Your skin is your largest organ in your body!

Your skin is your largest organ in your body!

What goes on you, ends up *in* you!

Did you know it is the largest organ in our body?  

It also has many functions, it: 

•    acts as a barrier to the external world, protecting the internal organs from infections

•    eliminates waste through perspiration

•    seals in moisture maintaining the delicate fluid balance in the body

•    produces vitamin D

•   is full of sensory cells that send feedback to your brain in relation to the external environment.

One of the interesting facts about our skin is that it is porous.  To prove this yourself, rub a clove of garlic on the soles of your feet and within minutes you will taste the garlic in your mouth or rub a fresh chili with your fingers and you will start to sweat on your scalp.  The skin absorbs what it comes in contact with. 

Our skin is vital to our health, yet many people fail to take care of it.  Informed choices regarding what skincare products you use on your skin is critical to optimize your health.  What goes on you ends up in you!

A US 2004 study found that the average adult uses nine personal care products each day, containing 126 different chemicals.  The effect of these chemicals on and in your body are not fully understood, there are however two that stand out are:

•    Parabens, a commonly used preservative in skincare products, have been found to spur on the growth of various types of breast cancer.

•    Sodium lauryl/laureth Sulphate (SLS/SLES), a surfactant, detergent and emulsifier used in thousands of cosmetic products is a skin irritant and linked to cancer.

There is a connection between chemical exposures, in particular those we use on our skin and adverse health conditions ranging from mild irritation to various cancers.  When choosing skin care products, check the fine print in the ingredient list and remember ……. *what goes on you, ends up *in* you!*

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Remember … Natural is Best!

All Natural Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

http://ORnatural.com.au  61-02-4998-8359

"OR Natural" Skin Care Solutions. Laguna, NSW Australia 2325.

   

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What is Zeolite?

What is Zeolite?

What is Zeolite: Why It Can Detox & Cleanse Your Skin Like Nothing Else!

Not many beauty ingredients begin with the letter Z, but zeolite does and it's definitely an A-lister when it comes to beauty.  Never heard of it? We've got you covered.

Zeolite is a master of detoxification!!

• Mask: In a fine powder form, zeolite makes a wonderfully detoxifying mask.  Mix 1 tablespoon of zeolite powder with 2 tablespoons of water to form a paste.  Slather it on your face and leave it for up to an hour (I've found the longer the better).  When you wash it off, be prepared for seriously soft skin and pores that are noticeably less noticeable!  It'll do a deep cleanse on your pores and help heal any existing blemishes.

• Cleanser: Mix the same proportions as for the mask but wash off after about a minute so as not to dry out your skin with daily use.  For something more moisturizing, try swapping the water with your favourite face oil.  Follow with your favourite toner and moisturizer.

• Exfoliator: With its fine, sand-like texture, zeolite is a great gentle exfoliator.  Place 1 tablespoon zeolite powder in the palm of your hand or a small bowl, and using a soft brush (a kabuki brush is ideal), gently work the powder into your skin in small, circular motions.  Be careful around more delicate areas (eyes, etc.) and do not inhale the powder.  Then, simply wash your face with warm water and a soft cloth, followed by a splash of cold water to reduce inflammation.

What is it?

First formed more than 300 million years ago, zeolite is a mineral mostly made up of silica (the third most abundant trace element in the human body) and alumina tetrahedra.  

There are many natural variations, each one unique to its environment.  Some formed when volcanic rocks and ash reacted with seawater; others are freshwater variations.  In Australia, for example, zeolite is also known as clinoptilolite and is thought to be one of the oldest deposits of its kind in the world.

Why should I use it?

Despite so many of our best efforts, it's nearly impossible to live a totally and completely clean life.  Toxins and pollutants find ways to sneak into our skin and bodies, so it's crucial to find a safe, natural way to detox them right back out again.  That's where zeolite comes in.  Like so many other volcanic substances, zeolite is a master of detoxification.  It has an extraordinary ability to absorb, hold, release, and exchange different chemicals, nutrients, toxins, and ions according to need in your body.  Much like activated charcoal, it helps to draw out impurities in your skin and is even being studied as a way to reduce and stop the growth of skin cancer in dogs through topical application.

How does it work?

Zeolite is unique in that its honeycomb, microporous cellular structure is one of nature's few negatively charged minerals, which means it's able to attract positively charged contaminants.  Inside these negatively charged honeycomb "cages," healthful minerals such as potassium can be found.  Zeolite swaps its healthful, negatively charged minerals for any positively charged contaminants on or in your body.  Basically, it takes away the bad stuff by replacing it with good stuff.

Since your body doesn't absorb the zeolite, the pollutants it sucks up are safely removed when you wash it off your skin!

What should I look for?

Now that you know why adding zeolite to your skin care routine is beneficial, there are a few things to keep in mind when looking for products.  There are a lot of brands using zeolite in their masks and cleansers these days, but if you want to go the DIY route (see below), powdered zeolite is easy to find on sites like Amazon.

