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.

7 Steps to Healthy Looking Skin

Posted on May 29, 2015May 29, 2015 by Johann Callaghan

Creating free radicals is just part of our being. The production of free radicals is a by-product of cell metabolism. Our bodies are normally able to cope however with an excess of free radicals they can be harmful to the cell structure which in turn accelerates ageing and illness and impeding healthy looking skin.

Anti-oxidants help to soak up excess free radicals. Sources of Vit A, C, Selenium and Vit E are Fish, Carrots, Fruit & Veg, Sunflower Seeds, Almonds, Sweet Potatoes and Liver.

Other factors which contribute to the production of free radicals are environmental pollution, household chemicals/cleaners, smoking and stress.

No.1 Sun Damage

It is common knowledge that contact with UV (ultra violet) rays can cause sunburn, premature aging, age spots, pigmentation, and skin cancer including melanoma, the most serious type.

No.2 Don’t Smoke

Smoking is associated with premature wrinkling. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow and oxygen.

No.3 Use natural creams/oils with vitamins and essential fatty acids

Lack of vitamins and EFA’s can make skin lifeless, blotchy, dry, or oily. Vegetable oils nourish the skin, contains vitamins and essential fatty acids.
Vitamin A treats acne, skin wrinkling and pigmentation caused by chronic sun exposure.
Vitamin C for detoxifying, healing wounds and scars. Required to produce collagen.
Vitamin D is formed in the body with the help of sunlight and cholesterol. It is rich in antioxidant and anti-carcinogen properties and may help to prevent cancer.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant.

No.4 Essential fatty acids

They are essential building blocks of cellular membranes, to allow efficient transportation of nutrients. These will help to enhance collagen and elastin in the skin helping to slow the ageing process. Omega 3 (Fish oils) have powerful anti-inflammatory compounds.

No.5 Keep your Skincare Products Simple and Natural

It is recommended that you use natural and organic aromatherapy skincare products with vegetable derived ingredients and organic pure essential oils. Market leaders spend far more money on the packaging and advertising on high street brand names than on the ingredients. They often contain parabens, SLS, mineral oil, synthetic and other chemical ingredients which over time can harm and damage your skin.

No.6 A Balanced healthy Diet and exercise

A combination of balanced nutrition and exercise/movement can greatly improve the appearance of the skin by keeping the blood circulating and delivery nutrients and eliminating waste. It is important to have a balance between exercise and rest. People with skin disorders such as acne, rosacea, and psoriasis often suffer from constipation and other digestive disorders. Adequate consumption of water and fibre are important. Too much sugar in the diet can break down the fibres and elastin causing skin to become dryer and losing the skin’s youthful look. It is an anti-nutrient and impedes the absorption of nutrients.

No. 7 Stress

Stress causes constriction of the blood vessels, creates free radicals and acid environment, disrupts hormonal activity, and impedes the absorption of nutrients and normal cellular activity. Stress disrupts the PH balance of the skin and also the acid/alkaline balance in the body. This manifests in dry irritated skin and rashes.

Carrier Oils For Skin Types. Which one are you?

Posted on April 30, 2015May 1, 2015 by Johann Callaghan

Carrier oils contain vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids (EFA), and many of them soften and improve the condition of the skin. Some of them are also highly effective in treating irritated, sensitive conditions such as eczema and psoriasis as well as helping to reduce wrinkles and scar tissue.

What EFA’s

Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid or omega-9

Linoleic acid (LA) is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid. Important for cell membranes.

Linolenic acid. There are two forms:

Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid

Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 unsaturated fatty acid. These are closely related to omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, which are called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Helps to reduce plaque build up in arteries.

For Oily, Acne Prone Skin

-Grapeseed

This oil is highly moisturising and is light for use in skin care. Contains Linoleic acid. Ideal for acne or oily skin. Suitable for those with nut allergies.

-Jojoba

A liquid wax which resembles the skins sebum. It will not block pores. Excellent rejuvenating and anti-wrinkle properties, known for treating ageing and inflamed skin. High in Vitamin E.

For Sensitive Skin

-Apricot Kernel

Easily absorbed by the skin without leaving it feeling oily. Rich in both oleic acid and linoleic acid. Good for all skin types, especially sensitive, dry and dehydrated skin.

