Stingless Bee Honey - Madu Kelulut

I never knew that there was such a thing as a stingless bee! Wow....

A friend gave me a bottle of honey called 'Madu Kelulut', and my first thought was....
"Kelulut? Hahaha...What a funny name!"

 I tasted the honey and subsequent reaction to the honey was...
"Eh why does it taste sour? And it's so runny, not like normal honey? Must be fake lah! Or spoiled!"

I was duly informed (and educated!), that the honey is also called Stingless bee honey, and that it's supposed to taste sour, and it's more medicinal and more expensive than normal honey. And then I thought...
"Ohhhhh... If it's supposedly better than normal honey, then maybe I can use it on my face!"

I have previously read on how honey makes such a great natural face wash, especially for dry sensitive skin like mine. However, when I tried regular honey on my face, my face will be red and itchy not long afterwards. I never knew why, but was very disappointed that it did not work for me. Which was why I somehow hoped that Madu Kelulut might be different!

So I slathered a good amount of this special honey on my face and waited for my skin to start itching, and it never did! It was very easy to apply and rinse off due to its runny consistency, and it did leave  my skin feeling hydrated. Of course, I continued to use it twice a day (these days I only do OCM once a week because I just don't have the time to do it daily!). Did get one or two pimples although nothing major, but I noticed a difference in my skin after about 2 weeks. Certain persistent dry patches around my lips (due to conventional toothpaste!) were almost totally gone and my skin felt healthy and was more radiant. Thank you Madu Kelulut for coming into my life!

Anyways, this post is supposed to be all about this honey and why it's so special, so do read on to find out.

Stingless bee honey is renowned in Africa and Asia for treating digestion problems, suppressing coughs, and boosting immunity.  It’s also cherished for its anti-oxidant and anti-biotic effects. These bees are only found in tropical climates, and they produce much less honey than the typical honey bee. Honey bees can produce up to 50 times more honey than the stingless bees, which makes the stingless bee honey rare and thus more expensive. Madu Kelulut can be found across Malaysia, usually in the more rural areas, and are used by the locals more as a medicine than a condiment because of its rarity. Stingless bee honey also contains much less sugar than regular honey, which is why it has a tangy taste. It's also supposedly not as 'heaty' as normal honey. 

In addition to the unique flavor and aroma of stingless bee honey, there are numerous studies about its medicinal value and health benefits.  Stingless bee honey and some honeys, in general, are reported to:

• Suppress coughing
• Treat stomach ulcers and mouth sores
• Have anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-parasitory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-mutagenic, and anti-tumor effects
• Serve as a pro-biotic in the gasto-intestinal system  
• Treat eye infections and wounds due to anti-bacterial effects
• Be a viable table sugar replacement due to it's low glycemic index and other health benefits
• Moisturize the skin
• Reduce cardiovascular risk factors when used as replacement for table sugar (sucrose)
• Enhance the immune system by increasing antigen production

So I've been using madu kelulut to wash my face twice a day now, and my face is no longer as dry as it was before. In fact, I dare say that my skin is almost 'normal' or balanced! And I think it will be much better if I could find an effective non-foaming toothpaste because I am almost certain that regular foaming toothpaste is the culprit to the persistent dry lips and dry skin around my mouth area. New mission --->find non-foaming toothpaste!

I love madu Kelulut so much that I am planning to offer it for sale as part of an all natural face care regime.... So if you want to try out this special honey for yourself, do stay tuned to future postings as I hope to be launching my new face care line very soon..... Che che Face Care Line! Actually the products are very simple and all natural face care products for those who are sick of using commercial face care... For those who want to simplify their face care regime whilst using only potent and pure ingredients on the face....for those that want healthy glowing and radiant skin the natural way! And I have priced them to be very affordable, yet still using high quality natural ingredients with NO fillers.

So do stay tuned or send me an email if you're interested!

Why I LOVE VCO! Reason #1 - Best For Baby

Okay I was going to write a long post of all the reasons why I love Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) but I don't think I will ever be able to finish it so it is best I write about each reason separately. VCO is the one oil I always have to have in my home because I use it for so many things...as a baby oil/lotion, as my body oil/lotion, on my hair, etc... and I even consume it on a daily basis! The only area i do not apply VCO is on my face because for me it has a tendency to cause breakouts, not too sure why though. Maybe it is a bit 'heaty' especially in our hot humid weather or maybe it has a strong purging effect...so I cannot recommend VCO for the face, although it is fantabulous everywhere else! I even know how to make my own, and it will share the easy albeit a bit time consuming process soon ya.

Quick intro on VCO - it is the oil that is extracted from the coconut milk obtained from fresh coconuts. The key word here is 'fresh', which is why VCO smells so good and yummy! For more info on VCO, you can click HERE

VCO is:

• Anti fungal
• Anti Viral
• Anti Microbial
• Anti Inflammatory

I literally cover my little ones in VCO after every bath. I mix some essential oils such as Lavender, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus with their VCO for an additional skin healing boost and refreshing smell. Not too much essential oils for their delicate skin, keep it below 20 drops per 100ml of VCO. I don't even use that much, probably around 10 - 15 drops in total. So here are some ways I use VCO for the little ones...

