By: Angela Gross There’s been a real buzz in the beauty industry over the last few years about Rosehip Oil and its popularity has increased phenomenally. So just what is Rosehip Oil and what’s all the fuss about? Rosehip Oil, also known as Rosehip Seed Oil, comes from wild rose varieties like Rose Moschata and Rosa Rubignosa (native to the Southern Andes region) and Rosa Canina (found in parts of Europe, South Africa and Asia). Rosehip Oil is extracted from the seeds of the ‘hip’ or fruit of the rose – this is the bulb that replaces the rose flower once it has dropped its petals. The oil is obtained through a process called “cold pressing”. Good quality organic Rosehip Oil does not have added colours, fragrances or preservatives. It has a subtle woodsy scent and a rich red/orange tinge to it. If you find a Rosehip Oil that is a light yellow colour, it may have been refined. Why is Rosehip Oil so good for your skin? Used by the Egyptians and other ancient civilisations for centuries, Rosehip Oil is renowned for its healing properties. The people of those cultures also recognised its skin and hair care benefits. Rosehip Oil’s benefits come from its numerous naturally occurring nutrients like:
Not just good for your skin, Rosehip Oil can also be used to moisturise dry hair, help control dandruff and improve the condition of dry, brittle nails.
Rosehip Oil usually has a light texture and is absorbed fairly quickly. Make sure you apply it while your skin is still damp. This helps to ‘lock in’ the moisture. While many people like to use Rosehip Oil on its own, it can also be found in the formulations of many skin care products like cleansers, moisturisers and serums. Alternatively, you can add a few drops yourself to your favourite moisturiser. With celebrities like Miranda Kerr and Victoria Beckman praising the benefits of Rosehip Oil and claims that even the Duchess of Cambridge uses it, Mother’s Nature’s best-kept secret is definitely a secret no more. So, why not give it a try and see if Rosehip Oil is a good match for your skin? As with any new product, you should always do a patch test first to ensure you have no reactions. Author Bio: The author is a lover of natural & organic beauty products and the owner of an online organic beauty store (www.naturallysafe.com.au) where she maintains a regular blog, providing news about the dangers of chemicals in cosmetics, health tips and promoting the benefits of natural cosmetics.
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Dr. Bronner's soaps are hands down some of the best natural soaps I have used. What I love is how much they lather up without using any sulphates or foaming agents. They don't irritate my skin at all and they smell so lovely. They are also amazingly affordable! Pioneers in the natural product industry, Dr. Bronner's are a family owned and run business, spanning over 5 generations which can be traced back to german-jewish origins since 1858! Made with organic and certified fair trade ingredients, packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled packaging. They don't contain any synthetic preservatives, detergents or foaming agents. Not only can they be used all over your body, but Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Pure-Castile Soaps are good for just about any cleaning task. Face, body, hair – food, dishes, laundry, mopping, pets. Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap - Cherry Blossom I love the sweet scent of this Cherry Blossom soap, it reminds of a cherry lipgloss I had as a teenager, but more natural and soft. It lathers up so well, I use it for shaving my legs and underarms. I use it to cleanse all over, including my face. It leaves my skin feeling so soft and smooth and without any irritation, ever! Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap - Sandalwood Jasmine Sandalwood is another favourite scent of mine, I wear the oil as a perfume, so I was so happy to try this soap. The woodsy scent of sandalwood combined with a hint of fresh Jasmine is very calming. I like to use this at the end of the day to wind down and Cherry Blossom to start off my morning. This soap has the same amazing soft lather. I only need to use a tiny bit too, these bottle are going to last me for a long time. Non-irritating to sensitive skin, my sister also tried this, she has super sensitive skin and struggles to find soaps which don't irritate, including other natural soaps. She was very happy to discover how gentle these soaps are. Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Bar Soap - Tea Tree There's something about the scent of tea tree oil, it's cleansing and grounding. It feels good to be using a bar of soap which doesn't dry my skin out. Another great one for shaving too. Very good for keeping skin clear, as the tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic. Also contains hemp oil which helps to lather up so well and keep skin feeling soft, as do the liquid soaps. Hemp is an amazing ingredient. 100% biodegradable in a 100% post-consumer recycled wrapper. Dr. Bronner's Organic Lip Balm - Orange Ginger Made with orgnanic beeswax, jojoba, avocado and hemp oils, this lip balm helps to heal dry lips and keeps them moisturised. I find my lips really need this in the cold weather I'm experiencing now, I hate the feeling of dry lips, I want soft lips all year round. Made with organic essential oils, it also tastes and smells beautiful. I love everything about the Dr. Bronners range. I like the ethical nature of the company. The soaps cleanse thoroughly, but are also gentle on skin. I love the very cool vintage style packaging. I can safely recommend these soaps to everyone, knowing that they will experience top quality products which are good for skin, health and the environment. Ingredients are pure, natural and certified organic.
