Courts make ruling on Dr. Bronner’s organic lawsuit

By Simon Pitman, 16-Dec-2009

California courts have upheld certain motions by the defending cosmetics companies in the amended federal lawsuit bought by Dr. Bronner’s that.

The judge chose to grant the motions filed by the defendents to dismiss for lack of subject-matter and failure to state a claim in favor of the defendants, headed by the Hains Celestial Group.

However, the California judgment deemed that Dr. Bronner’s motion to dismiss a counter claim filed by Ecocert, which certifies some of the beauty products in question, was granted.
Nevertheless, both Ecocert and Dr. Bronner’s have been given 30 days to amend their pleadings as the court deemed certain defects in the proceedings could be rectified through amendment.

The court ordered that any amendment plea should be filed by 13th January, 2010, while a case management conference is scheduled for February 12th.

Ongoing saga dating back to April 2008

The lawsuit was first filed back in April 2008 under the plaintiff name All One God Faith, doing business as Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, under the premise that its complicity to strict FDA regulations governing organic beauty products was not being met by its competitors.

Dr. Bronner’s claims that many of the leading organic beauty brands are not complying with the standards enforced by the FDA, in turn not complying with consumer expectations as to the definition of an organic certified product.

The natural soaps company originally brought the lawsuit against a number of players including Hains Celestial (Jason Naturals and Avalon Organics brands), Levlad (Nature’s Gate), Kiss My Face, YSL Beaute and the certification bodies OASIS and Ecocert.

In the original lawsuit Dr Bronner’s asked that the companies cease to market products with organic in the product name unless they meet USDA National Organic Program specifications, which it believes represents consumers’ expectations of the term organic.

However, last July the company upped the stakes and by asking for damages incurred through loss of sales to what it alleged were falsely advertised organic products.

Second amendment focused on mislabeling of organic products

In the second amended complaint presented at the San Francisco Superior Court, Dr Bronner’s is calling for the profits made from the sale of the defendants allegedly mislabelled organic products to be awarded to the company.

In addition, it asked for monetary compensation for the diversion of sales from Dr Bronner’s to the defendants.

Likewise the lawsuit also asked that certifiers OASIS and Ecocert should stop certifying products as organic if they could not be certified under the USDA national organic program.

Dark chocolate can help sun-protection but is not a sunscreen alternative

A study has revealed that a daily portion of dark chocolate could protect the skin against wrinkles caused by UV from the sun. However, experts advise that chocolate should not be considered an alternative to sunscreens.

The research, published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology by researchers at private Harley Street clinic European Dermatology, involved 22 women with an average age of 42. For a three-month period, half the volunteers consumed a daily portion of 20 grammes of dark chocolate droplets that were very high in flavanols, the antioxidants that naturally occur in cocoa beans.

The rest of the volunteers ate chocolate that looked identical but had lower flavanol content. The volunteers were regularly exposed to controlled doses of UV light to assess how long it took before their skin became inflamed. The results revealed that among those on low-flavanol chocolate, there was no change in the amount of UV light tolerated by their skin. For those with the high-content chocolate, there was a significant improvement in the skin’s resistance to the sun’s effects.

Researcher and dermatologist at the European Dermatology London Dr Stefanie Williams, said that consumption of high-flavanol chocolate should not replace topical application of sunscreens but should be used as an additional measure to help protect skin. She said, “At the moment we would not advise people to replace traditional sunscreens with consumption of antioxidant foods such as high-flavanol chocolate, but these two measures work well in concert and can be used together.”

Nutritionist Carina Norris explained that she didn’t believe that the amount of flavanols in chocolate would “give you any photoprotection worth speaking of”.
She added, “Any slight effect would be negligible, compared to, say, the photoprotection from a sunscreen.”

Norris warned against advising the public to compare the consumption of chocolate to the protective benefits of traditional suncreens. She said, “As a nutritionist, I’d be very wary of promoting the photoprotective properties of flavanols, in case people think they can get away with going without sunscreen, simply because they’ve eaten some high-flavanol chocolate.”The health benefits of dark chocolate have been publicised for some time, however, Ailsa Higgins, senior nutritionist at Champneys in Tring, commented that consumption needed to be in moderation. She said, “Too much chocolate will make you fatter, and to get real health benefits you need to eat quite a lot, everyday.