My trusted refillable VCO bottle

1. All over body and face oil - I cover my little ones in VCO after their bath. I try my best to cover every inch of their skin, which is a feat in itself if you have wriggly ones that just can't keep still! For younger babies, make sure to always apply on skin folds and joints to prevent rashes and keep their skin clean. I never use baby powder because I find that the 'nice' smell quickly fades and baby will not smell nice for long. However, with VCO, the kids have no BO, even after many hours and even with perspiration. That's because of the antibacterial nature of VCO that helps to keep their skin clean and inhibit odour causing (as well as other types of) bacteria.

2. Ear cleaner - I put some oil in the palm of my hand, dip the cotton buds in VCO and use it to clean around and in their ears. VCO is antibacterial so this helps to keep ear infections at bay, plus the goop comes off much easier with oil.

3. Heal minor cuts and scratches - just dab a little oil and it will heal much more quickly.

4. Nappy oil - I always apply VCO after every diaper change, and so far no rashes!

5. Cradle Crap - I've always applied VCO on their heads from day one, and they only had a very very minor case of cradle crap. It was on a very small area, smaller than the size of the 5sen coin, which went away after a few days.

6. Massage oil for boo boos - whenever my active toddler comes running to me crying that somewhere hurts, eg feet, ankle, knee, hand, head, etc, I will check to see if it's anything serious. Most of the time, it's not, so I take some VCO and rub a little on the painful area, give a kiss and send them running happily away, hopefully not to do more damage! Once, my son had a minor ankle sprain, and he was limping a bit for a day or two. Nothing too serious but I massaged his ankle with the oil 2 - 3 times a day to speed up his recovery and help strengthen the joint.

Important notes:

• Don't use VCO on a newborns face for the first one or two weeks (anywhere else is fine). This is because the skin at this stage is very delicate and VCO can clog those tiny tiny pores and cause an acne breakout. Some babies will get a form of acne in those first few weeks with or without having used VCO, and in my experience applying VCO on that only makes it worse. In fact, it is advised to not use any cream or oils during this stage, and the acne should clear by itself in about a week or two. It is helpful to apply breast milk on the affected area from time to time whenever possible. 

• When applying VCO on baby's face, a little goes a long way. Apply a bit of oil onto fingers, warm it up a bit and then apply on baby's face. Too much VCO on the face can clog pores and cause a type of acne which forms in small clusters, usually on the forehead. If you see this, use less VCO for the face.

• There are some rashes, especially the ones on the face, that just won't go away even after applying VCO, and for these type of rashes I will apply some Emu oil (sometimes mixed with Tea Tree or Lavender essential oil) instead. Emu oil is very effective for healing stubborn rashes, and will do so quite rapidly too. I apply Emu oil on the affected area every few hours and the rash will be gone in a couple of days. I use Emu oil sparingly though because it is very expensive!

*You can get VCO in most supermarkets nowadays, and I usually buy the 1 liter bottle which costs between RM60 - RM80 depending on the brand. They also sell in 500ml sizes for approx. half the price, which makes it perfect if you want to try out the oil for the first time.

Stay tuned for more wonderful ways of using this fav oil of mine!

Flower Power as a Lip Scrub!

Received an interesting and helpful tip from a customer the other day. This is what she said (sent via email):

Hi, 

Just wanted you to know that I tried using Flower Power as my lip scrub and it worked! Previously I've tried sugar scrub but it wasn't as effective as Flower Power. After washing my face and leaving the paste on for awhile, I decided to try it on my lips. The result is soft and smooth lips!

 I have been a loyal supporter for almost all your product simply because they give my skin a very refreshing feel unlike other products I've tried.

LF

Thanks LF!

Pregnancy and Essential OIls

Following an inquiry from a customer about the safety of using essential oils during pregnancy, I thought Id post some information to share with all...

Is it safe to use essential oils while pregnant?

It's safe to use some essential oils while you're pregnant, as long as you're healthy and you're careful with them. Essential oils are highly concentrated substances extracted from plants. They are powerful, so it's important to use them sparingly.

Essential oils are used in aromatherapy, which is a complementary therapy. The oils contain chemicals which can be absorbed into your body. Essential oils can be diluted with a base or carrier oil for massage, or put in a vapouriser for you to breathe them in. Once inside your body, they work in the same way as drugs or medicines. Because essential oil molecules are very small, there is a possibility that they may cross the placenta and reach your growing baby's circulation.

We do not know exactly what effect essential oils may have on a developing baby. Studies have only tested oils on animals, with varying results. It's most likely that you would need to use huge amounts of essential oils before they could do any harm to your baby.

We do know that many mums-to-be find aromatherapy helpful in easing pregnancy niggles. These include backache, nausea or swollen ankles. If you want to use aromatherapy oils, it's a good idea to take the following precautions:

• Only use one or two drops of essential oil at a time.
• Dilute the essential oil by mixing the drops with at least a teaspoon (5ml) of a base oil before you add it to a bath or massage it into your skin. Grapeseed oil or sweet almond oil work well as base oils 9max 2% concentration).
• You can add drops of the oil to a vapouriser, but don't leave it on for longer than 10 or 15 minutes in each hour. If you leave it on for too long, the smell can be overpowering and make you feel nauseous.
• It's best to start using essential oils once you are past the first trimester. If you use them in the first trimester, always consult an aromatherapist who's trained in treating mums-to-be.