For Combination Skin

-Sunflower

It’s main components are linoleic acid and oleic acids with high amounts of Vitamins A, D, and E, also has beneficial amounts of lecithin and Carotenoids. Rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Also, an important source of gamma alpha linolenic acid (GLA) which helps in preventing thinning of hair and alopecia.

For Normal Skin

-Sweet Almond

High in oleic and linoleic acid. Sweet Almond is an excellent massage oil, and is especially suited to dry, sensitive and irritated skin. It is softening and nourishing to the skin.

For Dry, Mature Skin

-Avocado

Rich in essential fatty acids and very nourishing for dry, ageing skin.

-Olive

Composed mainly of oleic acid and palmitic acid. Olive oil has the exceptional ability to penetrate the skin and lock in the natural moisture of the skin.

For Scars and Damaged Skin

-Rosehip Seed

Excellent for treating tissue regeneration and many skin conditions including scars, burns, stretch marks, eczema and psoriasis.

-Calendula

A valuable infused oil from the marigold flower, used for treating wounds, scars, burns, inflammation and other injuries as it aids in tissue regeneration.

Carrier oils contain vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids (EFA), and many of them soften and improve the condition of the skin

Top 5 Aromatherapy Carrier Oils for the Winter

Posted on December 4, 2014May 1, 2015 by Johann Callaghan

Cold winds, frost and rain all contribute to drying out the skin. As the weather gets colder, it is important to pay more attention to our skin through a natural, moisturising beauty regime, which will leave your skin looking radiant and feeling hydrated in the harsh winter months.

What are Carrier Oils?

A carrier oil or vegetable oil is derived from the fatty portion of the plant usually the kernel, seeds or nuts.

How Do They Work?

Carrier oils are particularly effective for protecting the skin from drying out and nourishing the skin in the cold winter months. Many carrier oils simulate sebum, which is the skin’s natural moisturiser. Essential Fatty Acids are necessary for dry skin and particularly for skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It supports the natural PH level or acid mantle of the skin, protecting the skin and body from bad bacteria. The acid mantle is vital to our health as this is the first line of defence. A diet rich in omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids and using carrier oils on the skin will significantly nourish and improve the skin’s appearance.

How Do You Use Them?

Carrier oils can be used up to twice a day in the winter. Only use small amounts. To prevent over production of sebum, avoid using harsh products on your skin, alkaline soaps and over cleansing. This will stimulate the sebum to produce more oil leaving you with oily skin and possibly further problems.

Top 5 Carrier Oils

Apricot Kernel Oil

A smooth light oil. Good for skincare especially for the face and mature and sensitive skin. Contains oleic acid. Rich in vitamins A & D.

Calendula oil

Excellent for eczema, damaged, itchy or dry skin, wound healing. Has anti-inflammatory properties and aids in wound healing. Good for dry, mature skin and eczema. Contains Vitamin A, B1, B2, B6 & Vitamin E.

Jojoba Oil

Is actually a wax. It’s texture is light and silky. It simulates the skins sebum and so is not likely to block pores. It is able to dissolve into skin oils and help soothe damaged and irritated skin. Good for fine lines and wrinkles. Acts as an anti-inflammatory. It does not contain triglycerides, unlike most other vegetable oils and as a result, it does not oxidize easily and will not turn rancid like some other vegetable oils.

Rosehip Oil

Rich is alpha linolenic acid. It has a light texture. Contains vitamin C & E. A highly effective anti-oxidant. Excellent for wound and burn healing, premature ageing, regeneration of scar tissue and various skin disorders. Use for dry, irritated or weather damaged skin.

Olive Oil

It’s texture is heavy and oily. It has disinfecting properties and is very healing. Good for burns, sprains and bruises. It is high in oleic acid and vitamin E & A. It also contains the natural moisturiser squalane as well as chlorophyll, which can help the skin’s natural healing processes.

The Powerful Moisturising Properties of Shea Butter

Posted on October 4, 2014May 1, 2015 by Johann Callaghan

100% natural unrefined & organic Shea Butter is an off- white or ivory-colored fat extracted from the nut of the African tree. Shea butter is edible and is used in food preparation in Africa. Our Shea Butter is produced by a women’s fair trade project in Ghana. The Organic Shea Butter that Therapeutic Healing gets from Ghana, go through an initial filtering process with a fine cloth to remove any impurities, an then goes through a final cleansing process in Holland.

