ALGAE IS NEW POWERFUL INGREDIENT IN BEAUTY FORMULATIONS

More and more quality conscious women are choosing their beauty products which contain Algae (commonly referred to as Seaweed). In Japan, the use and study of Seaweed, is light years away from any research done elsewhere.  Algae has become hot topic among cosmetic ingredients who have cited many studies to the effect that algae can stabilize minerals that aid in skin moisturization; that it has anti-acne properties without the irritation of over the counter drugs; and it may help with skin lightening.

Algae growing in waters which are free from pollution, can absorb, like a sponge, much more vitamins, minerals and beneficial substances.  Algae in other latitudes present much less absorption rates and in many cases, a great part of the absorption is contamination.
We have seen many useful drugs which contain algae extracts. These extracts are very simple, chlorophyll-containing organisms in a family that includes more than 20,000 different known species; and contain vitamin A, sugar, starch, vitamin B1, iron, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and calcium. In cosmetics, algae act as thickening agents, water-binding agents, and antioxidants. Some algae are also potential skin irritants. For example, the  phycocyanin present in blue-green algae has been suspected of allergenicity, and of causing dermatitis on the basis of patch tests.

Skin experiences more dryness during cold season, and with, needing right kind of powerful nourishing moisturizer. In cold, skin’s capacity to absorb nutrients also grows.  To protect skin from dryness, one has to prevent water loss which is key to maintaining skin’s moisture. Emollients are lubricating ingredients that prevent water loss and have a softening, protective and smoothing effect on skin. A healthy, intact barrier lets skin look smooth, soft and moist – exactly the opposite of dry skin.

Many cosmetic manufacturers are heavily advertising their products which contain substances like hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, cholesterol and ceramides. However, it is for the consumers to make sure that the ingredients in these products do not contain such substances which pose potential risk to the skin.

At HERBALLY RADIANT, we have included algae in a new product “Body Polish”, an amazing formulation to exfoliate and nourish soft skin.  Along with blue green algae, it contains sea salt, almond oil, vitamin E, avocado  and coconut oil, besides other rich ingredients to reinvigorate and revitalize skin in natural way. Priced at $ 34.90 (shipping free) ( 4 oz jar), (also available in 2 oz jar for $ 20.90)“Body Polish” is the best natural organic product to exfoliate and nourish, leaving a soft supple and radiant skin.

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CRUCIAL AROMATIC ROLE OF ESSENTIAL OILS IN NATURAL BEAUTY FORMULATIONS

Aromatherapy is a way of employing essential oils to protect, heal and beautify skin. Our sense of smell is primal and the most evocative sense man possesses.  It is connected to our limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for memory, breathing, blood circulation and regulation of hormones.  Essential oils are therefore attracting more attention and emerging as scientifically proven and accepted remedies.  

Out of more than 90 Essential Oils (EOs), Herbally Radiant uses selective EOs to enhance beauty the natural way. This procedure is meant to assist skin’s natural ability to balance, regulate, heal and restore its natural glow. These penetrate skin via hair follicles and sweat glands, and get absorbed in body fluids. Tiny molecules of EOs are immediately absorbed into the blood stream when inhaled as the drugs oxygenate the blood.

The EOs derived from flowers, plants, resins and roots, are the basic life force of organic flowers and plants, and are very effective in helping increase circulation and promote new cell growth, while eliminating toxins. As antispasmodic, analgesic, antibacterial, antiseptic, astringent, chologogue, febrifuge, sudorific, antidepressant, deodorant, anti-inflammatory, their therapeutic effect on body, mind and spirit is amazing, creating a calming and soothing effect, so helpful in organic beauty care.

Entering through the Cillia (the fine hairs lining the nose) to the limbic system which, when stimulated, releases endorphins, neurotransmitters and other 'feel-good' chemicals, EOs control our moods, emotions, state of skin and general appearance, memory and learning, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, stress levels and hormonal balance. Stress-free mind is essential for good health as well as for maintaining well hydrated , revitalized, wrinkle-free and shining skin.

