Oil for Oily Skin

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

The cause of oily skin and problem skin is normally associated with our hormonal teenage years. Acne Rosacea (adult acne) can also appear after 30 years of age. A shinny face also may be associated with oily skin. So what do we do about it?

The oil your skin produces helps keep your skin moisturised, but if your body produces too much oil, it can cause the pores to block up and cause congestion in the skin resulting in acne. We also need a balance of oil to help prevent skin from drying out resulting in premature aging and a weakend skin barrier.

Our hormones control the production of sebum. Women may experience oily skin during parts of their menstrual cycle, during pregnancy or even during menopause. Excessive sebum production is perhaps the most common culprit. In addition, an excess amount of dead skin cells can cause blockages in the hair follicles aswell.

A condition known as hyperkeratinisation, is when too much keratin (a protein) keeps the dead skin cells binded together and not allowing them to shed as easily as normal skin. This causes the immune system to attack the bacteria formed and results in inflammation. The skin is further impeded by a weakening of the skin barrier function.

Typically many cleansing products contain too many harsh chemicals and further strip the skin of its protective barrier, resulting in the oil glands producing even more oil to compensate.

Oil for oily skin complexions are very successful in treating problematic skin and can help to control sebum levels produced by the sebaceous glands without stripping or drying the skin.

Premature aging is also from a lack of oil in the body causing wrinkles and dry skin. Essential Fatty Acids are vital for skin health. They are the building blocks of healthy cell membranes and help keep skin plumper, hydrated and younger looking skin.

When it comes to dealing with spots, blemishes, dry or oily skin, try LEAH Oil Cleanser for Dirt & Debris or LEAH Oil Cleanser for Sun Damaged skin and Blemishes.

Protect Your Skin This Winter

Posted on November 27, 2015November 27, 2015 by Johann Callaghan

If you suffer with any kind of skin condition especially dry skin related, it can really flare up at this time of year. There are many things that you can do to protect your skin this winter and reduce itchy skin and minimising the damage of scratching.

Psoriasis affects over 100,000 people in Ireland. The condition causes the skin to become itchy, dry, scaly and sometimes can be very painful. Psoriasis is commonly found in areas such as knees, elbows, back and scalp. It can be managed with medication and a good diet. Overuse of steroid creams however, may lead to the skin thinning out. This will further impede the skin’s natural ability to fight bacteria and breaking down the skin’s defence barrier. Allergens will be more likely to get through the skin’s barrier causing more skin sensitivity. In the winter months it is important to keep the skin hydrated and as moisturised as possible. After taking a shower/bath, apply your moisturiser while the skin is still damp. This way the moisture is trapped on the skin. When you buy new clothes, wash them first in a non-biological washing powder to remove any chemicals or irritants. Avoid synthetic fabrics and wool. Cotton bedding and clothing allow the skin to breath and thus reduce irritation.

Eczema is the most common skin condition in Ireland and worldwide affecting many young children. It is a dry, scaly skin condition and is also triggered by the weather and central heating. Use a diffuser with your favourite essential oils. The extra moisture in the air will help prevent your skin drying out and also help with sinus sensitivity.

LEAH Psoraisis and Eczema Ointment is an oil based moisturiser. It may help relieve some of the discomfort associated with these dry skin conditions. It contains organic Shea butter and organic virgin Coconut oil which are rich in vitamins, fatty acids and anti-oxidant properties. They are extremely nourishing and repairing to the skin. Organic Wheatgerm and Organic Calendula oil has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and aids in wound healing. Bergamot absorbs slowly into the skin which will help with repairing the skin as will Benzoin. Cajaput contains the anti-microbial properties. Even if you are not diagnosed with a skin condition, this is a deep moisturiser with skin repairing and nourishing properties in an all natural plant based product with essential oils of Bergamot, Cajaput and Benzoin.

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.

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