Almost half of the world’s population suffers from dry skin, more women than men are afflicted with this annoying condition. Many of us may not realise we have dry skin and perhaps not even bother about it but it exists, nonetheless.
Flaky, stretchy, itchy, older looking, dull, lined, difficult to move with expressions, loses elasticity,
E2f is very rich in organic natural ingredients, for example, Organic Beeswax, Organic Avocado Oil, Organic Apricot Kernel Oil to name some.
Avocado oil with its vitamin laden properties does more than moisturising, it also feeds the skin. It is easily absorbed, has abundance of Vitamin E, a natural anti-oxidant which helps to heal dry, flaky and irritated skin.
E2f has organic, unrefined Avocado, the green variety with all its goodness intact. More you use it, better your skin will look and feel. E2f – Eat to feet is formulated to contain the best ingredients I, Narynda can source. My ethos has always been, if it isn’t safe to put into your mouth, you shouldn’t be using it on your skin either.
Enjoy using this Ultra rich cream, also available in a small, easy to carry sample size.
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During the winter months we don’t really notice the condition of our feet as they stay hidden in our socks and shoes, but they need just as much care if not more so when the weather is cold.
Just like other things in our lives they require TLC too. Our 100% natural Heel balm is a strong, reliable and effective product for dry and cracked heels. It is extremely moisturing and penetrates the deep layers of the skin to soften, soothe and repair damaged, irritated skin. And it’s so packed full of natural goodness that it can even turn the toughest skin supple to the touch from the first application
Key Ingredients*:
As with all our honest and trustworthy products, this Heel Balm is made with a rich, concentrated formula so you only need to use a little bit on each application, making this one of our most longlasting and affordable products.
*All our ingredients are sustainable and sourced within the UK, and Soil Association / Cosmos certified.
Uses:
As well as being a highly effective foot repair balm, you can also use this Heel Balm to boost moisture, heal and sooth any part of your body. From an everyday balm for problem areas, to a Beard Balm and everything inbetween. The possibilities are endless!
Instructions:
For use on your feet – apply a small amount after bath / shower and rub in well. Suitable also for pre and post exfoliation on the feet. Can also be used at night before going to bed to lock in extra moisture and to let the healing properties sink in.
For use as Beard Balm – take a small amount in your fingers, soften it a bit and rub well into beard and facial skin on as required basis. It is unfragranced and therefore suitable for sensitive skin or those sensitive to natural fragrances.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! What are your favourite things about our Heel Balm and your top tips for using it? Comment blow or get in touch with us on our socials (@narynda_skincare / Narynda Skincare)
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Skin is the largest organ in our bodies and it’s naturally adept at breathing and protecting itself. But in the winter it could do with a little help from us – it’s important to protect our skin from harsh chilly air, pollution, stress and now the addition of face coverings in the time of Covid.
A real time-saver:
Lets face it we can all do with a time-saver nowadays.
Narynda’s Cleanser is a must-have addition to any skincare routine – it is effectively a 3-in-1 product that cleanses, exfoliates and moisturises the skin in one easy step. This multi-action cleanser deeply cleans the layers of the skin, reduces breakouts and blemishes, and gently buffs the skin with the provided muslin cloth leaving it soft to the touch and hydrated.
Its unique gel texture means that this Cleanser can be used in different ways :
In both cases we recommend finishing with cold water on your face to close the pores.
Properties of the Essential Oils in our Cleanser:
Naturally fragranced with a blend of essential oils of Neroli, Lavender, Chamomile and Grapefruit, this cleanser helps to revitalize and nurture skin whilst deeply hydrating the layers of our skin. Made with Coconut and Peach Kernal oils that offer deep pore cleansing and boost of moisture that lasts all day or night.
Have you tried our cleanser? We’d love to know your thoughts! Leave a comment below or connect with us on Instagram @narynda_skincare
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Our epithelium renews itself regularly as part of being alive; therefore, our skin has dead skin cells all the time and they get replaced as soon as they are discarded by our bodies. Exfoliation just makes that process a bit easier and is a healthier way to keep skin looking fresh and radiant.
My Face and Body Scrub is made with all natural ingredients with two types of exfoliating agents - Rice and Bamboo. Bamboo particles help lift off dead skin cells and the Rice particles help to polish the skin. I’ve added Red Clay to it as it helps to absorb excess sebum and cleanse impurities in the skin. It also imparts a healthy glow to the skin!
They are all formulated in an oil based gel of Coconut oil and Peach Kernel oil which means the Narynda Face and Body Scrub helps to moisturise at the same time whilst exfoliating - a bonus, because often exfoliation can leave skin feeling dry.
Another great benefit of this scrub is that it is made with all biodegradable and naturally sustainable ingredients and therefore is kind to our environment too.
May I also add, that it is unfragranced and therefore doesn’t leave any lingering smells, an advantage for people with sensitive skin.
Any questions? Get in touch with me via email or follow us on Instagram: Narynda Skincare / @narynda_skincare
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An 100% natural, rich yet light oil which soothes and calms your little one whilst nourishing the skin without staining clothing or bed linen. It is carefully made in small batches with a gentle blend of Soil Association approved ingredients: Rice Bran Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Oat Oil and Passion Flower Seed Oil.
These oils were chosen thoughtfully to provide rich moisturisation with little carbon footprint, just like the tiny feet for which it is made!
The oils are not only nut-free and full of valuable properties, but also sustainably derived from resources in food industries. For example – Rice Bran Oil is made of course from the bran layer of rice grains. This is rich in oil and is produced abundantly as a by-product of polishing rice, giving you an oil which deeply moisturises, calms the skin and soothes irritation.
Grapeseed Oil is another light and easily absorbed oil. It is rich in Vitamin E and Omega fatty acids that help to maintain soft and moisturised skin. It is also soothing for irritated skin, and equally good for scalp and baby’s hair.
Also added to this foundation of oils is a calming blend of Chamomile, Lavender, Petit grain and Myrrh to help promote sound sleep in infants and young children.
Did you know that Sqwidge Sleepy Baby Oil is just as good for grown ups too? It can be applied to face, body and hair, or to the bath for a boost of hydration and relaxation.
Have you tried our product? If you'd like any more information do check out the Sqwidge website: www.sqwidge.com and always feel free to get in touch for more information.
Take care,
Narynda
Sqwidge Sleepy Baby Oil - awarded BEST BUY in The Green Parent Natural Beauty Awards 2020
]]>The whole world is currently affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the outbreak is likely to last months. The best advice we've been given from the World Health Organisation (WHO) is to wash our hands every hour for 20 seconds, especially if you have to leave the house. That's a lot of hand-washing!
It's our role and commitment as global citizens to do all we can to reduce the spread of the virus, and keeping our hands clean is the bare minimum.
Any soap, especially those with SLS and parabens, are likely to strip our skin of its natural oils, thereby resulting in drier hands with repeated washing. Keeping your hands moisturised in between each washing spell can help heal, repair and soothe your skin so you can carry on your day as normal (or as normal as can be at this time!).
Narynda's 100% natural Hand Cream is an extremely rich product made using Organic Beeswax, Organic Shea Butter and Oat Oil, among other skin-soothing ingredients and a very gentle exfoliant which helps to polish dead skin cells for softer skin.
Bees Wax is one of nature’s best emollients as well as providing a barrier on the skin which keeps them subtle for longer. Shea Butter provides relief to dry and itchy skin and consequently helps to restore elasticity. Oat Oil is abundant in fatty acids that mimic those that occur naturally in our skin, so it absorbs perfectly.
All these ingredients work hard together to deeply moisturise your hands, and as it's completely natural you can use as much as you need before and after washing. As an added bonus this product, like all our other products, are made with a concentration of rich ingredients so a little goes a long way to keeping your hands hydrated and waste to a minimum.
