Monthly Archives: March 2017

Favourite Vegetable Oils

Sunflowers in Zurich

Favourite Vegetable Oils

Sunflower is amongst the richest Carrier Oils,
loaded with benefits, which allow
for direct & safe application of
Essential Oils without causing irritations.

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The Vegetable Oils used for Product making are not the kind you would normally buy at the Supermarket. Those in the stores are exposed to direct Sunlight, shop lighting, and heating which can cause the oils to degrade. Extra Virgin Oil is normally stored in dark glass bottles, so taking this from the back of the row is a good idea!

As our bodies’ cell walls and membranes contain quite a lot of fats and oils, it makes sense for us to use nutritious oils in our foods and skincare products. These will help us maintain the fluidity of our cells.

Did you know that using oils as a cleanser actually helps your skin?The oil softens any sebum which
may be blocking the pores, allowing these to be removed. For this, I have added Sunflower Cleanser to the range of products.

There are plenty of Vegetable Oils to choose from, which vary in colour, natural fragrance, and price. Familiar oils include Apricot Kernel, Sweet Almond, and Coconut. These are found in many skincare products that help repair and calm sensitive skin.

The following Vegetable Oils are some that I use in the Essentially Lili range because I love what they do for the skin:

Sunflower Oil (Helianthus annuus) has very little scent compared to another vegetable/carrier oils, and absorbs easily into the skin, leaving very little residue. Sunflower Oil has high concentrates of Vitamins A, B, D, and E, as well as minerals, lecithin, insulin. It is a great product for the skin, adding UV protection qualities together with the unsaturated essential fatty acids. Sunflower is amongst the ingredients found in Sun Kissed Serum to help with the effects of the sun for those that have been ‘kissed’.

Wheatgerm Oil (Triticum sativum) is obtained from the germ of the wheat. It is extremely high content in Vitamin E which is a natural antioxidant and preservative, together with essential fatty acids, Vitamins A, B & D. Wheatgerm helps promote circulation and increase blood flow, which is great for damaged or scarred skin. It helps form new cells to improve the appearance of the skin and to help repair sun damage to the skin.

Argan (Argania Spinosa) originates from Southern Morocco which makes this product quite expensive.It is yellow in colour and has a lot more Vitamin E (Tocopherol) than olive oil. It is resistant to oxidation with good free radical scavengers.It’s great for damaged and mature skin as it assists the restructuring of the cells.

Avocado (Persea Gratissima) contains essential fatty acids that our body needs but cannot produce. This helps create and rebuild new cells, contain omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids, Linoleic Acid (LA), Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA). So if this is what Avocado does for our bodies from the inside, the outside
is going to love it just as much.

Avocado originally came from Central America, but now is grown around the world.It is rich in Vitamins A, B1, B2, D, E, and Beta carotene. Classified as a monosaturated oil, Avocado is best suited for dry skin conditions in topical applications. It should be green in colour if unadulterated and it comes from the flesh of the fruit. It is great for rehydrating, regenerating and helping the elasticity of the skin.With other carrier oils, Avocado enriches the vitamin and protein content.

Calendula (Calendula Officinalis) has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes wound healing.It is used in sun and after-sun products, as well as to help children with nappy rashes, grazes, and Mums who are nursing.

Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) comes from the seeds of the plants which are grown worldwide.It is very rich in Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), a fatty substance used for skin conditions like Eczema. Evening Primrose is used in various skin products, creams, bath oils, and hair conditioners as it helps the skin’s elasticity and therefore repairing damaged, dry and aging skin. Taking supplements can also be used to help calm skin conditions from within.

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) is actually a liquid wax. Jojoba resembles the sebum of the skin very closely and is naturally rich in Vitamin E.This helps promotes the glow in our complexions, as this oil is very light and is absorbed quickly.