Essential oils to be avoided in pregnancy

Almond - bitter	Toxic
Aniseed	Anethole rich
Angelica	Emmenagogue
Basil	Possible irritant
Birch	Possible irritant
Black pepper	Skin sensitization
Boldo leaf	Toxic
Buchu	Liver hazardous
Calamus	Toxic
Camphor	Toxic
Cassia	Skin sensitization
Cedarwood	Emmenagogue
Chamomile	Emmenagogue
Cinnamon	Skin sensitization and emmenagogue
Clary sage	Emmenagogue
Clove	Skin sensitization
Elecampane	Skin sensitization
Fennel	Anethole rich
Fir	Possible irritant
Ginger	Emmenagogue
Horseradish	Toxic
Hyssop	Could cause toxicity
Jaborandi leaf	Toxic
Jasmine	Emmenagogue
Juniper	Emmenagogue
Lemon	Possible irritant
Lemongrass	Possible irritant
Marjoram	Emmenagogue
Melissa	Possible irritant
Mugwort	Toxic
Mustard	Toxic
Myrrh	Emmenagogue
Nightshade	Toxic
Nutmeg	Skin sensitization
Oregano	Skin sensitization
Parsley seed	Apiol rich
Pennyroyal	Toxic
Peppermint	Emmenagogue
Pine	Skin sensitization
Rose	Emmenagogue
Rosemary	Emmenagogue
Rue	Toxic
Sage	High thujone content
Sassafras	Toxic
Savin	Toxic
Savory	Could cause toxicity
Southernwood	Toxic
Stinging nettle	Toxic
Tansy	Toxic
Thuja	Toxic
Thyme both Red and Linalol)	Possible irritant
Wintergreen	Toxic
Wormseed	Toxic
Wormwood	Toxic

*emmenagogue - Certain essential oils have the ability to assist in promoting menstruation (menses) and regulating the monthly discharge, but although these oils are very helpful in treating problems of this nature, some of them should be avoided in pregnancy.

**Do note that all of Back to Basics products can be custom blended to contain less or no essential oils upon request.

Sources:

http://www.babycenter.com.my/pregnancy/isitsafeto/essentialoilsexpert/

http://www.naturalbloom.com/articles/aromatherapy-47/.

http://www.essentialoils.co.za/pregnancy.htm

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is derived from the ancient practice of using natural plant essences to promote health and wellbeing. It consists of the use of pure essential oils obtained from a wide assortment of plants, which have been steam distilled or cold-pressed from flowers, fruit, bark and roots.

Aromatherapy can help ease a wide assortment of ailments; easing aches, pains, and injuries, while relieving the discomforts of many health problems.



Aromatherapy also acts on the central nervous system, relieving depression and anxiety, reducing stress, relaxing, uplifting, sedating or stimulating, restoring both physical and emotional wellbeing.



The appropriate oils can have powerful results, both on the body and the spirit. "Fragrance Oils", "Perfumes" and other artificially made substitutes for Pure Essential Oils can not produce these amazing results.



You might ask "Does Aromatherapy Really Work"?



The answer is YES! Pure Essential Oils are prescribed in Great Britain and throughout Europe for their medicinal benefits. Modern scientific research has proven the potency and healing qualities of Pure Essential Oils.



Many of the oils have powerful antibacterial and antiviral qualities which, unlike pharmaceutical drugs, do not leave behind dangerous toxins.



How Do Essential Oils Affect Our Minds and Our Emotions?


Essential oils affect our minds and our emotions. All aromas have a potential emotional impact that can reach deep into the psyche, both relaxing the mind and uplifting the Spirit.
Our sense of smell is estimated to be 10,000 times more acute than our other senses and sensitive to some 10,000 chemical compounds. Once registered, scent travels faster to the brain than either sight or sound.



Of Science and Anatomy - How Essential Oils Affect Our Minds



When we inhale the fragrance of an essential oil, the odor molecules travel up the nose where they’re registered by the nerves of the olfactory membranes in the nose lining. The odor molecules stimulate this lining of nerve cells and trigger electrical impulses to the olfactory bulb in the brain. The olfactory bulb then transmits the impulses to the amygdala - where emotional memories are stored - and to other parts of the limbic system of the brain.
Because the limbic system is directly connected to those parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels, and hormone balance, essential oils can have profound physiological and psychological effects… Olfactory responses to odors induce the brain to stimulate the release of hormones and neurochemicals that in turn alter the body’s physiology and behavior.

Essential Oil Desk Reference, 4th Edition

The limbic lobe is a group of brain structures situated directly below the cerebral cortex of the brain and includes the hippocampus and the amygdala. It’s capable of directly activating the hypothalamus - often referred to as the “master gland.” This gland is one of the most important parts of the brain and acts as the hormonal control center. The hypothalamus releases hormones that can affect everything from sex drive to energy levels. The production of growth hormones, sex hormones, thyroid hormones, and neurotransmitters such as serotonin, are all governed by the hypothalamus.



Because of their fragrance and unique molecular structure, essential oils can directly stimulate the limbic lobe and the hypothalamus. Inhalation of essential oils can be used to alleviate stress and emotional trauma. It can also be used to stimulate the production of hormones from the hypothalamus. This stimulation may increase production of thyroid hormones (our energy hormone) and growth hormones (our youth and longevity hormone).



The Emotional Brain Responds Only to Smell



The area of the brain known as the amygdala plays a major role in storing and releasing emotional trauma. The only way to stimulate this gland is with fragrance or through the sense of smell. In other words - the emotional brain responds only to smell and not to words that are read, spoken, heard, or felt by Braille. Our sense of smell links directly to emotional states and behaviors often stored since childhood.