Keep well, keep safe.
Narynda x
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An easy first step to looking after our bodies is to rebalance and detoxify the skin – the body’s largest organ. Cleansing the skin may be hugely underestimated but it is vital in removing impurities and preparing us for the day ahead and whatever life throws at us, from pollution and artificial heat to wintery temperatures and the stresses of modern day life.
My all natural Cleanser is handmade by myself in small batches, just like all the other products in the range. Over the years I have perfected the formula to create a gentle yet hardworking, and naturally fragrant cleanser to purify the skin leaving it rejuvenated and radiant, with lasting therapeutic benefits.
Key Ingredients and Benefits:
When these naturally potent ingredients come together they create a highly effective Cleanser that refreshes, rejuvenates and boots hydration for improved skin that lasts and lasts. And when used as part of a skincare routine, it works wonders.
How to Use:
This cleanser is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin yet hardworking enough to remove deep impurities such as stubborn makeup. Each Cleanser also comes with a butter muslin cloth that I make and send out with each product.
Apply a small amount of the product directly onto dry or damp skin and massage in upwards, circular motions. Rinse the cloth in warm water and use to remove the product. Finish by splashing warm or cold water onto the face.
For a deeper cleanse and added exfoliation, apply the Cleanser onto dry or damp skin using the muslin cloth and massage gently in upwards, circular motions.
TIP: Rinse the cloth in warm water to gently remove the product from the skin, then splash your face with cold water to close up the pores.
To finish your routine, lightly tone the face and massage a small amount of Day or Night cream to lock in moisture, and let all the goodness soak in.
Whatever option you choose, my products are designed with the individual in mind – so always feel free to use the skincare in whichever way suits you and your skin best.
What’s your favourite way to use the Cleanser? Do you have any tips, questions or want more info? Email us at support@narynda.com or connect with us via Twitter @NaryndaSkincare or Facebook.
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Warmer weather is an ideal time to switch up your skincare routine from the cooler months, allowing our skin to soak up all the benefits of summer. Higher temperatures allow our body to sweat a bit more, giving us a natural detox from the inside out. Gentle sun exposure also gives our skin a bit of colour and a healthy, dewy complexion. Not to mention all the wonderful health benefits of Vitamin D we get from sunlight, from a strengthened immune system to improvement in depression, just be sure to use SPF in hotter temperatures.
So this period is an ideal time to take extra special care of our skin. I always believe in following a fool-proof basic routine for whatever your skin type; cleansing, exfoliating, moisturising. Starting with Cleansing in this blog we look at why and how to use the Cleanser.
Looking After Your Skin:
The Cleanser I make is all natural with the highest quality ingredients to feed your skin with all sorts of goodness. It is packed with Coconut Oil to look in extra moisture and anti-inflammatory, skin-plumping Peach Kernel Oil. Both oils work together to deeply cleanse pores yet leave the skin nicely hydrated. Skin is the body’s largest organ and is exposed to all sorts of environmental factors from changing temperatures, to pollution and bacteria. As such natural oils are lost from our skin on a daily basis, and more so as our skin matures, so it’s important to replace the lost moisture. These gentle oils deeply penetrate the skin to ensure long lasting, skin-soothing hydration.
Looking After Your Mind:
I’m a huge believer in the wonders of Essential Oils – each natural oil has its own role to play in the wellbeing of our mind and body. In this Cleanser I’ve chosen to use Neroli, Grapefruit, Chamomile and Lavender. Combined, these aromatherapy oils are an incredibly relaxing natural mood-enhancer, and they’re great for the skin. The citrusy Grapefruit and Neroli oils help to remove all kinds of stubborn makeup, pollution and external irritants from the skin leaving it clean and clear. The slight astringency in these oils also helps to reduce spots (by removing sebum) and blemishes giving an even skin tone. The Chamomile and Lavender oils calms and soothes the skin, giving a healthier, natural glow.
How to Use the Cleanser:
Designed with sensitive and mature skin in mind, our Cleanser is a naturally fragranced, rich gel created to deeply cleanse and hydrate the skin, restoring it to its healthy, youthful state.
Choose the Best Method for You:
Some of my customers simply use the Cleanser as a rich overnight mask or a rich moisturiser during the day. I know of others who apply the cleanser directly onto skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis before showering - this extra layer of protection prevents irritation to the area when washing, and keeps it gently cleansed and hydrated, giving the skin more chance of healing. The best way is to experiment with the product to see what suits you and your lifestyle.
An Environmentally Friendly Skincare Routine
The Organic Butter Muslin Cloth is hand-stitched by myself and is ideal for replacing disposable cotton pads. The cloth can be used time and time again (with our Cleanser and Toner if you wish) and can be washed at 30 or 40 degrees in the machine, and also gently bleached to remove makeup stains. There is also a small ribbon hook so you can hang it up to dry after using.
All in all our Cleanser is a wonderfully versatile product that can be used in different ways and is suitable for all skin types, especially problem or mature skin.
Have you tried our Cleanser? Don’t forget we offer a 30 day Money Back Guarantee and miniature sizes in all our products, so you can sample our products to your heart’s desire!
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Write a plan
Business owners know the importance of writing a business plan, setting out where they want to get to, and how they’re going to get there. Well, setting goals has also been proven to make it more likely that you’ll stick to a resolution. Try to make them SMART (specific, measurable, agreed upon, realistic and time-based). Rather than say, “I want to get fitter,” say, “I want to be able to jog five kilometres by 1st July. To do that I will jog twice a week. I will use the Couch to 5K app to help me, and I will enlist a jogging partner to make sure I go.”
Think of the things you want in your life, whether it’s finding a job you love, a new relationship, or a new house. Stop thinking of those things as dreams or resolutions. Start thinking of them as goals. Write them down, then work out the steps you need to take to make them happen. Try putting dates beside those steps. If you want to move house for instance, how much do you need to set aside each month for a deposit? What will you do each month to make your current house easier to sell? When are you going to look at locations?
Choose new resolutions
It may be that the resolutions you set aren’t the right ones for you. Or that they need tweaking a little. Perhaps instead of vowing to go to the gym every week, you need to vow to go for a brisk walk each day instead. Or maybe what you really need are general life goals, like the three below:
Sometimes our to-do lists seem so long it’s easy to confuse what’s really important. When we look back on our lives, we won’t wish we’d hoovered more often, checked Facebook more frequently, or stayed just that bit later at work. But we might wish we’d had more fun with our loved ones, or not lost contact with old friends. Think about what you’d really like to do more of, then consider how you can make that happen. Could you swap the school run for a school bike ride, so you have time to talk, or schedule in a monthly movie night with friends? Can you book a set time each week where everyone in the family gets to do something on their own that they really want to, whether it’s crafting, reading or just watching a film?
There are so many things competing for our attention these days. Technology is fantastic, but it’s very easy to become too dependent on it. And our minds certainly tend to wander when someone’s telling us something we’re not that interested in, whether it’s work problems, or their school day. People respond to being listened to. Really listened to. It makes them feel valued. And they’re more likely to listen to you properly in turn. So, if you often find yourself telling your child off for not paying attention, or moaning at your other half for not remembering something you’ve told them, ask yourself whether you really listen to them in turn.
You wouldn’t criticise a friend for a mistake or because she’d put a few pounds on over Christmas, so why be so harsh on yourself? A good friend is also pretty good at giving us a talking to if we need one though, so don’t be afraid to ask your own opinion sometimes. How would you respond if a friend asked you the same question? What advice would you give her? How would you talk to her if you were worried about a relationship she was in, or a health issue?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
While only you can take the steps to change, you don’t have to take them alone. There are so many organisations out there that can help. Look for online forums, helplines, or local groups that can help you to hit your goals. Talk to friends and family members about what you want to achieve, and ask them to support you.
