HOW AROMATHERAPY WORKS THROUGH NATURAL BEAUTY PRODUCTS

In natural beauty products Essential Oils (EO) are most crucial. These consist of tiny aromatic molecules that are readily absorbed by the body and penetrate skin by inhalation with quickest effect. 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. These 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.

Since EOs work through our powerful sense of smell, it would be useful to understand how it (olfaction sense) works at physical level. The recent article in MNT explains it scientifically.

We all are aware that odors can be detected via our noses, and that aromas are capable of evoking powerful memories and, conversely, deep revulsion.  Olfaction plugs deep into our brains. A single odor can be attached to physical realities, memories and emotions.

The first phase of olfaction is detection. The nasal cavity is covered by an olfactory epithelium, which, in a human, contains an estimated 20 million olfactory sensory neuron cells (for comparison, a bloodhound has around 220 million). These cells produce receptor proteins that lie in wait for an aroma to pass by; humans have around 450 different types of olfactory receptor.

Once an odor arrives in the nasal cavity, it binds to a receptor of the appropriate shape. This binding triggers a nerve impulse that is transmitted to the olfactory bulbs, a region where olfactory neurons converge. Olfactory bulbs are 2 pea-sized blobs, sitting just below the frontal lobe.

Comparted to the ability of dogs,  our sense of smell is less developed than many other mammals. Still our reduced sensitivity, can detect millions of airborne odorants in very small amounts. Also, our ability to distinguish between smells appears to be better than our conscious brain realizes. In a study, the participant's olfactory receptors could detect the most subtle differences between odor chemistry, but their conscious brain was left in the dark.

Talking of the organic beauty products in which HerballyRadiant specializes, out of  more than 90 Essential EOs, Herbally Radiant uses different base and carrier EOs in facial and body treatments to assist natural ability of skin to balance, regulate, heal and restore its natural glow. These penetrate skin via hair follicles and sweat glands, and get absorbed in body fluids. Minute 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 plants, and are  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. 

SUGAR LOBBY FAILS TO STOP SODA TAX - SUGAR SPEEDS UP AGING SIGNS AND BREAKOUTS

According to recent reports, the beverage industry spent a lot of money to defeat soda taxes in four American cities, but it lost in all.  It means San Francisco, Oakland and Albany, Calif., and Boulder, Colo. join Berkeley, Calif., and Philadelphia will plan to tax sugary beverages.

The measures have been advanced by health experts looking for methods that might combat obesity, diabetes and tooth decay — all linked to soft drink consumption. Consequently, sales are down, and many people now avoid sugar added products. Health experts determined that 50 grams of added sugars should be the upper dietary limit, or daily value, for adults and children aged 4 and older.

As experts in skin care, Herbally Radiant advises customers to reduce sugar intake. A diet high in sugar is a disaster for the face. ‘There is no point in spending lots of money on expensive skin creams if you are eating a diet high in sugar,’ says Dr Aamer Khan, a cosmetic dermatologist, and medical director of the Harley Street Skin Clinic. 'Yes, you can protect and moisturise your skin from outside, but you need to feed and stimulate the growth of good strong skin cells from inside too and sugar will sabotage that.’

According to Dr. Ross Perry, a cosmetic physician at Cosmedics Clinic, London, the problem with sugar is that it makes the skin lose the plump, elastic qualities that underlie a youthful appearance. ‘This is due to a process called glycation. Essentially what happens is that sugar attaches itself to any protein in the body and produces harmful molecules called ‘advanced glycation end products’. These reduce the effectiveness of elastin and collagen, proteins in the skin that help maintain its youthful appearance. ‘Normally collagen bulks out the skin and gives it a younger plump look,’ says Dr Perry. ‘Elastin gives the skin recoil so that when you smile or frown your skin goes back to how it was. If you persistently eat a high-sugar diet, then the collagen and elastin will become more rigid, so it will become easier for wrinkles to form and the skin will lose that youthful plumpness. It also makes it harder for the cells in the skin to repair normal damage.’

A high-sugar diet reduces the quality of the collagen in the skin too. ‘There are different types of collagen, known as I, II and III, and for healthy looking-skin you need the correct blend of all of these,’ says dermatologist Dr Perry. ‘Sugar encourages type III collagen to become type I which is more brittle. Consequently, the skin breaks down and looks thinner and more wrinkly. It also becomes more prone to the damaging effects of the environment and UV rays.’

Aging signs and breakouts: Those suffering from frequent break outs, sugar causes increased inflammation. “Most people don’t realize that skin directly correlates to our digestive system,” says Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist of Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection. “If we eat something we can’t digest or have trouble digesting, there are consequences.” However, not everyone is affected the same way. “Some people claim their acne gets worse when they have chocolate or sugar and others notice no change,” says Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, Co-director of the Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, Washington, D.C.

