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6 tips to the perfect winter skincare routine for dry skin

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Winter is often associated with the “most wonderful time of the year”. It gets cool outside and we just might get cosy with heating or even a fire, however, it brings with it some less than wonderful consequences for your skin, especially if you don’t have your winter skincare routine ready. 

The dry air and cold winds, in combination with the use of indoor heating, have the potential to leave your skin stripped of the natural oils that make it healthy and radiant. 

Winter is also notorious for introducing a host of other skin woes including sensitivity, irritation, and its associated redness. 

Bearing all of this in mind, you need to be vigilant so that you can survive the harsh weather conditions and come out on the other side with beautiful, glowing skin intact. 

If this sounds impossible, fear not, here are 6 tips you can use to craft the perfect winter skincare routine for your dry skin.

Not sure if you have dry skin? Take our skin quiz!

1. STAY HYDRATED

The importance of staying hydrated as part of your winter skincare routine cannot be overstressed! So much so that we’ve talked about it here, here, and here as well.

Adequate hydration is needed for the regeneration of skin cells, but in winter, we often forget to drink water as much as we do in warmer months.

Hitting a target of eight (8) to ten (10) cups of water every day will keep your body and skin in optimal condition.

Water is an essential part of your winter skincare routine
What you put in your body is a key component to winter skincare routines.

2. MODIFY YOUR DIET

A direct correlation has been found between gut and skin health. 

A diet that is rich in fats such as avocados, olive oil, and walnuts can help to kick dry skin to the curb where it belongs and help you to wake up with glowing skin as part of your skincare routine this winter. 

Additionally, you should avoid coffee and alcohol because these are diuretics and will cause your body to lose water, which is the exact opposite of what you want to be doing during winter.

3. AVOID RIDICULOUSLY HOT (AND LONG) SHOWERS

Trust me, I understand. After facing the cold winter air, nothing sounds better than luxuriating in a piping hot bath or shower. However, hot water does much more harm than good by causing increased evaporation of the natural hydration and moisture of your skin. 

It is advisable as part of your winter routine that you keep showers to no longer than ten (10) minutes (with lukewarm water) to prevent excessively drying your skin. 

You can make your shower more moisturizing by avoiding soaps and gels that are drying and substituting them with more natural ones that will help to protect and add to the skin’s moisture. 

A product that fits this description well is the Arianrhod Satin Skin Hand & Body Wash with Lemon Myrtle. 

This is the perfect answer to a hand and body wash for dry skin because of its amazing combination of mild, natural Hemp Castille liquid soap and the aroma and antiseptic properties of Lemon Myrtle. 

Skip those harsh chemicals and drying detergents and try this body wash that will leave your skin clean, fresh, and most importantly, hydrated! 

If Lemon Myrtle isn’t your scent of choice or you have skin conditions, try our Hemp Body Wash that is specially formulated for those who have sensitive skin or suffer from skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis that experience terrible flare-ups and skin irritation during winter. 

Sativa Skin Hand and Body Wash - Lemon Myrtle
Mango and Coconut Body Butter

4. USE A THICKER MOISTURISER AND MOISTURISE MULTIPLE TIMES PER DAY

After you have showered your next step is to use a moisturiser on your damp skin to lock in the hydration. 

A thick hydrating moisturiser is best for dry skin during winter because it will seal the moisturising ingredients into dry skin and it will adhere for a longer time, facilitating more time for healing and repair. 

Body butter naturally has a thicker consistency than most moisturisers and lotions and they are usually chock full of moisturizing and nourishing ingredients like natural oils, that make them well-suited for this purpose. 

The Arianrhod Mango & Coconut Body Butter is perfect for this.  

Rich in saturated fats and antioxidants, our body butter is especially beneficial for dry skin, a common problem during winter, and it is so safe that it is even edible! 

The fats are easily absorbed so that they remain on the body for hours nourishing it, all without leaving any annoying residue. 

This all-natural body butter is formulated with shea butter, blended with essential fatty acids, phytosterols, and vitamins A and D from rice bran oil, cocoa butter and mango butter. It’s a veritable superfood for your skin! 

Not only does it have a fantastic aroma because of the mango butter, but it is rich in oleic acid which has been recognized as being a powerful aid in repairing skin damage and improving the elasticity of the skin. 

Using good quality body butter in the morning and before bed will do wonders for your skin.

For more information on the difference between moisturising lotions and body, check out our article called “Body Lotion or Body Butter – Which one is right for you?”

5. AVOID WASHING YOUR FACE TOO FREQUENTLY

Some recommend washing the face only once: at night. Crazy right? 

This is because most facial cleansers contain harsh ingredients that will dehydrate your skin. 

To prevent this from happening, wash your face less often and choose a gentle cleanser like the Arianrhod Sativa Revive Foaming Face Wash for all skin types. 

Made with cold-pressed hemp seed oil, kigelia extract, and silk amino acids, this product has been specially formulated to be nutrient-rich, deeply penetrating, non-greasy and to help in moisture retention and the healing of the skin.

Another way to ensure that your face remains adequately hydrated is to add moisture by using a specialised facial moisturiser. 

Ideally, you want your skin to be properly hydrated but not feel greasy. 

Arianrhod Aromatics Sativa Restore could be what you need. 

Not only does it have an exotic scent because of the essential oils present (frankincense, rose, and sandalwood) but it is suitable for most skin types. 

The base of Australian hemp seed oil and the presence of cold-pressed oils including argan oil, and rosehip oil is also ideal for combatting the effects of adverse weather conditions (winter anyone??).

Sativa Revive Foaming Facial Wash
A woman applying lip balm as part of a winter sknicare routine

6. PROTECT YOUR LIPS

Do not forget your lips! 

The thin skin of your lips is especially susceptible to damage from the harsh winter elements. 

Keep them hydrated and protected, soft and smooth by wearing the Arianrhod Manuka Lip Balm that is packed with skin-loving ingredients (including jojoba, calendula, and Manuka). 

If you prefer a vegan option, the Arianrhod Aromatics Vegan Hemp Lip Balm is an excellent option to protect and hydrate your lips this winter.

Apply it in the morning and reapply it throughout the day as part of your winter skincare routine.

Putting together the perfect winter skincare routine for dry skin

Combine these tips together into the perfect winter skincare routine for your dry skin. 

Think about your day and how you can incorporate these tips without making life harder.

There is no need for your winter skincare routine to be a burden.

These simple tips can have you leaving winter like it was a beautiful, sunny day in the park. 

Don’t let winter strip your skin of its glory. 

Take the necessary steps to remain hydrated and moisturised and you will see that winter really can be the “most wonderful time of the year” for your skin too.

References

1. Bakkila, B, Franzino A. (2020, January 15). 11 Soothing Remedies for Dry Skin in the Winter. Good Housekeeping. 

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/tips/a23739/winter-dry-skin-remedies/

2. Hong, H. (2020, November 2). Winter Is Coming—Here’s How to Transition Your Skincare Routine. Real Simple.

https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/winter-skincare

3. Rennert, J. (2019, December 3). The Definitive Guide to Preventing Dry Skin—From a Top Dermatologist. Vogue.

https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-get-rid-of-dry-skin-winter-eye-cream-face-serum-mask-scrub

 

How to wake up with glowing skin every morning

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We all want to wake up and feel our best and a big part of feeling our best is looking our best. We all want skin that is so radiant that it dispels our Monday morning blues or carries us over the Wednesday hump. So, how can you achieve skin so beautiful and glowing that it makes your heart sing and sets a positive tone for the rest of your day? Below are a few helpful tips:

GET ENOUGH SLEEP

Beauty sleep is real, people! Getting a good night’s sleep is the best weapon in the anti-aging arsenal that there is. Studies have shown that our circadian rhythms can affect skin repair and function and inadequate sleep can cause your skin to become dull, cause the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, cause your eyes to appear puffy, and cause dark circles under your eyes. Research has indicated that mitosis (the process that enables cell division and repair) occurs roughly between 11 p.m. and midnight, irrespective of whether you are asleep or not. However, sleeping during the peak of mitosis will bestow more benefits on your skin.

Though it is not always possible to get the recommended eight (8) hours of uninterrupted sleep, getting as close to that as possible should be your aim. Some helpful tips include having a set bedtime every night and turning off your phone (crazy, right?) or at the least putting it on silent.

sleep
sleep_right_way

SLEEP THE RIGHT WAY

Okay, so I know this sounds weird, but hear me out your sleeping habits can affect the way you look. We’ve previously written about getting better sleep naturally, but there is more you can do to help yourself wake up with glowing skin. For instance, it is recommended that you avoid sleeping on your side. Sleeping this way can cause your skin to be creased and tugged throughout the night and this can cause wrinkles. Instead, it is recommended that you sleep on your back with extra pillows to support your head. Elevating your head prevents the pooling of fluid that can cause swollen eyes and a puffy face. 

Now if you want to go the extra mile, it is also recommended that you sleep on a silk pillowcase (fancy, right?). The thinking behind this is that cotton pillowcases will pull moisture and sebum (oil) out of your skin, effectively drying it out overnight. Some dermatologists also believe that silk provides a smoother surface for your skin to rub against and this helps to prevent wrinkles.

KEEP HYDRATED

We have long been told of all the wonders that drinking water can do for your skin. Not only does drinking water keep your skin hydrated (and ward off wrinkles) but taking a sip of water before bedtime can rid the body of toxins while you sleep. This may mean placing a bottle of water by your bedside table so that you can sip water before going to bed and when you wake up. A few drops of a probiotic (containing beneficial bacteria) in the water can give your skin added nutrients that it needs to glow.

