you get:

Blackthorn Body Wash
Rose Body Wash (Simply glorious! They last at least two showers)
Hand Cream (Smells amazing, and a dab of it is plenty)
Lavender Bath (Helps you unwind and get a good night's rest)
Quince Body Moisturiser
Rose Body Moisturiser
Blackthorn Body Oil
Rose Body Oil (Truly a lovely treat!)

Perfect to treat yourself with, or someone special! Check off your Christmas shopping list with a couple of these! Also perfect for Mother's Day and Valentine's Day.

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!

2008-10-30T16:22:00.000-07:00

Dolphin House is celebrating its 25th Anniversary!

Thursday 13th November, 2008

The Old Market Theatre
Upper Market Street
Hove

7 PM Champagne Reception
8-11 PM Entertainment and Auction

Food provided by Bill's of Lewes

Tickets available online

P.S. If you can not make it ti the event, you can still show your support by purchasing a raffle ticket here to win great prizes, including Dr. Hauschka gift sets and an exclusive Dr. Hauschka organic terry cloth bath robe!

Bronner-isms

2008-10-28T04:25:00.000-07:00

Text from a bottle of Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap:

"Absolute cleanliness is Godliness!"

"Teach the Moral ABC that unites all mankind free, instantly 6 billion strong & we’re All-One."

Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps

2008-10-27T12:28:00.001-07:00

(Source: Flickr)

Dr Emanuel Bronner came from a third-generation of soap makers in Germany. He left to America in 1929 to escape religious persecution. Bronner's soaps are made with organic vegetable oils and scented with organic essential oils and do not contain any synthetic surfactants or petrochemicals. The soaps are specially formulated for all-purpose use. It cleans everything from dishes to clothing, it can be used to wash your hair, or used as hand soap. They are perfect for travel as they are so versatile.

Something really interesting about the brand is its packaging. The packaging labels contain Bronner's highly personal philosophies written on every bottle.

The soaps are highly touted by renown make up artist, Bobbi Brown as the "best soaps in the universe", as she declared on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

The company is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

Low-Tech Beauty?

2008-10-21T15:19:00.000-07:00

(Source, Flickr)

Fashion has a funny way of repeating itself. According to Vivienne Westwood, if you stay in the same fashion longer enough, you will eventually come into "fashion". I mention this because I read an article in the Telegraph that makes a point regarding Weleda's "old fashioned" packaging being considered stylish today. What we call backward, yesterday, we call revolutionary, today.

(Source: robotnik)

I recently read a bit in a women's magazine about the author's preference for high-tech beauty, but will settle for low-tech when it's ever so luxurious. I was stunned by this comment. I thought to myself, are we robots? No! We are human, what feeds and nurtures us is nature itself, we came from nature!

P/S You can find an interesting series of videos from Weleda that explains its beginnings and its philosophy here.

Corporate Green

2008-10-20T13:49:00.000-07:00

(Source: New York Times)

Ever wonder how the Dr. Hauschka phenomenon came about? Dr. Hauschka Skin Care celebrated its 40th anniversary last year. It started in 1967 when Elisabeth Sigmund approached Dr. Rudolph Hauschka, whom at the time, manufactured natural remedies under the name, WALA, to join forces to create a natural skin care range, using the principles of Rudolf Steiner.

This incredible company has stuck to its ethics and methods of manufacture since the beginning. They are truly one of the first and few manufacturers of an all natural skin care line. At its beginnings, the company founders, Dr. Hauschka and Elisabeth Sigmund were known as "The Rebels" of the cosmetics industry. Today, they are the leading natural skin care line, while the conventional have tried to duplicate its success for their own.

"The Rebels" of cosmetics, Dr. Rudolf Hauschka, and Elisabeth Sigmund.
(Source: Dr Hauschka)

The most interesting part is that, under legal arrangements, there is no sole owner of Dr. Hauschka Skin Care. It is owned by the German public, and therefore cannot be bought or sold. Truly, this is a revolutionary way of doing business, and perhaps the way we need to view business today, especially in the current times. A company aimed for the greater good of society, not merely of the sole purpose of profit.

Read all about it here, from the New York Times, Garden is a Seedbed for Green Cosmetics.

