Colloidal oatmeal and oat silk are not exactly the same product

I myself have previously believed that colloidal oatmeal and oat silk are the same thing. In reality, there is a subtle difference between these two products. This difference is obvious when looking at the use.

Colloidal oatmeal

Colloidal oatmeal is made from dried, dust-like finely ground oat grains. The name colloid refers to the powder’s small particle size. For colloidal oatmeal, the whole grain with the husks is used. The husk part of the oat grain, the bran, is especially rich in skin-soothing ingredients and vitamins. Due to the rich vitamin and antioxidant content, colloidal oatmeal is suitable for care products.

Oat silk

Oat silk is made from the same dried oat grains. This time, the oat grains are peeled before grinding. The husk on the surface of the grain, the bran, is removed from them. This results in a particularly fine, white, silky powder. Oat silk is used in cosmetics as an ingredient in powders and for cleaning the face.

Homemade oat powder is not the same as colloidal oatmeal

Of course, you can grind oat flakes into flour at home, but it doesn’t match colloidal oatmeal. The particle size of colloidal oatmeal is significantly smaller than that of homemade powder. Oat flour from the grocery store is also too coarse for cosmetics use.

Cosmetic oat powder should be very fine. Finely grind oat powder is significantly more effective on the skin. Colloidal oatmeal is processed to improve solubility. Oat that is just ground will clot. It is not soluble and is not easy to use in cosmetics. The fine, dust-like structure of cosmetic oat guarantees absorption of the oat nutrients into the skin.

Cosmetic oats contain a lot of active ingredients

A special oat variety is selected for oat flour used in cosmetics. Oats used as food do not have that many skin-protecting and caring properties. Cosmetic oat is rich in various skin-care phytochemicals.

• beta glucan helps maintain skin moisture
• antioxidants such as vitamin E reduce inflammation, soothe the skin and fight signs of aging
• phenols are strong antioxidants that protect cells from damage (UV radiation)
• saponins have a cleansing effect on the skin, like a gentle cleanser
• oat is a very oily plant. Oat oil is especially good for treating dry and eczema skin because it naturally contains ceramides. Ceramides are lipids that make up about half of the surface layer of the skin. In skin diseases, the production of ceramides is disturbed and therefore ceramides are recommended in connection with eczema and other skin diseases. Dry skin also often suffers from a lack of ceramides.

How colloidal oatmeal is used in cosmetics

Cosmetic oatmeal is a wonderful product because you don’t even have to know how to make cosmetic products. Mix a dash of water into the colloidal oat powder; you get a super good and gentle facial cleanser just like that.

Remember that cosmetic oatmeal cannot withstand temperatures above 75 degrees. When hot, they start to form porridge, and of course that’s not the intention.

Next, I will tell you a few examples of how cosmetic oat can be used in skin care.

In addition to this, colloidal oatmeal has many other uses in cosmetics.

• Oat bath treats the skin and reduces itching. Oat baths have been used successfully in the treatment of itchy eczema. Oats are rich in anti-itch substances. Oat bath is also suitable for small children. Add about a decilitre of colloidal oatmeal to the bathtub. Mix the powder carefully with water and enjoy the bath about 20-30 minutes. After bathing, rinse your skin in the shower. Do not use any detergent in order to save the caring elements of oat on your skin.

• Add colloidal oatmeal to whipped body lotions as starch. Colloidal oatmeal soothes the skin and at the same time give the cream a nice, dry, velvety-like touch.

• Colloidal oatmeal is perfect as a base for exfoliating face masks. Just add a dash of water and/or oil and, if you wish, other active ingredients. A lightly exfoliating mask is made from colloidal oatmeal, honey, water and very finely ground salt. Salt and honey have the ability to soften dead skin cells. Colloidal oatmeal gently wash and remove the detached skin cells away.

• A nourishing oat mask is made from safflower oil, colloidal oatmeal, water and liquid honey. You can add other oils to the mask. I personally prefer blackcurrant seed oil or evening primrose oil in face masks.

Colloidal oatmeal for pet care

Colloidal oatmeal is so mild and completely non-toxic that you can also treat your pet’s skin with it. An oat bath helps with mild and temporary skin problems such as mosquito bites and mild, temporary itching. A dog suffering from a severe rash and prolonged itching should definitely be treated by a veterinarian.

You can add about a decilitre of colloidal oatmeal to your dog’s bath water. Try to make your dog comfortable in the bath for at least 10 minutes. Colloidal oats relieve the itching of the dog’s skin and possible skin irritations. After bathing, rinse your dog’s coat in the shower.

If your dog has a nasty, itchy mosquito bite, you can make a paste of colloidal oatmeal and apply it directly to the itchy spot. This way you don’t have to bathe the whole dog.

Oat silk is purified, finely ground oat flour

Oat silk is whiter in colour than colloidal oat. Oat silk does not contain all the vitamins of colloidal oats. Therefore, it should not be used for the same purposes as colloidal oats. There is no silk protein in oat silk. The word silk refers to the silky texture of oatmeal. The particle size of oat silk is about 50 microns. Oat silk is a very useful for powders, colour cosmetics and facial cleansers.

Oat silk cleanser

Make a face cleanser from oat silk. Add some kaolin to it and maybe also finely ground sea salt if you want more cleaning power. Oat silk alone is gentle for dry skin. Take a teaspoon of powder in your palm. Add a dash of water to the palm of your hand and mix into a smooth paste. The paste resembles cleansing milk. Apply the paste to the face and massage in circular motions. Wipe the paste off the face with a muslin cloth or rinse the face with water. You may not need a moisturizer or face oil at all.

Two-part Skin cleansing with oat silk

Do a two-part Skin Cleansing with Oat Cleanser and Oil. Choose the oil you like, for example safflower oil. Apply about a teaspoon of oil on the face and massage gently for about one minute. Now prepare the oat silk cleaner according to the previous instructions. Apply the cleanser to oily skin and rub lightly so that the oil emulsifies into the oat cleanser. Now you can wash your face with either water or a damp muslin cloth. Oatmeal cleanser leaves your skin clear and glowing. The pores are closed and the skin looks cared for.

