A flurry of water-less products have begun flooding the skin care space, and for very valid reasons. Traditionally, beauty formulas are made up of 60-80 per cent water (check out your vanity; you’ll see it listed as the first ingredient for most). So why would we suddenly want to leave it out? It comes down to sustainability, shelf life, purity and efficacy.
Water, particularly fresh water, is a precious commodity. In Australia we love our sunburnt country, our land of droughts and flooding rains, and in more recent times devastating bush fires. From an environmental perspective after agriculture, the beauty industry laps up a LOT of water. Although our planet is made up of 70 per cent water, only 3 percent of that is freshwater, the kind we need for everyday life, not necessarily for skincare.
Water-based products require high amounts of synthetic preservatives since water breeds bacteria. So by getting rid of “aqua” at the top if the inci list, means the formula can be filled with only active ingredients, and because they’re not diluted in water, it eliminates the need for preservatives.
Oils can become rancid too when exposed to oxygen and sunlight, which is why we only use fresh oils within our formulations, we encase them in miron glass to protect them from light in order to prolong shelf life, while recommending use within 6 months instead of spending years sitting inside your vanity. We also include ancient essential oils that are antimicrobial by nature, to ensure that our formulations remain active and as fresh as possible.
Many cold creams contain synthetic emulsifiers, otherwise water and oil will seperate, and in many cases a thickener is required to improve the “feel” of the product. This is not including the alcoholic extracts, parabens and synthetic fragrances that do not offer any benefits to your skin or the environment.
In my humble opinion, synthetic ingredients are like packaged food, lacking in life force and vitality. We are awakening to the truth about where our food comes from, and by extension, also where our skincare stems from too. Like our food, the most effective skincare is made with raw, organic and wildcrafted ingredients.
Without water, we allow for the creation of more concentrated and potent products, because there is no dilution. Fresh botanical oils already feel beautiful when applied to the skin, and they absorb easily because of the oil lipid content, getting actives to where they need to go.
Our commitment to your wellbeing is contained within each bottle, and also what isn’t. When it comes to purity there are no compromises. In addition to being free of water, we refuse to include any questionable ingredients - carcinogens, hormone disruptors, GMO’s, conventionally grown plants and not “of nature” ingredients. It is my belief that these ingredients may cause long-term damage to skin, the body and our precious planet.
Our wildcrafted, organic, unrefined whole plant ingredients offer an enormous spectrum of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Nothing compares to the powerful science of nature. Synthetic lab-made ingredients only aim to mimik what nature has already mastered, and without them maximum efficacy, potency and purity is accomplished.
To your blossoming
Bec x
P.S. Check out the difference between water based cleansers and cleansing oils here.
]]>Thalia Skin is proud to announce that we have been awarded two Gold Medals and an Editor’s Choice at the Clean + Conscious Awards.
The Awakening Serum - Gold and Editor's Choice - Oil Based Serum
Read what the judges had to say:
"Crushing over the colour of this oil (from the Seabuckthorn Berry CO2 Extract), it makes me so joyous. It adds a golden glow to my skin and it’s great knowing I’m treating my skin with a powerful punch of natural actives and nourishing oils. A real ritual for the senses. Love the luxe packaging. This would make a luscious treat for those in need of some me-time. Wear with or without makeup for the golden hour vibe" – Amy Hughes
"This is such a feminine serum, so nurturing to the skin and soul. The colour is rich and the texture is so good. I will continue to use this especially as part of a facial, perfect for massage or cupping. Love the brand’s commitment to 100% no plastic" – Carla-King Turner
I knew this oil serum was special from the moment I started reading the directions inside the box, which reminded me of the importance of a mindful skincare ritual, and included the advice “for everyone is beautiful when they are truly themselves”. My skin absolutely drinks up this divine, orange serum – soothing, nourishing and smoothing my tired, irritated skin. Lightweight, yet deeply moisturising, it can easily be applied underneath makeup for a dewy look. Thalia is a heartfelt business from the ground up" – Emma Freeman
As soon as this vibrantly coloured, divine smelling elixir touched my skin, it was obvious it was in a league of its own. Packed with 14 powerhouse ingredients, there is no carrier oil here, just pure potent antioxidant and nutrient rich organic botanical oils and extracts. Incredibly moisturising, my skin has never felt so soft and smooth and I’ve noticed some redness that I’ve had has disappeared altogether. Highly recommended" – Emily Fletcher
The Cleansing Truth - Gold - Cleansing Oil
Read what the judges had to say:
"The Cleansing Truth was a very effective and lovely feelng product to use. It did a great job of removing my days sunscreen, makeup and even on no-makeup days it left my skin feeling clean and soft" – Ash Quinn
"The botanical, herbaceous scent of this oil is a pure delight. It’s complex and beautiful and makes for a really lovely sensory experience. I found myself routinely wanting to leave it on the skin as a serum of sorts, such is the richness and nourishing effect on the skin barrier." – Amy Starr
"This was a favourite, the texture is beautiful and the aroma is incredible – it encouraged me to spend more time massaging. Love that they use glass and the thoughtfulness behind their paper stock." – Carla-King Turner
"This delightfully unique, vibrantly green oil does wonders for my skin. Not only does it melt away any makeup in one wipe, but it also leaves my skin softer than I ever thought possible. Richly moisturising and yet with ingredients to balance problematic skin, this truly hits the perfect balance. Highly recommended." – Emily Fletcher
This is the very first time we have entered our products into any competition, but we felt aligned to the Clean + Conscious Mission, to educate and empower consumers to truly make a difference in the world. It has been an absolute honour to be a part of this.
This acknowledgement is a testament to the philosophy that we hold so dear. This began as a passion project. We set out to create the skincare we couldn’t find, filled to the brim with only superhero’s, sourced from nature’s very finest offerings.
We wanted science and ancient rituals to marry, so down a 7 year rabbit hole we went...
It had to be pure and potent, but also deliver on performance and above all bring pleasure.. We had to know where it was from, how it was farmed and how it felt on our skin. We never compromised, and our unwavering dedication to this philosophy is why we believe Thalia has won these awards. We feel honoured and deeply blessed, that this level of commitment to quality has been rewarded.
We would like to thank the judges but most importantly thank YOU!! Our beautiful fold, who have believed in our products every step of the way, your support has meant the WORLD. We look forward to continuing this journey together, dreaming, learning, growing and evolving alongside you and your beloved skin.
]]>If your skin has suddenly started looking dull, feeling sensitive and tight with chapped lips? Need not fear, these are all symptoms of winter moisture loss..
Winter is going to dry us up and dry us out. If you think about the trees, all of the waters are pulling back into the root system to stay warm and keep things alive. Our skin is similar. The humidity in the air decreases as the temperature drops. Add to this more time spent indoors around heating to stay warm - only absorbs even more moisture from our skin. In skincare terms this is known as Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL).
However, with a few simple actions and the right skincare routine, you can right these wrongs, to have your skin bouncing back with radiance sooner than you can say Spring.
Always be Moisturising
Wake up.. Moisturise… shower.. Moisturise.. Work out… moisturise… you get the picture!
Our Awakening Serum is specifically designed to replenish hydration, and provide the ultimate array of critical nutrients that your skin craves in these winter months.
Not only that, but this multi-correctional elixir infuses skin with protective antioxidants, and a full spectrum of vitamins including A, C, E & K, strengthening minerals and plumping fatty acids, including Omegas 3, 6, 7 & 9, to give your skin all the goodness it deserves. Apply morning, night and anytime your skin is beginning to feel dry during the day. Actually I find inhaling the botanicals during the day, an incredible pick-me-up!
Cleansing is Critical
Cleansing is a must, but you want your skin barrier to be as strong as possible to retain moisture. Avoid cleansers that strip the skin! If your skin is tight or dry after cleansing, chances are you have disrupted this, so consider a gentle oil based cleanser, such as our Cleansing Truth to remove make-up, dirt and debris, while also offering nourishment to your skin at the same time.
Tip: This is also a wonderful body, bath or shower oil, to prevent your skin from drying out in hot water.
Exfoliation is Key
Exfoliating regularly not only leaves skin instantly softer, smoother, and glowier, but it also allows for better absorption of skincare, allowing it to sink in and moisturise more effectively.
Dry brushing is a wonderful way to invigorate and exfoliate the body, sweeping away dead skin, but also activating your lymphatic system. (Your body’s internal garbage disposal service!) Use short, swift strokes going up your legs and arms (in the direction of your heart). We love this best before your morning shower.
Complimentary with our Ritual Combo, comes a pot of our Purity Polish. This dry powder, activated with water (free from preservatives) will effortlessly (and gently) remove dead and dull skin cells, instantly brightening your winter complexion. Hand crafted with botanicals such as rose petals, pearl powder, matcha, magical moringa and marine phytoplankton, to balance and rebirth your skin. It can also be used as a mask, because you know how much we love multi-purpose products!
Note: Balance is key here, once or twice a week will do it.
Address Stagnation
In winter especially, we tend to stagnate, giving us dull sallow skin. This is especially important for people with hyperpigmentation, as I believe hyperpigmentation can be an indication of stagnation.
You want to bring blood to the surface of the skin.
Keep moving! It not only keeps you warm :) But it also ensures our lymphatic system is pumping so your skin remains nourished by circulating blood. Dancing and jumping are wonderful, but doing something you love will keep you committed.
Massages in every form, or using tools such as gua sha will also assist with stagnation, but just remember our own hands can be magical too! The power of human touch cannot be underestimated.
Vitamin C for Collagen
While being a wonderful support to our immune system during winter, this superstar nutrient plumps up the skin’s collagen - which is the elastic tissue that is the structure of the skin. It is also highly effective at reducing free radical damage, which leads to premature aging and wrinkles. Foods high in Vitamin C include berries, citrus fruits, capsicums, tomatoes, kale, parsley and broccoli.
Drink (and eat) for hydration
Many of us struggle to crave fluid during winter, so try introducing warming broths and nourishing soups to keep your body hydrated. Also remember that fruits and vegetables have a high water content, so consuming more plants will increase your fluid intake.
Essential Fats to strengthen your skin barrier
Fats can be confusing, but all you need to know is, when it comes to beautiful skin.. Fat is your friend! Feeding your skin from within with the right sources of healthy fats, will stop our skin from drying out. Include a range of Omega 3, 6, 7 & 9, with special attention to Omega 3.
The DHA variety comes in the form of cold-water fish, like salmon and mackerel or tuna, while we get the EPA kind from flax seeds, walnuts, chia seeds, seaweed, wakame and spirulina.
Other beneficial forms are cold pressed extra virgin olive oil (unheated), pumpkin seeds, almonds, avocados, grass fed butter and ghee.
Eat the Seasons
Look to nature: Nature knows best! It provides us with everything we need, just by gathering the foods surrounding us in season. This will not only boost our immune system but also nourish our skin. So eat the seasons and keep it colourful!
Adding in a Humidifier
Investing in a humidifier can be a luxury, that adds much-needed moisture back into our homes. Run a humidifier in the rooms you spend the most time in, including your bedroom, to make sure you’re getting the most benefit.
Baths are a Beautiful Gift
In winter there is nothing better than slipping into a hot bath. (Heaven!) But to prevent your skin from drying out, try adding a bath oil, milk or oatmeal to protect your skin, while also softening at the same time.
Lets Finish with Facial Steaming
If you enjoy resting your head over a freshly brewed cup of herbal tea, then facial steaming is for you! This is a spa experience from the comfort of your own cosy nest…
This decadent ritual dates back to ancient Europe. Facials steam beautify the skin, support deep breathing and restore inner calm. Essentially by using hot water vapour, it draws out toxins, dirt and built-up impurities, whilst also enhancing circulation, hydrating and invigorating the skin.
Method:-
* Thoroughly cleanse your face of all makeup and skincare products.
* Scoop a handful of aromatic botanicals directly into a heatproof bowl, ensuring the bowl is sitting securely on a table. Some suggestions are rose petals, calendula, lavender buds, chamomile, loose green tea, nettle, comfrey, rose-hips, jasmine buds, hibiscus, fresh rosemary or mint leaves to your bowl. Experiment and play with scents that delight your senses...
* Pour boiling water carefully into the bowl over the prepared herbs & flowers.
* Gently stir with a wooden spoon & let the mixture steep for 1-3 minutes. To amp up the healing benefits, you could also add a few drops of the Awakening Serum or 1-2 drops of your favourite essential oil, for the benefits of aromatherapy.
* Tie your hair back, then position your face about 30cm or 12 inches over the bowl.
* Drape over your head a light scarf, silk wrap or cotton towel, ensuring to tent the steam, so it cannot escape & close your eyes. If at any point you feel unable to breathe, stop immediately. Allow your body to guide you in gently.
* Rest and breathe deeply for 5-10 minutes, or in 3-minute increments if this feels more comfortable.
* Imagine all toxins releasing from your skin with every drop of perspiration. Breathe in the beauty and breathe out your troubles.
* Remove the wrap & take your face away from the steam. Breathe deeply. Your face should look flushed, like you’ve just finished a workout.
* Finish with a splash of cool water & pat dry. Complete this ritual by finishing with our Awakening Serum to seal in moisture and nourish the skin.
Facial steaming is also excellent for opening up sinuses and easing headaches, making it the perfect cold & flu remedy. You could add 1-5 drops of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Tea Tree or lavender oil, to loosen up mucus, clear congestion and speed up your recovery.
Be sure to bask in your newly refreshed & radiant glow!
]]>Water based cleansers affect the outermost layer of your skin. They help rinse off all the water-soluble particles quite quickly. One of the problems with these products is that they also rinse away the natural oils, and thus, they are more suitable for people with oily and acne-prone skin. This cleanser can be quite gentle to your skin, but there are also those which are on the more intense side. Ideally, you should avoid those products that contain sulfates, as these can cause irritation. Finally, opting for micellar water is most often the best solution as it is a powerful remover of dirt and make-up and yet a product gentle to your skin that will not cause dryness or irritation.
Contrary to what many people would think, oil cleansers are very efficient in degreasing your skin. As professionals explain, the secret lies in the fact that oil cleansers break the impurities and sebum down, lift them easily off your skin, and then let you remove these particles without any difficulties. Unlike water-based cleansers, cleansing oil allows you to just wipe the dirt away. These skin products help the natural oils on your skin's outermost layer remain intact. As a result, no irritation, dryness, or inflammations appear after using oil cleansers.
Water based cleanser or cleansing oil – what is a better choice for you?
The choice you make will depend on a number of factors. The most important is undoubtedly your skin type. As we have already mentioned, those who have oily and acne-prone skin should opt for water-based cleansers. Dermatologists suggest gentle formulas that will keep your skin clean, healthy, and well-balanced. If you have a more severe acne problem, you should try some more intense and aggressive options periodically. As we have already explained, long-term usage of these powerful cleansers may make your skin too dry and sensitive, which is the result you surely do not desire, so be very careful and observe how your skin changes and reacts to these products.
Before applying water-based cleansers, wet your skin first. Then, massage your face with two fingers while applying a small amount of foaming or cream cleanser. After rinsing off the impurities, apply a moisturiser that will keep your skin hydrated.