Smell is the only one of the five physical senses that is directly linked to the limbic lobe of the brain - our emotional control center. Anxiety, depression, fear, anger, and joy all physically originate from this region. A certain fragrance can evoke memories and emotions before we are even consciously aware of it. When smells are concerned, we react first and think later. All other physical senses are routed through the thalamus, which acts as the switchboard for the brain, passing stimuli onto the cerebral cortex (the conscious thought center) and other parts of the brain.



Essential oils enable us to access stored or forgotten memories and suppressed emotions so that we can acknowledge and integrate or release them. The word “emotions” can translate as “energy-in-motion.” Emotion is the experience of energy moving though our bodies. This emotional energy actually works at higher speed than thought. Thought and images can take seconds or minutes to evoke a memory while an aroma can evoke a memory in milliseconds.



Forgotten memories and suppressed emotions can wreak havoc in our lives; often being the unsourced causes of depression, anxiety and fears. Essential oils can help us surface and release these emotions wherever they are stored in the body or energy field.

Vinegar Hair Rinse

ok this may sound weird to most of you...but a vinegar hair rinse is reaaalllyyy good for your hair!

Its a great detangler, removes scaly build up on scalp and hair cuticles (especially from hair shampoos, conditioners and leave in treatments), and leaves your hair silky smooth and shiny. Vinegar also has a tonic action that promote blood circulation in the small capillaries that irrigate your scalp.

But doesn't vinegar smell like stinky socks??!!?? Well, it may smell bad initially, but I PROMISE YOU that the smell COMPLETELY disappears as your hair dries....I SWEAR IT!!!

DIRECTIONS:
You can use plain white vinegar, but of course the natural apple cider vinegar is the favourite choice for many.

You won't need to pour a whole bottle over your head, just about half a cup in half a pail of water is all you need! Do this after your shampoo, and no hair conditioner is required.

And you can add a few drops of essential oils, like lavender, tea tree or rosemary, etc, that makes it smell a bit more tolerable and is also good for your hair and scalp.

After the vinegar hair rinse, you can dry your as normal, or rinse a bit with water (although you will want some of the vinegar rinse in your hair still for its superb all-natural detangling effect).

A vinegar hair rinse done once a week, or once in 2 weeks will keep your hair and scalp clean and healthy....and of course smooth and shiny!

Luxurious Milk Bath

Who says you have to pay money to have a spa-like experience that's great for your skin as well?!

To indulge yourself and moisturize your skin naturally at the same time, have a Milk Bath!

 -via-

All you need is about a cup of whole milk powder (not low fat milk because you need the fat content to moisturize your skin). Add this into a warm bath, while the water is running so that you get a good and even milk solution. Then dip yourself in and soak for about 20 -30 minutes... and don't forget to relax ;)

If you have any, you can add about 3 drops of your favorite essential oil for added aroma....hmmmmm

Quick Natural Beauty Tips...Part 2

Sleeping on two or three pillows at a time will help get rid of dark circles under your eyes.

Exercise while dieting is a must or your skin will be too large (and saggy) for your smaller body. It is much, much tougher to tighten skin after your body shrinks than as you go.

After washing your face, rinse in cold water (fair-skinned people should use cool instead of cold) to close the pores and tighten the facial muscles.

If you are out of quick-dry spray for nails, dip your fingers into a bowl of ice-cold water. (Don't to touch the sides of the bowl.) Your nails will dry very quickly.

Good posture can make you look much slimmer.

Wearing a low heel will give you better posture than wearing flat shoes.

Renew thick nail polish by adding a few drops of fingernail polish remover to the bottle.

Make a nail polish bottle not get stuck closed, put a thin coat of Vaseline inside the lid.

Clean hair brushes occasionally with dish soap . In a dishpan of very warm water, add a few drops of liquid dish soap. Swish the brushes to stir, rinse, and let air dry. Scrub any stubborn spots with a used toothbrush.

Quick Natural Beauty Tips...Part 1

• Sleeping on your back will prevent many wrinkles and breakouts on your face, and even wrinkles in your cleavage area.

• Wearing clothes that are tight make you look heavier. Even a slim girl can bulge over too-tight jeans.

• Put on a coat of clear nail polish before a colored polish to keep your nails from discoloring.

• Being angry really does take away from your beauty now and will result in more wrinkles later.

• Wearing less make-up makes you look younger.

• Vitamins and minerals are needed for health and beauty, but more is not always better. Too much Vitamin A or Selenium can cause hair loss. There is nothing beautiful about losing your hair.

• If you are unhappy with a hair conditioner, it will still make a great "shaving cream" for your legs in the shower.

• When shaving, don't stretch the skin or you could cause ingrown hairs by shaving hair off slightly under the skin.

• Drink plenty of water and get eight hours of sleep every day.

• Tighten bra straps as they stretch out, or buy a new bra when they can't tighten any further, to keep the bosom looking young and perky.

• Instead of shaving over and over, with the hairs coming in darker and thicker each time, try waxing. Waxing to remove hair will result in softer hairs each time and result in permanent hair loss after a few sessions.

Quick Fact: Chamomile Tea

Did you know that the essential oils and flavonoids in chamomile tea relax muscles to relieve pain and cramping? In addition, chamomile promotes normal peristalsis (the contractions of your intestinal tract that move food along). Chamomile also has a relaxing effect on the entire nervous system making it an excellent choice for stress, anxiety and insomnia.

