We are excited to be launching a brand new range of premiun salon grade mineral makeup and colour cosmetics in September.
In the meantime we have a hugh special on all our mineral makeup range starting from only $15.00 Only a few colours left.
Ynatural and Encore helping women who are recovering from breast cancer
After a magnificent evening with a group of fabulous ladies at the Encore reunion dinner,it seems a good time to stop and give a little information about the relationship that is developing between Y-natural and Encore.
Encore is fabulous program,devised specifically to meet the needs of women who are recovering from breast cancer. At the heart of it is a gentle exercise program to help regain strength overall as well as in the specific areas affected by surgery. ( such as the shoulders). Around this wraps many other elements that provide information,contacts and support.For Y-natural, there is a natural connection given that the co-founder Rose Bradshaw’s own experience with breast cancer.In honour of our commitment to supporting Encore,we have a very special.limited edition of pink-label bottles of 703 SOOTHE cool calm gel. Part of the proceeds of every bottle will go to Encore.Each bottle contains enough gel to help relieve buring for the duration of one course of radiation treatment ( about 5 weeks).703 SOOTHE is also ideal for after-sun care or for minor scalds or burns when cooking. Those of us prone to being clumsy with hair irons will find it hande too!
Tips to prevent cancer
Author: Baraba Gere- Director of Y-natural.
We find that the Environmental Working group is an amazing source of independent information on a wide range of issues.
Check out www.ewg.org and you will see why we are so impressed by their work.
Recently they released a list of ways to help prevent cancer which we’d like to share with you.
Below is 9 recommendations based on Tip#13 in the EWG’s Healthy Homes page: www.ewg.org/healthyhometips/start.
You know about stopping smoking,reducing drinking,losing weight,exercising and eating right. But that is just a start.
Environmental toxins play a significant and under-recognized role in cancer,causing “grievous harm” to many people,according to a new report(1). from the U.S. President’s Cancer Panel. This is sobering in the light of research(2) by the EWG showing that babies are already polluted,before they are even born,with over two hundred hazardous chemicals that may have life long consequences.
1. Filter your tap water. Common carcinogens in tap water include arsenic,chromium, and chemical byproducts that form when water is disinfected. A simple carbon tap-mounted filter or pitcher can help reduce the levels of some of these contaminants. if your water is polluted with arsenic or chromium, a reverse osmosis filter will help.
2. Seal outdoor wooden decks and play sets. Those built before 2005 are likely coated with an arsenic pesticide that can stick to hands and clothing.
3. Cut down on stain and grease proofing chemicals. “Fluorochemicals” related to Teflon and Scotchgard are used in stain repellants on carpets and couches and in greaseproof coatings for packaged and fast food. To avoid them,avoid greasy packaged foods and say no to optional stain treatments in the home.
4. Stay safe in the sun. More then one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. To protect your skin for the sun’s cancer-causing ultraviolet (UV) radiation,seek shade,wear protective clothing and use a safe and effective sunscreen.
5. Cut down on fatty meat and high-fat dairy products. Long-lasting cancer-causing pollutants like dioxins and PCB’s accumulate in the food chain and concentrate in animal fat.
6 Many pesticides have been linked to cancer. Eating organic fruits and vegetables will cut down your pesticide exposure.
7. Cut your exposure to BPA. Bisphenol A ( BPA) is a synthetic estrogen found in some hard plastic water bottles,canned infant formula, and canned foods. Some of these chemical cause cancer in lab studies. To avoid them,eat fewer canned foods,breast feed your baby or use powdered formula, and choose water bottles free of BPA.
8. Avoid carcinogens in cosmetics. Read labels when you are shopping,don’t buy products that list ingredients with “PEG” or “-eth” in their name. We recommend to read our page on ingredients to avoid, or drop us an email from our contact page if you have any questions.
9. Read the warnings. Some products list warnings of cancer risk – read the label before you buy.
1.http://deinfo.nci.nih.gov/advisory/pcp/pcp.htm
2.http://www.ewg.org/minoritycordblood/home
Bioactive Anti-aging Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are certain organic components of plants that play a key role in anti aging and hugely beneficial to skin health and beauty.