Dr. Hauschka on the Martha Stewart Show

2008-10-19T12:02:00.000-07:00

Susan West Kurz is the president of Dr. Hauschka Skin Care in America. She has written a book on natural beauty titled, Awakening Beauty. In promoting the book, she appeared on the Martha Stewart Show. She explains the four temperaments that each and every one of us have, but one will dominate the others, and which herbs can help to improve our skin and lifestyle. After self-diagnosis, I am a "Choleric", someone who is a doer and leader, but will neglect to take care of one's own needs as a result. Lavender is helpful to this temperment, which is interesting, because I have always been drawn to the scent of lavender. I use the Hauschka Lavender Bath in my night time cleansing, and the Lavdender Body Oil for a foot massage before bed. I find it really helps me to whind down and get to sleep.

Which temperment are you? Find out here in this summary article, or watch the video.

Dr. Hauschka Bath Kit, £12, available Dolphin House Shop.

Beauty and the Confusion

2008-10-19T01:01:00.000-07:00

No wonder we're confused, most of what we read in the magazines is rubbish!

Last night I was reading the beauty blog on Style.com. What was interesting was that both natural and conventional beauty co-existed. It seemed that both viewpoints were fighting each other. On one hand, they quoted a dermatologist recommending seeing a doctor to have cystic acne spots cut out, and on the other, suggesting that we "fight" oily skin with oil. No wonder we're so confused! Beauty editors are constantly suggesting hundreds, if not thousands of so-called beauty miracles, that we fill our cupboards with it, hoping for the best to happen. We are pulled in so many directions, we try everything, little do we know the damage the ingredients in a product could be doing.

I think it's time to re-think beauty. As a society, we tend to think of beauty as merely an external facade. But here's a thought...

Beauty is health. Health is beauty.

Therefore it;s crucial to minimize the amount of synthetic chemicals we expose ourselves to. And that starts with what we keep in our medicine cabinets and under the kitchen sink. At the end of the day, it's about making an informed choice about the products we purchase, which includes the foods we eat. We make a big deal over the food choices we make, but what about what we put on our skin, or breathe in? We are more than what we eat. We must begin to see things in its entirety.

What do you think?

Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)

2008-10-12T13:45:00.001-07:00

(Source: Flickr)

Lavender is incredibly versatile. It can be used to treat so many ailments such as; acne, bruising, insect bites, skin irritation, athlete's foot, inflammation, eczema, psoriasis, head lice, stings, and burns. I've been told that if you treat a burn immediately with lavender, it will heal with little to no scarring. It's wonderfully soothing, relaxing, and calming. I use it in my bath water to treat my acne-prone skin, it soothes the irritation and redness. Lavender is also a natural antiseptic and will ward off insects, but also can be used to treat insect bites. It soothes the itching and inflammation. Its sedative quality helps with trouble sleeping.

Lavender has a lovely sweet, floral-herbaceous scent. The essential oil is safe to apply directly onto skin, though using a base oil is always recommended.

I would recommend it in every one's medicine cabinet. You can buy the essential oil at many health food or natural remedy shops. There are also many products that feature lavender as it main active ingredient:

Dr. Hauschka- Lavender Bath Oil, Lavender Body Oil, Moor Lavender Body Oil

Weleda- Lavender Relaxing Bath Milk

Prima Vera- Relax Body Lotion (Lavender Vanilla), Relax Shower Gel (Lavender Vanilla)

Lavera- Lavender-Aloe Vera Shower & Bath Gel, Lavender-Aloe Vera Bath Oil, Lavender-Aloe Vera Bath Salt, Lavender-Aloe Vera Body Oil, Lavender-Aloe Vera Body Lotion, Lavender-Aloe Vera Spray Deodorant, Lavender-Aloe Vera Roll-On Deodorant, Lavender-Aloe Vera Euy de Toilette

Badger Balms- Sleep Balm, Lavender-Tangerine Lip Balm

The Power of Nature

2008-09-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

There's no denying it, nature has the power to heal us physically, emotionally, and some would say, spiritually. So why have we turned our backs on it? It gives so much and all it asks is that we preserve it for future generations. Why do we think that synthetic chemicals and drugs are the only answer? Why is there a lack of connection between conventional medicine and natural remedies? Why are doctors only interested in prescribing drugs with possible side effects when there are safe, if not harmless natural remedies readily available? Is it cultural differences, or corporate control that prevents us from healing naturally?

Dr. Hauschka, 28 days later

2008-09-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up, my mum used natural skin care. I remember she would smell like roses. Probably from the Rose Day Cream from Hauschka. Cleansing was this complete ritual with a wash basin full of lemon water and a wash cloth. I tried it when I was old enough to use skin care, but never understood the point of it, and never stuck with it. When I was old enough to decide how to spend my own money, I bought skin care from The Body Shop, and whatever you would find over the counter. I had acne through out my teenage years up until the present day.

