What is bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol is a completely plant-based extract, unlike retinol, which is synthetically produced. Bakuchiol is obtained from the babchi plant (Cullen corylifolium). The leaves, roots and seeds of the plant are used to make Bakuchiol. On the other hand, babchi oil is pressed from the seeds alone. Babchi oil contains only 3% of the active ingredients of bakuchiol extract. These two substances; bakuchiol extract and babchi oil are completely different products. You can use these two ingredients together, but they are not the same thing. You cannot replace bakuchiol extract with babchi oil. Cold-pressed babchi oil is also phototoxic, meaning it reacts on the skin under the influence of UV rays. The phototoxic substances have been removed from Bakuchiol extract, so you can also use it during the day.

Bakuchiol is not a new acquaintance. It has been used for centuries in Chinese and Indian medicine to treat various skin conditions. Bakuchiol is a traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It was rediscovered in 2014 because its retinol-like effects had been noticed in studies. An article published in the International Journal of Cosmetics Science talked about a study in which 17 female patients participated. The results of the study looked promising. The effect of Bakuchiol essentially resembled the effect of retinol, but without the side effects of retinol. The only problem was the smallness of the test group and the fact that there was no peer group at all.

The studies continued and already in 2018, a new study was published, in which a larger number of people participated. The study was conducted with a double-blind study. Also in this study, the effectiveness of bakuchiol proved to be comparable to that of retinol. More research is still needed to get more detailed information about the benefits and risks of bakuchiol.

Bakuchiol is a relatively valuable plant extract. Its availability has previously been difficult for small manufacturers and hobbyists. Now you can find bakuchiol a little easier in international online stores that sell cosmetic raw materials.

How does bakuchiol affect the skin?

I have been using bakuchiol day cream for a few months. I have been really pleased with its effect. The skin is significantly brighter and more elastic. The skin tone has been clearly evened out. I have never used products with retinol, so I do not have anything to compare with. For my sensitive skin, bakuchiol does not cause any problems. The same may not apply to you, so you should first test the product on an unseen spot on the skin.

Bakuchiol produces similar effects on the skin as retinol. However, Bakuchiol is not related to retinol. The way it works is completely different. in fact, researchers don’t know exactly how bakuchiol works. However, it has only been studied scientifically for such a short time.

Bakuchiol brightens the skin. Bakuchiol regenerates skin cells strongly. As a result, the tone and texture of the skin improves. Wrinkles and lines on the skin are reduced. The skin becomes firmer and more flexible.

Bakuchiol works deep in the dermis by stimulating collagen production. Collagen is a protein that makes the skin plump and youthful. In aged skin, there is little collagen left and that is why wrinkles are visible the deepest.

Bakuchiol is also useful for acne prone skin. It reduces the production of sebum and at the same time curbs the overproduction of bacteria on the skin.

Bakuchiol is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals on the skin. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage your skin, by aging it. Antioxidants play a key role in the fight against free radicals.

Bakuchiol does not have the same photosensitizing property as retinol. Retinol should only be used in night creams precisely because of photosensitivity. Bakuchiol, on the other hand, can also be used in day creams and serums.

Bakuchiol does not dry the skin like retinol. It works to regenerate the skin so that the skin’s natural moisture balance is maintained.

How is bakuchiol used?

Bakuchiol is used very versatile in cosmetics. It is a very expensive ingredient, so it is rarely found in body care products. In products for mature skin, on the other hand, bakuchiol is a popular ingredient. You can find bakuchiol in serums and anti-aging creams and face masks.

Bakuchiol is easy to work with. It is an oil-soluble, odourless, brown extract. It is a heat-sensitive ingredient, so it is better to add it to the product only in the cooling phase. Bakuchiol oxidizes easily, so pack the products containing it in airtight or dark packaging to protect from light.

Bakuchiol is very effective. Only 0.5-1% of the extract is enough to achieve the desired effect on the skin. Bakuchiol can be mixed directly into the oil phase, but be careful not to heat it above 75 degrees Celsius. I only add bakuchiol to the emulsion when it has cooled down to 35 degrees. Bakuchiol should be dissolved in oils and then mixed into the emulsion. Although bakuchiol is brown in colour, it does not colour the emulsion, it remains pure white.

Who should use Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol is suitable for all skin types. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects are in a class of their own.

Bakuchiol is especially recommended for people whose skin cannot tolerate retinol. If your skin is sensitive, start with a small amount (0.5%) and increase the dose little by little if your skin seems to tolerate bakuchiol. Especially if you have skin problems like rosacea or eczema, start the bakuchiol experiment very carefully.