And an external bonus: when you’re done with your cup of tea put the tea bag in the freezer – that way you have natural relief on hand the next time your eyes are puffy!

How Argan Oil is Made

Five Foods For Clear Skin

I've always said that your food intake is crucial to having and maintaining clear skin. In general, avoid foods that are highly refined/ processed and high in sugar and fat, and consume more fibre, fresh fruits and vegetables.... I'm sure almost everyone knows this...right?!

BUT it is hard to totally abstain from the oh so delicious but unhealthy food that is so easily available and which we are constantly bombarded (through advertisements) to purchase! So what to do?! Simple...... we can still eat our favorite junk foods, but not as often, and try to include these 5 foods below in our daily diet. This way, we will keep ourselves sane, and yet make an effort to eat more healthily. Hopefully, we'll be eating less and less junk food, and more and more of the healthier food :)


5 Acne-Zapping Foods

1. Whole grains
When it comes to thwarting acne-causing inflammation, fiber-packed whole grains work like a charm. Whole grains carry a lot of antioxidants and stabilize blood sugar and prevent insulin spikes. But be careful when perusing grocery store aisles for whole-grain items–crafty label lingo can make a loaf of bread or box of pasta seem like a healthy choice, when in reality it carries only a small percentage of whole grains. You can check a product’s nutrition info to make sure it’s high in fiber and low in sugar. Even better: Forget wheat and give ancient grains like quinoa and millet a try.

2. Fish
Heralded as the premiere source of omega-3 fatty acids, cold-water, oily fish are loaded with anti-inflammatory eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The Clear Skin Diet lauds oily fish such as mackerel, salmon, anchovies, and sardines as the most potent choices for blemish-free skin.

3. Green vegetables
Packed with inflammation-fighting nutrients and loads of antioxidants, most green leafy veggies contain plenty of fiber, which helps slow the rise of blood sugar after eating.

4. Purple and deep red foods
According to The Clear Skin Diet, foods containing anthocyanins are high in antioxidants and help maintain blood flow to the skin, promoting optimum cell turnover (essential for keeping pores clear). Acai, pomegranates, purple carrots, black grapes, and beets are all great choices.

5. Green tea
Among its numerous health benefits, green tea also helps keep pimples from popping up. It’s chock-full of the antioxidant catechin EGCG, an effective anti-inflammatory. But beware of bottled green tea drinks, which often contain scads of added sugar and calories.

For more information, please click on this link: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/5-foods-for-clear-skin.html#

Mineral Make Up

Personally, I very seldom use make-up. I've never used foundation (never liked it), only used baby powder as a face powder, and only sometimes do I apply a little blusher. The only make-up I use often is mascara and some lip gloss.

Of course, I can get away with this because (1) I have good skin and (2) I work from home. It's a different story if you're working a 9 - 5 type of office job, or if you have less than perfect skin. For most women, make-up is a daily essential, and rightly so. After all, it is only professional to wear reasonable make-up to work so that one looks presentable.

The thing is, do we realise that the type of make-up we wear usually determines the type of skin we have?

Think about it, your make-up sits on your skin for at least 8 hours of the working day, if not more... 5 - 7 days a week, for years and years.... The impact does definitely add up doesn't it?

Therefore, if you want healthy clear skin, apart from a good cleansing, toning and moisturizing regime, it is imperative that you invest in the best quality make-up for your skin.

Hence the title of this topic...Mineral Make Up :)

If you're having light to moderate acne, I strongly suggest you take your foundation, face powder and blusher right now and start reading the ingredients list. Look out for ingredients like synthetic dyes (especially D&C red dyes), fragrances and preservatives (you may have to google just to make sure). If your make up contains these ingredients, then there could be a possibility that these are the culprits that are causing your pimple problem. I suggest doing 2 things: (1) Find a way to use less or lighter make up, especially foundation as they tend to clog your pores and not allow your skin to breathe, and/or (2) Switch to 100% Natural Mineral Make Up.

What is 100% Natural Mineral Make Up? To put it simply, it's make up made of all natural, finely ground minerals from the earth, without any of the chemicals, dyes, talc and preservatives found in traditional makeup.

The Benefits:

• It's purer formulation is more suitable for acne, sensitive, eczema and rosacea prone skin.
• Does not contain the known skin irritants that may be found in synthetic dyes, fragrances and preservatives
• Mineral make up that contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide have anti-inflammatory properties, which can have a calming effect on the skin, particularly important if you suffer from inflammatory problems such as rosacea or acne.
• It's non-comedongenic, so it won't clog pores, and it's not going to aggravate an acne condition or cause a flare-up as easily as some traditional makeups can.
• Another big draw to mineral makeup are the claims of sun protection. With an average SPF rating of 15, at least one company, Bare Minerals, has the Skin Cancer Foundation seal of approval as a sunscreen. Do check if the brand you're interested in has SPF protection.
• Smooth, natural and long lasting coverage.
• Conceals, corrects and covers most known skin discolorations and conditions while still allowing skin to breathe.
• It is supposed to be water resistant, so you may not need to re-apply as often.
• True mineral make up has no expiry date since technically its made up of finely crushed rocks (mineral pigments). When kept dry and used hygienically, the natural properties of the minerals are not micro-organism friendly, which is why the mineral make up can last for a very long time.