In Herbally Radiant products, special care has been taken to choose the right blend of EOs, with most compatible base or carrier oil.  The special combination of EOs used in its anti-aging formulations (Rejuvenating and Radiant) produce long lasting amazing results. The mixing of EOs and base oil is done in incremental steps by trained persons.

Different EOs are used in facial and body treatments and different skin types react differently to EOs. Aromatherapy during pregnancy should be undertaken carefully. 

Right kind of EOs effectively improve skin tone, reduce inflammation, increase blood circulation, relieve tension, stress and headaches, regulate hormones, relax muscles , stimulate the immune system and energize the whole system.

After successfully testing Tea Tree EO blend, Herbally Radiant has launched new range of Cleansers, Toners, Serums and Scrubs under the CLEAN range, especially to address acne, black spots, lines and many skin disorders. The special CLEAN range formulations have already received good customer reviews. (Shipping is free).

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DO YOU KNOW HOW TO GET RID OF FREE RADICALS AND ENHANCE BEAUTY?

Our skin is routinely exposed to stressful environmental factors such as pollutants and UV radiation, which produce a large number of aggressive oxidants that damage all the biological skin cell membranes. Free radicals are the result of oxidative cell metabolism.

A great number of plants and plant extracts, which have been studied, tested and used for centuries, produce effective antioxidative action. Flavonoids like Rutin and phenolic compounds like Hesperidin derivates also have anti-tumor, antiviral and antibacterial activities, antiradical and antioxidative activities. Among the characteristics of polyphenols of Green tea and Yerba Mate are prevention of adverse effects caused by UV radiation, with a reduction of oxidative damage and reduction in metalloproteinase production.

The extracts of fruits like grapes, peanuts, mulberries, vegetables have shown to be improving fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and overall appearance. The chemicals derived from such herbs are: Apigenin, a nontoxic botanical-derived fiavonoid,  Curcumin obtained from the turmeric rhizome (Curcuma longa), Proanthocyanidins from the seeds of grapes (V. vinifera)], and Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in numerous plant species including grapes, peanuts, fruits, red wine, and mulberries.

These natural ingredients possess the ability to protect skin from harmful UV-induced effects by displaying antimutagen, antioxidant, free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties. Considered to be most common of the Asiatic folk medicines, these act as anti-inflammatory agent on neutrophil functions, including ROS generation.

Similarly, antioxidant characteristics of essential oils like Rose, Jasmine, Lemon , Ylang Ylang  and Tea Tree have shown amazing effects in removing the free radicals and transforming skin into fine rejuvenated shape. Besides protecting skin from microorganism, these ingredients get absorbed into the skin and seal natural moisture with invisible shield.

The Herbally Radiant ranges of Rejuvenating and Radiant skin-care Cleanser, Toner, Cream, Serum, have been formulated as the top of the range age-defying products. The aloe based cleanser and toner are combined with activated charcoal, Vitamin E and lavender essential oil, resulting into powerful herbal formulations for a wonderful anti-aging effect on the skin. The age-defying Serum and Moisturizing Cream are the ultimate blends of anti-oxidant herbal ingredients to deal with any damaged and pigmented skin, and to impart amazing youthful appearance with clarified skin.

DO YOU KNOW REASONS FOR ACNE BUILD UP, AND HOW TO TREAT IT!

Acne problem occurs when sebaceous (oil) glands attached to the hair follicles are stimulated. Associated with increased oil production is a change in the manner in which the skin cells mature, predisposing them to clog the follicular pore. The clog can appear as a “whitehead” if it is covered by a thin layer of skin, or “blackhead” if exposed to the air – the darker exposed portion of the plug is called a “blackhead”.  Pimples or tender red bumps on the face are another form of mild acne. Blackheads are oxidized oil, not dirt.

Reasons: The main reasons leading to the formation of blemishes are :

1)Hormonal activity (primarily from androgens, male hormones); 2 Inflammation; 3)Overproduction of oil by the sebaceous (oil) gland; 4)Irregular or excessive shedding of dead skin cells; 5) Buildup of bacteria in the pores, leading to inflammation; and 6) Sensitive reactions to makeup, irritating skin-care ingredients, allergies or medicines.