Bakuchiol is suitable for both dry and oily skin. It is used in both anti-aging products and acne creams. When bakuchiol is used on mature skin, its collagen-stimulating effects become more apparent. On young skin, bakuchiol works mainly as a skin-brightening and sebum-reducing ingredient.

Have you ever tried bakuchiol?

Artikkeli Bakuchiol, what it is and what does bakuchiol do to skin? julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

Cannabis plant

The cannabis plant was originally classified into three different species; Cannabis sativa, Cannabis Indica and Cannabis ruderalis. Nowadays, many researchers are of the opinion that the commonly cultivated cannabis plant is called C. sativa L. Its subspecies “sativa” can be called hemp and the other subspecies “indica” can be called recreational cannabis or marijuana. The indica variety has significantly more psychoactive substances than the sativa. In this article, I will only talk about cannabis sativa, which has a very balanced ratio of all cannabinoids.

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids can be divided into three groups

• Endocannabinoids; cannabinoids produced by the body itself
• Phyto cannabinoids; cannabinoids found in flora
• Synthetic cannabinoids; factory-made cannabinoids

Endocannabinoids

Cannabinoids are also naturally present in all of our bodies, not only in the hemp plant. These are called endocannabinoids.

Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids produced by the body, which have their own important function in the body. Endocannabinoids work through receptors on the surface of body cells. These receptors are everywhere in the body, such as in the muscles, internal organs, brain and also in the skin. When necessary, for example in stressful situations, cannabinoids always affect the right place in the body.

Cannabinoids are completely natural and necessary chemicals for the body. The body is able to utilize the cannabinoids of the hemp plant in the same way as it utilizes its own endocannabinoids.

Sometimes, for many different reasons, the production of endocannabinoids decreases in the body. Then the body’s balance is disturbed. Disorders can be treated using cannabinoids obtained from plants. The most useful cannabinoids for the body are the non-psychoactive cannabinoids.

Phyto cannabinoids are a broad group of plant chemicals

Phyto cannabinoids are mainly obtained from the hemp plant. When talking about cannabinoids, the first thought is usually the psychoactive THC but not the non-psychoactive CBD. These are the most well-known cannabinoids. In reality, there are 120 different cannabinoids in the hemp plant. They each have a slightly different effect. Only two of them have an intoxicating effect, the others are not psychoactive at all but instead have incredible therapeutic effects. The research and utilization of Phyto cannabinoids is only in the beginning. Cannabinoid research has been hampered by the use of cannabis for intoxicating purposes.

Synthetic cannabinoids

Synthetically produced cannabinoids are mainly used in the pharmaceutical industry. Extracting isolated cannabinoids from plants is very challenging and not always successful. The pharmaceutical industry wants to use single, isolated cannabinoids in their products to produce a specific effect. The easiest way to do this is with synthetic cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabinoids do not have the same synergistic effect as natural Phyto cannabinoids.

Other phytochemicals contained in the hemp plant

In addition to cannabinoids, 400 different terpenes and hundreds of flavonoids have been found in hemp. The numerous flavonoids contained in the hemp plant essentially affect the pharmacological effect of the cannabinoids contained in hemp. All of these phytochemicals make hemp a truly therapeutic plant. The terpenes and flavonoids of the hemp plant work together with different cannabinoids. They form an incredibly powerful synergistic compound that has many effects in skin care. This is called the Entourage effect.

The terpenes contained in the hemp plant are rich in cannabinoid-supporting effects. The most important terpenes contained in the hemp plant are;

• alpha-pinene; helps memory and works to prevent inflammation
• beta-pinene; helps memory and works to prevent inflammation
• limonene; brightens the skin, antioxidant
• terpinolene,
• beta-caryophyllene; mainly responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect
• beta-myrcene; improves skin permeability, antioxidant

Entourage effect

Research into the complex Entourage-effect of the hemp plant’s phytochemicals began as early as the 60s in Israel. It has continued until these days. Researchers have made some breakthroughs in studying the effect of phytochemicals on humans. They have noticed that the therapeutic effect is the best when the whole plant is used. If you want to isolate CBD only from the plant and use it, the effect is not that good at all. Much more research is needed to understand the interaction between cannabinoids and other phytochemicals in the hemp plant.

