COMMON CAUSES FOR DRY SKIN

Winter Weather

Dry skin is very common in the winter months.  The harsh winter weather conditions can leave our skin looking and feeling dry and chapped.

Wearing protective clothing such as gloves and scarves will help shield your skin from the elements.  Apply a rich moisturiser that contain ingredients like glycerine that helps to lock in moisture, paying particular attention to your hands, feet, elbows and knees.

Central Heating

Indoor heating dries out our skin and our mucous membranes, leading to dry, chapped lips and dry throats.

Using a humidifier, especially at night, will replace the moisture in the air and help to hydrate our skin and sooth chapped lips and dry throats.

Hot Baths Or Showers

As lovely as it sounds, soaking in a hot bath can strip your skin or its protective oils and leave you looking shrivelled up!

Try not to bathe (or shower) in water that is too hot and limit yourself to 10 minutes in the bath or shower.  Pat – not rub - yourself dry with a soft towel.

Harsh Soaps

Many soaps contain detergents that are harsh on the skin and remove your skin’s natural oils, thus leaving your skin dry and sensitive.

Use a fragrance-free body wash that is kind to the skin and doesn’t strip it of its natural oils. 

Not Staying Hydrated

Even it if is cold outside or you simply don’t feel hot we still lose water through our skin every day, especially if you spend a lot of time in dry, indoor heat.  If we don’t drink enough our skin and body becomes dehydrated, which can leave us looking and feeling unhealthy.

Drink plenty of water, avoiding drinks containing caffeine as these will make you lose even more water. 

Not Eating Correctly

Our cells are wrapped in protective fats that help keep them soft, plump and flexible.  If we don’t eat enough fatty acids our body won’t have enough building blocks to maintain this protective wrap.

Eat plenty of foods containing “good fats” like oily fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel that are rich in Omega-3. If you don’t like fish, try incorporating walnuts, tofu or flaxseeds into your diet.

As dry skin is caused by a lack of production of natural oils, dry skin sufferers should use daily moisturisers that are oil-based. Ingredients such as petrolatum and lanolin, form a barrier on the skin to stop water being lost, whilst humectants, such as glycerine, urea and alpha hydroxy acids, attract water to the skin cells. This means that humectants are a more natural and suitable way to relieve dry skin. Avoid alcohol-based formulas and fragrances as these irritate the skin

5 STEPS TO CLEANSING YOUR FACE PROPERLY

It is important to cleanse properly from an early age

Most women rarely give it much thought during their younger years, but cleansing your skin properly at an early age is a sure way of keeping a youthful look well into your maturer years.

Proper cleansing of the skin really does help with the prevention of long-term issues such as wrinkling, toughing of the skin, or worst of all, skin cancer.

Skin is the largest organ of the human body and it has a very important function in protecting our body from the onslaught of infection. For that reason healthy skin is crucial.

Use warm water for cleansing. It mustn't bee too hot. Hot water can damage the skin by causing dehydration whereas water that isn't hot enough won't cleanse your skin properly and can cause dirt to be left behind.

Follow these cleansing hints to help keep your skin healthy.

1. Use a mild and gentle skin cleanser. Our face is the most delicate part of our body and can be extremely sensitive. It is important to stay away from cleansers that contain caustic chemicals or ingredients that can be harsh to your skin. (Try Pura Natural's skin cleansers for a mild yet effective cleanser. It contains only natural ingredients and is kind to the skin.) 
2. Use your fingers to gently masage the cleanser into your skin by using small circular motions. Make sure you cover all the skin and leave the cleanser on for the amount of time recommended.
3. Rinse your face with cool water, making sure that all the cleanser is removed. Use a soft cotton cloth or flannel, if necessary, to ensure that all the cleanser has been removed.
4. Pat your face dry. Do not rub!
5. Finish off with a toner.

It is recommended that you tone your face after cleansing. Rose essential oil, diluted with water makes a great natural toner. Soak a cotton ball in the toner, squeeze gently to release the excess liquid and lightly wipe the toner across the face, paying particular attention to the nose, chin and forehead. Let the skin dry natural before apply moisturiser.

