Among the wonderful Irish businesses featured in our Autumn 2020 issue were The Soap Room and Donegal Natural Soaps. We loved hearing more about these skin treats! Read on to enjoy the article.
Skin
In the Short and Sweet section of our magazine, we love to speak with both emerging and established voices in the holistic world. In our Summer 2020 issue, we had the opportunity to learn more about the stellar work being done by Dundrum-based acupuncturist and herbalist Amanda Nordell. Read on to find out, in Amanda’s words, how acupuncture can make a world of difference to your skin!
Finding Comfort: Natural Relief for Skin
One of the many fantastic changemakers we featured in our Winter 2019/20 issue was Natalie Balmond, founder of sensitive skincare company Balmonds. She discussed how she first began to make soothing creams and lotions to help her daughter Lula overcome eczema, and how Balmonds has gone from strength to strength ever since!
We Recommend: The Happy Pear Talk With The Skin Nerd
On Wednesday September 4th, in Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin 8, the Happy Pear are holding a special evening with The Skin Nerd® founder, Jennifer Rock, discussing how you can feed your skin from the inside out. They will then be launching a four-week online course called ‘The Happy Skin’ in conjunction with The Skin Nerd® team. Read on to learn more!
One from the archives. From our Summer 2009 issue. Subscribe here to start receiving the quarterly print magazine in the post for just €15 per year.
By Aoife Calnan
People spend a lot of time and money these days looking after their health. Mostly we are concerned about what we put into our bodies and try to eat a healthy nutritious diet of fresh, natural and organic foods. But we should also give thought to what we put on our bodies and how this can affect our health.
On average, women absorb 2kg of chemicals from personal care products in one year. Up to 60% of anything applied to the skin is absorbed into the body. So, it makes sense that the products we put on our skin should be as natural and organic as the food we put in our mouths.
There are now a huge number of companies producing fabulous alternatives to all the conventional lotions and potions on the market. From eczema and psoriasis to teenage acne and rosacea, there is a product to suit every skin type and problem.
The reason these products work is that the companies producing them follow strict guidelines and only use ingredients of the highest quality. Every single ingredient is chosen with care for its nourishing effects. Some companies, such as German based Dr. Haushka and Weleda, go so far as to produce most of their ingredients to the same high standards as those they put into the homeopathic and anthroposophical medicines they make in the same facility. A vast majority of the herbs and plants used are grown on the company farms using biodynamic or organic means. Those not grown on site are ethically sourced.
At the core of their products is the nurturing and healing benefits of the rose. They use various extracts of this precious plant from the wax to the oil to the fine water that comes from a very delicate distilling process. This means that you are being provided with much more than rich skin care – the circulation and metabolic activity of the body is stimulated along with the defence system of the skin, resulting in the skin protecting itself. A truly holistic beauty regime!
The things that strike most people about natural skincare the first time they try it are the wonderful silky textures of the creams and oils and the fresh, sensuous and uplifting fragrances. There is something very wholesome about the aroma of fresh lavender, exotic coconut or zesty lemon on the skin. It awakens the senses and fills the mind with images of purple fields in Provence, white sands and palm trees and sun kissed lemon groves on Spanish hills.
A company that knows all about the power of natural fragrances is another German company called Lavera. They have a beauty regime to suit all skin types, full of gorgeous aromas. You just have to sample them and find your favourite to suit your mood, your personality or how you want to feel. They also have a full range of make-up that is suitable for even the most sensitive skin and is available in co-ordinated natural colours. This is very good news as many women suffer from sensitivities to conventional make up. It is also comforting to know that while your skin looks flawless on the surface, the deeper levels are being repaired and renewed to create a flawless complexion even when the make up comes off.
All this natural pampering makes us look and feel good on the outside but we have the added bonus of feeling good on the inside knowing that the products we are using are causing little impact on the environment. With all the ingredients being ethical, packaged in recycled and recyclable containers and also being biodegradable, they’re helping us do our bit for the future of the planet.
So, if you want this feel good factor in you life, drop into your local health food store and try out some of the fabulous beauty products they have to offer. For one of the widest selections available look no further than Evergreen Healthfoods in Galway. They have all the above-mentioned brands plus many more and friendly, knowledgeable staff to help you choose the perfect beauty regime for you.
Positive Beauty: Green with Envy – Nutritional beauty from the inside out.
Green with Envy
Nutritional beauty from the inside out.
