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  AllSorts of Soap

Best Picks for the Month

Janine's Choice for January- Tamanu Oil

31/1/2016

1 Comment

 

Tamanu Oil

This is quite simply an amazing oil! I use it nightly on my arms to prevent the itch from Brachio-Radial Pruritis. You can find out about this condition which is caused by damaged nerve fibres, on my AllSorts of Conversations page and on this Dermatology site.  Let me say, that it is a debilitating, non-stop burning, stinging itch that does not go away, even with medication. I have suffered with this for over 7 years! That was until I tried Tamanu Oil on my arm! I now sleep without itching and do not wake up with scratched and bleeding arms. For me, this oil is just amazing! 

​I have written a review of the beneficial properties of this oil which you can read here, however, my main focus was on its skin healing and beauty benefits. 

Below is an image of what the scratching looks like with this condition and the level of scarring. Note, this is not an image of my arm...but mine looked very similar to this. Now it is smooth and scar free!


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I began to read more about the effects of Tamanu Oil on neuralgia (pain caused by damaged nerves) and wondered whether it would work on my Brachioradial Pruritis....so during a particularly itchy session, while trying to watch a movie one night, I went into my bathroom and in desperation rubbed the Tamanu Oil over my arm. Within five minutes my frantic itching stopped!! I don't mean just settled down...I mean stopped!

You have no idea how much this relief, for the first time in so many years meant to me! I am so thankful and grateful to this wonderful, healing tree for its Oil. 

Not only has my itch and stinging stopped, the skin on my arm is now smoother, and the scars from scratching are no longer noticeable! 

For me, this is quite simply the best product I have ever tried for relief from nerve pain and for skin healing!

I can't speak too highly of it!


One word of caution- it is not an attractive looking oil. Good Tamanu Oil is a deep, rich green and quite thick. It also has a very earthy fragrance, which I have grown to love. 

​Below is a link and picture of the Tamanu Oil that I use nightly. I purchased the 125ml bottle and will never stop using it!
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I also use Tamanu Oil on my face and neck when my skin looks particularly tired and lacklustre and leave it on overnight. It simply works wonders! I would not use it every night, as it is quite heavy, but for a healing, brightening pick-me-up...you can't go past it! For my nightly and daily cream I love to use my Tamanu and Sandalwood moisturiser which I think is fantastic! I reviewed this cream in December 2015 if you are interested in natural moisturisers. 

Once again, I am super impressed with the products from The Summit Vanuatu and with excellent reason...This oil works miracles! Well it does for me!

I can only encourage you to try it if you have any skin conditions that do not seem to respond to other moisturisers, or if you need to use dreadfully harming steroid creams...It is less expensive and natural! No chemicals, no animal testing, sustainable and vegan. What's not to like?
​

Further Reading


Issue: 63 Page: 26-31 Tamanu Oil: A Tropical Topical Remedy by Chris Kilham, HerbalGram. 2004; 63:26-31 American Botanical Council 

MR, Ms Radhika Devi, et al. "Review on: Shingles, Its Complications & Management." The Pharma Innovation 2.4 (2013).

http://www.medicinehunter.com/tamanu


http://www.dermnetnz.org/site-age-specific/brachioradial-pruritus.html

The effect of Tamanu oil (Calophyllum inophyllum) on anaerobic bacteria isolated from respiratory tract
1Department of Oral Microbiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
Head of Department: dr hab. Anna Kędzia
2Herba Studio, Mścisz and Co., Poland
3Faculty of Health Studies, Charles Sturt University & TTD International Pty Ltd, Australia
1 Comment

Janine's Choice for December- Sandalwood infused with Ylang Ylang Moisturiser

18/12/2015

2 Comments

 
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Sandalwood infused with Ylang Ylang Moisturiser

Well it is almost the end of the year and we are all getting our skin ready for Summer! Summer skin needs to be well nourished from the inside and the outside! It also needs to be well protected so don't forget your sunscreen! 

I have been using a fabulous moisturiser from one of my favourite, favourite Natural Skincare Companies...The Summit Vanuatu. I love everything about this moisturiser...it's texture, fragrance, feel on my skin and most importantly...its effectiveness.

​Usually, there is something about a product that I can fault, be it price, fragrance, texture and feel or effectiveness. Not with this moisturiser. It ticks all my boxes for price, natural ingredients, fragrance, texture and feel, and effectiveness. 