However, it's incredibly important that you're buying only high-quality, micronized zeolite (preferably clinoptilolite) that's been properly cleaned and is 100 percent pure.  Zeolite is sourced from the earth and needs to be separated from other naturally occurring minerals that aren't so good for your health.  You don't want commercial-grade zeolite, as it's probably not natural or pure and may contain unknown contaminants.

Natural Pure Zeolite

How do I use it? 

There are a few ways to use this all-star ingredient topically for your skin:

When trying any skin care substance for the first time, always do a patch test on your cheek or neck prior to use to test whether you're allergic.

There are many, many other uses for zeolite, from water purification (in much the same way that charcoal is used) to helping your body achieve its optimal slightly alkaline pH.  Have fun experimenting, and your skin can thank us later!

Kim Lewin-Reilly October 16, 2015

See Kim’s article: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-21658/zeolite-what-it-is-why-it-can-detox-cleanse-your-skin-like-nothing-else.html

*As with any new ingredient, please make sure to check with your doctor before using.

‘The Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’

  

Remember … Natural is Best!

All Natural Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

http://ORnatural.com.au  61-02-4998-8359

"OR Natural" Skin Care Solutions. Laguna, NSW Australia 2325.

   

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Water

Water

Our bodies are composed of about 70% water it is therefore vital for good health that this balance is maintained.  If we do not drink enough water it disappears from our blood supply which leads to narrowing of vessels, high blood pressure, fatigue due to lack of oxygen and risk of strokes.  It also disappears from the intercellular space which leads to raised acidity levels, gout, kidney stones and lower immunity and finally it disappears from the cells themselves leading to higher cholesterol, reduced metabolism and accelerated aging.

We assume that we know when our body requires water, when we get thirsty, but it is not that simple.  The older we get the less we feel thirsty, dehydration is a major problem in aging.  There are other signs that indicate we do not drink enough water:

·         Dry mouth, (sugary drinks and alcohol are not the solution)

·         Dry skin and premature aging

·         Dry eyes

·         Joint pains

·         Decrease in muscle mass

·         Fatigue due to lack of oxygen in the blood supply

·         Hunger pains

·         Digestive problems

·         Stay sick longer, toxins are not flushed out of the body

·         Dark urine

Maintaining the water balance in our bodies is vital for our health and wellbeing. Loss of water leads to a chain reaction of health issues and premature aging.  If you have read this far it’s probably a good idea that you drink a glass of water!

  

‘The Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’

  

Remember … Natural is Best!

All Natural Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

http://ORnatural.com.au  61-02-4998-8359

"OR Natural" Skin Care Solutions. Laguna, NSW Australia 2325.

   

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Zeolite -- An exfoliant and detoxifier!

Zeolite -- An exfoliant and detoxifier!

Zeolite is a naturally occurring volcanic mineral

Its crystalline structure and negative charge adsorbs heavy metals which makes it a very useful natural material to cleanse with.  In powdered form dissolved in water it is taken internally to detoxify the body and externally as a soap additive to remove heavy metals from hands and body to provide a deep cleanse.  In various nuclear facilities it is used to wash uniforms to remove radioactive particles.  If you choose to use it to detoxify internally always use it in natural powdered form and not in liquid form.  If you want an external deep skin cleanse use a gentle soap with zeolite.

‘The Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’

  

Remember … Natural is Best!

All Natural Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

http://ORnatural.com.au  61-02-4998-8359

"OR Natural" Skin Care Solutions. Laguna, NSW Australia 2325.

   

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Skin Picking Disorder: What is it and how to stop it?

Skin Picking Disorder:  What is it and how to stop it?

So, you pick your skin.  We’ve all done it — picked at an unsightly scab or tugged at an annoying hangnail, only to regret it later.  But if you find yourself picking at your skin frequently and find it difficult to resist the urge to pick at it even when it’s painful, it will leave your skin damaged, cut or swollen; then you may have Skin Picking Disorder (SPD) or Excoriation Disorder. 

According to Eliza Burroughs, a registered psychotherapist at CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) Associates in Toronto, SPD is pathological skin picking characterized by the recurrent picking of the skin that results in damage to the skin and leads to lesions.  It affects one to five per cent of the general population.

Those diagnosed with SPD will have made repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop or decrease the picking as well as experience significant distress or impairment in functioning as a result of the picking, and typically spend more than one hour per day picking, thinking about picking, and resisting urges to pick.

“Commonly picked sites include face, arms and hands, although it can be anywhere on the body,” Burroughs says.  This can include healthy skin, minor irregularities, lesions, or scabs.  Picking can occur with just fingers or tools such as tweezers or pins, and can get so bad that the person might be embarrassed to show their skin in public.

Among those diagnosed with SPD, the gender balance is dramatically skewed towards females.  Approximately 75 per cent of people with SPD are women, according to Burroughs.

“It is unclear as to why this may be, however it may reflect treatment seeking behaviours based on gender or cultural attitudes as opposed to underlying biological differences between the genders,” she says.  “For instance, it is possible that men feel more embarrassment or shame in seeking treatment for a mental health condition or an appearance-related concern.”