Synthesis 345 draws on the rich sources of phytonutrients found in fruits, vegetables, seaweed, grains, legumes, and nuts to nourish your skin. Some studies show that the bioactive functions of phytonutrients — or the way they work in your body can:
•Act as antioxidants
shop for synthesis 345
•Stimulate detoxification enzymes
•Stimulate the immune system
•Positively affect hormones
•Act as antibacterial or antiviral agents
Phytonutrients important to skin health and beauty are:
Flavanoids- Flavanoids great for the health of blood vessels, strengthen capillaries that supply important nutrients to the skin’s cells, as well as supporting cellular membranes. Healthy cell membranes regenerate quickly, and slow the aging process. Flavanoids also reduce inflammation. References: Erica Angyal, Gorgeous Skin In 30 Days (Lothian Books, 2005), Chug-Ahuja et al, Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 1993; vol 93: pp 318
Carotenoids- Carotenoids strengthen cell membranes.
Antioxidants- Antioxidants supplying an extra oxygen molecule to those molecules that are missing one, called free radicals. If antioxidants don’t supply the missing oxygen molecule to free radicals, the free radicals will take an oxygen molecule from another compound in the body resulting in damage to cells. Left unchecked, Free Radicals can alter:
•the fatty layers in your cellular membranes, that provide structure to the cell, and control which nutrients can pass in and out.
•the DNA – make skin inclined to wrinkles and sagging before its natural biological time with large, open pores.
•cross-linking of collagen fibers – occurs in the skin’s dermis, as a result of collagen and elastin fibers becoming hard and thick.
Anti-ageing Phytonutrients in Synthesis 345 products
Sodium Hyalonurate (Derived from Algae) Sodium Hyalonurate is an unparalleled super hydrating and plumping ingredient – reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to give you a healthy, plump, smooth and glowing appearance.
Oryza sativa (Rice) – Oryza sativa regulates melanin production and has been used in far eastern cultures for years to help brighten and lighten the complexion. Rice bran extract also contains lipoic acid, an antioxidant, and vitamin B5 (niacin) to help improve cellular circulation.
Olivoyl Hydrolysed Wheat Protein- Olivoyl Hydrolysed Wheat Protein has tensor & film-forming properties (increases firmness of the skin), nourishes and smoothes skin, retains moisture, reduces wrinkles. A natural protein high in amino acids derived from wheat. Readily absorbed to help to soften and improve the texture and appearance of the skin. Excellent tensor & film-forming properties (increases firmness of the skin), nourishes and smoothes skin & hair (improves skin feeling & softness), moisture retainer (protects skin & hair from drying out), decreases number and depth of wrinkles, volumizing effects.
Bio-hyaluronate Ferment Algal is the most powerful moisturizer & humectant known so far, provides smoothness & softening to the skin, excellent anti-wrinkle effects and promotes growth of new skin cells. Derived from a natural polysaccharide (large sugar molecule) that occurs in great abundance in young skin, thus it has been called the “key to the fountain of youth.”
We use Hyaluronic Acid derived from algae rather than the synthetic version or the type derived from animals. Diet and smoking can also affect your body’s level of hyaluronic acid over time, along with pollutants and sunlight.
Licorice Root – Glycyrrhetinic Acid- A potent antioxidant that is also a strong anti-inflammatory and soothing anti-irritant.
Triterpenoid saponin-Which can aid in the absorption of nutrients.
Aloe Barbardensis Leaf Extract The aloe plant has more than 200 biologically active agents:
•Daily Dose of Minerals: Some of the minerals found in Aloe Vera include calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, chromium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and zinc. What a powerful storehouse!
•Daily Dose of Vitamins. Aloe Vera Gel includes Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E, Folic Acid and Niacin.
•Anti-inflammatory Properties – Aloe Vera Gel has 12 natural substances that have been shown to inhibit inflammation without side effects.
•Amino acids are our body’s building blocks. Eight of which are essential and cannot be made by the body are found within the aloe plant! An analysis of the Aloe Vera plant shows that it comes closer than any other known plant to the duplication of essential amino acids.