Additionally, serums can give your skin an extra glowing boost since most of them are filled with moisturizing ingredients that will add hydration. Serums are usually lightweight (so that they can be easily absorbed by the skin) and are applied before moisturizers. One product that you could try is the Arianrhod Aromatics Antioxidant Facial Serum. Antioxidants have been proven to fight oxygen radicals that damage skin cells and lead to aging, so what could be better than working this into your daily routine to not only add hydration but to fight premature aging as well. This serum formulation contains Kukui nut oil, which is excellent for dry and aging skin, as well as frankincense which has an exotic aroma and healing properties. The oil can be used to massage the face before bed or during the day. However, using it before bed will take advantage of the skin’s natural recovery mechanism to reverse damage sustained throughout the day (UV exposure, pollutants) by infusing the skin with the hydrating ingredients, leaving your skin looking refreshed and your complexion glowing the next day. This product is also vegan, so not only are you saving your skin, but you are being environmentally conscious while doing so. Talk about a win-win!

hydrated
wash face

CLEANSE AND MOISTURISE YOUR SKIN

Washing your face after a long day out and about will remove dirt and pollutants that it has been exposed to all day. Skin cells regenerate at night and the dead ones are removed with this process working best on clean skin. Using a mild face wash can greatly enhance what you see in the mirror the next day. One such product is the Arianrhod Aromatics Sativa Revive Foaming Face Wash for all skin types. This product uses cold-pressed Australian hemp seed oil for a nutrient-rich, deeply penetrating oil that leaves skin looking vibrant. Kigelia extract and silk amino acids help the skin to retain moisture and assist the daily rejuvenation and healing process of the skin. Following up with the companion Sativa Restore Facial Moisturiser with its similar formulation will help retain moisture and restore your skin.

EAT THE RIGHT THINGS

Healthier food choices will help your skin to have a noticeable radiance. Fats that are good for the body such as those found in avocado and sweet potato are also good for the skin, while sunflower seeds, which are chock full of vitamin E, can give skin a youthful, glowing appearance.

food
exercise

EXCERCISE

Though this is not a step to be done at night, working up an early morning sweat will boost your glow. Aerobic exercise can help the body to get rid of toxins, gets your blood pumping and oxygen flowing. During exercise, your skin will also start producing natural oils that will keep your skin looking healthy and moisturized.

By following these simple steps and investing in your self-care routine at the end of the day (and early morning in the case of exercise) you will wake up well-rested and with the healthy, glowing skin that you have always wanted.

REFERENCES

1. Mitrokostas, S. (2018, July 18). 11 things you can do before bed to wake up with glowing skin. INSIDER.
https://www.insider.com/clear-your-skin-while-you-sleep-2018-7
2. Mourato, B. (2019, May 5). This Evening Routine Will Help You Wake Up With Glowy Skin. CAREER GIRL DAILY LONDON.
https://www.careergirldaily.com/this-evening-routine-will-help-you-wake-up-with-glowy-skin/
3. URBANCLAPBEAUTY. (2017, September 4). 11 Ways To Wake Up to A Ultra Bright Morning Face. The Urban Guide.
https://www.urbancompany.com/blog/beauty/ways-to-wake-up-to-a-bright-morning-and-a-brighter-face/
4. PLUM. (n.d.). 4 easy early morning habits of people with glowing skin.
https://plumgoodness.com/blogs/tips-tricks-easy-hacks-more/4-early-morning-habits-of-people-with-glowing-skin
5. Robinson, R. (2021, July 25). SLEEP ON IT: 5 BEST TIPS ON HOW TO WAKE UP WITH GLOWING, RADIANT SKIN EVERY MORNING. BeautyStat Cosmetics.
https://www.beautystat.com/skincare/sleep-on-it-5-best-tips-on-how-to-wake-up-with-glowing-radiant-skin-every-morning/
6. OGEE LUXURY ORGANICS. (n.d.). How to Wake Up With the Most Radiant Skin of Your Life.
https://ogee.com/blogs/the-daily-good/how-to-wake-up-with-the-most-radiant-skin-of-your-life

How safe are your After-Sun skincare products?

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Here in Australia we’ve been having a pretty merry time out at the beach, especially on the weekends. I know I’ve been out most afternoons lately as the days are so long in summer and the weather has been brilliant for it. However, with the sun, comes sun-kissed skin if we aren’t very careful. Of course, we should do our best to protect our skin when we are in the sun, but sometimes sunburn still happens and then to get some relief, we put on an after-sun lotion or gel. My favourite was always an aloe vera gel.

For a long time, I just assumed that aloe vera gels were made from aloe vera, something natural that I am very familiar with and have even grown myself for a while. The thing is, that’s a pretty easy assumption to make. Many after-sun skincare products, designed to soothe sun-burned skin, are marketed as natural and usually make prominent displays of aloe vera which, of course, is natural. So you would expect it should be natural, right? Have a look at the ingredients list next time you see it, either on the shelf at home or out at the shops. Just how natural are after-sun gels and creams really?

I’ve picked three different after-sun products available from major Australian supermarket chains across different categories to have a look at. I checked the gel, lotion, and spray that had the best ingredients from a variety of brands and here is what I found.

Aloe Vera After Sun Lotion

This particular one was the cheapest after sun product I found at the supermarket, however, it also had the fewest questionable ingredients. All other after sun lotions that I checked had a longer ingredient list, chock full of things, including the second-most expensive after-sun product on the shelf which is a lotion that contains a whopping 37 ingredients, more than anything else I looked at by more than double!

Ingredients
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Aqua, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Alcohol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Sodium Hydroxide, Parfum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, CI 19140, CI 42090.

This ingredients list starts out well with Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice and Aqua right at the top. These are two natural ingredients that should make up the majority of the product. From there though, it goes downhill. Before I go too far, I should probably note that even natural ingredients can have their downside. If this Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice contains non-decolorised whole leaf aloe vera, then it has been linked with cancer. If it is the decolorised version then it is safe. We don’t know from this ingredient list but it’s probably fair to assume it would be the decolorised version making it perfectly safe. Even so, men, maybe don’t drink it if you are planning on having children (if you are ever tempted to take a swig of your after-sun lotion or gel). The Cosmetic Ingredient Review found Aloe Barbadensis to cause sperm damage in rats and mice when ingested.

Polysorbate 20 and Carbomer are not natural, but they aren’t too bad either. That isn’t where it stops though. Phenoxyethanol, used as both a preservative and fragrance ingredient has been linked to contact uritica (hives) and dermatitis. It gets worse as we progress. Another form of alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol carries a hazardous chemical warning as a severe eye irritant and is harmful if swallowed or inhaled. 

Next up is an unidentified alcohol followed by Diazolidinyl Urea, a formaldehyde releaser that acts as a preservative. Now, Diazolidinyl Urea is typically used in very small quantities and on its own is not that great, studies have found it to be an allergen and toxic to humans. The bigger concern, though, is what happens the longer that this product is unused. Diazolidinyl Urea slowly releases formaldehyde in a process called off-gassing in order to kill off microbes. You might recognise formaldehyde as a known carcinogen that carries an awful lot of warning labels including: fatal if inhaled, toxic if swallowed, toxic in contact with skin, causes severe skin burn and eye damage, may cause allergic skin reactions, may cause cancer by inhalation, and toxic to aquatic life. Even in small quantities, is that worth the risk? Thanks, but no thanks.

Moving on from that health scare…

Sodium Hydroxide is interesting. It’s considered safe in low quantities, but, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review report released in December 2015 found that Sodium Hydroxide causes eye irritation, skin water loss (that’s kind of bad when you are already burned, right?), and skin irritation. In fact, Sodium Hydroxide was noted in the report to be used as a positive control, in other words, it is used to cause skin irritation in order to test skin creams. So, while safe, could it actually be exacerbating your sunburn, encouraging you to use more of the product?

Parfum is next. Also known as fragrance. Like the unidentified alcohol earlier in the ingredients list, this doesn’t actually break down what the fragrance comes from, which is a worry. The Environmental Working Group gives parfum/fragrance an 8/10 where 10 is the most toxic of ingredients. Why? It’s not fully labelled so that is part of it, but studies have shown that “parfum” causes allergic reactions in adults and children, causes contact dermatitis and exacerbates asthma. Hmmm…

Almost to the end of the list! Tocopheryl Acetate is not rated particularly badly in the Environmental Working Group database and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review found that Tocopheryl Acetate can help prevent contact dermatitis and may have some photoprotective effects. It sounds a little bit like it is added to help overcome the effects of sodium hydroxide and parfum! However, while some photoprotective effects were reported by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, at least one study has found that Tocopheryl Acetate can “enhance” photocarcinogenesis (or cancer caused by light) in animals. So, this isn’t sounding great and there are still three more ingredients.

Panthenol. Ah, a breath of fresh air, so to speak. Panthenol is both naturally occurring and synthetically made vitamin B5. The ingredients list doesn’t specifically state which one it is, however, natural Panthenol should be labelled as D-Panthenol so it is most likely synthetic. Vitamin B5 serves as a skin conditioner and both the natural and synthetic versions are considered to be quite safe. But, what about those two numbered ingredients at the end of the list? 