Your face requires cleansing at least twice a day, ideally in the morning and before bedtime.

Regular cleansing takes no time at all and you will reap the benefits. Clean, healthy skin means youthful looking skin and that is something we all want.

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INGREDIENTS THAT REALLY DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO YOUR SKIN

We all know that a healthy diet is important for healthy looking skin but did you know that what we put ON our body is as important as what we put in it. With that in mind I have listed some of the most popular ingredients that really do make a difference to our skin.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is simpy amazing!  It is renownded for its healing and soothing qualities and is one of the oldest known medicinal plants.  It is one of nature's best healers, dramatically effective when treating burns and wounds.  It is great for sunburn.  Not only does it speed up the rate of healing it also reduces the risk of infection.  It is also known to stimulate cell production and increase collagen and elastin.

Apricot

The apricot's wonderfully light texture means it is easily absorbed into the skin.  It is packed with ESSENTIAL fatty acids and makes this the oil of choice when looking for all over skin care products.

Argan Oil

Moroccan argan oil is the perfect ingredient for restoring a youthful glow.  In fact it is often referred to as "Liquid Gold" by the experts.  It is rich ich in vitamin E which is known to repair and protect skin cells.  If that isn't enough, it is also reputed to speed the healing process, skin cell stimulation and regeneration.  

Avocado

Containing vitamins E and B, beta-carotene and omega 9 and 6, avocado is perfect for dry skin.  The omega oils help to regenerate the skin cells.  Its rich oil is absorbs easily into the skin and helps to reduce the appearance of age spots, sun damange and scars.

Great for sensitive skin or for those sufferung from eczema or psoriasis.

Green Tea

Packed with anti-oxidants, green tea is used mostly in anti-ageing products.  It protects healthy cells while killing potential cancer cells.  Research suggests that green tea not only helps reduce wrinkles and sun damange but also other skin conditions, such as psoriasis.

Passion Fruit

The passionfruit flower is well known for its calming, sedative action.  It contains vitamin E and trace minerals, as well as having an extraordinary high contnet of linoleic acid, an easily absorbed essential fatty acid that helps to reduce water loss, thereby restoring elasticity.

Shea Butter

A fabulously effective, totally natural moisturiser.  Wonderful for nourishing and soothing dry and inflammed skin.  It is packed with vitamins A and E and is used in both skin and hair products to nourish and condition.  Shea butter is quickly absorbed and is non irritating.

Have you ever wondered why some people are more prone to ageing ....

 

...... or how it is that some people seem to have sickenly young and soft looking skin way into their maturer years?

What increases the ageing process?

We are becoming wise to the problems, such as the increasing rate of ageing, that parabens and sulphates can cause to our skin but lets not forget the fact that there are basic environmental factors that can increase the rate of ageing also.  Alcohol, smoking, late nights, working too hard and exposure to the sun are all key environmental factors that will negatively affect your skin and increase the age process.

Alcohol:

As well as causing bloating, alcohol dries out your skin which can lead to wrinkles and premature ageing.  Heavy drinkers may develop acne rosacea, a skin disorder that starts with a tendency to blush and flush easily.  It can also cause pimples and, in advanced stages, thickened skin.  If untreated it can progress to a condition known as rhinophyma.  The most common characteristic or symptom of rhinophyma is an enlarged, bulbous, and red nose.

Smoking:

Smoking speeds up the normal ageing process of your skin.  These changes in your skin can occur after only 10 years of smoking.  The more cigarettes you smoke and the longer you smoke, the more your skin is likely to wrinkle.  Smoking doesn't only cause wrinkles to your face, it is also associated with increased wrinkle and skin damage on other parts of your boding, such as your inner arms.  While the wrinkles may not be reversible, you can prevent worsening of wrinkling by quitting smoking now.  In addition, repeatedly exposing the heat from a burning cigarette to your face and the expressions you pull when smoking (such as pursing your lips and squinting when "dragging" on a cigarette) may all help contribute to wrinkles.

How does smoking lead to wrinkles?

