Essential ingredients
I love playing round with new ingredients, seeing what works and waiting for the Eureka! moment. But there are some old faithfuls that I come back to time and time again. So today I thought I’d talk about some of my favourite ingredients – why I love them and why you will too!
Beeswax
I have my bees to thank for my skincare business. I wanted a natural solution to my dermatitis, and decided to try the beeswax from the hives in my gardens. It’s fair to say that it was a bit of a revelation. After a bit of trial and error, I ended up with an ointment that cleared my dermatitis up, and left my skin so soft. So what is it about beeswax that makes it so good for your body?
Well, beeswax helps to lock moisture into the skin. At the same time, it acts as a barrier to protect your skin from pollution and other irritants. And, unlike other barrier creams, it doesn’t block your pores, and it allows your skin to breathe. Beeswax can really help with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Beeswax is ideal for avoiding nappy rash, so I’ve included it in my Baby Massage Balm. You’ll also find it in my Body Lotion.
Oats
Oats are wonderfully nourishing for the skin. They can also help to repair and soothe your skin, and to keep it hydrated. If you’re suffering from dry skin, or eczema, try tying a handful up in a muslin cloth, or the toe of an old pair of tights. Drop this little parcel into your bath while it’s running, and use it to wash with. It sends the water lovely and milky, and works wonders on skin complaints.
You’ll find oat extracts in many of my products. The Day Cream is rich in oat oil, along with other skin saviours, such as shea butter. One customer described it as ‘Simply the greatest cream I've ever found!’
Olive oil and olive butters
Olives are packed with anti-aging antioxidants and are incredibly hydrating. You can use olive oil on its own to help with dry skin, but it can feel a little greasy, so tends to work best in combination with other natural ingredients. My Heel Balm is formulated with cranberry, chamomile and olive butters, so is incredibly rich and healing. And it’s not just useful for cracked heels! Find out what else it can help with.
Chamomile
Many of us will have used chamomile oil to soothe the itch of chicken pox. It’s very soothing and calming. A natural anti-inflammatory, chamomile can help to soothe and calm skin. It’s also antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic! I include chamomile in my baby range, as it can help baby to relax. (Meaning you might get a minute to relax too!) The Baby Massage Oil makes a great facial or body oil for grown-ups too.
What are your favourite natural ingredients? I’d love to hear about them. Just leave me a comment, or drop me a message via Twitter @NaryndaSkincare or Facebook