Cannabinoid products

There are many types of cannabis products. There are many restrictions on cannabinoids, maybe in your country it is not legal to use THC even externally. If you want to sell your products, make sure that none of your products contain any THC. THC is also not necessary in skin care. The other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids of the hemp plant completely replace the THC.

The most recommended form of cannabinoid oil for cosmetics is a broad-spectrum product from which only THC has been removed. Such a product includes all the terpenes and cannabinoids contained in the plant (except THC). Broad-spectrum cannabinoid oil has a highly effective, synergistic effect. All the phytochemicals in the product work together to support each other.

In broad-spectrum products, the problem can be the THC contained in the product. In case the oil you are using contains some THC,  you are in possession of an illegal product. The quality of the product may also vary depending on the cannabinoid content of the plants used. Cannabinoids are very unstable plant chemicals. They may change shape depending on temperature, the effect of oxygen and light, and the quality of the original plant material.

Isolates are also very common cannabinoid products. Isolates mean that one cannabinoid, most commonly CBD, has been isolated from cannabis. The product then does not contain any other cannabinoids or terpenes, and such a product is not as effective as broad-spectrum cannabinoid oil. Of course, you can add the necessary essential oils to the product yourself, which contain terpenes same and typical of cannabis. In this way, you get back some of the synergy. You need to know the terpenes in essential oils well in order to create an effective product using the isolate.

How do cannabinoids affect the skin?

Cannabinoids affect the skin in many different ways. Researchers have discovered that there are two cannabinoid receptors in the skin; CB-1 and CB-2. Cannabinoids affect the growth of melanocytes, keratinocytes and fibroblasts through these receptors. Cannabinoids affect skin cell growth, reproduction, differentiation and natural cell regeneration. The numerous terpenes and flavonoids in the cannabis plant support the effect of cannabinoids on the skin.

Cannabinoids have been used successfully in the treatment of many different skin diseases. In this blog, I will not go deeper to skin diseases and the treatment of them.  If the topic interests you, you can get more information on the topic online.

In healthy skin, cannabinoids especially affect the moisture balance of the skin. They strengthen the skin’s protective layer.

Cannabinoids together with terpenes act to soothe the skin and prevent inflammation. There is a lot of evidence for this in the treatment of various skin diseases, e.g. acne, psoriasis and atopic eczema. The skin-soothing effect of cannabinoids also treats itching.

Cannabinoids regenerate the skin effectively. This property is useful in the treatment of aged skin. The skin’s ability to renew itself disappears with aging. The renewal process can be accelerated by using products containing cannabinoids in skin care.

Cannabinoids have a balancing effect on skin function. They reduce excessive sebum production and are therefore a good active ingredient for oily skin. Oily skin is also prone to infections. The anti-inflammatory property of cannabinoids is useful in acne prevention.

Cannabinoids should also be used in hair products. There are studies where cannabinoids have reduced hair loss. Cannabinoids also soothe an irritated, itchy scalp.

Unfortunately, there is very little official research data on the use of cannabinoids on the skin. We definitely need more research and experience on the use of cannabinoids in skin care. However, here were some ideas for you on what types of skin problems you could try treating with cannabinoids.

Use of cannabinoids in a cosmetic product?

Cannabinoids should be added to nourishing cosmetics such as serums, facial masks, facial oils, night creams and nourishing day creams. Cannabinoids should not be added to wash-off products, as they do not have time to take effect in a very short time.

Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, so you can also include them in completely water-free products such as balms and salves. You cannot use cannabinoids in products that do not contain any oils, such as toners.

Feel free to also use essential oils with cannabinoids. Terpenes in essential oils work synergistically with cannabinoids. In this way, the skin care effect of cannabinoids is significantly better.

As I mentioned earlier. Cannabinoids are fine but unstable products. They should not be heated at all. Therefore, add cannabinoids to the product only when the product has clearly cooled, meaning preferably below 30 degrees Celsius.

Protect cannabinoids from light and oxygen. Pack the product in a dark glass bottle or jar. Always close the can carefully after use and store away from direct sunlight.

Use no more than 1% of cannabinoids in the product. Higher amounts of cannabinoids can irritate the skin. Of course, the amount depends entirely on the cannabinoid product you are using. However, in the beginning, be very careful and avoid overdosing.

Have you already tried cannabinoids in skin care?