Long-term effects of excess sugar include premature aging and scarring. Sugar attaches to proteins in the bloodstream, forming new molecules, called advanced glycation end products (or AGEs), that damage both collagen and elastin, contributing to sagging and wrinkles. AGEs also deactivate natural antioxidant enzymes, leaving the skin more susceptible to sun damage. According to a 2007 study in the British Journal of Dermatology, these effects increase at the age of 35 and continue rapidly as you age.

EXTRA SALT RESPONSIBLE TO HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE & CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS.

Those who are conscious of health, make it a point to gradually reduce the salt intake in their food. Known as Sodium Sulfate, it is a neutral inorganic compound, highly soluble in water.

A new study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics shows that American children consuming sodium at levels that far exceed the daily recommended limit. Taste preferences for high sodium foods, formed as children, follow individuals into adulthood and put them at increased risk for developing cardiovascular problems later in life.

CDC, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has expressed concern : "We already know that nearly all Americans regardless of age, race, and gender consume more sodium than is recommended for a healthy diet and the excess intake is of great concern among particular youths." Nearly 90% of the children surveyed exceeded the upper level of sodium recommended for their age group and previous evidence suggests that one in nine children ages 8-17 years already has blood pressure above the normal range for their age, sex, and height, which increases their risk of high blood pressure as adults.

The study also found that high levels of sodium were being consumed throughout the day and from a variety of different sources. For example, they found 39% of sodium was consumed at dinner, 31% came from lunch, 16% from snacks, and 14% at breakfast. Researchers discovered that only 10 types of food made up almost 50% of kids' sodium intake. These included pizza, Mexican mixed dishes, sandwiches (including burgers), breads, cold cuts, soups, savory snacks, cheese, plain milk, and poultry.

Foods from the grocery store accounted for a substantial 58% of daily sodium intake, while fast-food/pizza contributed 16%, and the school cafeteria 10%.

From the point of beauty experts, we have to look at the fact that SLS is the sodium salt of lauryl sulfate, and is classified by the EWG Cosmetics Database as a "denaturant, surfactant cleansing agent, emulsifier and foamer," rated as a "moderate hazard." SLS sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant, detergent, and emulsifier used in thousands of cosmetic products, as well as in industrial cleaners. It is present in nearly all shampoos, scalp treatments, hair color and bleaching agents, toothpastes, body washes and cleansers, make-up foundations, liquid hand soaps, laundry detergents, and bath oils/bath salts. Similarly, ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) is another surfactant variation commonly put into cosmetics and cleansers to make them foam. ALS is similar to SLS, with similar risks.

AVOIDING OVERCONSUMPTION OF HIGH FAT MEATS OR DAIRY PRODUCTS

The growing number of research studies from Harvard and Tufts are pointing to the fact that butter doesn’t seem to be hugely harmful or beneficial. Large number of nutrition experts emphasize that cutting back on fat, even the saturated kind, is doing more harm than good.

The new conclusions go against the longstanding advice to avoid butter because it contains saturated fat. Dr. Mozaffarian of Friedman School of Nutrition Science at Tufts in Boston, says, “saturated fat is kind of neutral overall, but low-fat turkey meat or a bagel or cornflakes or soda is worse for you than butter.”

In its health column, NY Times refers to the extensively researched book by Nina Teicholz “The Big Fat Surprise: why Butter, Meat and  Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet” which raised serious questions about the evidence that nearly 40 years ago promoted the Senate Select Committee on Nutrition to recommend that Americans follow a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, suspected to behind the runaway epidemic heart and other cardiovascular diseases.

Food companies were then quick in coming up with low fat and fat free processed foods, replacing the maligned fats with carb, primarily the sugars and refined starches

However, new studies are highlighting the fact that it is the overconsumption of high fat meats and dairy products that has adverse impact on health. The experts are advising that consumption in moderate amount of food with saturated fat is better for health.

PHYSICAL WORKOUTS HELP CONTROL EMOTIONS

We find the new scientific studies conflicting when they try pointing out potential risks to those suffering from heart condition if they choose to go in for vigorous physical work out. Some experts express the view that some types of physical work outs under strong emotions could trigger heart attacks. 

The new studies highlight that exercising with unusual vigor while one is  enraged or emotionally distraught could be dangerous for  the heart. These further try to establish link between the strenuous workouts and emotional upheavals.

Promoting health in general, and skin care in particular, we would not agree with the conclusions of these studies for the following simple reasons :

1.Those who go in for physical workout as daily routine normally feel better control over their emotions, and are not likely to face any risk.