“However, as part of a healthy diet, a couple of squares of dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa solids) can make a little contribution to your health and pleasure.”

Kate Donovan, Laura McCreddie and Jenni Middleton

Advice to drink eight glasses of water is not backed by evidence

A study has revealed that drinking eight glasses of water a day as traditionally advised may not have the anti-ageing impact originally suggested.

The Food for the Skin review by the British Nutrition Foundation, says that a balanced diet and sunscreen are more important in preventing the signs of ageing such as wrinkles and that there is no firm evidence to back up the theory that eight glasses of water should be consumed a day in order to maintain youthful, vibrant looking skin.

Dr Laura Wyness, senior nutrition scientist at The British Nutrition Foundation, confirmed that although water has been presented in the popular press as the secret to healthy glowing skin, the scientific evidence to support such a statement is lacking. “Water is essential for life; the human body is made up of between 45 to 75% water, depending on body weight,” she said.

“Drinking water has the advantage of fulfilling hydration requirements without providing additional energy or adversely affecting dental health. There is however, little scientific evidence on the effects of water consumption on skin hydration, and the influence of drinking more or less water on the appearance of skin.” She said that more research in this area is required.

Wyness added that water can be obtained from both food and various drinks, not just plain water consumption. “We obtain water from all the foods and drinks we consume. The body has sophisticated systems for getting rid of toxins, and it is not necessary to consume excess water or other substances to enhance this process,” she explained. “A universal water intake recommendation that is applicable to all individuals is difficult to define as there are many factors that affect an individual’s need for water, such as environmental conditions, changing physical activity levels of the individual, their age, gender and body mass.”

Although individuals need to drink enough water to maintain body fluid, other factors are more important for the condition of the skin according to Carina Norris, registered nutritionist. “For example, most skin ageing is caused by sun damage, so your first consideration regarding keeping your skin looking good should be a sunscreen, not a glass of water,” she explained.

However, she added that nutrition does play a role in how skin looks and that someone eats a poor diet it does show in the skin condition. Norris stated, “Vitamins A and C are particularly important. Vitamin A is involved in maintaining your skin as a 'barrier' to the outside world, and vitamin C is needed to make collagen, which is responsible for the skin's resilience, and resistance to wrinkling. Vitamin E is also thought to play a role in skin condition.”

Eating fruit and vegetables also remain important to skin health according to Norris. “Some of the best 'skin foods' are fruit and vegetables,” she commented. “They're rich in vitamin C, as well as beta-carotene, which the body can use to make vitamin A. Nuts and seeds are good too, as they contain vitamin E.”

26 Nov 2009
Kate Donovan

Best Xmas Gift Buy's

Our very own beauty guru's best buys.

Jubilee Vanity Bag - by Lavera
Sarah Says: Great value Xmas gift and very handy bag.

Minicure Gift Set - by Zoya
Sarah Says: Cute gift set and everything you need for a great manicure.

Essentials Kit - by Inika
Sarah Says: Everything you need for a mineral make-over and a glam bag to keep it in.

Hair & Body Gift Set - by John Masters
Sarah Says: A great starter set to experience the benefits of this professional organic range.

Passion to Garden Gift Set - by Essentially YoursSarah Says: Superb value gift for the keen gardeners.

Sarah's Best Glam Party Buy's

Our very own beauty guru's best buys.

Sparkle Gloss Topcoat - by Zoya
Sarah Says: Great to glam up any nail polish colour.
Purely Bronzed Tanning Mousse - by Inika
Sarah Says: Instant tan without the chemicals.
Transparent Lip Gloss - by Lavera
Sarah Says: This will add shimmer to any lipstick.
Zoya Polish - Truth Collection
Sarah Says: Great selection of metallic autumn colours.

European Natural Cosmetics - Sales Increasing

Natural & organic cosmetic sales continue to increase at a healthy rate in Europe, with revenues projected to increase by 13 % to 1.7 billion € this year. Organic Monitor forecasts sales revenues to approach 2 billion € in 2010. Organic Monitor’s 2009 edition of The European Natural Cosmetics Market Report finds that natural & organic cosmetic sales have been affected by the financial crisis. However, healthy growth is continuing because of increasing distribution and high consumer demand for chemically-clean and ethical cosmetics. The UK market has been the most adversely affected by the economic recession. The market growth rate has dropped from 16 % in 2008 to 8 % in 2009 because sales have been hit in organic food shops and health food retailers. However, natural and organic cosmetic sales continue to expand at double-digit rates in other European countries.

