Category: Skincare

1. Alexandra’s Crash Course on Oil

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 17th Apr 2020

   

   Do all skin types suit oil?

   
   Some people believe their skin will breakout at the sight of a face oil, for the most part they are right, here is why:

   Reason 1        They may be using an oil that is not actually an oil.

   Reason 2        The oil they are using is unsuitable for their skin, it may be too fatty.

   Reason 3        Their skin truly cannot cope with oil.
   
   Reason 1
   Not all oils on the market should be called oil, they are products cashing in on the known oil benefits. The products I do not consider to be true oils are:
   Synthetic polymers – They are essentially plastic
   Mineral oils – Petrochemicals
   Processed Oils – The oil’s various components are separated and then processed in a multitude of ways, the end result is something that does not have the same properties as the original oil but ends up on advertising of the product with the same name. This is done for getting a longer shelf life and of course it is a much cheaper ingredient as it can be extracted from inferior produce. You will find them in almost all your skincare products under the name of ‘Caprylic’ or ‘Capric Triglyceride’.

   When it comes to oil, the only oils that should be used on the skin should be pure vegetable oils.
   
   Reason 2
   For those whose skin loves oil, life is a wonderful journey of oil discovery. With so many skin health benefits on offer from vegetable oils, we can pick and choose depending on what we are aiming to address and improve. Skin feeling a little dry? A little jojoba will fix that. Been out in the sun too much? Avocado oil will replenish and soften the skin in no time.
   
   However, for those with the tendency to breakout, life is not so easy. Even pure vegetable oils need to be carefully considered, to ensure no adverse reactions.
   
   We know that good bacteria thrive on oxygen whilst harmful skin bacteria feed on, amongst other things, rancid oil. Bearing that is mind, bringing oxygenated blood to the skin is therefore a good thing (this can be done through exercise and face massage) and ensuring oil does not oxidize on the skin is also smart.
   
   There are oils with very low oxidizing qualities that also bring great benefits to problem skin, oils rich in linoleic acid and various natural vitamins. A good example is Pomegranate seed oil. 

   To avoid any oil from going rancid on the skin all Soveral face oils are reinforced with naturally effective antioxidants. 

   Reason 3
   Acne prone skin is high in oleic acid, which is an Omega 9, and the skin over produces oleic acid to make up for the lack of linoleic acid. This extra production of oil by the skin makes the sebaceous glands enlarged and often ends up in pores being clogged and inflammation. The trapped oil inside the pores oxidizes, making it a perfect food for the bad bacteria to feed on.

   The skin needs linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids (Omega 6 and Omega 3) to properly function and build its natural barrier against bacterial invaders.
   
   The problem is that all oils that contain the beneficial acids also contain oleic acid, so what can we do about it?
   
   Jojoba is not an oil but a liquid wax that has a very similar composition of that of sebum. Because of that similarity it is recognised in the skin as sebum, the bonus here is that another great benefit of Jojoba is that it is very stable, it does not easily oxidize, so it will not become a food source for the harmful bacteria.  Jojoba does contain a very small amount of oleic acid, but this is in balance with how much the skin should contain. Its sebum-like structure allows this oil to blend with the sebum inside the pore, thus dissolving it and this is a great way to get antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of essential oils into the pores. Simply dilute acne fighting essential oils into jojoba and either use as a skin cleanser or as a moisturising face oil. Take a look at the blending instructions on the Soveral website under Aromatherapy. 
   
   For those with very acne prone skin, you may want to remove the jojoba oil after massaging the skin with a warm damp cloth. Do this a couple of times per week to get the skin gradually used to the skin. Once you feel confident your skin is not reacting, you may try leaving the oil on the skin but removing excess oil with a tissue once the face massage is over.
   
   Shop the blog: 

   Midnight oil face oil
   
   Forever Young Face oil
   
   Jojoba Oil
   
   Avocado Oil

    

2. Immune Boosting Tips from Alexandra Soveral

   Posted on 10:00am Thursday 19th Mar 2020

   

   Immune Boosting Tips from Alexandra Soveral
   
   Some simple steps from Alexandra to ensure your healthiest immune system at home…
    

   AIR
   Air your home and office. Open a window and allow fresh air in every room for at least a couple of hours every day.

   HUMIDITY
   Get a humidity meter, don’t allow humidity to go lower that 45%. Ideally humidity should be around 50% to 60% for good respiratory health and good skin. 

   PURIFY
   Diffuse essential oils in your home. Any diffuser will do, from the fancy electrical ones to the simple tea light ones to which add the drops to the water. This is a great way to purify the air and breathing in essential oils with natural anti-viral and anti-microbial properties.

   STEAM INHALATION
   Practice the traditional inhalation steams to purify and strengthen the respiratory system.  Add 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a hot bawl of water.  Place a towel over your head and breathe in the aromatic steam. Be cautious of the steam being too hot, it should feel pleasant. If it feels like the steam is too hot on the face or as you inhale, wait until the temperature goes down.