CI 19140 is a synthetic yellow colour and CI 42090 is a synthetic blue colour, combined to give the lotion a green colour. Both are considered safe in low concentrations, however, they have both been found to contribute to or cause skin allergies even at low dosages with more severe effects in higher concentrations. Yellow is linked to liver effects and hyperactivity in children, and both yellow and blue are connected to neurobehavioural effects and potential neurotoxicity. It’s unlikely that you’ll find such high concentrations in a consumer product, however, the risk is increased when CI 42090 (blue) is used on damaged skin, around the mouth, on the lips, or around the eyes, as these all increase the risk of absorption. Now, if you are using an after-sun cream on sun-burned skin, chances are your skin is damaged. Chances are also pretty high you are using it around your mouth, lips and eyes. I don’t know about you, but I usually just lather it all over my face!

Now, every after-sun lotion, gel or spray that I looked at in the supermarket has an ingredient list like this. Some are even longer. Only one product (the after sun gel below) had a shorter ingredient list, but it was still made up of many of these potentially harmful ingredients.

Aloe Vera After Sun Gel

Aloe Vera after sun gels seem to be the best choice if you are picking something up off a supermarket shelf. This particular product had the best ingredient list of any after sun gels I could find at the supermarket, however, this one lists “Aloe vera gel” as the first ingredient. As aloe vera gel is typically made up of other things, this suggests there might be something to hide.

Ingredients
Aloe Vera Gel, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate.

Let’s dive into these ingredients. Other gels listed their first three ingredients as “Water, Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice”. None of them identify what the alcohol is, but it is probably safe to assume that since the product here doesn’t show an ingredient breakdown, it could contain something nasty OR the manufacturer wanted aloe vera to appear as though it is the largest ingredient, which does not appear to be the case in any other gel and so is most likely not the case in this one either. To be completely fair, I have come across products claiming to be 100% natural, organic, alcohol-free that list aloe vera gel as a standalone ingredient. So, the skeptic in me says it is questionable (same with the claims of the natural product), but we will give them the benefit of the doubt here.

So, moving onto the ingredients that are identified!

Triethanolamine is an artificial fragrance and an emulsifier. It is also used as a masking agent (to cover up or counter the effects of another substance. It has a rating of 5/10 on the Environmental Working Group Skin Deep database, in part because there are a lot of gaps in the research on this ingredient. Based on the currently available data, it is generally considered safe for use on the skin in low dosage (diluted to 5% of it’s normal strength), there is, however, some evidence that it can cause skin irritation, particularly with repeated use or dosages where the dilution ratio sees it at higher than 5%. In this kind of product it should be less than 5% anyway, but also being the second ingredient raises my eyebrows.

Carbomer is a synthetic ingredient we spoke about earlier, but what is DMDM Hydantoin? It’s a formaldehyde releaser. We’ve already talked about what this is and why you really don’t want to be using a product that produces formaldehyde, so I won’t go into it now, however, it is, in and of itself somewhat less of an allergen then the formaldehyde releaser in the after sun lotion we looked at first. Except…the very next ingredient is the same formaldehyde releaser we looked at earlier, Diazolidinyl Urea.

This begs the question, why do we need two formaldehyde releasers? Did we reach the maximum recommended limits for one and it wasn’t enough? Is the manufacturer getting around that by adding a second one? We’ll probably never know, but it is a big cause for concern, especially since the second last ingredient in the list is Tetrasodium EDTA. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review found that Tetrasodium EDTA is cytotoxic and slightly genotoxic, but is safe for use in cosmetics in small amounts…UNLESS there are ingredients in the formulation that are dangerous if absorbed through the skin because Tetrasodium EDTA increases the penetration of other ingredients into your skin. This is good for getting those helpful ingredients into your sunburned skin, however, your damaged skin is already more susceptible to absorption of toxins. Tetrasodium EDTA is magnifying the risk of absorbing the nasties.

Which brings us to the last ingredient, Tocopheryl Acetate, which you may recall as enhancing photocarcinogenesis. At least there are no synthetic colours in this one, right?

You are most likely to find salicylates in products that are marketed as anti-dandruff, anti-acne or exfoliating. This is because salicylates help to lift and remove the outer layer of dead skin. You will also want to look for any fruit extracts and essential oils. The percentage of salicylates in fruit extracts and essential oils is much higher than in the whole food form, so they are more likely to contribute to sensitivity than simply eating the food.

Think of it like fruit juice. It is easy to drink 1 litre of orange juice. It’s a lot harder to eat the number of oranges required to get 1 litre of juice. In having the juice, you are having higher quantities of things like sugar (and salicylates) than you might have had were you to have eaten the whole fruit. Essential oils and fruit extracts are the same.

Continuing with the above metaphor, if you are on a salicylate-free diet, a piece of fruit alone might not trigger a reaction, but a small amount of juice could since it is more concentrated. Essential oils and fruit extracts are concentrated even further.

Aloe Vera After Sun Spray

Ingredients
Water, Butylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice, Phenoxyethanol, Triethanolamine, Lauryl Glycol Ether PPG-1-PEG-9, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Polysorbate 80, Glycereth 7, Fragrance, Propylparaben, Methylparaben, Sodium PCA, Musa Sapientum Banana Leaf Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract

This ingredient list isn’t looking promising. At least I can see some fruit extracts in here.

First up is Water followed by Butylene Glycol. This is an alcohol derived from petroleum that is used as a fragrance and skin conditioner. Refreshingly, it is considered safe. We are already familiar with Aloe Barbadensis leaf juice, so let’s look at Phenoxyethanol.

Phenoxyethanol is considered safe for external use, but should not be used around the lips or eyes and the European Chemicals Agency warns it is harmful if swallowed and causes serious eye irritation. So maybe keep this spray away from your sun burned face!

Triethanolamine we’ve covered already and it’s not great. What about Lauryl Glycol Ether PPG-1-PEG-9? The National Library of Medicine warns that Lauryl Glycol Ether is a skin and eye irritant that is toxic to aquatic life. Hmm.

PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate? A synthetic polymer that enhances skin absorption. On it’s own, this ingredient has generally been found to be safe, as has Polysorbate 80, a denaturant, surfactant and fragrance.

Glycereth 7 is a synthetic skin conditioner that is considered safe as well, but then we have that unidentified “Fragrance” which is typically made from lots of things that aren’t good, 

Then we head into parabens. Parabens are artificial preservatives that bioaccumulate in the human body and other animals over time and have been linked to decreased fertility, preterm birth, decreased birth weight, endocrine disruption, cancer (including breast cancer), skin irritation, coral death and more. This spray contains two parabens, Propylparaben (one of the worst offenders in the paraben family) and Methylparaben.

Sodium PCA is a hair and skin conditioner derived from proline, a naturally occurring amino acid. It is considered a safe ingredient.

Then we have two totally natural ingredients right at the end that are safe. Musa Sapientum Banana Leaf Extract, or plantain leaf extract and Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract.

So in some ways, this spray is the best of the supermarket options since it doesn’t have a formaldehyde releaser in it and with the exception of the parabens, most of the other ingredients are not “too” bad, not great, but not terrible. There are a couple of extra natural ingredients in this one, which is nice to see. However, the presence of parabens is a serious red flag and confirms that none of the supermarket after-sun options are truly safe for use. Remember, the three that I’ve looked at were the three BEST after sun products I could find on the supermarket shelves in each category.

What should you be looking for in an after sun lotion, cream or gel?

Your skin is a living breathing organ and is very sensitive to its surroundings so you want to be looking for natural ingredients, or at the very least, for a product that does not contain chemicals that are known to be harmful to the human body. In after sun products, the biggest ones to avoid are formaldehyde releasers and parabens, but as we saw from these ingredient lists, there are other things going into these products that are not good for your skin, extremely irritating to the eyes, and are also dangerous to aquatic life.

While after sun gel is not sunscreen and we are less likely to put it on directly before swimming, I’m sure I’m not the only one that has in the past put on some aloe vera lotion to soothe a previous sunburn before later hopping in the water without washing it off first. Parabens have been linked directly to coral bleaching, so why take the risk, both with our own body but also with our precious reefs?

Another thing to look out for is unidentified ingredients such as alcohol, parfum or fragrance. These are usually hiding something nasty.

Instead, look for ingredients that are predominantly plant-derived. These ingredients usually cause no irritation except in the most sensitive of skin, and will usually have no known side effects or toxins to the human body. When in doubt, look up the ingredients in the Environmental Working Group Skin Deep® database and look for ones that are rated 3/10 or lower for safety concerns. This database is one of the most comprehensive and unbiased sources of ingredient information that is easily digestible. For more detail, you can also look up ingredients on the Cosmetic Ingredient Review database that goes into in depth analysis of the scientific data available and provides research reports on cosmetic ingredients.

We recommend our Sativa Nourish After Sun Body Lotion as a low-irritant, safe, natural alternative to supermarket after sun products that are full of nasties. Let’s have a look at the ingredients for comparison.

Sativa Nourish After Sun Body Lotion

Sativa Nourish After Sun Body Lotion

Sativa Nourish is based around the soothing properties of aloe vera and cucumber blended with natural ingredients that protect the skin from further moisture loss and help to break down the build up of melanin to help counteract the damage done by the sun’s rays.

Buy Sativa Nourish After Sun Body Lotion

Ingredients

Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis), Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) Seed Oil, Cupuaçu (Theobroma Grandiflorum) Butter, Meadowfoam (Limnanthes Alba) Oil, Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus) Oil, Cetearyl Olivate & Sorbitan Olivate, Grapefruit (Citrus Paradise) Seed Extract, Colloidal Silver, Kigelia (Kigelia Africana) Extract, Hydrolysed Silk, Lavender (Lavendula Angustifolia), Patchouli (Pogostemon Cablin). Here’s what one of our customers has said about Sativa Nourish After Sun Body Lotion:

“So cooling and refreshing after a bit much sun – wonderful product. Draws the heat out and calms the redness very quickly.” – Melissa E.