I hope you’ve found this post helpful. If you have, please feel free to share it.
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Cleanse
Women often wear more makeup in the colder months, once that summer glow has faded. So it’s particularly important to take it all off before bed. A good cleanser should gently cleanse it all away in one go, but a double cleanse can help to leave your skin really fresh and clean, so it can breathe properly overnight. Look for a gentle cleaner, that won’t strip away too much natural oil.
Once a week, you might want to treat your skin to an extra nourishing cleanse, using coconut oil. Don’t worry, it won’t leave your skin feeling greasy. Just warm a small amount of the coconut oil between the palms of your hands, and massage it into slightly damp skin. You can leave it on a little while if you like. Then just wipe it off with a damp muslin cloth.
Exfoliate
It’s important to exfoliate all year round, but particularly in the winter months, when our skin can feel dry and lacklustre. You might want to go for a gentle face scrub, that won’t scratch or irritate your skin. My Face and Body Scrub is triple action. Bamboo stem grains gently exfoliate away dead skin particles. The kaolin clay draws out impurities that are trapped in the pores. And the rice grounds gently polish the skin surface to leave it soft and smooth. It’s gentle enough to use daily, but three times a week is plenty.
Tone
I know Toner can seem like a bit of a faff. But try to find time for it at least twice a week. Ideally, go for a Toner with hyaluronic acid, as it can help to aid cell renewal and keep your skin hydrated.
Moisturise
There is a temptation to reach for heavier creams in the colder months. But they can sometimes be a bit too rich, or block pores. Instead, I suggest sticking to your normal cream, but adding a night cream to your routine. (Daily if you can, or a few times a week if not.) It’ll help to combat the effects of the central heating and winter air. I use oat oils in both my Day and Night Creams, as they help to nourish skin, without being too heavy or greasy.
Treat
Twice a week, treat your skin to some intensive hydration. You could opt for a mask (find a DIY recipe here) or a nourishing oil. I’m still perfecting my facial oil, but in the meantime, my Baby Massage Oil will do the trick. It’s lovely and hydrating and really calming for the senses.
Hands
I know many of my customers suffer from dry, cracked hands during the winter. Try swapping to a gentler soap or handwash, that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulphate. Keep hands cosy in gloves when you go out, and work in a rich hand cream a couple of times a day.
Body
Ah winter woollies! I know how tempting it is to cover up and ditch the body lotion for a few months. Do try to massage a cream in at least once a week though, ideally after exfoliating in the bath or shower. My Body Lotion absorbs quickly, so you won’t have to shiver naked in the cold for too long I promise!
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I truly believe it is possible to have just as good a time with less money. And you may even find you enjoy the run up to Christmas more. So this week I thought I’d give you some suggestions for celebrating Christmas on a budget.
Presents
Speak to your friends and family to see if you can agree a set budget to spend on each other. Or why not agree that each person just buys for one other, Secret Santa style?
Bespoke pictures can be quite easy to make. Cut out a pretty applique from an outgrown babygro and frame it for a child’s bedroom. Or use Wordle to create a design using words that mean something to the person you’re giving the gift to. Charity shops often have old pictures for sale in attractive frames that can be resued. Or pick up some cheap frames in Poundland and paint them.
Family members might appreciate a collage of photographs. Take the glass, back and picture out of an old frame and string some yarn or ribbon across it. Use mini pegs to hang photos from the yarn.
You could also try your hand at other homemade gifts, such as bath-bombs, body scrubs, candles and more. A batch of homemade cookies costs very little, and you could pick up some Kilner jars second hand to present them in.
Search online for voucher codes. Lots of online shops offer a discount around Christmas, or have a free delivery offer. We offer free delivery for purchases over £25 for example.
Gift your time. Use an online free design service such as Canva to design some pretty gift vouchers for everything from babysitting to cooking dinner. A busy parent might appreciate a few hours to themselves. An elderly relative might appreciate being read to, or having some gardening done.
Look for ways to make cheaper presents appear more expensive. You could pick up some second hand gift boxes, or decorate with ribbon for example.
Shopping from small, independent stores can save you money, as you’re not paying for expensive stores, advertising and salaries. And you often get a more personal service. We offer a range of giftsets, and we’re also happy to make up a basket with your choice of products.
Activities
It can be difficult to entertain friends and family over the festive period, particularly if you have children. However, you may well find that most people are just glad of a break from work or school, so are more than happy to just relax for a few days. If you do want to plan a few activities, there are ways to keep the costs down.
A trip to the panto can be great fun, but it doesn’t always come cheap. Have a look to see whether your local amateur dramatics group is putting on a performance. It’ll likely be a lot cheaper, and you may even be able to take your own food and drink with you.
Keep an eye out for board games and jigsaws in your local charity shop. Lots of people have a clear out before Christmas, and it’s worth picking a few games up to keep the kids amused at home.
Have a crafting day. Depending on the age and ability of your guests, you could try anything from junk modelling to making cushions. Start collecting bits and bobs to use now.
Make the most of free places to visit, from the beach to museums and art galleries. Time your trips so you don’t have to buy food while you’re out, but budget enough for a little treat. Everyone needs a sit down with a cup of tea and mince pie once in a while.
Do you have any tips for doing Christmas on a budget? I’d love to share them. Just leave me a comment, or drop me a message via Twitter @NaryndaSkincare or Facebook.
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First of all, congratulations! It’s been a while since my children were that little, but I still think there are few things nicer in life than snuggling a newborn. They have such delicate skin, so it needs to be treated gently. In my world, that means no harsh chemicals, just lots of gorgeous, nourishing products. (And plenty of kisses.)
Keeping your baby’s skin healthy
Your baby’s skin is super sensitive. It’s best to stick to a non-bio laundry detergent so you don’t irritate it. You might want to go for a gentler, more natural one, like those by Earth Friendly Products, or Bio-D. Try to choose clothes made from natural fibres that will allow your baby’s skin to breathe. Pure cotton and bamboo are good choices. Some of the fleecy or velour outfits look extremely cute, but they’re often made from polyester, so do check the labels.
Bathing your baby
In the first few weeks, your baby won’t need washing in anything other than water. Bubble bath might be fun, but it’s not really necessary. If your newborn does need a really good wash (thanks to an explosive nappy for instance), look for natural, gentle products that don’t contain irritants such as sodium lauryl sulphate. Alternatively, coconut oil is a surprisingly effective cleanser. It also has the added advantage of moisturising your baby at the same time. And, of course, it smells delicious! It can make your baby a bit slippery though, so do take extra care.
Moisturising your newborn’s skin
There are few things softer than a newborn’s skin. Gentle, natural creams and oils, like cocoa butter, shea butter and oat oil can help to keep it that way. Try moisturising your baby in a warm room, straight after their bath. It’ll help to lock moisture into their skin, and get them good and sleepy!
Baby massage
I’m a big fan of baby massage. I massaged all of my children, as well as my granddaughter. Massage isn’t just beneficial for your baby’s skin – it can help to relax and soothe them, and get rid of any trapped wind. It’s also great for bonding, and can be a lovely role for dad to take on. To get you started, I’ve written a step-by-step guide to baby massage, which you can read here.
Treating any skin conditions
Dry patches, eczema and other complaints are quite common in young children. Try to think whether there’s anything that could be triggering the problem. Do you need to switch to a gentler laundry detergent or baby wash for instance?
It’s really important to keep your baby’s skin clean and moisturised. Water can actually have a drying effect though, so you might find it best to only bath your baby every few days. Try tying a handful of oats in the toe of an old pair of tights and dropping it in the bath. It can work wonders on itchy skin conditions.