•Provides Rapid Soothing – Aloe Vera enhances fibroblast function. Fibroblasts are those remarkable little cells responsible for collagen formation. They also assist in the soothing of minor burns, cuts, scrapes, sunburn, and skin irritations. Aloe keeps skin supple by bringing oxygen to the cells.
Natural Vitamin E (D Alpha Tocopherol)- Natural Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant / free radical scavenger which helps protect our skin from damage caused by pollutants and sun exposure. It also exhibits soothing properties. Research has shown that vitamin E can double the life of human cells. It is therefore an excellent against premature ageing and wrinkles.
Knotweed (Polygonum Mutiflorum) – Knotweed was recently reported as one of the best active-oxygen scavengers for the prevention of skin aging induced by UV-irradiation and free radical. Long used in Asia and in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Lutein- Lutein is a powerful, free-radical quenching antioxidant and carotenoid found in plants, fruits and leafy green vegetables. It stimulates the skin’s own renewal process; helps fight the damaging effects of sunlight, pollution, stress and ageing.
Lycopene Vit- A precursor and carotenoid found in high concentration in tomatoes, pink grapefruit, watermelon, guava. It is a proven antioxidant neutralizing the cell damaging effect of environmental free radicals responsible for skin ageing.
Euphrasia Officinalis (Eyebright) – Euphrasia Officinalis contains tannins with astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
Lactic Acid- Lactic Acid is a vegetable-derived alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) with the ability to stimulate cell renewal.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s) work mainly as an exfoliants. They cause the cells of the epidermis to become “unglued” allowing the dead skin cells to slough off, making room for regrowth of new skin. AHA’s may even stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, and are reported to improve wrinkling, roughness, and mottled pigmentation of photodamaged skin after months of daily application.
Pomegranate Sterols- Pomegranate Sterols is high in antioxidants – Fight free radicals and promote skin regeneration. Rich in lipids – Help heal inflammation and reduce swelling.
Carrageenan-An all natural anti-wrinkle treatment, this gel-forming Polysaccharide found in red algae seaweed is also known as Irish Moss. Carrageenan is considered a naturally hydrating topical skin & hair food composed of a variety of nutrients like:
Sulphur- A natural component of various foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, dried beans, milk, eggs, tea, coffee, garlic, dried horsetail herb, chocolate, amino acids (L-methionine, L-cysteine, L-cystine & taurine), wheat germ & whole grains. Purported to promote hair growth & cell tissue regeneration. Necessary for the production of collagen and keratin – required protein for the health and maintenance of skin, nails and hair.
Potassium- Adds moisture and prevents dry skin. Carotene which converts into vitamin A, traps active oxygen molecules and prevents free radical damage.
Chlorophyll- A brilliant source of Vitamin K used in cosmetics to fade uneven, blotchy skin tones & discolouration.
How to Treat & Prevent Winter Dry Skin.
By Grace at pure and green organics.
Dry skin is a very common skin problem and is often worse during the winter when environmental humidity is low (i.e., “winter itch”). It can occur at all ages and in people with or without other skin problems.
In the discussion that follows we will examine the causes of dry skin and how to treat and prevent this problem. Dry skin results when there is not enough water in the stratum corneum for it to function properly. The strateum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis (the top layer of your skin) and the primary function of these cells is to keep the skin hydrated by preventing water evaporation, but at the same time they can absorb water. One way for the strateum corneum to falter is when protective oils in this layer are lost and the water that is normally present in the skin is allowed to escape. Some of the causes of this oil loss are (1) too much soapy water, (2) exposure to harsh chemicals, (3) the normal aging process and (4) certain types of skin diseases. As the stratum corneum dries out it shrinks and, as it shrinks, small cracks can occur. This exposes the underlying living cells to irritating substances and germs in the environment. The use of certain medications such as anti-acne treatments can produce considerable facial dryness in the winter or summer.
Treatment: Anyone who has tried to wash a greasy frypan in cold soapy water knows that it doesn’t work very well. Apply heat and the grease/oils in the pan soften up allowing them to be washed away much more easily. The same rule holds true with our skin. The hotter the water you use to bathe/shower with the more oils you will loose from your skin, actually worsening the dry skin problem.