Oat silk and Colloidal oatmeal are products worth trying

I recommend trying cosmetic oat powders. Oat powders are anhydrous products that will be preserved for a very long time. Oat powders are safe products that are suitable for the whole family, including small children and pets. Did you know that cosmetic oatmeal in the world is quite often Finnish origin. Large quantities of cosmetic oats are exported from Finland all over the world.

Have you used colloidal oats or oat silk in cosmetics?

Artikkeli Cosmetic oat powders; colloidal oatmeal and oat silk julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

What is turmeric?

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) belongs to the same family as ginger. Only the root of the plant is used for turmeric. The root is dried and ground into a powder. Turmeric is a particularly popular spice and medicinal plant in India. It has reportedly been cultivated there for 4,000 years. Turmeric contains a huge amount of different plant compounds such as antioxidants, vitamins and fatty acids. However, the great popularity of turmeric is based on a substance called curcumin. Curcumin is the yellow pigment in turmeric. In Asia, the effects of curcumin have been known for a long time, but Western researchers only discovered it in 1815. In 1910, researchers Milobedzka and Lampe reported that the chemical structure of curcumin is diferuloylmethane. In 1913, the same group of researchers found a method to synthesize curcumin.

In Western countries, curcumin and turmeric have been used mainly in the food industry as a spice and colouring agent. Although the therapeutic benefits of curcumin are widely recognized, the compound has not been widely used in the production of modern medicines. Curcumin is hardly able to be absorbed from the mucous membranes into the bloodstream, so its benefits are really minimal.

Turmeric in cosmetics

The Western cosmetics industry has only recently discovered turmeric. Its benefits in skin care have been noticed and products containing turmeric have been launched in many countries. Skin care products containing turmeric and curcumin can protect the skin from oxidative stress, help improve skin tone and affect the skin’s moisture balance.

The problem with turmeric is its strong colour. Turmeric cannot be used in large quantities, precisely because of its colouring effect. Turmeric is relatively easy to wash away from the moisturized skin, but it may stain the nails orange. All parts of the skin where there are dead skin cells absorb the colour of turmeric. That’s why you should always exfoliate the skin well before applying the turmeric mask.

There is also white turmeric, which has almost as good properties as orange turmeric. It does not stain the skin at all. If you manage to find white turmeric somewhere, it’s worth a try.

Turmeric can be used very versatile in skin care. Turmeric and products containing Curcumin have three main functions in skin care.

Turmeric brightens skin colour

Turmeric has a phenomenal ability to brighten the skin. If your skin looks dull, a turmeric mask is the best way to brighten the skin. Uneven skin tone can be caused by many different reasons. Red areas on the skin are caused by skin stress. The skin may be irritated because of getting too much sun or wind. This is when the bloodstream is very strong in the damaged area of the skin to heal the irritated area. Turmeric soothes skin irritation from the outside. In this way, the blood returns to its place again and the skin becomes whiter.

Sometimes the skin can have dark spots and so-called age points. The mechanism of their occurrence is completely different from that of redness. Dark spots on the skin are a discoloration caused by melanocytes, which is related to age (+50 years) and strong sunlight. Lightening dark age spots is not easy at all. Melanocytes develop deep in the skin. Hardly any substances are able to be absorbed so deeply into the skin. Turmeric and curcumin have the ability to prevent melanocytes from attaching to the surface of the skin and thus prevent the formation of age spots.

Turmeric moisturizes the skin

Turmeric’s skin-moisturizing property is based on its effect on regenerating skin cells. Turmeric works on the skin, accelerating the removal of dead skin cells. New, healthy cells effectively protect the skin from moisture loss. The rapid renewal of skin cells also makes the skin feel brighter and at the same time removes wrinkles and fine lines.

Turmeric treats impure skin

If your skin has a lot of ringworm or inflamed pores, you will definitely benefit from turmeric treatment. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory turmeric deeply cleanse the skin and calms inflammation. Turmeric masks are indeed one of the most popular natural acne treatments.

Turmeric also promotes the natural healing of the skin. The scars left by the pimples heal quickly and the skin remains smooth and even after the turmeric treatment.

How can turmeric be used in cosmetics?

Curcumin is an oil-soluble substance, so all products containing turmeric should also contain lipids such as vegetable oils or vegetable butter. Various emulsions and water-free creams are suitable as a base for turmeric products.

Turmeric face masks

Turmeric is especially suitable for masks. Ground turmeric is suitable for masks. It is the same product that is also used as a spice. Turmeric can be used more liberally in masks, as the mask with a deep orange shade is easy to wash away. In fresh masks, turmeric can be combined with solid yogurt, banana or avocado. In addition to turmeric, easily absorbed oils such as grape seed oil or safflower oil can be used in the mask. Honey gives the mask moisture. Honey is also an anti-inflammatory ingredient.

It is highly recommended to exfoliate and moisturize the face before applying the mask. If the skin of the face has a lot of dead cells and the skin is dry and lifeless, the colour of turmeric can stick too hard.

Many people are afraid of turmeric precisely because of its strong colour. However, turmeric is not very colouring for the face. Instead, nails and hands may become unpleasantly stained. So always wear gloves when working with turmeric. Plastic containers are also easily stained. I recommend using glass or steel containers when making turmeric masks.

Clean the mask off from your skin with a gentle cleanser. If a slight orange tint remains on the face, you can clean it away with oil cleansing.

Cucumber masks are especially good for impure and acne-prone skin. Aged skin also benefits from turmeric because it brightens the skin tone and reduces fine lines.

Turmeric in face creams

Turmeric is also suitable as an ingredient in night cream. You shouldn’t use a lot of turmeric then. A good concentration is 0.2%. Turmeric gives the cream a beautiful colour. Turmeric should be added to face creams as herbal oil like as macerated oil. Sometimes you can buy fresh organic turmeric at the store. It is best raw material for making turmeric oil. If you have not prepared herbal oils before, you can read the instructions here.

You can add turmeric to the oil phase. It tolerates well heating and actually works better when heated first.

Turmeric exfoliants

Turmeric renews the skin and deep cleans the pores. That’s why turmeric is especially suitable for exfoliating agents. You can use either ground turmeric or turmeric oil extract for exfoliating agents. You can use turmeric to make a body scrub or a face scrub. You should add a little oil to both scrubs, as turmeric is an oil-soluble ingredient.