Wheatgerm is found in our Vitamin Rich Range to help with skin that has Acne / Rosacea, has been irritated, damaged, and needs some love and affection. The Vitamin Rich Mens Face Balm and Vitamin Rich Womens Face Balm and Evanesce Balm for those that have Acne which needs treatment.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol Acetate) is a natural preservative and a strong antioxidant. It is used in various skincare products such as acne, lip balms, anti-wrinkle, cleansers, and peels for sensitive skin.

What I find amazing is how much better these Vegetable Oils have. Their wonderful properties boost our skin’s reserves with goodness and help maintain the elasticity whilst promoting cell regeneration. Combined with the Essential Oils, there really is no need to include other unnatural ingredients to our blends.In future blogs, I can share more information about how wonderful these Vegetable Oils are, in the quest of choosing the best ingredients for making the Essentially Lili Skincare products. If there are any Oils that you would like me to include, please let me know.

Check out the Gallery of Pictures – includes Giant Sunflower, Vitamin Rich Womens Face Balm, Diamond Era Serum, Avocado & Samples of Liquid Gold.

BLOG PARTICIPATION:

Which of the Vegetable Oils mentioned above surprised you the most?
What is your favourite and why?
What Vegetable oils would you like me to share about?
Some of the other oils I use in Essentially Lili Products include Baobab, Tamanu, Castor or Macadamia

If I could make you Massage oil, what would you want it to be made of?
And which Essential Oils would you like as the fragrance? I would love to hear your ideas!

Should you wish to Contact us for more information about our All Natural Products, please send me an email info@essentiallylili.com

You can read more About Lili here, see the range of Products on offer at Shop Categories or refer to our Blog Library for more topics covered. Kind Regards Lili @ Essentially Lili

Essential Oils

essential oils and medical flowers herbs

Essential Oils

What I love about them is
their antiseptic anti-inflammatory
properties can rejuvenates skin cells.

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I went to London for 2 weekends of blending which was attended by a group of fabulous women from all walks of life. We spent the first day inhaling, smelling, guessing, imagining and enjoying the natural fragrances of the Essential Oils variety our teacher had brought in. The range of top, middle and base notes from the Essential Oils, the way it made us feel, the smells we liked and those we didn’t enjoy as much.

Some of us left for the evening feeling invigorated, whilst some of us had to lie down from the sore head we got from of inhaling the range of Essential Oils. Ironically, when you read the benefits of Essential Oils, and their therapeutic capabilities, it’s no wonder we were feeling a mix of these emotions and symptoms. It was like an overdose of too many good things at once!

There are so many Essential Oils to choose from. There are those ‘Must Have In Your Cupboards’ like Lavender and Tea Tree Oil, others are nice to haves like Frankincense and Geranium, together with the would really love to have but they are sooooo expensive like Rose Absolute.

Essential Oils have many different properties.They are Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent and wound healing. They help stimulate circulation, can help smooth fine lines, rejuvenate cells, can unblock skin cells and promote cell growth. They are refreshing, cooling and help with hot flushes, sweating, headaches and fatigue.

With my Aromatherapy Studies, I compiled a list of my Essential Oils with the benefits they have, as well as who shouldn’t be using particular oils.Not everyone can enjoy the assistance of the Essential Oils due to their age, if they are expecting or nursing, or if they are undergoing treatment for another condition.This is why I ask about allergies, intolerances and conditions before giving products to someone.

In the Newsletter, I wrote about Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) and how it’s regarded as the ‘Go To Essential Oil.’ Best known for originating in Provence, France, blends also come from Bulgaria, Croatia, England as well as other popular places. It has many wonderful properties and suitable for all ages. Lavender is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and with skin healing properties, reduces irritations and assists the healing of wounds. Lavender is also relaxing and can help de-stress the body and mind. It also has antibacterial properties, and diluted with vegetable oil, can be applied directly to the skin. It is gentle enough for youngsters and fabulous for the skin cell regeneration of those with mature skin!

