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Consistency is key when maintaining skin health.

The basics of cleansing, balancing and moisturizing have been around for decades and they still hold true today.

Without the basics there is no foundation to build upon.  

1       CLEANSE 

Cleansing removes dirt, impurities, oil, pollutants and dead skin cells. A build up of these impurities can lead to dullness, dryness and blocked pores increasing the chance of inflammation and possibly acne.

Know what you are using. The pH of your cleanser should be balanced and contain no toxic ingredients or synthetic fragrance.

Citrus foaming milk cleanser is pH balanced and designed for all skin types. Crafted with Tazman Pepperberry, sourced from the cold mountains of Tasmania for its anti-inflammatory properties.

HOT TIP: Taking the time to use circular motions all over your face and neck emulsifying the cleanser with water will benefit your skin immensely. Rinse away with warm water for fresh clean skin

2       BALANCE 

Did you know that moist skin is actually more permeable than dry skin? According to research it is actually 10x more permeable. Serums and your moisturiser will work more effectively when applied to damp clean skin.

We balance the skin after cleansing with More than rose hydration mist. Just as the name suggests this is much more than a rose spray. Certified organic aloe vera is an amazing humectant that maintains moisture and soothes the skin. Infused with an indigenous berry complex and enriched with sodium hyaluronate, the gold standard for improved hydration. Created for all skin types.

3       MOISTURISE  

When we moisturize we are supporting our skin barrier. If the skin barrier is broken or impaired then our skin cannot function optimally. Moisturisers form a seal to prevent transepidermal water loss. Highly prized plant oils begin to repair and support the skin barrier and its function. Moisturisers seal in all the goodness and protect your skin from outside aggressors.

Hydration day cream is our go to moisturiser for almost every skin type. It is a lightweight powerhouse of antioxidants, and maintains the skins integrity with pure plant oils as well as the latest in stimulating stem cell plant botanicals.

Join the revolution of clean non-toxic skin care and feel the difference.

Great skin always starts with 1-2-3…Repeat!

#cleanbeauty

#skincareinisolation

#greenbeauty

#non-toxicskincare

#ethicalbeauty



I remember being an 18year old heading off to purchase my very first 'perfume' in a duty free shop…that bottle lasted me 2 years and by then (thank goodness) I had landed in the world of natural medicine and beauty. I was educated early on in the importance of pure aromas, I became fascinated with aromatherapy and held tight a trusty collection of over 30 oils and as they say in the classics, the rest was history.

To be completely honest, I wasn’t avoiding perfume because I thought they were harmful, I was avoiding them because they gave me headaches and increased my asthma so intuitively I just knew they must not be good for me.

Fast forward to 2020 and the beauty industry is well aware of the potentially harmful side effects of these toxins. Synthetic fragrance is in everything around us. Perfume, hair care, skincare, air fresheners and cleaning products. The air around us is literally swimming in microscopic toxic chemicals.

A 1986 report by the National Academy of Sciences noted that 95% of chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum, and include many other known toxic chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. A 2001 study by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that synthetic fragrances were often shown to contain hormone disruptors linked to abnormal cell reproduction.

Up until about eight years ago this conversation was not being widely discussed. There are now many scientific studies, all showing health problems related to artificial fragrance. Phthalates are a major concern in this area so for more information on Phthalates read here:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/feb/10/phthalates-plastics-chemicals-research-analysis

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phthalate

Why do businesses keep using these toxic substances?

Firstly it comes down to money, it is cheaper to use artificial fragrance, and sadly with the current laws, they do not need to disclose what chemicals have gone into making that 'secret' one of a kind aroma.

Secondly, artificial fragrances last longer, they stick to your skin, they stick to the air and they stick to your clothes.

There are 3 main pathways these chemicals enter your system:

• skin absorption (body moisturizer, face creams)
• ingestion (food and water)
• inhalation (polluted air, spraying perfume and deodorant around the room)

Why are plant based pure aroma’s so much better?

• they do not contain harmful chemicals that are potential carcinogens, hormone disruptors and allergens
• pure plant aromas are part of the ancient art of aromatherapy, these extracted oils can:
  • evoke a sense of calm
  • uplift and energise
  • enhance focus

Every Organic Nation product has its own unique aroma, crafted by us for its connection to the product.

• citrus foaming milk cleanser uses a citrus oil blend, which are naturally uplifting and cleansing.
• detoxifying clay whip is infused with Niaouli and Frankincense for their antiseptic and healing properties, while providing a fresh earthy slightly woody aroma.
• superactive7 serum has an aroma blend of over 7 essential oil, 2 of these are neroli and ylang ylang, are part of that blend bringing a sweet, spicy slightly citrus aroma.

Next time you take a deep breath and enjoy the aroma of your favourite moisturiser, serum or mist, ask yourself 'am I inhaling pure plant aromas that support my well-being, or am I taking in toxic chemicals?'

Be kind to yourself and be kind to the planet.

Revolutionary skincare #loveon

References:

1. Anne Steinemann (2017) Fragranced consumer products: effects on asthmatics
2. Amy Westervelt (2015) Phthalates are everywhere, and the health risks are worrying. How bad are they really?

