Sunday, June 19, 2016

Super Nourishing Hair Mask with Laurel Berry Oil - mask for hair roots.




 
No one would argue that the thick and lustrous hair has always been a sign of good health and real beauty. But, unfortunately, in modern conditions of life it’s difficult to maintain strong hair. Polluted air, dust, sun, heat, chemicals we eat, smoking - all of this has a negative effect on the state of our hair. They lose their natural luster, whipped and fall.
It’s normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day. When the body sheds significantly more hairs every day, a person has excessive hair shedding. 
How to stop hair loss and make curls thick and strong?

To prevent hair loss and make your hair thicker, you can use special tools for the strengthening and growth. This is hair mask, which is able to stimulate new hair growth, as well as to strengthen the roots of existing.
Healthy hair starts at the roots! 
What components should be included in such hair mask?
- oils and butters, 
- botanical,
- vitamins and minerals,
- hydrolyzed proteins, peptides and amino acids.
All of these components offer revitalizing the scalp, while healing, protecting, and preventing further damage of each hair strand.
 Super Nourishing Hair Mask with Laurel Berry Oil


Key ingredients of this hair mask:

- Oils and butters:
Laurel Berry oil has been used for centuries in traditional cosmetic products such as soap and as well as massage oil and hair balm. This is NOT Bay Laurel Essential Oil.  

Laurel Berry Oil contains strong antibacterial properties and widely used in Middle Eastern cultures for skin and hair problems such as acne, dry skin, eczema, rashes, psoriasis, rosacea, fungal infections and arthritis.

Laurel Berry oil increases blood circulation in the capillaries, resulting in stimulated hair growth and strengthens hair follicles has a disinfectant effect on the micro cracks in the scalp.

Babassu Oil - helps to hydrate and nourish the hair. This is penetrating oil (likes coconut oil), that means this oil will protect the cortex of the hair (from inside).
Cupuacu Butter, from the Rain Forest content - phytosterols to benefit dry, damaged skin, polyphenols to combat free radicals in the tissues, and fatty acids to protect and moisturize. It's a butter that performs like the actives, delivering true healing, and restructuring benefits to your skin and hair. This butter is a good, plant, alternative to lanolin, offering the capacity to attract 240% more water allowing it to function much more effectively as a skin hydrator and plumper.


Camellia Oil - is made from the seeds of tea trees. It is rich in Vitamins A, B, C & E and various minerals. It's composed mainly of oleic acid (80%), one of the most penetrative oils, which allows it to hydrate and clean follicles without greasy residue.
- Botanical extracts:
Burdock Root extract - stimulates microcirculation in the scalp, improves the nutrition of hair follicles and stimulates hair growth. At the same time it weakens the action of enzymes that affect hair loss. It helps to rebuild hair structure, facilitates the regeneration of the skin and shows anti-dandruff effects.


Nettle Leaf and Root extract -is a common ingredient found in hair products to stimulate hair growth and is believed to be effective for treating both male and female pattern baldness. The effectiveness of nettle root for hair loss has not been thoroughly studied. However, research shows that this herb can block production of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is mainly responsible for hair loss. 