Artikkeli Turmeric in skin care julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

The moringa tree is a useful plant

The moringa tree (Moringa oleifera) grows in the most barren areas of the world. It thrives in tropical and subtropical areas on dry soils. Moringa is native to the Indian subcontinent but the plant has spread over a very wide area. The fast-growing Moringa thrives almost anywhere and has become a willow-like waste tree and a sort of hated alien species. Fortunately, the great benefits of moringa have been notified. Moringa produces valuable oil. In addition, its leaves are particularly nutritious.

Cultivation of Moringa is very ethical as it does not require any special care, any plant protection products or even additional watering. Moringa fights soil erosion.

Moringa leaves are especially nutritious

Moringa leaves is valued food in Indonesia and the Philippines. Moringa leaves are rich in trace elements, vitamins and protein.

Moringa leaves provide B vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, folate, and vitamin B-6. In addition, moringa leaves contain vitamin A as well as more than 50 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of leaves.

Of the trace elements Moringa contains iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc.

The specialty of Moringa is that it is rich in protein. One hundred grams of fresh moringa leaves contains almost 10 grams of protein. Such an amount of protein matters. Due to its high nutrient content, moringa leaves are a very important part of the diet of local people.

Moringa roots, leaves, flowers, seeds and bark are used in traditional herbal medicine. Western medicine has also explored the benefits of moringa in blood lipids and in the treatment of diabetes.

Benefits of Moringa Leaf Powder in Skin Care

All of the above-mentioned nutrients of moringa make it a very useful raw material for skin care.

The powder obtained from the leaves of Moringa is particularly antibacterial. Therefore, it is recommended for acne prone skin. Moringa does not dry out inflamed skin but moisturizes the skin. Moringa powder is suitable to prevent acne. It removes blackheads and pimples from the skin. This prevents the skin from becoming more inflamed. Ingestion of moringa powder as a food supplement also has a cleansing effect on the skin.

Moringa leaf mask brightens the skin. The numerous antioxidants contained in Moringa calm the skin down. The Moringa mask also reduces enlarged skin pores.

Vitamin C in moringa powder accelerates the formation of collagen. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant, fading the signs of aging.

Moringa leaves contain 90 different nutrients; 15 amino acids and 49 antioxidants. Some of the amino acids contained in moringa leaves are essential amino acids for humans. This means that they cannot be made by the human body but must be obtained from food. The major amino acids contained in moringa are methionine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine and threonine. Amino acids are widely used in skin care masks and creams. The benefits of amino acids in skin care are widely recognized.

• Leucine reduces skin wrinkles and fine lines
• Lysine strengthens the skin’s surface
• Methionine protects the skin from harmful substances
• Threonine supports skin regeneration

It is the wide range of amino acids that makes moringa leaf powder such a unique good skin care product. Few products have such a wide range of valuable amino acids.

How can you use moringa leaf powder in cosmetics?

Moringa leaf powder is a finished cosmetic product and can be used just as it is. It is suitable for all ages. Moringa in particular treats aged skin as well as acne prone skin.

Moringa is especially suitable for face masks. To get all the benefits of moringa leaf powder, mix the powder with honey.

Face mask made of moringa leaf powder

• 1 tablespoon of honey (liquid)
• 1 tablespoon of moringa leaf powder
• 1 small avocado, mashed
• If necessary, add a drop of water

Mix all ingredients together and apply to clean skin. Leave on for 20-30 minutes. Wipe off the face mask and rinse your face thoroughly. Apply a little moisturizer on your face. Your skin is velvety soft and dull.

You can do the moringa mask treatment once a week.

Moringa leaf powder is the perfect cosmetic product

All of this, what I just told you, clearly shows how unique product the moringa leaf powder is. Moringa leaves contain an incredible amount of active skin care ingredients ready to use. In my own cosmetics, I prefer plant products in the most natural form possible. You can find the perfect combinations in nature with the best vitamins, minerals and amino acids ready to use. By using Moringa, you don’t have to learn how to make complicated products.

Moringa is very good for your skin. If you don’t need all the moringa powder into your face masks, you can eat the rest. The best part is that you also get the needed moringa’s important nutrients internally.  Mix a spoonful of moringa with a smoothie or morning porridge. Especially in wintertime, moringa powder brings much-needed extra energy to your diet.

Kerro, miten sinä valmistat kasvonaamion!

Artikkeli Moringa powder; the perfect cosmetic product julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

What is MSM powder and how is it made?

MSM is a synthetic product that is manufactured by chemical industry.  Although it is of natural origin it does not exist as such anywhere so it must be specially prepared. Of course, the compound MSM is commonly found in pines, for example. Unfortunately, it is present in the wood in such small quantities that several trees should be felled down to get a pouch of MSM powder. Although many manufacturers claim their own MSM compound is made from plants, this is not true. MSM powder is made synthetically and is therefore not approved as an ingredient in natural cosmetics.

All commercially available MSM powder is currently prepared by the chemical reaction of DMSO and hydrogen peroxide. DMSO is dimethyl sulfoxide which is a by-product of the cellulose industry. By the way, did you know that vanillin is also a by-product of the pulp industry?

DMSO is an organosulfur compound used to improve the absorption of substances through the skin. DMSO has once been sold for external use for joint problems but has not been found to be safe. The researchers found that many of the healing effects of DMSO were due to the MSM it contained.

Initially, the MSM compound was used only externally in cosmetics. MSM only received marketing authorization as a dietary supplement much later in the 1990s. Thus, MSM is actually an active ingredient in cosmetics.

When choosing MSM powder, you should pay special attention to quality and purity

Because MSM powder is made from by-products of the cellulose industry, its purity is important. MSM powder is produced in countries where legislation does not control the industry (China and India). The product may contain harmful residues that will contaminate the product. The MSM powder is purified by a multiple distillation process. If the process is carried out carelessly, the risk of contamination increases.

In China and India, MSM is often only dissolved in water, dried and purified. Such a cleaning process does not guarantee a quality product. Mycelium and bacteria may also be present in the low quality MSM powder. Low quality MSM is not pure white but brown or reddish in colour.

