3 Ways to Exfoliate Your Skin Naturally

Posted on March 9, 2016December 7, 2020 by Johann Callaghan

To exfoliate is to remove the surface dry skin cells, the outermost layers of the stratum corneum. This helps to increase cell turnover, improve skin texture and improves skin tone leaving you with a lovely glow.

Exfoliation, derived from the Latin exfoliatus (to strip of leaves), is a term that describes any process meant to remove dead skin flakes from the body.

Why is it important to exfoliate?

Well, by exfoliating you improve your skin function and any skin issues like blocked pores which lead to further problems like acne, dull skin, pigmentation and fine lines. The skin is a major organ in your body and we need it to work well. It protects us from pathogens in the environment and helps with the process of phagocytosis. It enables the production of vitamin D together with sunshine and cholesterol on our skin . So we want our skin to have the right acid mantle levels and we want it looking radiant aswell.

What do I use to exfoliate?

You can use chemical or physical exfoliants or you can take a gentle salt bath.

What is a Chemical Exfoliant?

Chemical Exfoliant

These exfoliants include ingredients such as AHAs and BHA, and enzymes such as Pumpkin, Papaya, and Pineapple. These ingredients will dissolve dead skin cells and usually have a deeper exfoliating effect. It penetrates further into the pores meaning it helps with blackheads and acne. Using this type can make the skin sensitive to sunlight so it is best to do this at night. Be sure to use chemical exfoliators that are based in natural ingredients, like fruits, milks, or sugars.

Physical Exfoliant

These products are facial, hand and body scrubs. These usually include ingredients like fine sea salt, apricot kernel or pumice stone powder. For the facial, I use bamboo powder. It is so gentle and effective for facial skin. You can also use a dry skin brush which can also help to improve your circulation. Using gentle but firm pressure, start at the ankles and rub in circular motions working up towards the heart. If you are taking a shower, use a loofah sponge.

Detox Baths

If you wanted a more gentle approach with less physical work, you can take a hot bath using sea salts. Sea salt has a cleansing effect on the skin, gently softens and dissolves away surface dead skin cells. All you need is about 1 cupful. You can add your favourite essential oils to the salt before adding to the water. My favourite is lavender and roman chamomile. It completely relaxes me and really helps with sleeping. Great for anyone with difficulties getting to sleep at night, stress and anxiety. Read my article about various different types of detox baths.

What is your favourite exfoliant? I love to use sea salt with almond oil for it’s rich emollient properties and essential oils of lime and grapefruit for it’s bursting citrusy aroma and detoxifying benefits. Let me know, and if you have any questions, please comment below.

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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.

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.