People have been asking me what I have been doing for my skin as my complexion looks clearer and healthier. I am pleased to tell them that the only new thing I have been doing  is using the Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang Moisturiser from The Summit Vanuatu!


There is a lot to love about this moisturiser- particularly the natural ingredients:

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Pure Sandalwood Water, Sandalwood Oil, Ylang Ylang Oil, Pure Tamanu Oil, Natural Vitamin E and Grapefruit seed extract.

And that's it!

​Natural, Healthy, Not tested on animals, Pure and effective. 
This moisturiser is an all natural, daily antidote for tired, inflamed and sensitive skin. The Summit Vanuatu pride themselves on using only the purist quality ingredients of Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang oils (grown by them) which are anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Also the amazing Tamanu oil is a proven healing oil, which is also one of the most valued oils in the world for healing and rejuvenating skin. For more information on the benefits and properties of Tamanu Oil you may like to read my review. 

​I can definitely see a difference in my skin colour while using this moisturiser. I suffer from Rosacea and always have redness on my cheeks and décolletage...now my skin is even-toned and does not look so red. I would even go so far as to say that my brown pigmentation has also faded and is less noticeable! 

​Unlike many companies, The Summit Vanuatu stand firmly behind their products and offer a 100% money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your purchase! 
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If you love natural skincare that is effective and does not smell like artificial flowers or fragrance, and uses only pure natural ingredients that have research to back up their effectiveness, then you, like me, will love the products from The Summit Vanuatu. 

Further Reading

Tamanu Oil Benefits- http://www.allsortsofsoap.com/tamanu-oil.html

Sandalwood Water and Sandalwood Oil - http://www.allsortsofsoap.com/sandalwood-water.html

Benefits of Ylang Ylang  oil - https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-ylang-ylang-essential-oil.html

Propterties and uses of Coconut oil -https://www.organicfacts.net/?s=coconut+oil

2 Comments

Janine's Choice for November: Certified Organic Antioxidant Radiance Oil

11/11/2015

2 Comments

 

Antioxidant Radiance Oil by AllSorts of Soap

For those of you who have read my product reviews and choice of the month...you will know that I absolutely love Organic Facial Oils. I have spent a lot of time  researching oils and their benefits for skin health and radiance. I decided to put my research into practice and create my own Certified Organic Oil using oils that I know are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer and contain beneficial vitamins and essential fatty acids that your skin will love. I only source oils that are certified organic and can show the organic certification certificates.

I absolutely love this oil. It is light and like most natural oils, a little goes a long way. I use it morning and night and even during the day if my skin feels dry. This is a fabulous oil with excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

If you are concerned about skin health, using organic vegan products, and don't want to break the bank...then this oil is just what you are looking for.
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The Ingredients!

Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, Certified Organic Pomegranate Seed Extract, Certified Organic Olive Oil, Natural Vitamin E, Glycine Soja Oil, Certified Organic Rosemary Leaf Extract

Certified Organic Rosehip Oil

Rosehip Oil, unlike many other skincare products on the market, does have some reputable studies to back up its efficacy and skin benefits. In December 1988, two researchers Dr Bertha Pareja, Principal Professor, Faculty of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of San Marcos, Lima, Peru, and Dr. Horst Kehl, School of Pharmacology University of Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri, USA, conducted a two year study of rosehip oil on a statistically significant sample size of 180 patients with surgical, traumatic and burn scars, as well as to a group suffering from premature aging of the skin. Their published findings can be found in; Kehl, Horst, and Bertha Pereja."Contributions to Identification and Application of Active Components Contained in Rosa Aff." (1988)i.

The results obtained by Perega and Horst revealed that the continuous application of rosehip oil effectively attenuated scars and wrinkles, helped to halt the advancement of premature aging, and restored the natural colour and tone to the skin.1

It was first thought that the ability of rosehip oil to aid in skin regeneration was due to its high content of unsaturated essential fatty acids. These acids are important for healthy skin, especially when consumed in a healthy and balanced diet as they make up the components of cell membranes, and are precursors for prostaglandins. However, Drs. Pareja and Kehl, identified trans-retinoic acid (a precursor to tretanoin) as the component in rosehip oil that was responsible for the excellent results in this study.