Important Note:

• Check the ingredients of make up that claim to be mineral make up. Make sure that they do not contain any talc, preservatives, synthetic dyes and fragrances. Cheaper pharmacy brands that are labelled as mineral make up are most likely not 100% natural, so please read the ingredients list.
• Avoid mineral make up that contain the ingredient Bismuth Oxychloride. A pearlizing agent that gives mineral makeup that "candlelight glow," bismuth oxychloride is a mineral, but it's not found in the earth. Bismuth is a byproduct of lead and copper processing. Bismuth oxychloride is also frequently used to fill or "bulk up" or bind products. Bismuth oxychloride is considered a skin irritant and can cause itching and rashes and in large amounts it can cause cystic acne as well – it's one of the ingredients you should try to avoid if you have acne or rosacea or sensitive skin.
• Even if the make up is 100% natural, I do not recommend that you sleep in it. Always wash off all make up at the end of the day.
• Check that the mineral make up has the appropriate SPF factor that you need.
• Even though a product is 100% natural, there still could be a tiny chance that your skin is allergic to a specific ingredient. Therefore, when trying out a new product, always do a skin patch test to see if your skin develops any sensitivity towards it. If possible, buy a small sample size first so you can check if the shade and the formulation is right for your skin.
• Do note that most mineral make up comes in powder form (although you can get the pressed powder types). Unlike normal make up, they're harder and messier to apply on skin. It'll take some practice before one can perfect the technique.

The main reason I'm posting this is to stress the point that even if you have the best and most perfect daily cleansing, toning and moisturizing regime, if you're using make up that is not healthy for your skin, your skin may not show as much improvement as you'd like. Also, a healthy and balanced diet is important to maintain clear, healthy and younger looking skin for the long term.

Here are some links that I came across of local online suppliers of natural mineral make up if you're interested:

http://lovingminerals.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/21_61

http://www.simplynaturale.com/makeup/all-about-face

http://cosmominerals.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=23

Mineral make-up may be more expensive, but they are a lot better for your skin and worth the investment in the long term.

P.S. ~ I am in no way affiliated with the shops linked above :)

If you know of a good brand of 100% Natural Mineral Make Up, do let us know!

Skin Care Education - Cosmetic Ingredients To Avoid

Skin care products should never include the controversial chemicals listed below. Be vigilant ... check labels.
These are the worst offenders.

Diazolidinyl Urea
Used as an antiseptic in cosmetics. It may release formaldehyde, known to be highly toxic.

*Found in: body powders, cleansers and soaps, lotions and moisturizers, make-up and make-up removers, shampoo, shaving products, sunscreen.

Imidazolidinyl Urea
The second most commonly used preservative in personal care products (parabens are first). The American Academy of Dermatology recognizes it as a cause of contact dermatitis. Formaldehyde release is a hazard of this chemical. The CIR Expert Panel is reassessing its safety.

*Found in: baby and other shampoos, bath and body oils body powders, colognes and other fragrances, lotions and moisturizers, makeup, permanent waves, and rinses.

Diethanolamine (DEA)
Extensively used for its emulsifying and foaming properties. Associated with allergic reactions and eye irritation. The combination of DEA and DEA-related ingredients is associated with cancer in lab animals. The FDA is currently investigating this link.

Triethanolamine(TEA)
Used as a detergent and dispersing agent. There is high sensitivity to its use. Prolonged contact is particularly irritating. Toxic to lab animals. The CIR Expert Panel recommends use only in small, concentrations, not to exceed over 5%. They also recommend limiting it to rinse off products, such as shampoo. However, some hand and body lotions include it. Combining TEA with nitrates results in cancer-causing nitrosamines.

*DEA and TEA are found in: bath powders, lotions, shaving creams, shampoos, and soaps.

Parabens: Ethyl, Butyl, Methyl, Propyl, and Parahydroxybenzoate
Parabens are the second most common ingredient in skin care products ... water is first. The most widely used preservatives in the United States, they may cause skin rashes and other allergic reactions.
Studies show they possess mild estrogen-like qualities. Preliminary research uncovered parabens in human breast cancer tumors. This does not prove a causal relationship, however. Parabens are ubiquitous. They are an estimated 75-90% of all personal care products. Even many so called "natural" and some organic skin care products contain parabens (check labels!).

There is a gradual phase out of these preservatives occurring in the natural skin care industry. Preservatives are essential. However, there are all natural, nontoxic preservatives that are both safe and effective.

*Found in: baby preparations, cleansers, deodorants, eye-products, lotions and moisturizers, make-up, personal lubricants, nail products, shampoos and other hair products, and sunscreens.

Petrolatum
Also known as petroleum jelly. Purified petroleum is common to moisturizers and other cosmetic products. It forms an oily layer on the skin that prevents moisture evaporation. It purportedly smooths and moisturizers skin, but often has the opposite effect. It causes allergic reactions in some. Manufactures love petrolatum because it is very inexpensive (read: a cheap addition for manufacturers).

*Found in: baby creams, conditioners, creams and moisturizers, makeup, nail products, and wax depilatories.

Propylene Glycol
This is the most common moisture-carrying ingredient, excluding water itself, in personal care products. Extensively used in makeup. It is known to elicit allergic reactions, including hives, and is associated with eczema. Safer glycols are gradually replacing propylene glycol. The CIR Expert Panel maintains its safety in concentrations up to 50%.

