The Benefits of Sea Kelp – A Solution for Acne Sufferers

Acne can hit you at almost any time in your life from teenage years through to your older more mature years. Unfortunately acne holds no bounds.

Suffering from the effects of acne in your teenage years can be extremely difficult but when it appears later on in life then things can become somewhat embarrassing, as many people think “this shouldn’t be happening to me at this age”.

Perhaps you are now suffering from acne and need to find a solution to help control it. Have you tried skincare products containing sea kelp?

Kelp extract, also known as Durvillaea potatorum (kelp) aqueous extractis and often referred to as sea kelp or seaweed is an effective ingredient in dealing with acne.

It is perfect for people with oily or combination skin types. Why? It moisturises without supplying extra oil. Yes the challenge combination skin or acne sufferers often face is that they have oil on the one hand, and yet at the same time also have dry patches.

Sea kelp is firming, healing and soothing for any skin type and is incredibly effective for normal and dry skin, as it is a powerful and nutritious moisturiser. That’s why it is great for combination skin types.

For thousands of years herbalists have used sea kelp to treat an array of problems. Kelp is rich in many minerals and active ingredients, moisturizing your skin and providing nutrients at the same time. It contains over 60 vitamins and minerals which are needed by your body to help it function well. And, it contains high levels of Iodine which support your thyroid naturally. Why is that important? The thyroid gland controls our metabolism, which can help keep your weight in check, while boosting your energy levels too.

Sea kelp can help regulate the oil production of your skin, remove bacteria and reduce redness with the help of its anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains elements that help remove toxins and can easily penetrate the skin for instant hydration and helping to keep your skin smooth.

It can be used as a natural exfoliator, helping to remove dead skin cells, which can cause blocked pores and further acne breakouts.

Research has also shown that kelp extract, can help prevent wrinkles with its rich moisturizing advantage. Kelp can also help prevent the breakdown of elastin and collagen, promoting a youthful appearance.

Integrity Cosmetics certified organic skincare products containing kelp include;

 

·         Protecting Moisturiser – for all skin types

·         Nourishing Moisturiser – for Combination/acne prone skin

·         Rejuvenating Moisturiser – for dry/mature skin

 www.integritycosmetics.com.au

Seabuckthorn - For Soft, Supple Skin

Seabuckthorn is a superfruit that grows in rich, fertile Tibetan soil, 3800 meters above sea level. A vegetarian source of essential fatty acids 3, 6, 7, and 9 as well as powerful antioxidants Vitamins A, B1, B2, Folic Acid, C, D, E, K, and P. The vitamin C level is 10 times higher than that of oranges. The oils are cold pressed naturally nd comes in oil and capsule form.

Also known as Hippophae Rhamnoides, seabuckthorn is a source of herbal medicines, vitamins and nutrients. It is also used as active ingredient in anti-aging and medicinal skin care products given it’s nourishing revitalizing, and restorative action.

One of the main Seabuckthron products - Seabuckthorn oil is traditionally utilized to promote the healing the skin of burns, sores, wounds, eczema and helps improve conditions of mucous membranes, including ulcers, lesions and erosions.

Due to the high content of nutrients essential for the metabolism of skin cells, Seabuckthorn oil is applied to combat wrinkles, dryness and other symptoms of malnourished or prematurely aging skin.

Seabuckthorn in skincare products provides replenishing, intensive care for dry skin, keeping it soft, supple and smooth. Seabuckthorn berries are scientifically reputed to have a super-rich cocktail of antioxidant vitamins, flavonoids and essential fatty acids, helping to protect against free-radical damage that is associated with the signs of ageing.

Due to its unique botanical and nutritional properties, and there being no reported evidence of seabuckthorn oil causing adverse reactions or negative side effects, the oil is also used as a natural agent that may benefit diseases of mucous membranes including aphthous ulcers, esophagitis, acid reflux, and peptic ulcers, as well as dermatological diseases and skin conditions.

Juice from the seabuckthorn berries contains among the highest amounts of betacarotene and vitamins C and E of any fruit or vegetable.

In Mongolia, Russia and China, pulp oil may also be used topically to treat skin burns from radiation. Currently, cosmetic companies are adding seabuckthorn oil to anti-aging preparations.

Integrity Cosmetics skincare products containing certified organic seabuckthorn berry oil include:

• Nourishing Moisturiser – apply in the morning, for normal/combination skin
• Rejuvenating Moisturiser – apply in the morning, for dry/aging skin types
• Rejuvenating Serum – overnight rejuvenation – all skin types

Choose Cruelty Free Goes Global!