The French and German markets are the fastest growing in Europe. High growth rates are occurring as product penetration increases in mainstream retailers. Both countries have observed a large number of retailer private label launches in recent years. Certified natural and organic cosmetics have been introduced under private labels of supermarkets, drugstores, perfumeries, organic food shops and discounters in these countries. Private labels are so successful in Germany that they comprise over 10 % of total sales. Alverde has become the leading retailer private label of natural cosmetics in the world, having over 100 certified products across categories. Natural and organic products now comprise 3 % of total cosmetic sales in Europe. The market share is above 4 % in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. High growth in the German market is projected to raise the market share of natural and organic cosmetics to 10 % in the coming years. Apart from private labels, a major retailing trend is the growing number of concept stores for natural and organic beauty products. Dedicated stores are being opened by leading natural cosmetic brands, large retail groups as well as private investors. Most developments are in Paris where highly established brands such as Dr. Hauschka as well as large retailers like Monoprix are opening concept stores.

The European Natural Cosmetics Market Report, produced by continuously tracking the European natural and organic cosmetics market since 2003, finds the competitive landscape has changed significantly. High growth rates have been responsible for mergers, acquisitions and an influx of new entrants. Rising competition is leading natural and organic cosmetic brands to expand distribution outside traditional sales channels. This strategy has enabled the Swiss company Weleda to consolidate its position as market leader. With competition for retail shelf-space stepping up, Organic Monitor expects market winners to be companies who can successfully differentiate their products from competitors. New entrants and existing participants are advised to consider strategies based on product differentiation and market segmentation; companies should target specific consumer groups or sales channels. In the report, Organic Monitor gives revenue forecasts and growth projections for the natural cosmetics market in ten European countries. The adoption rate of natural and organic cosmetic standards is expected to rise considerably in 2010. Germany and France currently have the largest number of certified products; the eventual introduction of Cosmos and growing popularity of NaTrue are expected to make standards more widespread in Europe.

Source: Organic Monitor

Zoya Mini-Cure Gift Set - Now in Stock!

Mini-Cure Gift Set - by Zoya

Make your holiday colour last up to 7 days with the Zoya Holiday Mini-cure kit

Kit includes:
Anchor Basecoat - 0.25oz
Nail Polish - Shiloh - 0.25oz
Armor Topcoat - 0.25oz
Hurry Up Speed Dry - 0.25oz
Remove +. Nail Polish Remover - 1oz

Formaldehyde, Toulene & DBP Free

Weleda - Natural Bodycare

At Weleda they see the universe as one integrated whole. This view is not new, it was shared by Rudolf Steiner, the founder, more than 80 years ago. They passionately believe that health is much more than a lack of disease but instead an integrated state of physical, mental and social wellbeing.

This holistic worldview is the basis of everything they do at Weleda, They create products that respect the environment, local communities and global customers alike.

There aim is to help everyone, old and young. This is not a marketing ploy but a way of life and is deeply rooted in all aspects of their business. These beliefs affect every decision made at Weleda.

Right from their first day in 1921, Weleda has been committed to restoring health and maintaining wellbeing for all people naturally, safely and ethically. With these values in mind they farm most of our natural ingredients biodynamically.

15 acres in Derbyshire are lovingly tended to exacting Demeter standards by Weleda gardeners, contributing to the 135 acres of biodynamic gardens the Weleda Group cultivates worldwide.

Fresh ingredients are assured for plant tinctures. As soon as plants are at the optimal time for use, the gardeners harvest them, so ensuring the best possible quality ingredients.

It’s that which makes Weleda’s specialist anthroposophic and homeopathic medicines first choice for many hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacists, herbalists, homeopaths, naturopaths and other complementary health practitioners. Weleda also produces 200 over-the-counter natural medicines, available in independent health stores and pharmacies.