Vitamins and minerals:
Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5) – number one for hair products. It improves hair texture; helps repair split ends and restores nourishment to hair damaged by heat and/or chemical treatments. Panthenol helps moisturize hair and skin and stops both from getting dehydrated. In addition, because panthenol also spreads evenly on the surface of the hair strand, it forms a smooth film over hair cuticles that makes tresses look shinier and glossier. 
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps repair and build tissue. When you apply vitamin E to your scalp, it helps reduce inflammation and repair damage to the follicles, and healthy follicles encourage hair growth.
Phytokeratin  is a composite product made by blending free amino acids from plants in the same proportions as they are found in the popular human hair amino acid products. Phytokeratin penetrates the hair shaft to bind moisture and improve gloss & restore vitality to the hair. It strengthens and maintains the elasticity of the hair shaft. Ideal for use on dry, damaged hair.
Hydrolyzed Silk Protein helps in moisture retention due to its strong hygroscopic properties (silk is credited with the ability to retain 10,000 times its weight in water), resulting in optimum conditioning and increased strength. It also provides superior conditioning properties, making it ideal for natural-type conditioners, shampoos, and hair repairing systems. Links hair fibers to improve elasticity, resiliency, and restore the moisture balance.
- Essential oils:
The blend of essential oils (Rosemary, Eucalypt and Geranium) stimulates blood flow to the scalp and promotes strong and healthy hair growth. They are also effective for treating dandruff, itchiness and scalp irritation.
A hair mask should be applied to washed and towel-dried hair. Spread the cream evenly throughout your hair. Massage the product in from the roots to the tips then comb through your hair with your fingers. To optimize the mask’s effects, cover your head with a hot towel. In this case, the mask is in direct contact with your scalp so it can be absorbed more easily. Leave for 10-20 minutes (or even longer). Rinse well and follow with your usual shampoo.





Sunday, May 15, 2016

Honeysuckle goat milk soap for spring and summer season.


Honeysuckle is blooming around our neighborhood and its scent is infusing the air with pure pleasure....Hummingbirds and butterflies love nectar of their fragrant flowers. As well as children.
I made the soap with fragrance of wild honeysuckle. This floral aroma is an all-time classic and it is a spring and summer favorite.

For recipe I decided to use olive oil, castor oil, safflower oil, coconut oil and goat milk. I like goat milk for soapmaking, because goat milk is natural moisturizer. You can read more about goat milk benefits for skin here. Our natural Goat Milk Soap gently cleanses while providing your skin with nourishment and moisture. Made from fresh goat milk, this soap is wonderful for all skin types and highly recommended for people with dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, acne, and sensitive skin.
This soap is handmade with 100% natural plant oils by cold process soap making.
Ingredients: Saponified oils: olive, sustainable palm, coconut, castor, safflower; organic goat milk; lactic acid; fragrance (phthalate free).

This gentle, luxurious soap leaves your skin scented with notes of wild honeysuckle drifting in on a warm summer's breeze....

Sunday, April 17, 2016

DIY project: Nail & Cuticle Oil.



The cuticle (the skin around the nail) is quite sensitive and needs to be enough nourished and moisturized. The strong negative influence on the condition of the cuticle and the nail has a vitamin deficiency, as well as contact with chemicals in household work. Cuticle care is an important part of maintaining a beautiful manicure, nobody likes dry and cracked cuticle.

A wonderful tool to prevent problems with cuticle and nail - oil for nails and cuticles.

You can create your own spa-at-home manicure treatment very easy. 
1. Choose basic oil, essential oils and vitamins.
 Carrier oils:
Jojoba oil - close to contents of the sebum you naturally produce, protects skin and nails from the harmful environmental effects.
Almond oil -  provide the skin with nutrients.
Grape seed oil -  light oil which does not make the nails and cuticle too oily and effectively hydrate  skin.
Vitamin E -  protects the delicate skin around the nails from free radical damage.
Tea tree oil - anti-inflammation properties, a few drops prevent fungal infections. 
Essential oils:
When choosing essential oils need to focus not only on their own tastes and preferences, but also take into account the therapeutic effect. These are the essential oils which are good for the nails:
- rosemary e.o. - enhance the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties of the composition;
- lavender e.o. - fight with barbs and infections;
- citrus (lemon, lime, grapefruit) e.o. - give the nail plate shine, whitening.
- thyme, pine oil, sandalwood,cedar e.o. - are ideally suited to improve elasticity and soften cuticles.

2.  The procedure to make a cuticle oil is simple. 
 You will need:
- Almond oil - 1 tablespoon;
- Grape seed oil - 1 tablespoon;
- Jojoba oil - 1 tablespoon;
- Vitamin E - 1 capsule; 
- Tea tree oil, Rosemary e.o., Lime e.o., Lavender e.o. - 4-5 drops of each oils.