In a different study, specifically researching the benefits of topical trans-retinoic acid on melanogenisis, (the production of melanin in the skin), it was found that trans-retinoic acid did not have a significant effect. "The results suggested that RA [does not have] direct inhibitory effects on melanogenesis of melanocytes", however, it was found to "[promote]... keratinocytes proliferation and acceleration of epidermal turnover".2 

These results support the previous 1988 work of Drs. Parega and Kehls. and reveal that rosehip oil may assist skin cells to renew themselves via increase epidermal turnover.

Certified Organic Pomegranate Seed Extract

Benefits to the SkinThe regenerative power of pomegranate seed oil is one of the most exciting areas in today’s skin care research. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology3, for instance, found that pomegranate oil stimulates “keratinocytes,” which are the major cells found in the epidermis—the outer layer of the skin. Helping to regenerate these cells may actually help reverse past damage to revive skin and reveal a newer and more youthful appearance.
There is more to this ingredient, however. Here are the details:
  • Anti-inflammatory: One of the main things that ages our skin is inflammation, which can be caused by a number of things, including the sun, diet, and exposure to toxins. Pomegranate seed oil has a unique polyunsaturated acid called “punicic acid”—an omega 5 fatty acid—that has strong anti-inflammatory powers.
  • Antioxidant protection: Just like the pomegranate fruit is prized for its high antioxidant content, the seed oil provides remarkable antioxidant protection. By fending off damaging free radicals, the oil keeps skin looking healthy day after day. It can also provide some protection against sun exposure. So strong are these protective effects that a 2003 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that pomegranate seed oil significantly decreased the incidence of skin cancer in mice exposed to cancer-causing chemicals.
  • Moisturization: Like most natural oils, pomegranate seed oil also hydrates skin, penetrating easily and deeply to create lasting, healthy moisture. It’s perfect for all types of skin, even acne-prone skin.
  • Soothing: Pomegranate seed oil provides soothing, hydrating relief for those with extra dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, and sunburned skin. As it is anti-inflammatory it calms redness and irritation, while the natural moisturisers hydrate, and the regenerative  properties help heal wounds and restore skin health.

Certified Organic Olive Oil

Adding olive oil to your skin promotes skin health and radiance.

1. Antioxidant ProtectionOlive oil contains three major antioxidants: vitamin E, polyphenols, and phytosterols. Antioxidants, when topically applied, may help protect the skin from premature skin aging. Vitamin E partly accounts for the anti-aging benefits of olive oil because it helps restore skin smoothness and protects against ultraviolet light.4 Hydroxytyrosol, a rather rare compound found in olive oil, also prevents free radical damage to the skin.5

For more information on the benefits of Olive Oil and Pure Olive Oil soap read my article on Pure Olive Oil soap
I believe that like me, you and your skin will love this Natural Organic Oil
. It is very reasonably priced at only $25 for a generous 50ml.
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References

1. Kehl, Horst, and Bertha Pereja."Contributions to Identification and Application of Active Components Contained in Rosa Aff." 1988

2. (J Dermatol Sci. 2001 Aug;27 Suppl 1:S68-75.Effects of all-trans retinoic acid on melanogenesis in pigmented skin equivalents and monolayer culture of melanocytes.Yoshimura K1, Tsukamoto K, Okazaki M, Virador VM, Lei TC, Suzuki Y, Uchida G, Kitano Y, Harii K.

3. Muhammad Nadeem Asiam, “Pomegranate as a cosmeceutical source: Pomegranate fractions promote proliferation and procollagen synthesis and inhibit matrix metalloproteinase-1 production in human skin cells,” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, February 20, 2006, 103(3):311-318, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874105005271.

4. 
​Ruta Ganceviciene, Aikaterini I. Liakou, Athanasios Theodoridis, Evgenia Makrantonaki, and Christos C. Zouboulis. Skin anti-aging strategies.Dermatoendocrinol. Jul 1, 2012; 4(3): 308-319. doi: 10.4161/derm.22804.

​5. D’Angelo S, Ingrosso D, Migliardi V, et al. Hydroxytyrosol, a natural antioxidant from olive oil, prevents protein damage induced by long-wave ultraviolet radiation in melanoma cells. Free Radic Biol Med. 2005 Apr 1;38(7):908-18.
Sources
“Health benefit of pomegranate juice on prostate cancer and the heart,” Harvard Health Publications, April 2007, http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/health-benefit-of-pomegranate-juice.
Stephen Daniells, “Pomegranate seed oil may prevent diabetes: Study,” Nutraingredients, August 26, 2009, http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Pomegranate-seed-oil-may-prevent-diabetes-Study.
Kristie Leong, “The Benefits of Pomegranate Oil for Skin Aging,” Yahoo Voices, June 12, 2009, http://voices.yahoo.com/the-benefits-pomegranate-oil-skin-aging-3473693.html?cat=69.
“New Research Shows Pomegranate Seed Oil’s Benefits as a Skin Treatment,” send2press, August 16, 2006, http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2006-08-0816-003.shtml.
2 Comments