By Mary Berkery
Cosmetics work optimally when your inner care is in place too. The word cosmetic comes form the Greek word “Kosmeo” which means to harmonise and balance. Part of getting that balance and harmony right is making sure you’re putting the right nutrients into your body. It’s so important to look at what you’re consuming to fully understand it and to see how it can enhance a glowing complexion and a healthy and flexible body.
Green Suits Everyone
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of including greens in your daily food intake. Genetically we are very similar to the chimpanzee and they eat 70% greens in their diet! Greens are highly alkalinizing and can be taken in the form of green juices, smoothies and salads. Have that morning shot of wheat grass and make a mid-morning green smoothie or juice your new habit. Your body and skin will love you for it and thank you by looking radiant and glowing. The nutrients will also satisfy food cravings so you won’t need to look for quick energy boosts from processed foods and drinks that cause acid build up.
I’d also encourage you to include green food with each meal. Green foods don’t have to be limited to lettuce leaves and kale, and without going into too their amazing phytonutrient properties some great examples to keep your greens varied include: cucumbers, celery, parsley, courgettes, Chinese greens, baby bok choy, chards, broccoli, brussels pprouts, green tomatoes, okra, green beans, green snap peas, fennel, leeks, peas, edamame (also high in protein), sunflower sprouts and sprouts of all varieties, rocket and all mixed salad greens. When it comes to herbs, incorporate more basil, mint, bay leaf, sage, thyme, rosemary and coriander. And of the fruits; kiwis, watermelon, honeydew melons, green grapes, green apples and avocados. For an extra boost, super food greens to add to your smoothies or juices include wheat Grass, barley Grass, chlorella and spirrulina.
Alkalinize Your Body
Alkalinizing is the secret to looking youthful. It’s important to understanding that our bodies are finely tuned chemical and electrical organisms and takes consistent work to keep this fine balance at its optimum level, for instance keeping the blood in an alkaline state of 7.4. ‘The pH Miracle: Balance Your Diet’ by Shelley Redford Young and Robert Young is an excellent read if you want to do a bit more research in this area.
Some Alkalinizing influences:
- Eating a much as possible a raw plant based diet
- Green juices and smoothies
- Grains such as quinoa, millet
- Proper hydration
- Simple food combinations
- Relaxation and sleep
- Emotional release and forgiveness
- Laughter, happiness and positivity
Benefits of alkalinity
- Improved energy levels
- Clear calm and focused mind
- Improved immune and elimination function
- Youthful glow and radiant skin
- Proper weight distribution
Winter morning green juice recipe
I have two green drinks before any solid food each day. First thing in the morning I have a wheat grass shot and then for my breakfast a green juice which I vary according to the season. This is one of my favourite green juices for winter and is both refreshing and calming.
- Half cucumber
- 2 celery sticks
- 2-3 kale leaves
- One apple
- 1 cm of fresh root ginger for winter warmth
Lastly, drink a litre of water daily. It might not be new advice but it’s good to be reminded!
maryberkery.com
Positive Beauty Winter Sneak Peek: Green with Envy, Nutritional Beauty Tips
Green with Envy
Nutritional beauty from the inside out.
By Mary Berkery
Cosmetics work optimally when your inner care is in place too. The word cosmetic comes form the Greek word “Kosmeo” which means to harmonise and balance. Part of getting that balance and harmony right is making sure you’re putting the right nutrients into your body. It’s so important to look at what you’re consuming to fully understand it and to see how it can enhance a glowing complexion and a healthy and flexible body.
Green Suits Everyone
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of including greens in your daily food intake. Genetically we are very similar to the chimpanzee and they eat 70% greens in their diet! Greens are highly alkalinizing and can be taken in the form of green juices, smoothies and salads. Have that morning shot of wheat grass and make a mid-morning green smoothie or juice your new habit. Your body and skin will love you for it and thank you by looking radiant and glowing. The nutrients will also satisfy food cravings so you won’t need to look for quick energy boosts from processed foods and drinks that cause acid build up.
I’d also encourage you to include green food with each meal. Green foods don’t have to be limited to lettuce leaves and kale, and without going into too their amazing phytonutrient properties some great examples to keep your greens varied include: cucumbers, celery, parsley, courgettes, Chinese greens, baby bok choy, chards, broccoli, brussels pprouts, green tomatoes, okra, green beans, green snap peas, fennel, leeks, peas, edamame (also high in protein), sunflower sprouts and sprouts of all varieties, rocket and all mixed salad greens. When it comes to herbs, incorporate more basil, mint, bay leaf, sage, thyme, rosemary and coriander. And of the fruits; kiwis, watermelon, honeydew melons, green grapes, green apples and avocados. For an extra boost, super food greens to add to your smoothies or juices include wheat Grass, barley Grass, chlorella and spirrulina.