The Baby Massage Balm is very healing, and can help with eczema, psoriasis and other skin complaints. I also make a Baby Massage Oil. Both are packed with nourishing natural ingredients, and are gentle enough to use on even a newborn’s sensitive skin.
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I love playing round with new ingredients, seeing what works and waiting for the Eureka! moment. But there are some old faithfuls that I come back to time and time again. So today I thought I’d talk about some of my favourite ingredients – why I love them and why you will too!
Beeswax
I have my bees to thank for my skincare business. I wanted a natural solution to my dermatitis, and decided to try the beeswax from the hives in my gardens. It’s fair to say that it was a bit of a revelation. After a bit of trial and error, I ended up with an ointment that cleared my dermatitis up, and left my skin so soft. So what is it about beeswax that makes it so good for your body?
Well, beeswax helps to lock moisture into the skin. At the same time, it acts as a barrier to protect your skin from pollution and other irritants. And, unlike other barrier creams, it doesn’t block your pores, and it allows your skin to breathe. Beeswax can really help with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Beeswax is ideal for avoiding nappy rash, so I’ve included it in my Baby Massage Balm. You’ll also find it in my Body Lotion.
Oats
Oats are wonderfully nourishing for the skin. They can also help to repair and soothe your skin, and to keep it hydrated. If you’re suffering from dry skin, or eczema, try tying a handful up in a muslin cloth, or the toe of an old pair of tights. Drop this little parcel into your bath while it’s running, and use it to wash with. It sends the water lovely and milky, and works wonders on skin complaints.
You’ll find oat extracts in many of my products. The Day Cream is rich in oat oil, along with other skin saviours, such as shea butter. One customer described it as ‘Simply the greatest cream I've ever found!’
Olive oil and olive butters
Olives are packed with anti-aging antioxidants and are incredibly hydrating. You can use olive oil on its own to help with dry skin, but it can feel a little greasy, so tends to work best in combination with other natural ingredients. My Heel Balm is formulated with cranberry, chamomile and olive butters, so is incredibly rich and healing. And it’s not just useful for cracked heels! Find out what else it can help with.
Chamomile
Many of us will have used chamomile oil to soothe the itch of chicken pox. It’s very soothing and calming. A natural anti-inflammatory, chamomile can help to soothe and calm skin. It’s also antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic! I include chamomile in my baby range, as it can help baby to relax. (Meaning you might get a minute to relax too!) The Baby Massage Oil makes a great facial or body oil for grown-ups too.
What are your favourite natural ingredients? I’d love to hear about them. Just leave me a comment, or drop me a message via Twitter @NaryndaSkincare or Facebook
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One of my favourite pastimes is just pottering around my garden. As well as appreciating how beautiful it looks, I love to breathe in the scent of the flowers, listen to the bees buzzing around and feel the cool breeze on my face. And I might treat myself to a quick taste of honey from a hive while I wander around.
Your senses work so well together to heighten an experience. Would you enjoy chocolate quite as much if it didn’t smell so lovely, or feel so good when it melts in your mouth?
I do think skincare should be a treat for your senses – it should look luxurious, feel heavenly to apply, and, ideally, smell good too. Because it’s not just about the end result – you want to enjoy the experience of using it.
I always try to make sure our creams and lotions feel lovely when you’re massaging them into your skin. And, if I think a product would benefit from fragrance, I’ll add essential oil, such as neroli. (As I’m sure you can guess, I much prefer natural scents to artificial perfumes.)
If you fancy making your own feast for the senses skincare, these recipes are a great starting point. They only need a handful of ingredients and are really easy to make:
Homemade Strawberry Face Mask
Mash the strawberries up with a fork and mix them with the other ingredients. Massage the mixture into your face and relax for 10 minutes, before removing the mask with a damp muslin cloth. This is a great homemade mask for giving your skin a brighter appearance and leaving it feeling softer.
Homemade Coconut and Oat Face Scrub
Mix the ingredients together and massage them into your skin, before removing with a damp muslin cloth. You can also leave the mixture on your face for a few minutes, to act as a face mask and scrub in one. It keeps for a couple of weeks, so you could make a larger batch and store it in an airtight jar.
Homemade Sugar Body Scrub
Mix a little of the olive or coconut oil into the sugar at a time, until you get the consistency you want. Add the essential oil. Lavender is good if you’re likely to apply the scrub near to bedtime, or try something like geranium, bergamot or mandarin to give you a boost in the morning. This scrub is lovely to massage in during a shower, and it should keep for at least a week in an airtight jar.
If you give any of these a go, I’d love to hear how you get on. Leave a comment below or find me on Twitter @NaryndaSkincare or Facebook.
]]>You’ll want to make sure your skin is really clean and make-up free, before you start. Work a small amount of cleanser into wet skin, using circular movements. Remove with a damp muslin cloth. Most of us tend to rush cleansing, seeing it as just another job to get done before starting or ending the day. But try to take time to really appreciate the routine and enjoy the feel of spending some time just focusing on your needs. Choose a light, gentle cleanser. Mine uses ingredients such as neroli oil and peach kernel oil to help moisturise as it cleanses, without stripping away too much of the natural sebum, or leaving skin feeling tight and uncomfortable.
Pat your face dry before starting to massage in the cream or oil of your choice. My day cream is great for facial massage, as it’s packed with oat beta glucan to help skin repair and rejuvenate. If you prefer a facial oil, try my baby oil. It’s made from oat oil, rice bran oil and grape seed oil, with a relaxing blend of essential oils to help calm the senses.
Whether you choose an oil or cream, be careful not to use too much, as you don’t want to overload your pores. You just need enough to let your fingertips glide across your skin. You can always add more as you go if you feel you need to.
Try to avoid pulling or dragging your skin too much during your massage. For most movements, you’ll want to use a really light touch.
1: Start by gently tapping your fingers around your face, like raindrops.
2: Sweep your ring fingers underneath your eyes, from the inner corner to the outer, being careful not to pull the skin.
3: Massage your forehead using a spiralling movement, from the middle towards your temples.
4: Place your fingertips either side of an imaginary line down the middle of your forehead, with your pinky fingers on your eyebrow ridge. Gently pull your fingers away from each other towards your temples. Repeat a few times.
5: Massage from your chin up to your temples, again using a spiral motion, making the spirals bigger for your cheeks.
6: Use a smaller, circular motion to massage your temples. You can apply a bit more pressure for this one.
7: Place one finger on either side of the top of your nose, near the inner corner of each eye. Firmly draw your fingers down and out from the sides of your nose.
8: Taking some extra cream or oil, tilt your head up to look at the ceiling and stroke your fingers gently from your chin to your collarbone, working the moisturiser deep into the skin.
If you like you can now try some exercises to help strengthen your facial muscles. Here are three to get you started:
It’s lovely to give yourself a mini massage a few times a week, but do try to take the time to really enjoy a proper facial massage once a week, without any distractions. It’s not just good for your skin; it’s good for your whole sense of wellbeing.
Are there any topics you’d like me to cover in my blog? You can let me know through my contact form, Twitter or Facebook.
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From balms to ease aching feet, to aromatherapy oils to help you sleep, a few well-chosen essentials can make your time away even more enjoyable.
When space is at a premium, you want to know that any products you pack are going to work extra hard. Look for products that can multi-task. Coconut oil can be used for everything from cooking to rehydrating your skin, cleansing, and calming skin complaints. You can even use it as a hair mask. Our heel balm is also a great multi-tasker. I like to keep a mini-pot of it in my handbag, as it’s handy for treating dry lips and soothing feet that have done too much sightseeing.