For other essential plant ingredients, including some wild plants, ethical sourcing is assured. Weleda has established over 100 global fair trading partnerships, 50% of Weleda’s fair trading partners currently employ biodynamic methods, and the company is working towards a target of 100%. All fair trading farmers must produce ingredients of pharmaceutical quality.

Value for money comes second only to quality. Ensuring products don’t cost the earth – in every way – is important.

Weleda bodycare products are made without animal testing, petrochemicals or GM ingredients, and their minimal packaging is wholly recyclable, too. In this way their business works to improve the quality of life of their customers and their co-workers while respecting and enhancing their shared environment.

Caring for staff helps them in turn care for customers, so a full-time cook is employed for the Derbyshire staff’s organic kitchen, housed in the newly opened Garden Room. Along with comfortable areas to eat and chat, this new building offers space for yoga, massage and eurythmy (group movement sessions) for the team. With self sufficiency in mind, the gardeners have established a new biodynamic kitchen garden outside, so many of the cook’s ingredients come straight from our vegetable plot to the table.

To buy these great products and read more check out our new Weleda Section

Lavera Trend Sensitiv Lipsticks Receive Highest Ranking

Lavera Trend Sensitiv Lipsticks Receive Highest Ranking by ÖEKO-TEST--Europe's Consumer Reports--in August 2009

After testing 306 shades from all 21 lipstick brands, Oeko-Test Magazine released a study in August 2009 that gave many lipstick manufacturers the "red card" (not good) for containing ingredients that could have long-term health effects.

All 13 Lavera Lipstick shades were awarded the highest ranking possible for not containing harmful ingredients found in other lipstick brands.

German-based Lavera Naturkosmetik, a leader in "truly natural" beauty and skincare products recently received a "Very Good" ranking from ÖEKO-TEST--the Consumer Reports of Europe--for its safe ingredients.

ÖEKO-TEST released a study of 21 different brands of lipsticks sold in department and drug stores to analyze their ingredients and to identify problematic or possibly hazardous ingredients. As part of the study, ÖEKO-TEST purchased a total of 306 shades from all brands and gave many lipstick manufacturers the "red card" (not good) for containing ingredients that could have long-term health effects.

As part of this study, ÖEKO-TEST found that the winners of this test were all certified natural cosmetic brands. Among them were 13 shades from Lavera Trend Sensitiv line of lipsticks, all of which all received "very good", the top award possible, for not containing any of the ingredients listed below:-

anilin- halogen-organic color pigments - tartrazin- aromatic substances, which might cause allergies - other aromatic substances - polycyclic musk compounds- possibly hazardous UV filters- PE/PEG derivatives- paraffins, petroleum products, silicones

Öeko-Test Magazine was started by a few journalists in 1985. It evaluates and ranks various consumer products for its effect on health & environment, helping stores and manufacturers to improve their products. It is similar to Consumer Reports in the US, but with a much stronger emphasis on consumer safety and health.

Lavera products have been awarded top marks over 520 times since June, 1992. Since then, more than 320 Lavera products have received "Very Good" reviews.

In February 2008, Lavera's Self-Tanner was the only natural cosmetic product to receive a "Very Good" rating from the magazine. Öeko-Test Magazine rated Lavera as the #1 as the Greenest Beauty Brand ahead of 32 other companies (ahead of Dr. Hauschka, Weleda, Estee Lauder and L'Oreal), after testing over 1800 products!

Vitamin C - Vital role in repairing DNA damage

Vitamin C could have a vital role to play in repairing DNA damage, scientists have discovered.

Researchers from the University of Leicester and Institute for Molecular and Cellular Biology in Portugal have found that the vitamin can improve wound healing and even work deeper in the skin to repair the damage done by free radicals to the cell’s DNA.

The team, comprising Tiago Duarte, Marcus S Cooke and G. Don Jones, tested a vitamin C derivative – ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AA2P) – to analyse the effectiveness of sustained exposure on human dermal fibroblasts. They then investigated which genes are activated by the vitamin C in the cells, which were found to be those responsible for skin regeneration.