Aloe Vera, we already know is a natural ingredient that is one of the most well-known for sun-burn soothing properties, but that is the only ingredient in Sativa Nourish After Sun Body Lotion that overlaps with the supermarket product range. So, what about the rest?

Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) Seed Oil is extracted from the seeds of the Cannabis Sativa plant and works on the skin as a conditioner. Our hemp seed oil comes from only Australian-grown hemp plants. 

Cupuaçu (Theobroma Grandiflorum) Butter comes from the cupuaçu tree and is related to the cacao tree. This butter is completely safe for human consumption and is great for sensitive skin as it is full of fatty acids like omega 9 oleic acid that helps condition the skin and hair, and laboratory tests have shown that it does not cause dermal irritation. EWG gives it the lowest risk score of 1/0.

Meadowfoam (Limnanthes Alba) Oil comes from the seeds of the meadowfoam plant and acts as a skin-conditioner containing many fatty acids that help to lock moisture into the skin. Studies have found that Meadowfoam Oil is non-irritating and very safe to use on your skin. EWG gives it the lowest risk score of 1/10.

Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus) Oil comes from the seeds of cool, refreshing cucumbers and is also a non-irritating skin-conditioner. Cucumber Oil has a fresh scent, light consistency and absorbs into the skin easily delivering the phytosterols, also known as plant sterols, it is carrying in large quantities. Plant sterols are perhaps most well known for their cholesterol-reducing properties when ingested, however, phytosterols also have the ability to stimulate skin cell regeneration, which is exactly what you want when you have sunburned skin. Phytosterols help the skin to strengthen its lipid barrier, restore moisture balance, improve skin elasticity and smooth the surface of the skin. Mighty for your skin is the lowly cucumber. EWG gives Cucumber Oil the lowest risk score of 1/10.

On a side-note, while studies have not been conducted directly on cucumber oil and absorption through the skin, when ingested, phytosterols have been found to induce cell-death in cancer cells and attenuate (or lessen) their spread, including melanoma. So applying a phytosterol-rich cream to sunburned skin just might not be a bad idea.

Cetearyl Olivate & Sorbitan Olivate is a natural PEG-free olive oil-based blend that serves as an emulsifier. Being derived from olive oil, it also has a high moisturising effect, is hypoallergenic, reduces skin-water loss and bio-mimics the skin making it the ideal emulsifier for use in a product aimed at soothing sunburned skin. Cetearyl Olivate & Sorbitan Olivate both score 1/10 on the EWG database.

Grapefruit (Citrus Paradise) Seed Extract comes from that big, tart, red-fleshed citrus, the grapefruit. Now, grapefruit seed extract is one that we do need to be a little more careful with. While it is 100% natural, it can cause irritation to skin, eyes and lungs if it isn’t correctly prepared. However, grapefruit seed extract serves as a natural anti-microbial, antibiotic, disinfectant, antiseptic, antibacterial ingredient that also has some antioxidant properties. It serves as a natural preservative that also helps to kill off any bacteria trying to force its way through your sun-damaged skin. Rich in both Vitamin C and Vitamin A, grapefruit seed extract provides extra nourishment and protection for your skin. EWG gives it a 1-4/10 risk rating depending on how it is formulated – ours is prepared to be non-sensitising and non-irritating as defined by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review.

Colloidal Silver is microscopic particles of naturally occurring silver suspended in liquid. It acts as an anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal that disables the oxygen-metabolism enzumer in single-celled pathogens. Colloidal silver gets a 4-5/10 risk rating by EWG as the microscopic particles can easily absorb into the skin and there is not a lot of research around possible bioaccumulation. Some governments (eg Canada) have speculated that it may be bioaccumulative, others from the same government have indicated that it isn’t believed to be.

Kigelia (Kigelia Africana) Extract is one of natures wonder ingredients. More well-known as the sausage tree, it has long been used in traditional African medicines with recent scientific studies suggesting that Kigelia has impressive healing and conditioning effects on the skin with no known side-effects. This fruit extract has been scientifically proven to be anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancer with researchers from Northern Ireland finding that it is able to halt the spread of human melanoma cells. These properties are all key to helping your sunburned skin recover. EGW gives Kigelia Extract a 1/10 risk rating, the safest rating.

Hydrolysed Silk is derived silk produced by none other than the silk worm. When applied to the skin, silk gives it a soft, velvet feel and helps your skin to retain moisture. EWG gives it a 1/0 risk rating.

Lavender (Lavendula Angustifolia) is probably best known for its purple flowers and recognisable, strong fragrance, but it also serves as an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory that is able to penetrate your pores. This anti-inflammatory property helps to reduce redness and soreness from sunburn. Lavender has been rated 2/10 on the EWG risk scale as it can cause irritation in the most sensitive skin and some studies have found it to promote the production of estrogen in children after repeated exposure.

Patchouli (Pogostemon Cablin) is an aromatic shrub that has a very strong scent, and that’s a big part of the role it plays in our Sativa Nourish After Sun Lotion, but it does have a second purpose. There is very little scientific study into the benefits of patchouli, but traditional uses suggest it could be a tissue regenerator that promotes the regrowth of skin cells. While this hasn’t been confirmed, this luxurious fragrance has a 1/10 risk rating according to EWG, so it’s one of the best choices for fragrance on sunburned skin.

When it comes down to safety and effectiveness, there is nothing better than natural ingredients!

Summing it all up

At Arianrhod Aromatics, we select ingredients for our after-sun body lotion (and all our products) that are not synthetic (made in a laboratory), and that have the lowest risk possible to both you, your family, and the environment. We aim to process each ingredient, by hand, as minimally as possible to help keep the ingredients as close as possible to their original form and full of their original goodness. With this in mind, when you read product labels, look for ingredients that have names that you recognise from a natural product. Most of the time, this is a great place to start and an easy rule of thumb to follow. If in doubt, do a search on the Environmental Working Group Skin Deep database for the ingredient to find out more about it. 

Lastly, keep in mind that expensive doesn’t equal better. In fact, the most expensive product at the supermarket was the worst, so always read the ingredients. That said, natural products will typically be more expensive than supermarket products that use large amounts of synthetic ingredients. Can you put a price on the health of yourself, your family and the environment? We can’t. That’s why our environment policy is in place. Every ingredient is scrutinised against this policy to ensure that they truly are the best for both you and the environment.

 

References

 

What are salicylates and how can they impact you?

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What are salicylates and and how can they affect you Header

Do you experience unexplained skin reactions after eating certain foods or using cosmetics with ingredients derived from certain plants? If you don’t have any allergies, then salicylates could be the guilty party. This chemical compound occurs naturally in many plants that we eat every day, like strawberries, broccoli, spinach, ginger, honey, and many more. Besides naturally occurring in our food, salicylates are also synthetically manufactured and both the natural and synthetic versions are widely used in medications, skincare products, food, hair care, perfume, and other products. Salicylates are typically used because of the properties that make them a preservative, bactericidal (kills bacteria), and antiseptic.

Most of us have no problem with salicylates. Our bodies can handle the quantities that are in our food perfectly fine. The added salicylates coming through medications and cosmetics are also processed and broken down safely for most of us. However, large doses can cause problems for anyone.

What is salicylate sensitivity?

Some people have a salicylate sensitivity (sometimes referred to as salicylate intolerance) where the body is unable to properly metabolise and excrete salicylates and even a small quantity can be a problem. Salicylate sensitivity is an adverse reaction to the presence of salicylates that manifests in allergy-like symptoms. It’s not known what percentage of people have salicylate sensitivity, but studies have found that rates are more frequent in people who suffer from asthma, food allergies and inflammatory bowel disease (reference). Salicylate sensitivity can also be developed through over-exposure to high quantities of salicylates for long periods of time.

Salicylate sensitivity can be tough to identify since it manifests like a food allergy with responses that can include stomach pain, diarrhoea, swelling, itchy skin, hives, rashes, skin discolouration, breathing difficulty, fatigue, itchy eyes, and more (reference). There are currently no tests for salicylate sensitivity either, so one way of identifying the sensitivity is to rule out other allergies. If you think you might have a salicylate sensitivity it is best to see your doctor.

Woman looking at camera
Jar of cream

Salicylates in skincare

Salicylates naturally occur in most, if not all essential oils, and so even skincare products that are 100% organic, made solely from natural ingredients can trigger adverse reactions for people with salicylate sensitivities if they use ingredients that naturally contain salicylates. Totally avoiding salicylates can be nearly impossible, but as a guide, if you have salicylate sensitivity or have reactions to your skincare products look for ingredients marked as salicylic acid (often labelled as beta hydroxy acid or BHA), methyl salicylate, sodium salicylate and calcium salicylate. 

You are most likely to find salicylates in products that are marketed as anti-dandruff, anti-acne or exfoliating. This is because salicylates help to lift and remove the outer layer of dead skin. You will also want to look for any fruit extracts and essential oils. The percentage of salicylates in fruit extracts and essential oils is much higher than in the whole food form, so they are more likely to contribute to sensitivity than simply eating the food. 

Think of it like fruit juice. It is easy to drink 1 litre of orange juice. It’s a lot harder to eat the number of oranges required to get 1 litre of juice. In having the juice, you are having higher quantities of things like sugar (and salicylates) than you might have had were you to have eaten the whole fruit. Essential oils and fruit extracts are the same.