Choose Cruelty Free (CCF - no testing on animals) goes global! Yay – at last, now there’s a campaign to end animal testing of cosmetics formulations. And needless to say the individual ingredients used in producing cosmetics. Humane Society International (HSI) have just launched a campaign aimed at obtaining legislation in every country to ban cruel testing on animals in the cosmetics industry.

Animal testing of cosmetics is banned in the European Union (EU) however in Australia we don’t have federal legislation to stop animal testing of cosmetics. While we have some regulations in place, most of the big cosmetics brands that fill the shelves of department stores are largely imported and unregulated regarding animal testing.

Many governments are dragging their heels with legislation to ensure non-animal safety tests replace the use of animals. Why? It’s a tough one for governments. Large cosmetics companies wield a lot of power because they employ lots of people and pay lots of company tax, two things critical to any and every government’s success. Unfortunately the cosmetics companies impacted by such legislation aren’t keen to have their plans for current product distribution and future product development interfered with by new legislation.

And because most large companies are driven by profit they don’t want their product distribution or product development plans impacted. That’s someone’s bonus on the line, or more to the point, several people’s bonuses on the line. In a recent article published by Choose Cruelty Free they even go so far as to say “the majority of large companies are driven by profit, so much so they may forget to tell the truth”!!!!!

Since when has generating a profit and telling the truth about business operations been bound together? You tell the truth about what you do and you make the profits you make….don’t you? Apparently not! The article goes on to say that companies such as Avon, Estee Lauder and Mary Kay who have promoted their products as not being tested on animals to boost sales in countries like Australia have recently been “outed” as they were paying for Draize eye and skin tests to be done in Chinese government laboratories, as required by the country’s State Food and Drug Administration, to cash in on the $15 million Chinese cosmetics market.

What a shame, particularly when there are non animal testing alternatives that have been developed and accepted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operations and Development (OECD). So why do companies and governments still insist on using animal testing and not legislating against animal testing? For more information you can contact admin@choosecrueltyfree.org.au or visit their website at www.hsi.org

Melbourne - Mind Body Spirit Festival Wash Up

Integrity Cosmetics range of Certified Organic Skin Care products were featured at the Mind, Body, Spirit Festival in Melbourne from June 8-11 at the Melbourne Convention Centre. What a jam packed 4 days! Our wonderful team talked to hoards of people, answering their questions about skin care and their skin type, their key challenges and what they look for in a natural skin care product. Cleansers, moisturizers and serum tubes were flowing onto hands thick and fast as people smelt and felt these gorgeous products. People tried guessing which ingredient it was that stood out for them, that scent….most people couldn’t quite put their finger on it, but knew they had smelt it somewhere before.

The Prize Draw attracted lots of people and the lucky winners are already starting to cash in on their prize. It was a learning curve, given it’s the first Mind Body Spirit Festival we’ve done and was loads of fun too. Luckily I grabbed a few minutes to check out the other stands and do a quick recky. Thank goodness I found the Conscious Chocolate stand, of which of course I had to make a purchase. I’d never tried it before and was curious. If you haven’t tried this delicacy, then it’s something you must do. One piece of this gorgeous chocolate and you’re senses will be taken away, as if by angels. It simply melts in your mouth! And being certified organic by the ACO, as our skin care range is, we have much in common!

I was fortunate enough to meet the chocolate maker himself – Pana Barbounis, while stuffing some orange flavored raw, organic chocolate into my mouth. One lip wavering at the melt in the mouth sensation that this taste test provides, I managed to get Pana’s card and said “we’re certified organic with the ACO too, we must talk” before I melted on the spot. There’s something very special about their handmade chocolate, with all natural ingredients. To order online or find your nearest stockist go to www.consciouschocolate.com.au

Thank goodness my wonderful team also got to try Conscious Chocolate’s wares and the sustenance was appreciated. Danica, Chantelle & Tathra took great care of the people who came by to have a look at Integrity Cosmetics and experience our ‘to die for’ natural skincare. We’ve even received emails from new customers to thank us for the service provided on the stand and commend us on how genuine we are. And of course lots of people walked away with very soft hands afterwards.