Those with sensitive, dry skin type should opt for a cleansing oil. It is advisable to use several drops of the product and massage them into your skin. Finally, wipe off the impurities with a cotton pad and admire the results. You get nice, clean, smooth, healthy, and hydrated skin.
In the end, if you are unsure about your skin type, micellar water is what you need. It is a safe middle ground as it consists of small balls of cleansing oil that float around in soft water. Thus, you get a mild, water-based cleanser gentle to your skin that behaves like cleansing oil. As a result, your skin receives a perfect deep clean on a regular basis that is essential for skincare and an integral part of a proper skincare routine.
Is the choice between the two always necessary?
Although we have given our best to try and explain the difference between a water-based cleanser and cleansing oil, experts would say that perfect care actually lies in combining these two regardless of your skin type. The practice is referred to as double-cleansing, and it is the secret of all those beauties whose skin we admire. The first phase of double-cleansing involves using a cleansing oil to lift all the dirt, make-up, and bacteria off your skin. The next stage is to use a water-based cleanser, preferably micellar water or foaming cleanser, to remove any impurities left.
Most importantly, you need to understand that finding the perfect skincare product for you can be a lengthy process. It is inevitable to go through some trials and test periods until you eventually find what suits your skin best. Contacting a reputable professional is a great help, as these people of proven experience and substantial knowledge can considerably shorten your search for the right product or combination of products. Only then can you establish your skincare routine among other healthy habits and expect favorable, clearly visible results.
How about using clay for skincare?
If neither water-based cleansers nor cleansing oil meets your criteria for impeccable skincare, you should focus on clay cleansers. Clay-based cleansers are an excellent alternative for oily skin and clogged pores. Despite their gentle formula, these cleansers are very efficient for eliminating sebum and dirt from pores. In fact, if you ask experts, they will say clay-based cleansers are like magnets for impurities. However, these products demand caution. The feeling after using them is similar to that of water-based cleansers. In other words, do not be surprised if, at some point, your skin gets irritated due to overuse. Make sure you never strip off the natural oils that our skin needs so much.
]]>There are two essential ways in which stress affects the condition of your skin:
If we put aside some of the most common ways that stress directly affects your skin: excessive sweating, experiencing goosebumps, breaking out with various types of rashes, etc. - there are also more intricate and long-term effects of stress on the skin. These include acne issues, eczema, psoriasis, and premature aging.
None of these are wanted and that’s a fact. So, how can we prevent experiencing them?
Try preventing the causes of stress first
Before you make an effort to minimise the wrongdoings of stress you experience - perhaps you might minimise the stress itself. Have a wholehearted conversation with yourself. What are the things and events that frustrate you the most? Are there ways to avoid experiencing them? If the answer is no - is there an effort to be made to make the stress inducers occur as seldom as possible. This is the first step towards improving the quality of your life - but also the quality of your skin.
Three most effective ways to reduce the effects of stress on your skin
Every factor that contributes to the state of your skin, be it stress, your surroundings, your diet, sleep schedule, or any other lifestyle choice you make can be alleviated by using certain techniques, but also products to help your skin cope.
During stressful moments, apply your own soothing rituals
Regardless of the reasons you are going through a stressful period, having a set of rituals as a calming technique will help you reach an optimal level of relaxation, thus keeping your skin sheltered from the possible gruesome effects of excessive stress. Nowadays, as staying at home is more important than ever, most of our rituals are home-bound. This, however, is no reason not to get creative and come up with fresh ways to relieve stress and recuperate your skin.
Take advantage of products that improve the quality of your skin
Whether your weapon of choice is supplementing with vitamins that have a beneficial effect on your skin or using the many advantages of various essential oils, your skin will definitely know how to show appreciation for the care it receives. The choice of products you can use nowadays is immense; this is a fact that has many advantages, but disadvantages as well.
You need to do some meaningful research in order to find and start using the product which suits your needs the best. In order to reduce the effects of stress on your skin, using powerful, but gentle cleansing products and serums can mean a world of difference.
There isn’t a magical recipe to prevent the effects of stress on skin that would work for everyone. The important thing is to find your own balance and listen to your body and your mind equally. Work out a routine that would be a perfect combination of beneficial nutrients, relaxing techniques and skincare products that can do wonders for your skin.
]]>
Roses not only transform the mood, but they also transform the skin. They’re beautiful, they’re intoxicating, and when it comes to skincare they are time-tested heavy-hitters.
]]>From stories of Cleopatra bathing in petal-infused milk to a Persian princess filling royal fountains full of rose water, so that when she walked through her garden, “drops of rose water would land upon her skin like rainfall”.
This deep and enduring love affair with these flowers, known for their velvety beauty and heady perfume is nothing short of enchanting.
One of the earliest recorded ingredients for beauty and cosmetic treatments, roses have been around, according to fossil evidence, for 35 million years.
Ancient Egyptians boiled down roses to make them into cosmetic and healing balms, and they infused rose scent into their oils, to cleanse and protect their skin against the dry desert winds.
Legend has it that Cleopatra soaked the sails of her ship in rose water, and filled her rooms with roses whenever she met with Marc Anthony, believing that he’d later think of her anytime he caught the scent of a rose.
The rose flower is known to be an attribute of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty (Aphrodite in ancient Greece). In later years especially, the rose also came to represent the Roman Empire’s penchant for luxury and excess.
Enormous rose gardens, considered as important as wheat crops, were constructed to lavishly decorate banquet tables, strew the floors, and float in their Falernian wine.
Roman brides and grooms were crowned with roses, as were the images of Cupid, Venus and Bacchus. They were scattered in the paths of victors, or beneath their chariot-wheels.
They were even said to wear rose garlands at their feasts, as a preventative against drunkenness. For them, the rose was a symbolic sign of pleasure.
It was the Ancient Greeks and Romans who were first to classify and document the healing powers of rose for more than 30 ailments, making it a medicinal ingredient for many ancient cultures around the world for centuries to come.
There is evidence of rose water that can be traced back to 1200 BC, to the ancient Mycenaean city of Pylos in Greece where it was traded commercially.
The Greek physician Dioscorides (A.D. 40-90) often used a rose pomade that he made from steeping rose petals in fatty oil.
He also wrote about the rose’s cooling and astringent qualities, adding that the liquor of roses cooked in wine was useful for treating headaches and ailments of the eyes, ears, gums, and womb. He attempted to heal his patients by sprinkling dried, powdered rose petals on food for those who experienced pain in their gums.
The Roman naturalist and historian Pliny the Elder (A.D. 23-79) also described rose as an astringent, writing that the petals, flowers, and heads were used in medicine, and the scent to clear the mind.
But it wasn’t until 10th century Persia that steam distillation and a way to capture the potent intensity of the rose scent was invented.
A single gram of the precious essential oil required two thousand roses, and so signalled the beginning of rose’s rise to prominence in fine perfumes and medicinal treatments for the wealthy.
By medieval times, roses, rose oil and rosewater were highly coveted, and considered so valuable that even certain nobility took to trading roses as legal tender.
So, after millennia of being upheld by countless cultures as the most exquisite of all flora, why is it then that the rose has spent a large part of the last century being deeply unfashionable?
My answer would be the introduction of synthetics to reduce cost. Today the extraction process for natural rose hasn’t changed since it was first conceived centuries ago. That means it’s still insanely expensive, but synthetically, the rose reminded us of grandma’s panty draw!
Cheaper imitations may smell similar, but something is off, and our noses know it. Because unlike other scents, which can be adequately reproduced, rose resists by its very nature.
The difficulty and cost attached to pure rose oil has not changed much either. Here at Thalia, we have chosen organic Rosa damascena (rose otto).
It hails from the valley of the roses in Bulgaria, undisputed to be the “best” quality rose oil for applications in skincare, due to its soil and climate conditions.
The process of extracting the oil from the petals (one of the rarest flowers in the world) takes 4 tons of roses to make just 1 kg of rose oil. Naturally, this is found within our Awakening Serum.
With over 300 molecules, rose is the flower with the most complicated chemical constitution in the world. A real rose is impossible to mimic, and this is what makes it so precious, because a fake could never deliver any of the time-tested beauty benefits of a true rose.
So why is rose so special in skincare?
Rose is the ultimate all-rounder. A heavy-hitter that is so versatile, it can treat everything from acne-prone skin to mature, sensitive and dry skin with ease. Containing a complex array of vitamins, essential fatty acids, minerals, and antioxidants.
In our experience, no other botanical softens and refines skin texture in quite the same way. Rose is one of our favourite ingredients for restoring the skin barrier, regenerating strength, and both protecting and increasing hydration and lipid levels.
The antioxidants in rose absorb deeply into the dermis layer of the skin, which is especially supportive for mature skin. Due to its unique combination of antioxidants, like citronellol and geraniol, pure rose oil destroys free radicals and slows down aging.
It is now clinically proven to be anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial, making it also beneficial for treating acne.
When treating acne your first thought might be to reach for a product that dries out your skin to combat the oily surface where acne seems to thrive. However, using this approach can result in dehydrated and over-sensitised skin.
Acne-prone skin needs to be kept hydrated rather than dried out. A lack of moisture can trigger a signal to send more sebum, perpetuating a vicious cycle.
Rose has been proven as an excellent treatment due to its antibacterial, antiseptic and astringent properties, that can effectively reduce bacteria, while still being gentle to sensitive, damaged skin. Its anti-inflammatory action also assists with inflammation and/or soothing redness.
Roses are hydrators, keeping the skin’s moisture barrier strong
Rose is such a unique plant because it contains so many different nutrients that are specific to barrier restoration, such as B Vitamins, Polysaccharides, as well as lipids and lipid-soluble nutrients like Vitamin E and Palmitic Acid.
Palmitic acid specifically is the unique nutrient that will lock in hydration and prevent trans-epidermal water loss by strengthening our skin’s barrier.
Rose is specific for strengthening connective tissue on multiple levels within the skin. This is a plant that can not only immediately tone and firm, but can also strengthen collagen health over time.
The presence of gallic acid, which is specific to collagen and elastin production, helps with this — along with Polysaccharides, Flavonoids, and Catechin.
Rose is cooling while stimulating movement. This is key for those who experience redness and other rosacea symptoms.
Many would assume that any sort of stimulation would be bad for rosacea, but in fact, stagnation is one of the primary root causes of rosacea. Roses cool down the skin, while gently stimulating blood flow and releasing and hydrating stuck fascia.
When we explore the phytochemistry of Roses, they contain many of the major nutritional players that are key to skin health.
B Vitamins: Do you often hear talk about Niacin as being an ingredient added to skincare products in order to reduce inflammation, boost hydration levels and help protect our skin’s barrier? Well if you are using Roses in your skincare, then Niacin is present, along with all the other beneficial B’s and their helpful co-factors.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C and all of its helpful Flavonoids are ever-present in both Rose petals and Rosehips. Vitamin C helps to repair and prevent sun damage. However, it's even stronger when it's in its whole plant form because it is more stable alongside its fellow antioxidants. Flavonoids also help to metabolise the C after it stabilises free radicals.
Vitamin E: When you run your fingers over a fresh Rose petal, you may feel a bit of oil or lipids. This is because Roses are a wealth of beneficial lipids and lipid friendly nutrients, such as Vitamin E. Aside from being a common antioxidant, Vitamin E helps to work together with many of the other nutrients in Roses to keep our skin barrier healthy and strong.
Rose has a natural tonic and astringent effect on the capillaries just below the skin’s surface, which evens out skin tone and removes excess dirt and oil trapped within pores without disrupting the skin’s pH.
Maintaining proper pH is absolutely essential to healthy skin. Our skin has what is called an ‘acid mantle’ — a thin layer that naturally fights infection and environmental factors.
The skin’s moisture barrier is a critical part of the immune system and supports the skin in maintaining its proper level of nutrients. If this layer is compromised, the skin’s ability to protect itself decreases.
Pollution, environmental toxins, skincare products that strip this layer, and the sun all play a role in breaking down the skin’s pH balance. The pH of roses is almost identical to that of human skin, making it perfectly suited to skincare.
Last but certainly not least, the nerd in me had to include this case study that aromatherapy enthusiasts will love.
A 2011 study conducted in Japan found that inhalation of rose on a regular basis, showed a strengthening of the skin barrier and improvement in trans-epidermal water loss!
One theory is that rose had an effect on our ‘HPA axis’ and reduced chronic stress levels. It is so interesting to see the way scent alone affects our skin’s health.
This makes sense — rose is known to relieve anxiety, and when you are harnessing plants in their purest form, they work on an emotional, psychological and spiritual level.
For me, the rose represents a heart in bloom. It encourages self-love and self-acceptance. The more we can genuinely love ourselves, the better our skin will look.
It may seem woo-woo, but in my experience, this is true. Awakening within us, the magic and beauty in every cell that we have.
To your blossoming xxx
Click here for some tips on how to make your own herbal teas.
]]>Let’s have a look shall we.
]]>Believe it or not, our skin naturally makes oils whether we like it or not.
If you think of the skin as a brick wall — the first line of defence against the outside world — then oils and lipids are the mortar which holds the bricks together and prevents anything from seeping through.
There’s so much these natural oils are doing to protect our skin and body — and you can read more about that here.
But, long story short, complementing this natural production with extra oils can only help to strengthen our outer layer (the stratum corneum for all you biology boffins out there).
That’s not to say we should be lathering our face with a load of cooking oil! Okay, that’s a pretty extreme example, but you get the point — we need to be putting the right oils on our body, in the right amounts.
That’s where our serums come into play. If you have a look at what we put into our Awakening Serum and Cleansing Truth you’ll find a plethora of wildcrafted and organically sourced oil, specifically designed to protect, hydrate and nourish our skin.
Let's take a look at what some of these oils can do.
Found in our Awakening Serum, this extremely rare and precious liquid silk provides just the right amount of illuminating moisture.
Prickly Pear Seed Oil contains one of the highest concentrations of vitamin E of all the beauty oils on the market — even more than Argan oil, which we’ll get to in a bit.
Its high concentration of fatty acids helps reduce redness and inflammation, while its large amounts of antioxidants aid wrinkle-reduction and the anti-aging processes.
Another benefit comes from its vitamin K content, which research has shown to minimise the appearance of stubborn under-eye circles and hyperpigmentation.
Finally, the oil is lauded for its high vitamin E and fatty acid profile, which combine to enable the restoration of elasticity while adding an intense hit of hydration.
Oh, wait, one more thing! For those who suffer from acne, this oil’s non-comedogenic properties help prevent sebum from hardening, which discourages acne to develop.
Argan oil is packed with vitamin E and essential fatty acids. This combination has earned it the nickname ‘liquid gold’.
Its powerful makeup makes it a powerful ally in the battle against skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea, while its antioxidant properties work to improve the skin’s elasticity by fending off free radical damage.
For both our Awakening Serum and Cleansing Truth, we source our Argan oil from Morocco, where it is freshly pressed on a hand-turned stone wheel by a women’s co-operative.
We deliberately give priority to wildcrafted plants grown in their natural habitats, in soils that have not been tampered with, using only an organic alternative.