When the MSM powder is distilled, it is heated up to 238 degrees, when the substance evaporates. The steam is cooled down to grains and redistilled several times. This removes all heavy metals from the product. MSM powders commonly sold in Finland are all purified in this way.

Benefits of MSM for the skin

MSM is a very versatile skin care active ingredient. It is useful for many skin problems. Although MSM is a fully synthetic ingredient, it is still very safe to use. There are only few cases when someone has been sensitized to MSM. Even then, it may be because of a contaminated product.

Here are a few reasons to use MSM powder in skin care

MSM allows the permeability of cell walls, allowing nutrients to enter and toxins to escape. MSM is able to easily penetrate the skin and pass through the skin throughout the body. For this reason, use only high quality MSM powder.

MSM affects collagen synthesis. Subcutaneous collagen takes care of the elasticity of the skin. MSM works best in conjunction with vitamin C. MSM reduces the disintegration of collagen under the skin.

MSM is an organic sulphur compound. Sulphur-containing compounds are useful in the treatment of skin inflammation. For acne, for example, MSM is particularly well suited. You should also try MSM cream for rosacea. There are really many creams available that contain MSM to treat acne and rosacea.

MSM helps scarred skin heal normally. If you have acne scars, pregnancy scars or surgical scars, try MSM ointment. MSM penetrates deep into the skin and promotes the formation of normal skin cells. If the scar tissue is still irritated and red, MSM soothes the inflammation. If the skin is still broken, do not use m MSM products on the skin.

MSM reduces itching of the skin. Itching is an embarrassing symptom in patients with eczema. However, do not use MSM creams on broken skin.

MSM has been found in some studies to increase hair growth and reduce hair loss. However, there is not enough evidence on this issue. In hair cosmetics, MSM compounds are used in combination with vitamin C. Hair loss can be caused by many different reasons. In almost all cases, MSM compounds do not bring relief. If the hair loss is profuse, you should consult a dermatologist.

How do I use MSM powder in homemade cosmetics?

The MSM compound is sold either as finished capsules or in a pouch as a powder. The finished capsules are convenient as they always contain the same amount. Dosing is easier and you do not need to weigh the powder. You can dissolve the powder in the finished products.

Here are some examples of where you can add MSM powder as an active ingredient.

• MSM is very soluble in warm water. It is at its best in all water-based products such as toners. For toners you can use MSM powder 1-2gr / 100ml of liquid.
• MSM is not the easiest cream ingredient. MSM is a solvent that easily degrades the structure of the cream. Therefore, always add MSM powder only to a single dose, about 0.05gr / dose. The number is really small. If you do not have such an accurate scale, drop a few crumbs of powder on your hand for one dose.
• MSM powder should be added to face masks, exfoliators and also to cleansing clay masks. MSM helps remove toxins deep from the skin.
• MSM is suitable for foot baths. It is sulphur-containing and disinfectant. Add about 3-5 grams (1 teaspoon) of MSM powder to the foot bath.
• Try MSM powder for powder deodorants. MSM acts as a sulphur-containing bacterium and reduces odour. Mix 3 grams of powdered MSM powder to whole set of powder deodorant.
• MSM is good for hair, scalp as well as nails and cuticles. Try mixing a little MSM powder with a single dose of conditioner. Leave on as instructed and rinse.

MSM is an active ingredient worth trying

There are few effective and safe active ingredients. Although MSM is a synthetic compound, it is a fairly safe and well-tolerated preparation. There are few such ingredients. You can see the effect of MSM almost immediately. I myself have found it to soothe the skin. I always use vitamin C powder along with MSM powder. The two compounds fit together seamlessly.

MSM is a fairly inexpensive product with many uses other than cosmetics. Personally, I also use MSM powder in smoothies and recovery drinks every day. You should start with small doses to get your body used to it.

Have you used MSM powder in skin care?

Artikkeli MSM; benefits in skin care julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

Talc is a very common mineral

Talc is found in many places on earth. It is a very soft clay mineral that contains among other things magnesium and silicon. Talc occurs naturally in greenish, yellow or white colours. Talc is the main mineral of soapstone. Soapstone can contain up to 50% talc.

China is the biggest producer country of talc. Other talc producers are the USA, India, Brazil, South Korea, France and Finland.

Talk has many uses

Thanks to its softness, talc is very easy to cut. The talc stone can easily be scratched with a fingernail. Talc has been a very popular material for making sculptures, bowls and working surfaces for thousands of years.

Talc is most commonly used as a powder. Cosmetics are just one of the uses of talc.

Talc’s unique properties make it an important ingredient in the manufacture of paints, paper, ceramics, plastics and rubber. Talc is commonly used even in insecticides.

The importance of talc in cosmetics

Talc is used in colour cosmetics to dilute pigments. Eyeshadows and powders are mixed by combining the pigment with talc or some other diluent.

The popularity of talc as an ingredient in powders and eyeshadows is based on its ability to absorb moisture. When applied to the skin, talc reduces the feeling of moist. Talc also absorbs oils from the skin. This feature is useful in facial makeup. Talc removes the shine from the skin and makes the matt finish.

Why talc is a problematic ingredient

Talc is a natural product. Quite common belief is that natural products cannot be harmful to humans. This is certainly not the case.

Talc’s problems in cosmetics are due to the possible contamination of talc. Asbestos is a toxic mineral that occurs in the same places as talc. Talc is very easily contaminated during the mining process. Of course, talc for cosmetics is or should be inspected carefully.

The purity of talc should not be relied upon. In 2018, a Reuters survey found that pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson knew for decades that asbestos was present in their baby talc. Johnson & Johnson stopped the production of baby talc in 2020. The decision was made because of numerous lost lawsuits. People with cancer and their relatives sued Johnson & Johnson for hiding the truth.

Dusty talc causes problems to respiratory system

Talc containing asbestos causes problems when inhaled. The danger is really great. Talc has been used for the skin care of new-borns. The lungs of the new-borns are really sensitive and defenceless. Symptoms of poisoning include cough, difficulties in breathing, eye irritation, and burning eyes.

Talc is a potentially carcinogenic substance

In 2006, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, a WHO institute, classified talc as a potential carcinogen. Talc is suspected to be associated particularly with ovarian cancer. The danger is greatest if talc is used on a woman’s genital area.