The nicotine in cigarettes causes narrowing of the blood vessels and in the outermost layers of you skin.  This impairs blood flow to your skin and with less blood flow, your skin won't get as much oxygen and important nutrients (ie. Vitamin A) as it needs.  There are more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke and these will also damage collage and elastin, both of which are fibres that give your skin its strength and elasticity.

How does stress affect the skin?

During times of emotional stress, the blood flow is directed to areas of the body that are considered vital for responding to the stress that we are under.  At the same time, blood flow is withdrawn from areas that are considered non-essential, such as the skin.  Therefore, during such times of stress, the skin is constantly being starved of both oxygen and blood.  This causes the skin take on a dull and lifeless appearance.

Not only will continued stress change the skin's natural appearance, it can can increase cortisone secretion.  This suppresses the body's immune system.  Once the skin's defence is lowered, it becomes extremely susceptible to irritation from outside pollutants.

Stress can also affect more than just our immune system.  It can also impact the body's ability to properly digest food, which canimpact the health of the skin, as well as the health of the body.  If food is not properly digested, nutrients are not absorbed as they should be.  This allowes undigested impurities to remain and accumulate in the body.

Stress has been known to trigger or aggravate skin conditions such as psoriasis, warts, rosacea, eczema, blisters and cold sores.  However it most commonly causes three specific skin reactions: itching, hives and acne.

Although these reactions are common, most people who are under stress will find themselves affected with acne.  Stress can unleash chemicals within the body that stimulates oil glands (sebaceous glands).  The excess sebum tends to clog the skin's pores, irritating the skin and causing acne to form.

As irritating as these skin complaints can be, they are usually temporary.  There is a wide variety of products that are able to help soothe the skin and help us relax in the processs

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SO, WHAT EXACTLY IS MARINE COLLAGEN?

Collagen

Collagen is a protein found both inside and outside our body.  It has the unique ability to absorb tension, required by cells to maintain their external structure.

Collagen takes up different forms: Type I and III are found in our skin while Type VIII is found in the linings of our blood vessels.  Type III collagen is present in young bodies and is the reason behind the youthful appearance of our skin. However, as we age, this collagen degrades and turns into the much harsher Type I collagen. This type I collagen is the reason for the appearance of wrinkles on our skin.

Although the degradation of Type I collagen is a natural process, certain factors such as smoking, excess drinking, pollution etc will help to accelerate the degradation of this collagen.  We can, of course, help to slow this process down by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and looking after our skin.

Marine Collagen

Collagen protein is also present in various marine organisms and can be derived from a substance found on  fish scales or seaweed.  The collagen matters produced, and thus collected, from these marine organisms are known collectively as marine collagen protein. Marine collagen protein is thought to be abundant in Type III collagen.

The collagen matters produced, and thus collected, from these marine organisms are known collectively as marine collagen protein. Marine collagen protein is thought to be abundant in Type III collagen.

Our Marine Collagen is extracted from the natural seaweed variety Porphyra Tenera. It is exclusively gained from Non-GMO ingredients and it is free of any GMO-fragments. Our Marine Collagen is grown, harvested and processed within the strict principles of creating animal free products. It, therefore, does not contain any animal products.

Polypentides Techhnology

Marine Collagen has been available to take in capsule form for many years.  However, until quite recently, it hasn't been able to be used topically (applied to the skin). This is because the molecules of this product are much larger than our skin's pores, making it impossible for our skin to absorb.

This is where the technology comes into play!  A procedure known as polypeptides technology is used to push this marine collagen product into our skin thereby allowing the marine collagen protein to help your skin's ability to produce Type III collagen.

How it works  

This polypetides proceedure also encourages Elastin, a protein fibre found in the facial tissues, to thicken.

Elastin acts with the collagen to reduce the lines caused by ageing and improves the skin's appearance by giving the skin a healthy glow.

Marine collagen protein stimulates Type III collagen into enouraging the renewal process of the skin. This rejuvenation by Type III collagen reduces the muscle contractions responsible for the permanent change in our skin shape as we get older, thus giving your skin a much younger appearance.