My other favourite is Frankincense (Boswellia Thurifera) which I use in my Frankincense Face Serum for the over 30s. Frankincense comes from the Middle East. It is also antiseptic, astringent, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, has regenerative and skin healing properties.Frankincense helps improve the tone of mature and damaged skin, reducing scars as well as excess oiliness. I use Frankincense in quite a few products due to the variety of benefits it provides, though the Serum is my favourite go to boost for my skin.

Tangerine (Citrus reticulate) comes from Italy and has antiseptic as well as antispasmodic properties. It is great for helping circulation, digestion, relaxes the nerves as well as being sedative, assisting with stomach and digestive and is depurative. A fabulous inclusion for Mums who are expecting and nursing as it assists whilst they take care of their feet with Tango Twinkle Toes!

Geranium Egyptian (Pelargonium graveolens) is another of those Essential Oils that can help with so many conditions. It has antiseptic, astringent and properties for skin healing. It also regulates and balances skin sebum production, particularly if you have oily and combination skin types. It helps with broken capillaries, varicose veins, improves skin elasticity and tightens the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It also helps promote blood circulation and can help balance irritability and emotions.

Geranium Egyptian works well with Carrot Seed (Daucus carota). Carrot Seed has also become a favourite of mine especially to help improve the skin’s tone, capillaries and the rejuvenation process.

Both of these Essential Oils can be found in Essentially Lili Products: Men’s Aftershave Serum, Hydrating Face Balm, theVitamin Rich Mens Face Balm and Vitamin Rich Womens Face Balm, Diamond Era Balm, Sun Kissed Balm and Changing Seasons for Menopause.

Geranium is key ingredient for Geranium Hands & Body Butter. Carrot Seed is found in Oasis Balm (for Psoriasis), Renew Balm (for Eczema), Diamond Era Serum (for Over 50s mature skin) and Sun Kissed Serum (for Sunspots).

The amazing aspect of Essential Oils is if they are treated with respect, stored away from direct sunlight and not ingested without the assistance of a Clinical Aromatherapist, they can have so many wonderful benefits for everyday living. Used with a Carrier or Vegetable Oil will prevent the strength of the Essential oils burning or irritating the skin.I will blog my favourite Vegetable Carrier oils next time.

Check out the Gallery of Pictures – includes Lavandula Angustifolia, Frankincense Face Serum, Tangerines, Carrots, Essentially Lili Range – Made With Love.

BLOG PARTICIPATION:

What are your favourite Essential Oils and why?
Do you know where they come from?
If you could have a magic potion made for you, what would it be for and what would you like it to include?I would love to hear your ideas!

Should you wish to Contact us for more information about our All Natural Skincare Products, please send me an email info@essentiallylili.com

You can read more About Lili here, see the range of Products on offer at Shop Categories or refer to our Blog Library for more topics covered.

Kind Regards Lili @ Essentially Lili

 

 

Pick Your Ingredients

Pick Ingredients Sample Pots

Pick Your Ingredients

We attended the Health & Safety information event
at Volkhaus in Weidikon, Zurich,
on Saturday 11th March 2017.

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For Essentially Lili, the Event was about being present, away from home and the comfort of helping others from my computer. I loved meeting people, engaging with them and hearing their personal stories whilst sharing my own in return.

There is comfort shared in having compassion and understanding for each other’s journey, the frustrations and resolutions whilst being able to give reassurance that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

At our table, we had a ‘Pick Your Ingredients’ exercise which allowed visitors to look at our jars filled with coloured beads and think about what is included in the everyday products bought.

Did you know that the Cosmetics Industry only has to include between 15 and 18% of Natural and Organic ingredients in order to state on the label that their product is ‘All Natural and Organic’?That means the rest of the 82-85% of ingredients can be whatever they want it to be.

Whilst there are many that claim to be making all Natural products, they can actually include alcohols, parfums, artificial fragrances, synthetic and petroleum-based ingredients to complete the process of making their products.

So a product with pictures of Lavender, Olive Oil, Rosehip Seeds or Geranium flowers doesn’t necessarily mean it will be filled with those ingredients.It could merely be the parfum or fragrance of these ingredients, which is misleading to say the least.