Janine's Choice for October: Ancient Grains- Organic Babel Spelt Sourdough Bread

24/10/2015

1 Comment

 
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My choice for October is not a skin care product!
It is the most tasty, wholesome bread I have ever tasted! 100% organic, Australian made and Vegan.  This delicious bread is baked in Melbourne by the Ancient Grains Bakehouse. The Ancient Grains Bakery makes wheat alternative breads that are yeast FREE, soy FREE and dairy FREE.
With no added sugar, no preservatives, and a great traditional taste!
100% certified organic flours used in all breads.*

Organic Babel Spelt Sourdough 550gm 
. Ingredients
This bread contains -Organic wholegrain spelt flour, organic kamut, organic wholegrain spelt sourdough, filtered water, olive oil, sea salt. 

As you can see, this bread is simple and contains no hidden preservatives or sugar. I buy this bread from my local Go Vita Health Food store. If your local health food store does not stock it, ask them to order it in! My store did, and so I am sure any store that is concerned with your health will order it for you. 

Not only does this bread taste amazing it is packed with fibre and wholesome grains.
​Let's take a look at some of these healthy ingredients.

Organic wholegrain Spelt Flour

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Image courtesy of https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/cereal/spelt.html
Spelt is one of the oldest cultivated crops in human history and is believed to have first been used between 7,000 and 8,000 years ago. Spelt is a a variety of grain or cereal that is closely related to wheat. In fact, spelt likely developed from a hybridization of emmer wheat and and wild goat-grass. It is closely related to normal “bread” wheat, but the popularity of bread wheat soon made spelt obsolete, which is why it is considered a “relic” crop.1
Nutritional Value of Spelt
Aside from being a very functional and versatile variety of wheat, spelt is also packed with nutrients that many other cereals do not contain. It is high in carbohydrates, as you would expect, but the very high levels of protein (21% of your daily recommended intake) and dietary fiber (30% in a single serving!) are very impressive. On top of those important compounds, spelt also contains significant levels of iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, selenium, niacin, thiamin, vitamin B6, and folic acid.

Health Benefits of Spelt

Digestive Health: The very high content of fiber in spelt means that it facilitates healthy digestion in a major way. Dietary fiber helps to bulk up your stool and move food through the digestive tract, speeding up the absorption of nutrients and helping to reduce conditions like constipation, bloating, cramping, excess gas, diarrhea, and more serious gastrointestinal issues like ulcers. Spelt has one of the highest dietary fiber contents of wheat varieties.

Cholesterol: Dietary fiber has a second role in the body, which is to help lower the levels of dangerous cholesterol in the body. Dietary fiber can interact with the cholesterol uptake processes and inhibit the absorption of cholesterol from food. In fact, it can specifically target LDL cholesterol and eliminate it from the body to regulate a healthy balance of fatty acids in the body.

Circulation: The high levels of  iron and copper in spelt combine to significantly boost circulation. Iron and copper are essential for the creation of red blood cells, and when RBC production is up, there is increased blood flow throughout the body, which means additional oxygenation to organs and tissues, increased healing, boosted energy levels, and a more functional metabolism. Increased circulation can even boost hair growth, while the iron content helps the body avoid becoming anemic.

Hormonal Regulation and Creation: Niacin is one of the essential vitamins that can be found in significant quantities in spelt. Niacin plays a key role in the adrenal glands in the body, particularly in the production of sex hormones. The endocrine system is a sensitive and hugely important aspect of our health and general functioning, so maintaining healthy niacin levels by adding spelt to your diet is a wise choice.

Bone Health: Spelt has an impressive range of essential minerals that are necessary for bone health, including zinc, magnesium, copper, phosphorous, and selenium. These minerals contribute to the development of bone tissue and by boosting the levels of these minerals in your body, you can actively prevent osteoporosis and other age-related conditions that weaken or degrade the bones in our body.2

Organic Kamut 

Kamut is an ancient grain, and has been shown to lower LDL Cholesterol.