LEAH Whipped Shea Butter has moisturising properties &amp anti-aging properties, full of nutrients and has exceptional healing properties for the skin. Shea butter is also packed with antioxidants like vitamin E, as well as polyphenols (anti-oxidants) and phytonutrients (protect from disease). It is high in vitamin A and oleic acid which help to maintain youthful, supple skin. Vitamin A is responsible for improving dry skin, scars, blemishes, stretch marks and wrinkles. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid found naturally in many plant sources. Oleic acid’s high lipid count makes it highly compatible with the sebum naturally produced by our skin. It is able to penetrate past the outer skin layer, to deeper layers, which leads to a more intense moisture and helping with the absorption of other active ingredients. While some standard creams may simply sit on the top of the skin, those made with omega-9 fatty acids typically go much deeper, producing more profound results.

Shea butter is sometimes used as a base for ointments as it has medicinal wound healing properties which are anti-inflammatory, emollient, and humectants. It contains 5-10% phytosterol, which stimulates cell growth and repair. It can also be massaged into and around the joints where pain is experienced. It is an aid for muscle pain, swelling and arthritis.

Shea butter was a valuable commodity during the reign of Cleopatra, and it is still widely used because it is very nourishing, as well as being gentle and easily absorbed.

In summary, the powerful moisturising properties of Shea Butter is a gentle and effective and may be used to treat a number of skin conditions. Good for protecting and healing the skin, especially dry and damaged skin. It can also be used as a conditioner to moisturise the hair and protect from dryness and it even has some natural protection from the sun’s UV rays. It can be used effectively on facial skin and won’t clog pores.

Shea Butter Uses/Treatments:

protects dry chapped lips
treats eczema and burns
aids skin blemishes, stretch marks and dry irritated skin
helps restore skin elasticity
natural sunscreen
Vitamins A & E for skin balance & normalisation
provides collagen for anti-aging benefits
pain reliever for inflammation and arthritis
massage aid for muscles and stiffness
deep nourishing hair conditioner
nappy rash treatment

About Alcohols in Your Skin Care Products

Posted on August 23, 2014May 1, 2015 by Johann Callaghan

Most of us assume that alcholols in your skin care products will result in dry, irritated and inflamed skin. However, there are good and bad alcohols.

The bad alcohols include ethanol, denatured alcohol, ethyl alcohol, methanol, benzyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, and sd alcohol, which not only can be extremely drying and irritating to skin, but may be cytotoxic. Alcohol helps ingredients like retinol and vitamin C penetrate into the skin more effectively, but it does that by breaking down the skin’s barrier—destroying the very substances that keep your skin healthy.

With regular exposure to alcohols in your skin care products, cleansing becomes a damaging ordeal. Once alcohol dissolves your skin’s barrier, it can no longer provide a seal against further damage from outside elements, this allows other substances like cleansing agents and water to cause further damage to the deeper layers of skin, further eroding the skin’s barrier. For those with oily skin, alcohol can stimulate oil production at the base of the pore, causing over production of sebum.

The good alcohols include cetyl, stearyl and cetearyl. These are known as fatty alcohols, and their effects on the skin are quite different from those of ethyl alcohol. When fats and oils (see fatty acid) are chemically reduced, they become a group of less-dense alcohols called fatty alcohols that can have emollient properties or can become detergent cleansing agents.

Cetyl Alcohol

Extracted from coconut oil, it is an emollient that is included in skin care products to stabilize the formulations or to alter their consistencies, or to increase their foaming capacity. It is often included in lotions, hand creams, shampoos.

Stearyl Alcohol

Stearyl alcohol is also derived from coconut oil. Because it is an emollient as well as an emulsifier, it can be substituted for cetyl alcohol to firm skin care formulations. It is mostly found in creams and conditioners.

Cetearyl Alcohol

Cetearyl alcohol is a white, waxy, solid material in the form of flakes. It is oil soluble, but it is not water-soluble. It is a mixture of fatty alcohols. Cetearyl alcohol is an emulsifying wax that is used to soften thick formulas like skin ointments. Derived from natural oils and fats, it is very efficient in stabilising skin care formulations because it gives an emollient feel to the skin. It is widely used in creams and cleansers.