Our Products      

This is still a relatively new technology, and Pura Naturals are excited to be able introduce their range of marine collagen face and eye creams at very affordable prices.

Collagen Retinol Facial Moisturiser
The finest anti-ageing ingredients available on the market today have been used in our collagen retinol moisturiser.

The formula has now been improved to contain natural extracts of passion fruit and green tea, as well as anti-aging argan oil and dark circle reducing arnica oils.

Silk protein and its strengthening and moisture retaining properties, has been blended with Marine Collage, known for its firming properties, and infused in a nourishing, moisturising cream, rich in Vitamin E and antioxidants, to help restore the skins balance. This can be used as both a day and night cream.

Marine Collagen Eye Gel
The area around your eye is delicate and thus needs extra care. Pura Natural's stunning eye gel will leave your eyes feeling, awake, toned, smooth and wrinkle free.

Our eye gel is now even better than ever containing retinol, beta carotene and Vitamin A, amongst many other organic ingredients, for younger looking, youthful skin around the eye area

Pro-Age Eye Cream
This really is a wonder cream. Our Pro-Age Eye Cream has been improved to contain even more organic ingredients, such as passion fruit, green tea extract, avocado and argan oil, all renowned for their anti-ageing benefits. It also contains arnica oil, known for reducing the dark circles around the eyes and retinol, beta carotene and Vitamin A.

With this product also containing certified organic honey, cucumber, marine collagen, gotu kola and vitamin B5, your eyes will look younger, smoother and brighter.

Pro-Age Night Renew Serum
Pura Natural's Pro-Age night serum works to repair cell damage whilst promoting a healthy, smooth and radiant glow. It is packed with skin soothing, anti ageing fruit extracts.

Contains marine collagen, green tea and real fruit extracts.  A truly amazing night serum!

Pro-Age Twin Pack
Why not save some money by buying our Pro-Age Eye Cream and Pro-Age Night Renew Serum together.

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YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT.

You've undoubtedly heard the saying "you are what you eat".  Well, never has a truer word been spoken! What we eat is just as important to maintain healthy skin as it is in maintaining a healthy body.  

Did you know that our our skin is the largest organ in the body?  Therefore, it benefits from the same nutrition that other major organs, such as our heart and liver, receives from the food we eat.  

New research suggests that eating foods that are rich in protein and certain vitamins and minerals could provide us with valuable anti-ageing effects.  This means we can take an easy pro-active approach to our skincare in what we eat.

Below I have listed the top 10 superfoods that are good for our skin and hair:  Why not make them part of your "5 a day" fruit and vegetable intake?

Blueberries

This relatively low-profile berry was ranked number one in antioxidant activity by a US study, compared to 40 other more popular fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants in blueberries protect you from premature ageing.  Why not add a small handful to your cereal or yoghurt every day? 

Walnuts

You don't have to handfuls of walnuts to enjoy their many benefits: smoother skin, healthy hair, brighter eyes, and strong bones. Get your daily dose of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E by eating a few walnuts by themselves or by throwing some in your salad, pasta, or dessert.

Tomatoes 
Tomatoes are a good source of Lycopene, an anti-ageing antioxidant.  In fact the tomato is so amply loaded with this vital anti-oxidant that it actually derives its rich colour from the nutrient. Surprisingly, though, lycopene in tomatoes is more easily absorbed by our bodies when it is cooked or processed, so make sure to stock up on tinned tomatoes, tomato juice, and ketchup  Tomatoes also boost collagen which helps keep skin elastic and supple.

Spinach

This leafy green vegetable is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Spinach is loaded with lutein, which keeps your eyes healthy and sparkling.  It also contains a high amount of Vitamin A and is a good source of Vitamin B helping to promote healthy skin and maintain the firmness of your skin.   Spinach also contains Vitamins C and E, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.  Why not try spinach as an alternative to lettuce in a salad, or saute spinach for a quick, healthy side dish.

