Steps To Solving Congested Skin

Posted on October 16, 2015October 16, 2015 by Johann Callaghan

Dull complexion, uneven skin, white heads and black heads are actually signs of clogged and congested skin.

White heads, black heads, and clogged pores occur due to a combination of factors, such as accumulated toxins and excess sebum (sometimes from over cleansing), pollution, dead skin cells, make-up and dirt. They can enter the open pores and combine with continuously producing sebum and oil causing a plug to form.

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Oil and Sebum

Sebaceous glands are tiny, oil producing glands connected to hair follicles beneath the surface of the skin. The oil they produce lubricates skin and hair. The sebum moves up the hair follicle to the opening of the follicle. However, if there are dead skin cells, the sebum acts like glue and together block the pore. This stimulates bacteria, encourages growth of white heads. When exposed to the air, the plug darkens. All this activity triggers the immune system which causes inflammation and redness as it tries to kill the bacteria.

Dead skin cells

Our skin cells turn over every four weeks. This natural process causes a layer of dead cells to appear on the skin surface. If not removed regularly, our skin won’t appear as vibrant as it should. In addition, dead cells can clog pores on our face and cause congestion or blackheads.

Pollution

Air pollution from car exhausts, factories and power plants etc., contributes to ageing, and can contribute to other skin-related issues.

Skin care and make-up products

Research shows that hormone disrupting chemicals in skincare products have been linked to a number of health problems. Many of them mimic estrogen like parabens. SLS’s can increase the skin’s pH level and can dissolve the natural oil your skin produces. Mineral oil/ Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly) is derived from crude oil. It can not be absorbed by the skin and creates a film on the surface, blocking the pores and preventing the skin from its normal functioning.

Hormones

Hormones and anti-biotics are often used to treat the animals and/or their byproducts, and these hormones can cause acne and other skin problems. Healthy protein includes grass-fed beef and organic poultry, organic dairy products & nuts.

Skin Nutrition

Lack of vitamins and minerals can make skin lifeless, blotchy, dry, or oily. Healthy skin requires a variety of vitamins to keep it resilient; specifically, vitamins A, vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin D. Vegetable oils nourish the skin, contains vitamins and essential fatty acids.

Healthy Fats

We need healthy fats (omega-3 & 6 fatty acids) to absorb fat soluble vitamins. They also improve skin elasticity, and help prevent wrinkles. Unhealthy fats, like saturated and trans fats, should be avoided.

Lifestyle and dietary habits

Refined foods and simple carbohydrates causes sugar spikes which increases insulin. High insulin levels increases inflammation and likely to lead to rashes, blemishes, and breakouts. Dairy is also linked to increased testosterone which is linked to acne. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, lean protein, healthy fats, nuts and seeds is good for our skin because it contains many vitamins, antioxidants and minerals that promote a healthier skin. A good diet combined with movement/excercise will help lymph flow which in turn helps to eliminate toxins.

LEAH Anti-Acne Treatment Oil

LEAH Anti-Acne Treatment Oil is great for congested and acne skin. This treatment oil will help to dissolve excess sebum naturally and unclog pores. High in Fatty Acids Omega 3 & 6, Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) and Linoenic Acid which are easily absorbed by the skin and known for their tissue regeneration and normalising skin with large pores.

LEAH Anti-Acne Treatment Oil contains Vitamin A and Vitamin E anti-oxidants to help rid free radicals which contribute to inflammation and help to repair skin damage. Contains essential oils of Frankincense, Bergamot and Lemon for their anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and astringent benefits to the skin.

Healing Detox Baths

Posted on August 29, 2015August 8, 2016 by Johann Callaghan

A healing detox bath is one of the easiest healing therapies we can do to facilitate our body’s natural detoxification system.

In this modern age, we are exposed to more toxins than ever. Toxins are in the air we breathe, the food that we eat, beauty and household cleaning products, medications, the water we drink and stress.

How Detox Baths Work

A healing detox baths encourages the body to flush out toxins, while also strengthening our immune system. The reason to use water as hot as can be tolerated is typically used is because this initially draws toxins to the surface of the skin. Moist heat causes sweating with loss of water, salt and small amounts of urea, uric acid, phosphates, sulfates and lactic acid. When the body heats up, blood is drawn to the extremities. Then, as the water gradually cools down, the toxins are drawn into the water. Drink room temperature water during and after your bath to prevent dehydration and fatigue.

Epsom Salts Detox Baths

A detox bath made with epsom salt is also known as magnesium sulfate. Epsom salt is a pure mineral compound of magnesium sulfate in crystal form. Magnesium and sulfur are both critical nutrients but surprisingly can be poorly absorbed from our food. Soaking in epsom salts overcomes this problem as these minerals both absorb readily via the skin.

Epsom salts are a smooth muscle relaxant, helps ease muscle pain, can help lower blood pressure and eliminates harmful substances from the body. It also improves nerve function by encouraging proper regulation of electrolytes.