Scientists at Careggi University Hospital in Florence conducted a randomized crossover study including three eight-week periods: one in which subjects ate their normal diet but with all grain products – bread, crackers, pasta and cookies – made with Kamut® brand Khorasan wheat, a washout period of eight weeks, and eight weeks in which all grain products were made with modern Durum wheat and soft wheat.
The results? Following the Kamut® phase of the study, subjects’ total cholesterol decreased on average 4.0%, their LDL (“bad”) cholesterol decreased 7.8%, and certain markers of inflammation dropped 23 to 36%. At the same time, blood levels of potassium and magnesium – two key minerals many of us are lacking – rose 4.6% and 2.3% respectively. Following the control phase, total cholesterol dropped 2.1% and LDL dropped 2.8%, while potassium and magnesium actually decreased slightly; the three inflammatory markers were mixed with one almost neutral, another dropping 14% and one increasing 15%.

Lab analysis of the Kamut® and control wheat showed that the two products looked fairly similar on paper with similar fiber levels and similar resistant starch levels (though with more potassium and magnesium in the Kamut). And yet the health impacts were different, leading the researchers to conclude that “dietary fibre and resistant starch alone were clearly not instrumental in improving these metabolic parameters.”
I need to  mention some of the limitations of this interesting study. First of all, it was a very small study – just 22 subjects. Second, both the Kamut® semolina and flour, and the control semolina and flour were semi-whole, not 100% whole. 3

To conclude...

I love this bread..I find the taste and texture to be just what I want in a bread and I particularly like the little bit of saltiness that I taste when eating. I like to eat this bread lightly toasted with nothing on it or toasted with a fresh banana sliced over the top. I just think that it is a great tasting, natural and healthy bread! 
So next time you pop into your local health food store, see if they stock it, and if they don't, ask them to order it for you. 

If you have tasted and love this bread or any other from the Ancient Grains range, leave  a comment and let us all know what you think!
​Janine
  • https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/cereal/spelt.html 1,2
  • http://wholegrainscouncil.org/newsroom/blog/2013/03/health-study-kamut-wheat-vs-modern-wheat 3
  • https://www.facebook.com/AncientGrainsBreads/info/?tab=overview*
I receive no renumeration or recognition from The Ancient Grains Bakery for this review.
1 Comment

Janine's Choice for September- Sandalwood Facial Moisturiser infused with Ylang Ylang

6/9/2015

0 Comments

 
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Each month  I like to bring to your attention a great product that I have personally tried, and think is well worth others trying. These products are becoming some of my all time favourites as they are natural, organic and are reasonably priced for the quality and quantity of their ingredients. I am particularly partial to two companies who consistently demonstrate their commitment  to the environment, use organic and natural ingredients, are vegan friendly and are not tested on animals. The first is an Australian Company Happy Organic Skincare and the other is The Summit Vanuatu. Both these companies, I believe, produce some of the best products I have ever tried and now regularly use.
PictureProducts I am currently using and Love! Facial Moisturiser, sandalwood water, sandalwood powder mask and sandalwood spritzer. Love them!
So it will be no surprise to you when I choose another gorgeous product from The Summit Vanuatu. This month my choice is a Sandalwood Facial Moisturiser infused with Ylang Ylang. 

I absolutely love this moisturiser! The fragrance is amazing, especially if you like the scent of Sandalwood and the fragrance of Ylang Ylang. This moisturiser is a no gimmick product...it doesn't promise you that your wrinkles will disappear over night, or that in just 4 weeks you will look 10 years younger! What it does do is moisturise your skin beautifully with natural healing oils that are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic and intensely hydrating. This Facial Moisturiser with Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang has all you need in a moisturiser. 

After cleansing I use Sandalwood Water instead of a toner, apply an organic oil or serum and then my Sandalwood Moisturiser. I like to use this moisturiser in the morning as it hydrates for the entire day. 

                                                                Ingredients:

There are no long chemical names that are impossible to pronounce in this list of ingredients: 

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Pure Sandalwood Water, Pure Sandalwood Oil, Pure Tamanu Oil, Pure Ylang Ylang Oil, Vegetable Derived Emulsifier, Natural Vitamin E and Grapefruit Seed Extract. 

That's it! 

Natural and good for your skin! I have previously written about the benefits of Sandalwood Water and especially Sandalwood Oil, and the incredible healing nature of Tamanu Oil. I recommend that you read them so that you will then understand what a powerhouse of natural ingredients this moisturiser contains. This light and non-greasy moisturiser contains both these amazing oils in a base of Sandalwood water and Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. 