Omega-3 fatty acids 

Fish, especially salmon and tuna, are super sources for omega-3. The pigment that gives salmon its pink color is a known powerful antioxidant that has been shown to improve skin’s elasticity.  Skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis all benefit from the anti-inflammatory qualities of fish oil and one study has shown that Omega-3 can help prevent the development of precancerous skin lesions. The polyunsaturated fats in fish oil helps replenish fats lost in the skin that causes dryness or excessive flaking of the skin.

Kiwi Fruit

This small, brown, fuzzy fruit is loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, helping to keep the skin firm and  preventing wrinkles.  They are also great for healthy bones and teeth. The antioxidants in kiwis are also known to protect you from cancer and heart disease.

Green Tea

Green tea is abundant in antioxidants and polyphenols which remove free radicals and work to leave your skin rejuvinated and free of signs of ageing.  Drinking Green Tea is is thought to provide cancer-reducing effects throughout the body.  Drinking a cup or two a day also aids weight loss.

Carrots

Carrots are full of Vitamin A, an excellent natural antioxidant that helps slow down the process of ageing.  Vitamin A is also essential for tissue growth in the body.  Drinking carrot juice helps in eliminating and preventing acne. In fact, carrot juice is one of the best natural acne cures. 

Sunflower seeds 

Sunflower seeds contain powerful antioxidant properties which can help slow down the ageing process.   Sunflower seeds offer great skincare benefits and provide fatty acids that help keep the skin lubricated, smooth and soft. They also help reduce the appearance of acne.  Sprinkle some on your salad to make a tasty topping.

Almonds 
Almonds are another great source of Vitamin E to fight off free radicals.

Avocados

An avocado contains approximately 60% more potassium than a banana and eating avocado regularly will keep your serum cholesterol at a healthy level.  Avocado's are as good ON our body as much as they are IN it!  It is an ideal remedy for eczema, red skin, ageing skin and sensitive skin.  It helps enhance the skin tone and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.  Simply mash one avocado into a bowl and apply it to your hair, face, back, lips, hands and feet.

Remember, beauty is more than skin deep.  By improving your diet you will not only improve the condition of your skin and hair, but your general health too.

Happy eating!

Tanya xx

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MIDNIGHT FEAST

Sleep is not only great for our body but great for our skin too. Insufficient sleep can leave our skin looking dull and "saggy", not to mention leave us with dark circles around the eyes!

Not only that, our skin breathes during the night.  This allows it to heal itself and to rid itself of waste. It also helps to rejuvinate our skin and therefore its appearance.  This is because new skin cells regenerate while we are sleeping.

After cleansing before bedtime apply a cream especially formulated to nourish and feed your skin while you sleep and to help the regeneration process.  There really is nothing better than to breathe new life into tired skin at the end of a long hard day.

Pura Naturals has developed two night time creams especially for this purpose.  Both our honey night treatment and our skin rejuvinating night cream are packed with nourishing vitamins and nutrients to give your skin a real treat whilst you sleep.

Antioxidant Rich Skin Rejuvinating Night CreamThis newly improved night cream is packed with natural and organic skin nourishing nutrients such as evening primrose oil and pro-vitamin B5, A and E as well as passion fruit, honey, avocado oil, green tea extract, arnica oil and anti-ageing argan oil, allowing your skin to rejuvinate whilst you sleep. You will wake up feeling and looking amazing.

Honey and Chamomile Night Treatment
This is my personal favourite, a rich cream packed with all the goodness of honey.  Not only is honey a natural antiseptic, meaning it will effectively heal minor skin irritations and blemishes, it is also rich in vitamins and minerals.  Pura Natural's Honey Night Treatment has been created to deeply nourish and protect the skin.  This is a truly wonderful cream that helps skin to look and feel healthier and younger.

Sleep well

Tanya xx

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Coming Soon

~ coming soon ~

Resveratrol and Collagen & Keratin Capsules by Abeeco

Pura Naturals are pleased to offer, for a trial period only, Resveratrol and Collagen & Keratin Capsules.  Both are manufactured by Abeeco, a reputable and trusted company from New Zealand with a 20 year history.  

We hope to be able to supply these in the future so if you miss out on the special trial offer please keep a look out for them in the future.