While I didn’t get to see or experience as much as I would like, going between breast feeding 7 month old Benjamin and being on the stand my schedule was jam packed. However I got a passing glance at The Australian School of Meditation, The Australian Shiatsu College, Conscious Chocolate, Sophisticakes (cup cake stand), WellBeing Magazine, Living Now Magazine, Australian Natural Health, Golden Circle, The Chemcial Maze and even got to have a chat with the author Bill Statham himself. Thanks for dropping in to say hi Bill!

Now the event organizers are busy preparing for the Brisbane show. I must say I’m glad to have a break, but if you’re in Brissy this weekend, and are thinking of checking it out, see their website for more info www.mbsfestival.com.au

Tracey Thomson, CEO & Founder Integrity Cosmetics

Mind Body Spirit Festival 2012

Integrity Cosmetic's range of Certified Organic Skin Care products are being featured at the Mind, Body, Spirit Festival in Melbourne from June 8-11 at the Melbourne Convention Centre. If you haven’t tried our pure and natural skin care yet, this is a great time to do so! Simply drop in and see us at stand F48 and speak with Danica, Chantelle or Tathra and they’ll take care of you.

You can be ensured of a delicious experience trying out our certified organic cleanser, exfoliant, moisturizers and rejuvenating serum. It will take you no more than 10 minutes to experience our range of natural beauty products especially designed to treat your face to a natural beauty regime.

Something tells me you’re going to enjoy the experience and be glad you dropped in to visit the Integrity Cosmetics stand. We have a special Mind, Body, Spirit Festival prize draw and of course special product deals for the show, so don’t miss it. Your skin and your face will thank you, not to mention the environment!

While you’re there you can check out the diverse range of products and services at stands including The Australian School of Meditation, The Australian Shiatsu College, Conscious Chocolate (doesn’t that sound yummy!), Enhanced Vitality, Fruits of the Amazon, Holistic Health & Fitness, Living Now, Intelligent Nutrition, Natural Resources Australia, Naturally Healthy Salt, the Salvation Army, Sleep Services Australia, Tea Tonic, The Chocolate Box, The Chemcial Maze, World Vision Australia, WorkSafe Victoria and many, many more!

Stay tuned via the Integrity Cosmetics blog for more information and special goodies on the Mind, Body, Spirit Festival or for more info go to www.mbsfestival.com.au

The 7 Anti Aging Benefits of Green Tea Extract In Your Organic Skin Care Products

According to the website www.amazing-green-tea.com/green-tea-skin.html there are 7 key benefits to Green Tea Extract being used in skin care products:

1. Helps fight damage caused by free radicals
2. Can neutralise the impact & damage caused by UV exposure
3. May help prevent skin cancer – in lotion form or when consumed as a beverage
4. Able to rejuvenate old skin cells
5. Has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect
6. Can benefit conditions such as psoriasis & rosacea
7. Is effective in controlling acne and lightening skin/blemishes

In all, green tea extract contained in sufficient levels in an organic skin care product can benefit your skin in many ways. It is recommended for people with sensitive skin who may experience one or more of the following: inflammation, acne, psoriasis, rosacea, skin blemishes and signs of aging. In it’s natural form - green tea extract can be effective and deliver the results for your skin & beauty regime.

Yucky & Yummy Chemical

Yucky Chemical – Sodium Lauryl Sulphate

What is it?

A cleansing and foaming agent which can penetrate the skin and accumulate in vital organs. Can cause or aggravate acne, and dry skin. May cause contact dermatitis, is toxic to aquatic organisms. May be derived from palm oil or petroleum.

Where is it found?

Carpet cleaner, car wash products, personal care products such as toothpaste, teeth whiteners, hair shampoo, body wash, cosmetics such as foundation and facial cleanser. Be careful and research the ingredients in your cleanser today! Forward this newsletter via email to a friend if you think they may be interested or want to become a member and receive future newsletters here.

Yummy Chemical – Green Tea Extract

What is it?

Generated from green tea leaves, this herbal extract is well known for it’s health benefits, but what about it’s benefits to healthy skin? Known to restore the natural beauty of your skin and for it’s anti aging benefits. When checking the ingredients of products, ensure that they don’t contain green tea fragrance, as fragrance oils are synthetic and don’t contain the same properties as herbal extracts.

Where is it found?

Some skin care products contain minimal quantities of green tea extract, so the anti aging benefit can be questioned. However Integrity Cosmetics products contain high levels of green tea extract, shown in the first few ingredients. For example, check out the ingredients in the rejuvenating moisturiser

Integrity Cosmetics are Australia's number one for organic natural skin care