2.The regular work out regime greatly helps in creating healthy distractions from normal emotional disturbances,  and even strong emotions get melted soon after one begins physical exercise.

3.It might be the other way round that those who are fearful of any possible adverse impact of physical workout on their cardiovascular system, would feel more vulnerable to such too remote a possibility.

4.It has been seen from the conclusions of many studies in the past that physical work out, and even vigorous exercise routine, strengthens both the muscles as well as the nervous system. And strong nerves are the best guarantee to keep one's emotions under check. 

Of course, vigorous exercise should depend upon the state of body and ailments, if any. But attributing vigorous exercise to possible cardiac arrest or similar disorders would be too wide off the mark. 

Most of our customers who have got into the regular habit of daily work out enjoy better health, fitness and, of course, beautiful healthy and bright skin. Well, they use our herbal formulations as well. 

STRONG CONSUMER DEMAND FOR NATURAL, SUSTAINABLY GROWN INGREDIENTS IN BEAUTY PRODUCTS

More and more market research firms are reporting that it is now a top consumer demand that brands adopt a sustainable, green or ethical profile.

Even the packaging industry under the popular demand for sustainability is turning to bio-gradable materials that are sustainably developed.  One can see from the website of any packaging industry the expanding green options, sustainable alternatives and environmental responsibility.

This is widely admitted that manufacturing  in a sustainable way is undeniably good business for any industry, and businesses that  are increasingly aiming for self-relying and reducing the detrimental and social impacts of manufacturing are gaining edge over others. 

The sustainable movement that has backed natural products in recent years, especially in the cosmetics and personal care market is gaining rapid momentum, raising the awareness and demand for innovation, technology and science among consumers. 

 At the same time, products of natural origin that are eco-friendly and certified by a multitude of labels are increasingly entering the market, becoming more and more popular,and forcing brands and ingredient suppliers to source into the natural supply chain. Tajke the small business launched by Herbally Radiant in 2010. It has received amazing support from growing loyal customers who would prefer its herbal natural beauty formulations over anything else. 

In the cosmetics and personal care market, the distinction between scientific and natural products is notable. The technological consumer looks at the scientific claims and innovations proposed first; the origin of the ingredients or story behind them is secondary. Regardless of the ingredient source, the technological benefits must be there. This type of consumer shops for perceivable efficacy—i.e., color change, wrinkle reduction, increased detergency, reduced body odor, etc.

The nature-driven consumer looks at the origin of the product and ingredients first, with a strong belief that nature carries a guarantee for safety, purity and gentleness. In this case, the consumer is more concerned about product safety than perceivable benefits. He or she prefers “free-from” claims and seeks information about the origin of the ingredients. . For these consumers, technology and innovation in the finished product would be a secondary benefit and not the first determinant in the purchase decision, although an influence while shopping.

So, growing signs for safe natural ingredients in skin care products. 

NATURAL INGREDIENTS BEST FOR HAIR CARE

Hair loss is a great concern among all, especially among the young people.   Most companies promise great shape of hair by using their shampoos and conditioners.  However, it has been established by many studies that harsh chemical dyes and shampoo and conditioner have damaging effect on hair.  Such harmful products also adversely impact on scalp.

For keeping hair in natural shining shape, one can look for herbal or natural volumizing shampoo. There are many ideal formulations that go beyond gently cleansing and giving hair that soft, gentle lift. Natural volumizers like Vetiver add fullness and body, while Soapberry gently cleanses and Lavender creates an amazing fresh, sweet, floral aroma that is soothing.

A natural conditioner will help condition, moisturize and nourish hair and scalp. A herbal conditioner, or one with natural ingredients, will be ideal for balancing all hair types as it will enhance the manageability and softness of hair.

There are people with scalp tenderness, which can lead to disorders like psoriasis and extreme dryness, dandruff. Signs of inflammation, tingling, numbness, irritation, itching or sensitivity of the scalp point to scalp disorder. It can also be caused by conditions affecting the blood vessels, nerves, and tissues below or surrounding the scalp.

Scalp tenderness is a common problem, though symptoms vary from allergies, psoriasis, eczema to hair loss.

Other causes are poor diet, chemotherapy and radiation therapies, acne, cysts, allergic reactions, hyperthyroidism or other therapies in menopause,  infections of skin cells or hair follicle shafts, viral diseases causing skin sores.  

As promoter of natural skin care products, Herbally Radiant has been highlighting the importance of staying away from harsh chemicals  in most of the fancy sounding hair care or skin care products. Most dyes and shampoos are petroleum-based- inexpensive ingredients for the manufacturers, but risky for the users.

First aid ointments, creams, antiseptics, and dressing materials that might help in basic cases, but long-lasting  scalp tenderness should be reported to a doctor.