Continuing with the above metaphor, if you are on a salicylate-free diet, a piece of fruit alone might not trigger a reaction, but a small amount of juice could since it is more concentrated. Essential oils and fruit extracts are concentrated even further.

Salicylate-free ingredients in skincare

Generally, oils from seeds and butters do not contain salicylates or are extremely low in salicylates. Waxes are also usually free from salicylates. Look for ingredients like:

Hemp oil in a glass jar and hemp seeds

Moisturisers for salicylate sensitive skin

Moisturisation makes a huge difference when you have dry, flaky, itchy, scaly skin that comes with an intolerance to salicylates. Being able to lock that moisture in reduces the itchiness and risk of skin breakage that can make salicylate sensitivity even less tolerable.

AB180 - Zero Tolerance Cream - Group

Zero Tolerance Cream All Over Moisturiser

At Arianrhod Aromatics, Iamme specifically developed the Zero Tolerance Cream for people who have extremely sensitive skin and who cannot tolerate salicylates or essential oils.

Buy Zero Tolerance Cream

Zero Tolerance Cream is a 100% natural primary moisturiser intended to provide hydration all over the body without any fragrances or other ingredients that may cause irritation. The base ingredients of Zero Tolerance Cream are cocoa butter, cupuaçu butter and rice bran oil, all of which are salicylate-free and will help soothe your irritated skin. Combined with a touch of silk amino acids to lock in the moisture and Zero Tolerance Cream will keep your skin hydrated and itch-free.

Here’s what one of our customers has said about Zero Tolerance Cream:

“Always a winner. I have been buying this for years & now buy for my daughter & sister who love it too.”

Learn more about Zero Tolerance Cream

Hemp Cream All Over Moisturiser

A second choice from the Arianrhod Aromatics range is Hemp Cream. As the name suggests, Hemp Cream is based on hemp flower oil combined with rice bran oil and silk amino acids to provide a nutrient-rich moisturiser for use all over your body that is both salicylate-free and histamine-free.

Buy Hemp Cream

Arianrhod Aromatics Hemp Cream was developed to be an alternative to Zero Tolerance Cream for customers who are looking for the benefits of a completely natural hemp-based moisturiser. Hemp has been used throughout the ages in skincare routines as it is an excellent skin rejuvenator with healing properties that are second to none.

If your skin is already suffering from severe salicylate sensitivity dryness and irritation, Hemp Cream is the best choice to help your skin heal. Our customers rave about how effective our Hemp Cream is, here’s what Tanya told us:

“Quality product! Easily absorbed into the skin. Very soothing, so incredibly healing. I have been struggling with redness & scarring on my face & neck for many years. Noticeable difference within one month, I couldn’t be happier. Thank you Arianrhod Aromatics.”

Learn more about Hemp Cream
Buy Hemp Cream (fragrance-free) Online - Arianrhod Aromatics

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8 healthy habits to naturally calm your nerves before an exam and improve your results

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It seems like only yesterday that I was coming up to the end of year 12 and was preparing for my own HSC exams. I don’t stress easily, in fact, I’ve been accused of being too nonchalant about things. However, there was so much pressure on my HSC exams, it was perhaps one of the most stressful times that I recall, and I was on remote Scottish islands in mid-March 2020 when borders began closing and we had to find our way back to Australia, so that’s saying something! Those same border closures lead to lockdowns and severe disruptions for students this year. I can only imagine how much more stressful it will be with Coronavirus disrupting usual learning routines, creating disconnects in social environments, and putting even more anxiety on students.

Since finishing my HSC exams back in 2006 and (fortunately) beating out my UAI requirements, I’ve gone to complete two bachelor’s degrees, a master’s degree and various industry certification exams. In that time, I’ve learned a few things about preparing for exams. The thing is, they never get any less stressful. However, there are things you can do to reduce that stress and to improve your exam performance.

To help, I’ve put together this guide, based on my own experience and research on natural habits that will help to calm your nerves before exams and improve your results.

HEALTHY HABIT 1

Study in advance rather than cramming

Exams and studying are stressful, it’s tempting to cram the night before, in all honesty, that’s what I used to do. But, if you get organised it makes a massive difference! Do plenty of study in advance so you can get proper sleep while you are studying and especially avoid that late night/all night cram before each exam. I’ll be the first to admit, cramming was my go-to study method for years, and honestly, there is value to having everything you need stuffed into your short-term memory, but it isn’t the best way.

Being organised in advance will help reduce your stress and anxiety simply due to the mental knowledge you have. You know how much preparation you have done. You know how much you know about the subjects being tested, and you know you are prepared. That goes a long way to reducing stress and anxiety. Not to mention, knowing what you know means you can relax before an exam. You might still choose to review your notes while you wait to start the exam, but it’s not a last-ditch effort to make sure you know it, because you already know you know it.

HEALTHY HABIT 2:

avoiding alcohol and sugary beverages

For many students, the last year of school becomes a time of parties and alcohol, but excessive consumption of alcohol has been shown to damage memory recall of both short and long term memory (reference). Ongoing excessive consumption of alcohol can damage the part of the brain that is vital for memory function, the hippocampus (reference). While finishing off your HSC is a time of celebration, maybe save the alcohol until after your exams, and definitely not the night before an exam! No one wants to go into an exam hungover.

It isn’t just alcohol though. 

Excessive sugar consumption has been shown to lead to poor memory and reduced brain volume (reference). This isn’t just soft drink’s though, it’s also energy drinks. Energy drinks tend to be chock full of sugars, so while they might give you a boost of energy, the sugar is damaging your memory. Instead of relying on these drinks to get you through exams, use other methods of improving your energy, like sleep, exercise, and aromatherapy. 

Reducing your sugar intake is also good for your overall health and wellbeing, which in turn can actually improve your energy and general mental state too.

Instead, drink lots of water and if you want to change it up, flavour it naturally with a slice of lemon, orange, or some berries.

HEALTHY HABIT 3:

regular sleep

Getting good quality, regular sleep is important, both during your study time and in the nights leading up to each exam.

Our brains consolidate memories during our sleep, and in doing so, they are strengthening our synapses, making it easier to remember the things we learn each day (reference). If we don’t get enough sleep each night, then we are missing out on that memory consolidation.

It’s also important to remember to sleep well the night before an exam. Yes, I know, you want to get in every last little bit of cramming, but if you don’t sleep much, or at all, it can leave you feeling rotten on the day of the exam. This won’t help you to remember things and won’t help your confidence either.

Another side effect of missing out on sleep is increased anxiety and irritability which is not great in an exam. This is exacerbated with energy drinks and caffeine. The best solution is to get plenty of sleep.

If you have trouble winding down and sleeping during this stressful time, have a look at our blog post on how to get better sleep naturally.

HEALTHY HABIT 4:

regular EXERCISE

A number of studies have been conducted into the effects of exercise on cognitive function and memory. The results show that even just 15 minutes worth of exercise on a stationary bike is enough to improve your cognitive ability and recall (reference).

I am terrible at exercising. In all honesty, I would probably be a hermit that disappears into my own little virtual world, if I could. However, I can’t, and regular exercise has been shown to improve the growth and development of neurons in your brain (reference).

At the same time as improving your mental capability, exercise is also helping to improve your physical fitness. Two birds, one stone, even if you do have to do something you don’t like.

I’ll admit, even though I struggle to get motivated to exercise, I do feel much better afterwards and most of my best ideas happen when I go out for a walk!

HEALTHY HABIT 5:

regular, short breaks

While it can be tempting to cram in as much ‘learning’ as possible for as long as possible, it’s important to stop and take regular short breaks where you’re not actually taking in or processing any information. This gives your mind and body an opportunity to rest and rejuvenate, and it gives your brain a chance to process everything you’ve just taken in. First identified over 100 years ago, subsequent research has found that taking 10-15 minute breaks between topics of study can help with memory retention. Just make sure you spend that time either thinking about what you learned, going for a walk, or meditating, and not things that will occupy your mind with other thoughts, like TV, games, or chores.

Where possible, I like to break my study time into 15-20 minute chunks with a 10-minute break in between.

HEALTHY HABIT 6:

AROMATHERAPY

Aromatherapy is the use of aromas and natural compounds found in essential oils for health and wellbeing. Certain essential oils have been found to improve focus and memory retention while others can reduce tension and anxiety.

Choose an essential oil or blend of essential oils to use while you study that will help you to focus and retain what you are learning, and then use one that will help you to relax in your downtime. If you have trouble sleeping, consider using a blend of oils that will help you to sleep, either in a diffuser or in the form of a pillow mist, sprayed on your pillow before you go to bed.

Aromatherapy for concentration and memory retention

Rosemary and lavender essential oils have been found to help with the retention of image memory, however, while rosemary has also been found to help with number memory, lavender is detrimental to it (reference). This could perhaps in part be a side effect of the calming properties of lavender compared to the stimulating properties of rosemary (reference). Using lavender during your break time, though, can help to release stress and improve concentration when you go back to your studies (reference).

Peppermint essential oil, like lavender, can serve multiple purposes. You see, peppermint stimulates and relaxes at the same time. Peppermint essential oil has been found to help calm nerves, reduce fatigue and improve oxygen delivery to the brain (reference), all great things while you are studying! By the way, peppermint tea can help with this too!

Lemon essential oil has been shown to improve cognitive function (reference) and improve memory (reference). While the studies into lemon essential oils are largely around patients suffering from illnesses that affect memory, the demonstrated positive effects make it a worthwhile inclusion in your study arsenal!