Available at online and at selected outlets. By: Santanu Majumdar Rosacea is a common skin condition that a lot of people face. The condition is generally characterized by redness. If you are experiencing rosacea, it is extremely vital to maintain a gentle routine for your skin care. You also need to be aware of the cosmetics and skin care products that could irritate your skin. It is advisable to consult with a dermatologist about your skin care routine. You can also discuss the ingredients present in the products that you use. If you apply makeup properly, you can actually fake good and naturally looking skin, meanwhile concealing the redness caused by the condition. Patting on Moisturizer When you hydrate your skin, the outer layers of your skin are plumped up, which creates an even surface. This is important for applying makeup in a smooth manner. There is a difference between a regular person applying makeup and a professional makeup artist doing the same. The foundation application done by the makeup artists are always smoother, even if they use the same makeup and tools as you. One thing that you would tend to do with makeup application is try and rush through you skin preparation. As such, you tend to smear the moisturizer onto your face and let it do the job for you. However, you should not do that. You should try to dot the moisturizer to your face deliberately so that it is evenly applied. Then, you can pat the product to your skin with the help of your fingertips. You need to be a little more attentive with problematic areas like under the eyes or around your nose. This method of applying moisturizer doesn’t necessarily have to be slow. Once you get used to it, you can pat on your moisturizer adding less than a minute to your makeup routine. You will find out that this added minute is certainly worth it. Rather than simply spreading your moisturizer, patting it on makes blending the foundation easier without streaks. Also, the skin is prepped up more evenly for the best makeup for rosacea and the final result is also more natural looking. Never Skip Your Primer After you pat on your moisturizer for prepping your skin, you must never forget your primer. You should try to use a product that is silicon based. This is because it creates a light layer over skin pores or skin texture problems. Thus, it blurs and smoothens the problematic areas. Only a small amount is needed. You can apply it to the problematic areas of your skin using your fingertip. Color Correction When you have rosacea, you have got to color correct using the correct formula. Instead of using a thick layer of concealer or foundation to cover up your redness, you should try using a light layer of color corrector; it cancels out much of the redness. Then, you can move on to applying a significantly lighter layer of foundation over corrector. This way, it will look a lot more natural. You can find different color correctors in the market with various formulations. Generally, products that are lighter in weight should cover larger areas. Spreading a thick color corrector over larger areas of your skin is more difficult. So, you should be looking for a product that comes in the form of a lotion or a light liquid that can be spread gently over the problematic area. Correct Problematic Areas Only You should always try not to cover your entire face with a color corrector, even if the redness from the rosacea is extensive. The tint does cancel out the skin redness, which means if it is applied all over the face, there will be no redness left and your face will have a greenish look. You certainly wouldn’t want that. When you are using a corrector, it can be a little weird if a green corrector is used over a widespread area. This is why you should rather try using a color corrector that is yellow tinted. Yellow also does the job of cancelling out the redness, but it certainly doesn’t leave an unnatural look to your skin. Use Skin Toned Makeup for Covering the Corrector When you use a small amount of color corrector on your skin and the redness disappears almost immediately, it can be very tempting to leave it just like that. However, there are chances that under different light, the corrector might not be as invisible. This is why you should apply a light layer of concealer or foundation over the corrector. You can blend it with the surrounding skin with the help of a makeup sponge or a brush. Even after the skin toned makeup, if some discoloration remains, you should never resort to adding another layer of corrector. When you switch between two products like that, it results in a very unnatural finish. Instead, you should use concealer on only the problematic spot. Blush As far as makeup for rosacea is concerned, you are doing so to cover up the redness of your skin. As such, the last thing you’d want is too much of pink blush. It does nothing but highlight whatever redness that remains on your skin after the makeup. You may consider skipping the blush completely, but choosing bare cheeks might also be a mistake. When you skip blush, the skin imperfections that haven't been covered perfectly looks more like a feature. So, you should choose to apply blush very lightly, just as a distraction from the trouble spots. Use a Good Lip Color for Distracting Whether you are using a lipstick, lip gloss or lip stain, you should always opt for a color. With darker lip color, the face of those having rosacea looks much better. Peach, bright pink or perhaps a red lip color adds a great color to your face, meanwhile also distracting the eye from your skin. So, after applying the makeup, even if you have some areas that aren’t completely covered, using the right lip color can do the job for you.
