Monday, September 29, 2014

USE OF LAVENDER TO IMPROVE SKIN AND ENHANCE BEAUTY



Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) –  major key ingredient in Herbally Radiant beauty formulations:

Popularly known as Lavender, and derived from the Latin word ‘lavare’(meaning cleansing), it has been in use in a variety of medicinal and beauty formulations since historic times - even Romans used lavender oils in perfumes and as cleansing agents.
It will be useful to learn the curative and healing properties of this wonder plant as it is being used in large number of beauty and skin care products everywhere.

ACNE  : In their book “Milady’s Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary,” Natalia Michalun and M. Varinia Michalun note that oily and acneic skin benefits from lavender-oil infused products that inhibit bacteria. The ingredient also works as an astringent and helps in normalizing oil production.

Redness Reducer : According to Linda Walker’s “The Skin Care Ingredient Hand Book,” lavender oil’s natural soothing properties and ability to reduce inflammation allow it to treat skin redness and conditions such as burns, eczema and psoriasis. Aggravated skin caused by stress can be calmed by lavender, as it also has stress-relieving properties.

Wonderful Healer : Lavender’s role as a normalizing agent extends to wounds and damaged skin. According to “Milady’s Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary,” the ingredient can help stimulate new cell growth and regeneration. It also mentions that Lavender’s skin-improving benefits can occur quickly, as the skin is able to absorb lavender oil speedily.
To harness the wonderful properties of Lavender, Herbally Radiant has been using it among the key ingredients for making excellent organic beauty formulations. These formulations have been designed to act effectively and gently in combination with selected herbs and plant-based chemicals. Its use especially in dealing with acne cases has been immensely beneficial to the customers.
Effective Beauty ingredient: Lavender essential oil also has anti-bacterial properties. In combination with other essential oils, it becomes an effective formulation in face cleansers, moisturizers, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner.  It repairs any damage caused to skin due to sun or atmospheric pollutants. The anti-aging products launched by HERBALLY RADIANT, namely: Rejuvenating and Radiant ranges, contain lavender which, along with other ingredients like aloe, extract of green and white tea, vitamin E and many others produce long lasting results, enhancing the natural beauty.
Most of the users have found  lavender aromatherapy to be gently relaxing; it is also reported to have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects.
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Saturday, September 27, 2014

OPT FOR NATURAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS & AVOID TOXIC CHEMICAL PRODUCTS



There are encouraging trends among consumers for more “sustainable” beauty products, unlike pharma-based products which are less eco-friendly and are potentially harmful for skin. A recent research report revealed that many of the 82,000 ingredients used in personal care products are industrial chemicals, including carcinogens, pesticides, reproductive toxins, and hormone disruptors. Many products include plasticizers (chemicals that keep concrete soft), degreasers (used to get grime off auto parts), and surfactants (they reduce surface tension in water, like in paint and inks).  Recent legislation banning use of micro-beads in skin care products is just one effort to eliminate use of plastic micro-beads which are proving environmentally disastrous.  

It is well known that many products carrying the ‘natural’ label might not have substantial natural ingredients to justify such claims, but manufacturers of such products are taking advantage of lax provisions of Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Act of 1938, and marketing their so-called ‘natural’ products blatantly and  with unverifiable claims.

Happily, top brand manufacturers are now increasingly engaged in searching for alternate plant-based formulations for their products. This is mainly due to the rising awareness among consumers to opt for natural products which are eco-friendly and, therefore, sustainable products. Consequently, in the currently valued $ 50 billion cosmetics industry in US, the share of plant-based products is going to rise steadily.

At HERBALLY RADIANT we are witnessing another trend where online companies are offering cheap, but potentially harmful, face care products. Some customers have come to us, and have stayed with our herbal products, after having suffered damage to their skin as a result of using cheap products bought from online companies. Such online companies are beyond the need to observe safety specifications in their formulations.

Bodies like EWG and other NGOs need to raise the level of public campaign about the adverse effects of toxic chemical ingredients in skin care products. The growing menace of such products being marketed aggressively could soon pose a public health issue as we are getting young children as new customers who have developed skin allergies because of the use of  unsafe products being marketed with glamorous claims.

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Friday, September 26, 2014

HEALTHY CHOICE FOR COSMETIC PRODUCTS

HERBALLY RADIANT has been closely following the developments relating to use of potentially harmful chemical agents and microbeads in many skin care products. Concerned at the risks with the use of microbeads, many US States are planning to ban their presence in their beauty products.  Top brand manufacturers like P&G, Uniliver, L'Oreal have announced that they are working on alternatives to microbeads which are presently present in their products.