We believe this will give each of our ingredients the best chance of keeping its vitality and energetic life force — giving your skin the best possible chance to thrive and glow.
You may have only seen or heard of this if you’ve been perusing in a natural food or health shop recently — but certain Asian, African, and Pacific Island cultures have been using this organic oil for centuries.
Extracted from seeds that grow on the tamanu nut tree and found in our Cleansing Truth, it has even been rumoured to prevent tumor-growth in cancer patients, treat vaginitis and help reduce symptoms of HIV.
But for the skin, it’s been proven to do so many amazing things. It can treat *breath in*… acne, athletes' feet, wrinkles, dark spots, dry skin, eczema, fading stretch marks, scars, sunburn and even insect stings! *And breathe out*.
The reason why this oil can do so many things is because of its unique composition of rich and plumping fatty acids, high levels of lipids, antioxidants and critical vitamins.
Known as the ‘Rose of Winter’ this incredible oil has been a favourite for Japanese Geishas for centuries.
The reason for this is mainly due to its high level of squalene. This strangely-named liquid is actually estimated to make up about 10 to 12 per cent of your skin’s oils, but adding more to your skin reduces fine lines and sun damage while naturally moisturising your skin.
So much squalene is unethically sourced (it’s often derived from shark liver oil — yuk!), which is just not us! We believe in sourcing our oils from the most sustainable and ethical place we can find — and camellia seed oil is a beautiful alternative from the norm.
The rest of the oil also packs a punch. It delivers Vitamins A, B, C & E, minerals & Omega 6 and 9 essential fatty acids, to plump and promote elasticity while supporting natural emollients that guard against the appearance of ageing.
You can find this gorgeous oil in our Cleansing Truth.
Look, we have so many amazing organic oils packed into our products that we could go on for days! But, let’s finish this entry with another of our favourites — Rosehip.
The natural oils in this plant contain a high amount of Vitamin A, which is fantastic in treating all kinds of skin infections like acne, pimples and boils. It is also full of fatty acids and Vitamin F, which is involved in tissue regeneration.
Now, don’t get put off or confused by the ‘CO2’ in its name. All we’ve done is taken all the goodness out of the natural plant and used CO2 to make the final product behave like a liquid.
For the full list of organic oils we use for our products, head to our Awakening Serum or Cleansing Truth pages and scroll down to ‘Ingredients’.
To your blossoming xxx
Click here for some skincare tips that can help combat winter skin.
]]>We say it so often when discussing food in relation to how healthy something is for us — but do we really know what minerals are?
]]>So now, let's delve into the wonderful world of minerals.
Minerals are elements found on the earth and in our food that our bodies require to develop and function normally.
Your body uses minerals for a variety of jobs, including maintaining the health of your bones, muscles, heart and brain.
There are two kinds of minerals, macrominerals and trace minerals. You need more of the macromineral variety in your diet and they include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and sulphur.
As the name suggests, you only need to intake small amounts of trace minerals. They are iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride and selenium.
It all seems like so much to be keeping track of, but truth be told, much of these are in your natural diet already. Let’s have a look at where we find them all, shall we!
Instead of writing long and in-depth paragraphs on what each mineral does for you and where you find it, we thought it would be more simple to place all of this information into two helpful tables:
Macrominerals
Mineral | Needed For | Good Sources |
Calcium | Healthy bones and teeth, nerve conduction, muscle contraction, blood clotting, production of energy, immunity to disease. | Dairy products, green leafy vegetables. |
Chlorine | Maintaining body’s fluid and electrolyte balances, digestive juices. | Table salt. |
Magnesium | Every major biologic process, use of glucose in the body, synthesis of nucleic acids and protein, cellular energy. | Green leafy vegetables, fish, nuts, beans, whole grains. |
Phosphorus | Strong bones, all cell functions, cell membranes. | Dairy products, fish, meats, poultry, vegetables, eggs. |
Potassium | Many major biologic processes, muscle contraction, nerve impulses, synthesis of nucleic acids and protein, energy production. | Fresh vegetables, fresh fruits. |
Sodium | Water balance in tissues. | Table salt, added to foods by manufacturer. |
Sulphur | Sulphur-containing amino acids. | Onions, garlic, eggs, meat, dairy products. |
Trace Minerals
Trace Mineral | Needed For | Good Sources | |
Chromium | Use of sugar in the body. | Whole grains, spices, meats, brewer’s yeast. | |
Copper | Haemoglobin synthesis and function; production of collagen, elastin, neurotransmitters; melanin formation. | Organ meats, shellfish, nuts, fruits. | |
Fluorine | Binding calcium in bones and teeth. | Fluoridated water. | |
Iodine |
|
Seafood, iodised salt. | |
Iron | Haemoglobin synthesis and function; enzyme actions in energy production; production of collagen, elastin, neurotransmitters. | Organ meats, meat, poultry, fish. | |
Manganese | Functions not entirely understood, but needed for optimal health. | Whole grains, nuts. | |
Molybdenum | Functions not entirely understood, but needed for optimal health; detoxification of hazardous substances. | Organ meats, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, milk, beans. | |
Selenium | Functions not entirely understood, but necessary for optimal health. | Broccoli, cabbage, celery, onions, garlic, whole grains, brewer’s yeast, organ meats. | |
Zinc | Immunity and healing, good eyesight, hundreds of enzyme activities. | Whole grains, brewer’s yeast, fish, meats. |
Don’t worry, no more tables! Instead, let’s talk about how minerals can help our skin stay healthy.
They all help in their own way, but there are three major minerals that really impact our skin.
Selenium
This mineral is believed to play a key role in skin cancer prevention. When applied to the skin, it actually protects your body’s largest organ from burning. If you don’t want to add to your daily skin routine, you can ingest selenium by eating whole-grain cereals, seafood, garlic and eggs.
Copper
Yep, you read it right. Believe it or not, together with Vitamin C, copper helps develop elastin. These are the fibres that support the skin’s natural structure and help restore elasticity. Don’t worry, you find trace amounts of copper naturally in food, so you don’t need to rub some copper wiring on your face!
Zinc
Lastly there's zinc. This mineral is more important if you suffer from acne, because it actively works to clear the skin by reducing oil production. It’s not the most natural of ways to heal acne lesions, however, in some extreme cases, it is proven to be beneficial. Zinc can also be found in your food by the way, in the shape of oysters, lean meat and poultry.
At Thalia, we understand the important role minerals play on the health of our skin. This is why both our Cleansing Truth and Awakening Serumcontain strengthening minerals to curb the formation of acne, awaken the skin and restore luminosity.
It’s often really hard to know whether your body is craving a specific mineral — I mean, wouldn’t it be great if we had some sort of gauge-like thing on our bodies that told us if we were running low on something — like a car with petrol!?
Believe it or not, your body does speak to you — you just have to know what the signs are.
Before we get started on the physical and mental signs, if you know you have a diet that is high in junk food, or low in fruit and vegetables, then you’re off to a bad start. Alternatively, a very low-calorie diet and weight loss programs can also cause a mineral deficiency.
If you are a vegetarian, vegan or lactose intolerant, it’s important to do some research into the minerals you may be missing out on without meat and/or dairy. You can find nearly all the minerals you need in a plant-based diet — you just need to be cooking more, lentils, for example.
Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant or not, let’s take a look at the most common mineral deficiencies and their respective side-effects.
Zinc deficiency
If you’re feeling under the weather a lot, it may be because you’re not getting enough zinc, because a deficiency leads to a decreased function of the immune system, as well as loss of appetite, taste or smell.
In terms of our skin, zinc is pretty crucial. So, just moderate zinc deficiency can cause pigmentation changes, decreased hair and nail growth, and skin lesions on body sites exposed to repeated pressure and friction.
Calcium deficiency
Given the large array of foods that calcium is present in, it’s quite hard to miss this one out. However, the slight issue with calcium is that a deficiency doesn’t really reveal itself in the short term. This means people generally feel the effects later on in life in the form of decreased bone mineral density called osteopenia.
If left untreated, osteopenia can turn to osteoporosis, which increases the risk of bone fractures, especially in older adults.
Iron deficiency
This is the main mineral which vegetarians and vegans miss out on, because the best sources of iron are found in meat, poultry or fish. If you are meat-free you need to be eating plenty of beans, lentils, fermented tofu or seeds to fill the gap.
Like calcium, iron deficiency develops slowly and, over time, can cause anaemia. The most obvious initial sign of iron deficiency, though, is feeling weak and tired.
Magnesium deficiency
Magnesium deficiency is pretty uncommon, and extreme cases normally stem from conditions like alcoholism. But early signs you’re not getting quite enough magnesium are shown in symptoms like fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.
Potassium deficiency
The most common cause of potassium deficiency doesn’t actually come from diet — it comes from a loss in fluids. This is why, when you sweat during long sessions of exercise, you feel weak and your muscles start cramping.
Other symptoms of potassium deficiency show up as constipation, bloating, or abdominal pain.
Before we round off the topic of minerals, we need to look at mineral water, because you’d be surprised how many people ask google: ‘is mineral water good for you?’
First let's answer the question of: ‘what is mineral water?’ Well, to qualify, the water needs to have a certain amount of minerals dissolved into it and come from a “geologically and physically protected underground water source.”
Mineral water usually contains minerals like magnesium, calcium, sodium, zinc, and even calcium — and they do (as we now know) give some legitimate health benefits.
As a result of this, mineral water, among other things, can actually promote healthy bone development and digestion. So maybe it is worth paying extra for all those San Pellegrino bottles?
The only situation where a large amount of mineral water may be bad for you is if you have high blood pressure because of the water’s high sodium content. Other than that you’re pretty much free to drink as much as you’d like.
To your blossoming xxx
Click here to learn more about the ancient sauna and why it is so good for our skin.
Sources:
Texas Heart - https://www.texasheart.org
]]>
The ancient concept of the sauna has truly stood the test of time and, once you’ve spent a bit of time in one, it’s easy to understand why.
]]>
Whatever the size, shape or method of heat creation, the sauna is created for one major reason — to make us sweat.
Before we get to Finland, where saunas were made famous, it’s interesting to learn that the concept of heating the body for health benefits have been around since human-kind created fire.
Heat therapy actually began in East Africa in a bid to help rid the body of infectious disease, before the ancient Greek and Roman civilisations took the therapy to a more relaxing and luxurious level in the form of bathhouses — paving the way for modern spas today.
While modern-day saunas offer a more luxurious experience and often showcase sleeker designs, they do not stray too far from the initial make-up and intent of the original Finnish saunas — and their benefits to our health remain vast.
Let’s have a look at them shall we…
Spending time in the sauna does more than just make you sweat. In fact, it has been linked to a reduction in the risk of vascular diseases such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and several neuro-cognitive diseases.
A report published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that spending 30 minutes in a sauna lowered both systolic (pressure on your blood vessels during a heartbeat) and diastolic (pressure between heartbeats) blood pressure.
When we learn about the impressive reduction of blood pressure saunas have on the body, it’s no surprise that our arteries are the pathways that are reaping the benefits.
These hot and steamy rooms help vascular compliance (how well your blood vessels respond to changes in pressure), which is a massive factor in the health of your heart and how well blood travels around the body.
Not only that, studies suggest that after just 30 minutes in a sauna your blood vessels relax significantly, which is an indicator of good heart health. Living with arterial stiffness can increase your risk of cardiovascular issues and disease.
So, in theory, spending regular sessions in a sauna can actually help increase your lifespan!
With each heartbeat, your carotid arteries carry about 20-25 per cent of your oxygen-rich blood straight to your brain — so, needless to say, these pathways reap the rewards of better arterial functions.
Not only this, but saunas are known to contribute to improved sleep, relaxation and mood. They can also help mental health issues like depression and anxiety, while there are studies that suggest that they can even reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
It’s a surprisingly common question: is a sauna good for a cold? Well, the answer appears to be, yes!
Spending time in the sauna when you've got a cold, or are in the middle of cold season, might seem counterintuitive, but the research suggests it's a good idea.
Saunas actually improve your lung function, even if you have asthma or breathing problems and even reduce your risk of contracting the common cold or pneumonia. Maybe this is why Finnish people spend so much of their time in them!?
This is not to say that a sauna is a safe haven from all illness. Germs and viruses can still survive in the heat, so make sure you wash your hands before and after entering one.
One of the most powerful sauna benefits is the effect they have on our largest organ — the skin.
Before we even get to the sweaty stuff, the heat itself actually encourages collagen production. This is the protein that gives our tissues and organs strength and elasticity. So, as we heat up, the sauna is helping to rejuvenate our complexion.
The heat also helps rid the skin of dead skin cells and promotes the growth of newer and healthier ones.
Just like sweating when we exercise, the heavy perspiration caused by being in a sauna has a cleansing effect on our pores and glands.
As you heat up, your pores get bigger and release sweat. This sweat flushes out the toxins that were clogged in those pores, which ultimately means smoother skin.
This helps answer the question of, ‘do saunas clear acne?’ — as we know, acne is caused when sebum (an oily substance that lubricates your hair and skin) and dead skin cells clog hair follicles — so our open pores help stop all of this and, ergo, less pesky spots!
To help really cleanse your skin and rid your body of dead skin cells, spend some time dry brushing your skin after a sauna. Check out our dry skin brushing ritual here to learn more.
That elusive winter glow is tough to achieve, but some time in the sauna can help with that. The temperature leads to a dramatic increase in blood circulation, which, in turn, gives your skin a healthy and fresh appearance — a bit like when you come in from a really cold winter's day.
Imagine that! A fresh, healthy glow without the need for makeup!
The sweat caused by the sauna stimulates the sebaceous glands in our skin. These glands help keep the skin moisturised and lubricated by stimulating the production of sebum (remember that!).
We all know how our skin looks and feels after a good moisturiser, and after 30 minutes in a sauna your skin will feel fresh, clean and smooth.
First of all, what is an infrared sauna? Well, unlike traditional saunas, they don’t heat the air around you, instead they use infrared lamps to warm the body directly.
Their function means they can operate at a lower temperature while penetrating your body more deeply, allowing you to experience a more intense sweat — and the benefits of a normal sauna — at a cooler temperature. This, ultimately, means you can spend more time in one.
There’s tonnes of wide-spread studies on the benefits of a regular sauna, but less-so on the infrared version, so be wary of what people are trying to claim on the internet. However, what is encouraging is that there have been no reports of negative effects so far — beyond the cautions about any regular sauna experience.
Before we finish, there are a few possible dangers of being in a sauna that we need to address. These include overheating, dehydrating, and interference with medication.
You should also refrain from entering a sauna if you are pregnant, have heart disease, or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If you are concerned, it’s best to consult your doctor first.
To your blossoming xxx
Click here for some nutritional tips that can help you battle the winter cold.
]]>The temperature change from inside to out, the aversion from doing exercise and the temptation to plough through warmer and heartier foods can affect how we feel both inside and out.
You don’t have to change your whole lifestyle to get through the colder months though — a few simple things will see you glowing all the way through to summer.
]]>To be fair, we all hear this all year round, but in the winter eating plenty of fruit and vegetables is key to healthy organs — and that includes your skin.