Artikkeli Cannabinoids in cosmetics julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

Chrysanthemums are known as long lasting autumn flowers. We are not used to using chrysanthemums for nutrition. Please remember that no decoration plants can be used for food or skin care. Chrysanthemums bought from florist cannot be used in cosmetics. If you want to try chrysanthemums in cosmetics, get dried chrysanthemum flowers for tea. Chrysanthemum tea is very delicious and healthy. You can also use the same tea versatilely in skin care. Let’s see what a wonderful herb chrysanthemum really is.

The chrysanthemum family is extensive

Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum) belong to the family of aster plants. Asters are a very large family of plants, which includes more than 1,600 plant genera. The same tribe includes different types of daisies and the familiar chamomile. The name chrysanthemum comes from the Greek language and means golden flower.

Chrysanthemum flowers come in many colours. White, yellow and lilac flowers are the most common of them. The world’s finest chrysanthemums, snow chrysanthemums grow wild high in the mountains of China, in Xinjiang. Snow chrysanthemums are extremely rare. They produce few flowers that bloom for a very short time. That is why snow chrysanthemums are the most valuable of all chrysanthemums. Snow chrysanthemum flowers are used to make tea.

Some chrysanthemum varieties are used to make the insecticide pyrethrin. Insects avoid chrysanthemum scent.

How does chrysanthemum infusion affect your health?

Chrysanthemum infusion is drunk in China and other parts of Asia not only because of its wonderful taste, but also because of its healthiness. Chrysanthemum infusion is even healthier than green tea. It has a lot of different minerals, antioxidants and amino acids. Helenatur is not really a health blog, but I still want to tell you about the health effects of chrysanthemum infusion. This way you will better understand the wonderful properties of this plant.

Chrysanthemum infusion is particularly relaxing

According to Chinese medicine, chrysanthemum is a cooling plant. Cold chrysanthemum tea with ice cubes is a drink on a hot day. The cooling feature is also relaxing. Chrysanthemum infusion contains a lot of potassium. Potassium dilates the blood vessels and makes the blood flow more gently also along the small blood vessels under the skin.

Chrysanthemum infusion boosts immunity

Chrysanthemum decoction contains plenty of vitamin A and C, which improve immunity. The high mineral content of the infusion also boosts the immune system. Potassium, calcium and magnesium work in their own way to support the immune system. Every cell in the human body needs potassium to function the way the cell is supposed to function. Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure. It is an important part of many body processes.

Chrysanthemum tea contains plenty of vitamin B

The group of vitamin B is big. Chrysanthemum decoction contains many of them such as folic acid, riboflavin, choline and niacin.

The benefits of chrysanthemum infusion in skin care

Chrysanthemum is a real treasure for your skin. As I already mentioned above, chrysanthemum is a cool type of herb. The cool herb is soothing. Excessive heat correlates with inflammation. You should take advantage of this characteristic of chrysanthemum if you want to use it in cosmetics.

Chrysanthemum contains a lot of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A, which is very safe and beneficial for your skin. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that helps you keep your skin looking youthful.

Chrysanthemum infusion in hair care

Chrysanthemum zawadskii is a chrysanthemum species that has been found in some studies to have properties that affect hair growth. An extract made from this particular chrysanthemum has successfully treated hair loss and stimulated hair growth.

Chrysanthemum extract has been found to have a revitalizing effect on hair follicles. Sleeping hair follicles also come to life with the chrysanthemum treatment. This is how thin hair starts to thicken.

Even ordinary chrysanthemum can help with hair and scalp care. In hair care, use chrysanthemum decoction as a hair conditioner. After washing, rinse your hair with chrysanthemum water and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Rinse your hair lightly with just water and let it dry on its own. Chrysanthemum water soothes the scalp and makes the hair soft and bending. The chrysanthemum rinse also soothes a flaky scalp.

You can also use herbal oil made from chrysanthemum to treat the scalp. Wash the scalp and hair carefully. Use your fingertips to apply about a tablespoon of chrysanthemum herbal oil to the scalp and leave it on for about 30 minutes. Wash your hair and scalp as usual with shampoo.

This is how you prepare chrysanthemum infusion

Chrysanthemum flowers can also be extracted into water. A herbal infusion made of chrysanthemum is suitable for facial lotions, steaming the skin or as a hair rinse. You can also use herbal infusion in the water phase of emulsion creams. As a base for washing products, an astringent and skin-soothing chrysanthemum infusion is ideal.

You can make chrysanthemum infusion from dried chrysanthemum flowers. All you need is 5 dried chrysanthemum flowers and 3.5 decilitres of boiling water. Pour boiling water over the flowers and let them brew for about 3-5 minutes. Strain the flowers from the tea and your perfect infusion is ready.