Santanu Majumdar is a part-time blogger and currently blogs at healthresource4u.com . He is also a health and fitness lover who loves to share his ideas on health, fitness, and beauty. You can check him out on Twitter and Facebook Are you yet to find the perfect hair brush which detangles hair easily and gets rid of knots without hurting your head? You can stop looking now because this miracle brush, made by Dessata, will solve all of your detangling problems, at the same time giving you healthy hair. I have long hair, which is very fine and and it tangles into knots as soon as I wash it. When it’s wet, it can be a nightmare to brush. Another problem I have is when I step out into the wind, my hair knots up in an instant. This is my hair below, very long and I have alot of it to brush! The Dessata MAXI detangling brush has 440 triple length bristles. It's ergonomic design allows me to grip it well and have better control. It doesn't make my hair static, which seems to happen a lot when I use other brushes. I wash my hair every day (yes I know you're not meant to, but I do), so I need a brush which glides through wet hair easily and helps me to get ready in a hurry, leaving my hair free of knots and looking shiny. I also don't need to use a detangling spray product in my hair when I use this brush. The bristles have a massage effect on my scalp, which feels great and it also helps to stimulate hair and help keep it healthy. This brush is fantastic for childrens hair, as some kids hate having their hair brushed because it hurts so much, this brush could help to overcome this, as it doesn't pull and tug at their head. It also comes in a mini version, which would be great for my hand bag! After experiencing this detangling brush, I can't believe that I've been putting up with my other painful brushes for so long! Great for all hair types, curly, straight and unruly hair. My hair is usually straight and I think it keeps it looking very slick and silky.
Available in an array of funky colours at Dessatta. By: Laura Even the most stunning model can quickly become perceived as ugly if they are a negative or nasty person. In the same way, you don’t necessarily have to be the most physically attractive person to radiate true beauty. It may sound corny, but true beauty lies within. From your diet affecting your inner organs to the intangible aspects of you, like your soul and consciousness. So it’s time that you start working on your beauty from the inside out. Here are a few ways to ensure that your beauty isn’t just a facade and you are genuinely wonderful through and through. Your Diet Some of us are lucky and can eat whatever we like without the effects showing up on our body. But at the end of the day, a diet composed of junk food, excess sugar, too much salt and saturated fats will still wreak havoc on our insides. It is important that we care for our inner body, just as much as its outer case. At the end of the day, there’s no foundation out there that can cover heart disease or diabetes. Remember to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Get your five portions of fruit and veg every day. Drink plenty of water. When possible, opt for organic and fair trade foods: this way you’re boosting your health in the safe knowledge that you’re paying a fair price for the people who have produced it. Your Soul You can be as beautiful as you want on the outside, but if you’re an unkind, mean or aggressive person, this will shine through. Negative people radiate negative energy: through their facial expressions, body language, demeanor and general vibes. This will push people away and for a good reason. Every day you should focus on becoming a better person. This can start any time with the smallest acts of kindness. Help an old lady cross the road; buy a hot drink or meal for a homeless person; compliment a stranger; pop in to see your grandparents; give your spare change to a busker. There are so many tiny things that you can do to improve someone else’s day. If you want to engage in something bigger, you can open your mind and heart on a journey for charity. Take a look at No Birds Bash: these two men are exploring Australia in an old Ford and raising money for disadvantaged, sick and disabled children. You can see the positive effects that their charitable giving (of both their time and money) is having on others as well as themselves. Your Conscience We use so many products in our cleanliness and beauty regimes that it can be easy to turn a blind eye to their source. Many products are tested on animals. This doesn’t mean shampooing a bunny rabbit or putting a bit of lipstick on a dog. Products are placed within animals’ eyes to test their safety. Sadly, there’s a lot of failed products before there are successful ones and many animals are blinded or die during these processes. There are plenty of alternative options out there that use humane testing methods. Always opt for these products and end unnecessary suffering for the sake of your shampoo or lipstick. Your Connection with the Planet Always invest in organic beauty products. Firstly, they are better for you. They use high quality, natural ingredients that are much better for your skin. Non-organic products contain all sorts of unnecessary chemicals that will cause your skin damage in the long run. Secondly, they’re better for the planet too! They don’t pollute water with their chemicals and thus won’t damage plant life and wildlife. They also most often come in eco-friendly packaging which can be recycled rather than contributing to landfill.