3. Mix ingredients together and store in a dark glass bottle.


You can apply this cuticle oil several times throughout the day, if your cuticles start to get dry. Or you can even use the roller bottle because it fits right in the purse, mess free, and easy to apply any time during the day. This formula is non-greasy, light texture and quick to absorb.

But, if you would like to do SPA-like manicure treatment at home, at first you need to make soaking nail bath.


You will need salt (sea salt, dead sea salt, Himalayan salt), baking soda, and, as option, some fresh citrus.
 Amount of each ingredient will depend on size of your bowl for nail bath. 

Fill the bowl by pretty hot water, add some of chosen salt, 1-2 table spoon baking soda, few slices of fresh lemon or orange. 
Soak your nail in this bath for 5-15 minutes.
Remember, that before this you need to remove old nail polish and cut your nails.
 

Then pat dry with a hand towel and apply nail&cuticle oil on the nails, around the nail skin and near the cuticles. Gently massage the oil into the nail for about 2-3 minutes. Remove excess cuticle skin using  the cotton ball or paper towel.
Massage with nail&cuticle oil is an important part of maintaining a beautiful manicure, but remember that only regular use this procedure will help your nails to get rid of dry, making them hard and strong.

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Goat Milk in Body Lotions.

Yes, goat milk is my favorite ingredient for skin products! I use it in recipes for face masks, soaps and body lotions. Goat's milk is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. The main properties of goat milk are: anti-bacterial,  moisturizing, nourishing and antioxidant. You can read more about it here.
If you use goat's milk skin care products on a regular basis, your skin will feel hydrated, replenished, and smooth with a beautiful, radiant look. 

 Oatmeal, Milk and Honey Lotion
Although the goat milk is one of the main ingredients in this lotion, addition of aloe, honey and colloidal oatmeal give more strong benefits for skin.
Aloe moisturizes the skin without giving it a greasy feel, so it`s perfect for anyone with an oily skin complexion. It also contains two plant growth substances: Auxin and Gibberellins. These two plant hormones provide wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties that reduce skin inflammation. Antioxidants in the aloe vera (beta carotene, vitamin C and E) can help improve the skin's natural firmness.
Honey is a fabulously versatile ingredient to use on skin. It’s full of antioxidants, which are good for wrinkles and aging skin. It is antibacterial, which helps with acne treatments and prevention. It clarifies skin by opening up and unclogging pores. It’s also a great moisturizer. 
Colloidal oatmeal is used as a moisturizer to treat or prevent dry, rough, scaly, itchy skin and skin irritations. Oats contain polysaccharides, which have a gel-like texture when combined with moisture. This light gel leaves a protective layer over the skin that seals in skin’s natural moisture while also providing additional nutrients.
Ingredients: Goat milk, Aloe Vera juice, Aloe Vera gel, Rice Bran Oil, Avocado Oil, Emulsifier wax, Colloidal Oatmeal, Honey powder, Stearic acid, Glycerin, Sodium Lactate, MSM, Optiphen, Fragrance (Phthalate free).
There are two oils in this lotion: rice bran oil and avocado oil.
Rice bran oil helps to regenerate skin, prevents wrinkles, improves firmness and elasticity of the skin, has anti-inflammatory, hydrating and softening effects.
Avocado oil is rich, has extremely high penetrating qualities and contains vitamins A, D and E, lecithin, potassium, beta-carotene and over 20 essential fatty acids. 
Sodium Lactate - is one of the Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) constituents of skin, required in the maintenance of natural hydration. Sodium Lactate is a superior moisturizer, increasing the moisture content of skin by up to 84%.
Glycerin – humectant, it creates instant hydration.
MSM (Organic sulfur) - acts as a healing solvent, driving ingredients deep into your cells and creating permeability for nutrients to move in and toxins to move out.
Powerful ingredients nourish your skin as you indulge your senses with a subtle aroma a warm, inviting blend of creamy milk, sweetened with a touch of honey and topped with soothing oatmeal.
hese L-form and other essential amino acids have a lower molecular weight than most synthetic proteins, so they’re better able to penetrate the skin surface and deliver the moisture and nutrients required for optimum cell growth in the underlying dermis. Like all the ingredients in my Lavie Organique product line, the silk amino acids in my serums and creams are produced by a cruelty-free process that causes no harm to the silkworm or moth.
Silkworm cocoons have been prized as the source of the ultimate luxury fabric, as well as a medicine for treating a variety of ailments, since the days of Imperial China. Today, the legendary properties of silk have been incorporated into powerful anti-aging treatments that blend traditional wisdom with modern science. From the luscious texture they add to face creams to the visible benefits they bring to your skin, silk amino acids truly deliver on the promise we hear in their name.
- See more at: http://blog.lavie-organique.com/2009/11/whats-so-special-about-silk-amino-acids.html#sthash.YdWeHsnp.dpuf
’re better able to penetrate the skin surface and deliver the moisture and nutrients required for optimum cell growth in the underlying dermis. - See more at: http://blog.lavie-organique.com/2009/11/whats-so-special-about-silk-amino-acids.html#sthash.YdWeHsnp.dpuf