One of the joys about hotels is that little basket by the sink that’s packed with lotions and potions. However, if you have sensitive skin, or are trying to stick to more natural products, you might want to give them a miss. If you can, take what you need with you instead.
Most of our products meet the 100ml individual allowance requirement, but you don’t need many to fill that tiny plastic bag they give you. So, if you’re only taking hand luggage, you might want to browse our range of sample sized goodies, or decant products into smaller bottles. A bar of 100% natural soap is also useful, as it doesn’t count as a liquid or take up much room.
Busy airports, overcrowded train stations and noisy hotels can take their toll. Many people swear by aromatherapy for keeping calm, reducing stress and aiding sleep. Ylang ylang is a lovely essential oil for boosting your mood, as are rose otto and geranium. Some people find it hard to drop off to sleep if they’re not at home. Lavender is well known for its ability to help you sleep, but did you know that chamomile, sandalwood and vetiver may also help you to get a better night’s rest?
The pressurised air on-board a plane can be very drying. As well as drinking plenty of water, it’s a good idea to pack your moisturiser and some rose water, or a cooling hydrating spray. Try to skip the lipstick and keep a lip balm to hand. If your eyes feel puffy or sore, ask for some crushed ice, wrap it in a serviette or muslin cloth and hold it to your eyes. Eye drops can also be a useful addition to your hand luggage and you might want to leave contact lenses out til you arrive.
Think about those extra things that might prove invaluable while you’re away – a travel pack of baby wipes to freshen up with, a handheld fan, muslin cloth, and so on.
Check out my post here for more travel tips and a DIY recipe for a simple hydrating spray using cucumber.
Do you have any top travel tips to share? I’d love to hear them. Tweet me @NaryndaSkincare and I’ll share the best!
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You’ll want to choose a time when your baby is not hungry, too tired, or, in the case of older babies and toddlers, desperate to explore! I liked to massage my children straight after their bath, to help put back the oils that the bath had stripped away. If there are other people in the house, you could move to a quieter room, where it can just be you and your baby, without any other distractions. Before you start, make sure the room is nice and warm, and there are no bright lights directly above the baby’s head.
1. Lie your baby on a warm, soft towel or blanket, that can be easily washed afterwards. You may also want to keep a nappy open underneath them, just in case! Have another blanket to hand, to cover them up if they start getting a bit cold. Make sure their clothes are nearby too, as you don’t want to be carrying a slippery baby through the house searching for a babygro.
2. Warm a small amount of massage oil between your hands. Talk to your baby, telling him or her what you’re doing and keeping eye contact.
3. Glide your hands down your baby’s body, using gentle, slow movements.
4. Support your baby’s ankle in one hand. Wrapping the fingers of the other hand gently around their thigh, slide it gently down the leg. Repeat a few times, before swapping to the other leg. Gently push your baby’s knees towards their chest, to help them release any trapped wind.
5. Use the same movement on one arm, and then the other, supporting their wrist in one hand and sliding your other hand down from their shoulder. Alternatively, you can just stroke the tips of your fingers down their arm, being careful not to tickle!6: Glide your hand in a circular motion around your baby’s tummy, in a clockwise direction. This will help digestion and release trapped wind.
7. Turn your baby over so that they’re lying on their front, with their head to one side. Use large, anticlockwise circular movements to massage their back. Then smooth your hands downwards from shoulder to hip, on either side of their spine. Be careful not to put any pressure on their spine.
8. You can give your baby a gentle head massage if you wish, depending on whether you mind them getting oil in their hair. Use a very light touch and avoid the fontanelles (soft spots).
Babies’ skin is very sensitive, so you’ll want to use a light, natural oil, ideally nut free. You can use olive oil, sunflower seed oil, or a natural baby oil. The main ingredients in my Baby Massage Oil are rice bran oil and grape seed oil, both well-regarded for their hydrating properties. I’ve also added chamomile, which is very soothing, and sandalwood and myrrh essential oils. These essential oils are prized for their aromatherapy qualities – they can help to calm and relax your baby, and promote a good night’s sleep.
If you prefer a balm to an oil, the Baby Massage Balm is ideal. Blended with cocoa butter, coconut oil, cranberry butter and beeswax, it’s very hydrating and gentle on the skin. Of course, both the balm and the oil are multi-purpose. The balm can help to treat nappy rash, while the oil makes a great body and facial oil for mum!
]]>It’s all too easy to neglect our skin in the winter months, when we can hide ourselves away under layers of clothes. If you’re feeling in need of a bit of TLC before embracing your summer skirts and camis, read on for our top tips for achieving soft, glowing skin this summer.
Make your own DIY salt scrub at home
Exfoliation is so important. It helps to get rid of dead skin cells, aid cell renewal and can even boost circulation to get your skin glowing. How about making your own salt scrub? You’ll need around one cup of sea salt, plus half a cup of a nice light oil, such as grapeseed. Mix them together well and add a few drops of essential oil if you like. (Sandalwood and myrrh smell lovely and relaxing.) You can also add extra ingredients, such as dried herbs or lemon zest. Keep your salt scrub in an airtight jar and use once a week or so.
Salt scrubs can be a bit messy, and if you don’t fancy making your own, you may well prefer to go for our Face and Body Scrub, which is packed with skin beneficial ingredients, such as kaolin clay and peach kernel oil. Bamboo stem grains and rice grounds gently exfoliate and polish the skin without scratching.
100% natural moisturiser
Coconut oil is a wonderful top-to-toe moisturiser. Just warm a small amount between the palms of your hands and massage it into your skin. The fragrance is an added bonus, as it really evokes a sense of exotic climates! You can also use coconut oil as a hair mask. Check out our guide to seven ways to use coconut oil.
If you prefer a lotion, our Body Lotion is very nourishing and absorbs quickly. It’s also gentle enough for sensitive skin. One reviewer told us that the lotion has made such a difference to her eczema it’s changed her life!
Faking it
If you’re planning to go for a fake tan, it’s extra important to exfoliate and moisturise well. You’ll also want to pay particular attention to elbows, knees and heels, which are prone to dryness and rough patches. Again, coconut oil can help, but cracked, hard or flaky skin will benefit from being treated to my Heel Balm, which is rich in beeswax, shea butter, almond oil and other goodies.
Going make-up free
I don’t tend to wear a lot of make-up, and usually avoid it altogether in the summer months. If you’re wanting to go bare-faced, you may want to boost your skincare routine by adding a facial oil to the mix. You can make your own by blending a light carrier oil, such as jojoba, or grapeseed, with another oil of your choice, such as sweet almond, pomegranate seed, or rosehip. Or you can take the easier route by using our Baby Massage Oil. It’s a fraction of the price of most facial oils you’ll find on the high street, but packed with nourishing ingredients to boost hydration and leave your skin glowing. You only need a few drops, warmed between your fingertips and patted into your skin.
DIY pedicure
Fancy treating yourself to an at home pedicure? Check out my guide to achieving sandal ready feet this summer.
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My children are grown now, but I remember the sleepless nights of their early years all too well. Those first few months, in particular, could be exhausting. I relied on baby massage for helping them to relax and unwind before bedtime, but I wish I knew as much about aromatherapy as I do now.
People have been using aromatherapy to help aid sleep and relaxation for millennia. Some of the best known oils for promoting a feeling of calm are chamomile, sandalwood, myrrh, lavender and rose:
Chamomile is well-known for its calming properties. It’s often used in lotions to ease the itch of chickenpox and insect bites, and we make tea from the flowers to help us relax and unwind.
Sandalwood is often used in meditation, as it has been found to help clear the mind and reduce stress.
Myrrh is a stress reliever and can help to induce a feeling of relaxation and calm. It may also help to treat skin irritations.
