Nature’s bounty of natural resources provides us with an array of wonderful ingredients bursting with effectiveness to enhance your natural beauty and express your individuality. Whether in search of a quick fix for everyday care or in need of a treatment for serious damage control, indigenous communities around the globe have discovered these secrets…
The dilemma:Dry, damaged, heat-styled, chemically treated hair
The fix:
Honey, aside from having natural anti-biotic properties, deeply conditions, softens and moisturises to leave dry hair instantly nourished, shiny and more manageable.
Brazil Nut Oil is rich in both Vitamin A and E and proteins, by deeply penetrating the hair shaft it helps condition and revive dry, fragile hair and prevent the dreaded frizz!
The inspiration…The Ancient Greeks used honey as a sunscreen and a moisturiser to leave skin soft and supple.
The dilemma:
Colour-treated hair
The fix:
Bilberry extract contains UV filters to prolong your colour intensity, as well as anti-oxidants to protect from environmental stressors such as sun and pollution.
TopTip:
Bilberry extract also protects your hair from sea and chlorine water, so is ideal for water-babies of all ages!
The dilemma:
Normal/Frequently washed hair
The fix:
Olive oil is rich in oleic acid and natural anti-oxidants, to condition and moisturise, while adding a non-greasy shine.
The inspiration…
Olive oil has been central to Mediterranean civilisations for centuries, for cooking, as an offering to the gods, and both internally and externally for health and beauty. In various cultures it has long symbolised longevity, fertility, maturity and peace.
The dilemma:The fix:
Tea Tree oil has natural anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties, so is ideal to cleanse excess oil from the skin’s surface, maintaining a clear, matte complexion.
The inspiration…
Tea Tree oil is so effective as a basic antiseptic that in World War 2, soldiers were issued a bottle along with their first aid kit – if it kept those wounds clean, imagine what it can do for your skin!
The dilemma:
Combination to oily skin
The fix:
Seaweed is nature’s most complete and balanced source of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Renowned for its conditioning and hydrating benefits, its non-oily nature makes it particularly suitable for combination to oily skin.
The inspiration…
Otherwise known as “sea vegetables”, seaweed has been consumed by coastal peoples since the earliest days, when special harvesting, processing and eating rituals evolved to meet local needs.
The dilemma:
Combination to dry / Sensitive skin
The fix:
Aloe vera gel contains over 75 different key nutritional compounds, including minerals, vitamins and amino acids. Its soothing and healing benefits make it the ideal solution for sensitive skin.
The inspiration…
Queen Nephrite of Ancient Egypt relied on aloe vera to maintain her unlined and youthful complexion by both drinking aloe juice and bathing in it.
The dilemma:
The fix:
Shea Butter , which melts right in to soften even chapped skin, contains essential fatty acids which form a barrier on the skin to protect and lock in moisture.
The inspiration…
Women in Ghana, West Africa, have used shea butter as a skincare product for centuries as a moisturiser, especially when the dry and dusty “Harmattan” winds blow in from the Sahara from November to January.
The dilemma:Sleepless nights / stressed out
The fix:
Camomile essential oil is soothing, calming and relaxing, and available in products ranging from tea to soothing bath soak.
Lavender essential oil promotes serenity and relaxation, soothing tired, aching muscles and calming the mind.
The inspiration…
Camomile was used in some love potions during the Middle Ages for its relaxing properties. It was also traditionally used at weddings and for washing the face and hair to attract lovers.
From the Latin word “lavere” which means ‘to wash’ the Romans used lavender frequently in their baths.
As in nature, the simplest solutions are often the most effective – Cleansing, polishing, protecting and treating your skin, hair and body on a regular basis will not only encourage you to take precious time out for yourself, its also all you need to leave you glowing with natural beauty and vitality!