*Found in: antiperspirants and deodorants, baby lotions, hair strengtheners, moisturizers, mouthwashes, shaving products, sunscreens, and stick perfumes.

PVP/VA Copolymer
Considered toxic. Some individuals develop thesaurosis, which is foreign bodies in the lung, due to inhalation of PVP in hairspray. Rats ingested intravenously with PVP developed tumors.

*Found largely in: bronzers, eye makeup, and hair products.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
A detergent, emulsifier, and wetting agent. It is drying and often irritating to skin. Associated with eczema. The Journal of the American College of Toxicology states this chemical has a "degenerative effect on the cell membranes because of its protein denaturing properties" and that "high levels of skin penetration may occur at even low use concentration." The CIR Expert Panel is reassessing it for safety.

*Found in: bubble baths, emollient creams, cream depilatories, hand lotions, permanent waves, shampoos, soaps, and toothpastes.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Acts as a water softener and a foaming and wetting agent. Often in products designed for mildness, such as baby shampoos. Yet it leads to eye and skin irritation in some. The CIR Panel is reexamining its position on this chemical also.

*Found in: shampoos, including baby shampoos.

Stearalkonium Chloride
The Fabric industry developed this as a fabric softener. It softens hair, allowing easier combing. Known to cause allergic reactions and irritation to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Considered toxic. CIR Expert Panel is reassessing for safety guidelines.

*Found in: hair conditioners and creams.

Synthetic colors
These are categorized as either D&C-- Drugs&Cosmetics, or FD&C-- Food, Drugs&Cosmetics. Personal care products contain both categories. "D&C" followed by a color holds certification for external use only. You will not find it in lipstick or other products intended for mucous membranes.

(Note: Since skin absorbs much of what is applied, "external use" provides little protection.)

Unlike most ingredients used by the industry, synthetic colors are regulated by the FDA. Yet, most are derived from coal tar. Many people are allergic to coal tar. Of greater significance is the association of coal tar and cancer. Most all coal tars cause cancer when subcutaneously injected in lab mice. In fact, many formerly approved colors are now banned in the US because of recognized carcinogenic properties.

*Used in a large variety of personal care products, most notably hair dyes. What color is that drugstore shampoo ... neon green anyone? Nontoxic all natural skincare products, as opposed to traditional skin care, rely on botanical ingredients for subtle color.

Synthetic Fragrances
There may be up to 200 ingredients encompassed by the term "fragrance". Furthermore, manufactures are not required to disclose actual ingredients in their formulas. They receive protection for such proprietary formulas. Reactions to fragrance in personal care include: coughing, dizziness, headaches, hyper-pigmentation, rash, skin irritation, and vomiting.

*Synthetic fragrances lurk in the majority of traditional personal care products. Even many so called natural products use synthetic fragrance. To be safe, look for 100% "all natural skin care products." Natural essential oils are the ideal fragrance.

Eat Your Egg Yolks Too!

I've always loved the egg yolk... after all, it's the best tasting part of the egg right? In fact, I cherished my egg yolks so much I'd often save them for last.... I'd hate to finish them up too soon and have only the egg white to eat!

Although I never gave much thought to it, the egg yolk has always been villianised by health freaks as "high in cholesterol" or will make you fat lah....but I bet they didn't tell you that the egg yolk is by far the most nutritious part of the egg! Being the food source for developing chicks, it's naturally rich in essential vitamins and minerals that are important for our good health as well. Yes, it is high in cholesterol, but like most cholesterol rich foods, they are jam-packed in nutrition as well, especially fat soluble vitamins (like Vit. A, E, D & K) and essential fatty acids. Egg whites, on the other hand, contain far fewer nutrients. The only thing that could justify their consumption is their attachment to their companion yolk.

For more information on the incredible, edible egg yolk, please click HERE.

So go ahead, eat those yummy little yellow devils*.... after all they're good for you!

*in moderation as always!

Precious Me :)

I Think Freckles Are Super Cute!

 I've had a few inquiries from customers asking how to remove freckles... and I am always perplexed? What's so bad about freckles? Why do people think that it's a flaw, instead of just part of their natural skin tone? Why all this hatred for this god-given (or genetically endowed to be more specific) trait?

I personally have freckles, but not much and not noticeable (unless I'm in the sun a lot, which nowadays I'm not). I've always adored freckles in other people, and I honestly think they are cute, add character and make you look more youthful. In this 'whitening' craze times, I feel that the cute freckle has been demonised unfairly :( They are marketed as a skin flaw, and blemish, and sometimes even said to be unhealthy (WTH!).

I feel like I have to make a stand now, and share a better understanding of this freckling phenomenon, and hopefully change a few minds... After all, natural beauty is all about accepting your natural traits and focusing on health rather than on 'beauty as defined by media'. I always say.... if you have healthy skin, your skin will glow naturally, no matter what your skin tone is. Take a stand people... don't blindly follow media and marketing trends of beauty, accept your natural self and focus on being and staying healthy!

Okay...now that I've gotten that off my chest, let's learn about the facts...

What are Freckles?

Freckles are pigmented skin cells that are found most commonly on fair-skinned individuals. Freckles are genetic in nature and most common in children prior to puberty, though many adults have freckles. Freckles are small, individual tan spots that contain more melanin than other skin cells. They DO NOT indicate any sort of skin disorder or disease in a normal capacity.