These provide your body with valuable vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can help fortify your immune system and aid the natural functions of your skin.
Seasonal fruit and veg like mandarin, apples, grapefruit, kiwifruit, lemons, limes, oranges, pears, broccoli, brussel sprouts, beetroot, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower and potatoes are likely to be fresher and provide the perfect ingredients for this time of year. It is no coincidence that they are in season, because they provide our bodies with just the right phytonutrients our bodies need for this time of year.
Now that the temperature has dropped, that last thing we want is a cold salad — instead, we crave warming foods. However, these temptations often result in more takeaway orders.
Sure, every now and again, a good takeaway is exactly what we need, but too many pizzas, burgers and Chinese takeaways aren’t going to do our insides any good — not to mention the large amounts of grease and trans fats that clogs up our skin!
What we really need is warming foods that are also healthy for our bodies… enter casseroles, soups and stews.
Not only can you pack these full of those yummy nutritious fruits and vegetables discussed above, but the warming nature of these dishes can actually aid our blood flow and squash skin stagnation.
In saying all that, just because they’re healthy, be careful to watch your portion size! Too much of anything is a bad thing and if you have, say, some potato in a stew, there’s only a certain amount of carbs your body will naturally break down.
Here’s a soup recipe we absolutely adore to get you started. Don’t be put off by the Kale, it’s super yummy and you’ll be dying to have more.
Ingredients:
Method:
When it’s cold, wet and grey outside, the last thing on our minds is a run against the elements.
But exercise doesn’t have to be a run, you can go for a brisk walk, or even take up an indoor activity like yoga, dancing or squash.
Your body will be so thankful for any activity you do. It will make you feel happier, aids weight loss and muscle tone, adds to your energy levels, reduces your risk of chronic disease and even helps skin health.
Your skin can be affected by the amount of oxidative stress in your body. This occurs when the body's antioxidant defences cannot completely repair the damage that free radicals cause to cells. This can damage their internal structures and deteriorate your skin.
This ailment is made all the worse when we’re more sedate and, although intense and exhaustive physical activity can contribute to oxidative damage, regular moderate exercise can increase your body's production of natural antioxidants, which help protect cells.
Exercise can also delay the appearance of skin ageing by increasing our natural blood flow, which deters stagnation, and inducing skin cell adaptations.
Because we’re not sweating as much during winter, it gives us the feeling that we don’t need to be drinking as many fluids — but, the opposite is true.
As the temperature continues to drop, the air around us tends to become drier and our bodies actually receive less moisture compared to warmer months. Not only this, but the dry and often stagnant air created from indoor central heating can really take its toll on your skin.
Keeping up your fluid intake is vital in keeping your skin cells hydrated. It reduces the risk of chapping and peeling, while removing blemish-inducing impurities in your body. This is the perfect time to eat your water! Vegetables and fruit contain a lot of water, so upping your intake during winter via soups can be skin-saving.
Our Awakening Serum is specifically designed to give your skin that extra help it needs to remain hydrated during the winter months. Strategically formulated to target the signs of dehydration, while boosting elasticity and providing the ultimate array of critical nutrients, this multi-correctional elixir infuses skin with protective antioxidants, vital vitamins strengthening minerals and plumping fatty acids, to awaken skin and restore luminosity.
To your blossoming xxx
Click here for some skincare tips to combat winter skin.
Sources:
(Wendy Rowe — “Eat Beautiful”)
Mostly, dry skin is the result of the humidity in the air decreasing as the temperature drops, combined with the fact that we spend more time indoors and around heating — absorbing even more moisture from our skin.
During the winter, it can feel as if there’s no escape from this daily occurrence — but there is a way out.
]]>In fact, many Chinese and Japanese, cover the kidneys with a flannel belt in winter to keep their bodies warm. Another key element to kidney health is hydration, which is an absolute must for beautiful skin and a healthy life.
Here are some helpful tips if you want to achieve that elusive winter glow.
A good moisturiser is a vital part of your arsenal against dry or itchy skin. It replenishes the skin with valuable lipids, which are essential in creating a barrier against the elements and restoring hydration — it's basically the best lotion for winter dry skin!
Don’t forget your hands! To keep ourselves and our families safe, we’ve been washing our hands so much more over this period, but that means they’re taking a beating.
We love applying Black Seed Oil to our hands before bed. Its anti-inflammatory properties will soothe sore hands, and invest in some gloves to protect your skin while cleaning to prevent any further dryness or sensitivities.
Our Awakening Serum is specifically designed to replenish hydration, boost elasticity and provide the ultimate array of critical nutrients that your skin craves in these winter months. Not only that, but this multi-correctional elixir infuses skin with protective antioxidants, vital vitamins including A, C, E & K, which strengthens minerals and plumps-up fatty acids, including Omegas 3, 6, 7 & 9, to awaken skin and restore luminosity.
With our luxurious serum, which is also perfectly designed to combat dry flaky skin in winter, try our moisturising ritual for amazing results:
At any time of the year, let alone in winter, it’s so easy to fall into the trap of getting lots of different products that target a specific problem that we have with our skin.
This approach not only burns a hole in our wallets, but all those chemicals and substances can actually be detrimental to the health of our skin.
We believe that the best way to avoid dry skin in winter is a ritual with fewer products of greater quality is beneficial to both our skin and our bank accounts.
This is why our entire collection consists of only three products, our Awakening Serum, Cleansing Truth, and Purity Polish (which is available with our Ritual Combo). These products contain everything you need to achieve that healthy glow all year round.
We refer to our formulations as multi-correctional, as we have addressed specific skin concerns with the inclusion of targeted botanicals. We believe in doing away with multiple toners and overnight masks and taking things back to all-natural basics in the most effective and minimalist way.
When it’s cold outside, the first thing we do when we get home is crank up the thermostat. Although we’re giving our bodies that much-needed injection of warmth, what we’re actually doing is making our homes even drier than it is outside!
That doesn’t mean you have to go without heating all winter — just turn down the thermostat to a more comfortable setting of around 20-22° Celsius. This is the classic room-temperature and is actually where our bodies will feel more comfortable.
Investing in a humidifier can also be beneficial, adding that much-needed moisture back into our homes. Run a humidifier in the rooms you spend the most time in, including your bedroom, to make sure you’re getting the most benefit.
One of the reasons we look and feel better in the summer is that we tend to be out more.
While curling up in a blanket in front of the TV is tempting on a cold day, this kind of activity (or non-activity) can contribute to skin stagnation, because it’s reducing our natural blood-flow.
Staying active will help boost our circulation and keep our glow intact. We recommend committing to at least 30 minutes of walking three times a week — preferably outside, of course, to also ensure some fresh air and Vitamin D.
Dry brushing before a shower or bath is always good, both to remove any dry skin and to get the circulation going. It's tempting to have a really hot bath, but too hot water can also spell dryness. You could counter this by adding some olive oil or milk to your bath before stepping in.
Another reason we get dry or itchy skin in winter is a lack of nutrients flowing to the area.
When we’re consuming plenty of antioxidants, like vitamin C as well as other skin-supporting nutrients such as zinc, our body has what it needs to flush the skin with nourishment. This also assists in repairing damage, and brings fresh new skin cells to the surface.
During the colder months, we tend to eat more comfort food. While this is good for an immediate endorphin boost, it’s not so good for our health.
Fatty or greasy foods are normally pretty low in nutritional value and they don’t exactly help our blood flow. Instead, try to cook more yummy casseroles, stews and soups, and mix in some vitamin-packed smoothies to keep up our natural glows.
While we said to avoid ‘fatty’ foods, sometimes when it comes to beautiful skin fat can, in fact, be your friend. Foods packed with ‘healthy fats’ such as grass-fed ghee, avocado, olive and coconut oil can actually help our immune systems and are skin superstars. Plenty of Omega-3 essential fatty acids from flax, chia seeds or oily fish also provide moisture from the inside out and reduce inflammation.
Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends seasonal moistening foods such as pears, pumpkins, mushrooms, squash, cabbage, apples, grapefruit and lemon. While if you’re looking to add a warming element to cold food, try adding super-spices like turmeric or cinnamon.
A glass of hot water and lemon can be a great way to start the day; it kick-starts the metabolism and rehydrates, followed by some stewed fruit with natural greek yoghurt.
If you keep these approaches up, there’s no reason why you can’t have beautiful skin this winter.
To your blossoming xxx
If you find you can’t get out of the house much, click here for some rituals that can help you stay healthy at home.
]]>If we combine this with all the stress we’re going through at the moment, our skin is being put through the wringer. Worse still, it’s becoming stagnant.
Put as simply as possible, skin stagnation is ultimately a result of stagnation from within. It is essentially inflammation. It can result in dry skin and lips, eczema, redness, sensitivities, dark circles under eyes, puffiness and purple hues. In the long term, we can witness an increase in wrinkles, scarring and breakouts.
But what’s going on to cause all this? Well, we can narrow it down to a few things:
Blood stagnation — This happens when there isn’t enough ‘umph’ to push the blood around the body. In serious cases, it’s caused by a traumatic incident, anaemia, or lack of eating, but for most of us it’s because we’re not active enough.
‘Qi’ or Energy Stagnation — At the moment, a lot of us are more stressed than usual. It’s perfectly natural to be feeling like this during these unprecedented times, but our stress causes us to tighten our muscles which, in turn, slows blood flow over time. Stress can also cause a sensation of feeling ‘stuck’ emotionally or even fatigue.
‘Damp’ Fluid Stagnation — As the weather gets colder, we may find ourselves choosing more comfort food. This is okay in moderation because it helps boost our endorphins, but too much can cause the fluid inside your body to congeal and reduce the flow of healthy hydration. This type of stagnation ultimately results in horrible sticky and toxic water accumulation.
All of this internal stagnation stops our skin from functioning as it should. This is because, like all our other organs, our blood is the skin’s fuel. Without it there’s less skin turnover, our cells don’t hydrate and our first layer of defence against foreign pathogens is compromised.
To stop our skin from stagnating, we need to implement a two-pronged attack — from the outside and from the inside.
Hydrate with citrus — For the battle of the exterior, we need to hydrate and put vitamins back into our skin. This is why we add Wild Sweet Orange into our Cleansing Truth Serum. Not only does its intoxicating scent boost mood, but it also increases blood flow. It also assists with natural detoxification and encourages skin cell turnover, making it the ultimate remedy for skin stagnation. Our source is grown wild in the Dominican Republic and it is cold pressed for maximum nutrients and efficiency.
Massage with gua sha — As we all know, a massage is a great way of improving our circulation. Gua sha is effectively massage therapy in miniature form.The ancient Chinese healing technique of scraping your skin with an exquisitely designed, smoothed-edged, gua massage tool can not only improve your blood flow, but address issues like chronic pain. The technique is specifically designed to eliminate stagnant energy (or qi) and is also the perfect way of massaging hydrating oils onto your skin.
Eat warming and healthy foods — Now for the interior battle. Earlier, we touched on how our comfort food intake increases over the colder months and how this wasn’t the best idea if we want to keep our blood flowing. What we DO recommended, however, is to put down those cold smoothies, iced coffee and teas and opt for more moist and warming foods. What we mean by ‘warming foods’ are delicious and nourishing foods that are not sourced from your local takeaway. Things like eggs with avocado toast, stewed fruit with a dash of honey, oatmeal, hemp seeds and chia for breakfast. In the evening, yummy stews and soups are the way to go if you’re feeling sluggish.
Ease your stress — Let’s not forget, our brain is an organ too and if it gets overworked or over-stressed, it can have a lasting effect on our skin. During these unprecedented times, our stress levels can actually increase as we get pulled out of our normal routines, so by keeping an eye on our stress levels, we can ease muscle tension and maintain our blood flow. There are many beautiful rituals you can do at home to help your mental health, drinking herbal teas and doing yoga are two of our personal favourites.
Incorporating these three techniques — eating warm, hydrating with citrus and easing stress — will assist in creating a balance throughout the body and clearing stagnation.
To your blossoming xxx
]]>Believe it or not, we’re already in May, which means the shorter and colder days are here to stay until we hit spring. Sure, we all miss those summer nights (cue that classic Grease song), but that’s not to say this time of year isn’t special. In fact, we should embrace it.
]]>A cup of herbal tea can be such a powerful natural healer. Tea brings people together, it restores the body, warms us up, and there is a perfect tea blend for anything from sleep assistance to liver detoxification.
Obviously, like most things in this world, you can buy your tea bags from your local supermarket. But, to get the most out of these magical beverages, it’s so much better if you use fresh herbs — and, good news, it’s not hard to do!
Some of us have a bit of a green thumb and enjoy growing our own herbs. But, let's face it, to start at this time of year, when the sun’s rays are at their weakest, growing brand new plants would prove quite difficult.
Instead, we advise you to pick up some fresh ingredients, like ginger, cinnamon or peppermint from the store to tide you over until you can potentially begin growing your own in the spring.
Herbs can be used fresh or dried to make tea, but the main difference between the two is that fresh herbs generally have a stronger scent but are not as potent as dried herbs.
If you want to use herbs with waxier leaves, they can be dried by hanging them upside down in a cool, dry room for one-to-three weeks. If those herbs contain valuable seeds, like fennel and coriander, they will need to be placed in a plastic bag so the seeds fall and collect at the bottom of the bag.
Larger, but softer-leafed varieties like parsley, basil and mint need to be dried quickly to prevent mould from forming. To perform a quicker dry, choose a warm, dry room and place the herbs on a towel on top of a drying rack. The more light the better, but avoid direct sunlight as this will bleach the herbs and cause them to lose flavour.
If, like many of us, you’re not willing to wait until your herbs are dry (understandable if you live in Victoria — it’s cold already!), then you can dry them quickly in the oven. Ensure you set the oven to a low temperature and leave the door open. Place the herbs on a baking sheet and turn them frequently. When the herbs start to turn crispy, remove them from the oven.
Once you’ve chosen your herbs it’s time to infuse them in some boiling water. They’re more special than your average tea bag, so treat them as such. They need at least 15 minutes in the hot water before being strained out.
The ratio of herbs-to-water is also key to creating the perfect brew. You’ll need more quantities of fresh herbs to bring out the flavour than if you’re using dried. Usually, making tea with fresh herbs requires three times as much than with dried. As a general rule of thumb, most teas are made using 1 teaspoon of dried primary herb and 1/2 teaspoon of dried secondary herb per cup.
If you want to add some extra flavour, you can add dried fruits like apples, mangoes or apricot, or add spices like cinnamon, ginger or black pepper. A little bit of honey also goes a long way!
This one is a really simple blend to get you started. Not only that, during flu season, it’s the perfect brew to help boost your immune system against all those nasty bugs flying around.
Did you know that ginger is an anti-inflammatory and helps prevent colds and flus? It’s because the ginger makes you sweat a healthy type of sweat, and according to The World’s Healthiest Foods, “that sweat contains a potent germ-fighting agent that may help fight off infections.”
Meanwhile, turmeric is well-known to have anti-bacterial and antiviral properties, as well as the ability to boost immunity.