READ THE REST OF MARY’S BRIGHT GREEN NUTRITIONAL BEAUTY IN THE WINTER ISSUE OF POSITIVE LIFE. PICK UP A COPY IN ONE OF OUR STOCKISTS ALL OVER IRELAND. OR SUBSCRIBE HERE TO HAVE A COPY DELIVERED DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR.
Restoring the Balance
By Elva Carri
When I asked Julie what her favourite thing about Restore is, she answered quickly and with a big smile on her face, “The people!” She says it makes her world sparkle when people come in to let her know they have been ‘restored’ and by the sounds of it, this happens a lot. This is not surprising considering Julie has studied naturopathy, reflexology, massage and aromatherapy and trained alongside Patrick Holford, Jan de Vries, the A. Vogel team and Gillian McKeith. And she’s still reading to make sure she’s up to date. This is one dedicated lady.
Even a short visit feels more like a personal consultation than a shopping trip. In trying to decide on a new face cream, Julie helped me pick out the perfect product but also took the time to explain the importance of our liver in looking after our skin, “Oily skin depends on diet, it’s an indication of the efficiency of your liver. Dry skin is because you’re not having enough oils, like fish oils, or can indicate that you need to clear out your liver.”
When I asked her about great new things to try out this Spring, she said Sunwarrior’s Ormus mix is great and uses it herself. “It’s expensive but it’s absolutely amazing. It’s a complete concoction of super greens, manufactured in a base that preserves the high enzyme activity.”
Wanting to be able to cater to all of your needs, they also have a holistic centre upstairs, offering everything from free lunch time meditation to yoga and pilates classes, massage, herbalism, naturopathy and more.
Are you interested in holistic health as part of how to be happy and enjoy a sense of well-being? A whole new health revolution is being led by Revive Active with numerous active ingredients, including CoQ10. It’s a cardiovascular nutrigenomic health food supplement which brings together a unique combination of nutrients in a food supplement designed for cardiovascular well-being.
The effective use of the right nutrients can be a benefit to young and old alike – from the chronically ill to super-fit sportspeople who can benefit from enhanced times and greater endurance.
Speaking at a recent Anti-Ageing conference in London, leading vascular surgeon, Mr Sherif Sultan said: “The virtues of Coenzyme Q10 and L-Arginine are well-proven, and research into their effectiveness has earned Nobel prizes for the leading researchers in this field.”
Tracy Piggott says: “As a television presenter, there are times of high stress levels and a need to be very much ‘on the ball.’ I have always been interested in health and well-being, and have tried many things over the years. Since taking Revive Active, my coping abilities are far better, I can retain more information, and I suffer far less from the stress I formerly experienced. I put that down to the well-being factor of taking Revive Active and the effect of its active ingredients, especially the CoQ10.
As the cold weather has come in, I find that I am not feeling the cold as much and still have plenty of drive in me, which often disappears in the winter when I have suffered somewhat with feeling low and negative during those months.
I also feel that I generally look healthier and better than before, which helps with confidence when appearing in public.”
Anti Ageing Nutritional Advice, Patrick Holford
There is promising new evidence that you can slow down ageing in just about every system of your body. You actually have the choice – to age ‘old’ or age ‘young’ – and as you’ll see, you don’t have to turn your life upside down to do it.
What makes us age?
The entire process of ageing, from your first wrinkle to worsening eyesight, depends on oxidation. Put simply, we run on oxygen. We make energy by combusting carbohydrate with oxygen. The net result is our own exhaust fumes called ‘free oxidising radicals’, sometimes called oxidants or free radicals.
Anything burned, whether it’s a piece of bacon or the fuel in your car, creates these harmful by-products. These literally age you by damaging cells. The average cell has millions of tiny ‘scars’ caused by oxidation. As a consequence, your body and brain gradually work less and less well and look less and less youthful.
But you can dramatically slow down the process by upping your intake of antioxidant nutrients. …
You can read the full article in the Winter 2010 issue of our print magazine, OUT NOW in health stores and holistic centres, or you can have it delivered to your home by subscribing online at www.positivelife.ie/subscribe