Your Connection with Yourself The better connected you are to yourself, the happier and healthier you will be. There are a couple of different ways to do this. Practice self-acceptance. Stop criticizing yourself so harshly and be happy with who you are. Don’t compare yourself to others. Instead, focus on your positive aspects and strengths. You can also use activities like meditation and yoga to reconnect with nature and your inner self. These are deeply calming activities that allow time for reflection. Find silence and focus on your breathing. Let all of your troubles and worries leave and become more aware of what is troubling you and the ways to solve these problems. By: Samantha Thayer You may have seen collagen making the rounds as a health food trend lately. It’s everywhere. You can add it into your meals, coffee, or even water. So what is it, really? Collagen is a protein found in our body that is an essential component of skin, muscle, bone, and connective tissues. Collagen provides strength, elasticity, and water resistance. The word collagen comes from the Greek word “kólla,” which means glue. It’s the most abundant source of protein in the body. It declines naturally as we age as it accumulates damage. There are a lot of factors that can damage our existing collagen. Some include sun damage, injury, and sugar. UV rays increase the rate that collagen breaks down, and too much sugar in our diet increases glycation – which results in weak collagen. You can help your body produce collagen by getting plenty of nutrients. Some nutrients that aid in the production of collagen are: Vitamin C: Eat citrus fruits, bell peppers, or strawberries. Taking a Vitamin C supplement can help in nutrient-deficient diets. Proline: Proline is an amino acid. Foods rich in proline include dairy products, asparagus, and mushrooms. Glycine: Protein-containing foods. Copper: Found in sesame seeds, cashews, and lentils. Animal based proteins such as meat, fish, poultry, and dairy also help stimulate collagen production. Oral collagen supplements can also be used to help improve collagen status. There are some skin treatments you can do to help stimulate collagen production in the skin to create a smoother, more youthful appearance. If you’re interested in going this route, speak with a licensed professional (cosmetic dermatologist) to look into options available. Another way to help collagen production for your skin is to use skincare products that contain vitamin C. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production and maintenance, and it’s a great antioxidant that helps fight against free radicals which can damage our skin. Using vitamin C to supplement our skins collagen can help bring an even tone and texture to skin. According to Linus Pauling Institute (LPI), “the antioxidant properties of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and its role in collagensynthesis make vitamin C a vital molecule for skin health. Dietary and topicalascorbic acid have beneficial effects on skin cells, and some studies have shown that vitamin C may help prevent and treat ultraviolet (UV)-induced photodamage.”
If your diet is lacking, another way to get collagen is to use collagen supplements. There are a lot out there, so make sure to do your research and pick the one that best suits your needs. There are two popular types: hydrolyzed collagen and gelatin (commonly found in bone broth). Some collagen supplements come in a powder so it’s easy to mix into smoothies, soup, or baked goods. This is a great way to supplement your diet if it’s low in natural sources and great for your skin. Other benefits of taking collagen supplements may include relieving joint pain, stronger hair and nails, balancing your hormones, and healthier gums and teeth. Learn more about the different types of collagen here and different benefits of each.
By: Kate Trout
If you're pregnant, then getting stretch marks are one of those things that you just dread getting. They are unnatural looking lines that are created around your stomach while your baby grows. Luckily, there are things that you can do while you are pregnant to help prevent the stretch marks from forming at all! Many soon-to-be mothers may have heard about ways to reduce them after your child is born, but this guide is designed to prevent them completely, or at least, as much as possible. Let's take a look at five tips that you will want to know about to help you prevent unsightly stretch marks during your pregnancy.