Ingredients
Instructions
Making and drinking herbal chai together is a wonderful way to enjoy herbs with the whole family. After all, what could be better than a big mug of sweetly-spiced steamy goodness on a chilly day?
Chai is full of healthful herbs that aid digestion, warm the body, and gently boost the immune system. This recipe is caffeine-free and so is perfect for afternoon snack time or even in the evening before bed to gently stimulate digestion of the evening meal and help the body prepare for a good night’s sleep.
Ingredients
Instructions
This Autumn Tonic Tea is full of herbs that will nourish the body and give it the nutrients it needs to stay healthy through these cold months.
It’s got some more complex ingredients, but they’re readily sourced online if you can’t find them at the market. Trust us, it’s well worth the work!
Ingredients
Instructions
To your blossoming xxx
Click here to learn more about how we rate our antioxidants with the ORAC scale.
Sources:
Home Grown and Healthy - https://homegrownandhealthy.com/stay-healthy-during-the-cold-flu-season/
Amanda Klenner - https://naturalherballiving.com/autumn-tonic-tea-recipe/
Herbal Academy - https://theherbalacademy.com/a-recipe-for-family-friendly-herbal-chai/?ap_id=stacykaren
However, what’s not so widely discussed is how we rate the free radical-quenching capacity of such foods. Enter ORAC.
]]>How exactly ORAC is measured is a little confusing but, put simply, the findings of the experiments were that the higher the ORAC value, the more free radicals that food could quench in a test tube.
Upon its implementation, the ‘superfruit’ was born and the battle of the ORACs continues to be fought by such fruits as noni, goji, acai, maqui berry and others.
To prove that there really is science behind the benefits of food with a high ORAC score, take the world’s Blue Zones. There are five of these areas scattered across the globe where people tend to live far longer than the average human being.
Along with other external factors, one reason for this anomaly is largely understood to be down to the communities' diet.
When we look a little closer at what these people are consuming on a regular basis, we see raw food, drink and spices like turmeric, soy, beans, grains and even wine — all of which contain high ORAC scores.
These are all foods we recognise, which may be making it hard to believe that things like soy and wine are making people live longer. But to perhaps prove the correlation a little more, take the small city of Nicoya in Costa Rica, where the people produce purple sweet potato (or yams) and purple sweet corn.
The fact that these rare foods are packed full of antioxidants and rate very highly on the ORAC scale perhaps gives more credence to the theory that diet is affecting how long we live.
For us though, these purple-coloured exotic foods are hard to come by — and expensive — but it’s not difficult to find other edible items with a high ORAC score closer to home.
Before we delve into the foods that are highest on the ORAC scale, there is an obvious problem — the scale is often based on 100 grams of food.
So, whilst we could readily consume 100 grams of blueberries, it is unlikely that 100 grams of cocoa powder is so palatable! Similarly, herbs and spices tend to rate extremely high on the scale; 100 grams of dried cloves score 314,000 ORAC units and dried oregano scores 200,129 units.
But let's face it, we’re not going to be throwing in 100 grams of dried cloves into our dinners any time soon. Worse still, some product manufacturers don’t always specify what quantity of food was used to calculate the quoted value, so even nutrition-savvy consumers are left wondering!
FOOD |
ORAC VALUE |
SERVE SIZE | ORAC VALUE (Average serve size) |
Pomegranate Juice | 2341 | 1 glass (253mls) | 6014 |
Blueberries | 6500 | 1/2 cup (72g) | 4680 |
Green Tea | 1253 | 1 cup (240mls) | 3027 |
Orange, Navel | 1819 | 1 medium (140g) | 2547 |
Cocoa Powder | 80933 | 1 teaspoon (2.7g) | 2185 |
Mango | 1002 | 1 whole (207g) | 2074 |
Broccoli, Steamed | 2386 | 1/2 cup (80g) | 1861 |
Orange Juice | 726 | 1 cup (253mls) | 1837 |
Potatoes | 1058 | 1 small (138g) | 1460 |
Spinach | 1515 | 1/2 cup (90g) | 1364 |
Do not take this table as gospel, but rather a helpful guide. First of all, a lot of marketers would have us believe that expensive and sometimes exotic fruits such as blueberry and pomegranate are superior because of their high ORAC values.
However, it may surprise you to learn that one red Fuji apple (7781 per 100 grams) has a higher ORAC value than an average serve of blueberries. In a similar vein, a Navel orange, often considered the benchmark for antioxidant intake via Vitamin C is lower in ORAC value than a red apple.
Much of the reason why you’ll find an array of different ‘top 10s’ out there is because the measuring units for ORAC is not foolproof.
For example, it can change with the density of food. So, a grape can actually have a lower antioxidant score than a raisin which comes from the exact same food source. This is because the antioxidising capabilities of natural foods, which are high in water, can be underestimated, while highly processed foods, which have had the water and insides sucked out of them, can be overestimated using an ORAC score.
Although these scores can be confusing and sometimes we should be a little sceptical of foods that frame their value solely on their ORAC scores, they are extremely helpful in the battle against free radicals in our bodies.
If you want to get the most out of these superfoods, it’s best to eat them in their rawest form, or steam cook as this reduces ORAC scores the least.
Let’s go back to those wonderful Blue Zone communities. If we compare ORAC scores in their diets with how long their living, we begin to see a remarkable correlation. So, it seems then, what we can learn is that consuming healthy and nutritional food in its rawest form is, ultimately, the best thing for our beautiful bodies.
To your blossoming xxx
Click here to learn about some easy yoga poses you can do at home.
(Image credit: awesci)
]]>Got 15-20 minutes? (I think, secretly, we all do right now) Here are five yoga poses we absolutely love here at Thalia that are quick to learn and sure to benefit your body and mind
I know we’re sitting around quite a lot, so mimicking a seated position is the last thing on our minds. However, this is a fantastic exercise for all your leg muscles that aren’t exactly getting much of a workout at the moment. The Chair Pose is also good for our posture which, let's face it, could always do with improving.
From the Chair Pose, this one is a bit more relaxing. It’s ideal for those of us who have stiff hips, hamstrings and calves. It also keeps your spine strong and flexible while helping to reduce stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue.
Don’t worry if you can’t do this for very long — a lot of people can’t. The longer you can train yourself to hold it for though, the more benefits you’ll get from it, and there are lots of them!
The pose strengthens your core, heightens metabolism, reduces back pain, improves posture and balance, enhances bone and joint health while boosting your mood and relieving stress.
Following on from the plank, the High Lunge opens the hips and chest, stretches the groin and legs, lengthens the spine and strengthens the lower body.
Time to sit down I think! But let’s not stop the poses just yet. This twisting pose can increase the flexibility in your back, while stretching the shoulders, hips and chest. It can also help relieve tension in the middle of your back. It’s a little complicated, so take your time and make sure you get all your hands and legs in the right place.
Don’t be put off by the name if you don’t know what it is, it’s everyone’s favourite!
It typically signals the end of a yoga class and is designed as a pose for reflection and meditation. You’d be surprised as to how many people struggle to stay still in this position, but try your best to relax all those muscles you’ve been stretching over the past 15 minutes or so.
If you have any chronic injuries or had an operation recently, look up these poses and ensure you’re fit and well enough to do them.
To your blossoming xxx
Click here to learn about some rituals you can do at home.
(Image credit: Yogajournal)
]]>The omegas are part of our unsaturated fats family and, without getting too technical, their number refers to how many carbons they are away from the end of the molecular chain structure of a fatty acid.
Fats are complex and confusing, so don’t worry if you didn’t understand a word of that, because what you need to know is, when it comes to beautiful skin, fat is, in fact, your friend.
Let’s go through the different types of omega fatty acids and find out just how powerful they can be.
Let’s start with the one we all know. Despite its relatively recent rise to prominence, Omega 3’s bodily benefits were discovered by scientists in the 1970s when they realised that countries that had a high marine-based diet had a low rate of heart disease.
Now, even the World Health Organisation recommends eating at least two portions of oily fish per week, which is rich in Omega 3.
There are many types of these fatty acids, which differ based on their chemical shape and size, but the two most common are Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
The DHA variety comes in the form of cold-water fish, like salmon and mackerel or tuna, while we get the EPA kind from flax seeds, walnuts, chia seeds, seaweed, wakame and spirulina.
But Omega 3 is also a superstar for the skin. DHA is a structural component of it and responsible for the health of cell membranes, which make up a large part of your skin. Meanwhile, EPA helps oil production and hydration, reduces ageing and the risk of acne.
Skipping three carbons away from the end of the fatty acid molecular chain is Omega 6. Despite not hearing much about it, it’s just as important to your body as Omega 3 — in fact, it’s essential, which means your body can’t produce it naturally.
Good sources of Omega 6 include nuts, olive oil, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, and the oils of seeds like chia, pumpkin, and grape seed.
These fats are primarily used for energy and produce important chemicals for your immune system. However, if too much of it is produced, it can actually be more pro-inflammatory.
The key is consuming fats in the right ratios. Omega 3s decrease inflammation, whereas too much Omega 6, can increase inflammation. Our western diet tends to be loaded with Omega 6 fatty acids but is often lacking in Omega 3s. The suggested ratio is about 3:1.
To avoid confusion, we ensure the ratio in our products is perfectly balanced, so your skin is getting exactly what it needs to achieve your perfect glow.
Omega 7 is a little different from 3 and 6 in the sense that it’s a monounsaturated fatty acid (the other two are polyunsaturated).
Don’t worry, you don’t need to understand exactly what that means, but what is important is that it can help improve insulin resistance, reduce plaque in the arteries, lower cholesterol and support weight loss.
So what is the best way to get more Omega 7? Well, you can get it from certain foods, such as macadamia nuts, lard, butter, avocado and fatty fish like anchovies, salmon and herring.
However, even if you’re cooking with lard or getting your daily avocado on toast, it’s very difficult to get enough omega 7 into our bodies, let alone onto our skin.
However, our Multi-Correctional Facial Serum contains the rare and highly sought-after Omega 7 via our Seabuckthorn Berry CO2 Extract ingredient.
This plant is a true skin superhero. It also delivers the richest known plant source of beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A), together with an astonishing array of Vitamins C and E, caratenoids, flavanoids, and amino acids. Its warm orange hue imparts skin with a radiant golden glow.
Omega 9 isn’t as essential because your body already creates it in abundant quantities. But studies suggest that putting more in your body and on your skin, is beneficial.
We can get more Omega 9 from foods like extra olive oil, flaxseed, olives, avocados, nuts and sesame oil.
These fatty acids have been shown to increase HDL (‘good’) cholesterol and decrease LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol and they help eliminate plaque build-up in the arteries, which causes heart disease.
If you suffer from dry and flaky skin, then Omega 9 could also help you, as it works to maintain the level of hydration within the dermis. Furthermore, it has been shown to improve the elasticity of the skin, helping to keep it looking plump and youthful.
This is why we include this fatty acid in our Multi-Correctional Facial Serum using ingredients such as Argan oil and Sandalwood Nut CO2 extract.
To your blossoming xxx
]]>This also signals the beginning of a movement from the external, expanding the energy of summer to the internal, contracting energy of the cold. It is the perfect time to begin the journey inward, withdrawing energy from the outer world and preparing for the cooler months ahead.
]]>Use this time to breathe deeply, meditate and reflect on the challenges, achievements and harvest of the past year. In the cycle, autumn is often the richest and most rewarding, as non-essential activities, beliefs and relationships drop off like falling leaves, leaving behind the ripeness of wisdom and experience.
Autumn is about organisation. Finish up any projects you started in summer or spring, and use this time to slow down and replenish reserves. Stock up your freezer and pantry, and get your house and garden in order.
In traditional Chinese medicine, autumn is the theme of “the lungs” and the theme of the lungs is “letting go”. So, autumn is a time to let go of things weighing you down, to make space for new experiences you can grow from.
Let go of unwanted possessions, old clothes, computer files and household items that are no longer used. Remember the golden rule of decluttering: ‘is it useful? Is it beautiful? Is it sentimental?’
Extend this philosophy to everything in your life. Letting go of negativity is a good idea at any time, but it's particularly good in autumn. What emotions are you holding onto that could be released? What is no longer serving your greatest good? Is there someone you need to forgive? Or someone you need to fall away from?
This process may require some soul searching, but your future self will thank you. Sometimes we hold onto things out of habit, fear or simply our conditioning. Now is the time to question everything, from your daily routines to your diet, to your relationships, to your beauty routine!
Breathe DeeplyWe cannot plug this powerful remedy enough! One of the best ways to strengthen the lungs is to breathe deeply.
So many of us do not breathe deeply enough, which can affect our immune system, energy and skin! Crazy fact, but did you know that 70 per cent of the accumulated toxins within our body, is actually released through breathing?
When we breathe deeply and with intention, we deliver more oxygen and circulation to the skin, boost the lymphatic system, improve digestion, calm the nervous system and ensure humming hormones. For a deeper dive on the beauty benefits see our article here.
Take it up a notch by getting out into nature. Breathe in the brisk autumn air, taking long, slow breaths or try these breathing exercises here.
SkinThe ultimate aim here is to bring your body back into balance after the holiday season and fill up on nourishing foods to prepare your body for winter.
Autumn skin can begin to feel dull and dehydrated, so a good dose of inner and outer moisture is needed to protect against environmental aggressors such as central heating and cold weather.
As a season of transition, post-summer skin could do with some serious TLC, in preparation for the cooler months to come. Think purification, exfoliation and replenishment.
Try taking a break from alcohol, and begin upping your antioxidant intake. Foods rich in selenium will help address any damage from too much summer sun, as will foods containing vitamins A, C and E.
Because the weather cools off in autumn, we need to eat less cooling foods like salads, and more slow and warming foods like stewed fruits, steamed vegetables, casseroles, soups and roasts.
Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends seasonal moistening foods such as pears, pumpkins, mushrooms, squash, cabbage, apples, grapefruit and lemon.
Vitamin C is naturally found in many autumn fruits and vegetables. Not only does this boost our immune system, but is also a skin superstar! Vitamin C is highly effective at reducing free radical damage, such as skin that has been overexposed to the sun during summer or pollution. It is also essential for the production of collagen, the elastic tissue that is found in the skin. The best in-season autumn finds are capsicums, citrus fruits, broccoli and parsley.
Be sure to get your daily dose of healthy fats from foods such as grass-fed ghee, avocado, olive and coconut oil. Cold weather can be countered with plenty of Omega-3 essential fatty acids to provide moisture from the inside out and reduce inflammation. Aim for sources such as flax, chia seeds or oily fish.
Autumn is also a time to give ourselves some extra attention and self-love, so that instead of seeking validation from the outside — chasing money, status and power — we can be content knowing that everything we need is within us to be complete.
Seek out more intensive serums that contain a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to strengthen the skin barrier, whilst retaining and replenishing moisture. Spend some extra time massaging them into your skin to boost circulation, blood flow and delivery of nutrients.
Oil cleansing is perfect for the cooler months, as it nourishes and hydrates, while removing dirt, make-up and debris. It will not strip or disrupt the delicate outer acid mantle, designed to protect your skin, and when removed with a warm face cloth it steams and detoxifies the skin, leaving it petal-soft.
