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Organic Beauty by Judith White
Today more than any other time in history, we are able to
access technology & scientific research to make infinitely more informed
choices; and never before has our health depended upon that knowledge;
especially with regard to the products we choose to enhance our beauty and
wellness, for they are intrinsically linked.
We now understand that beauty is not just skin deep; diet, nutrition, our
thoughts actions and even behaviours all impact our inner state of being;
the symptoms of which we wear in our skin and reflect to the world around
us. Looking good has become a ‘holistic’ and ‘organic’ conversation; one
that scrutinizes the depths of nature and science so that we can look and
feel better about ourselves and the skin we’re in.
It is therefore imperative that we have a basic understanding about our
skin and its function in order to make informed choices about the products
we choose to protect and care for our skin.
The skin is the largest organ of the body. It is the meeting place
between the inner and outer world, reflecting our internal state of health.
It consists of two main layers, the top layer is the epidermis, the lower is
the dermis, wherein lie sweat glands, oil secreting glands, blood vessels
and the like. Imagine the pores of your skin as little mouths with their own
digestive system, what would you feed them?
The dermal layer contains collagen which gives the skin its elasticity.
It is within the skin’s lower layers that new cells form and migrate to the
epidermis (uppermost layer), replacing dead and worn out cells. It is our
responsibility as a caring guardian of our own body to assist the skin in
this natural function by keeping the skin clean and nourished.
The epidermis acts as protection and shelter to the more vulnerable lower
tissue. It protects against bacteria entering the body and from overexposure
to the sun. The skin is an excellent indicator as to how we feel and think
and to gauge the compatibility of the food we put into our system. It will
exhibit visual signs in response to the choices you make and actions you
take.
When we look into a mirror, we can see at a glance how we are going. A
close examination of the skin will provide information about the quality of
nourishment, sleep or attention your providing. Dry, flaking or dehydrated
skin tells us to address our fluid intake (reduce the dehydrating beverages
such as coffee and tea and increase water with a squeeze of lemon to
maximize hydration) and perhaps a dull and lifeless complexion indicates a
need to refocus on self; quality exercise and relaxation; whereas irritated,
red and inflamed skin may signal a call for help; to address ones emotional
health, to re-examine diet and to acquire skill to improve self esteem and
confidence. The skins signalling system will help prompt the owner to
reflect on the reasons why it is like it is and the bodies’ inbuilt
answering system will point us in the right direction to seek help or
answers; such as finding this article to read.
To maintain optimum condition of the skin we should cleanse and nourish
the body daily. Dead cells, sweat, dirt and bacteria must be removed –
regular exfoliation is essential. The skin, being the largest organ of the
body, must also be fed; preferably using organic skinfood and fluids and
protected against the external environment using exceptionally pure and
certified organic aromatherapy skin, body and hair care products. With an
ever increasing, busy lifestyle, it is proven that an inclusive, holistic
(whole of self) approach works best; starting with the face (including the
throat chest and breast area), extending to the hands and finish with the
feet and including everything in between. Holistic health also includes
organic, naturally derived vital and energetic products. It is important in
this context to embrace your entire body with equal appreciation, time, care
and attention. We can do more with less when we make informed choices about the products we
use. It then comes down to taking action; incorporating them simply into our
everyday self caring practices. Today’s best tip; “Make what you do count”.
If you are going to bath or shower, moisturize your skin, sit to relax
‘anyway’; then energize these day to day activities with the power of nature
through Aromatherapy. Adding 3-5 drops in total of Certified Organic
lavender, bergamot and cedarwood to your bath or shower basin will enable
you to calm and uplift your mood, reduce stress and anxiety and cleanse and
disinfect your skin just whilst you bathe. Imagine soaking your feet in a
lemon, basil and rosemary footbath whilst you work at your desk, helping you
to focus, retain information and increase productivity. The mulit-functional
effects of organic essential oils enable you include them into hundreds and
thousands of different activities, they help you to help yourself. Beauty
care can be tailor made to suit your skins individual needs with no extra
effect and the choices are only limited by an unwillingness to act.
Here are some other considerations to optimize beautiful glowing skin;
make a decision to raise the stakes; where ever possible do not compromise
on quality, the moment you do it creeps into every corner of your life. From
this day; search out Certified Organic products (wherever possible certified
organic) free from synthetic & chemical intervention; from companies who
have full ingredient disclosure on their labels. Experience for yourself the
‘organic’ difference; designed to support your health and beauty with their
enzyme, vitamin rich chemistry that is in harmony with yours. Be sceptical
of an industry or marketing campaign that promises that chemicals are good
for you and trust in Mother Natures ability to create superior beneficial
substances. Choose to radiate from within, celebrate your own natural beauty
and choose to own & enhance that which is innately yours – your body and
being. Become an avid label reader and insist on knowing about the
ingredients that you’re feeding your skin, blood system and organs. What we
eat or digest (through the mouth or skin) is what we become - we are what we
eat! Choose not to become desensitised to chemicals and end up as alive as
they are. Fill your life with the essence of Nature in its pristine
wholesome state – support organic products and produce whenever and wherever
you can; choose quality over quantity.