Herbal oil made from chrysanthemum soothes your skin

In addition to herbal infusion, you can extract chrysanthemum flowers into the vegetable oil of your choice. A suitable oil for extracting chrysanthemum flowers could be, for example, filtered grape seed oil or safflower oil. These two oils are light and support the effect of chrysanthemum on the skin.

When I talk about chrysanthemum oil, I don’t mean chrysanthemum essential oil, but vegetable oil-based herbal oil. These two things should not be confused. Herbal oil made by extracting chrysanthemum flowers and base oil is a really effective cosmetic product just as it is.

Oil extract made from chrysanthemum has traditionally been used for oily skin. It is an astringent oil that shrinks pores and brightens and evens skin tone. Chrysanthemum oil removes irritation and helps reduce inflammation and acne.

Chrysanthemum oil is full of polyphenols such as quercetin, luteolin, apigenin. These antioxidants help your skin fight the signs of aging. You can also use chrysanthemum oil on its own for the sensitive skin around the eyes. The beta-carotene in the oil helps regenerate cells and remove waste products from the skin.

The anti-inflammatory properties of chrysanthemum oil soothe the skin and remove swelling. The oil can also be used for burns and after sunbathing to soothe the skin.

This is how to make herbal oil from chrysanthemum flowers

Using Chrysanthemum oil is one popular way to use this herb in cosmetics. Prepare herbal oil from dried chrysanthemum flowers according to my basic instructions. Chrysanthemum oil is well suited for the preparation of creams and serums. You can also use chrysanthemum oil as it is, either in skin care or on the scalp.

Chrysanthemum is a phototoxic plant

The chrysanthemum also has its unpleasant side effects. If you are exposed to UV light at the same time as using chrysanthemum cosmetics, your skin may develop a rash or even blisters. This is called a phototoxic reaction. Some plants have a tendency to react with sunlight. So, use chrysanthemum only in night creams and serums used only during night time.

You can be allergic to chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemums belong to mycorrhizal plants, which are known to cause allergies. However, you should not worry about this unless you are really sensitized to composite plants. Chrysanthemums are such effective and useful plants in skin care that you really should pay attention to them. If you are concerned about allergies, you can easily do an exposure test yourself with chrysanthemums.

Artikkeli Chrysanthemum in skin care julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

How does stress arise?

We’ve all been stressed out sometimes. Small, short-term stress is only good for us. Short-term stress improves our performance and makes us more alert. Stress is a natural human reaction. It is the result of evolution to protect us from the dangers that threaten us. Nowadays, you rarely have to run away from any visible danger. Yet that primitive trait still affects us and our bodies.

Today, stress arises from excessive mental strain. Overload at work, unemployment or its threat, problems in human relations, the turbulent situation in the world, and the heavy financial burden are things that stress people today. You don’t necessarily have to have any particular reason for stress. Stress can arise from many very small things that bother you simultaneously.

How does stress relate to your skin and hair?

A chronic stress is a very harmful condition. Unfortunately, stress usually first appears on the skin. Almost all skin problems and skin conditions are partly associated with stress. Stress worsens already existing skin conditions such as acne, atopic eczema, rosacea, psoriasis and urticaria. For some reason, everyone does not  get skin problems, no matter how stressful the conditions are. The consequences of stress are also very individual and depend, for example, on genetic inheritance.

Stress causes a reaction on the skin that makes the skin very sensitive. This is because stress causes your body to produce hormones such as cortisol. Stress also causes the skin to produce more fat. Excessively oily skin becomes easily clogged. Oily skin is more susceptible to acne and scalp seborrhoea.

Studies (Cornell University, researchers at Weill Medical College) have found that skin repair mechanisms are disrupted by stress. Small cuts were done on the skin of tested persons. Some of them were exposed to mild stress and some were allowed to spend their time in a relaxing environment. The skin of stressed individuals healed remarkably slower.

When stressed, you may not have enough energy to take care of yourself. You may miss the daily skin care routines. When stressed, you maybe do not follow your healthy diet as well. It is too easy to eat comfort food on daily basis. Exercise and outdoor activities also default. Your skin instantly becomes dry and lifeless in the absence of care.

Improper treatment of stress often makes it worst. Many of us do treat the excessive exhaustion with excessive consumption of coffee or alcohol. Many people either start smoking or increase smoking when facing difficulties in life. All of these stimulants seem to alleviate at first but eventually only make the situation worse. Tobacco, alcohol and excessive coffee drinking are very harmful to the peripheral bloodstream, specifically to the skin.