Tip # 1: take a short shower/bath in warm (not hot) water. If the water turns your skin red it is too hot! Limit this to no more than once in every 24 hour period.
Tip # 2: Soap should be used minimally. Avoid harsh cleansers with chemical surfactants (eg. sodium laurel/laureth sulphates) or harsh oils (like palm oil) that strip the skin of its natural oil content.
Hint: try a Pure and Green Organics cleansing moisture bar. Our cleansing bars are superfatted which means a minimum of 5% of the oils in the bar do not convert to a solid, but remain in the bar to nourish your skin. We achieve this result through the ancient cold process saponification technique – something you won’t find in a mass produced product.
Tip # 3: Following your bath/shower gently pat the skin partially dry with a towel (don’t rub!) and within three minutes of getting out of the water apply an effective moisturiser. The oil in the moisturiser helps trap and seal water in the stratum corneum before it can evaporate and makes the skin softer and less likely to become dry, cracked and itchy. Moisturisers should be reapplied liberally during the day and evening when possible especially to those areas prone to dryness (hands, arms, legs) and when itchy.
Hint: try Pure and Green Organics Hydrate deep moisture lotion, suitable for face and body and our Rejuvenate Night Cream for use on face at night. Our Hydrate and Rejuvenate products have been specifically designed to readily absorb into your skin’s deepest layers providing deep and long lasting hydration and nourishment for your skin. Rich in jojoba oil (the closest match to the skin’s natural sebum oil) you will feel an instant softening and smoothness after application.
Tip # 4: Be careful about using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and itch-suppressing creams or lotions. Many of these products contain chemicals that can irritate or cause allergic reactions in dry skin. Anti-itch products containing menthol and camphor are generally safe to use. However, these products are not treating the cause of skin dryness; they are only temporarily treating the itching that accompanies it.
Tip # 5 Any way that you can increase the humidity level in the air of your home and workplaces would be advisable. You should consider adding a portable humidifier in your bedroom at night.
Tip # 6 Exfoliate once weekly to help slough of dry dead skin cells. Ensure you use a very gentle exfoliate, so no chemical peels which could exacerbate your condition. Among the physical exfoliants the most widely favoured are aluminium oxide crystals, used in a spa treatment called microdermabrasion. There are now several companies that sell home use microdermabrasion kits, all based around aluminium oxide crystals. Aluminium oxide crystals aren’t harmless to humans, but when you’re done washing your face; those same crystals go down the drain, into the sewers and out into the oceans, where they cause massive harm. The US EPA flatly states that any form of aluminium is “highly toxic to many species of aquatic organisms”. In fish, the metal has been linked to birth defects, increased mortality and a host of other complications. Hint: try Pure and Green Organics “exfoliate” available in high, medium or low scrub content. With a pH range of 3.5-4.5 you can gently break the bond between old and new skin without harm to your delicate skin or our precious aquatic life.
What’s new in July.
Hi there, our articles this month are about helping your body’s natural immune system with a regular pratise of dry skin brusing, and lymphatic massage. Both of these practices encourages healthy circulation,the elimination of toxins and thus a stronger immune system. To ward off the nasty cold and flu this winter.
To refresh yourself on either of these practices, have a look at our latest posts ( and remember dry skin brushes should be replaced every 6 months).
Both of these practises also help decrease the build up of water and fat in the body, thus reducing the appearance of cellulite. the addition of Surfacing body balm to your daily health and wellbeing routine at this time would be especially beneficial with its warming,detoxifying and circulation promoting essential oils.
To encourage you to rediscover the benefits of this healthy massage blend we are giving away a 30ml surfacing oil to the first 10 people who purchase our organic body products( including body brushes,bath salts,body lotions,foot and nail creams) to the value of $80.00 for July and August 2010.
Dry Skin Brushing for good health.
At Chikii we have a high quality range of natural fibre skin brushes, great for detoxing the body and helping with that dreaded cellulite skin problem!Ayurveda is a 5000-year-old science originating in India and dry skin brushing has been a part of this science as a way to detoxify and cleanse the body.
One third of your body’s daily impurities are eliminated through the skin!
