Friday, November 21, 2014

ALOE - NATURE'S AMAZING GIFT IN BEAUTY CARE REGIME



In our herbal skincare and beauty products (herballyradiant), we use aloe (botanical name: Aloe Barbadensis) extensively because of its excellent healing and regenerating properties. Aloe gel is the clear, jelly-like substance extracted from the inner part of the aloe plant leaf.  Aloe is also used in medicinal products. Here we can just go through its application and efficacy in beauty products.
The chemicals in aloe gel are able to increase circulation in the tiny blood vessels in the skin, and kill bacteria. Application of aloe promotes healthier skin, strengthens immune system of skin cells. It can hydrate through three epidermal layers of the skin. Thus, it provides the benefit of driving nutrients and other constituents into the deeper layers of the skin, which promote epidermal health. The changes in the skin as a result of application of aloe might even help skin disorder like psoriasis.
Aloe is an indispensable part of any herbal dispensary. It has antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral compounds that help prevent wound infections and speed heeling up process. It also has immune-stimulating and anti-inflammatory compounds, and it stimulates collagen synthesis and skin regeneration after sun damage or burn. It is also rich in vitamins C and E, besides minerals like zinc.  
Among specific uses and benefits of aloe, we find that it :

i)provides hydration to the skin,
ii)promotes healthy, refreshed and attractive appearance,
iii)reduces appearance of damaged skin,
iv)protects skin from prolonged exposure to sun and other external pollutants,
v)strengthens and regenerates healthy skin cells, preventing premature aging of skin, reduces appearance of lines and wrinkles,
vi)effectively improves skin damaged due to acne or due to other skin disorders.

(Consumers must bear in mind the fact that aloe-based products (like face creams, lotions, cleansers)  in most of the retail outlets contain less than 1%-10% aloe vera. However, it has been reported after studies that a minimum of 30% concentration of aloe is essential to derive optimum benefits out of it.)

Aloe butter is a proprietary cosmetic “butter” developed exclusively for cosmetic purposes. It is an extract of aloe vera in a coconut fatty fraction. It is solid at room temperature, but melts on the skin. 

At Herbally Radiant, we use aloe leaf juice in our top of anti-aging beauty products:  REJUVENATING and RADIANT. These are made in the form of Cleanser, Toner, Cream, Mask and Serum.  We combine aloe with other selected herbs and essential oils to help create amazing effect on the skin.  The regenerative properties of the natural ingredients transform the skin into a bright, healthy, flawless and revitalized facial skin.   
To avail of the immense benefits of nature’s gift : aloe vera, along with rich nutrients from other herbs, consumers might use REJUVENATING (Oily and Combination skin) or RADIANT (Dry and Combination skin type).  We have received excellent reviews from our loyal customers.  Experience the wonderful amazing effects of aloe-based beauty care. Contact:  www.shop.herballyradiant.com. (Shipping is free within US and Canada.)
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Wednesday, November 19, 2014

HEALTHY SKIN ABSORBS NUTRIENTS EFFICIENTLY



Being the largest organ of the body, our skin is alive and quite sensitive to anything that it touches or anything that is applied on it. It has a rhythm : an inhalation and an exhalation, absorbing oxygen, nutrients, sensing light and regulating heat and cold.  It releases  carbon dioxide, sheds dead skin cells and completely regenerates itself every 3-4 weeks. 

Made up of literally millions of tiny dermal passages, regulating the inward movement of air, fluids, heat and light, a healthy skin can breathe through these passages unobstructed, and each breath  activates the absorption of nutritive substances and stimulates vital functions of a restorative nature. 

The upper layers of the skin rely on, and are, largely supplied by atmospheric oxygen. This molecular oxygen is vital to support the normal structure and activity of cells. This protective organ of our body interacts with other organ systems, such as digestion, and is the on-side manufacturer of roughly fifty per cent of our immune cells. It is unbelievably flexible, and is resilient fabric providing shape to the skeletal and muscular body. It is in a constant state of homeostasis, displaying exceptional healing abilities.

One of the most important functions of skin at night is to repair and renew. During the night metabolism and respiration slow down, and we are in our deepest rest.  Along with the lungs and kidneys, the skin is one of three major pathways the body uses to release metabolic impurities from the digestive process, and it does this through tiny dermal pores.

The fundamentals necessary to creating and maintaining healthy skin include a balance of nourishing foods and pure water, time spent in quiet contemplation, and exercise that encourages a healthy sweat and deep breathing.

Most of the pharma or petro-based face creams and similar lotions spread a coating, or cover the pores of skin, thus interfering with its own natural functions.  On the other hand, the fine molecules of natural organic products are able to get absorbed into the skin – we need to keep in mind that two per cent of what we apply on our skin finds its way to our blood stream. 