“The results demonstrated that vitamin C may improve wound healing by stimulating quiescent fibroblasts to divide and by promoting their migration to the wounded area,” explains Tiago Duarte, who was previously at the University of Leicester and is now at the Institute for Molecular and Cellular Biology in Portugal. “Vitamin C could also protect the skin by increasing the capacity of fibrolasts to repair potentially mutagenic DNA lesions.”

Dr Marcus S Cooke, who is a senior lecturer in the department of cancer studies and department of genetics at the University of Leicester, believes these findings could have important implications for skincare companies, but advises against companies using these findings to make claims about their products.“It is perhaps worth noting that the medium we culture cells in can be thought of as analogous to plasma. The cells are bathed in a vitamin-containing liquid. The cells ‘decide’ how much vitamin C they need and can take it up to achieve a concentration in the cell greater than outside the cell. I think it is conceivable that these results could be achieved outside the lab but it would take a scientific study to prove this.”

by Laura McCreddie

Organic Beauty - by Jo Wood Organics

Indulge in Jo Wood's sophisticated organic fragrance and oils collection. The range contains 90% and above organic ingredients. This is the ultimate gift range with two decadent and sophisticated organic fragrances, Amka & Usiku. The Eau de Toilettes are certified organic by ECOCERT.

Jo’s Everyday range is designed to be used and enjoyed ‘Everyday’. The range includes your everyday essentials, Cleansing Body Mousse, Exfoliating Salt Scrub and Nourishing Body Cream in two new fragrances, Tula and Langa. Each product has been designed to richly nourish, soften and soothe the skin whilst protecting against damage from free radicals and other environmental hazards. The Everyday range is certified organic by ECOCERT.

For more info and to buy these fab products visit our Jo Wood Organics page.

Interview with Graeme Hume

The video is from a couple of years ago, but still interesting!

Corporate Gifts Available From Lucy Rose

Organic & Natural Corporate Gifts

We now offer many bespoke corporate gift packages to suit any occassion and whatever the budget. We can put together the corporate gifts for you or you can customise the gifts by choosing from our wide range of products and presentation boxes.

All our products are organic and natural, free from harsh chemicals and cruelty free.

Here are some suggestions for your corporate gifts:

Fair Trade Beauty Box/Hamper

Made in England Beauty Box

Relax & Unwind Gift Set

De-stress & Relax Head Massager

Xmas Gift Set

Pamper Yourself Set

'No More Hangover Kit'

For more info visit our corporate gift page.

Best Back To School Buy's

Our very own beauty guru's best back to school essentials.

Rosemary & Peppermint Detangler - by John Masters
Sarah Says: Superb for brushing your childs hair without the hassle of knots.

Children's Lavender Conditioner - by Green People
Sarah Says: Very effective when used in conjuction with your head lice comb.

Grapefruit & Kiwi Shower Gel - by Essentially Yours
Sarah Says: Fantastic 'wake up' shower gel to energise yourself or your teenagers in the morning.

Expensive eye creams slammed by Which?

Eye creams have again been slammed in a study conducted by Which? Magazine.

The test set out to determine if 13 eye products, ranging from a £3.21 Simple moisturiser used as a control to mass market and luxury brands, such as StriVectin-SD Eye-Cream (£47 for 40ml) to Clarins Advanced Extra-Firming Eye Contour Cream (£31.33 for 20ml) really worked on lines.

Testers were aged 35 to 65, and each cream was tested on between nine and 11 people during a six-week period.High-definition photographs were taken in laboratory conditions before use, an hour afterwards and six weeks later.

Five expert panellists evaluated the photographs and judged if there had been any visible improvement in wrinkle depth or length. Neither testers nor panellists knew which cream was being used.While some creams did convince their testers that the skin was softer and smoother, generally the report found that none of the creams worked on all the testers, and that often their comments did not tally with the panel’s findings. On the whole, the panel judged that Simple moisturiser worked just as well as more expensive creams, including the most expensive StriVectin offer.

Tracy Tamaris, Environ’s UK and Ireland training director said:”It doesn’t matter how much an eye cream costs, what is important is the formulation. There are ingredients with a sound scientific basis that can show dramatic improvements in skin, such as vitamin A, pentapeptides and growth factors."One or some of these may be included in both cheap and expensive eye creams but not necessarily in effective levels or combinations.