*****************************
The second lotion with goat milk I made with silk amino acids and sea buckthorn oil.

Goat Milk Lotion with Silk. 


This lotion promotes skin to silky perfection! There is real silk amino acid in this lotion's formula.
Silk amino acid is a natural water-soluble glycoprotein extracted from raw silk. It is used as an additive in skin and hair care products due to its high levels of serine which has excellent moisture preservation characteristics. Silk amino acids - protects skin from moisture loss and conditions it to provide a silky smoothness.
Sea Buckthorn Oil is “skin food”, containing over 190 phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids (Omega 3, 6, 9), supercharged antioxidants, and other bioactive nutrients. It contents the highest percent of the main moisturizing essential fatty -Omega 7 palmitoleic acid. Palmitoleic Acid (Omega-7) is a natural component of skin. It is considered a valuable topical agent in treating burns and healing wounds. Shiny hair, glowing skin, and healthy nails are common results of sea buckthorn oil intake with its heavy Omega 7 concentration. It’s also commonly recommended to help fight premature aging symptoms such as wrinkles, dryness, loss of elasticity, malnourishment, and other signs of aging.
Ingredients: Goat milk, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Almond Oil, Emulsifier wax, Stearic acid, Glycerin, Panthenol, Silk amino acids, Sodium Lactate, MSM, Optiphen, Fragrance (Phthalate free).
This lotion easily revitalizes skin and restore softness while improving skin's texture. 
hese L-form and other essential amino acids have a lower molecular weight than most synthetic proteins, so they’re better able to penetrate the skin surface and deliver the moisture and nutrients required for optimum cell growth in the underlying dermis. Like all the ingredients in my Lavie Organique product line, the silk amino acids in my serums and creams are produced by a cruelty-free process that causes no harm to the silkworm or moth.
Silkworm cocoons have been prized as the source of the ultimate luxury fabric, as well as a medicine for treating a variety of ailments, since the days of Imperial China. Today, the legendary properties of silk have been incorporated into powerful anti-aging treatments that blend traditional wisdom with modern science. From the luscious texture they add to face creams to the visible benefits they bring to your skin, silk amino acids truly deliver on the promise we hear in their name.
- See more at: http://blog.lavie-organique.com/2009/11/whats-so-special-about-silk-amino-acids.html#sthash.YdWeHsnp.dpuf
’re better able to penetrate the skin surface and deliver the moisture and nutrients required for optimum cell growth in the underlying dermis. - See more at: http://blog.lavie-organique.com/2009/11/whats-so-special-about-silk-amino-acids.html#sthash.YdWeHsnp.dpuf
The pleasant aroma of fresh spring flowers leaves skin delicately fragranced.