Lavender is often used as an aid to sleep, and can help people to unwind after a busy day.
Rose is frequently used in aromatherapy to aid relaxation and lift the mood.
You can use some essential oils in an oil burner or diffuser, or add a couple of drops to the bath. Others work well blended with carrier oils to use for massage. Not all essential oils can be applied directly to the skin, and some aren’t safe to use in pregnancy. So, it’s always best to seek advice from an aromatherapist before you use them. Alternatively, you can choose a ready-made blend. My Baby Massage Oil is a really comforting blend of natural oils. It includes chamomile, sandalwood and myrrh essential oils to help relax and calm your baby. The oil is 100% natural; there are no parabens, preservatives, artificial colours or fragrances. Every ingredient has been included because it has a recognised benefit for the skin or senses.
I’ve also added Vitamin E (Tocopherol), which is an antioxidant and helps to promote healthy skin.
Do you have any favourite essential oils for aiding relaxation and helping your baby to sleep? I’d love to hear about them. Just Tweet me @NaryndaSkincare.
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Coconut oil for cleansing
While it won’t get rid of every trace of makeup in one go, coconut oil is a pretty effective cleanser. Massage a small amount into wet skin, then remove with a damp muslin cloth. It shouldn’t leave your skin feeling overly oily, and doesn’t strip it of its natural oils like some highstreet cleansers. You should find that your skin feels soft and hydrated after using it.
Coconut facial oil
If you have very dry skin, try massaging a little coconut oil in just before bed. It’ll feel much softer and more plumped in the morning. Your skin can get congested if you use too much though, so start with a tiny amount and then use more if you think you need it.
Coconut body oil
Coconut oil is lovely as an all over body oil. It’s very nourishing and the scent always reminds me of holidays. It can take a while to sink in, so you might want to wait to use it until you can relax in your PJs for half an hour afterwards.
Coconut oil as a hair mask
Softer, shinier hair, naturally. What’s not to like? Try to steer clear of the roots, however, and give yourself plenty of time to wash it out.
Coconut oil for shaving
The oil allows the razor to glide across the skin, so can help to prevent nicks. As a bonus, it leaves skin much softer.
Coconut oil to treat skin complaints
Many people swear by coconut oil for treating eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions. A good trick is to tie some porridge oats into the toe of an old pair of tights and add it to the bath when it’s running. Have a good soak and run the bag of oats across your skin before you get out. Pat dry and then massage in some coconut oil. Again, you don’t need a lot, or your skin will struggle to absorb it. You may well see quite a dramatic improvement in your skin, and it’s also a good method for avoiding a flare up in the first place.
Coconut oil for dry skin
Dry, rough elbows, knees or heels? Try applying a good dose of coconut oil after exfoliating. If that doesn’t work, you need my Heel Balm.
Fancy trying it for yourself? Our coconut oil is organic and 100% pure, with no added preservatives, colours, perfumes, or anything else for that matter! I’d love to hear how you get on. You can tweet me @NaryndaSkincare.
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Baby massage can:
And, of course, it’s also a really enjoyable time between your baby and you.
I massaged all three of my children when they were little. Like many mums, time and money were often scarce, but massage was always an important part of our routine. I would often massage my children before their bath, helping them to get in the mood to relax and unwind after their day. The oils and waxes protected their skin from the drying effects of the soap and water. I would then give them another, shorter, massage straight after their bath, while their skin was still damp, to lock in moisture and replenish the oils. This traditional Indian Ayurvedic baby massage routine has now been passed down to my daughter-in-law, who has massaged my granddaughter since she was tiny.
I do think the name ‘baby massage’ is a bit misleading in a way. Most people benefit from massage, and there’s no need to stop just because your newborn has grown into a feisty toddler. Massages may get a bit quicker of course, and you certainly have to pick your moments, as young children never seem to have much patience for staying still! (Believe me, I know, I had twins.)
I used my own blend of massage oils on my children, and when my granddaughter came along I did the same for her. Most of the massage oils and balms I found on the high street just weren’t pure enough for her delicate skin. I’ve spent many happy hours trying out different blends, and ended up with two products I’m really pleased with – my Baby Massage Balm, and my Baby Massage Oil.
The Baby Massage Balm is very rich and hydrating, so is particularly beneficial if your child has dry skin, or itchy skin complaints such as eczema, rosacea and psoriasis. It’s 100% natural and made without any artificial preservatives, colours, alcohol or fragrances. I make it by hand only blending these five ingredients: cocoa butter, coconut oil, cranberry butter, chamomile butter and beeswax. Each of these ingredients is well known for its benefits to the skin. As this balm is free from water, it’s also very rich so you only need a small amount to hydrate and repair. Just warm it between your palms and massage it into dry or damp skin.
Do you prefer a massage oil? Take a look at this post all about my Baby Massage Oil. It’s nut-free and made with oat oil, rice bran oil and grapeseed oil, with a few added essential oils to aid relaxation.
Are you a fan of baby massage? I’ll be sharing some of my Ayurvedic baby massage tips in my next blog post. If you follow me on Twitter @NaryndaSkincare I can let you know when the post is out.
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In my last blog post, I told you all about my new Baby Massage Oil, and mentioned that it was as good for mums as it is for babies. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants and Omega 6 fatty acids, the oil is nourishing, hydrating and leaves skin plumped and smooth. I do love a good multi-tasker, don’t you?
Hydration
The main ingredients in the Baby Massage Oil are rice bran oil, grapeseed oil and oat oil – all powerful hydrators that are easily absorbed by the skin. They also help to lock in moisture and prevent trans-epidermal water loss, to keep your skin feeling plumped and hydrated for longer.
Anti-ageing
I’m not a big fan of the phrase anti-ageing, but it’s certainly true that the oil contains ingredients that have been found to prevent early lines and wrinkles. For a start, rice bran oil has anti-melanin properties, so it helps to tackle the visible effects of sun damage, pollution and aging. Oat oil is rich in ceramides, which occur naturally in our outer skin cells and help to protect us from bacteria and environmental pollution. The massage oil also contains a potent mix of vitamins, along with squalene. Squalene is produced naturally by our bodies, but production starts to slow down around the time we reach 30, so it’s a good idea to give your skin an extra boost of it. Squalane helps to fight free radicals, combat dryness, even out skin tone and reduce pigmentation, scars and age spots.
Easy to use
The Baby Massage Oil is very light, so it absorbs easily and won’t leave your skin looking greasy. Massage a few drops in just before bed, or first thing in the morning. Wait a few minutes to let the oil really sink in, before applying any makeup.
Cost effective
Many of the facial oils on the market are very much a luxury item. Our Baby Massage Oil is priced at just £8.50 for 50ml, and a little goes a long way, so it’s very good value for money in my opinion!
Allergen-free
As it needed to be pure enough to use on even my granddaughter’s delicate skin, I’ve kept the ingredients very pure, and avoided anything likely to cause irritation. So the oil is free of allergens, including nut oil, meaning it shouldn’t trigger any inflammation, irritation or skin complaints.
Great for skin complaints
Oat oil is well known for its ability to soothe dry, itchy skin conditions, such as eczema. And grapeseed oil is a power anti-inflammatory and is rich in linoleic acid, which helps to soothe irritated skin.
Added essential oils
I’ve added sandalwood, chamomile and myrrh essential oils to the mix. As well as smelling really rather lovely, they’re very calming, so it’s a good oil to use before bed to promote a feeling of calm and peacefulness.
What multi-tasking products are you a fan of? I’d love to hear your ideas. Please tweet them to me @NaryndaSkincare.
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You may have noticed I’ve been a bit quiet on the blog front lately. Inspired by my granddaughter, I’ve been squirreled away in my lab formulating our new baby products.