   BATHS
   Add a cup of sea salt (or Epsom salts) to bath water. Then add up to 8 drops of essential oil diluted in either a gentle soap or fat, such as oil, full fat cream or full fat milk. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes.

   BODY OILS
   After showering, whilst skin is still wet, massage a body oil that has beneficial essential oils in it. You can make your own, lots of recipes in Alexandra’s book Perfect Skin, or you may purchase one already made from our website.

   NASAL OIL
   In any vegetable oil, dilute a drop of essential oil such as eucalyptus, rosemary or tea tree. Apply inside each nostril in the morning.

   The best essential oils with anti-viral, anti-microbial and immune boosting properties are:
   Cinnamon
   Oregano
   Eucalyptus
   Lemongrass
   Tea tree
   Rosemary
   Thyme
   Cardamom
   All citrus oils

   To find out about the organic essential oils available from SOVERAL, please contact the clinic on 020 7266 3577 or by emailing soveralsupport@alexandrasoveral.com.

    

3. Ingredient focus: Rose

   Posted on 10:00am Friday 14th Feb 2020

   

   With roses on many peoples' minds this week, we thought we would delve into the beautiful bloom…

   There are generally two species of roses used in skincare: rosa damascena and rosa centifola. Rosa damascena has a deep, potent scent; rosa centifola has a lighter, clean and sweet scent. Both are valued for their pure essential oils, derived from the rose flowers. Tens of thousands of rose blossoms need to be picked as they are unfolding in the early hours of dawn, in order to yield just one ounce of rose essential oil. This is one of the reasons for which makes rose oil is one of the most expensive essential oils. However, the potency is so concentrated that only a few drops are necessary to reap the benefits of such a beautiful bloom. 
   

   Containing a complex mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, rosa damascena essential oil, which Alexandra uses in a number of products and bespoke blends, has excellent emollient properties for moisturising dry skin and boasts aromatherapy properties that calm and soothe, even helping with anxiety and depression. 

   Both rose flower water and rose essential oil reduce inflammation and calm broken capillaries or thread veins. Both help dry, mature skin and wrinkles and are wonderful for eczema prone skin. On top of that, there are antiviral, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent and depurative benefits as well. 
   
   Rich in antibacterial properties, the hydrosols in rose flower water make it a perfect ingredient for a balancing face mist like Floral Rain. Ideal to prepare the skin for face oil and moisturiser, Floral Rain is lovely as a hydrating mist over make-up, or simply to revive and quench naked skin throughout the day. 
   
   Rose oil is a key player in the synergetic blend of active essential oils that make our Forever Young face oil so powerful. A cocktail of antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids and natural vitamins fights free radicals to give a healthy glow, stimulating the detoxification and regeneration of the skin. Suitable for all skin types, it is particularly beneficial for tired, unbalanced skin, or skin battling toxic environments. 

   For those seeking the therapeutic scent of the rose, our 'Flowers of Iberia' candle is perfect for those on the move looking for a rooting moment of calm. Using nothing but organic ingredients, this candle blends the soothingly seductive scents of wild roses, rose geranium and jasmine, with a heady top note from the wax of wild violets on a base of 100% natural soy wax. 
   
   “Lying in a field of dry grasses scattered with wild fragrant flowers is where I was at my happiest as a child.  I could feel the warmth of the earth beneath me and breathe in that heat mixed with the dryness of the grasses.” Alexandra
   
   Now for the mythical part…
   

   Many romantic legends exist about the rose. It is generally agreed that Valentine’s Day flowers date back to the reign of King Charles II of Sweden in the 17^th Century, when the king was taught the language of flowers during a trip to Persia. The idea of being able to communicate using flowers without uttering any words at all gained intrigue across Europe, with lists of flowers and their meanings widely distributed.
   
   In Greek and Roman mythology, the creation of the rose is affiliated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love but it is attributed to Flora, the goddess of spring and flowers (also known as Chloris in Greek mythology, FYI). The story goes that when one of Flora’s nymphs died, Flora called upon the gods to change her into a beautiful flower. Apollo gave her life; Bacchus gave her nectar; Vertumnus, a beautiful perfume; Pomona, a fruit; and Flora, a crown"of petals. To this, Aphrodite added beauty and Dionysus a nectar of intoxicating aroma. The three Graces further bestowed upon the blossom the gifts of charm, joy, and splendour. All agreed it was the most spectacular of flowers and subsequently referred to it as “The Queen of Flowers.” Aphrodite named the flower Rose, dedicating it to her son, Eros, the god of love. 

   Other-worldly beauty, naturally.
   

   Shop the blog:

   lowers of Iberia’organic candle - Rosa damascena (rose) flower oil
   
   Floral Rain face mist – Rosa damascena (rose) flower water
   
   Forever Young face oil - Rosa damascena (rose) flower oil