Then there is basil. Basil essential oil contains a compound called linalool which has been found to reduce memory loss, particularly during times of insufficient sleep (reference). You wouldn’t be missing out on sleep during exam periods by any chance, would you? I know you are making sure to get lots of sleep as we talked about earlier, but regardless, choosing an essential oil blend that has basil in it, or simply using basil essential oil on its own, can be helpful during exam time to reduce memory loss, especially if you are short on sleep.

Our 100% pure essential oil blend, Wakey Wakey is designed to help perk you up, either at the start of a day, or when you are feeling tired partway through the day. Wakey Wakey is also a great choice for exam time. This special blend of basil, cypress (increases concentration), lime, peppermint, and rosemary has been designed specifically to help improve your focus, boost your energy and improve your memory retention, exactly what you need while you are studying.

Aromatherapy for Relaxation

To help you relax in between studying and in your downtime between exams choose essential oils that are known for their calming and relaxing properties. We mentioned lavender earlier, as it is known to help calm the nerves and reduce stress, but there are other essential oils you can choose. Consider chamomile, patchouli, frankincense (linked to improved spatial memory and reduced anxiety), ylang-ylang (a natural relaxant that helps improve focus), vetiver (reduces stress), and sandalwood (promotes mental clarity) too.

We have two blends that are specifically focused on helping you relax, and you will find ingredients in both of these that are designed to help bring calm and harmony to the mind and body.

Peace Essential Oil Blend: Peace isn’t a ‘restful’ aroma, but rather a spicy blend of lavender, bergamot, cypress, sweet orange and vetiver. Peace helps to clear your mind and bring it to a state of calm. I personally like to have this one diffusing while I work, especially when I have a lot going on.

After Hours Essential Oil Blend: Like Peace, After Hours has a spicy note to it and has been crafted to soothe and uplift after a long day. The tantalising blend of bergamot, cinnamon leaf, clover, lavender, lemon, and rose geranium will help you to unwind after a study session.

Unwind Essential Oil Blend:Designed to help your body to relax and unwind after a stressful day. This can be a good choice to use earlier in the evening. Note, Unwind does not have lavender in it if you are specifically looking for a blend with lavender.

Aromatherapy for Sleep

When it comes to sleep, lavender is a great choice, in fact, we have a pillow mist specifically crafted around lavender to help you sleep, Lavender Dreams, but there are other options too. Our Sweet Dreams essential oil blend is formulated specifically to help you drift off to sleep, and our Calm Mind pillow mist will help to settle the restless mind so you can sleep easier.

Sweet Dreams Essential Oil Blend: This essential oil blend is formulated precisely for the purpose of helping you to relax into the warm embrace of sleep. This is one of my personal favourite essential oil blends! Also available as a pillow mist.

Aromatherapy for concentration and memory retention

Rosemary and lavender essential oils have been found to help with the retention of image memory, however, while rosemary has also been found to help with number memory, lavender is detrimental to it (reference). This could perhaps in part be a side effect of the calming properties of lavender compared to the stimulating properties of rosemary (reference). Using lavender during your break time, though, can help to release stress and improve concentration when you go back to your studies (reference).

HEALTHY HABIT 7:

EATing WELL

What you put into your body goes a long way towards what you get out of it. Choosing healthy food makes a big difference. A diet rich in foods that are anti-inflammatory can help improve your memory! This means lots of fruit, vegetables and teas, particularly herbal teas. This kind of diet has been found to lower the risk of cognitive decline (reference) and studies on the intake of foods like blueberries and strawberries that are particularly high in antioxidants like flavonoids and anthocyanins makes a big difference to memory retention (reference)!

Curcumin, a natural compound found in turmeric, has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect on the brain. Curcumin reduces inflammation to the brain and lowers the amount of amyloid plaque accumulating on your brain neurons (reference). Why is this important? These plaques lead to cell and tissue death that cause memory loss. Maybe not such a big deal while you are younger, but every little bit helps, especially as you prepare to enter the next stage of your life, be it tertiary education or the workforce.

Now, I know, sometimes you just need some comfort food during stressful times, I’ve been there (frequently), but eating well doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Chocolate can also be rich in flavonoids! The darker the chocolate (and the lower the sugar), the better! 

Studies have shown that people who consume dark chocolate, which is rich in flavonoids, have better memory recall than people who consume white chocolate, which has no flavonoids (reference). Look for 70% cacao mass or higher!

I love chocolate!

HEALTHY HABIT 8:

Listening to classical music while studying

Many studies have been conducted into the effects of music on learning, and while the debate continues, one thing is clear: Classical music helps you learn.

Labelled the Mozart effect, classical music won’t make you smarter as some have suggested, but, like everything else on this list, it can help you to focus and recall what you learn.

Personally, I find it makes a huge difference to my focus when I am studying, and I definitely remember things better. I’ll be completely honest with you, for a long time, I wasn’t convinced, I thought all music was distracting. However, as my master’s degree was nearing completion, I found I had increasing difficulty staying focused while studying. 

I decided to try listening to classical music and soon discovered that it did help. Initially, I thought it was just because it reduced the prominence of distractions. I am easily distracted anyway, but let’s be honest, distractions are extremely easy to come by while you are studying. Even a car driving past or a bird singing can be a study distraction! Classical music reduced that. Soon I realised that classical music was not only reducing the distractions, but my mind was wandering less and I was remembering things better too.

I highly recommend giving it a try!

Bringing it all together

There are so many ways that you can calm your nerves before an exam and improve your overall performance during stressful exam periods. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some things are going to work for you and some things won’t. The only way to know for sure is to give them a try.

For me, I spent a long time convinced that cramming the day before and the morning of an exam worked the best. It wasn’t until I started researching and experimenting with different techniques and longer-term habits that I discovered that planning my study out in advance, listening to classical music, using aromatherapy, exercising regularly, and eating better actually made a big difference.

During my HSC and my first bachelor’s degree, I drank a lot of energy drinks (especially my first degree), but I’ve since discovered that eating right, sleeping, and exercising give me more energy and are better choices for my health and overall mental state. There is honestly nothing better than going into an exam with mental clarity and virtually no anxiety, except for finishing an exam and knowing that you knew the answers to every question!

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Is hand sanitiser starting to dry out and crack your skin?

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Is hand sanitiser drying out your skin? Here's the solution.

How are your hands?

With all that is going on in the world at the moment, we are all being more cautious with our hygiene. Hand sanitiser is getting used more frequently than ever. The problem is, alcohol-based hand sanitiser has a side effect when used extensively:

Dry, flaky, itchy, cracked skin

Matt's dry, cracked knuckles and hand.

Our web designer, Matt, sent us the photo above of his hand after using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser regularly for the last few weeks. Ouch!

But what’s the solution?

We have to be cautious with our hygiene, but frequent use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser dries out the skin. Taking the time to wash our hands with warm water and a soap that not only cleans your hands but moisturises them at the same time can help counteract that dryness. Our hemp soaps contain hemp seed oil, olive oil and shea butter, three key ingredients that hydrate the skin and help to prevent dry, flaky skin.

So, make sure that you use warm water and a moisturising soap whenever you wash your hands. Try to keep hand sanitisers for use while you are out and use your moisturising soap to keep your hands clean while you are at home. If you prefer liquid soap to hard soap, try our Hemp Body Wash for sensitive skin or one of our liquid hand and body soaps as an alternative.

What else can you do?

Make sure to use a good quality moisturiser on your hands regularly. Men, this is especially true for you. I know, most men don’t even think about using a moisturiser, but using one on your hands will help prevent dryness caused by hand sanitiser.

If your hands are already cracking, like Matt’s, make sure to use a moisturiser that is designed to help your skin repair itself while being gentle on exposed areas. Our Sativa Repair cream is designed for hands and feet that are cracking and painful. The Kigelia and Tamanu ingredients help your skin to recover while also providing you with an extra line of defence due to their antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.

Sativa Repair (Hands or Feet)

Sativa Repair (Hands or Feet)

Price range: $3.85 through $38.50
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Use a Moisturising Hand Sanitiser

Hand sanitiser doesn’t need to dry your skin out. That’s why we developed our natural hand sanitiser with the requisite amount of naturally-sourced alcohol combined with natural ingredients that help to rehydrate your skin and lock the moisture in!

Have a question?

Get in touch with us today via email, phone or send us a message on Facebook.

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Is hand sanitiser drying out your skin? Here's the solution.
Is hand sanitiser drying out your skin? Here's the solution.
Is hand sanitiser drying out your skin? Try a moisturising soap.
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What essential oils are best for skincare, hair care and wellbeing?

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Aromatherapy

What oils are best for skincare, hair and wellbeing?

You’re binge-watching those movies depicting ancient kingdoms and wonder if women really had such flawless skin in real life. It turns out that depiction of princesses is actually, at least in part, accurate. Taking care of your skin started a very long time ago. The vast difference between the products used in ancient kingdoms, and those used today is the origin. Hundreds and thousands of years ago, people didn’t have access to the synthetic ingredients we find in most skin-care products today, so they used the materials available to them, and yes, these ancient skincare regimes were organic.

Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used olive oil, moringa oil and a variety of plant-based oils. Many other ancient tribes have left traces of evidence that they used rudimentary essential oils as a moisturiser for both their skin and hair. With the exception of some very dangerous ingredients that we now stay well clear of (like lead), all-natural skin-care products used for millennia have continued to be the best options. It wasn’t all that long ago that we discovered the connection between lead in skincare with issues like hormonal imbalances, neurotoxicity, reduced fertility, and other problems. The dangers of many synthetic products continue to become more apparent and some synthetic ingredients can be very damaging to your skin.