There has been several court cases about the carcinogenic effect of talc. In the U.S., several women with ovarian cancer sued Johnson & Johnson. The women had been using the talc produced by the company for decades. The court sentenced Johnson & Johnson to pay $ 72 million to the relatives of a woman who died of ovarian cancer. This was just one case. Johnson & Johnson has been sued several times for contaminated talc and the company has always lost the cases.

How can I replace talc in cosmetics?

Talc is not recommended anymore by anyone for skin care. Cosmetics manufacturers have replaced talc with another mineral.

Starches

Talc can easily be replaced with completely harmless, herbal ingredients. Many starches are popular in homemade cosmetics. Corn, potato and rice starch are familiar to many. They can be used to make dry shampoo or to use as a raw material for deodorants. They act like talc, absorbing moisture from the skin.

Arrowroot starch is my own favourite. It is one of the best starches in natural cosmetics. It is a very fine powder with skin healing effects.

If you are looking for a talc substitute to treat your baby’s skin, you should choose arrowroot powder. Many mothers of small babies have found it a very good product. You can just use pure arrowroot powder for the skincare of your baby. You don’t need any additives or other ingredients.

Magnesium carbonate

Magnesium carbonate is a fine, white, light powder. It can be used as a base for colour and powder cosmetics. Magnesium carbonate absorbs moisture. Therefore, it is often used on the skin instead of talc.

Magnesium carbonate is more commonly used in gyms. Weightlifters and gymnasts rub it on their hands to avoid sweating.

Also read about other harmful chemicals

• Polyethylene Glycol, PEG
• What is Formaldehyde?
• Microplastics in cosmetics

How do you replace talc in cosmetics?

Artikkeli How Dangerous is Talc julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

Six cosmetic powders; countless number of cosmetic products

By combining the powders presented below, you can easily get dozens of effective skin care products. Feel free to vary the powders and ingredients according to the needs of your skin. Powders are easy and quick to prepare with an electric coffee grinder.

In addition, you only need some liquid to mix the powders with. Suitable liquids are, for example

• Neutral lotion
• Herbal fusion of your choice
• Water
• Yogurt
• Honey (honey is not really a liquid but suits well)
• Oils and herbal oils

You can make cosmetics from powders for one time use only. You do not have to worry about shelf life. First select the powder and liquid you want. Then just put 1-2 teaspoons of powder in a small cup. Add the liquid to the powder and mix to a suitable paste. Now you have a great cosmetic product ready to use.

Here is my cosmetic powder tray

I’ve collected my own cosmetic powder tray from six different powders. I only chose neutral, basic ingredients that are easy to combine with. I believe most of these ingredients are also suitable for your skin.

1. Kaolin clay

Kaolin, or white clay, is a very gentle clay product. It is suitable for dry and aged skin. The good properties of kaolin cannot be overstated. It allows you to give your skin gentle detox treatments. Kaolin also shrinks pores, soothes and brightens the skin.

Use kaolin clay:

• For cleansing masks
• For daily cleansing of the skin
• For exfoliating products

2. Colloidal oats

Colloidal oats is one of the gentlest skin care products. It soothes the skin, reduces itching and protects the skin from external factors. Colloidal oats have some kind of emulsifying properties. It is not the actual emulsifier, but it effectively binds fat.

Use colloidal oats;

• masks containing oil
• as such or with kaolin as a skin cleanser. Just add some liquid

3. Milk Thistle seed

Milk Thistle is an old medicinal herb whose seeds contain valuable oil. The seeds of Milk Thistle can also be used in cosmetics. Milk Thistle has been studied a lot. In addition to other health benefits, researchers have found plenty of features that benefit the skin.

Milk Thistle seed is rich in antioxidants. They have been found to reduce the effects of harmful UV light and at the same time the signs of skin aging. Milk Thistle moisturizes dry skin and also acts as an antimicrobial product to soothe the skin.

Use the Milk Thistle seeds:

• caring face masks
• skin exfoliating products

4. Mung Bean Powder

Mung bean powder is part of the Japanese skin care routine. In Japan, Mung beans are used in minimalist cosmetics as such. Mung beans contain saponins that effectively but gently cleanse the skin. The proteins and minerals in beans nourish the skin.

Use Mung beans;

• for skin cleansing
• masks
• skin exfoliating products

5. Salt

Salt is one of the best skin care products. It softens dead cell tissue on the surface of the skin. Thus, the salt acts as a simple chemical peeling agent. There are many good grades of salt such as sea salt and rose salt. Feel free to choose the salt you like and use it. If your skin does not tolerate coarse ingredients, you can grind the salt to a dusty-like powder. The powdered salt does not scratch the skin.

The salt penetrates deep into the pores and lifts up skin impurities. This is based on the capillary effect induced by salt.

Use salt;

• for skin cleansing
• For exfoliating products
• for products mentioned to rinse off

6. Green tea powder

Green tea is a super antioxidant. If you want to fight skin aging, green tea is a great product for that. Green tea is especially soothing. It brightens and soothes irritated skin. That is why green tea is often recommended for the treatment of skin problems.

Use green tea;

• as an ingredient in face masks

Powder cosmetics are the simplest way to utilize plants in cosmetics

If you do not want to use too much time and energy for making your own cosmetic products, then the powders are for you. When making powder cosmetics, there is no need to cook and stir anything. Powders also will be preserved well without preservatives. And please bear in mind that you should only prepare powders for a couple of weeks need. Especially the seeds are freshly ground at their best.

Were you excited about powder cosmetics? Share your experiences in the comments section!

Artikkeli Cosmetic powders; 6 multipurpose ingredients julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

Rhassoul clay, one of the world’s oldest beauty products

Rhassoul clay comes from Morocco. It is mined below the Atlas Mountains. The name Rhassoul comes from Jebel Ghassoul Mountain. Jebel Ghassoul means “a wash mountain”. Rhassoul clay has always been used for washing.

The mining area of rhassoul clay is about 2500 hectares (6200 acres) in Morocco. No mineral product such as rhassoul clay has been found anywhere else in the world.

Rhassoul clay is volcanic rock

Rhassoul clay is actually lava stone. It is a fine powder made out of soft sediment stone by grinding and refining.