Synthetic plastic microbeads are found in soaps and cosmetics, particularly in exfoliating lotions and creams, and environmental experts have been raising serious concern at this practice.

At HERBALLY RADIANT we have tested many natural ingredients which are more effective and skin friendly, making our organic beauty products very healthy.  Many products that we find in the market can be categorized more as petroleum jellies which act as a layer over skin, clogging the pores of the skin. On the other hand, our natural products take care of environmental concerns.

One more reason, therefore, to exercise choice for natural beauty enhnacing products.


Thursday, September 25, 2014

POTENTIAL RISK FROM ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS

Although there have been reports earlier of potential harm from the use of artificial sweeteners, it has now been confirmed by a team of researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, that artificial sweeteners, used in drinks like Diet Soda, have link to the gut bacteria, which in turn leads to other health problems.

According to the scientists, the use of artificial sweeteners have changed the composition of gut bacteria over time which explains why people are becoming more glucose intolerance.  This growing glucose intolerance has been found to lead to conditions like obesity and diabetes.

It is essential to maintain efficient digestive, and metabolic, systems.  The link of artificial sweeteners to many physical disorders, through gut bacteria, is now getting clearer, and those already suffering from obesity and diabetes need to take precautions of avoiding drinks or food which are made with artificial sweeteners.

Once again, we at Herbally Radiant, would appeal for opting natural ingredients both in food and in skin care products as a holistic approach to overall health.
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Tuesday, September 23, 2014

GROWING DEMAND FOR NATURAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS


The plant-based beauty products currently available in the market continue to generate buzz in the industry.  The niche players are building up their respective brands in order to secure dominant position in this growing business. At the same time, emerging markets like China and India are pushing forward with their own centuries old natural beauty formulations.

In the race for securing larger share of the market of natural beauty products, the existing pharma brands are also coming up with new products offering beauty benefits in the natural way – their wallet-friendly price points have more consumers investigating the new offerings.
One of the major factors in creating a more favorable consumer trend for natural products has been the fact that there is increased consumer familiarity with certain harsh chemicals that has given rise to many products with “free-from” claims, which have more tangible perceived benefits for consumers.

Going by the current trend, there is now sustained interest in natural and naturally positioned skin care products. This has led to increased availability of the skin-friendly products.  More and more consumers are taking interest in natural cosmetic products which are plant-based and nature-inspired.  Therefore, many established brands are now using thermal water as their key ingredient and are making their products paraben-free.

The trend is more noticeable in Europe where competition is also growing fiercely, resulting in major multinationals launching natural lines and retailers bringing out their own natural private label alternatives. In France, for example, Nuxe and Caudalie brands, natural pharmacy heritage lines, have not only doubled their sales in their home country, but also increased their availability across Europe and the US.  Both these brands are also reported to be the potential targets for acquisition for large, premium-focused players.

In short, consumers are taking deeper interest into the ingredients of the beauty products they use. Now they are more aware of the products which are plant-based but not organic and those products which combine the benefits of natural and high-tech results.  


At HERBALLY RADIANT we are always engaged in promoting use of natural organic skin care products. Some of the top anti-aging ranges launched by us, namely RADIANT and REJUVENATING (for different skin types) have proved to be increasingly popular and are now in good demand.   HERBALLY RADIANT supports all initiatives aimed at creating awareness among consumers of the harsh pharma-based beauty products, especially being marketed by on-line companies, which might have potentially harmful effect on skin.  Health of skin is essential in the interest of general fitness. 

Monday, September 22, 2014

AVOID ACNE FLARE UP UNDER STRESS

While discussing relief from acne, it is highlighted by experts that external stressful situation leads to flare up of acne condition.  Let us be clear about the fact that every one undergoes stress in one form or the other, but stress itself does not lead to acne build up.  It is a skin condition which can be aggravated by many factors.

According to Dr. Richard Granstein, Dermatologist, the nervous system which processes our stress, has an impact on conditions such as psoriasis.  He also adds that the nervous system and stress  affect inflammatory skin conditions in human.

To fight stress, body's defense mechanism activates itself and releases certain chemicals in reaction. A normal healthy skin does not reflect physical reaction to stress, but in acne conditions, this mechanism at times releases increased level of these chemicals which further aggravate the acne and other skin disorders.

