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.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
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!
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!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
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
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
Saturday, June 13, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, April 10, 2009
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
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
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