Rhassoul clay is contains uniquely good, skin-care mineral composition

Each clay has its own mineral composition. That’s why every clay product is different. Rhassoul clay contains almost 60% silicon and 25% magnesium. The remaining minerals are aluminium, about 2.5%, calcium 2.3%, sodium (table salt) 2.3% and iron 0.5%. Other clays do not contain silicon and level of magnesium not even close comparing to Rhassoul clay. Therefore, this Moroccan clay is a very unique product.

Silicon and magnesium are particularly good for the skin.

They are soothing and healing minerals that are essential for staying healthy. Healthy skin also contains calcium.

Calcium is a very necessary mineral for all of us.

Do you know that healthy skin is rich in calcium?  Calcium takes care of skin’s protection and permeability.

Table salt contains 99.8% of sodium, a necessary mineral

The effects of salt in skin care I have told in here. The salt creates an osmotic pressure on the skin. At pressure, the skin is cleaning itself of harmful waste.

Clays are easy to store forever

Buying plenty of clay for future use is not waste of money. Clay is an inorganic substance, a mineral that will last forever. Clay can only be spoiled if it gets wet. If the moisture is pure water, you can dry the clay under the sun and grind again in the mortar to a fine powder.

If the moisture is impure, discard the clay. Of course, you can try to wash the clay right away and then dry it.

If you keep different types of clays in stock for a long time, make sure the bags carry name tags. Use good quality glue for tags. I know this because I’ve lost some tags and I couldn’t separate the qualities anymore. It was really frustrating.

How does rhassoul clay work on the skin?

Rhassoul clay’s minerals are very optimal for the skin. That’s why rhassoul clay has maintained its popularity in beauty care for thousands of years. Rhassoul clay has even been used in ancient Egypt as a medicine to cure ailments.

• Rhassoul clay is a negatively charged mineral. This is important information because this is where rhassoul clay’s ability to absorb waste products from the skin is based. Impurities in the skin are positively charged, so they are attracted by clay.
• Rhassoul clay has the ability to absorb excess oil from the skin. Therefore, it is a good idea to use rhassoul clay regularly on oily skin.
• Rhassoul clay makes the skin surface softer and firmer. This is due to the minerals it contains, such as silicon and magnesium.
• Rhassoul clay reduces the pores and makes the skin look younger.
• Rhassoul clay mask brightens the skin and makes the skin clear. For tired skin, a rhassoul mask is a truly intensive and effective treatment.
• Rhassoul clay like all clays dry the surface of the skin. Therefore, it is recommended to apply a few drops of good facial oil to moist the skin after the clay mask. However, the long-term effect of rhassoul clay is moisturizing. Clay minerals take care of the skin and the skin does not dry out so easily.

In North Africa, making rhassoul clay powder is an art

Traditionally in North Africa, the shores of the Mediterranean people have always used rhassoul clay. Each family has had their own stone for making the clay. By grinding and filtering the stone with the help of secret herbs, they have always taken care of their beauty.

The raw, untreated rhassoul powder is washed thoroughly together with orange fruit flowers, lavender, myrtle and chamomile. The washed clay is then sun-dried for a week. The powder is washed again using the same herbs and dried again under the sun until dry. This type of powder has always been part of the hammam tradition (sauna) in North Africa. In addition to rhassoul powder, the Hammam tradition has included black soap, argan oil and Kessa glove.

This kind of herb-refined rhassoul clay powder is also part of the traditional Moroccan wedding ritual. Rhassoul clay is therefore a highly valued product.

I have not found similar, flower-rich powder in Finland. The rhassoul clay powders for sale in Finland are only ground, washed and dried. Or I just haven’t found any retailer yet.

How is rhassoul clay used in cosmetics?

Rhassoul clay can be used in cosmetics just like other clays. You can make a clay face mask by adding

• 2 teaspoons of clay and drops of water until you have an easy-to-apply paste. Rhassoul clay mixes well with water.
• Apply the paste to your face and leave for about 10-20 minutes.
• Wash off with lukewarm water.
• Apply a few drops of good facial oil to moist the skin.

If rhassoul clay feels too strong on your face you can mix desired amount of kaolin clay with it. Kaolin is very mild and usually does not irritate anyone’s skin.

It is not advisable to mix clay masks with anything that you wish to absorb into the skin. Clay works by pulling impurities away from the skin. That’s why I never add oil or any other ingredient to the same mask as clay.

A clay mask is at its best when it is made exclusively from high quality clay and pure water. Pay particular attention to the quality of the clay and water. Simple but high quality is the best option here – as usual.

Do not use metal spoons or mixing bowls with clay. The negative charge of clay is disturbed and the clay is not anymore as effective.

Rhassoul clay’s effect on hair

Traditionally in North Africa, rhassoul clay has been used to treat the face, skin, legs and hair.

Rhassoul clay is very cleansing and caring stuff for the hair. It is rich in silicon and magnesium, which strengthens the hair and scalp. You can make a hair mask from rhassoul clay or use clay for washing your hair.

Traditionally in North Africa, people have used a mixture of rhassoul clay and black soap for hair wash. You can also add rhassoul clay to your regular shampoo.

You can make an effective hair mask from rhassoul clay by mixing it with aloe vera juice. If you do not have aloe vera juice you can use pure water. Aloe Vera makes the mixture more paste-like and more manageable.

• Mix 2 tablespoons of rhassoul clay powder and enough liquid to make an easy-to-apply hair paste.
• Apply the paste thoroughly to the hair, part by part. Do not rub as Rhassoul clay is a mineral and can damage the hair if you rub it.
• Leave for 30 minutes and rinse off under the shower. This mask is especially suitable for oily. It removes excess grease from the hair and prevents hair to become greasy quickly.

Rhassoul clay also effectively cleans the scalp and removes residues of chemicals and air pollution from your hair

I’d love to hear your own experiences with clay, and especially rhassoul clay. Add your message in the comment box below so other readers will benefit from your tips. Thank you!

Artikkeli Rhassoul clay julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

Powdered skin-care products are not a new invention

There is nothing new under the sun, the old saying is valid again. Powdered skin-care products are actually a very old form of cosmetics. The oldest cosmetic powder we know is clay. The use of clay in skin care is very natural to humans and no one can really say when and where humans started to use it. Even animals can use clay for skin care. Clay protects and heals skin damage. It is very mineral-rich and nourishing. As early as 6,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians made basic facial soap from alkaline clay and olive oil.