We strongly encourage introducing a weekly exfoliating treatment. Between the cold air outside and dry indoor heating, your skin cells dehydrate and die out faster in the cold.
Glow, texture and everything about your skin looks better when you exfoliate properly. Serums sink in deeper, and make-up glides more easily when it is soft, polished, and free of excess oil, dead skin cells, and debris.
Our Purity Polish (available with our Ritual Combo) contains the best of land and sea to gently polish and reset skin. It contains ingredients such as marine phytoplankton, pearl and rose to nourish, stimulate and soften skin. (Available for individual purchase soon!)
A facial steam bath can draw out toxins, and built-up impurities. It is the perfect warming ritual for the onset of cold, and it will have your skin cooing like a newborn baby. For a full ritual see our article here.
Exfoliation is not just for the face, and it's essential to the prevention and build-up of dry skin.
Honey moisturises and soothes, coffee boosts skin circulation and brown sugar provides a natural source of glycolic acid (also known as AHA) to break down dead skin and support cell turnover. This easy DIY Recipe always does the trick:
Mix all ingredients together and rub over the skin in a circular motion. Rinse with warm water and glow!
Circulation is so important in cold weather. To keep the blood moving, a morning Ritual we adore is dry brushing. This process really gives love to your lymph system, which is responsible for the removal of waste and toxins from the body.
The simple act of running a dry brush across our skin, followed by some simple self massage with olive oil will detox your skin and deliver hydration. For a full ritual see our article here.
Finish with a contrast shower or contrast water therapy for 1-3 minutes (be mindful of not slipping if lathered in olive oil!).
A contrast shower alternates the temperature from hot to cold to boost immunity, energy, blood circulation, while removing toxins, reducing inflammation. It also wakes you up like nobody’s business and is a skin saviour!
The benefits are endless but, to get the greatest benefits, a ratio of 3:1 is recommended.
To your blossoming xxx
Click here to learn about some rituals that help you stay healthy at home.
]]>But for many of us, home is becoming increasingly intertwined with our work life as we self-isolate or are told to keep away from our offices.
]]>During these times it’s vital we give ourselves some extra TLC, so we can continue living our best lives. Here are our favourite rituals to keep you inspired and sane!
It’s relatively easy to keep your usual morning routine. You’ll still get up, have a shower, make breakfast, etcetera. But what working from home will change is your commute to work — it’s non-existent.
It can be tempting to use this time to lie in bed and scroll through social media pages, but this will do no good for your productivity and mental health.
Instead, aim to use this precious time wisely. Nature is not cancelled, so getting out for a walk, better still barefoot, to drink in its healing nectar, will soothe any weary soul.
Hug a tree. We’re serious! Hugs and touch are integral to our wellbeing and boosting our immunity!! Or you could use this time for daily self-massage to pump our lymph, improve circulation and release those feel good endorphins.
Movement. Moving your body helps move emotions, even if it’s dancing to your favourite tunes in the lounge room.
Finally, you might be tempted to forgo the shower and lounge around in your pyjamas all day. (Tempting!) However, pyjamas, whilst comfy won’t provide you with a productive mindset. Kick your mind into gear by wearing some nominated work clothes, to cue you for work.
The same goes for the rest of your day. Begin and end work at the same time and try to stick to your usual eating habits. With easy access to your kitchen and with nobody else waiting until 1pm to eat their lunch, it can be easy to find your way back to the fridge.
But just because you don’t have meetings or designated lunch hours, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stick to the structure of it all. Your whole body is used to a certain routine and altering from this can really affect your digestion and nutritional uptake.
What also proves a challenge is overcoming the thought that you can work with the television on. Sure, the novelty of it might be nice to begin with, but over time you’ll notice a sharp decrease in your productivity. Not reaching your regular goals at work can have major impacts on your mood and stress levels — so switch out the TV for some inspiring music instead.
Being cooped up inside also affects your body's largest organ — your skin.
During these times it’s important to nourish your skin as much as possible with a beautiful concoction of vitamins, antioxidants and plant power as much as possible.
Of course, our wildcrafted and organic skincare provides this perfect remedy, but it’s equally imperative you treat your skin with some extra love and attention. For example, drink lots of water, move your beautiful body, sweat, and get plenty of good sleep to stay glowing.
The one essential vitamin your body loses when you spend lots of time inside is vitamin D. We get almost all of this micronutrient from the sun, so even though you’re supposed to be inside, find a few moments to get out of the house. Whether that’s a walk to the shops to get some supplies or a jog around the park, the more time you can spend outside the better.
At home, you don't have to be at the mercy of your boss's ideal office environment — you're in charge.
Open your windows to let some fresh air in to reinvigorate yourself, set the thermostat to whatever temperature feels most comfortable to you and turn on as many lights as you need to see without squinting or dealing with glare.
The downside of being in charge of your own environment is now there’s no cleaner to keep your office space clean — it’s down to you.
A clear space means a clear mind, so vacuum two-times weekly, clean and wash the most used things at your home every day. Try not to dirty dishes in the sink for a long time, wipe down surfaces after and dust regularly.
Lastly, keep things organised. Always put your clothes, shoes and coats away, make your bed in the morning, declutter your workspace so it looks inviting. All of these things will allow you to recreate the ideal working conditions as best as possible.
Now is not the time to be trying out new and outlandish diets. Instead, these times provide the perfect opportunity to nourish yourself with incredible home-cooked love. By this, we mean real food, rich in nutrients to support you in thriving instead of surviving through these times. Our motto is to eat the rainbow as much as possible.
Use this extra time to prep your lunch and snacks in the evening, to provide yourself with something you can look forward to. You might just be surprised at what your inner chef can whip up. When you do finally eat, slow down and savour every delicious mouthful!
Part of eating healthily incorporates where you eat as well. Turning your home desk into a snack or lunch station, for example, is not the best idea. Try to keep your desk away from where you eat and, if you’re a chronic snacker, make sure you have some nutritional options available, like nuts and fresh fruit.
For some, working from home can prove a challenge, but the key to success is to try set up rituals to support yourself from 9-to-5. The TV, kitchen and cluttered surrounds all cause distractions from your daily focus.
With so many out of work, gratitude for all we have is so powerful when we begin to slide into a funk. Be compassionate with yourself, this is all new to you, and be sure to reach out to a friend or someone you love for support when you need it. There is so much beauty in vulnerability.
To your blossoming xxx
]]>Not only do they also dry and strip our skin, but for sensitive compositions, it can trigger conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and inflammation.
]]>Here is our DIY recipe that will disinfect, while offering your hands some moisture:
Add all ingredients to a small bowl and stir to combine. Transfer hand sanitiser to a small, clean pump bottle and store it for up to six months.
To your blossoming xxx
Click here to learn about some breathing exercises to help with home stresses.
]]>Well, turns out being cooped up at home all the time, introducing our work into our relaxing environments, can prove very stressful and anxiety-provoking.
]]>Well, there’s another solution.
Have you ever noticed how you breathe when you feel relaxed? The next time you are relaxed, take a moment to notice how your body feels. Or think about how you breathe when you first wake up in the morning or just before you fall asleep. Breathing is one of the most powerful ways of restoring calm.
In a nutshell, shallow breathing tells our body it is not safe, but deep breathing communicates that we are. It is a primal action, to signal we are not being chased by a tiger. Deep breathing shifts our body from flight or fight, calms our nervous and adrenal system, while lowering cortisol and reducing stress.
Here are some breathing exercises we love, that can support you in reducing stress now that we’re more confined to our homes.
Those who practice Hatha yoga will be familiar with this exercise under its Indian name of “anulom ailom pranayama”. It’s said to be an outstanding antidote to stress and anxiety. But we also find it powerful for waking up both sides of the brain.
We recommend at least five repetitions. Finish by breathing in and exhaling deeply.
This is a really simple method to help reduce anxiety, get to sleep, manage cravings and control anger response.
Before starting the breathing pattern, adopt a comfortable sitting position and place the tip of the tongue on the tissue right behind the top front teeth.
To use the 4-7-8 technique, focus on the following breathing pattern:
This breathing exercise is especially effective before going to bed. It actually works similarly to counting sleep.
This technique can help you take your mind off racing thoughts or whatever might be distracting you.
First, begin by sitting or lying down in a comfortable position. Keep your eyes open or closed, it’s up to you.
This one is a little more complex, but still a really simple and calming exercise.
If you are finding life a little bit overly stressful at the moment, you might find it harder to control your breathing than you think. If you are, don’t worry about it, just keep practicing and try to relax.
This one is a little different, but it’s a fantastic technique you can do when you’re sitting at home, or even in your office chair.
By intentionally tensing and then relaxing each muscle group one at a time, you can ease excess tension from head to toe.
If you’re struggling a bit to concentrate, inhale through your nose and hold for 5 seconds while tensing your muscles, before exhaling through your mouth as you release those muscles. If holding your breath ever feels uncomfortable, tone it down to just a few seconds.
There you have it. Four wonderful breathing exercises to try at home to help ease this transition we’re all experiencing. Remember to look out for each other, as well as yourself during these unprecedented times.
To your blossoming XXX
]]>Massage is perhaps one of the oldest healing remedies there is. It dates all the way back to the ancient Greeks, who were convinced of its therapeutic properties and the power of touch.
This was a time when our desire for beauty was realised through the pursuits of pleasure. At Thalia Skin, we believe in transporting ourselves back to when our bodies were honoured as a source of joy and endless wonder — a philosophy our products derive from.
A massage not only has connections to when mythological legends roamed free, but it is one of the rare treatments that heal both body and mind.
It helps repair our soft tissue while seducing us into a state of ultimate relaxation, where we’re able to briefly forget about the stressful world and travel to our very own oasis.
There’s a reason why the act of massage has remained for centuries — it’s a truly ancient power.
Human beings are wired for touch, and newborn babies actually require it to thrive. Touch is the very first sense we acquire, and a secret weapon in many successful relationships!
We all know that if you’re sore or achy, then a massage can give genuine targeted relief — and it’s not hard to find research that backs this up.
For example, a study conducted in Australia found that a 10-minute muscle massage after a workout could reduce soreness by up to 30 per cent.
Committing to regular massages is a great tool for pain management. You can focus on specific problem areas, or simply treat your whole body, gradually loosening the muscles by increasing the blood flow to them.
The action of massage can help alleviate pain tied to injuries, arthritis and a range of other conditions and, after a few sessions, you may find yourself reducing the number of pain medications you buy.
This ancient therapy doesn’t just provide short-term pain release, but also ongoing muscular and posture problems.
Let’s face it, we’ve all caught ourselves slouching over the desk at work. This poor posture can cause a lot of tension in the back and neck — which is no good for our body.
The good news is, bad posture can be corrected with regular massages. The therapy itself will loosen the muscles and alleviate any pain caused by your bad posture. This will, in turn, enable your body to position itself in its natural — and pain-free — position.
The power of the massage doesn’t stop there — it can even help strengthen the immune system. It is a well-known fact that individuals who experience high levels of stress are more vulnerable to illness and injury. When stress is combined with sleep disturbances and poor nutrition, the impact is directed at the body’s immune system.
Studies have indicated that regular massage sessions not only help reduce stress but can also boost the immune system’s cytotoxic capacity (activity level of the body’s natural ‘killer cells’) and enhances the body’s ability to deliver nourishment.
Massage is therapeutic for the mind as well as the body. It can help relieve anxiety, depression and a range of other mental health issues.
It can also help people deal with a pre-existing medical condition. For example, a study, published in the International Journal of Neuroscience, found that women diagnosed with breast cancer who received massage therapy three times a week reported being less depressed and less angry.
The reasons behind this are perhaps due to the fact that a massage can increase our ‘feel good’ hormones. A University of Miami study found that levels of the stress hormone cortisol dropped 31 per cent following a rubdown, while levels of feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin increased roughly 30 per cent.
This effect on stress-related chemicals has been seen to have a profound impact on a number of pathologic conditions, including dementia.
Three separate studies by the Applied Psychophysiological Biofeedback Journal, Journal of Clinical Nursing and the International Journal of Nursing Studies all showed a variety of massages improved agitation, stress and even cognition and brain function.
There’s a seemingly infinite number of massage types out there. There’s remedial massage, Swedish massage, Thai massage, chi massage, lomi lomi massage, tantric massage and nuru massage, just to name a few.
Without going through each one of their individual benefits, we can generally separate them into four main categories:
It can often be a matter of trial and error to see which massage suits your body best. A good masseuse or masseur will be able to ascertain this by listening to you and your body. Remember — a massage is supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable for you, so don’t lie through a treatment that isn't beneficial.
Once considered an alternative or fringe approach, massage therapy is now available to all who want to bask in its healing properties — just as the ancient Greeks did all those years ago. So get out there and… relax.
To your blossoming xxx
Click here to learn more about antioxidants and their healing powers.
]]>During these uncertain times it’s imperative we care for one another and share what knowledge we have, because all we have at the moment is… us.
Yoko is the founder of organic raw food and living food cafe, Shoku Iku, and author of vegan cookbook “Raw”. She studied the Macrobiotic lifestyle at the Kushi Institute in Japan, which inspired her to train as a holistic nutritionist.
Here’s what she had to say:
With the fear of Coronavirus that is going on at the moment building your immune system is crucial.
So little is known about this virus at this time and there is no way to provide any concrete information about how this virus can be controlled.
The most positive thing is this. Remember pathogens can more easily take up residence in a body that is immunocompromised.
Ways to boost immunity:
These all seem like common-sense, but it is how you strengthen your immune system. Consistent and regular protocols are the key an act as your natural immune boosters.
Yoko also has an immunity blend that you can find here.
You see, I had formed the belief at a tender age, that it was not ok to shine too brightly around other women, in case you threatened them in some way... But all it did was make me insecure too…
Yes, I was backstabbed, there was jealousy, insecurity and betrayal, but there are two sides to every coin. We were young, just trying to belong, find love and our place in this precious world.
It may seem that actually, the only thing we ever were taught is how to compete against each other — to fear another star instead of basking in its beauty. To feel threatened instead of inspired by the talents of other women and the gifts they have to offer this world.
We can end up looking at our fellow sisters through a lens of fear instead of love...
Maybe this fear was born one time at a party, when that pretty girl walked through the door, and suddenly you felt like a weak nightlight against a backdrop of neon.
What if we could remember that light can shine in a luminous spectrum of different colours? Beauty is not a scarce resource and there are more ways to be beautiful than there are stars in the galaxy.
Often in an effort to ensure we don’t make other women feel insecure or uncomfortable, we have been conditioned to relate through our trials instead of our triumphs.
We end up bonding over what is wrong instead of what is right with our lives, only sharing the bad, because deep down we don’t want them to feel bad or hate us for having a happy life.
Sadly, this can result in becoming less of ourselves, holding back our truth, and dimming ourselves down for fear of being too bright or too much.
Yes, it is important to be there when the going gets tough, but its also equally important to celebrate the highs, have gratitude for the blessings and remind one another of just how incredibly fabulous we all are.