The skin is a truly miraculous organ and often very underestimated. The largest organ in the body, this protective barrier shields our precious inner sanctum against the outside world. It works 24/7 to protect us against the weather, dangerous chemicals, microbes and toxins, which, lets face it, are better out than in.

Fact: Many spend a lifetime trying to change the skin on their face without really understanding some of the fundamentals about its composition.

Quick biology lesson: The outermost layer of the epidermis is the Stratum Corneum and this is the area we are talking about when we discuss barrier function.

This area is like a brick wall, the cells are the bricks and the mortar between the bricks are lipids, which hold together this beautifully crafted brick wall, our skin barrier. If there are cracks in the wall then we have a compromised skin barrier and this can lead to:

• dehydration from lack of water. Your skin can be dehydrated and oily because it will try to compensate.
• acne breakouts, due to excess sebum trying to compensate with the dehydration
• itchiness and sensitivity as the compromised barrier struggles to fight off external irritants like pollution, bacteria, UV rays, smoke and toxic ingredients.
• redness and inflammation
• dull, uneven rough skin, this occurs because of everything above.

What causes a compromised skin barrier?

Our skin works really hard at fighting off aggressors and it certainly is no shrinking violet when it comes to actively fighting the outside world! If we abuse our skin with:

• harsh cleansers
• over exfoliation
• excessive peeling
• excessive use of treatments that damage the skin
• sun exposure
• poor diet

These just wear it down, leading to  an impaired skin barrier which subsequently requires lots of effort to get it back to the strong independent protective barrier it was designed to be.

How do you get oils into your skin?

• you are what you eat. Think avocado’s, nuts, cold pressed olive oil
• topically…apply it to your face, body and hair

There is a reason why every ancient culture that was connected to the earth used plant oils to nourish skin and support health...they work.

Plant oils are a miracle from nature they:

• nourish
• protect
• are anti-microbial
• are anti-fungal
• non-comedogenic (will not clog your pores)
• some oils even act as a penetration enhancer (it helps other ingredients travel into the skin), jojoba is one of these
• cleanse
• have anti-oxidant benefits

Supernatural8 is a powerhouse of 8 plant oils, each chosen for their individual benefits. Hydration day cream and Absolute night cream also include specific plant oils designed to strengthen and restore the integrity of the skin barrier.

If I was ever stranded on a desert island - oils would save my skin - and a hat of course.

Are you ready to add oils into your life?

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Find your perfect hydrating oil companions:

• supernatural8
• hydration day cream
• absolute night cream
• vanillamint body moisturiser

Powerful and persuasive art has a social function, challenging our understanding of the world in which we live and how we operate within it.

Hydration is a key component if we want our skin to burst with vitality. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a brilliant ingredient for this.

When you have been working in the skin care industry for as long as I have you see many ingredient trends come and go, it is easy to become jaded with all the claims that are made. Let's take a deeper look at hyaluronic acid.

We change our wardrobe, our make-up even our food choices when the seasons move from endless summer days to cosy winter nights. Humidity levels in our surrounding environments decline in the colder months, this leads to drier air, which sadly means our skin has more moisture drawn away from it. Our skin can become drier, even flakey. Indoor heating leads to water evaporating from our skin, we are often left with a lackluster, parched appearance.

As the weather changes shift your skin care into another gear and you will be pleasantly surprised by the results.

This daily ritual each morning or last thing at night will reduce blemishes, sun spots and make your hands and cuticles softer and more beautiful.

We are all short on time, so here is a quick tip for the shower that will keep your  skin vibrant and allows serums and moisturiers to work more effectively.

Apart from ageing our skin has to cope with heat, cold, dryness and humidity, pollution, the sun and a bunch of other things through out the year.

Ageing makes the skin's natural exfoliation process slow down, leaving skin looking tired and dull. The outer most layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, keeps moisture in and nasties out. If this outer layer is not taken care of skin can look thinner, dull and flakey.

Exfoliating with a scrub removes built-up dead skin to help refresh and enliven the skin's natural appearance. Everyone (including men), can benefit from exfoliation 1-3 times a week.

Scrubbing not only removes unwanted dead cells, it also invigorates and increases circulation giving skin a natural glow and renewed freshness. (Remember to make sure there are no nasty plastic microbeads in your scrub that are detrimental to our ecosystems, and lets face it, why would you use a petrochemical product on your skin?)

Regular exfoliation, will also help your skincare serums and moisturizers work more effectively to support your skin to be the best it can be.

Quick tip...if don't have time to exfoliate, add our black rice scrub to the citrus foaming milk cleanser to create a quick skincare fusion - use in the shower - voila - an instant glow.

And, don't forget your body...dry brushing is a fabulous way to restore clarity and freshness to your entire body. Dry brush prior to showering and complete with a nourishing body moisturiser.

Yours in wellness

Vanessa Jilly (vanessa@organicnation.com.au)

Co-Founder, Ethics Director + International Trainer

Organic Nation