Keeping these factors in mind, the top of the range  Herbally Radiant natural anti-aging products (REJUVENATING and RADIANT) have been formulated with very rich nutrients to improve firmness, elasticity and resilience of the skin, making the skin texture soft and smooth. For best results, these can be applied at night so that they work effectively, helping the skin to fight aging signs, virtually rejuvenating it and leaving it with a youthful radiant glow.

Details of these anti-aging Cleanser, Toner, Cream, Serum, Mask are at www.herballyradiant.com (shipping free).
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Monday, November 17, 2014

WHAT IS AGING, AND HOW TO PREVENT PREMATURE AGING OF SKIN




Our bodies are in the continuing process of aging.  The pace of aging varies according to the DNA map. Aging involves our whole being – it’s biological, physical, psychological and cultural process. Our immune system becomes less efficient and weakens. The connective tissue in our skin produces more collagen than elastin, so there is less elasticity in our skin. Free radicals also take their toll on various cells which adversely impact on skin.  

We are now aware of the factors that speed up the process of aging, especially of the skin. Each of the factors that have damaging effect on skin can be attended to in a variety of ways. These can be identified in each case and the causes that lead to damage or premature aging of skin can be eliminated. 

There are indeed thousands of skincare products in the market, all claiming to bring age-defying benefits, though most of the consumers have experienced that vast majority of them have no effect in reducing the aging appearance. It is mainly the glamorous marketing and lofty unverifiable claims that tend to influence many customers initially. Most of them do not display the actual ingredients on their label, leaving the customers at the mercy of their selling techniques. 

With our long experience in herbal organic cosmetics, we have found some of the best plant ingredients that are extremely beneficial to the skin and are effective in maintaining the natural health of the skin. We have identified  most effective ingredients from extracts of plants, flowers and herbs to create amazing effect on skin.  These special formulations launched by Herbally Radiant have helped large number of our customers in preventing or reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, firming up skin and dealing with uneven skin tone or age spots. 

At Herbally Radiant, we recognize the fact that ultimately anti-aging regime is aimed at looking younger with revitalized and bright skin. The herbal ingredients that we have chosen to include in our anti-aging range of products (Rejuvenating and Radiant), have, in fact, been used in beauty formulations for centuries in different places, and their efficacy and reliability needs no further reiteration. 

We have especially focused on those organic ingredients which are high in antioxidants as well as have anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties. The success of any anti-aging product is well reflected in brighter complexion of skin which retains adequate moisture and looks well nourished.
Some of the best natural organic ingredients in good anti-aging products are :-

1.      Essential Oils: There many types; and these are very effective when combined with compatible ingredients for the best results.

2.      Chamomile. This wonderful herb has clinically proven anti-inflammatory and repairing properties. It neutralizes skin irritants, is antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic, while, at the same time, preventing deterioration of skin cells. 

3.   Lavender. Much like Chamomile, it is also immensely beneficial to skin, being anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial, healing any wound or damage to skin, stimulating cellular growth and regeneration. Lavender leaves are rich in silica (mineral) content and can strengthen connective tissues. It is, therefore, among the most effective natural ingredients in skincare products. 

4.   Green Tea. This wonderful drink also offers many benefits. With powerful antioxidants, it is effective in anti-aging formulations. Its main compound is catechin which has been shown to protect cells from free radicals, which also provide UV protection and improve the appearance and hydration of skin. 

5.   Rose and rosehip.  Both rose petal extract and rosehip extract are well known for their anti-aging properties. Rose oil is found helpful for ensuring adequate moisturization and maintaining efficient process of regeneration. Rose petals and rose buds are beneficial to all skin types, and have been used for centuries in beauty formulations.   

6.  Horsetail (equisetum arvense). This ancient herb is described as soothing, healing and softening. The plant has a rich silica (mineral) content and can strengthen connective tissue. Horsetail is said to provide a healthier skin tone and regenerate the skin. It is also said to absorb the most gold from the soil than any other plant (minute amounts) so this herb is precious in many different ways.

      These are only few of the powerful herbs which are immensely useful in preparing wonderful beauty formulations. There are hundreds of other powerful herbs and plants which also provide amazing results in preventing premature appearance of lines, wrinkles and spots. It might not be possible to enumerate each of them.  However, it is advisable to understand their properties and application while planning age-defying beauty care.