Whilst I was studying for my Diploma in Holistic Skincare Products, one of the lessons was about the ingredients contained in mass-produced products.These ingredients are in baby products,shampoos, conditioners, makeup, talc, sunscreens, hand and body lotions.

I felt quite ill after doing this subject and it only reinforced my promise not to make products that will compromise on the integrity of All Natural Ingredients contained in the Essentially Lili Range.

The Industry has been catering for people who can put all sorts of products on their skin without really worrying about what the ingredients do to their skin.But for those of us who have super sensitive skin, this is not the case.The reactions to these ingredients are often so sudden, causing redness, itching, burning sensations and nothing can seem to calm this down.

The Pick Your Ingredients Activity became an eye-opener for those that came to check out and try the challenge.What did the Coloured Beads Represent?

Blue – Represents Water/ Aqua.This can cause your skin to dry out as moisture is drawn from your skin by the environment, heat, sun and cold weather.

Red – Represents Detergents called P-phenylenediamine, 4-MMPD Sulphate, Diaminobenzene, Ammoniated Mercury and Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS/SLES) & foaming agents which should be avoided. The main source of absorption is via the mucous membranes of the mouth. Found in soaps, detergents, shampoos, mouthwash, hand cream, cleansers, hair dyes (Permanent & Semi-Permanent) as well as toothpaste. It can be stored in the liver, heart, lungs and brain.It can damage the eyes, particularly of children. It can cause skin irritations, mutagenic effects, may cause hair loss, prolonged exposure can cause skin damage, moderately toxic by ingestion.

Pink – Represents Binding Agents like gum, waxes and fats.

Purple – Represents Nanoparticles are ultra-fine particles which possess certain properties due to their tiny size.This allows them to accumulated in the body, possibly by topical use. They may trigger potentially harmful chemical reactions. Nanoparticles include titanium dioxide & zinc oxide for sunscreen products.

Chemical blocks may be absorbed by the skin and work by absorbing the UV light. This causes a chemical reaction in the molecule of block, which may release free radicals. The skin damage can cause photosensitivity and blockers known to do this include: octocrylene, octyl-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate), benzophenone-3, (oxybenzone) and benzophenone-4 (sulisobenzone).If these penetrate the skin before it absorbs the UV photon, then these free radicals are released into the skin. It can increase the risk of cancer and contributes to skin ageing.

White – Represents Synthetics like fragrances & colours, Talc & Toluene.Phthalates listed as Perfumes/Fragrances preserves synthetic scents. There are Over 200 Synthetic Fragrances used in Cosmetics.The label only has to state ‘Fragrance’ so you have no way of knowing which of the 200 are in your product. The fragrance can mask the product going off, provide no benefits, so best avoided.These are often not listed on the ingredients but are contained in health & beauty products. These can be found in Nail polish, lacquers and soft plastics such as pet and infant chew toys. These can adversely affect male sperm, increases testosterone and oestrogen, has been found in Breast Cancer.

Talcum powder – Is chemically similar to Asbestos. It is found in many baby products, including powders, feminine powders, condom lubricants and cosmetics. As a feminine powder or spray it can cause ovarian cancer.

Tolune – Found in most perfumes, nail polish and cosmetics. Acts as an endocrine disruptor, potential carcinogen, may cause birth defects.

Black – Represents Solvents derived from Petroleum found in brake & hydraulic fluid like anti-freeze. Includes Propylene, Butylene & Glycol, Mineral oils & petrolatum. These are without odour or colour, it’s cheap and works well at combining ingredients.The solvent derived from used in brake and hydraulic fluids like antifreeze.

It can penetrate the outer layers of the skin and used as a humectant.It leaves a film that traps the moisture along with toxins & waste that would normally be eliminated through the skin.It can be found in deodorant, shaving gel, conditioner, shampoo, toothpaste, face creams, baby wipes and cosmetic, baby lotions, foundation creams, mascara, deodorants, lipsticks & suntan lotion.