Stress affects the quality of sleep. Sleep is the time when cells regenerate most efficiently. That is why sweet dreams is the secret for beautiful skin. The skin of a person suffering sleeplessness easily begins to look grey and aged.

How can I avoid stress?

Stress should be prevented even before there is any noticeable stress. It is much easier to consider things and solve problems before the accumulation of them. When chaos is already on, there is not enough spirit and strength left to sort things out. When stressed, it is also harder to notice the way out of the situation. Often it is only outside help that gets us back on the track.

Unnecessary stress should be avoided in advance

• Reserve quiet time every single day just for yourself.
• Evaluate your own resources. Don’t get yourself tasks that you won’t cope with without a lot of effort
• Set your own limits and learn to say no. There are people for whom this is really difficult. Accepting everything means wasting your own efforts.
• Sleep at least 7 hours every night.
• Go out, exercise, eat healthily, and really take care of yourself in every way.

How can you relax and relieve stress?

Mild stress symptoms can actually be relieved in many ways. If you’ve had a busy week at work and want to get yourself back to a normal, restful state of mind, you can do that easily at home.

• Leave the social media for a moment. Social media, as nice as it is, is very addicting. It also tends to bring up more problems that may increase the stress level.
• Do something you really like. Take your dog for a long walk, read a book or watch your favourite TV program. Forget the chaotic world around you.
• Spend quality time with loved ones and friends. Friends and loved ones are worth their weight in gold when life is tough. Do something with your friends that will make you forget all the hassle of everyday life.
• Going outdoors helps with so many things. Many people do take care of their minds in the woods. The forest relieves the grief, sadness, anxiety and, of course, stress. The energies of the forest are calming and grounding. In the forest, the air is especially rich in oxygen, which is also good for the skin.
• Exercise, especially when done at a high heart rate, it helps to relieve stress very effectively. In nature, animals relieve their stress by moving.
• Learn effective stress management techniques such as yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and various breathing exercises. Stress management techniques are based on controlling the mind and focusing the thoughts away from everyday problems. You can also learn stress management techniques online. Simple instructions of breathing exercises and yoga can be found plenty in the web.
• Warm bath is a quick way to make yourself relaxed and sleepy at the end of a stressful day.
• A relaxing mini-holiday in a new environment is a great way to relax. It is enough that you just spend a night with a friend.
• If you feel that you are not coping with your stress alone, do not hesitate to seek outside help. You should seek help sooner rather than later. Healthcare ervices are currently congested and it may take a while before you get help.

Stress management and relaxation are very important factors in skin care

The skin is a sensitive organ that is affected by so many factors. Stress is the most important of them. Stress management is something that you cannot fix just like that. I wish you a stress-free spring!

Artikkeli What does relaxation mean for the skin? julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

History of Epsom salt

Epsom salt has its own, interesting history. It is originally a natural product. When its popularity and demand grew started the industrial production as well. The name Epsom comes from the city of Epsom in Surrey, UK. The city of Epsom is the place where Epsom salt was eventually discovered. Magnesium sulphate has since been found in many different locations on Earth.

Epsom salt is not a compound similar to table salt

Epsom salt consists of magnesium, sulphur and oxygen unlike table salt which is almost pure sodium.

Magnesium sulphate is an easily water-soluble substance. It even attracts moisture from the air. Therefore, Epsom salt should be stored in a very dry place.

 Epsom salt is a very safe substance that can be used, for example, as a bath salt. It is also beneficial for plants if the soil happens to be low in magnesium. In addition to magnesium sulphate, Epsom salt is rich in sulphur.

Benefits of Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is mostly magnesium. Magnesium is a trace element that plays a particularly important role in the body. It is involved in more than 300 different biochemical reactions. Magnesium has an effect on the functioning of the heart, musculature and nervous system, just to name few. Magnesium is one of our most important minerals.

Enzymes that regulate DNA repair absolutely do need vital magnesium to function properly

Our DNA repair system also takes care of the youthfulness of the skin and fights wrinkles.

Magnesium baths relax the legs and the whole body

After a magnesium bath, you’ll feel quite sleepy and enjoy a long, sweet sleep.

Magnesium has an effect on the nervous system and at the same time it does relieve stress

Magnesium baths reduce stress and relax the mind.

Magnesium promotes melatonin production

Melatonin is a sleep hormone that regulates when we sleep and for how long.