Perfect!

All products from The Summit Vanuatu are packaged in attractively presented recycled materials as part of their commitment to sustainable farming and looking after the environment. Just browsing their website is inspiring! 

Unlike many other cosmetic companies, The Summit Vanuatu offers you a money back guarantee. If you don't like your product they will give you your money back... and they offer free shipping for all orders over $100! 

The Summit Vanuatu  certainly stand behind their products and I can understand why...they are simply excellent products at a very reasonable price.  A generous 100g jar of Facial Moisturiser with Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang is only $19.95 AUD! and the 50g jar is only $12.95 AUD. In my opinion, that is an excellent price for a more than excellent product! 
VISIT THE SUMMIT VANUATU
Let me know how you go with your products from the Summit Vanuatu and share your reviews on these pages. 
If you decided to purchase a product from The Summit Vanuatu from my website, I will receive a small amount to help me keep my website running..so thank you in advance!
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Janine's Choice for August- Happily Ever After Vitamin C Eye Serum

16/8/2015

0 Comments

 
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Happily Ever After Vitamin C Eye Serum- More than just a fairy tale!

We know that happily ever after only comes true in fairy tales. Well I couldn't resist choosing this amazing Vitamin C serum as my choice for August. It is a serum that is packed with Vitamin C, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anticancer ingredients! Happily Ever After Vitamin C Eye Serum is organic, vegan, cruelty free and all Australian owned. It ticks the right boxes for me and to top it off...it works! 

We all know that topical Vitamin C is great for our skin. However, Vitamin C can be a tricky vitamin to work with, especially L-ascorbic acid as it oxidises easily and can be an irritant on the skin. Happily Ever After Vitamin C serum by Happy Organic Skin Care uses an oil soluble form of Vitamin C which is stable for up to 18 months! 

I love some of the skin healthy ingredients in this serum, such as, Kakadu Plum extract, Illawarra Flame Tree extract and Emu Apple Extract. For further information on these ingredients please read my review of this product. 

What I particularly like about Happily Ever After Vitamin C Eye Serum is the way in which the ingredients work synergistically to enhance the action of Vitamin C and its gentleness on the skin. 
Illawarra Flame Tree
Kakadu Plum
Emu Apple
I believe that this product is well worth you trying and I am sure that you will see fantastic results. It is well priced for such a powerhouse of organic and bio-active ingredients. Click on the button to learn more about Happily Ever After Vitamin C Eye Serum. 
Recent Update....Happy Skincare won the Best Skincare Brand, the Best Online Store and runner up in the Best Overall Brand in the inaugural Drop Dead Gorgeous Daily natural beauty awards. Happy Organic Skincare performed better than other leading brands such as Sukin, Moogoo and Kora! Congratulations!
Happily Ever After Vitamin C Eye Serum. Give it a try!
Quote J9 at checkout for your discount
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Janine's Choice for July - Pure Extra Virgin Olive Oil Soap

15/7/2015

1 Comment

 
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I think that we intuitively know that Olive Oil is good for us. We know through years of research that Olive Oil in our diets protects from Heart disease and colon cancer. We know that Olive Oil is a healthy oil and contributes to our overall health and well-being.

Perhaps what is less known is the research and evidence for the benefits of Olive Oil on our skin health. There is so much information about the benefits of Olive Oil on a Google search, some of it is helpful and some of it is rubbish! Some sites make claims about Olive Oil's benefits as an anti-aging wonder, and others state that it is absolutely dangerous for your skin! Well...what are the facts? 

I have been doing quite a bit of research into the topical application of Olive Oil and specifically the use of Pure Olive Oil Castile soap. What I found is very surprising indeed! 

Pure Olive Oil Castile Soap: The Research

Do you have sensitive skin? Then Pure Extra Virgin Olive Oil soap may be just what you need!Made to Order or BUY NOW.
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Olive Oil soap is made using only Olive Oil, Lye and water. What is left after saponification is soap, glycerin and free fatty acids or oil. Olive oil contains a high level of un-saponifable oils and it is these un-saponified oils that have been the basis for much research into the benefits of Olive oil soap on the skin and the topical application of Olive oil. An important study "to determine the anti-inflammatory effects of erythrodiol, β-sitosterol and squalene, identified as major components of the “unsaponifiable fraction” of virgin olive oil",  found that these components of Extra Virgin Olive Oil were as effective as drug treatment in reducing inflammation after UV exposure.1