Exfoliate RegularlyWhen you are with child, exfoliating your skin to remove the dead skin cells is just as important as rehydrating and moisturizing your skin. In fact, using a sugar scrub is actually a great way to prevent stretch marks from forming at all. Of course, you will need to make sure that the sugar scrub that you select is safe for your baby, but the good news is that there are plenty of ways to exfoliate without using unsafe products like dry brushing.Stay HydratedYou have always been told that you need to drink six to eight glasses of water a day, but did you know that when you are pregnant, your body needs at least two liters to function properly. When your skin is hydrated, it is more elastic, which means that your baby will be able to grow inside you without leaving those unsightly stretch marks behind. Remember, your baby is essentially living in a bubble of water inside your body, so you need to stay hydrated more now than ever.Stretch Mark CreamsThere are a number of stretch mark creams on the market, but one of the best options available to you is a DIY cream that is made from all natural ingredients that are designed to hydrate and rejuvenate your skin. It is a simple mixture that combines coconut oil, olive oil, and a little bit of beeswax. You can add in some rosehip seed oil or frankincense oil to add some scent and additional protection from the stretch marks. Once you combine the ingredients, all you need to do is heat them until the wax melts, and then let it cool before applying it to your skin. I have a whole guide on how to choose a stretch mark cream if you'd like to learn more!Lots of GelatinGelatin, or collagen, is one of the most important factors that make your skin elastic. So, if you want to improve the elasticity of your skin and prevent stretch marks from appearing on your body, then you need to eat more gravies, sauces, and soups. Some gelatin can be used as a thickening agent in your meals, so you have plenty of options. If you like stews, they are a great option, but if you'd prefer, you can simply drink some bone broth on a daily basis to give you the collagen that your body needs to prevent stretch marks from the inside.ExerciseExercise is a great way to help keep your skin's elasticity in check while you are pregnant. It also regulates the blood flow in your skin so that you can breathe easier as well, which is great for your baby and your skin because increased blood circulation is ideal for preventing stretch marks from appearing. If you exercise while you are pregnant, you will also control the amount of weight that you gain to some extent and a controlled gain is better for preventing stretch marks. All exercises are not safe to take part in when you are with child, so confirm that your regimen is safe with your doctor.Wrapping UpIf you're pregnant, most likely stretch marks are on your mind. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can prevent stretch marks completely. To help you maintain your skin while you are pregnant, follow these tips:
By: Clara Smart During the day skin gathers dust and dirt, which means special care must be taken at night. Skin must become free from dirt and debris, keeping the skin's pores as clean as possible. There is no woman that doesn’t want to have flawless and beautiful skin. It’s perhaps the first thing we want to have in our appearance. Like any other skin type, oily skin also requires a nightly skincare routine in order to look fresher, healthier and shinier. Whatever you do for your skin, here is a great evening skincare routine to consider for oily skin. The evening is actually the best time for relaxation and face masks. It’s the best time to remove heavy makeup as well to pamper your skin. So, let’s start from the basic solutions. Facial cleansing Whatever you choose as a first step to refresh your skin, any skin care routine begins with facial cleansing. No matter your skin type, it’s important to have the right cleansing routine for everyday use. Never believe in the myth that oily skin doesn’t require cleansing or moisturizer. You can use oil-free cleansing products if your skin is oily. It’s the first step you are supposed to follow. Opt for the right face wash, facial cleanser, cleansing milk or any other cleansing product. Toning Once you are done with the proper facial cleansing your second step is toning. Toner gives you the opportunity to maintain the skin’s pH balance which is another very important step in improving your skin's texture and remiving dirt. You can do it after removing makeup too. Night cream There are night creams for all skin types which means that, which means that you do have the ability to apply night cream on your face before sleeping. However, this doesn’t mean that you should use any cream you like. The right chosen night cream can repair your skin, making it smoother and shinier in the morning. The thing about oily skin, one must choose the cream that has rather refreshing than moisturizing components and effects. Under eye cream Don’t forget about under eye creams as they make your skin wrinkle-free and help you to get rid of unpleasant dark circles. Apply under eye creams at night to obtain the best result. Many types of creams work better at night than during the day and eye creams are one of them. When your eyes look fresher and younger your entire face starts to shine more beautifully. For oily skin, the acne treatments applied at night can work for a good 7-8 hours, particularly if using a high quality night cream for oily acne prone skin. So, it’s quite important to have your own night-time skin care routine. Focus on anti-acne products that are mostly photosensitive and therefore need to be used at night. In case you have oily, yet problematic skin it's best to refer to a dermatologist to pick up the right products. The use of the wrong products at night can damage your skin and might make it even worse. Also, try to stick with nourishing organic/natural products to help keep skin free from toxins.