[clear/]Baking Soda Detox Baths

This bath is beneficial for neutralising skin acidity and alkalises your body. This helps improve oxygen exchange at the cellular level. It also helps irritated or itchy skin and leaves the skin feeling soft and silky. It is also beneficial for those with digestive issues such as the inability to hold food in the stomach comfortably.

[clear/]Sea Salt and Baking Soda Detox Baths

This bath is therapeutic for any exposure to electromagnetic field radiation (EMF). EMF radiation is emitted from everyday household and office electrical appliances such as your TV, computer, microwave, mobile and cordless phones. Sea salt also gives an antiseptic and cleansing effect to the skin while also cleansing the auric field.

Dead Sea Salt Baths

Dead Sea Salts differs greatly from other sea salts in mineral content, being made up of sodium chloride, high in magnesium, sulfates, and potassium. Dead Sea bath salts aid in the treatment of common dry skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. They’re known to reduce pain and inflammation from arthritis and rheumatism.

Himalayan Salt Baths

Himalayan Salts comes from the salt mines in the Himalayan mountains. Millions of years ago, the crystallized sea salt beds deep in the mountains were covered by lava. This protected them from pollution and now these are the purest salt to be found on earth. They contain up to 84 valuable trace minerals, giving them a beautiful, natural pink coloring. Himalayan salts aid in electrolyte balance, circulation, aids in metabolism functioning, prevent muscle cramping, balancing the PH levels helping to reduce acid reflux, strengten bones and lower blood pressure.

[clear/] Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Detox Baths

This bath is a great overall detoxifier and for muscle aches and pains brought on by physical exertion. It is also the best detox bath choice for those with bad bacteria, fungal overgrowth and candida issues that affect the skin as it helps restore acid mantle protection to the skin.

An ACV bath draws excess uric acid out of the body. An ACV cleansing bath can provide welcome relief for those with joint problems, arthritis, gout, bursitis, or tendonitis.

Contraindications

If you are pregnant, suffer with high/low blood pressure, cardiac problems, vascular conditions, epileptic seizures consult with your healthcare practitioner before commencing any detox bath routine.

If you enjoyed this article and would like more information then please check out our Online Courses.

Which healing detox bath have you tried? Tell us about it below.

The effects of Stress on our Skin and Body

Posted on June 25, 2015September 23, 2016 by Johann Callaghan

Life is too fast and getting faster. We need a way to adapt to live in this lifestyle. That includes learning to balance our lifestyles in all aspects of our being: our physical body, our emotions, loving ourselves & our beliefs and values.

Stress is anything that threatens our physical being. Stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand. Stress goes beyond just our emotions. It is very physical too. Did you know, that stress creates toxins? This is the most overlooked toxin in the body. Stress even destroys the good bacteria in our gut. Many of the most stressful situations in life come as a result of unplanned changes in personal circumstance. Therefore, managing stress is the key to minimise it’s negative impact on our life. Stress keeps our systems working as they should, but it becomes harmful when it lasts too long and is not managed effectively.

Why do we need to eliminate toxins from our body?

It is a necessity that we eliminate toxins from our body and this includes toxins from stress and other metabolic processes. If we don’t, it will eliminate to the skin as psoriasis, eczema, dry skin or red itchy inflamed skin.

How do we eliminate toxins?

*Get Plenty of Exercise

Not only will exercise keep us fit, it also uses up all the stress toxins in the body. It not, these toxins will build up and eventually lead to stress-related illness like high blood pressure, heart & circulatory problems.

*Stimulate the Vagus Nerve.

This activates the Parasympathetic nervous system reducing inflammation. Inflammation produces toxins. Too much inflammation over a period of time can lead to auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS).

*Take Time to Relax and Breathe.

This also stimulates the vagus nerve which connects to all the body’s organs. Inhaling essential oils will stimulates the release of certain chemicals in the brain that can help people relax. Regulation of the nervous system in this way is very effective for mental health, anxiety and depression. It activates the limbic system helping us to feel good and anchoring the moment. This can help us feel grounded and safe.

*Learn to recognise your stress triggers.

When we are aware and recognise our triggers, we can respond more effectively rather than reacting to a situation. We can’t control what happens to us but we can have more control of the outcome in a given situation or challenge.

*Ask for Help. We don’t know it all.

Our natural human need is to share experiences with other people, so if someone wants to help, let them. You empower others when you allow them to give. At the same time, you can create a FLOW, a momentum and keeping things moving forward. We are all experts at different things and we all have different experiences. So lets share them and help each other.