For thousands of years, oils have also been used for wellbeing. Diffusing essential oils for aromatherapy is an ancient practice, dating back at least 6000 years. Some organic essential oils can be beneficial to unwind and destress your mind and body while others can help ease upset stomachs, reduce headache pain and provide other health benefits beyond the simple pleasure of their fragrance.

In this article, we will talk about essential oils. These oils are plant extracts derived from flowers, leaves, bark or seeds. Some provide benefits that stand-alone, while some are blended together to achieve the desired outcome on one’s well being or skin. Essential oils can have many uses, we will categorise them based on suggested usage – skin, hair and personal welfare.

 

For Skin

Good things come gradually – this is an age-old secret. Achieving healthy and vibrant skin comes from your daily care routine. Let’s uncover the hidden gem of the ancients, organic oils. As various oils are used for different types of skin, let’s take a look at which oils are best to use on certain skin conditions. Look for these essential oils in the products you use for your skin care routine, or, if appropriate, consider trying them in a diluted form directly on your skin. Always consult with your dermatologist first and never use undiluted essential oils.

Essential oils for dry skin. 

Oils can provide relief as part of your moisturising routine for dry skin. Especially during extreme conditions like summer heat and winter wind. Some essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties to help your skin heal and reduce redness. Essential oils that are good for dry skin include lavender, chamomile and sandalwood. These oils may be best known for their ability to help you relax and sleep, but they are also natural hydrators that increase moisture and reduce inflammation.

Essential oils for oily skin. 

Some skin types produce excessive oil (known as sebum) through overactive sebaceous glands, especially in humid climates and hot weather. Hormonal imbalances can also cause your sebaceous glands to work overtime. A number of essential oils can assist in balancing out sebum produced to reduce the oily feeling on your skin: clary sage, rosemary, frankincense, geranium and neroli. Perhaps the most famous due to it’s Biblical references, frankincense is a tree resin from the dry mountainous regions of India, Africa and the Middle East. It has a spicy, woody aroma and can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled with a diffuser.

Essential oils for skin conditions. 

There are various skin conditions that essential oils can assist with, including skin rashes, acne, and age spots.  If you have acne-prone skin – lemon, lemongrass, cinnamon and tea tree oils might help remove excess oils while reducing skin microbes and inflammation. Lemon is known for its astringent antiseptic properties.

Some oils are known to alleviate itchiness and help battle atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis. The following oils have pain-relieving properties and can assist your skin health – peppermint, wintergreen, eucalyptus and patchouli. These oils have an analgesic effect and can help to cool down hot rashes.

Some tips on incorporating essential oils into your skincare routine.

  • Start by washing and gently exfoliating the skin.
  • Add a few drops of essential oil to your moisturiser
  • Apply your essential oil infused moisturiser to your skin using a sweeping upward motion.
  • You can also blend 2-3 drops of essential oil with your foundation while applying makeup.

 

For Hair

Using essential oils in your hair care routine is starting to regain popularity, but like skincare, it isn’t a new idea. Essential oils are easy to use in your routine and can improve the health of your hair and scalp. Some essential oils can also increase hair growth, strength and shine. Essential oils can be directly applied and brushed onto your hair or mixed into your shampoo or conditioner. You can also choose a shampoo and conditioner that have the desired essential oils infused.

Look for these essential oils depending on your hair type:

  • Lavender – Lavender oil can speed up hair growth – it has properties that can generate the growth of cells and reduce stress.
  • Peppermint – Peppermint oil can cause a cold, tingling feeling when it increases circulation to the area it’s applied to. It can help promote hair growth during the anagen (or growing) phase.
  • Rosemary – If you want to improve both hair thickness and hair growth, rosemary oil is a great choice thanks to its ability to enhance cellular generation.
  • Cedarwood – It has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which can treat different conditions that may contribute to dandruff and hair loss.
  • Lemongrass – Dandruff can be a common ailment, and having a healthy, flake-free scalp is an important part of hair health. Lemongrass oil is an effective dandruff treatment.
  • Thyme – Thyme can help promote hair growth by both stimulating the scalp and actively preventing hair loss.
  • Clary Sage – Clary sage oil contains the same linalyl acetate that helps make lavender oil so effective in increasing hair growth. It can improve hair strength, in addition to boosting hair growth, making hair more difficult to break.
  • Tea Tree – Tea tree oil has powerful cleansing, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. When used topically, it can help unplug blocked hair follicles and increase hair growth.
  • Ylang-ylang – Ylang-ylang oil is ideal for those with dry scalps, as it can stimulate sebum production. As lack of enough oil and sebum causes hair to become dry and brittle, ylang-ylang can improve hair texture and reduce hair breakage.

 

For wellbeing

The aromas of essential oils are also good for your health and wellbeing. Diffusing oil in a diffuser, or other ways, has a range of benefits for both the body and soul. 

Essential Blends – Some essential oils compliment each other and increase their effects. Our blended essential oils are perfect for use in your office, living room and bedroom. All Arianrhod Aromatics 100% essential oils have multiple uses – in the bath, the shower, in potpourri by your bedside or, for the blends intended to help you sleep, within your linen for a restful night’s sleep. Totally relaxing – use some blends before bedtime for a wonderful, restful sleep or wake-up with a refreshed mind using Wakey Wakey. 

Below are some of our popular essential oil blends – my personal favourite is Sweet Dreams.

100% Pure Essential Oil Blend Peace – This 100% pure essential oil blend carries a spicy aroma you will find harmonising, calming and balancing as it contains bergamot, cypress, lavender, sweet orange and vetiver.

100% Pure Essential Oil Blend After Hours – You may like to use this wonderful oil after a long, hard day as this particular blend has a sensuously spicy scent to be welcoming, soothing and uplifting. Using aromatherapy principles, this blend was created to help you unwind and to help eliminate any airborne bugs you might have carried home with you.

Sweet Dreams Essential Oil

100% Pure Essential Oil Blend Sweet Dreams – Totally relaxing! Use before bedtime for a wonderful, restful sleep. Breathe in this soothing aroma as you unwind. Welcome sleep within its aromatic environment. It is created for your bedtime with cinnamon leaf, clary sage, frankincense, mandarin and ylang-ylang.

100% Pure Essential Oil Blend Wakey Wakey – Need that extra energy when you have more to do but you don’t want to be drinking large quantities of caffeine or energy drinks? Wakey Wakey is designed for those times when you are studying or working late into the afternoon or evening. When a yawn or two comes while you are at your computer and you still have work to do. This creation has the answer for you. Walking outside is known to help stimulate your brain, so take a metaphorical walk in the forest when you need some extra energy from nature. Inhale this wonderful aroma for that extra boost you need at any time.

Don’t be overwhelmed

Now that you know some of the many uses of essential oils for body, hair and wellbeing. You might be overwhelmed by the many essential oils that are beneficial for you. If you aren’t sure, just get in touch with us. You can call, email or message us on Facebook with your questions and we’ll help you to pick out the right one for your needs. Once you begin to use essential oils, it won’t be long before you begin to notice their beneficial effects, both to your body and soul. 

At Arianrhod Aromatics, we wish you a healthy and peaceful life using organic products that have proven effective, both through history and modern research.

What is the difference between Hemp, CBD and THC?

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What is the difference between Hemp, CBD and THC?

Cannabis sativa has become more popular nowadays than ever before. While the current generation usually thinks of this  plant as the primary source of the drug, “marijuana”, the cannabis plant is also a source of quality ingredients that can be used to create skincare products, rope, paper, clothing and much more. Unfortunately, because of the connection with  marijuana, many people are concerned that products made from the Cannabis Sativa plant may harm or, at the very least, cause drug-related side effects in those who use it. Most products derived from this plant don’t have any connection to the psychoactive components  found in the drug marijuana.

Cannabis Sativa is an annual herbaceous flowering plant indigenous to eastern Asia but now of cosmopolitan distribution due to widespread cultivation. It has been cultivated throughout recorded history, used as a source of fibre, seed oil, food, in recreation, for creating religious and spiritual moods, as a medicine and as a skin rejuvenator. Each part of the plant is harvested differently, depending on the purpose of its use, which is literally hundredfold.

There are two different popular plant species of Cannabis Sativa selected depending on the desired  end product. One is Hemp, and the other is Marijuana. While both are of the same species of Cannabis, the two should not be referred to as the same. These two varieties differ in one significant way – hemp won’t get you high. Hemp is generally legal across Australia, the United States and many other countries, unlike Marijuana which is not legal in the majority of countries.

Image Source: https://carolinahemptours.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hemp-vs-marijuana.jpg

Cannabis plants were actually prescribed by medical practitioners until it was criminalised during the 1930s by Harry J. Anslinger, head of US Federal Bureau of Narcotics. The story was generally sensationalized that laws have restricted the overall use of Cannabis. Researchers have now proved that Anslinger wrongly attributed 198 of the “Gore Files” stories to marijuana usage and the remaining “two cases could not be disproved, because no records existed concerning the crimes. Let us now look at the current information on the Cannabis plant.

Hemp, CBD and THC are often misinterpreted as the same things. To differentiate the three terms:
– Hemp usually refers to derivatives of the hemp plant, sometimes called industrial hemp. This includes fibres used in textiles as well as CBD Oil and hempseed oil.
– CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a substance from either the Hemp or Cannabis plant that has no psychoactive effects (though may include around 0.3% or less of THC). CBD is becoming increasingly popular because it can have a calming, relaxing effect without causing the user to get high.
– THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the substance found in  the Cannabis plant that contributes to the majority of  psychoactive effects associated with marijuana.