By: Dennies John Coffee in excess is harmful; every physician will tell you that. However, when drank responsibly, it is actually extremely healthy. There are many reasons why you should drink it, but we’ll focus on just one for now.
While you may have known most of its health benefits, there’s a slight chance you had no idea it’s good for your skin, too. After reading this, you’ll never again throw away those grounds. Let’s cut the anticipation and get right to business. How Coffee Can Help You Have a Healthy Skin It’s a good exfoliator Washing your face with coffee grounds (and a few drops of coconut or olive oil) will clean it of dead skin cells. This will allow your complexion to breathe. Of course, your face will be a lot cleaner and radiant than before. Moreover, it will be smooth and with an evened-out tone. It tightens the pores Large pores are disagreeable and more prone to gathering bacteria than tightened, minimized ones. A face mask with coffee grounds, yogurt and cocoa will take care of this issue. Don’t expect instantaneous results. Give it time, and you’ll definitely see some changes. It softens the skin One of the main reasons why it does this is that it removes excess oils and dead skin cells. These two automatically lead to softer skin. You can apply the same mask from the previous section for this outcome, but add a tablespoon of honey. This is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredient, so your skin will be not only softer but also free of microbes. It reduces redness and decreases inflammation A facial scrub with coffee grounds can eliminate the redness and the itchiness caused by inflammation. This makes it really good for people who suffer from acne and deal with painful boils. Coffee is anti-inflammatory, and there’s proof that it actually functions as a painkiller or enhances the efficiency of over-the-counter ones. You won’t be bothered anymore by painfully swollen boils. It eliminates dark circles Dark circles and crows’ feet are signs of fatigue, inflammation, and dehydration. Everybody has them; you’re far from being the only one. We already mentioned that coffee has anti-inflammatory properties. To take advantage of them, take some tea bags, moisten them with coffee and keep them under your eyes to diminish the size of those nasty dark circles. It treats UV skin deterioration No, it does not treat sunburn. But it does heal the patches of skin that have been mildly damaged by a long exposure to UV rays. It can do that because it is packed with antioxidants. Next time you sit in the sun too much, gently wash your face with coffee grounds. It will prevent redness from setting in while healing the skin from inside. Make sure to wash your face as fast as you get home, or it will work a little slower. Final Thoughts Did you have any idea that coffee can do all these things? We bet you didn’t, at least not all of them. This liquid not only keeps so many of us alive, but it also helps us take care of our skin without paying a dime on skincare products. If you’re not much of a coffee drinker, maybe these health benefits gave you a sudden urge to join the ranks of coffee addicts worldwide. If so, welcome to the family! But don’t forget: never throw away those beneficial coffee grounds – use them as a money-saving skincare product. Did you ever use coffee for any of the reasons mentioned above? From humble beginnings, Chris Caley and Melanie McVean developed a unique natural deodorant paste which was free from nasty chemicals. Now they are the entreprenuers who founded No Pong, the deodorant which has gained a massive following. Get to learn more about Chris and Melanie in our interview below - When did you first start making natural deodorant?