If the focus of ingredients is on simple hydration to smooth out wrinkles, then results will appear good but these are temporary. Products contain certain ingredients in effective concentrations could show better long term effects that reduce wrinkles and stimulate skin thickening with consistent use over time.”Dr Tamara Griffiths of the British Skin Foundation says the best laboratory evidence of deeper skin repair of coarser wrinkles has been associated with longer-term use of treatments containing retinoids, or vitamin A derivatives. Although they do say this is an expensive option and can irritate skin, and don’t necessarily offer the results “we are led to believe”.She says that consumers need to have realistic expectations, even with prescription products.

Philippa Canty, marketing manager for Thalgo, Terrake and Ella Bache, denies the claims that eye creams are style over substance. “When it comes to eye creams, as with other skincare products, you get what you pay for. Although lower-priced eye creams cited by Which? may claim to contain the same ingredients, this doesn't mean they contain the optimum concentration of those ingredients. What you're paying for with a higher priced eye cream from a brand like Thalgo, for example, is quality ingredients, a greater concentration of actives, and consequently better results.

Ultimately the consumer is concerned with results, especially if they are looking for an eye cream with anti-ageing benefits. There also tends to be less chance of irritation for the sensitive eye area with a higher-quality (and therefore higher priced) product.”Dr Patrick Bowler, cosmetic doctor and medical director of Court House Clinics disagrees: “Low-cost moisturisers will have an effect on wrinkles but only last hours. As soon as consumers stop using the product the wrinkles reappear. Retinoid creams and other cosmeceutical products induce long-term changes in the skin, not permanent of course, but last months not hours. Retinoids have a huge amount of data showing they work. Of course I agree that expectations have to be realistic…creams can only produce mild effects…don’t expect a cream facelift!”

19 Aug 2009, Jenni Middleton

Sarah Says: Really, we would all be better of with some products much more affordable and naturally effective - Take a look at some of our most popular organic eye care products.

Sarah's Best School Hol Buy's

Our very own beauty guru's must have school holiday must have's.

Lavender Bath & Shower Gel - by Green People
Sarah Says: Great for bubbles and the lavender will relax your child ready for bed.

Z-Gel - All Purpose Soothing Gel
Sarah Says: Very effective cream for bruise, cuts & insect bites. Highly recommended.

Cleansing Wipes - by Beaming Baby
Sarah Says: Handy for home or on the go cleaning of sticky hands & faces!

Rose & Lavender Foam Bath - by LYB
Sarah's Says: Simply a nice treat for mum - oh and dad's of course!

Women ditching wine to preserve appearance, survey reveals

Women are forsaking alcohol to maintain their appearance, results of a recent survey have revealed. According to a poll carried out by research organisation YouGov, 73% of women between the ages of 25 and 34 claim to drink less than the recommended limit of 14 units. Meanwhile, 75% of 35- to 44-year-olds and, more surprisingly, 18- to 24-year-olds have made the same claim.

Being “constantly aware” of their appearance and behaviour were the reasons cited by 75% for backing away from the bottle. Not only is this a good decision, as far as swerving beer goggles is concerned, but it will help skin to avoid bearing the aesthetic brunt of continuous nights on the tiles.

Nina Goad, a spokesperson for the British Association of Dermatologists, said: “One of the effects of alcohol is to dilate the small blood vessels in the skin, which can make the skin appear redder, giving that ‘flushed’ look that is often associated with drinking. People who are already prone to blushing and facial flushing may notice that this worsens after drinking alcohol, even if they are not regular drinkers. Repeated reddening in this manner can also lead to thread veins. Likewise, alcohol also causes the tiny blood vessels on the surface of the eye to widen, making them more visible and resulting in bloodshot eyes.

“Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it dehydrates the body by causing the kidneys to get rid of excess fluid in the form of urine. This dehydrates your body generally, including the skin, which is your body’s largest organ. This happens every time you drink alcohol. Alcohol is also thought to deprive the skin of certain vital vitamins and nutrients.”

11 Jun 2009
By Sara McCorquodale

Sarah's Best Holiday Buy's

Our very own beauty guru's must have summer products.

Family Sun Spray SPF15 - by Lavera
Sarah Says: Award winning all round family sun protection.

Mineral Mascara - by Inika
Sarah Says: Great mascara which is waterproof, as long as you don't wipe your face with a towel etc.