When I started working at DHS, I started using Dr. Hauschka. I got the trial set that comes in a tin box full of glass vials and mini tubes.

After a week, I could see that my skin was feeling the difference. Conventional skin care for oily skin is formulated to strip away all the oils from your skin, and to moisturise minimally. Prior to using Hauschka, I used a spot cream from the department store counter that promised great results. What I got was a very dried out index finger from the application of the product. Imagine what it must have been doing to my face, if it was that drying!

With Hauschka, the skin care range is based on homeopathic theory. This means treating like with like. Oily skin needs more oil, which is why the body will naturally produce more oil, resulting in over-producing. Another thing is, that with Hauschka, you do not use a night cream, you only cleanse and tone. That's all. This is because the skin repairs itself at night. Putting on rich creams at night will disrupt the skin natural metabolism. The skin has a natural cycle of 28 days, and when you will truly see the start of skin improvement.

The products I use are: Cleansing Cream, Clarifying Toner, Rejuvenating Mask, Normalising Day Oil, and Moisturising Day Cream. I recently started using the Sage and Lavender Bath Oils as well. Sage is excellent for drawing out impurities and toxins, and Lavender is a natural antiseptic, as well as relaxing and soothing irritated skin. The products are a pleasure to use, which makes sticking to the skin care routine, very easy.

So 28 days later? My skin feels drastically different. The inflammation and irritation is gone. The spots seem to be lessened and sorting itself out. My pores are starting to clear up. I am excited because I know it is actually working. I used to think that nothing will ever work.

Do you use Dr. Hauschka? What;s your experience?

Talc (Magnesium Silicate)

2008-09-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

There is currently an article from Mail on Sunday reporting on the findings of a link between the usage of talcum powder and ovarian cancer. While the study is limited in that they only studied the use of talcum powder used on woman's private parts and its risk for cancer, it proves just how much the skin can absorb in the body and accumulate. I used to think that the skin was a barrier between myself and the outside world, but that is not the case.

Talc is a general term used in ingredient lists, it is usually made from magnesium silicate, otherwise known as soapstone. Talc is used in products such as lipstick, baby powder, deodorants, and soap.

Read more about it at Mail on Sunday and Cancer Prevention Coalition.

We are living in a Chemical World

2008-09-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

One day, while shifting the cupboards around at the shop, I came across a copy of the report on cosmetics and personal care items done by The Guardian in 2004, titled Chemical World. I found the full text on their website here. Though the online version is without its captivating photos, it is worth reading through it. I learned a lot about conventional cosmetics from these articles. I feel the facts speak for themselves whether we should reconsider what we use on our skin.

The most useful read is Chemistry Lesson, it outlines the synthetic ingredients found in commonly used personal care products, and why you should be concerned.

Part 1: the make up bag
Part 2: the bathroom cabinet

Rose (Rosa)

2008-09-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

If you shop around for genuine natural products, you will notice that many skin care ranges feature rose as the main active ingredients. Rose is used as a natural preservative for its anti-oxidant properties. This means the products will preserve itself with its main ingredients, taking away the need for synthetic preservatives, such as parabens.

Not only does rose smell incredible, but its precious oils contain essential fatty acids and and anti-oxidizing vitamins. Rose has harmonizing properties that strengthen the skin, and stimulating the skin's natural protective function. The use of rose can help prevent the signs of premature aging. It is toning and soothing to skin, highly nourishing and hydrating for skin needing extra tender loving care. Ideal for dry or mature skin.

Skin and body care products that contain rose include:

Dr Hauschka- Rose Day Cream, Rose Day Cream Light, Rose Body Moisturiser, Rose Body Oil, Rose Body Wash

Weleda- Wild Rose Facial Care range, Wild Rose Deodorant, Wild Rose Shower Cream, Wild Rose Body Oil, Wild Rose Body Lotion, Wild Rose Soap

Lavera- Wild Rose face care range, Wild Rose Shower and Bath Gel, Wild Rose Body Lotion, Wild Rose Body Oil, Wild Rose Eau de Toilette, Wild Rose Spray Deodorant, Wild Rose Roll-On

Barefoot Botanicals- Rosa Fina skin care range

P/S If you like making your own soaps, you can add rose petals to preserve your soap! My dad likes to make his own soap. When he first started out, he did not know about preservatives, so the soap would go rancid. One day he added rose petals to the mixture and the soaps stay fresh!