*Use Natural Aromatherapy and Organic Skincare Products

Organic compounds from carrier oils, butters and waxes contain vitamins and minerals which not only repair the skin, they help to get rid of free radicals which are contributed to pre-mature ageing and wrinkles. Essential oils contains anti-microbial therapeutic properties which help to fight fungal infections on the skin and can benefit skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

Essential oils from the plant have very similar molecular make up as the human body. The immune system is unlikely to attack or have an adverse effect. The only exception to this is if there has been an overuse of oils leading to skin sensitisation. Essential oils are potent and thus need to be respected and used in a controlled way.

Natural and organic skincare products together with pure botanical essential oils are kind and gentle to your skin and also have additional therapeutic benefits helping to bring the body back into balance. Essential oils have the ability to balance the hormonal and nervous system; two of the main systems that have a direct effect to the rest of the bodily functions. If one part of you is under functioning it will affect the rest of you, since everything is connected.

What have you tried to eliminate stress toxins from your body? I’d love to know your experiences. Comment below.

If you enjoyed this article and want to know more check out our online courses.

Essential Oils for Pain and Inflammation

Posted on October 18, 2014May 1, 2015 by Johann Callaghan

What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is an immune response and is the body’s way of dealing with an injury or infection. It is a very natural process. Your body is constantly exposed to toxins, in the air, food, water, chemical reactions in the body ie emotional or physical and of course injury to the body’s tissues and food intolerances. When the body is overloaded with toxins and the liver is under too much pressure, they can leak through the mucous membranes resulting in catarrh or inflammation of the mucous membranes. These toxins or free radicals can also build up elsewhere in the body causing pain and infection and digestive problems.

Pain and inflammation almost always goes hand in hand. Inflammation is caused by injury or acidity and always causes degeneration and or pain. The fundamental key to reducing pain and inflammation is almost always to reduce acidity in your body. Our normal healthy pH levels internally are around pH 7.

What happens during acute inflammation?

When the body’s tissue has been damaged, the inflammation process begins within seconds. The damage may be from a physical injury, or caused by an immune response. Histamine is released causing blood vessels to dilate and become more porous allowing in more fluid and blood proteins into the interstitial spaces. White blood cells ie neutrophil, macrophages and lymphocytes, attack and ingest the foreign body. The inflamed area becomes painful as the nerve endings are stimulated to further protect the area. The area becomes red and hot to touch.

Chronic Inflammation

Chronic Inflammation is a long term inflammation which can last for several months. This occurs as a result of a failure to eliminate the root cause, stress or an auto immune response where the immune system is attacking it’s own healthy tissues. Examples are asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic sinusitis, crohn’s disease, psoriases and fibromyalgia.

How do essential oils work?

Essential oils encourage a process known as phagocytosis which stimulates white blood cells to ingest and clean up micro-organisims. They are the highest know anti-oxidants substances which are vital to help soak up the free radicals and balance the acid/alkaline balance. The body can handle free radicals with anti-oxidants, however, excess free radicals can cause damage to cells and contribute to aging.

Essential oils for pain and inflammation are increasingly being used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as allergy, rheumatism and arthritis. They also support the body’s first line of defence. The skin acts as a protective barrier and essential oils future support this action. When treating inflammation with essential oils, we also need to help detoxify the body, eliminating free radicals and also to help relieve pain. Essential oils with diuretic properties help to accelerate the detoxification process by stimulating the kidneys. Ie lemon, grapefruit, fennel and juniper berry. These oils will also stimulate the body’s ability to make more white blood cells.

Essential oils for anti-oxidant, analgesic and anti-Inflammatory properties

Eucalyptus has been traditionally used to clear congestion with symptoms associated with colds and flus. Diffusing eucalyptus can purify the air of harmful microorganisms.

Ginger can be used for arthritis, fatigue, muscular aches and pains, poor circulation and strains and sprains. It has a similar action to rosemary in that it stimulates the blood flow and warms the skin, bringing relief from pain and stiffness associated with inflammation.

Roman Chamomille helps sooth painful joints, muscular aches and pains, sprains, rheumatism and neuralgia. German chamomile contains chamazulene, a powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy and cooling agent.

Rosemary is effective for muscular pain and rheumatism and stimulates the circulation. Do no use if you suffer with epilepsy or high blood pressure.

Peppermint is used to relieve irritated skin conditions and has a cooling effect on the skin and is an effective analgesic. Used for muscle aches and pains, respiratory and sinus congestion.

Tea tree is antiviral and antibiotic, it is a good oil to use when the skin is inflamed.

Thyme has probably the strongest anti-oxidant properties. It helps boost the immune system, has a warming effect and stimulates poor circulation.

How To Use Essential Oils with Carrier Oils

Carrier oils or base oils are used to dilute and to carry the essential oils into the body. Examples of carrier oils are almond, grapeseed or sunflower. Mix 6 drops of essential oil(s) to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and rub into the body (3% blend for adults).

Safety

Always do a skin test before using an essential oil. Keep vegetable oil nearby in the case of sensitivity occurring on the skin. Never use water because oil and water do not mix. Children generally use about 1/3 of the adult blends.