Because I believe we actually see another woman’s beauty quite deeply.
“The connections between and among other women are the most feared, the most problematic, and the most potentially transforming force on the planet.” — Adrienne Rich.
Imagine a world where we could honour, celebrate and bask in the light of another woman’s radiance?
For she is merely holding up a mirror for you to see your own reflection.
Let her light give you courage.
Let your jealousy turn into admiration.
Let your envy turn into inspiration.
Turn your fear into motivation.
May Cause Miracles — Gabrielle Bernstein.
Fast forward to today and I feel so fortunate to tell you a different story. It took motherhood to bring me to my knees and crack open my heart, but I’m forever grateful it did.
I can now tell you that nothing on earth compares to the fierce and irreplaceable love that exists between women.
Coming from someone who had a rather rocky start, I cannot tell you how much joy and pleasure and SANITY my dearly beloved girlfriends have infused into my life.
They will wrap you up in their love when life throws you lemons...
They will wash the vomit off sheets in the middle of the night, while your child lays in your arms with gastro. (Thanks Maria!)
They hold space for you to bare your soul, your vulnerability and your messiest secrets.
They will offer their home, their best box of chocolates or their biggest bottle of vino, just so you can let it all out.
They will laugh with you until you cry, dance with you until your feet ache and reflect back to you your brilliance. They see our potential, even when we have forgotten, and support us in unfolding the greatest vision we have of ourselves.
Well, I can tell you, when women come together in love, there’s just no telling how far we can fly.
In our modern world, women balance so many hats on their head. We are privileged to now have freedom, but from what I understand about my nearest and dearest, we’re still learning how to be there for our kids, husbands, families and friends, while carving out our dreams and finding time for our precious pleasure.
There is more than enough of everything in this world, for us all to have our hearts desires, but it happens a hell of a lot faster when we help each other.
So support a sister in any way that you can.
Surround yourself with women who love it when your light shines brightly, who encourage you to reach for your dreams and will stop at nothing to remind you of just how bloody beautiful you are.
Because when we have the courage to truly shine, we give permission to others...
This is my story... I would love to hear yours.
To your blossoming xxx
Click here to read more about why we should let our beauty shine.
]]>Let’s go through the facts.
Free radicals are harmful to your skin and body in general. They are molecules that can cause damage to different components in cells, such as the DNA, proteins, outer barrier, and the matrix.
They multiply largely due to high exposure to UV rays, but now these numbers are increasing due to a variety of external factors like infrared radiation, pollutants and other stressors like smoking.
Antioxidants help with your body’s fight against these free radicals. They essentially donate electrons to neutralise free radicals or stop them from forming in the first place.
But that’s not to say having free radicals around is a disastrous thing. At Thalia, we believe in an ultimate balance, and there is always a delicate proportion of free radicals to antioxidants that are naturally made in the skin.
However, if the balance is lost and there are too many free radicals compared to antioxidants, then we experience something called oxidative stress. This plays a major role in the premature ageing of the skin, hyperpigmentation, eczema, acne, as well as skin cancers.
Restoring your body’s balance in the most natural way possible is part of our philosophy at Thalia. This is why our organic products are packed with antioxidants that can aid your body’s battle against these symptoms.
A lot of skincare products boast about having antioxidant powers, but not all are created equal. It’s actually quite a challenge to ensure that there are high enough concentrations of it, that the product is stable enough and that it is actually biologically active once applied to the skin.
This is why, at Thalia, we select rare, exquisite and nutrient-rich carrier oils that are delivered in their freshest, rawest and unprocessed states, to ensure the vitality and energetic life force of each precious plant remain intact.
This way, our organic essential oils can feature a number of antioxidants in their purest form.
Often found under the guise of retinol, tretinoin acid, or retinaldehyde, Vitamin A has multiple functions.
It increases healthy cellular turnover, exfoliates the skin, decreases the signs of ageing, repairs cellular structure, decreases sebum production and elicits the formation of collagen.
We use ingredients such as Camellia Seed Oil and Rosehip CO2 Extract to pack both our Multi-Correctional Facial Serum and Clarifying Cleansing Oil with Vitamin A to help awaken tired, dull and dehydrated skin.
This is such a powerful vitamin. It is a strong antioxidant that binds and removes harmful free radicals from the skin, like those produced from exposure to ultraviolet radiation and environmental pollutants.
It simultaneously helps prevent ageing skin, stimulates the production of collagen and protects against UV damage.
Our products are full of natural Vitamin C, delivered by ingredients like the rare Seabuckthorn Berry CO2 extract.
Like Vitamin C, Vitamin E is a super powerful organic substance that fights off harmful UV rays.
Scientific studies have demonstrated that Vitamin E treatment can reduce UV-induced photo-damage, decrease the risk of skin cancers, and stabilise the skin barrier.
We use ingredients like Prickly Pear Seed Oil, Argan Oil and Tamanu Oil in our products to help regenerate dry skin and help battle irritations like acne and eczema.
It sounds odd and chemical-like, but Curcumin, or Curcuma Longa is found in turmeric root.
That yellow-gold coloured spice that’s so popular in Mediterranean cuisine has become so much more globally renowned for its healing qualities in recent times.
It helps decrease inflammation, accelerates wound healing, prevents oily skin and acne, fights free radicals, and is photo-protective, anti-ageing and anti-microbial.
The yellow colour can make it challenging to incorporate it into skincare serums, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. Our multi-correctional facial serum is gentle, does not stain the skin, and provides light exfoliating effects that leave skin feeling soft with a gorgeous glowing after-effect.
Antioxidants aren’t all cast in the same mould but, at Thalia, we believe that an all-natural all-encompassing formula will help your body balance the levels of free radicals to nourish both your skin and your soul.
To your blossoming xxx
]]>Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, cleansing and healing, salt is an all-natural powerhouse of skin-friendly minerals such as sodium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, sulphate and potassium.
Fun fact. Seawater and blood plasma have almost identical compositions of mineral and trace elements. They are the only two environments similar enough for this to happen, which is truly remarkable!
With this in mind, it’s no wonder the correct concentration of saltwater can open pores, soak up excess oils, absorb toxins and fight off bacteria that can contribute to acne and rosacea.
The minerals in salt naturally exfoliate by sloughing away dead skin and promoting turnover of the outer skin layer. Combined with coarse sand, your dead and dull skin will be gone for good, while the anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to assist with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
A swim in the sea can relieve itching through the delivery of magnesium — an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial mineral. Additionally, the sulphur in seawater is a natural antiseptic, and many masks contain this active ingredient.
Saltwater for medical purposes even has a name: thalassotherapy. It harnesses seawater as a health treatment for ailments such as arthritis, lowering blood pressure, hay fever, sinusitis and boosting immunity.
But best of all, stress just seems to dissipate from our body whenever we are in, and beside the sea. With science again confirming that time on the beach can cause an overall increase in dopamine (known as the happy hormone) and serotonin (a mood booster) that also helps us get a good night's sleep.
It’s no wonder why beach holidays are always the best of all! So make the most of the last few days of summer down here in Oz, and go get yourself some good ol vitamin sea!
To your blossoming xxx
]]>But as we always say at Thalia, your skin is your biggest organ, and it cries out for vitamins just like your insides do. But with 13 essential vitamins out there, which ones are essential to healthy skin?
The answer is, well… all of them are. Of course, some are needed in higher quantities than others, and the amount the body naturally produces varies from person to person.
In the same way whole foods contain Vitamins, so do pure plant oils. This is why we have made it our mission to pack our products with as many skin-loving vitamins as possible, in their rawest, cold-pressed and freshest forms possible, for maximum efficacy.
Let’s start at the beginning of the alphabet. Vitamin A. Acclaimed for its ability to regenerate the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, most people associate this Vitamin with Retinol. And yes, while this synthetic version applied topically has shown to be beneficial for wrinkles, there is a serious downside. Vitamin A at high levels can be toxic, and its synthetic derivative has been known to cause severe skin sensitivities, dryness, peeling and redness.
As we always say, nature knows best. So we made it our mission to unearth the best natural forms of this skin regenerating Vitamin and include it in both our Awakening Serum and Cleansing Truth. The sources?
Bring on Seabuckthorn Berry CO2 extract. It delivers the richest known plant source of beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A), while Rosehip C02 extract is another bountiful source of trans-retinoic acid. Retinoic acid, the acid derivative of Vitamin A, is the active ingredient found in Retin-A or Tretinoin. Even better, our Rosehip is extracted from the entire plant, which contains Vitamins A, E and C. (Standard Rosehip oil does not contain Vitamin C — this is a common misnomer!)
Vitamin B isn’t just any regular vitamin, there are eight different classes of B vitamins — all of which come from different sources and have a variety of skincare benefits.
To go through each one would fill a whole separate article, but the entire complex helps to combat free radical damage, aid anti-ageing and help prevent skin conditions like acne and eczema.
We ingest this vitamin via whole grains, meat or legumes, but you can also apply it to the skin through Camelia Seed, a favourite of Japanese Geisha’s for centuries, and found in our Clarifying Cleansing Oil.
For some reason whenever we think of vitamins, our first thought usually goes Vitamin C — probably because it’s in a lot of the food we eat, like citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli and spinach.
What you may not know is that it’s already found in high quantities in your skin, helping collagen production and fighting cancer with its antioxidant properties.
But, if you feed your skin with more Vitamin C, you can reap yet more benefits, like fending off the signs of ageing, reducing wrinkles, and preventing dry and damaged skin.
Given the importance of this vitamin to the skin, it was imperative for us to include it in all of our products in its purest form. This is why we only choose organic plants and oils to ensure the vitality and energetic life force of each precious mineral remains intact.
Find it within our Seabuckthorn Berry C02 Extract, organically sourced from Germany, our Rosehip C02 Extract and Camellia Seed Oil.
Vitamin D can affect more than just your bones, it can affect your skin as well.
The sun is, of course, our main source of Vitamin D for the skin, so don’t be afraid to spend some responsible time in the sun.
However, it’s like anything in this world — all in moderation. Too much sun can be harmful to your skin, while healthy levels help to prevent it from prematurely ageing and treat conditions like dry skin, psoriasis, or eczema.
As we all know, too much sun can be detrimental to your skin’s health, and this is where Vitamin E comes in — it is a vital component in keeping your body balanced during your time outdoors. It absorbs harmful UV rays when applied to the skin, while also nourishing, hydrating and neutralising free radicals.
Normally, the body produces vitamin E through sebum, an oily substance emitted through the skin’s pores. If you find you have dry skin, it’s usually because you don’t produce enough of it.
At Thalia, we want to provide your skin optimal nutrition through powerful botanicals, to bring all skin types back into balance.
Our Awakening Serum contains Prickly Pear Seed Oil: an extremely rare and precious liquid silk which contains incredibly high levels of Vitamin E.
Meanwhile, our Clarifying Cleansing Oil is mixed with Argan Oil: freshly pressed and hand turned on a stone wheel by the Berber women’s co-operative in Morocco, it is famed for its remarkably rich levels of Vitamin E.
Another unsung superhero you might not be familiar with is Tamanu oil. This supremely rich and silky nectar delivers a deep infusion of moisture, and has incredible regenerative abilities. It has shown to be especially effective with the treatment of acne. Find it within our Cleansing Truth.
Last, but not least, Vitamin K is essential in aiding the body’s process of blood clotting, which helps heal wounds, bruises, and areas affected by surgery.
But it can also help certain skin conditions, like stretch marks, spider veins, scars, dark spots and circles under your eyes.
Its effects on the skin are more limited than Vitamins E and C, but that doesn’t mean you should forgo this essential mineral.
Find it within our Prickly Pear Seed Oil. Renowned for its ability to reduce dark circles and fine lines.
Our bodies crave balance, and there are many nutrients that we are either lacking or simply cannot manufacture on its own — and that’s why we believe an all-natural all-encompassing skincare regime is an incredible way to topically nourish both your skin and your soul with all vitamins it needs.
To your blossoming xxx
Click here to read more about the breakout solutions to treating acne.
]]>The good news is, there are so many ways to quench your thirst with something cool that will actually leave you feeling refreshed and renewed, while incorporating all those yummy sweet summer flavours.
So, to celebrate the warmer months of the year, we at Thalia have decided to go through our favourite summer drinks — those that boost vibrancy, increase energy and, of course, get you glowing in that summer sun.
Making you look younger, delivering tons of rejuvenating hydration and aiding your skin’s health, all while tasting delicious — what more could you want!?
There’s so much goodness packed into this sweet and refreshing drink by Estelle Lefebure’s ‘Mindful Beauty’ book. The coconut water offers that kick of hydration you’re after, while the pineapple and banana give you tons of vitamins and fibres your insides crave.
Turmeric is the hidden gem in this sensational concoction. The spice helps cure acne, heal wounds, prevents cancer growth cells, controls blood pressure and so much more!
Best served in the morning or early afternoon, this drink is bound to give you the boost of energy you need for the rest of the day.
Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into tall glasses and enjoy!
Strawberries and peaches are synonymous with summer, which is why we couldn’t leave this fantastic drink out of our favourites.
Also from Estelle Lefebure’s ‘Mindful Beauty’, this sweet and refreshing number is high in Vitamin D, healthy fats and antioxidants, and a perfect example of those quintessential summer drink recipes for a crowd.
The lavender flowers give it a freshness that makes it perfect for a warm afternoon tipple.
To prepare, first, pour the almond milk into the blender. Then add the halved strawberries, the peach quarters and a few lavender flowers and blend until smooth. Serve in a tall glass with a few extra lavender flowers sprinkled on top to create that insta-worthy photo.
At Thalia, we love going green — and it’s the same when it comes to our health drinks.
Why do we love these drinks so much? For the multiple health benefits of course! They can create an optimal pH state in the body, support a healthy liver, aid detoxification, reduce breakouts on the skin and so much more.
This recipe is so perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth, it can even double up as a dessert. Full of proteins, fats, vitamins and nutrients, this delicious beauty drink packs a punch — in a really good way.
Pop in blender and blitz. It’s as simple as that.
To your blossoming xxx
Click here to reveal our favourite green beauty drinks.
What makes matters worse is that there’s so much noise surrounding skincare routines, clouding our knowledge of what exactly to put on our body. The 10-step Korean skincare routine is the latest craze to hit the market, adding to the twice-daily, daily, weekly, or monthly applications we’re already advised to do.
We see so much hype around skin types (dry, normal, sensitive, combination, oily and acne-prone). It puts you in a state of constant search, asking: what skin type am I?
For a start, this was actually a model constructed by the cosmetics industry in an effort to sell more products, and squeeze your precious skin into a box.
The thing is though — rarely does our skin squeeze neatly into any box.
The truth is, we have witnessed women experiencing almost all skin types at once!
I found myself in my early teens at the Clinique counter believing their three-step program would deliver miracles, only to see my acne covered skin go from bad to worse. It turns out the soap cleansing bar was stripping my skin, triggering an overproduction of sebum in an effort to balance itself!
How did beauty become so cluttered and complicated when radiant skin can be so simple?
