Category: Detoxification

1. Autumn skin prepping

   Posted on 2:00pm Wednesday 2nd Sep 2020

   I have been treating skin for 15 years and every year I hear the same complaints from my clients and friends - they are going through a bad skin phase… What they don’t realise is that almost everyone is going through the same thing at the same time!

   As the first signs of autumn make an appearance, the skin starts to misbehave.  As soon as we touch that dial on our central heating at home, everything changes.  Central heating instantly sucks the moisture out of the air, creating a dry environment.  Our skin is used to fresh air, open windows and the outdoors that comes with summer... Suddenly it is deprived of any moisture, save for when we go outdoors, but even then, it is met with cold winds that contract our pores, not allowing it to absorb much moisture from the air. Whilst we may not be completely settling back into offices and air conditioning just yet, face masks cause their own reactions and a change in atmosphere and stresses will still play a large factor in the skin’s behaviour.

   Being deprived of sufficient moisture and exposed to a dry environment, our skin forms a protective outer layer of dead skin cells, this very thin layer of dry skin ensures that no more moisture is allowed to leave the skin but it also blocks the pores and will eventually start flaking out. 

   For those with the tendency to break out this is a most dangerous time of year.  The thin dry layer of skin blocks the pores and any little inflammation within the skin is going to flare up, re-awakening any leftover bacteria from previous breakouts.

   STRIP
   Let your skin be naked - Keep skin bare and breathing as much as you can.

   If your skin is prone to flare ups and takes on a life of its own, don’t fight it, let it calm down of its own accord. Make sure you care for the skin flare ups as you would your mood. We have a few products that are wonderful for this - each featured below - but try to avoid anything new. Play it safe; less is more.

   If you are making the most of the great outdoors, your skin may need of a little more moisture, so have a think about a moisturiser with added vitamins that can boost that natural nourishment.

   For those looking for a clean glowing complexion from the comfort of your home, take a look at our blog talking about Honey extraction – your pores will thank you and you will smell heavenly too.

   TRAVELLING?
   If you are starting to travel again, pack sensibly and look for products that serve more than one purpose. ANGEL BALM is an award-winning multi-purpose balm that can be used as a cleanser, a mask, a lip balm, a dry skin saviour. Suitable for all skin types, you will be covered for all sorts.

   THE RANGE
   To help you be a step ahead and prevent this from happening we have put together these three little skin saviours:

   1 - VOLCANO ASH - Purifying Mask
   A mask of many talents, Volcano Ash detoxifies, nourishes, firms, plumps and beautifies skin. With an intoxicatingly refreshing blend of Bentonite Clay, Palmarosa and Peppermint, it extracts impurities whilst offering essential nutrients & vitamins to help bring the skin back to life. Use twice a week to keep skin detoxified.
   
   

   2 – MOODY SKIN - Balancing Moisturiser
   Designed for sensitive and problematic skin types, Lemon, Lavender, Palmarosa and Aloe Vera join forces with a splash of natural Vitamin E to hydrate and repair in equal measure. Use daily to keep skin nourished and protected from pollutants.
   
   

   3 – SPOTLESS - Blemish Treatment Gel
   This little ‘wonderpot’ packs quite the punch. Spotless forms a clear film, protecting the affected area from bacteria whilst it regenerates with a synergetic blend of three powerful essential oils; Limonene, Linalool and Lavender. Aloe Vera and Evening Primrose oil heal and nourish the skin to prevent it from scarring.

   As well as using it directly on existing spots throughout the day, apply as an overnight mask over problem areas and on glands behind the ears to prevent breakouts.

   Last but by no means least, take the time to rest. Slow down, listen to your body and embrace the calm when you can!

   THE PRODUCTS:

                                  
                                             Detoxify:                           Balance:                            Treat:
                                            Volcano Ash                     Moody Skin                      Spotless

2. Recipes for natural remedies

   Posted on 1:00am Thursday 30th Apr 2020

   Recipes for natural remedies

   

   A few simple ingredients in your kitchen that will comfort the soul and boost your immunity in equal measure… 

   Momma Soveral's cough syrup
   
   Carrots are rich in vitamin A and other antioxidants that support to immune system.

   Here's a simple remedy from Alexandra’s mother to soothe a cough and sore throat, or to boost the immune system…
   
   What you will need:
   One carrot
   A little bit of brown sugar
   
   

   • Thin slice a carrot into a ceramic or glass bowl.
   • Cover the carrot slices with a dusting of brown sugar.
   • Cover and leave overnight (out of the fridge).
   • A lovely syrup will form that soothes and heals.

   A teaspoon a few times a day will work wonders.
   

   Jorj's Smashing Avocado
   
   

   • Take one semi ripe or not too soft avocado
   • Cut in half with sharp knife, piece skin and press knife blade until you hit the stone
   • Rotate knife & avocado in tandem so that start point becomes one with finish
   • Twist and behold, two halves. Removed stone
   • Sprinkle with salt to taste
   • Take one half and cup in hand, with tea spoon procedure to eat

   Done!

     

   Perfect Skin's Soups

   
   

   There are numerous soup recipes in Alexandra’s book, ‘Perfect Skin’, but it all begins with a good base – a lovely way to use up any leftovers or vegetables that might be on the turn:

    What you will need:

   1.7 litres water

   1 large white onion, cut into quarters

   2 garlic cloves, crushed

   1 large carrot, peeled and roughly chopped

   1 large potato, peeled and cubed

   Any extra or leftover vegetables

   A pinch of salt

   A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
   
            Bring water to the boil

   • Add all the ingredients in the above order (leave the leftover vegetables out)
   • Take off the heat and blend until smooth
   • Return to heat and add leftovers. Cook until tender
   • Season and serve
     
     

    Root Vegetable and Watercress Soup

    This is Alexandra’s “all-time favourite” soup, so we had to include it here!

    What you will need:

   1.7 litres water

   1 medium chilli, finely chopped

   3 garlic cloves, crushed

   1 large white onion, finely chopped

   2 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped

   ½ medium swede, peeled and roughly chopped

   2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and roughly chopped

   2 parsnips, peeled and roughly chopped

   1 red pepper, roughly chopped

   1 turnip, peeled and roughly chopped

   A pinch of salt

   A large bunch of watercress, washed

   A drizzle of olive oil, to serve

    

   • Bring water to the boil
   • Add all the ingredients, except the watercress, in the above order
   • Take off the heat. Add the watercress and cook for a couple of minutes
   • Check the seasoning and drizzle with the oil before serving

    Enjoy!

    

   For more delectable recipes that feed the soul and leave you glowing, look no further…

    

3. 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.