In another study to determine which cleaning solution promotes wound healing in patients with open fractures, it was found that there was  "no benefit of irrigation with bacitracin over irrigation with a [non-sterile castile] soap solution, and in fact, the latter was superior with regard to subsequent wound healing."2  In a similar scientific study it was found that "Irrigation of open fracture wounds with antibiotic solution offers no advantages over the use of a non sterile [Castile] soap solution, and it may increase the risk of wound-healing problems.3 and yet again it was found that "Irrigation with castile soap improves organic removal and may be associated with fewer problems with wound-healing when compared with irrigation with antibiotic solution."4

To even improve the reputation of Olive Oil's benefits on our skin it was also found that Hydroxytyrosol, a natural antioxidant from olive oil, prevents protein damage induced by long-wave ultraviolet radiation in melanoma cells.5
This research is impressive to say the least and re-affirms the superior place of Olive Oil soaps in our daily life and the use of topical olive oil on our skin.  

Perhaps when thinking about using an Olive Oil based soap, Olive Oil or Olive Oil cream on your skin, this research on newborns may help you to decide. Between October 2004 and November 2006, one hundred and Seventy six (176) infants between 25 and 36 weeks of gestation admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit were randomly assigned to a daily topical treatment with water-in-oil emollient cream (Bepanathen), Olive Oil cream...or to a control group. The study found that topical skin therapy lowers the risk of dermatitis and  Olive oil cream was superior to water-in-oil emollient cream (Bepanthen).6

After considering the actual research from reputable Medical Doctors and Professors, I believe that Olive Oil Soaps have a definite place in the role of healthy skin. They may not be the next beauty wonder or anti-aging miracle!!! But Castile soap is healthy and beneficial.

Castile soap made with Extra Virgin Olive Oil is:
  • anti-microbial
  • anit-inflammatory
  • wound healing
  • superior cleanser
  • gentle enough to use on neonates in an intensive care unit
  • anti-oxidant protection
  • moisturising
  • Helps with dermatitis on newborns

Pure 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil Soap available NOW

AllSorts of Soap Pure Castile Soap made with 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil

AllSorts of Soap's Castile soaps are made using only Extra Virgin Olive Oil. They are vegan friendly and contain no additives. They are simply good for your skin health. Each soap is more than reasonably priced and will help to keep your skin healthy and vibrant.

Now is an excellent time to purchase this healthy skin promoting soap.
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Pure Extra Virgin Olive Oil Soap with Lemon Tea Tree
Light Lemon & Cinnamon
1 kilo made to order
Olive Oil Soap

References

1. Rocio de la Puerta, Eugenia Martinez-Dominguez, Valentina Ruiz-Gutierrez, Effect of Minor Components of Virgin Olive Oil on Topical Antiinflammatory Assays, Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C. Volume 55, Issue 9-10, Pages 814–819, ISSN (Online) 1865-7125, ISSN (Print) 0939-5075, DOI: 10.1515/znc-2000-9-1023, June 2014

2. Anglen JO. Comparison of soap and antibiotic solutions for irrigation of lower-limb open fracture wounds: a prospective, randomized study. J Bone Joint Surg 2005; 87A:1415–22.

3. Jeffrey O. Anglen, MD, Comparison of Soap and Antibiotic Solutions for Irrigation of Lower-Limb Open Fracture Wounds, A Prospective, Randomized Study, J Bone Joint Surg Am, 2005 Jul; 87 (7): 1415 -1422 . 

4. Nicholas Fletcher, MD; D'Mitri Sofianos, BS; Marschall Brantling Berkes, BS; William T. Obremskey, MD, MPH.
Prevention of Perioperative Infection, J Bone Joint Surg Am, 2007 Jul; 89 (7): 1605 -1618 . 

5. D'Angelo S, Ingrosso D, Migliardi V, Sorrentino A, Donnarumma G, Baroni A, Masella L, Tufano MA, Zappia M, Galletti P., Hydroxytyrosol, a natural antioxidant from olive oil, prevents protein damage induced by long-wave ultraviolet radiation in melanoma cells.