What you shouldn’t do:

1)Do not use harsh or irritating skin-care products; always treat them gently.

2)Do not wash face with bar soaps or bar cleansers. Soaps contain sulfate and have drying effect, besides, the ingredients that hold bar soaps form clog pores.

3)Do not pick at blemishes! You can “pop” a pimple, but how you do it makes all the difference between healing and scarring. It can lead to unsightly scabs, which turn into scars that are hard to heal.

4)Do not use extreme heat or cold to clean face, or to treat a blemish. Hot compresses or ice cubes are not the way to treat acne, or to encourage healing; they cause inflammation.

5)Do not apply thick, waxy hair-styling products, or hairspray, especially if your hair usually touches forehead -  the ingredients in these products could clog pores if they get on skin.

Due to excessive use of chemical mixed products, or environmental pollution or lack of balanced diet, more and more people, especially young in age, are face embarrassing  acne problem. To meet this growing skin problem, HERBALLY RADIANT has launched CLEAN series of Cleanser, Toner, Cream,Scrub and Serum.  Special tea tree essential oil blended with selected natural ingredients has made the CLEAN series of products amazingly effective. These special formulations have been of immense help to our customers in getting rid of their acne problem, and regaining smooth and bright skin. More details at www.herballyradiant.com. (These can be ordered online with free shipping.)

A couple of months earlier,  FDA issued a warning that popular acne products sold over-the-counter under brand names such as Proactiv and Neutrogena can cause rare but serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions. The FDA advised consumers to stop using their topical acne products and seek emergency medical help if they experience hypersensitivity reactions such as throat tightness, difficulty in breathing, feeling faint or swelling of the eyes, face, lips or tongue.

According to the agency, non-prescription acne products containing the active ingredients benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are of concern. It added that  non-prescription products containing the active ingredients benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid and marketed under brands such as Proactiv, Neutrogena, MaxClarity, Oxy, Ambi, Aveeno and Clean & Clear, as well as store brands, were of concern. The agency said it had received 131 reports of such hypersensitivity reactions from consumers or manufacturers, most of these were received since 2012.

HERBALLY RADIANT has been warning its customers that many commonly marketed cosmetic products, which tend to clog pores, may cause and worsen acne, such as those containing iodides, bromides, or oral or injected steroids (Orasone, Prednicen-M, Liquid Pred), or the steroids that are taken for muscle building.

HOW TO AVOID RISKS TO WOMEN FROM INDOOR TANNING

With the onset of summer, cases of sun damage to skin keep cropping up. However, indoor tanning, which is being used by more and more women, is also responsible for damage to skin, and poses serious risks of cancer and skin disorders, including premature aging. Herbally Radiant has been highlighting regularly the risks from indoor tanning. 

Jerod Stapleton, behavior scientist at Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Jersey, now plans to develop web-based application to motivate tanners to stop and arrest this trend, after fully understanding the reasons.
Stapleton was surprised to note from a study of college-aged women, how much peers were involved with tanning. They talk with their friends about tanning, compare their tans and go on tanning dates together. The key point of interest was how women have internalized tanning as a really important part of the way they need to look and who they are, and how they present themselves to the world.
It can be helpful to show UV photos or give information about the sun damage appearance, but it doesn’t always deter tanners. For example, a study showed an appearance-focused intervention was effective at reducing tanning among women with lower prior knowledge of appearance risks, but its effects were less powerful for those who already knew about these risks. It is believed that the potential for long-term risks may not deter frequent tanners who have a powerful investment in the immediate benefits of tanning. 
On the possible web-based intervention with an app component, it is hoped to make women think about their reasons for tanning, and get them to reconsider. Is it really worth the risks? Are there other ways to get the benefits they feel they gain by tanning? More information can be sent to them regularly through the app or twice-weekly text messages to keep things fresh in their mind.
It is disappointing to note that tanning beds are available at nearly half of top US colleges. University administrators need to be made aware of serious health risk from indoor tanning and advised that there is no place for tanning beds on campus.