Cosmetic powders have been manufactured thousands of years ago, especially in Japan. Japanese beauties believed in rice powder and powdered safflower. Carbon was also widely used as a make-up around the world.

What products can be made from powders?

You can make almost any cosmetics in powder form. The idea behind powdered skin-care products are to combine a liquid or an oil or both if necessary. Honey can also be combined with cosmetic powders. As a powder you can prepare at least

• peeling mask
• face masks
• face and skin cleansing products
• bath products
• face powders and talc (aka talcum powder)
• deodorant

Benefits of Powdered skin-care products

• Powdered skin-care products is a very ecological option. That is why especially cosmetics manufacturers have developed powder products. Powders do not need a preservative. Preservatives are one of the most allergenic ingredients in cosmetics. If the preservative can be omitted, the product will be considerably more ecological.
• Powder cosmetics do not need emulsifiers or thickeners. The powder gives you a different skin feel by choosing different types of ingredients for the product.
• Powder cosmetics are very light. It is easy to transport and store. Powder cosmetics do not require temperature-controlled transport.
• Powder cosmetics can be stored more comfortably. Frost does not harm or spoil the product. Storage in a very dry place, protected from light is enough. Although there are no preservatives in the product, you can safely keep the jar at room temperature after opening.

How to make powdered cosmetics?

For powder cosmetics, you need a really powerful grinder. You can forget both the blender and the mixer. They cannot make fine powder from small seeds. The best tool for grinding is an electric coffee grinder.

And then just grind…

.. whatever you like to grind. Only the sky is the limit. By now, you will discover the variety of raw materials available. You can also use raw materials that you would not even dream of in conventional cosmetics. My personal favourites are:

• Beans such as mung beans, adzuki beans, chick peas
•  Cereals (grains) as oats
• Seeds and nuts such as sunflower seeds, almonds, quinoa
• Dry flowers such as marigold, rose, chamomile, viola
• Dried herbs such as rosemary, Alchemilla, raspberry leaf, burr, Mallow
• Dried roots such as marshmallow roots
• Seaweeds

So, you really have a lot of opportunities to grind different ingredients into your products. By combining different powders, you can create your own personalized cosmetics.

You can also combine ready-made powders such as various cosmetic clays, magnesium powders, salt, activated carbon and more with your own products.

You will also need oils and fluids to apply the powders on the skin

The final cosmetic product is ready for use only when you actually will use it and mix liquid with the powder. You can combine the prepared powder mixtures with the desired liquid. There are many alternatives just like powders.  Below please find some liquids you can use, just as an example. There are so many possibilities other than listed here.

• Oils suitable for the face, such as sunflower oil
• Water
• Aloe Vera juice
• Yogurt
• Honey
• Vegetable milks such as almond milk
• Green tea

By combining different liquids in the powder, you will always get a new cosmetic product. You can change the liquids as you wish. By adding honey, you’ll get moisture on your skin, herbal milks nourish your skin, aloe vera moisturizes and heals minor skin damage. You can add a few drops of your favourite oil to the powder and add, say, green tea to achieve a pleasant composition. There are many options.

Here are some powdered cosmetics for you as an example

First, we are going to do a powdered cleansing product. For this, we need only few simple ingredients. This powder cleanser is very gentle and suitable for everyone’s skin.

You will need the following ingredients in a powdered face cleanser

• 10 teaspoons oats flakes, choose as fresh as possible, preferably non-steamed oats.
• 1 teaspoon of chamomile
• ¼ teaspoon of very fine sea salt

Grind all ingredients in the coffee grinder to a fine powder. Pack the product in a glass jar with a lid. Store in a dry place in order to protect from light. The product will remain good for about a year.

Use powdered face cleansing powder as follows:

• Apply cleansing oil to the face and massage gently for 1-2 minutes.
• Apply 1 teaspoon of face cleansing powder to your hand and mix with a little (about 1-2 teaspoons) of water.
• Mix the powder and water in your hand. Apply the paste to your skin.
• You will notice that the oil emulsifies into the paste. Gently massage the entire face so that all the oil is emulsified.
• Finally, wash your face with water
• You do not need any facial cream. Your skin will remain beautifully brightened and moisturized. This is the very best facial wash.

Powdered deodorant

Many people are interested in organic deodorant. Often, organic deodorants use baking soda that irritates the skin. I do not use any baking soda in this powder deodorant. Organic deodorants prevent the appearance of odour. They do not prevent sweating. Sweating is a natural function of the body that should not be prevented.  Please bear in mind that almost all non-organic spay deodorants do contain aluminium powder to prevent sweating. I think this is not healthy at all.  And at the other end, there is always a medical reason for abnormally increased sweating, a condition called hyperhidrosis that we cannot influence by using cosmetics products. A doctor’s visit should take place.

The product contains both kaolin and magnesium carbonate. Magnesium carbonate is really dusty so you should not use it without kaolin.

Recipe for powder deodorant preventing body odour

• 1 dl magnesium carbonate powder, available at stores selling diy-cosmetics accessories
• 1 tablespoon kaolin clay powder
• 1 teaspoon dried nettle
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried lavender

To make a powder deodorant:

• Grind nettle, lavender and sage to as fine dust as possible. Nettle’s stinging wires will burn even if the plant is dried. If the plant is not grinded small enough, the stinging wires will still survive. Therefore, it is particularly important that the powder is dusty. Nettle is one of the best deodorant herbs. Therefore, it is worth using it in deodorants.
• Carefully combine and mix all the powders and pack in a container with a lid
• Apply the powder deodorant with a powder puff to the armpits after a shower. Do not use any lotions underneath
• Always wash carefully the powder deodorant away from your skin in the evening.  What is left on the skin begins to irritate sooner or later.

Powdered cosmetics gives a whole new perspective

When getting new ideas how to make powder cosmetics you can develop your own products. There are countless possibilities to design, create and make completely chemical-free cosmetics. Everything you do will be absolutely unique, designed and prepared by you!

Powder cosmetics is here to stay. It is an ecological alternative to conventional cosmetics. Dry, non-liquid products also make greener packaging possible. There will be no need for massive amounts of plastic bottles, cans other plastic packages in the future. Decomposing paper and cardboard will be back!