Why do people pick at their skin?

Like most mental health conditions, the causes of SPD are not entirely clear and probably multifactorial.  Genetics, mental functioning, emotional regulation and environmental factors all come into play.

”[SPD] may be related to certain emotional states.  For example, stress, boredom, anxiety, fatigue, anger,“ she says.  "Similarly, picking can occur when people are under or over stimulated.” 

Burroughs says for some individuals the picking may be what she terms "automatic,” essentially done without full awareness.  Alternatively, the reverse — "focused" picking — may occur.

“There may be a particular skin irregularity that is targeted and the person may experience a sense of tension if they try to resist or delay the picking and then experience relief once they can fulfill the urge,” she says.

What do you do if you have SPD?

First, it’s important to understand that there are options. There are many physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, and dermatologists who specialize in SPD treatment, like Burroughs herself. She provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to her patients dealing with the disorder.

“This includes habit reversal training, and psychoeducation and strategies that target the thoughts and behaviours associated with SPD,” she says. 

There are currently no medications approved specifically for use in the treatment of SPD, however, some SPD pharmacological studies have looked at the same kind of medications used for OCD or other body-focused repetitive behaviours like Trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling), says Burroughs.  However, she recommends talking to a physician or psychiatrist before making any decisions.

If therapy or medication is, in fact, not the right course of action for you, Burroughs has provided some helpful ways to lessen the urge to pick:

1.)    Target the sensation another way. For example, if your skin is itchy, use a brush to rub lightly against the skin

2.)   Make it difficult for the fingers to automatically start picking. For example, tape fingers or wear gloves in high risk situations (e.g. while watching T.V.)

3.)   Do a competing response (a behaviour that makes it virtually impossible to do the picking behaviour). For example, clench fists, take-up knitting, doodle.

4.)   Mindfulness and meditation can help overcome urges by increasing awareness of the urge, physical sensations, and related thoughts.

5.)   Relaxation training, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation

6.)   Regular exercise

7.)   Maintaining a balanced lifestyle with healthy sleep habits and diet

8.)   Ask a friend or loved one to help but make sure you set the rules.  For example, they are allowed to gently tap you if they notice you picking but they’re not allowed to grab your hand.  Everyone is comfortable with different styles.  One person may want a gentle approach; another may prefer having their hand pulled away.

‘The Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’

  

Remember … Natural is Best!

All Natural Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

http://ORnatural.com.au  61-02-4998-8359

"OR Natural" Skin Care Solutions. Laguna, NSW Australia 2325.

   

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5 Ways to perfect skin!

5 Ways to perfect skin!

What’s the secret to maintaining natural, perfect skin? 

Well there isn’t just one way to do it, there’s 5!

DON'T SKIP YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP!

A good night’s sleep counteracts stress, tops up your energy banks, and it relaxes your muscles and your skin!  Relaxed skin allows for better blood circulation.  You can get away with 6 or so hours of sleep once in a while but eight hours of sleep is best!

A little SUN is good! … Too much is not!

A measured amount of sunshine will provide your skin with the vital vitamin D it needs … but too much sun can cause irreparable damage due to overexposure to UV radiation causing premature over-aging.  Remember sunburn is cumulative! There are, however, other benefits to sunshine.  The right amount of UVB rays actually enhance skin barrier functions. It can help in relieving fibromyalgia pain. Treating skin diseases, such as psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, and scleroderma.  If you do go out in the sun for prolonged periods make sure you use sunscreen! 

Be aware of what ‘your’ skin needs

Find out what type of skin you have?  Your skin is not the same as anyone else’s, so you should do your own research into natural substances that work for you!  There is only one YOU!  Follow a routine using products you like and note how they affect your skin.  Keep notes on the reactions and results you get!  A glowing skin will reward your efforts!  There are 7 skin types: Normal, Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Aging and Irritated Dry Skin.

Pamper YOURSELF

Once in while treat yourself!  Have a stress relieving massage or a facial. A facial will open the pores and cleanse the skin and keep it fresh!

What YOU EAT today shows up IN YOUr skin tomorrow

As they say, garbage-in, garbage-out!  And guess where it shows up? … In your skin!  The previous advice is good but if you don’t watch what you put in your mouth you will end up with unwanted consequences.  And then you will have to work harder to turn it all around!  Eat natural foods, fresh vegetables, fruits, some carbohydrates, some fats, plant based proteins, and clean fresh alkaline water.  Restrict your intake of sugars, dairy products and meat proteins.  Attaining clear and flawless skin may be a struggle but …. aren’t you worth it!

‘The Original Award Winning Olive Oil Soap’

  

Remember … Natural is Best!

All Natural Soaps, Moisturisers, Nourishment, Exfoliants

http://ORnatural.com.au  61-02-4998-8359

"OR Natural" Skin Care Solutions. Laguna, NSW Australia 2325.

   

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