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Category: Healthy Living

  1. Be the Super hero

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    Super Hero & Pomegranate2v1

     Pomegranate, grapefruit, Siberian ginseng and . . .bio-fermented leaves?

    Not quite the ingredients you would imagine for a super smoothie bowl to put pep in your step in the morning, but exactly what you need in your skincare.

    We could go on, and on about our Super Hero potion and gauze masks until the bio-fermented leaves blow in – but what do you really need to know about this vegan beauty?

    First up, we have Siberian ginseng to stimulate and energise your skin. Ginseng helps to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This all works towards helping negate the appearance of fatigue and stress, and giving the skin a much needed wakeup call when you’re still trying to peel your eyes open in the morning.

    Numero dos, pomegranate extract. This provides an amazing shot of vitamin C in a bioavailable form. The vitamin C will aid with brightening your skin, and being naturally high in antioxidants, will protect against free radicals. But what is a “bioavailable form” I hear you cry?! What that really means is, it is ready to go, much like chomping down in to an actual pomegranate, your body recognises what it is, what is in it and knows exactly how to extract the good stuff to nourish your body. Your body does not need to convert the ingredients in to a more “user friendly” ingredient before helping it along to get where it needs to go.

    Third up, grapefruit. If you can eat this straight without pulling a face I salute you – however I find it easier to get the super antioxidant (I’m not just throwing adjectives around, it is classed as a super antioxidant) and anti-pollutant from the Super Hero potion. Living in London, I’ve been of the opinion that the more barriers I can put between my skin and the free radicals in the environment, the better. It is easy to think “if I put more on, surely it must be doing more?” Not necessarily.  The more anti-oxidant’s, the harder your skin works to mop up any free radical interlopers. Doing a thorough sweep will get the job done, however your skin, doing its best Usain Bolt with a broom  impression, will just exhaust itself and could possibly lead to an increase in signs of aging. Our grapefruit extract is perfectly balanced to provide all of the support your skin needs for an antioxidant and anti-pollutant boost, without sending it into overdrive, when coupled with the pomegranate extract.

    Fourthly, we use food grade inulin, derived from bio-fermentation, to create the best growing conditions for the good bacteria in the microflora on your skin; much like you should support the growth of good bacteria in your gut. Think bananas, but for your face. This works towards making sure that your skin is balanced, and isn’t being overrun with the bad bacteria that can cause breakouts and inflammation on the skins surface.

    Last, but by no means least, is everyone’s favourite friend – hyaluronic acid. Molecularly speaking hyaluronic acid can hold a thousand times its weight in water, and works on the epidermal layer of the skin ensuring that your skin does not dehydrate, and appears plumper. Our hyaluronic acid is completely vegan and derived from the bio-fermentation of leaves, helping to make your skin baby soft and bouncy.

    Super Hero truly offers full skin support, helping nourish, protect and hydrate.

    Now, possibly the most important thing – how to use it.
    You know the old adage – all good things in moderation. Super Hero should be applied after an oil massage so that your pores are open and more receptive to absorb the potion – if you find that your skin does not respond well to oil the Super Hero can be used after cleansing thoroughly and spraying with Floral Rain mist. Bear in mind, the more you use the Siberian ginseng, the more your skin recognises it, and the less effective it will be. For best results use Super Hero Potion in the morning every day for 7 days with 21 days break, or use in the morning 2-3 times a week continuously. Super Hero gauze masks can be used at your discretion as a boost to your skin but we would recommend using it for an event or as a self-care pick me up.
    by Kristina

  2. Autumn skin prepping

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    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

  3. Recipes for natural remedies

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    Recipes for natural remedies

    Carrots 1

    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.
    Carrots - after 2

    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!

      avacados

    Perfect Skin's Soups


    soup

    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…

     Soveral Perfect Skin Book Web-Res