Layering too many products on top of another can only confuse skin further. This is especially true with the inclusion of synthetic ingredients, emulsifiers and preservatives, which can result in a cocktail of chemical ingredients, doing more harm than good.
We believe a ritual with fewer products of greater quality, is more beneficial to both our skin and our bank account.
This is the sole reason our entire collection consists of only 3 products. (Our soon to be released Purity Polish is available with our Ritual Combo).
Here at Thalia, we believe that we should all adopt a minimalist, pleasure-filled routine, by providing the skin with optimal nutrition and strategic use of powerful essential oils, to bring all skin types back into balance.
We refer to our formulations as multi-correctional, as we have addressed specific skin concerns with the inclusion of botanicals that target these issues. We believe in doing away with multiple toners and overnight masks and taking things back to all-natural basics.
As a mother and business owner, it was imperative that I created a small power-packed, multi-purpose range of rituals that ticked all the boxes in a minimalist way.
If we break it down, what are the daily actions we should be taking to achieve optimum skin health?
1. Removal of make-up, dirt and debris, that has built up on our skin during the day
2. Offering our skin hydration
3. Providing protection through antioxidants to combat free radicals
4. Offering skin nutrition that strengthens the skin barrier and ensures optimal skin health
And voila! There you have it, folks.
You might want to add in a weekly action to this, such as an exfoliating treatment or face mask, to remove dead skin cells and reset the skin.
It all begins with our Cleansing Truth, which removes impurities (without stripping skin) and doubles as a face or body moisturiser, thanks to the inclusion of luxury oils such as Argan, Tamanu and Camellia. Just add a few extra drops after Cleansing.
Our Awakening Serum was created to be my desert island, all-in-one product. Filled to the brim with nothing but skin superheroes (14 of them in fact). It delivers all of your hydration, antioxidants, omegas, essential fatty acids and nutrients in a powerful bottle.
Our Purity Polish (available with our Ritual Combo) exfoliates, but can also be customised as a face mask depending on the time you have available.
I always like to remind our dear customers that our skin is our largest organ. In our experience the skin is one of the most powerful messengers, indicating an imbalance in the body. If you are unhappy with your skin, try to see your skin's problems as a gift instead of a curse, and listen to what it has to say.
Remember, beautiful skin is the perfect partnership between what you put on it, and what you put on you. Having a healthy internal routine is just as important as the external. Tend lovingly to both and your skin will return to its natural state of radiance.
To your blossoming xxx
Click here to find out why you should be cleansing your face with natural oils.
]]>Cleansing your face with oil may not seem like cleansing at all because most of us have been conditioned to believe that unless our faces are squeaky clean, they have not been washed properly.
If we go back to the beginning, and briefly revisit the reason why we would need to cleanse our skin in the first place, I’m sure you’ll agree that cleansing your skin is a method of self-care designed to remove make-up, dead skin cells, dirt and debris that has built up on our skin.
Most cleansers will do this, but unfortunately, it comes at the expense of your outer skin layer, more specifically your strata corneum, which includes the hydrolipid barrier and acid skin mantle. Your strata corneum is our first line of defence against the world and I like to think of her as your protective door bitch.
The hydro-lipid layer is actually designed to protect your skin from the elements and prevent your skin from drying out. The acid skin mantle prevents the not-so-friendly microorganisms from entering our skin and body and maintains the optimal PH levels of your skin.
I consider the lining of our skin as being similar to the lining of our gut. There are billions of busy bacteria that we need in order to protect the health of our skin and support our immune system. If we look at burns victims, they are extremely vulnerable to infections, because their skin, which is our safety suit, has been compromised.
The aggressive nature of most cleansers available on the market, unfortunately, disrupts this delicate ecosystem that exists on our faces, by breaking our waterproof seal and stripping the outer layer of its friendly beneficial micro-organisms.
By stripping or disrupting nature’s natural barrier, not only can this cause our skin to become even more vulnerable to acne-causing bacteria, but it may also lead to irritation, and a vicious cycle of excess sebum production in an effort to recover moisture.
If your constitution is dry, a well-hydrated stratum corneum is crucial in keeping our skin looking youthful. If this layer becomes too dry or is damaged in any way, skin problems may begin to emerge, such as inflammatory conditions or the early formation of lines and wrinkles.
This is precisely the reason why we passionately believe that cleansing your face with a bounty of botanical oils is a gentle yet remarkably effective method of cleansing, that will leave the precious outer layer of our skin intact.
It is based on the simple but profound chemistry equation ‘oil dissolves oil’. It imparts a two-in-one action — oil has the ability to purify the skin by removing makeup, dirt, and debris, as it draws out and dissolves unwanted sebum and toxins that can build up, harden and block pores.
Simultaneously, these unwanted oils are then replenished with our blend of beautiful botanicals, that nourish and hydrate the skin with essential nutrients that have been carefully chosen to enhance lymphatic detoxification, support cell regeneration, soothe inflammation and ultimately bring both dry and oily skin into balance.
So yes, cleansing your face with oil may at first feel different. But if you are brave enough to give it a try, so will the health of your skin.
To your blossoming xxx
]]>Acne is the most common of all skin problems. This is a longer than usual article, but please bear with me, this is one hell of a topic – with solutions to treating acne.
]]>Oil Cleansing:
It may appear counter-intuitive to use oil on your skin, but think again. In fact, we need to rethink clean entirely. I could go on and on (which I actually did do in a separate article aptly named “Why you should be cleansing your face with oil!”.
Long story short, most cleansers strip the outer layers of skin, disrupting the delicate ecosystem that exists on our faces. Not only does this make our skin even more vulnerable to acne-causing bacteria, but it also triggers a vicious cycle of excess sebum production in an effort to regulate moisture.
Essential oils:
Essential oils by nature are anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral. Many people recommend Tea Tree, which is good, but I have also had great success with niaouli (top pick), immortelle, rosemary, carrot seed, lavender and palmarosa. Read more about our essential oils here.
Choosing the best oils:
When it comes to providing our skin with moisture, choosing the right face oil is paramount. First up, we must begin with an oil that is non-comedogenic, meaning that it will not block pores. Studies have shown that oils higher in linoleic acid are excellent choices for those with acne, this is because when our skin is deficient in linoleic acid, our skin’s natural sebum can become thick and sticky, clogging pores and creating acne. However, like all things skin, there is never one size fits all. After many years of experimentation, some of our favourites include Argan oil, Prickly pear seed oil, Tamanu oil, Seabuckthorn berry, Black seed oil and Maracuja oil.
Also ensure you are choosing fresh, cold-pressed, good quality and preferably organic oils. Store them in a cool dark place to enhance shelf life and reduce the chance of rancidity.
Willow Bark:
Salicylic acid is a recommended acne fighter, but it is synthetic. The salicin in Willow bark converts to salicylic acid, serving as its natural, botanical source. It sloughs off dead, pore-clogging skin cells, and assists with clearer skin.
Topical Antioxidants:
Discussed in further detail below, not only do they prevent wrinkles, but also pimples as well! Begin to see your skincare as topical nutrition. Vitamin A, C & E are all wonderful in treating acne. Our Awakening Serum provides a topical infusion of these beautifying nutrients, and with an added shot of turmeric to assist with soothing inflammation and palmarosa for balancing sebum production, it was formulated to be multi-correctional.
External detoxification:
Gentle exfoliation helps to reset the skin and can be beneficial for preventing pores from clogging. Some suggestions include oatmeal, ground rice (used by geisha’s for thousands of years) with a mixture of honey for added moisture and for its antimicrobial properties.
Face masks are great for detoxification and drawing out unwanted impurities from deep within the skin. Play with a mix of bentonite clay (choose french rose clay if your face is dry or sensitive) to remove toxins from pores, apple cider vinegar (with the “mother”) to balance skin’s PH, raw and cold-pressed honey for its anti-bacterial properties, turmeric for its anti-inflammatory action, activated bamboo charcoal powder which also attracts toxins, spirulina for detoxification and matcha green tea to soothe redness.
Let your skin breathe as much as possible. I know all too well the desire to cover it up! So at least aim to be make-up free at home and as much as possible to allow your skin to breathe! Also, try switching to natural make-up to avoid any extra nasties and toxins from adding to your inflammation. (Remember ingredients matter)
Internal:-
Digestion:
As your skin is an organ of elimination, if your digestion system is backed up or isn’t functioning efficiently, your body may begin to use the skin instead as a way to eliminate toxins. A healthy gut is lined with billions of bacteria that boost our immune system and assists with balancing our hormones.
Poor digestion creates a heavier load on the liver and kidneys, which then cannot deal with the higher levels of hormones in the blood. (See how it's all connected?!) Diet, food preservatives, stress and the use of antibiotics, does not support healthy gut flora, so introducing a good quality probiotic can help your digestive system get back on track.
Zinc Deficiency:
Acne itself can actually be a symptom of a zinc deficiency, it helps to clear skin by taming oil production. A supplement can be beneficial or food sources include red meat, oysters, pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
Address Stress:
If I could recommend just one thing, it would be to address your stress. Stress affects our nervous system, which then destroys healthy gut flora, increases inflammation, raises blood sugar and lowers progesterone, throwing our delicate hormones out of balance. Carve out time for your favourite rituals, and find those things you love (anything!) that brings you back and provides pleasure. Breathwork, meditation, yoga, baths, laughter, gratitude, journaling and nature are great places to start.
Humming hormones:
Female hormones are a delicate dance. The slightest upset can knock our whole system out of balance. Luckily for us, we are finally emerging from the dark ages surrounding this complex, but incredible network. Stress, blood sugar imbalances, diet, mineral deficiencies and inflammation could all cause disruption. Fill up on cruciferous veggies, such as broccoli and cauliflower, as these are known to help the body excrete estrogen. I would highly recommend consulting an expert who can provide support. A good nutritionist can undertake hormonal profile testing using our saliva, and provide supplements that can assist with getting our hormones humming again.
Tip: If you have acne around the lower jawline or chin, this should definitely be a consideration.
Minimise Inflammation:
Acne is a sign of inflammation. This could be caused by food sensitivities, stress or a possible blood sugar imbalance. Insulin resistance is MAJOR, uncontrolled blood sugar triggers sebum production, making it harder for the liver to detoxify estrogen, triggering inflammation. When insulin levels are balanced, the underlying inflammatory condition can often disappear.
All refined carbohydrates break down in our body to sugar, causing our blood sugar levels to spike. Eliminating sugar, dairy, refined carbohydrates and gluten for a time, to see if it makes a difference, maybe highly beneficial, as these food groups are often inflammatory. Also forgo all fried, as trans fats found in fried and packaged food spells disaster for skin. Try switching to an anti-inflammatory diet focusing primarily on real foods from the earth, and see the difference it makes to your skin.
Our modern diet is often top-heavy when it comes to our consumption of Omega fats. Omega 3s decrease inflammation, whereas omega 6s can increase inflammation. Try switching out your sources of Omega 6 and replacing them with Omega 3s, which can be found in oily fish, salmon, flaxseed, hemp and chia. If you find these sources difficult, try introducing a good quality fish oil supplement instead.
Turmeric – For those with inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis or rosacea, turmeric can assist with soothing flare-ups. For those with acne, curcumin has you covered, because it fights bacteria. Consumed internally, it may also help address the root cause of acne by promoting healthy gut bacteria and good digestion, necessary for clear skin.
When incorporating turmeric into your diet, there are a few simple tricks to bear in mind, that will mean the difference between consumption and optimal absorption. Firstly turmeric is fat-soluble, meaning that it needs to be consumed with a form of fat such as coconut oil or coconut milk. Secondly, adding freshly ground black pepper enhances curcumin’s bioavailability by 1,000 times, due to black pepper’s hot property called piperine.
Up your Antioxidants:
Considered key to fighting the signs of aging, antioxidants work to protect the skin by limiting the production of free radicals and cell damage. Not only does this mean fewer wrinkles, but also less pimples as well! By reducing inflammation that can lead to breakouts.
Vitamin A – This is a big one, and we could dedicate an entire article to this topic! In short, synthetic forms can be toxic, but are often prescribed to treat severe acne. Instead, we recommend sources found in foods such as liver, as it is stored in the body, a weekly serving would be enough, or fermented cod liver oil, kale (we like to refer to this as our “Holy Kale”) and eggs. Also, introduce sources of beta-carotene (which converts to Vitamin A but in smaller amounts) through yellow-orange fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin C – Assists with reducing redness and boosts immunity. Find them in citrus fruits, broccoli, cauliflower, beetroot, berries, camu camu powder and kakadu plum (our homegrown Aussie superfood, is known to have the highest levels of Vitamin C on the planet!).
Vitamin E – Vitamin E is known to oxygenate tissues, and there are many studies that support its effectiveness. Food sources include sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, avocados, broccoli and olive oil (it has a low smoke point so best to drizzle over salads).
Vitamin D – Short bursts of sunshine are beneficial for acne, and it aids our absorption of Vitamin A. Aim for 15 mins early morning and late afternoon.
Vitamin Sea! – Sea salt is loaded with skin-friendly minerals like magnesium, calcium and potassium, assisting with a variety of skin conditions such as acne and eczema. The high salt levels also assist with detoxification, including acne-causing bacteria, and works to treat infections and encourage healing.
Detoxification:
Are you supporting your body’s ability to detoxify yourself? Or are you adding to the load through sugar, stress, toxic skincare, toxic personal care products, cleaning products, packaged and processed foods, or excessive alcohol?
Clean up your bathroom vanity, overhaul your household products and begin reading ingredient labels. Education is power. You could even take this one step further and spring clean your house! Give away anything that does not bring you joy. It's incredible how much lighter you will feel!
An internal detox could be just the thing to reset your system. Because of my sensitive composition, I undertake a liver detox each year to hit the reset button, the benefits not only include clear skin but I now have no signs of hayfever which once drove me completely crazy in Spring, and my eczema is completely gone.
In addition to this, we must also ensure our elimination pathways are in good working order. Boosting circulation and taking care of our lymphatic system, which is responsible for the removal of toxins from our bloodstream is really important. Our lymph has no pump, so it relies on us to keep it moving. Here are some of my favourite ways to support detoxification:
Movement – Any form that brings you pleasure!
Sweating – Exercise, sauna or facial steam bath
Dry Brushing – Softly, avoid scratching your precious skin
Massage – Stimulates circulation & lymphatic drainage
Breathwork – Deep diaphragmatic breathing delivers more oxygen and circulation to the skin. It also assists with pumping our lymphatic system and detoxifying blood, and switches us out of flight or fight, restoring our critical state of calm and helps our humming hormones.
Go green! -Incorporate as MANY greens as you can into your diet. Greens are our very own internal cleaning products, to assist with detoxification, provide energy and give you back your glow. Think broccoli, spinach, wheatgrass and kale. Foods high in chlorophyll assist with oxygenation and detoxification. Sources include spirulina, chlorella, marine phytoplankton and sea vegetables such as wakame.
Water – not to be under-estimated! Aim for at least 1.5 litres
Add some citrus – Begin your day with a warm glass of lemon water to kickstart your digestive system and assist with detoxification.
To your blossoming xxx