For the record, history literally edifies the plant kingdom. Our
forefathers tested products for us on our behalf and proved their efficacy
not over decades or years (like synthetics & chemical) but rather centuries.
It was Aristotle who advised Alexander the Great (who collected plant
specimens) to conquer countries rich in aloe vera because of its curative
effect. Indians using bark (cascara sagrada) as a strong emetic and tonic
for the intestines and passed its curative effects on to others such as the
Countess of Chinchon, wife of the Viceroy of Peru and to the Swedish
botanist, Karl von Linneè, to reduce fever and save lives; is today refined
it into quinine, the classic treatment for malaria.
History has documented both the toxic and medicinal effects of plants and
plant parts – all grown and administered without chemical intervention.
Today we can use technology and science to validate their findings. It is
the rapid and excessive development of synthetic chemical counterfeits (of
essential oils or plant derived constituents) that have not had the luxury
of use over time that we must remain cautious about. Remember we are now
testing these relatively new chemical compounds; the results of which, will
reveal themselves to future generations. We need to be ever mindful that our
choices permit their entry into our water systems, foods, skin care, hair
care, personal care, household goods and environment, the list is endless
and unless we monitor the chemical invasion of synthetic perfumes, flavours
and the like how are we ever able to keep our bodies systems vital, active,
healthy and thriving naturally if there’s not enough natural in there?
Aubury Hampton says about chemicals “It is true that everything can be
identified as a chemical, however “Mother Nature did not contaminate and
synthesize our earth – it was, and still is, the synthetic apologists. They
are part of the problem, because they are not part of the solution”. We need to dramatically reduce or more preferably avoid synthetic
chemical in our cosmetic (and personal care items) by recognizing them,
understanding the role they play, and the effects that they produce; remember
the preservatives used in your cosmetics are not their to protect you the
consumer from the presence of bacteria they are their to provide greater shelf
life for the product.
Where do you start – begin with a simple and effective skin care program:
Turn to choose certified organic, aromatherapy, skin body and hair care
products to get you started.
Your Organic basics:
They are designed to be applied, assimilated, utilized and excreted naturally
by your skin and body. It is as simple as making another choice for your daily
moisturizer, choose Certified Organic Lavender, Roman Camomile, Rose, Neroli or
Jasmine face and body oil. For your body alone you can choose a pre blended
aromatherapy blend suited to your requirements or you can make your own. It
takes seconds not minutes. On my bathroom bench I have a wooden chest containing
20 of my most favourites exceptionally pure and certified organic essential
oils; I have a bottle of Certified Organic Enrich Plus to use as my base (a
superb blend of organic jojoba, evening primrose and rosehip) which I pour I
capful (1 teaspoon) into the palm of my hand. I then add 1-3 drops in total of
my chosen essential oils. I choose different combinations daily according to my
needs. If I am lethargic, I may choose lemongrass, lime and rosemary or if I am
tense then I may choose rosewood, bergamot and lavender. If I have muscle
soreness I may use a combination of organic eucalyptus, rosemary and peppermint.
With regard to choosing natural skin and body care, look for products that
contain absolutely no; sulphates, detergents artificial colours, synthetic
chemicals, animal ingredients, artificial fragrances , mineral oils, phosphates,
petroleum by products tar derivatives, fillers and those not tested on animals.
Why choose natural? Here are a couple of common ingredients found in most
cleansers, moisturizers and shampoos that are synthetic ingredients.
Dimethicone: is silicone oil derivative which is added to create a smooth crème;
it is said to cause tumours and mutations in laboratory animals. PEG-50 Almond
Glycerides is a blend of natural plant oils and polyethylene glycols (PEG’S)
which may contain dangerous levels of 1’14-dioxane, said to be carcinogenic.
Look for products have a non propylene glycol base, those that they contain
certified organic ingredients, natural vitamins and minerals, look for ACO or
COCA registered products.
Where do you finish – you don’t – self care is a constant in life:
Rotate your blends according to your whims – bath to relax, shower to alter
your moods as well as wash, vaporize to control your environment and moisturize
your skin to beautify, balance and restore. The choice is always yours, Enjoy!
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