The solution, therefore, is to bring acne under control and eliminate as early as it starts erupting. It is much easier to treat it effectively and eliminate in the initial stage. The treatment will differ from individual to individual depending upon skin type and the causes that lead to this condition.  Basically, with regular soft cleansing of facial skin and maintaining its pH balance, it can ward off any acne or similar condition.

Our long experience in natural organic beauty formulations tell us that the soft facial skin should not be subjected to any harsh chemical-based cleansing, or moisturizing. There are excellent natural cleansing formulations which are very skin friendly and which also provide rich nutrients to the skin. A healthy skin is able to maintain its pH balance easily.

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Friday, September 19, 2014

FEW HOME-MADE FORMULATIONS TO ENHANCE NATURAL BEAUTY




In good natural organic skin care products, turmeric is an important ingredient. It is also widely used as useful spice. So, apart from adding color, it has numerous medicinal and beauty enhancing properties. It has also become a part of rituals, especially during Indian traditional wedding ceremonies when turmeric paste is applied to the groom and bride’s bodies to enhance beauty.
Turmeric has been used as beauty product over the centuries. Here are some properties of turmeric that are very effective home remedies for several skin disorders and for developing a flawless skin.

Face Mask

Inlcluding turmeric in face mask enhances the beautifying effect. Since turmeric has excellent healing properties, it heals up any damage to skin due to sun or external pollutants. After you rinse off the turmeric based mask, you can feel the difference in the glow of the skin. Regular use will transform facial skin. (HERBALLY RADIANT has introduced an excellent turmeric-mineral based face mask powder for creating amazing effect on skin.)  

 Signs of Aging
Turmeric is an excellent exfoliating agent that can help fight the signs of aging. Take gram flour and turmeric powder in equal proportions and prepare a paste by adding water. You may alternately prepare this paste in raw milk or even yoghurt. Apply it evenly on your body and leave it till it dries off. Wash it off with lukewarm water and scrub your face gently in circular motion. 

Wrinkles
Turmeric can also be used in combination with other ingredients to reduce appearance of early wrinkles.
  • Add raw milk and tomato juice to rice powder and turmeric powder. Apply the paste and let it stay until it dries. Lactic acid present in milk will help peel off the dead skin cells.
  • You can add turmeric powder in buttermilk and sugarcane juice. This will work the best for dark circles and wrinkles.
  • Turmeric-honey paste can be applied on the face and neck to help exfoliate skin and keep a check on pores. 
Acne
Turmeric can take care of the scars and inflammation and also reduce oil secretion by sebaceous glands.
  • To prepare turmeric scrub, add a few drops of water and lemon juice to turmeric powder. Apply the paste on the acne affected area and leave it for about 15 minutes. Gently scrub it off your face with plain water.
  • One can also use turmeric and sandalwood mixture as an acne face pack and wash it off in approximately 10 minutes.
For acne scars, dab a mixture of turmeric and plain water and leave it on the marks for 15 minutes.
  • To control oil secretion, prepare a paste of sandalwood powder and ground turmeric with orange juice. Leave the paste on your face for 10 minutes and rinse it with lukewarm water. 
Stretch marks
Mixture of gram flour and turmeric in yoghurt/raw milk/water can help women lighten the stretch marks. 

Burns
In case you accidently burn your skin you can turn to turmeric for quick relief owing to its antiseptic properties. Prepare a mixture of turmeric and aloe vera gel. Apply it on the burn and notice how it heals the wound in no time. 
Facial hair
Chickpea flour or gram flour added to turmeric can be used as a facial scrub to inhibit hair growth. Be sure to apply this paste for about a month to notice results. Home remedies usually show results over a period of time upon consistent use. 

Thursday, September 18, 2014

BEWARE OF UNSAFE COSMETIC PRODUCTS FROM ONLINE SUPPLIERS.

There have been frequent reports of many online cosmetic companies marketing products which do not meet the safety standards. The latest news report reveals that at the instance of FDA and New Jersey authorities, various unproven and improperly labeled products have been seized. these were sold and marketed on line by cosmetic brand "Flawless Beauty".

The seized products are reported to contain Tationma Glutathione Collagen Whitening "kits".  None of these products have been proven safe or effective for their intended uses.

We keep getting customers who come to us with ill effects of different products they purchase from online suppliers.  Apparently, these are marketed with tall claims and offered at throw away prices. Large number of such online suppliers are trying to cash in on rising demand for whitening skin or anti-aging beauty products. The unsuspecting consumers are easily taken in by glamorous marketing and unverifiable claims made for these products.

While FDA is vigilant and trying to enforce controls to protect consumers' health, it is also very essential for the consumers to exercise caution, especially when tall claims are made on the labels. In order to protect their health they should ensure that they use safe and, if possible, reputed brand products.