Have you already made powdered cosmetics yourself?  Tell us about your experiences in the comment box!

Artikkeli Powdered skin-care products – expected innovation julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.

However, no chemical is ever 100% safe and good for every purpose. This is also the case with Baking soda. The strengths of the baking soda should be identified and used in a deliberate manner in the right situations.

There is baking soda and soda. They are two different chemicals. Learn how to distinguish between them and use them correctly.

What is Baking soda

When we talk about soda we usually mean baking soda. I always mean sodium bicarbonate used in baking when referring baking soda. Soda itself means a different substance.

Baking soda, (NaHCO3), or sodium bicarbonate is a completely chemical product. It is not a naturally occurring substance such as soda or sodium carbonate (Na2Co3). Baking soda is produced from sodium (Na), ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The carbon dioxide required in the process is usually obtained from soda or sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). This is what the two substances have to do with each other.

Baking soda is commonly used in baking and other food preparation. As an alkaline substance, it has traditionally neutralized too strong stomach acids. Also, baking soda is used for salicylate poisoning as a first aid. The soda blasting will gently refine delicate surfaces that are sensitive to scratching. Baking soda is a soft substance that does not damage, for example, glass or plastic surfaces.

Baking soda is mildly alkaline. You can find different claims on the net. Therefore, I measured the alkaline level of the Baking soda myself. I mixed 1,5 dl water and 2 teaspoons baking soda. As a result of the measurement, I received a PH value of about 8.5 which is a mild alkaline.

What is washing soda or sodium carbonate

We do not need a real washing soda at all in home cosmetics. I’m telling about sodium carbonate because it is good to know how to separate it from the baking soda and be careful. These two substances are mixed in people’s minds in general.

The actual soda (Na2Co3) is a very different substance than baking soda. Soda or sodium carbonate is a very alkaline substance that can NOT be used in cosmetics. NEVER PUT IT IN MOUTH OR, EAT IT OR SWALLOW IT. NEVER.  Soda is naturally occurring mineral salt but can also be produced industrially. It is suitable for cleaning of surfaces before painting. As such, the soda solution spoils the painted wall. It is so alkaline, almost as alkaline as lye. Soda is used mainly by glass manufacturing industry.

The washing soda was also main ingredient in soap before the lye was invented. Washing soda was prepared earlier for making soap using tree’s ashes.  In the nature, washing soda can be found in Africa as a natural mineral called “trona”. Also, in the USA Trona (Natural Soda) is mined more than it is produced industrially. Granulated washing soda is a product called pure soda or sodium carbonate.

The washing soda is also called crystal soda. It is available in hardware stores and decoration shops selling paint.  Also washing soda is pure soda. It looks confusingly like baking soda. It is white, like baking powder. To avoid mistakes, keep washing soda out of the kitchen. Right place for washing soda is in cleaning closet, in stock or in a garage out of the reach of children. It would be dangerous to use accidentally washing soda instead of baking soda as a food ingredient. Washing soda is so called calcined soda, which is sold in ecological shops selling products for cleaning and washing.

I measured the washing soda solution pH myself. I mixed 1,5 dl water with 2 teaspoons of washing soda. I made the test using pH strips. The measurement scale of strips is from 4 to 10. Liquid was more alkaline than 10. This type of solution is very corrosive and can cause an incredibly bad consequences if you do not understand the strength of the solution. In some publications, washing soda is called a product that is similar to baking soda. This is false. In any case, these products may not be considered the same substance. Always keep all your washing sodas out of reach of children.

For what the baking soda is not so good

Baking soda is a very commonly used chemical in home cosmetics. It is perceived as an easy alternative to many uses. Baking soda is used mostly in Deodorants and Hair care. For both purposes, baking soda is a bad option.

• Baking soda as a deodorant is popular. However, it is not suitable for everyone. For most users, deodorants containing baking soda cause skin irritations and rashes. When armpits are sweating, the baking soda together with sweat forms very alkaline fluid. The skin does not like long-term exposure to the alkaline substances. Natural skin is acidic.

• Baking soda is often used regretfully often for hair-washing. The idea is to avoid the chemicals of shampoo. Baking soda, however, is a very rough treatment for the hair. It removes sebum from your hair. Baking soda washing is often completed with vinegar rinsing. I have told the dangers of vinegar rinsing in my earlier post. Vinegar closes the hair scales but also removes grease and moisture. After a few such treatments, your hair is destroyed.

• DIY toothpaste is often made from baking soda. Baking soda is suitable for tooth care if it is not used very much or too often. However, it is an abrasive material that can slowly damage the enamel of the tooth. Damaged tooth enamel will never come back. In no case, do not use baking soda as a powder substitute for toothpaste alone.

How you can you use baking soda in DIY cosmetics

Baking soda, however, has some very useful applications.

• You can use baking soda for peeling your skin. If you have body acne you can prepare effective baking soda peeling mask that will soothe and treat your acne skin. Alkaline products often soothe acne. The peeling should be carried out very gently on a skin that is not damaged. How to do baking soda peeling scrub, please find the recipe from the Recipes page.

• Prepare a funny and relaxing bath bombs. You can also make them as a gift. Once you learn the techniques of preparing your bath cubes, they are easy and quick to prepare. You can find the recipe in Recipes page.

• Baking soda freshens the breath. You don’t have to brush your teeth and damage the enamel on the baking soda. It is enough to mix baking soda in water and to rinse your mouth with baking soda water. A simple and non-toxic mouthwash will refresh the odor of your mouth.

• You can soothe your itchy skin by temporarily mixing 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoon of basic body cream. Rub the paste on your itchy rash so you can get a sleep. Do not use this paste on damaged skin area. Next morning you should seek the correct treatment from experts. Baking soda cream is just a first aid that you do not scratch your skin during the night.

• Baking soda cools the skin. If you have itchy skin after sunbath mix a bit of soda with after sun cream. This should relief the itching and the skin gets cooler.

I hope these facts and tips were useful to you. If any of the things are good for you, please comment below this post.

How do you use baking soda in your home cosmetics?

Artikkeli How to use baking soda in DIY- cosmetics julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Helenatur.