I massaged all of my children when they were babies, and my two-year old granddaughter still loves being massaged (when I can convince her to stay still for long enough!) Massage is so important for healthy skin, and it has a multitude of other benefits, from helping babies and toddlers to relax, to easing colic.
I believe Baby Oil should be as pure and natural as the children it’s designed for. It took me quite a lot of research and experimenting to find a blend that I was happy with. The main ingredients I’ve included are rice bran oil, grapeseed oil and oat oil. These are very nourishing to the skin, and provide a real treasure trove of vitamins and essential fatty acids. They’re easily absorbed and offer some protection against environmental factors, such as pollutants and the sun. I’ve also added sandalwood, chamomile and myrrh essential oils. As well as smelling lovely, they can help to calm and relax babies promoting better sleep. The result is a natural Baby Massage Oil that’s…
Suitable for sensitive skin
Newborns have such delicate skin. This oil is extremely gentle and can help to soothe itchy, sore skin conditions, such as eczema.
Hydrating
Not only is the Baby Oil fantastic at hydrating the skin, it actually helps to lock in moisture by preventing trans-epidermal water loss.
Nourishing
The massage oil is rich in Vitamin E, Vitamin B, Omega 6 fatty acids and antioxidants. These help to keep the skin supple and healthy.
Nut-free and allergen-free
Some body oils contain nut oils, which parents may want to avoid for young children. This oil contains no nut oils, or any other known allergens, so it’s very safe to use.
Free from artificial fragrances
Synthetic perfumes can irritate delicate skin. Instead, I’ve fragranced the massage oil with a blend of aromatherapy oils.
Calming
The essential oils I’ve chosen are well-known for their calming properties, making this the perfect oil to use before sleep-time, or to help soothe an upset child.
Easily absorbed
Baby Oil needs to be easily absorbed, so that it doesn’t leave a layer of oil on the skin that can transfer to clothes, or make baby too slippery.
Great for mums too!
I am a firm believer in multi-purpose products. The Baby Oil makes a perfect face or body oil. It’s rich in squalane, vitamins and fatty acids, which help to tackle lines and wrinkles, fight free radicals, even-out skin tone and reduce pigmentation, scars and age spots.
Vegetarian
As with all my products, the Baby Oil is suitable for vegetarians. It contains no animal products of any sort, and has not been tested on animals.
Easy to transport
A little goes a long way, so I’ve stuck to a 50ml bottle, which can easily fit in a nappy bag.
I’ll be talking more about baby massage in a later blog post. If you want to be the first to hear when it’s out, just follow me on Twitter @NaryndaSkincare
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If you have an avocado languishing at the back of the fridge, or some honey that’s no longer runny, why not use it to give your skin a boost?
Banana
Overripe bananas are great for your skin.
Avocado
Avocado goes from under-ripe to overripe so quickly. If you’ve missed the moment and now have a blacked avocado to contend with…
Yoghurt
If you have some natural, unsweetened yoghurt that’s a little past its best before date, try using it on your skin. The lactic acid acts as a natural exfoliator.
Honey
Honey often gets thrown away when it starts to crystallise. If you’ve tried melting it in a bowl of hot water with no success…
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People sometimes ask me whether they need a separate night cream, or if they can just get away with using their usual moisturiser before bed. While the main purpose of both is to add hydration, day and night creams are formulated differently, so I do advise buying separate creams if you can. Once opened, each jar will last around six months, so it doesn’t work out any cheaper to buy one pot that you then use twice as much of.
A day cream needs to be lighter than a night cream. People often want to apply makeup over it, so it needs to be absorbed quickly and not congest the skin. Mine is light, refreshing and very hydrating. It absorbs quickly and isn’t greasy, so it won’t make your foundation slip.
I haven’t added artificial sun protection to my day cream. I think it’s best to keep the two separate, so that people can choose what level of SPF they need for the time of year. Moisturisers with SPF can also lull people into a false sense of security, as they rarely apply enough of the cream to get the SPF that’s stated on the jar.
What I have done, however, is include oat beta glucan, which helps to protect your skin cells from UV damage. I’m a huge fan of ingredients derived from oats. Simply adding a handful of porridge oats tied in a muslin cloth to the bath will help to soften skin and alleviate conditions such as eczema. The oat oil in my day cream helps the skin to repair and regenerate, as well as aiding elasticity and collagen production. It really is one of nature’s finest skincare ingredients.
I’ve also included olive oil, which is packed with anti-aging antioxidants and superb at hydrating. The final main ingredient is shea butter, which has high levels of Vitamin E and Keratin, and is a great moisturiser.
My night cream is formulated to complement the day cream. It contains a lot of the same ingredients, including that all important oat oil, but is much richer. The night cream also contains another ingredient derived from oats – avenanthramides, which helps to soothe skin and reduce inflammation. I’ve also included peptides and acmella oleracea plant extract, which boosts collagen production and has been shown to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
The night cream feels very luxurious, and does take longer to be fully absorbed, so I advise applying a small amount before bed and massaging it in well. You’ll feel the benefit in the morning.
Both my night and day creams are almost 100% natural and not tested on animals. They’re ideal for people with any skin type, and may be particularly beneficial for sensitive skin.
If you want to try them out before committing to the full sized products, you might want to order the Face Care Pack, which contains sample sizes of the day cream, night cream, cleanser, toner and face & body scrub.
Do you have any skincare questions? Just drop me message via the contact form, or tweet me @NaryndaSkincare
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I’m not much of a fan of New Year’s resolutions. So often they seem to be just a form of punishment for treating yourself over Christmas. But I do think that January can be a great time to commit to being kinder to yourself. So I thought I’d focus this week’s blog on easy steps that you can take to help your skin to be the best it can be.
Eat fats! I know you may think you need to stick to a low-fat diet after Christmas, but your body really does need fat. Just choose seed, nut and vegetable sources of fats, such as avocado and hummus, over animal and dairy fats.
Make time to cleanse before bed. Yes, I know, I risk sounding like a nagging mother here, but it really is so important to give your skin time to rest and recuperate at night, without being coated in makeup. Try to build cleansing into your everyday routine, much as you do cleaning your teeth. My cleanser can be rinsed off, or removed with damp muslin cloth, whichever you prefer. You may also want to keep some cleansing wipes beside your bed, for those times you really can’t be bothered. There are some good face wipes on the market, but a cheaper option is to buy some eco baby wipes, such as those by Bambini Mio or Earth Friendly Baby.
Take time to exfoliate. Exfoliating is the first step to brighter, healthier skin. It aids cell renewal and gets rid of dry patches.
Moisturise. When our daily routine is disrupted, steps such as moisturising can often end up being forgotten. Try to take a few extra seconds to really massage your cream in, as it helps to boost blood flow, reduce congestion, and feels so nice. If you don’t usually bother with a night cream, you may want to invest in one, at least for the colder months.
Give oils a go. Whether you plump for jojoba oil, which is very close to the skin’s own natural oils, or olive oil, do treat your skin to oil, it’s so beneficial. Read my blog on ten of the best oils for your skin.
Try toner. While a toner isn’t quite as essential as a cleanser or moisturiser, it is the icing on the cake in my opinion, toning and hydrating skin, while helping to protect it from pollutants and bacteria. Read more about why you should consider using a toner.
Stay hydrated. Whether you prefer herbal teas, fresh vegetable juices, or plain old tap water, staying hydrated will help to keep your skin healthy. It’s very easy to overdo the mulled wine and prosecco at Christmas. While I’m not suggesting that you have to cut out all alcohol and caffeine in January, your skin will look better if you cut down.