Both their Super Strength Resveratrol and Collagen & Keratin Capsules are made from the very best  ingredients.

Tanya xx

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The Buzzzzz about Bee Venom

Bee Venom

Bee venom consists of more than 18 natural substances that cannot be chemically reproduced. It is readily used in therapies for the treatment of such conditions as arthritis, tendinitis and for dissolving scar tissue.

The most abundant active component of the bee venom is melittin, which has many useful properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anit-viral actions.

How is it collected?

To extract the Bee Venom a pane of glass is placed along side the hive and a small electrical current is run through it, which encourages the bees to sting the surface. The bees are not harmed in the process.

How does it work?

The Bee venom is used to fool the skin into thinking it has been lightly stung. This in turn stimulates the production of the naturally occurring chemicals collagen and elastin, thereby creating a tightening and smoothing effect. The effects are cumulative, that is, the longer you use it the more obvious the effects will be. A tautening effect can generally be felt soon after application.

Abeeco

Abeeco has been a trusted New Zealand brand for over 20 years and have great experience working with and developing amazing and effective natural products with the help of their beautiful bees!  Abeeco have now become a leading supplier of  Bee products in Australia, United States, Europe, UK, Canada, Asia and around the world and have been making headlines in New Zealand.

They supply the highest quality products made from the highest quality local ingredients (where at all possible).  They are a trusted brand with an extremely loyal customer base and a reputation for quality.

They are an environmentally friendly company - the majority of their bottles and pots are plastic as this requires less energy than glass to transport and produce.

Pura Naturals are proud UK suppliers of Abeeco  products at more affordable prices.  

Look out for our special offer when you buy all 3 of our Abeeco Bee Venom products together.

What is natural skin care?

Natural skin care is ......

" ... the care of the skin using naturally derived ingredients (such as herbs, roots, essential oils and flowers) combined with naturally occurring carrier agents, preservatives, surfactants, humectants and emulsifiers (everything from natural soap to oils to pure water).  The classic definition of natural skin care is based on using botanically sourced ingredients currently existing in or formed by nature, without the use of synthetic chemicals, and manufactured in such a way to preserve the integrity of the ingredients.

While there are many wives' tales surrounding the benefits of certain ingredients, scientific studies have proven that such ingredients as Chamomile have demonstrated healing and anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically."  Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Are natural products better than chemical products? 

Yes.  Most cosmetics on the shelf today are laden with synthetic ingredients, often made by the same manufacturers that make motor oil, petroleum products and insecticides.  Natural beauty products are made using pure organic ingredients.

Why are chemicals bad?

The chemicals and toxins that these products use are absorbed into your skin and therefore have the potential to weaken your body's natural defence system.  The chemical components can also irritate your skin and cause unsightly rashes or blemishes. Natural products, since they are clean and pure, do no harm to your skin or your defences.

The chemicals typically used in shampoos strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it brittle, lifeless and unprotected. Natural products assist in helping your body to enhance the beauty of your hair and strengthen its defences, without causing any damage to your hair or drying out your scalp.

Growing Industry

The demand for natural beauty products has increased enormously over the last 20 years and there is now a wide variety of natural products on offer.  This means there is a wider variety of specialised treatments available.  Unlike chemical-based products, the ingredients in natural beauty products are chosen purely for their benefits or healing attributes required  for that particular product.

Pura Naturals uses only natural ingredients and naturally occurring preservatives in its products and, where possible, only uses herbs, essential oils known for their anti-bacterial benefits. 

All our products now contain real fruit extracts with our anti-ageing products being created using ground-breaking Marine Collagen Technology!

Why not take a look at our products right here! You won't be disppointed.

Tanya xx

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Welcome

Welcome to The Beauty Spot, Pura Naturals' Beauty and Skin Care Blog.  

Here we hope to provide you with useful information on our products and to keep you updated on our latest deals, give-aways and new arrivals as well as being able to provide you with some of the latest beauty gossip and facts.

We hope you enjoy browsing our blog. 

Happy reading!  :-)


Tanya xx

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