Children's Sun Lotion - by Green People
Sarah Says: Effective and comes in a handy 30ml travel size.

Care & Protect Hand Cream - by Skin Blossom
Sarah's Says: A silky smooth hand cream at a great price. Comes in an easy to use tube as well.

Best Summer Buys!

Sarah's Best Summer Buy's
Our very own beauty guru's must have summer products.

Green People Day Moisturiser SPF15
Sarah Says: Effective moisturiser with built in sun protection.

Lavera Shimmering After Sun
Sarah Says: Soothing after sun which leaves the skin with a glamorous shimmer, great for summer parties.

Green People Soft Lips SPF8
Sarah Says: Moistens and protects the lips at the same time.

Lavera Self Tan
Sarah's Says: A tanned look without over exposing the skin to the sun or spending time on the sun bed.

Soap and detergent link to 40% eczema rise

March 25, 2009

Researchers say there is a likely link between the excessive use of modern soaps and detergents and a 40% increase in eczema cases in the past four years, reports the Daily Telegraph.

According to a research team at the University of Edinburgh between 2001 and 2005 there was a 42% increase in the number of eczema sufferers in England. The researchers, led by Professor Aziz Sheikh, said that they expected the number of sufferers to continue to rise.

The University of Edinburgh team say that the “frequency of bathing and use of soaps and detergents", may have contributed to the rise, along with better awareness and diagnosis.

The researchers fears were echoed by Margaret Cox, chief executive of the National Eczema Society, who said that the modern obsession with cleanliness could provide the clue to the increase in eczema cases. She told the Daily Telegraph: "Water use dries up the skin and soaps and detergents decrease the skin, We are using quite a lot of these products from an early age.

Organic & Natural Alternatives

Therapists warned to take extra care as eczema incidences rise!

The number of people suffering from eczema has risen dramatically in the UK meaning therapists have to be even more thorough with hygiene and consultations. Between 2001 and 2005 there was a 42% increase in the number of people diagnosed with the condition, a paper published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine revealed.

The number of prescriptions issued to treat sufferers is believed to have increased by 57% and by 2005 it is estimated 5.7m people in the UK had eczema. With this condition on the rise, Habia has warned that therapists need to be even more conscientious when it comes to carrying out client consultations and cleaning equipment.

Wendy Nixon, health and safety manager for the organisation, said: “Eczema is not contagious but therapists have to take extra care when offering treatments because this condition makes the skin extremely sensitive. They may react quite violently to certain products. Also eczema can also mean the skin is broken more easily meaning there is more exposure to blood and bodily fluids. As they should with any client, all equipment should be thoroughly disinfected after a treatment is finished."

Nixon added that therapists themselves need to be careful they do not develop the conditions themselves. If they already have it they must take precautions to ensure it does not get worse. She said: “Something to highlight is that many therapists are likely to suffer from eczema and because they are continually cleansing, this could develop into occupational dermatitis.

Hairdressers are more likely to suffer from this than beauty therapists but they’re still up there in the top ten of professions to suffer from this skin complaint. I advise them to use a product that doesn’t contain perfume to wash their hands and always, always moisturise their hands afterwards.”

The reason behind this incidence surge is still unclear but most likely to be a down to several contributing factors. Helen Pugsley, a nurse and lecturer at Cardiff University’s School of Dermatology, said: “It’s probably a combination of lifestyle, family history and environment. I wouldn’t say this is a result of an increase in allergies because although eczema makes a person more sensitive to things, it is not a true allergy. Central heating means people are living in very warm homes, which makes skin dry and itchy meaning people will scratch it. Going from a warm house to the cold outside is also not good for the skin.

“There are also thoughts that we are cleaning ourselves too much. Every time you bathe, the skin is stripped of its natural oils and this leads to dryness. Also, if there is a strong family history of the condition people are more likely to have eczema.”

She advised: “People should turn down their central heating and moisturise. It should be a bit like brushing your teeth, once in the morning and again at night. I would say moisturiser is the main treatment.”

by Sara McCorquodale, March 26th 2009

Our products are natural and organic and do not strip the skin of its natural oils and is the reson many people are now tring natural alternatives.