      A good alternative would be to try the anti-aging Cleanser, Toner, Moisturizer and Mask which were launched by Herbally Radiant in 2010. With a fine combination of special natural ingredients and essential oils, these have received excellent reviews from our customers (see ‘customer reviews’ at www. Herballyradiant.com).
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Saturday, November 15, 2014

EFFECTIVE SUNSCREEN FORMULATION FROM PLANT BASED MOLECULES

The Journal of American Chemical Society has published results of an interesting study, by the scientists at Purdue University, which discovered in plants a group of molecules called "sinapate esters' that are produced and sent to the outer layer of the leaves to protect leaves themselves from sun any damage.

The scientists observed: "This molecule is a fantastic sun screen and can absorb a remarkably broad spectrum of UV-B light - the entire spectrum.  The broad spectrum is exactly what is needed for a good sunscreen."

The latest findings only confirm what experts in organic formulations have been highlighting for many years. There are many molecules in different plants which act as most effective natural sunscreen.  At Herbally Radiant we have been basing organic formulations for use as sunscreen protection with aloe barbadensis as one of the key ingredients.  When combined with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (also plant-based), the product comes out as a gentle sun protection lotion that also keeps skin well moisturized and smooth.

This special formulation is 'Body Day Cream' (priced at $ 12.90 for 4 oz jar), and it has turned out to be quite a favorite with large number of customers.

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Thursday, November 13, 2014

AMAZING EFFECTS OF TEA EXTRACTS IN ORGANIC COSMETICS



To make skin-friendly powerful herbal organic beauty formulations, we have been using tea extracts, among other ingredients, for their immensely beneficial properties.  

Let us take green tea, for example, which is a routine beverage in Asian countries. Green tea has natural antioxidants called Polyphenols which help block the development of skin-cancer cells. In many experiments conducted by scientists it has been found that a lotion containing the antioxidant (ECGC) in green tea extracts led to reduction of acne breakouts by 80 to 90 per cent. We recommend that beauty formulations should contain at least a one per cent concentration of ECGC for effective results.  

Other benefits of green tea extracts are :

i)                    Fight Free Radicals : It contains a cocktail of potent antioxidants called catechins, (Free radicals can form in your skin for a variety of reasons, including exposure to toxins. However, the most common cause of free radicals in skin cells is UV radiation from sunlight, which causes up to 90% of all signs of premature aging.) 

ii)                  Neutralize UV Light : In several scientific studies, green tea extract was shown to neutralize the damage done by exposure to UV rays. (Since exposure to sunlight is a major factor that ages the skin, it is reasonable to assume that green tea cream could help prevent premature aging.)

iii)                Prevent Skin Cancer: A 2003 study published in the American Chemical Society discovered that green tea prevents skin cancer by blocking the harmful enzyme junk-2.  Another 2007 study conducted in the UK revealed that those who drank two or more cups a day had a 65% lower risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma. And drinking tea with lemon boosts its anti-cancer properties. 

iv)                Rejuvenate Skin Cells : One study in 2003 by Dr. Stephen Hsu of the Medical College of Georgia Department of Oral Biology, found that green tea was able to rejuvenate old skin cells that were at the end of their life cycle. He concluded therefore that  green tea constituents may be useful topically for promoting skin regeneration, wound healing, or treatment of certain epithelial conditions such as aphthous ulcers, psoriasis, rosacea, and actinic keratosis.

v)                  Promotes elasticity when taken regularly, and thus helps reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps increase skin elasticity when taken regularly, thereby speeding up the process to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles even if it can’t remove them completely. 

vi)                Fight Inflammation: It has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. If your skin is very sensitive and often red, products containing green tea extract may help soothe it.

vii)              Improve Psoriasis and Dandruff Conditions: People with skin conditions such as psoriasis, rosacea, and dandruff, which are caused by inflammation, may benefit  most from the anti-inflammatory action of the chemicals in green tea. This was supported by a 2007 study in Experimental Dermatology, which concluded green tea was shown to significantly lessen the severity of psoriasis in mice. 

viii)            Sooth Acne and Lighten Skin: We have mentioned above about the antioxidant ECGC which helps in acne breakouts. In addition, green tea catechins are anti-bacterial and can decrease hormone activity. This means green tea is an effective way to control acne, without the unpleasant side effects of benzoyl peroxide-based creams. This was supported by a 2003 study by Dr. Jennifer Gan-Wong of Memorial Medical Center in the Philippines which showed that green tea cream or lotion was excellent for the skin. 

We at Herbally Radiant, therefore, use green tea extract in many of our top of the range products like:  Rejuvenating and Radiant; these  also contain a combination of essential oils that work in tandem with  other ingredients to create a rejuvenated and radiant facial skin. These formulations have been very popular with customers who have experienced reduction in appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

For acne disorder, Herbally Radiant uses tea tree essential oil which has made its Clean range products, especially made for relief to acne victims, extremely effective, leaving the skin smooth, bright and flawless.
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