It may cause respiratory & throat irritations, central nervous system depression, blood & kidney disorders.It could cause nystagmus (involuntary movement of the eyes, usually side to side but can be up and down or circular, lymphocytosis; it can irritate the skin and may cause dermatitis & conjunctivitis. Ingestion may cause pulmonary oedema, brain damage, hypoglycaemia, intravascular haemolysis.In extreme cases, it may cause death. Possible carcinogen.

Brown – Represents Preservatives, Q15, Antiseptic, includes Parabens Includes Parabens (methyl-, propyl-, butyl- ethyl-) Proyply-Alcohol.Parabens are added to stop microbial growth and extend the shelf life of the products. Many Skincare Products contain Parabens, those with citrus seed may have been sprayed with parabens. They can be harmful if inhaled or swallowed, they can cause irritation of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. It can cause allergic reactions on the skin, of which symptoms include itching, redness and pain.And it can affect hormones and have been found in Breast tumours . These have also been found in carbonated drinks.

Proyply-Alcohol – is an antiseptic used in cosmetics, shampoos, shaving products, waterless hand cleansers, mouthwash (25-30%) and in the preparation of bottled water, carbonated drinks and decaffeinated coffee. In the mouthwash, it has been linked to mouth and throat cancers.

Q15 – This is a preservative found in many cosmetics. It is a water-soluble anti-microbial agent that has proven active against bacteria, but less active against yeast. It was found to be responsible for over 12% of allergic reactions in an American study. Not known if Q-15 can be absorbed through the skin for the carcinogen producing action to occur. It can react in the body with other chemicals to produce nitrosamines (known carcinogens.) Known formaldehyde releaser, maybe a major cause of dermatitis , people who may be allergic to formaldehyde can potentially have problems with this ingredient.</p

Gallery: Our Jars full of Coloured beads, Essentially Lili Table & Products, Talking to my Visitors.

Orange – Add a little bit of body Acidity regulators like Ethanloamines used with preservatives like Diazolidinyl Urea. It prevents bacterial growth, though it’s not effective against fungi. These are acidity regulators and used normally with other Ingredients like DEA Cocamide. Amines react with nitrosating agents to form nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. These are found in soaps, shampoos, bubble bath, lotions, cosmetics, laundry detergents.It can severely irritate body tissues, can cause dermatitis and may be corrosive to the eyes.

Green – Essential Oils like Lavender, Frankincense, Cypress, Sweet Orange, Myrrh, Rose, Palmarosa, Tea Tree, Sandalwood & Jasmine are just a few of the many wonderful natural fragrances available.

Yellow – Butters & Vegetable Oils, like Cocoa & Shea Butter, Avocado, Jojoba, Wheatgerm, Baobab, Tamanu, Neem Oils. Also included are Herbs, clay, mud, flowers, leaves, roots, nuts, seeds, beeswax, milk, honey, yoghurt & fats.

If the Green and Yellow ingredients have been organically sourced, free from pesticides and haven’t been doctored during the bottling stages, they can have some amazing effects on the mind, body and spirit. Their natural scents are liberating, refreshing, calming, soothing, relaxing and uplifting.

The vegetable oils are rich in vitamins, often with natural UV protection, with antioxidants as they enrich your skin with goodness and benefits.

The butters are creamy and literally melt in your hands once in contact with your body’s temperature.
And making All Natural products that contain only these ingredients is definitely a more luxurious way to treat and rejuvenate your skin on a daily basis, without fear of what damage is happening to your body.

BLOG PARTICIPATION:

  • What were your reactions to the list of Ingredients?
  • Did you know what these were?
  • Can you send in pictures of your favourite product’s list of ingredients so we can have a look at what’s contained?

We look forward to hearing your feedback especially on this topic of Ingredients.

Should you wish to contact us for more information about our All-Natural Products, please send me an email info@essentiallylili.com

You can read more About Lili here, see the range of Products on offer at Shop Categories or refer to our Blog Library for more topics covered.

Kind Regards Lili @ Essentially Lili