As the manufacturer and retailer of natural organic beauty products, we (HERBALLY RADIANT) would recommend trying these natural products which do not have any harmful chemicals or toxins, are extremely effective and easily affordable.

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Wednesday, September 17, 2014

ENHANCE BEAUTY WITH MEDITATION AND RELAXATION

Looking beautiful is closely associated with the inner peace and calm. Meditation has many techniques which help us in improving health and beauty.  Several newspapers and journals, like Huffington Post, have been spreading the awareness of the benefits from meditation practices. Meditation has now evolved into a legitimate health craze, as research has firmly linked its practices to everything from improved cardiovascular health to cognitive benefits. Good health is so integral to skin and beauty, it is useful to refer to some of them.


Boosts immune system. Many studies have shown a link between regular mindfulness meditation program and better immune functions; meditation could improve the immune system in older people.

Lowers blood pressure.  Dr. Randy Zusman at Massachusetts General Hospital took patients being treated with typical high blood pressure medication and taught them a technique called the relaxation response; more than half experienced a drop in blood pressure, sometimes even resulting in reduced medication. Meditation could be helpful in managing the symptoms of high blood pressure.

Eases inflammation. University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds in the Waisman Center, identified a possible link between mindfulness meditation and the relief of inflammatory symptoms among people who suffer from chronic inflammatory conditions.

Reduces heart risk. A 2012 study published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes showed a link between Transcendental Mediation and a reduction in heart attack, stroke and early death from heart disease. The American Heart Association also says that the stress-busting benefits of different types of meditation can be a boon to heart health.

Mind: Increases gray matter. Meditation may just be exercise for the brain. MRI scans of long-time meditators has revealed that certain parts of brains were larger than those of a control group, particularly in regions known for emotion regulation. Another small study published in 2011 in the journal Psychiatry Research: showed that an eight-week mindfulness-based stress reduction program resulted in increases in gray matter in the hippocampus and areas of the brain tied to compassion and self-awareness.

Cultivates willpower. Stanford health psychologist Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D. remarked that  both physical exercise and meditation can help train the brain for willpower: "Meditation training improves a wide range of willpower skills, including attention, focus, stress management, impulse control and self-awareness. It changes both the function and structure of the brain to support self-control. ...  brain changes have been observed after eight weeks of brief daily meditation training."

Builds focus and concentration. A 2010 study published in Psychological Science showed that Buddhist meditation improved focus and attention on a task that was designed to be both boring and demanding. "People may think meditation is something that makes you feel good, and going on a meditation retreat is like going on vacation, and you get to be at peace with yourself," says Katherine MacLean, who worked at the University of California Davis. "That's what people think until they try it. Then you realize how challenging it is to just sit and observe something without being distracted."

Boosts cognitive function. Psychologists have identified a link between mindfulness training and increased standardized test scores, as well as improvements in working memory.  Dr. Sara Lazar, a neuroscientist at Massachusetts General Hospital, concluded that regular meditation may stave off the thinning of the brain's prefrontal cortex, and in turn declines in cognitive function, later in life.


Helps relationship satisfaction. Several studies find that a person's ability to be mindful can help predict relationship satisfaction — the ability to respond well to relationship stress and the skill in communicating one's emotions to a partner.

Increases compassion. A 2013 study from researchers at Northeastern and Harvard Universities suggested that meditation may be the key to unlocking compassion. It showed that  volunteers who underwent eight-week trainings in two types of meditation reacted more compassionately than those who hadn't meditated.



Physically changes the brain. University of Oregon in a study (2012) suggested that one type of Chinese mindfulness meditation could be associated with physical changes in the brain -- ones that might help stave off mental illness.


Cuts emotional reactivity. American psychologists have underlined that a recent supports the notion that mindfulness meditation decreases emotional reactivity. In a study of people who had anywhere from one month to 29 years of mindfulness meditation practice, researchers found that mindfulness meditation practice helped people disengage from emotionally upsetting pictures and enabled them to focus better on a cognitive task as compared with people who saw the pictures but did not meditate. Mindfulness meditation helps the brain to have better control over sensations, including negative emotions.

Helps sleep.   Deep sleep is essential for healthy living. Sleep deprivation or disorder shows on the skin, and on appearance.  At the2009 Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies suggested that teaching deep relaxation techniques during the daytime can help improve sleep at night.