Health & Wellbeing Test - by Bionetics

Lucy Rose has secured exclusive discount for our customers and visitors with Bionetics the UK's leading provider of non- invasive Bio-Field Resonance Health and Wellbeing Tests.

Non-invasive hair testing is proving to be an increasingly popular tool, used by more and more people seeking a natural, safe and effective path to better health and wellbeing. Bionetics has helped thousands of customers identify the causes of health issues such as M.E, IBS, Chronic Fatigue, Weight Gain, Acne, Eczema and PMS.

The tests and recommendations are designed to look beyond the specific condition or symptoms and address many of the dietary, nutritional and lifestyle influences that are key underlying factors dictating the state of your health.

These influences include food intolerances, nutritional deficiencies, pathogenic (bacteria, fungus, parasites and viruses) and toxic burdens, which are undermining the body’s homeostatic and immune functions which leave the body weakened and prone to poor health. For example: food intolerances and gut pathogens may be the cause of IBS symptoms or toxins and nutritional deficiencies could be causing fatigue related illness.

This means that it doesn’t matter what condition or symptoms that you are suffering from, a Bionetics Test and Personal Health Plan can help you on the path to better health. In addition, this health test is very affordable and easy to arrange from the comfort of your own home.

Simply print off the application form, attach a few strands of hair (pull them out from the root) and post it in to Bionetics and you will receive a 9 page personal health report within 7 days.

All Lucy Rose customers receive an exclusive 10% discount, so you only pay £43.20.
To take advantage of this great offer, simply download and print the application form Here.

Why Go Organic?

· What you put on your body is as important as what you put in it

Up to 60% of products which are placed on the body can be absorbed into the skin and enter the blood stream. The same principles which apply to organic foods apply to organic beauty products – we want to avoid harsh chemicals and synthetic materials and grace our precious bodies with only the purest of natural ingredients, that are effective and feel good.

· Help to deal with sensitive and allergy prone skin

Our culture’s increased desire for cleanliness has resulted in a rise in the use of mass produced bubble baths and shower gels. These often contain chemicals that are known to trigger skin ailments such as eczema, one of the most widespread curses of modern life.

Many people are also finding themselves with increasingly sensitive skin and are developing allergic skin reactions. Alternative natural ingredients which avoid any harsh chemicals will help to offer relief from the symptoms of sensitive skin and allergies.

· Great for kids

Babies and children are far more sensitive to their environment than adults. Therefore even tiny amounts of synthetic chemicals can spark off allergic reactions. This is because their skin is a lot thinner than adults and is a less effective barrier to chemical toxins. Organic products are not only gentle and caring but they offer therapeutic and relaxing benefits too so you can be confident that your little ones are receiving the best possible treatment.

· A package of pure beauty

With natural organic beauty treatments you can be confident of pure ingredients which are truly effective and which look, smell and feel gorgeous too.

New Product Launch - Lucy Rose Exclusive!

Dr Wendy's 100% Botanical Skin Care - Vegan Certfied

Dr. Wendy Maddocks-Jennings, founder of MJ Health Ltd, and managing director, has been involved in all matters aromatic since 1990. She has been a practitioner, educator, manufacturer and researcher. Prior to becoming involved in aromatic health care, Wendy worked as a registered nurse in emergency and critical care both in NZ and London, UK.

It was whilst she was nursing in London in the late 1980's, Wendy was introduced to the benefits of using massage and aromatherapy to help critically ill patients and their families relax. After completing additional training in massage and aromatherapy Wendy returned to NZ in 1993.

She has 15 years academic experience lecturing in nursing and health sciences. She has also run her own aromatherapy practice. Most recently Wendy's nursing included working as a Pain Nurse Clinician, public health nurse and community health researcher and educator.

The development of Dr. Wendy's® 100% Botanical Skin Care is the fruition of many years of background research and product testing. It is also the fulfilment of a personal passon to supply high quality genuinely botanical (plant based) skin care which is chemical free.

Through her nursing Wendy developed many sensitivities to chemicals and latex which means she cannot use many products on her skin. This inspired Wendy to develop her own skin care.

The company now manufactures and supplies a comprehensive range of premium skin care products for the face an body.

Find out more about 100% Botanical Skin Care