6. Ursula Kiechi-Kohlendorfer M.Sc., M.D., Cindy Berger R.N. The Effect of Daily Treatment with an Olive Oil/Lanolin Emollient on Skin Integrity in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial,  Pediatric Dermatology Volume 25, Issue 2, pages 174–178, March/April 2008

Further Reading
  • Noori S. Al-Waili, Mixture of Honey, Beeswax and Olive Oil Inhibits Growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans.  Noori. S., M.D., D.O.G., Ph.D., Director of Clinical Research, NewTechnologies Inc. and Life Support Technologies Inc., Chronic Wound Treatment and Hyperbaric Medicine Center, The Mount Vernon Hospital, 7th Avenue, 12 North, Mount Vernon, New York 10550
  • http://davidsuzuki.org/blogs/queen-of-green/2012/03/what-is-castile-soap/
  • Waterman E, Lockwood B.,Active components and clinical applications of olive oil. Leeds General Hospital, Leeds, UK. Alternative Medicine Review : a Journal of Clinical Therapeutic [2007, 12(4):331-342]
1 Comment

Janine's  Choice for June- Sandalwood Body Butter by Summit Vanuatu

22/6/2015

0 Comments

 
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 I have had a difficult time trying to choose which product I would feature for June. My best product choice for May, Good Vibes Omega Facial Oil, was an easy task as it is such a wonderful oil! Read my review and you will understand why I think it is a must have oil in my skincare routine.


So...back to my choice for June!

I really could not decide which product to choose! I was torn between Sandalwood Water or the Sandalwood Body Butter, as I feel that both are superior, natural products.

It was a difficult decision, but I finally settled on Sandalwood Body Butter with Ylang Ylang, a rich, fresh and earthy butter for the entire body. I have not written a review of this product as yet...but it certainly deserves one! 

This body butter is light, yet rich and covers your body with a veil of moisturising oils and sandalwood. I love the feel of it on my skin. It is soothing and I love the earthy Ylang Ylang scent with the fragrance of the Sandalwood Water...smells wonderful!
Once again, I am impressed with this company's ingredients and value for price.  At just $19.95 AUD for a generous 100gm, this is excellent value for money. As it is a  super rich butter, it goes a long way.  

All products made by The Summit Vanuatu are suitable for Vegans, have no animal testing, and all products are sourced from sustainable farming and orchards from local farmers in Vanuatu. 

For more on the benefits of Sandalwood on your skin and sustainable production, visit my Review on The Summit Vanuatu Sandalwood Water. 

I really am impressed with this company's ethics, commitment to the local community and economy, and their encouragement for local farmers to be environmentally aware and replace their resources. 

Ingredients

If you are looking for an all natural product to generously lather over your skin, then this body butter ticks all the right boxes!  

The list of ingredients are simply natural and lovely.

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Sandalwood Water, Cocoa Butter, Nangai Oil, Ylang Ylang Oil, vegetable derived emulsifying wax, Natural Vitamin E, Grapefruit Seed Extract. 

That's it! No hidden nasties! 
The Summit Vanuatu has some great specials on at the moment so why not take a look. I will place a link at the bottom of this page. 
Free Shipping is offered for orders of $100...and believe me...you can purchase a lot of lovely products for $100! 
It will feel like Christmas when you unpack your box of goodies! I know that from experience!

Visit The Summit Vanuatu

If you purchase this product through my website I will receive a small renumeration...so thank you  for helping me to keep my site running. I appreciate it.
0 Comments

Janine's Choice for May- Good Vibes Omega Facial Oil by Happy Organic Skincare

15/5/2015

0 Comments

 
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Happy Good Vibes Omega Facial Oil

If you have read my review of this Oil by Happy Organic Skincare, then you will know that I am extremely impressed with this oil. 

It is now one of my staples in my skincare routine and I do not believe that this will change. It is effective, makes my skin feel soft and fresh, hydrates all day and contains an impressive range of essential Omega Oils. In my opinion it is a must have oil! 


Read my review for an in-depth look at the impressive ingredients in this Omega rich oil.

You can purchase Happy Good Vibes Omega Facial Oil by clicking on the links. Have a look...I believe that it is well worth your while. 


Let me know what you think of this oil and if you like it as much as I do!

Janine
Take a look at Happy Good Vibes Omega Facial oil
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    Author 
    Janine

    Hi 
    My name is Janine and I am a mother to five, Grandmother to six and sponsor mum to seven. 

    I enjoy using natural and organic products and wish to recommend some products to you that I believe are worth you taking a closer look at, or trying for yourself! 

    Each month I will feature a product that has really appealed to me and which I believe is good for your skin. Try them and see for yourself!
    Healthy skin is beautiful skin!

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