Hemp seeds are the primary source of  hempseed oil. Cold-pressing hemp seeds produces this oil and it is different to hemp oil, an oil made from other parts of the hemp plant. Hempseed oil has no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While CBD and THC are often found in medicinal or recreational Marijuana, these are not found in hempseed oils. CBD is an oil produced from other parts of the hemp plant. These two oils are often confused and mislabeled.

Hempseed oil is known for its skin health benefits. This oil has polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including omega-3s and omega-6s w/c in a ratio of 3:1, considered to be the optimal nutrition ratio. Hempseed oil is also a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a type of omega-6 fatty acid. Some skin conditions that can be treated by hemp oil are: acne, eczema, psoriasis, and lichen planus. It can have antibacterial properties that help avoid virus, bacteria and fungal infections on your skin. Generally, hempseed oil helps to make your skin stronger and smoother. Along with essential fatty acids, hempseed oil contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. You can take it orally or apply it to your skin. The use of Hempseed oil is legal in Australia.

Hempseed oil absorbs quickly and doesn’t block the pores so will help the skin balance its normal oil production. Hempseed oil is also high in antioxidants, which are elements that prevent or slow cell damage. Because of this property, some people believe that the regular application of hempseed oil slows the ageing of the skin. Hempseed oil is made from the edible hemp seed that contains gamma-linolenic acid or (GLA). GLA is used in the body to regulate hormone levels, and so it can help to diminish hormone-related acne outbreaks. GLA  can also assist in bringing down the redness and irritation of acne outbreaks. Over time, it can help eliminate acne by keeping the skin healthy and hydrated. Among the substances derived from Cannabis, hempseed oil is 100% healthy with no adverse side-effects.

Image Source: https://medium.com/cbd-origin/hemp-vs-marijuana-the-difference-explained-a837c51aa8f7

CBD or cannabidiol can be extracted from either the hemp or marijuana plant. It’s THC content depends on what plant it was obtained, and how it was extracted. Unlike hemp oil, CBD is extracted from the plant and not from the seed. While hemp seeds do not contain any THC, the hemp plant does, so it is possible for CBD to contain THC as well. In jurisdiction where CBD is legal, it must contain less than 0.3% of THC, a level so low that it will have no psychoactive effect on most people.

CBD is used to help with various conditions such as seizures, general pain, mental disorders, migraine, depression, and many more. It has an excellent pain-relieving effect and can help with relaxation. Like hempseed oil, CBD may also reduce acne due to its anti-inflammatory properties so it is appearing in an ever-growing range of skin products. 

If CBD is extracted from a Marijuana plant it will contain a higher level of THC, which is not federally legal in the United States or Australia but is allowed in some jurisdiction. There is no legal requirement to list the THC content in CBD, but many manufacturers are now doing so in order to provide greater transparency into what you are using. CBD taken from hemp has almost no THC and, subsequently, no psychoactive effects, unlike CBD made from marijuana that can make you high or increase in appetite. Since there can be a lot of variation, it’s important to check the THC level, and if the product doesn’t list a percentage, perhaps ask why.

THC is the active ingredient in marijuana which can either be used for medicinal purposes in the treatment of patients or as a recreational activity. In September 2019, the Australian Capital Territory passed the legalisation possession and cultivation of Marijuana laws, mirroring the United States. Despite debate under federal law, this move by the ACT government hopes to lessen the stigma around drug use, encouraging people to seek help  

THC is the component that gives the high sensation associated with marijuana and is usually consumed by smoking it. It can also be available in the form of oils or capsules for medicinal use. THC may come in the form of cigarette, gel or as an ingredient in e-liquids of the growing popularity of vaping.

Legislation around THC, CBD and even hempseed oil is a bit of a quagmire in Australia with different laws between states, territories and federal governments. Hempseed oil is completely legal. However CBD oil may only be used if it is prescribed by a doctor and the government approved the supply that is purchased. THC has the same case with CBD. It is better to check with your local laws about products with CBD or THC.

I hope we have given you valuable information about Cannabis Sativa and it’s different components. Hemp oil has been used for centuries now to treat and improve skin conditions and many other concerns without unwanted effects. To learn more about Arianrhod Aromatics use of Hempseed Oil, click here.

Block Odour, Not Sweat – Why Aluminium-free Deodorant Is Best for Your Underarms?

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Block Odour, Not Sweat - Why Aluminium-Free Deodorant Is Best for Your Underarms?

Changes in our body mechanisms are noticeable as we grow old. One such change is our body odour (BO) – which we usually only notice when it becomes an unpleasant smell. Healthline.com states “Changes in body odour can be a normal part of development, such as when an adolescent is going through puberty. During puberty, sweat glands and hormones become more active, which can cause BO. If you’ve been working out, excessive sweat may be the culprit. If you don’t wear antiperspirant or practice healthy hygiene habits, sweat can mix with bacteria, causing an unpleasant smell.” Usually, we blame sweating as the culprit for BO. But this is not actually the case. Sweating is our body’s way of cooling down as we become more active in our daily activities. “Apocrine glands work primarily under stress, secreting an odourless fluid. This fluid begins to develop an odour when it comes into contact with bacteria on your skin. These glands don’t start working until puberty, which is why that’s usually the time we start to notice body odor.1” Thus, sweat is not the culprit but rather the bacteria that is on your body during stressful activity. Besides, perspiration is a good indicator that our body is doing enough exercise to burn calories and that’s always a good thing.

So how do we avoid BO when sweating is such an essential part of cooling down our body?

Aluminium-based antiperspirants have become popular commercially in preventing excessive sweat, so much so that almost every antiperspirant you buy in a supermarket will contain aluminium. Typically, antiperspirants work by temporarily blocking your sweat glands and keeping you from perspiring. They also add a pleasant scent to cover up any existing odors. So, if you are working or exercising this prevents sweat and thereby blocks. While this product can help avoid body odour, it doesn’t do much about the real cause of the problem: the bacteria that is causing the bad smell. In reality, what these aluminium-based antiperspirants are actually doing is preventing your body from cooling itself down by blocking the natural mechanism of producing sweat.

Studies have found that aluminium in antiperspirants can be absorbed into the skin as part of the temporary plugging process and cause an oestrogen-like hormonal effect.2 While more research is needed to confirm the effects of aluminium, researches have suggested that aluminium does build up in breast tissue and could cause genomic instability, interference with oestrogen and iron metabolism, and oxidative damage to cellular components.3 Research in these areas is ongoing, but already there is more than enough cause for concern over the long-term impact of spraying aluminium onto your skin.

Arianrhod Aromatics has been addressing this concern with aluminium-based deodorant for over a decade by providing an organic, completely natural, aluminium-free deodorant that allows your body to sweat naturally, minus the potential unpleasant body odour. Rather than blocking up your sweat glands and pouring chemicals on your skin, the Arianrhod aluminium-free deodorants work by using colloidal silver, a 100% naturally occurring anti-bacterial agent. This helps to remove the bacteria on your skin before you start sweating. Iamme added other natural ingredients like the anti-fungal Australian hemp seed oil and sodium bicarbonate to help keep you dry without the potentially harmful side effects of aluminium. Australian hemp seed oil is well known to act as an antibacterial and antifungal agent, part of what makes our aluminium-free deodorants so popular. Even without the aromatic addition of the essential oils in our scented varieties, you will find that our aluminium-free deodorants work very effectively at preventing bad body odours.

Why should you use a natural deodorant? Mainstream underarm products use a combination of chemicals that may not be good to our body. In addition to aluminium, these chemicals may include but not limited to parabens (artificial preservatives), propylene glycol (neurotoxin), TEA & DEA (can cause allergic reactions) and triclosan (artificial antimicrobial chemical). Remember that what goes on your body can end up in your body. There are also questions about the impact of these chemical-based products on your skin in the long run. So while they might solve your BO in the short term, what might be happening to your body that you can’t see right now?

Our aluminium-free deodorants are made using organic ingredients that are known to be very safe for use on your underarms. There is no chemical that traps the sweat, preventing your body from cooling itself. Instead, our deodorants prevent the smells by eradicating the bacteria that combines with sweat and causes body odour. Currently, we have five aluminium-free deodorants with fragrances to suit you!

Deodorant Fragrance Free Aluminium Free

- For the purist who doesn’t want any smell at all and just wants to block the BO. Grant, one of our customers, said "Been using this for years and haven’t had BO for the same time. Doesn’t stain clothes."

Deodorant Fresh Fragrance Aluminium Free

- For the person who always wants to stay fresh as the morning breeze. If you find yourself feeling flat during the day at work, our fresh fragrance will pick you up!

Deodorant Gentle Fragrance Aluminium Free

- Moms would love this as they juggle their work and daily chores but still want to keep fresh when they welcome their loved ones home.

Deodorant Oakmoss Fragrance Aluminium Free

- Hit the gym or feel free to sweat playing your favourite sports. Our most popular fragrance for men who want to be performing at their best but still smell great all day long.

Deodorant Nimbin Fragrance Aluminium Free

- Show off the confident woman in you. Kirsty personally loves this product and said "My all-time favourite deodorant. I’ve tried so many & this one smells gorgeous, works & is long-lasting."

 

Block odour, not sweat. Arianrhod Aromatic champions clean living with natural products that don’t break the bank.

Try our aluminium-free deodorants today.