About reading ingredient labels...

2008-09-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

As I talk about ingredients used in personal care products, here are some things you should know about the ingredients lists on the labels:

1. By law, the ingredients must be written in Latin. Sometimes they will also add in parenthesis, the commonly known name of the ingredient. For example, you will see; Aqua (Water).

2. The order of the ingredients are placed according to how much of the ingredients is in the product.

3. Fragrance is usually listed as parfum, which can mean both natural or synthetic. Other chemical components could be unlisted, as it may fall under the parfum listing.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)

2008-09-24T13:53:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of concern about use of of Sodium Lauryl Suphate. It is a synthetic chemical that is used in nearly all the conventional personal care products that have foaming qualities, regardless of price point. These include toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, shower gel, bubble bath, washing up liquid, laundry detergent.

SLS is an industrial strength detergent. It is used in smaller quanties as a surfactant, which is what makes the product foam and bubble. However this foaming action does not contribute to the product's cleaning ability, it is used for its aesthetic appeal. SLS is a known skin irritant and can cause eczema in babies and children. This detergent has the tendency to strip away all oil from the skin, causing skin dryness, and irritation to eyes.

Within the same family of chemicals is Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), which has the same adverse effects. According to the Ecologist, "Laureth compounds can be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane: a carcinogen linked to breast cancer."

Do you know what your cosmetics are made of?

2008-09-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

I was raised in a family with an "organic mum". A mum that insisted on eating healthy and using natural alternatives to conventional products. Of course, I always felt a bit left out when I attended school and my school mates were given "fruit roll-ups" (an artificially fruit flavored candy) with their lunches. Funny enough, today, I feel lucky to have been brought up to eat well.

And now that I work in the natural products industry, I feel like the tables have turned, and I am checking on what mum is using in the bathroom. In the last five years, mum had developed psoriasis and eczema. She went to many doctors, both conventional and holistic, neither seemed to be effective.

I have been learning about natural remedies and came across many relating to treating eczema. I am going home to visit my parents next week and will be bringing natural products for them to use. So I had been shopping for products to help my mum cope with eczema. It eventually dawned on me that it was not enough to simply treat the eczema with a cream or ointment, but to also consider what other products she might have been using. I had been reading about sodium lauryl sulphate and Sodium laureth sulphate. They are known skin irritants that are known to cause eczema in children and babies.

I talked to mum and asked her to check for these ingredients in her shower gel and shampoo. It turned out that they did, and we realised that before she used these products, she did not have these skin irritations. She had been using shampoos that she bought at natural food stores before that. Suddenly, it seemed to make sense, despite all the natural remedies she had been taking, neither seemed to fully heal her skin condition. But just think logically, how could it have helped her if what she was using to wash her hair was causing it?

This is why I think it is so important for everyone to understand what they use on their skin, not just what they eat. The skin is the largest organ on the body, and it absorbs whatever we put on it. We need to be aware of the ingredients in the products we use.

In the following weeks, I will be posting about the synthetic chemical ingredients that you need to be aware of when choosing a body care product. It is going to seem hard to find safe alternatives to conventional products, and nearly all conventional products contain the same harmful ingredients, but I will also post my recommendations for safe personal care products. It is in genuine hope that the information will help everyone to make informed choices about skin and body care.

We Love Weleda! (and so does Kate Hudson!)

2008-09-16T00:27:00.000-07:00

(From American Vogue. Source)

Since working at the shop, I've decided that I must replace all my conventional cosmetics with natural ones. I've chosen to try out Weleda's Wild Rose Deodorant, which was rated number one in the September issue of Marie Claire. And Kate Hudson is a fan too! This I have to agree, I love the fragrance of wild rose. Simply gorgeous!

Welcome!

2008-09-16T00:04:00.000-07:00

Hi! My name is Andrea. I am the newly appointed retail manager of the Dolphin House Shop. DHS is a charity shop based in Brighton, selling natural and organic skin/body care products and health supplements. All our profits are used to fund the Children's Clinic., a cent re for holistic medicine and complementary therapy.

As I get into the role of being the store manager, I am learning about natural products, its uses and benefits. I feel that this blog is an opportunity for me to share with you my knowledge and to possibly assist you in making educated decisions about skin and body care products.

In the meantime, please have a browse through our online shop!

Many thanks,
Andrea