Monday, September 15, 2014

HARSH AND HARMFUL TOXINS IN SKIN CARE PRODUCTS CAUSING ALLERGIES

At the recently held event "Cosme Tokyo", it was highlighted by many participants that increasing number of mothers now feel concerned at the exposure of their children's soft skin to the harsh and potentially toxic chemicals in many skin care products which are presently being marketed glamorously.

What has been worrying the mothers and would-be-mothers is that the incident of allergies, particularly among the young children, is on the rise steadily in recent years. Applying unsafe products could aggravate any condition, especially among babies.

Taking cue from this trend, top Japanese companies (Absiolute and Tapauch Natural Tech) are reported to be taking steps to eliminate many potentially harmful chemical toxins from their current products made for the children. Few French companies are also taking this opportunity to increase the medicinal plants based ingredients in their products to meet the increasing demand.

HERBALLY RADIANT  is happy to note that the trend for natural organic products is growing worldwide. We believe that it is the health aspect which is more important for everyone whether children or adults. Healthy skin free from spots and other disorders adds to the overall well being. The natural organic ingredients in any products make them safer, effective without any side effects.  Fortunately, there is nearly 18-20% annual increase in consumers of such such products now.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

ANTI-AGING TIPS WITH NATURAL COSMETICS



There may not be a fountain of youth, but the food we eat and how we treat ourselves can prevent or even reverse aging. Your body needs the right nutrients to fight off damage, and your skin is no different. Nutrients help the cells replicate and have more energy. Processed foods, stress, toxins and low-nutrient diets will accelerate aging. Protecting yourself from harmful chemicals while getting enough sleep, relaxation and exercise will all help you maintain a healthy glow. 

1. Drink plenty of water :Even with a small amount of dehydration, your body functions in a less optimal way. The instant you're dehydrated, it will take a toll on your skin, causing it to look dull, flaky, saggy and loose.

2. Eat foods with antioxidants: These the best resources your body has to fight disease and aging by reducing damage and inflammation. Inflammation is a leading cause of wrinkle formation. Some of the best sources of antioxidants include:
  • Blueberries
  • Pomegranates
  • Acai berries
  • Goji berries
  • Spinach
  • Raspberries
  • Nuts
  • Seeds 
  • Purple grapes
  • Dark chocolate (70% or higher of cocoa content)
  • Organic green tea
3. Have a rainbow-colored plate of food:Free radicals form in our bodies and cause major damage to our cell structures. The different nutrient-rich foods we eat neutralize them. You need to consume the widest variety of antioxidants you can to fight off the different kinds of free radicals. Think about what colors you've missed throughout the day, and try to incorporate them into your next meal.

4. Eat organic foods: This curtails consumption of aging toxins. 

5. Limit your sun exposure: Small amounts of daily sun produce vitamin D and are beneficial, but too much sun will damage your skin. Don’t forget to wear your sunglasses, and use zinc or titanium dioxide sunscreen.

6. Opt for natural skin products: Many skincare products contain harsh chemicals. When choosing moisturizers or makeup, research the ingredients in them the best you can to confirm that they're safe. 

7. Use non-toxic cleaning products: It is imperative to limit exposure to toxic chemicals because the skin absorbs them.

8. Own a plant: Indoor pollution levels can be even higher than outdoor levels. A plant in your home or by your desk at work will act as an air filter.

9. Get enough vitamin C: A diet rich in
vitamin C leads to fewer wrinkles. Researchers have found that skin exposed to vitamin C for long periods of time can produce up to eight times more collagen!

10. Avoid sugar: It leads to damaged collagen and elastin, which cause wrinkles. 

11. Eat healthy fats: Incorporating foods such as avocados, olive oil, flax seeds, nuts and fish into your diet is important. The fatty acids are crucial for your skin to look youthful.

12. Cleanse your body: A build up of toxins in the body due to the air, water and food causes damage to the body as well as aging. Detoxing by way of a juice cleanse is recommended for the body to be able to focus on energy production and eliminating toxins. Having a glass of water with squeezed lemon first thing in the mornings is also very cleansing.

13. Engage in activities that relieve stress: High levels of stress will compromise your skin. Consider yoga or meditating. Eliminate problematic people and activities from your life. Confide in your friends and openly talk to them about your worries and troubles. 

14. Sleep: You skin rejuvenates and repairs itself mostly while you are asleep. Make sure that you not only sleep for eight hours a night, but that it is quality sleep.

15. Regular physical work-out :It increases the circulation of oxygen and nutrients and releases toxins through sweat, which leads to clearer, firmer skin. Remember to smile. It’s the best exercise for your face.