Magnesium baths may relieve muscle pain

This is purely empirical information for which there is no scientific evidence to back it up. however, it is worth trying to Epsom salt to relieve muscle pain. It works for me so my guess is that the effect is very individual.

The Epsom salt bath improves blood circulation and thus reduces swelling.

Epsom salt naturally contains sulphur

Sulphur has a special anti-inflammatory effect. Sulphur treatments are used in connection with acne and rosacea. That’s why I recommend trying Epsom salt on face masks. In the treatment of rosacea, the skin should never be rubbed. The same rule goes with all inflammatory skin diseases. So just gently rinse Epsom Salt off the skin and pat the skin dry.

Epsom salt has a moisturizing effect on the skin

The salt is easily absorbed into the skin and at the same time it collects moisture around it. Salt baths, especially Epsom salt baths, are a good way to take care of moisturizing the skin.

Absorption of magnesium through the skin

There is very controversial information available about the absorption of magnesium through the skin. It is officially stated that there is no scientific evidence to support this process. However, magnesium-containing creams are used to treat tense muscles consistently with good results.

The absorption of magnesium is very difficult to study

Magnesium levels are measured from the blood. If you eat magnesium as a supplement, the level of magnesium in your blood will increase. That doesn’t mean magnesium is in your muscle yet. When a cream containing magnesium is applied to your skin, magnesium will be absorbed through the skin directly into the muscle and is not visible in the bloodstream. Some people find that magnesium is absorbed even better through the skin. However, the magnesium level in the muscle cannot be studied very reliably. Therefore, we just have to trust our own feelings.

Even if you are unsure about the absorption of magnesium, you can still safely use Epsom salt. It is not harmful at all. If you get help from Epsom salt baths, why don’t you just enjoy them? Perhaps science will sometimes find a way to measure magnesium levels reliably.

Epsom salt baths

Epsom salt is a traditional bath salt. Use about 500 grams of Epsom salt in a normal sized bath tub. Add warm, not hot water in the tub and dissolve the salt. Too hot water dries the skin. Enjoy a relaxing bath for about 15-30 minutes.

You can also make a foot bath from Epsom salt. Measure 1 decilitre of Epsom salt into a bowl of warm water. enjoy a foot bath for about 30 minutes. I actually use a bucket. This allows me to sink my feet deeper in the water.

You can add any dry or fresh herbs, essential oils (5 drops) or even real vanilla to the bath.

Bath salt recipes coming in next update

Gloomy autumn and dark winter are good times to pamper yourself. What’s more wonderful than enjoying warm foot baths in the evenings. For those who have a bath tub, I also recommend full body baths.

There will be few good Epsom salt recipes in my next blog post.

Artikkeli Epsom salt; benefits in skin care julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

What is Lecithin?

Lecithin consists mainly of fatty substances called phospholipids. Phospholipids are building material of cell membranes that are particularly rich in choline for humans.

Lecithin is found naturally from many sources like eggs, soy and sunflower seeds. Lecithin is a thick, waxy substance that is soluble in water but also in fat. Lecithin contains, in addition to choline, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, glycerol and small amounts of biotin. Lecithin is used as a food supplement as it is believed to lower cholesterol level in blood. That’s why it is very easy to find soy lecithin on the shelves of supermarkets.

Lecithin is a very common ingredient in many industrial products

You can easily find lecithin as an ingredient in both cosmetics and foods. Sometimes lecithin may also be called as phosphatidylcholine. Lecithin acts as a thickener and emulsifier in foods. Not so many people are aware that for instance chocolate, is an emulsion in which lecithin is the emulsifier. In mayonnaise, lecithin is an essential ingredient. Humans are not generally allergic to lecithin. Naturally some may be. That is why it is so commonly used by food industry.

Lecithin is used in many cosmetic products precisely because of its emulsifying ability. However, lecithin is also rich in skin care properties. However, the utility of lecithin is rarely highlighted. Lecithin is at its best in creams with high percentage of oils. It is widely used in combination with other emulsifiers and thickeners.  More steady emulsion is obtained by combining other emulsifiers and thickeners with lecithin.

How is Lecithin Made?

Lecithin granules available in shops are usually are made from soy. There is also lecithin made from sunflower seeds, which is sold in liquid and powder forms. Sunflower lecithin is significantly less common than soybean lecithin. Many people prefer liquid sunflower lecithin in cosmetics because it is easy to use. Also, sunflower lecithin is not GMO modified as soy products often are. The soy lecithin I use is GMO free. Sunflower lecithin is extracted much gentler than soybean lecithin. Its production does not require any toxic chemicals.