To assist the skin in its cleansing process and to remove toxins from the body, the daily routine of dry skin brushing helps. Dry skin brushing helps our body to be more effective in removing the dead skin cells on the outer layers of our skin.
The benefits of dry skin brushing are-
§ Increases blood circulation which increases muscle tone, better distribution of fat deposits (cellulite) and improves skin texture. It will keep your skin looking fresh and vibrant.
§ Stimulates the lymphatic system, it aids in the flow of lymph fluid in the body, helping to move toxins out of the body and to contribute to the strength of the body’s immune system.
§ It stimulates your body from the inside which assists the eliminative capacity of your body’s organs and rejuvenating you cells.
§ Allows your skin free to absorb oxygen and other nutrients into your body.
How to dry brush?
§ Use a natural bristled brush or a loofah, for optimum results use a plant bristle. Synthetic, nylon or gloves tend to be too harsh and damaging on the skin, try to avoid using them.
§ Before you shower in the morning is the best time to dry brush, always dry brush on dry skin only. To get used to the sensation, start with a light pressure and then move on to firmer strokes.
§ Generally stroke upwards in one movement. Use light swift upward movements, repeated seven times. Work from left to right side of the body and brush towards the lymphatic nodes.
§ Brush your soles of your feet. Stroking from toes to the heel and follow each brush stroke with a soothing sweep of the other hand. Continue on top of the foot from toes to ankles and ending at the Achilles tendon behind the ankle.
§ Continue upward brush strokes up the legs, moving from the ankle to calf, up to hamstrings and quadriceps, covering the entire leg, working in the direction to your heart. This stimulates the lymphatic system by aiding the flow of lymph fluid throughout the body
§ Brush your hands, brush from wrists to fingertips. Turn you hand over and brush from the fingertips to wrist and continue up the arm to the shoulder, working from inner to mid and to outer arm. Finish brush strokes over the arm pit, with gentle small circular strokes.
§ Move clockwise on your abdomen and also stroke downwards and towards the groin area.
§ With your buttocks, start at the top of buttock, and brush down to where your buttock joins the leg and sweep back again to the top. To brush your lower back, brush from your spine and sweep out to the side of your torso, all the way up to your shoulder blades and over the shoulder. Repeat the same process on the other buttock and other side of your back and shoulder.
§ Avoid your face as dry brushing is too harsh for most facial skin.
§ When brushing your décolletage and neck it is recommended to use a softer brush. Start from the center of your chest and outwards and upwards to your collarbone, do this on both sides of your décolletage. With your neck brush very lightly up to the jaw line and down to the curve of your collarbone.
Your skin will feel slightly tingly and will appear slightly red.
§ To wash off the dead skin have a shower. Apply natural oil, or a replenishing body lotion (Synthesis 345 ‘surfacing’ or ‘light haven’ oil, earth rising body lotion) onto your skin while it is damp; the oil/lotion will feed your skin and will absorb the qualities of the oil/ body lotion.
§ As a treat, you may like to dry brush before you have a relaxing soak in a bath and using our luxurious bath salt blends (Synthesis 345 bath salt blends) to detoxify and renew your body.
Before you dry brush please take note of the following precautions:-
§ Avoid skin brushing over active inflammation e.g. open wounds, varicose veins.
§ Never skin brush during an active cancer state or over enlarged lymph nodes.
§ Do not brush on sun burnt skin.
§ Avoid breasts and genitalia area.
§ Seek doctor’s advice first if you are pregnant.
Lymphatic massage and Surfacing.
There are 5 main elimination channels in the body – the lymphatic system is one of them. It clears toxins, unwanted proteins, and waste which builds up and often cannot be removed by any other means.
Lymphatic massage helps stimulate the lymph nodes and thus aids the healthy elimination of toxins in the body. It has many follow on benefits including; improving circulation, weight loss, reducing water retention and cellulite.
If you are able to get a massage practitioner to give you one regularly, wonderful! If not, follow this simple practice, using Synthesis 345’s Surfacing body balm at least once a week at home to receive many of the same benefits:
Start at your feet, and use gentle, rhythmic strokes and pumping movements towards the direction of the lymph nodes on the body, which is basically up the legs, up the sides of the body and then from the hands towards the arm pits and down the front of the chest. It is a similar path as with dry skin brushing – always in the direction of the heart.