Get some shut-eye. A lack of sleep doesn’t just lead to bags under your eyes. It can also make skin conditions, such as psoriasis, worse, and affect cell renewal. I do think our bodies naturally crave more sleep in the winter. If you struggle to drop off at night, try a screen ‘detox’ for the hour before bed, including turning off your phone, tablet, TV and e-reader. Make sure your room isn’t too warm, and try aromatherapy oils. A warm bath with a few drops of lavender or vetiver can work wonders, or try adding your essential oil to a muslin cloth beside your pillow.
I’d love to hear your New Year’s resolutions. Tweet me @NaryndaSkincare
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As we come to the end of the year, I’ve been taking a few moments to count my blessings and consider all the things that I am thankful for….
For one thing, I am incredibly grateful to my customers. I really do have lovely customers, many of whom I now consider to be friends. Through farmers’ markets and craft fairs, I’ve been given the chance to chat to many of you. We’ve discussed everything from family life, to the wider world. Many of my customers have given me some really valuable advice about how I can grow and develop my skincare business, and I love knowing that I have people who believe in what I’m doing and want to see me succeed.
Business-wise, 2015 has had its ups and downs, and at times it’s been a pretty steep learning curve. But I’m grateful that I’ve learnt so much about running a business over the year, as well as finding out more about my customers and what they’re looking for, which means I can find ways to better meet their needs.
Of course, I am thankful for my family. I have lovely, healthy, ambitious children, who support me, and of whom I am immensely proud. My husband is very hard working, and although he doesn’t interfere, I know that I can rely on him when the going gets tough. His manner used to irritate me (it still does at times!); often it can be so brusque that it gets me down, but he's always there when I come across a serious issue.
I’ve even tried to learn something from my mother-in-law, who can get the better of me at times. She's been living with me for the past 16 years, so that's not really surprising. She’s taught me that sometimes looking at things in simple ways can help either to solve a problem, or to accept it if needs be.
Most of all I am grateful for the strong, rewarding bond that I have with my granddaughter. She's only a toddler, but she’s already proving to be an intelligent, bright little girl, with a strong character. And she’s such fun to be around.
I think it’s important to recognise and be thankful for our own strengths. I'm fortunate to have my health, my wild imagination and the drive to attempt new projects all the time. This drive and the restlessness that comes with it, has meant that I have never been able to settle into a quiet (dare I say boring), everyday life, but have pushed myself to try new things, throw myself into new ventures, and experience life in all its glory.
I also admire nature. Even winter has its own charm and personality. It is in a state of slumber at the moment, but it needs that too. The night sky is beautiful in winter time, as are the sunrises and sunsets. I'm very fortunate to be living in a country which has welcomed me, given me confidence and provided me with so many opportunities.
I would like to take this chance to wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year filled with reasons to be thankful.
I’d love to hear what you’re grateful for this Christmas. Tweet me @NaryndaSkincare, and I’ll share your thoughts.
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Dinner with friends, office parties, family celebrations… Our diaries can start looking pretty hectic this time of year. Many people enjoy getting ready almost as much as going out. If you have time to spend on preparation the night before your party, whether it’s five minutes, or a couple of hours, read on…
If your skin is looking a bit dull and lacklustre, try a mini facial. Start with a good quality cleanser to make sure your face is completely clean. Then use a gentle exfoliator to rid it of dead skin cells. My face and body scrub contains kaolin clay, which helps to draw any impurities out from the pores. If you don’t have a face mask to hand, try making one with half an overripe avocado, some porridge oats and a teaspoon of honey. (Mash up the rest of the avocado with a couple of teaspoons of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice for an effective hair mask.) Leave the face mask on for ten minutes, remove with warm water, pat dry and apply your toner. Finish up by gently massaging in your night cream. Your skin should look much brighter the next day, and feel softer and more plumped.
Eyes feeling a bit puffy from too many late nights? As well as getting a good night’s sleep and drinking plenty of water, try mixing ground turmeric with aloe vera or water and gently applying it to the under-eye area before bed, making sure not to get any in your eyes.
If you’ve been hiding away under winter woollies for the last few weeks, you’ll likely find that you need to exfoliate your whole body. Pay particular attention to dry patches on your elbows and knees if you’re planning to get a fake tan. If you don’t have a scrub to hand, try mixing some brown sugar or sea salt with olive oil. Add a few drops of essential oil if you like. Lavender is good for relaxation, or geranium is uplifting.
An oat bath is a great way to add some much needed moisture to your skin. Just tie a few porridge oats up into a muslin cloth, or the toe of an old pair of tights, and add it to the bath while it’s running. Use your oat bag to cleanse your skin. Once you’re out of the bath, pat your skin until it’s damp, rather than soaking wet, and massage in plenty of body lotion. You might want to use a multi-purpose balm on particularly dry areas, such as elbows and heels.
Planning a manicure, but want to save money by doing it yourself? Here’s how to get it right.
Of course, it’s not just preparing for parties that’s important; sometimes we need to give ourselves time to recover from them too! Rich food, late nights and a bit too much mulled wine all take their toll. Do try to take time to look after yourself in between the frenzy. Soothe your stomach with nutritious food and drink, such as veggie packed soups and warm water with lemon. Head out into nature for a brisk walk to clear your head and refresh your spirit. And take some time away from your phone, tablet and the TV in the evenings, so that you can unwind before bed.
Enjoy the partying!
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Jewellery. Beads can be pricey to buy new, so it’s worth having a look for old necklaces in charity shops. Buy a few in coordinating colours, then reuse the beads to make your own designs.
Plants. Buy a pretty pot or teapot from a charity shop and fill it with soil and bulbs. Narcissus, snowdrops, hyacinth and amaryllis are all easy to grow. Alternatively, you could make an evergreen table decoration, with dried oranges or lemons to add a splash of colour. All you really need to buy is the oasis and fruit, then get snipping in your garden or along the hedgerows.
Homemade jams, chutneys and other preserves. Make them extra special by tying a luggage tag detailing the contents around the neck of the jar, or adding a decorated sticky label.
Candles. If you’ve never made a candle before, there can be a bit of trial and error to get it perfect, but I do think that’s half of the fun. You could buy a kit, though it’s usually cheaper to buy the wax, scent and wick separately. Candles in old china tea cups look pretty, or just reuse a clean glass jar.
Scarves, mittens and other knitted accessories. How about a knitted cushion for a child, with a pocket for a favourite teddy? Or a snood to keep warm on winter walks?
A blanket, hot water bottle cover or other hand-sewn accessories. A patchwork quilt takes hours to make, but makes such a lovely gift. Alternatively, just sew a plainer quilt using two pieces of fabric and some wadding, and then add some simple applique.
Bath treats. Try making a handmade bath bomb with bicarbonate of soda, Epsom salts, citric acid and a few drops of essential oil. You could also add dried lavender or rose petals.
Of course all of my products are handmade, so if you don’t have time to make your own gifts, it’s not really cheating to buy them! I do think quality skincare is such a thoughtful gift, as the effects (healthier, brighter skin) last long after many other presents have been consigned to the back of a shelf and forgotten about.
My cleanser, toner and day cream make a perfect giftset, as they’re suitable for all skin types. Pop them into a gift bag, or a wicker basket with a ribbon around.
The night cream is wonderfully rich, so makes a lovely present for someone who needs a bit of extra pampering.
Heel balm and hand cream also work well when given as a gift together, or they’re perfect for popping in a stocking individually, or giving as a Secret Santa present. They’re both unscented, so ideal for men or women.
My face care pack and body care pack make great stocking fillers as well. Or pop the individual sample-sized jars into crackers instead, as they’re sure to prove more popular than a silver coloured mini-frame or tiny plastic handbag!
Whether you’re shopping, hand-making, or a bit of both, I hope you do get chance to enjoy gifting this Christmas.
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