Use of lecithin as an emulsifier in cosmetics

Lecithin is not a very easy emulsifier. The problems are its slow dissolution in both water and oil. Grinding of lecithin granules helps a little the dissolution. Liquid lecithin is ready for use immediately. If you find some, just buy it.

Dissolve lecithin, preferably in oil

Although lecithin is soluble in both oil and water, I personally prefer dissolving it in oil. I have tested different methods of preparing lecithin creams. It is much easier to get the result you want by dissolving lecithin in oil first and then add the liquid to it. The emulsion requires particularly strong whipping. I recommend the use of an (electric) mixer.

Pure water is the safest liquid in lecithin emulsion

Boiled water is the safe choice for Lecithin emulsified creams. Lecithin is a delicate emulsifier that does not like all ingredients. I managed to dissolve the emulsion simply by adding a few drops of preservative to it.  I will study making of lecithin creams more carefully in the future. I want to find suitable liquids and preservatives for the lecithin emulsion.

Lecithin cream is challenging but worth the effort

One weakness of lecithin is its slow absorption. The skin remains sticky for a long time. That’s why I recommend making lecithin cream as night cream. Allow it to absorb slowly. I do understand well why lecithin as an emulsifier has not been very popular in commercial creams. It is also quite a challenging ingredient in home cosmetics. Despite all of these problems, I am fond of lecithin cream. It makes the skin feel very comfortable, soft and moisturized. There is no any other type of ointment that can deeply moisturize dry winter skin in the same way.

Lecithin is a skin nurturant ingredient

In this article, I’d like to emphasize the skin care properties of lecithin. Because lecithin is generally used as emulsifier, its effects on the skin has not been notified. By using lecithin, you can make a simple lotion and many other products with all the nurturant ingredients.

• Lecithin is one of the skin’s own, natural ingredients. Therefore, lecithin is particularly suitable for skin care.
• Lecithin strengthens the skin’s own protection. It helps the skin to protect itself against external stimulus.
• Lecithin is a humectant. It absorbs moisture and keeps the skin moisturized. Lecithin’s hydrophilic, water-attracting property effectively hydrates the skin.
• Lecithin also helps skin retain moisture due to its linoleic acid content. It has both moisture-collecting and moisture-retaining properties.
• Lecithin changes the structure of the skin by helping the active substances penetrate deeper into the skin. Indeed, lecithin is often used as a carrier to deliver medicine deeper into the skin.
• Lecithin acts as an antioxidant on the skin by resisting the signs of aging

Lecithin also takes care of the hair

Lecithin is really good for hair care. Big haircare product manufacturers use commonly lecithin in their products. As a moisturizing ingredient, lecithin-containing products can be used to treat dry ends. The scalp also benefits from lecithin. Add lecithin to your hair masks.

How can lecithin be used in home cosmetics?

In home cosmetics, lecithin suits well to nourishing creams. Lecithin as an emulsifier is at its best in formulas with equal amounts of oil and water. A very light cream with lecithin cannot be made unless you use other emulsifiers. You can also combine beeswax or vegetable butter with lecithin. This naturally gives you more product stability without using any potentially toxic chemicals.

• Lecithin emulsion cream is a good night cream because it protects and moisturizes the skin very effectively.
• Lecithin can be used in hair products to treat dry and damaged hair.
• Lecithin products have been used to treat skin problems such as acne and eczema
• Lecithin creams are very suitable for baby care as they are natural and well tolerated.
• Lecithin may be added to skin serums. Lecithin helps to deliver active ingredients deeper into the skin

You can add small amounts of lecithin to the facial lotions. It helps the facial lotions to soften the skin and create a matte, non-shiny finish on the skin. Please bear in mind that lecithin colours the facial water grey.

Learn how to use lecithin in your products

Once you learn how to use lecithin, you will no longer want to give it up. I’ve used lecithin in my own products for a while now and I’m really excited. I always come up with new uses for lecithin.

I also find it great that I can easily purchase all the cosmetics ingredients I need from local store. Lecithin is a safe ingredient. It is a food that is intended as a supplement. Such cosmetic ingredients are the best. Cosmetics should not contain any toxic chemicals. Everything we apply to our skin is also absorbed by our body. Therefore, we should choose only really safe ingredients for our cosmetic products.

Have you used lecithin before?

Artikkeli Super Moisturizing Lecithin is a perfect conditioning emulsifier for your skin julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.