People with fair skin have less melanin, or pigment, in their skin cells. This factor is almost always indicated by both fair skin and light colored hair, frequently red and sometimes blonde. Exposure to the sun can actually enhance the appearance of freckles because the body may produce more melanin in response to overexposure. Melanin acts as the skin’s protection against the sun’s rays, which causes a person’s freckles to darken.
 

Freckles are particularly common in children, but often the onset of puberty causes the body to begin to produce more melanin. If melanin is produced evenly throughout the skin it causes the freckles to fade. While many children with freckles will lose them with puberty, some will have this characteristic their whole lives.

The most common location on the body for freckles to form is the nose and cheeks, though many people have freckles on their shoulders, arms and other areas that are frequently exposed to the sun. In some cases, freckles are sporadic, individual spots and sometimes there are several grouped together, making them appear larger and cover a greater portion of the skin.

There are no topical skin products that can remove freckles totally. The only way is using laser treatment, by a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon.. which I do not recommend (unless it's cancerous..touch wood!)

So, if you still feel that you'd rather have less than more of your freckles, the most sensible thing to do is to reduce sun exposure to a minimum.

So to summarize:

~ Freckles are NOT a flaw, they're just part of your natural skin tone

~ Freckles DO NOT make you look ugly, so do not hate them!

~ Freckles are not bad for your skin!

~ Freckles are CUTE...and youthful looking

~ Whiter skin does not = beauty

~ Healthy Skin = Beauty

~ Be Yourself and Love the Skin you're born in!

And to make yourself feel even better, here are some pics of beautiful people with freckles. Most are famous celebrities, and if they have and flaunt their freckles, why shouldn't you?

Lucy Liu

Alexis Bledel

Lindsy Lohan

Megan Fox

America Ferrera

:) Precious Me

Black Tea & Smelly Feet?

 

 Know anyone with foot odour problems? 

Well here's a quick and natural remedy...

• Just soak feet in a solution of very strong black tea (like Lipton) for about 5 minutes. 

• Make sure you let the tea really steep and get dark 

(you'd probably need to use 4 - 5 tea bags per soak)

Why does this work?

The tannins in the tea change the PH of your skin and should eliminate the odour! 

Also, black tea contains a natural astringent called Tannic acid that helps to prevent your feet from perspiring

1 Minute Stress Relievers...

Stress flushes the body with cortisol and adrenaline, too much of which can raise blood pressure hence negatively affecting your cardiovascular and digestive systems. Sometimes it takes a while to feel really stressed out, but hopefully with these tips you can cool down much quicker than you heated up.
Here are some quick tips to keep stress away:


#1 (BY FAR) BREATHE
Take a few slow, deep cleansing breaths. Sit up straight, but not rigidly. Imagine slowly blowing your abdomen up like a balloon, moving the breath into your solar plexus, then up into your shoulders. Breathe out, consciously moving the air back out in the opposite order.


#2 RELAX
Particularly your muscles. Scan your body from the top of your head to each of your toes to monitor tension. Thinking specifically about each one leads it to relax. So say to yourself,  “head relax”, “shoulders relax”… until you do every part of your body.


#3 STRETCH
Any old stretch will do. I’m sure you have some old standbys. Just get yourself loosened up whether you’re at your desk, around the house or in the car stuck in traffic. Less muscle tension = a more relaxed you!


#4 FOCUS
Shut off that incessant chatter in your brain by focusing intently on anything: a picture, a cloud, a candle.. Now, don’t think.  Not easy I know, but if any thoughts drift into your mind just try to gently let them float by. This can really help clear your mind.

#5 LAUGH (my personal favourite)
A really INSTANT cure to stress... melts away stress and tension like a charm! :)

Click on the video for instant stress relief!

Ginger Goodness

Quick Facts About Ginger...

NOT THIS GINGER!!! LOL

The Real Ginger!

Ginger helps to relieve:

• motion sickness (good to keep some ginger sweets handy in the car!)
• migranes 
• high cholesterol (put more ginger into your curries!)
• arthiritis (put some fresh ginger into your daily cup of tea)
• high blood pressure
• lethal blood clots
• relieves bloating and gas

Apple Ice Cubes

Did you know that apples are a rich source of natural alpha hydroxy acid! 

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (aka AHA...which is now all the rave!) are an entire family of acids, which can be derived from fruit, milk or sugar. It works by exfoliating the skin; that is, causing the surface skin cells to slough off, revealing newer, less damaged skin cells beneath. So Ta Da! More youthful skin!


AHA is the main ingredient of a chemical peel which is done solely by a dermatologist. Remember, it is an acid and like all acids it can burn the skin if it's in a high enough concentration. For those of us who prefer not to take this risk, or who are just simply to cheap to get one done (like me!), luckily we have a more natural and safer alternative. Although the results won't be instant, it will be cumulative and you will see results after a few weeks of consistent application. And yes, you do find AHA in some commercial cosmetic creams, but natural is always better!

So this is how we use apple juice as our anti-aging tool. You simply pour all-natural apple juice (without preservatives or sugar added) into an ice tray and put it in the freezer until you have little wonderful apple juice ice cubes. Then, once you have frozen cubes, simply take one and glide it over the surface of freshly cleansed skin for a minute or two. Can you imagine how refreshing that would feel! And imagine a mini-facelift every morning!


You can always suck on any leftover apple juice ice-cube, after all it's only been on your own face right? ;)