We were making a variant of No Pong for about a year before we decided to turn it into a real-world product, so around 3 years ago. It was quite a different product to the one it is today! The idea of applying a deodorant paste with your fingers seems quite different (I love it), what are the benefits to this type of application? We believe it’s healthy and natural to be in touch with your body. As outdoorsy people we’ve always been used to applying lotions and creams for different sports, so the idea of a deodorant paste comes quite naturally to us. We’ve actually had a couple of really humbling moments because of the way No Pong is applied. One customer contacted us to let us know that because it’s applied with her hands, she detected a lump in her armpit. Thankfully it turned out to be benign, but it’s a good example of showing there is a benefit in being in touch with your body. Another customer got in touch to tell the story of her daughter, who has a Neuromuscular condition similar to Muscular Dystrophy. She can’t use sprays or rolls-on as she has difficulty holding them and making the movement required to apply them. However, she is able to reach her armpit with her hands, and to quote her: “You have brought back to a young lady, some dignity in achieving one of life's simple & basic every day task to an able body person.” We still tear up when we think about that! We never would have thought we would have such an impact on anyone’s lives when we set out. Another benefit of being a paste is that it means we don’t need to use any plastic in our packaging as many stick, roll-ons and sprays do! We’re surfers and love the ocean, and have made a personal commitment not to use plastic anywhere in our packaging, and it’s all 100% recyclable What are the health issues connected to using conventional deodorants and which ingredients should be avoided? This might sound counter-intuitive coming from a natural deodorant company, but we’re science people as well and the truth is, the jury is still out. There are lots of ingredients to be mindful of, and to be honest there is some conflicting research around some of them. Aluminium is known to have potential to cause mutation to genetic code. Parabens are known to mimic hormone functions, particularly oestrogen, and its well known effects on breast cancer. Triclosan is a common anti-bacterial found in traditional deodorants, and actually banned for use in soaps by the US Food and Drug Administration, but not in Australia. However, the scientific jury is out on the real-world, long term effect of many of these as used in deodorants. At the end of the day though, why use these ingredients at all if you don’t have to? No Pong is simple, natural, doesn’t contain any contentious ingredients and our customers would say is even more effective than traditional deodorants. Which alternative ingredients do you use to replace chemicals and preservatives in your deodorant? It’s not so much a matter of replacing, or switching out ingredients compared to traditional deodorants. No Pong comes from a different sheet of paper. No Pong works by creating a water-resistant layer using coconut oil and beeswax, and uses this to carry the other bacteria busting and absorbent ingredients in No Pong. Chemical preservatives are often added to other products to reduce the microbial growth that can occur when products are used in the real world. Because No Pong is not water based, and is antibacterial by design, it’s naturally preserved and has an extremely long shelf life. Microbes hate No Pong, they just can’t survive! How do you see the natural deodorant industry evolving in the future? We think the natural deodorant category will grow quite a bit. As people start to cotton on to the fact that that natural deodorants can be simple, and ridiculously effective we think they will attract more and more attention. That said, not all natural deodorants are created equally, and there are definitely some products out there that don’t really do what they say on the tin! Before you started No Pong, what types of deodorants were you using and why did you stop using these deodorants? We’ve always been fairly health conscious, but we used to use low fragrance roll-ons without thinking too much about it. After losing a relative to cancer, Chris particularly became more aware of what he was putting on his skin and eating, and around the same time we started experimenting with making a whole range of natural products from sunscreen and zinc, to deodorant. As people are becoming more aware of their health and natural products, there are now quite a few natural deodorants on the market, what makes No Pong stand out from the others? No Pong does what it says on the tin! One of the things we do differently compared to other skincare and deodorant brands, is focus on doing one thing, really well. Rather than having a huge range, with loads of variants, or other non-deodorant products in our range we’re committed to being the best possible Natural Deodorant Company we can be, and creating the best possible customer experience anywhere! As an online focused business, being really customer-first is an area we know we have to really be outstanding in. We’re also about to bring out a version for people with sensitive skin which has been a long time in development and we’re quite excited about. Why is it particularly important for breastfeeding mothers to use natural deodorants? It is particularly important for women in general, particularly those women who plan or want to breastfeed to avoid as many toxins and chemicals as possible. This is because toxins and chemicals are stored in adipose tissue, which is mainly in the breast and then can be passed through breastmilk to the baby. In regards to using natural deodorants, per se, well, this is a contentious one! Melanie is also a Registered Midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and there’s actually some controversy around use of essential oils during pregnancy and lactation. Many natural deodorants use essential oils, either as an active ingredient or as part of their fragrance so it’s important for breastfeeding mothers to be aware of the ingredients in any natural deodorant they choose. That said, there is a lot of information out there and not all of that information is evidence or research based. We use high quality essential oils in our product to add a fresh scent and not for therapeutic value. There is no current evidence that any of the oils we use in No Pong are not safe in pregnancy and/or lactation. The percentage of actual essential oils per whole tin of No Pong is less than 0.5%. These oils are a lovely blend, so that fraction is further diluted. We are advocates for knowing exactly what goes into the products that you put on your body, so we publish the full list of the ingredients, including all of the essential oils in our fragrance on our website here: http://www.nopong.com/directions/ What has been the most rewarding aspect of creating No Pong? Without a doubt the overwhelming groundswell of support we see, feel and hear from our customers every day. From the hilarious, to surprise that it really works, to just the sincere thanks we often get for creating this product, it is truly humbling. Without our awesome customers there would be no No Pong, so thank you! |
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