natural skincare
As much as I care about what I put inside my body, I also have a great interest in what I put on my body. I am concerned about the amount of chemicals that are in the products that we put on our bodies and that we use in our homes.
With such an overload of sprays, creams, lotions and potions that the commercial world convinces us we can’t live without, I’m not surprised our bodies are getting confused and cancers are on the increase. We are moving further and further away from what nature provides and are instead putting our trust in ‘scientific breakthroughs’, which I believe are often just cheaper ways to manufacture products.If you look at your usual moisturiser, you might find the label boasts that it contains jojoba or aloe vera perhaps. But when you read the ingredients, you see that these key substances are often very low down the list and the bulk of the product is petro-chemical based, such as mineral oil, which is devoid of nutrients for the skin and prevents the skin from functioning properly. So why not just use those key ingredients, which we know are full of natural goodness for the skin? That’s what I asked myself, and so began Free Spirited Natural Skincare.
For several years now I have been making my own natural skincare products, and after receiving compliments on the improved condition of my skin, and repeated requests from friends and family to mix up products for them, I am now launching my range of facial skincare products which you can buy through this website’s SHOP facility.
Why natural?
Natural ingredients have been used for thousands of years, with proven benefits. Synthetic ingredients are often isolated constituents of naturally occurring ingredients, which are often produced cheaply and at great profit to the manufacturers. However, it is often the synergistic nature of the natural constituent in conjunction with its other properties that makes it so effective, and also safer.
There is also an issue of chemical overload: synthetic ingredients are safety-tested individually, but it would be impossible to test each one when mixed with all other synthetic chemicals that it could possibly come into contact with. If we are using commercially manufactured shower gels, body lotions, deodorants, perfumes, creams etc. there could potentially be thousands of chemicals reacting together, with no known effects on our health.
Why is it important that we look after our skin?
The skin is the largest organ of the human body. It acts as a protective barrier, almost waterproof, but is actually semi-permeable, enabling substances to pass in and out of the body for healthy skin functioning.
Since up to 60% of what we put on our skin can pass through into the bloodstream, it makes sense to use natural products. Toxins should be able to leave the body through the pores. However, when you use mineral oil (which is in the majority of high street moisturisers and body lotions), it acts like cling film, locking in moisture, but also preventing the skin from breathing properly and functioning effectively. So, short term, the skin feels hydrated, but in the long term it can cause toxin build up and skin problems. Natural cold-pressed oils from vegetable, nut or seed sources hold in moisture but also allow the skin to breathe, and have the addition benefits of containing a wide range of nutrients, which can be absorbed through the skin into the blood stream. So you are effectively feeding your skin!
Having soft, supple skin makes you look and feel great, and looking after your skin can even slow the ageing process.
Natural skincare is part of a holistic lifestyle
For me, there is a strong connection between looking after my health, physically, mentally and spiritually. Taking time to look after yourself through daily rituals, whether that be through exercise, meditation or skincare, is incredibly nourishing on all levels. It’s about taking your health and wellbeing into your own hands, which is very empowering.
Face Yoga
Heading towards my 40s, I began to research facial exercises as a safe and natural anti-ageing solution, and came across the Danielle Collins Face Yoga Method. I subsquently qualified as a Face Yoga Teacher in 2013.
‘Face Yoga’ is a combination of facial exercises, massage, acupressure and relaxation. It encourages skin to retain its youthfulness by toning the facial muscles, reducing drooping and smoothing lines. It improves the general appearance, texture and overall health of the face, completely naturally, and for free!
I love to practise some of these techniques whilst applying my products, to maximise the benefits of both. The silkiness of the products is perfect for massaging the delicate facial skin. Some of the relaxation methods also slot seamlessly into my Yoga classes.
Please contact me to learn more or schedule a one-to-one consultation.
— “Be your best, naturally” —
Natural Ingredients List
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is one of my favourite skincare ingredients, and plays a major role in my Hydrating Facial Mist, Replenishing Moisturiser, Calming Blemish Gel and Revitalising Eye Serum. The ancient Egyptians called it the “plant of immortality”. In Ayurvedic medicine, aloe vera is used to effectively heal chronic skin problems, such as psoriasis, acne and eczema.
Aloe vera is a cactus plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family. Aloe leaves secrete a clear gel that when broken off from the rest of the plant can be applied topically to heal wounds and soothe skin. It is an excellent emollient, making it soothing and calming to the skin.
Aloe is packed full of over 75 different nutrients, including beta carotene, vitamins C and E, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and naturally occurring salicylic acid. It has wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties, and stimulates the growth of new skin cells. It fights ageing by helping to improve the skin’s natural firmness and hydration, and is excellent in treating acne and other skin conditions.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is cold pressed from the seeds of the evening primrose flower. It is a dry, light oil that is easily absorbed by the skin, retaining moisture and making skin softer and less prone to problems.
It is considered the best remedy for eczema and other skin issues, and is suitable for a variety of different skin types, including oily, sensitive, acne-prone and mature.
This oil is a great source of omega 6 fatty acids and contains a high quantity of Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), which are both essential for the proper functioning of the skin. It is also used in foods as a dietary source of fatty acids.
You will find this luxurious ingredient in my Nourishing Facial Oil and Replenishing Moisturiser.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is native to Australia and is distilled from the leaves of the Melaleaca Alternifolia plant. It is an amazing oil that has incredibly effective anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. It works well for acne-prone skin and is often used as a natural alternative to benzoyl peroxide. It is a key ingredient in my Calming Blemish Gel.
Lavender Essential Oil
The lavender oil used in my products is the highest quality French lavender, which has a beautiful calming scent and is ideal for mature and problematic skin types.
The list of properties for lavender is one of the longest of all the aromatherapy oils. It is also known as a synergist, which means it helps the other oils in the blend to work even better!