About the special ingredients in Surfacing that support lymphatic massage and general detoxification and health of the body:
Juniper essential oil – helps encourage the release of any build up of fluid.
Cypress essential oils: toning, highly astringent with various tannins and chemical constituents such as pinene, camphene which when massaged into the skin tighten blood vessels. NOTE – it is recommended to be avoided by pregnant women.
Refreshing Lime and balancing Egyptian Geranium essential oils.
All of these exquisite therapeutic grade and certified organic essential oils are held in a base of organic coconut oil, believed by many to be the best massage oil due to its:
- high concentration of Medium Chain Fatty Acids (Saturated Fats) to keep skin hydrated and nourished
- anti microbial agents like Capric Acid and Lauric Acid
- high Vitamin-E content which rejuvenates all skin types
- anti oxidants to protect skin from adverse effects of ageing, like sagging, peeling and de-colouring etc.
- penetrability – enhancing the benefits of the essential oils.
For optimal results – use in conjunction with a dry skin brushing routine.
Appearance of cellulite is likely to decrease, as both Surfacing and Dry Skin Brushing encourages healthy circulation and elimination.
Certified organic body balm ‘surfacing’
The nourishing and healing qualities of certified organic and fairly traded virgin coconut oil are enhanced in this unique body balm with the addition of certified organic jojoba oil and essential oils of Cypress, Juniper, Lime and Egyptian Geranium.Apply to the surface of your body, like the beauty of water tapping on velvet,it will enthrall and delight.To encourage a healthy ‘surface’, the essential oils will enhance a lymphatic massage;starting at the feet and working all the way up the body, stimulating the lymphatic system,promoting balance and a sense of wellbeing.When used in conjunction with a dry skin brushing routine, appearance of cellulite is likely to decrease, as both Surfacing and Dry Skin Brushing encourages healthy circulation and elimination.
As this balm includes pure organic coconut oil, it reflects the property of coconut oil to go solid in cooler temperatures, but melt at the touch or in the warmer climates. If you would like your body balm to stay solid, we suggest storing it in the fridge in warmer climates.
Available in 30ml and 120ml glass jars. *Refills available if you send back your glass jar.
Winter Special.
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Take good care of your skin during winter with our moisturisers,exfoliants,body lotions,bath oils,hand and foot lotions, and protective mineral makeup. During the months of June, July and August 2010 we are offering a free luxury organic 30ml body lotion,30ml bath oil and loofah for every order recieved over the value of $150.00. Our gift to you.
View our featured winter products and our article Winter skintips.
News planeteveorganics
Source – Finance review magazine April 30th 2010.
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Lorelle Yee is typical of many women of her generation. In her late 30′s with a successful marketing career behind her,she wanted to change tack and do something “that would make a difference”. In her case,it was to develop a truly organic skincare range, an ambition that came out of her direct experience. “Friends of mine all seemed to be getting sicker: everything from skin aliments to miscarriages and far worse, I myself had skin rases, and allergy tests didn’t reveal much. So i was looking at developing a product that i could use myself.”
Her prodigious two-year research into the ingredients used in toiletries proved to be an eye-opener. “The US-bases Environmental Working Group, for instance,has listed something like 5,000 ingredients on its database, which rates from zero impscts to high level of toxicity. What’s harrowing is the number of products that are supposedly natural or organic that have toxic ingredients.” One of the problems for consumers,Yee says,is discerning the difference between “natural” and “organic.” In natural products, the ingredients could still have been farmed with fertilisers,” she says “People don’t realise that even in health-food shops,products can have artifical ingredients or may be chemically derived.
“Certified organic” requires a lot more diligence in sourcing ingredients.” Her own tentative steps prove the point. She launched her line Planet Eve Organics with just three products – a body lotion,hand lotion, and antioxidant mist – and says she wasn’t comfortable she could deliver a certified organic shower wash that was effective. “But I’m working hard to ensure her products have a luxurious feel,too, and don’t support the perception that what’s good for you can’t be indulgent as well.
