Neem Oil: The overlooked leaf?

This month I I'm try out a new oil! I've heard about neem oil for a while so I decided to experiment.  Neem oil which is derived from neem leaves is highly treasured in India and South East Asia. Neem oil like other oils is packed full of nutrients! However, what stands out for me is that neem extracts are some of the most powerful anti-fungal plant extracts around! Here are some of the benefits of neem oil:

1) The antibacterial properties of this oil are amazing: it's antiviral which means it stops the growth of viruses.  Its anti-fungal which stops the growth of fungi and antimicrobial which destroys the growth of micro-organisms.- This is perfection
 for the scalp, a nice bit of neem oil would work wonders in a hot oil treatment!

2) That moves on nicely to the next benefit, it's a great treatment for the scalp due to its high levels of antioxidants- It improves scalp health, reducing redness and scalp irritation and maintains the scalp’s PH level. Which is great for those who suffer from dandruff or generally have a sensitive scalp! Remember! a healthy scalp= healthy hair!

3) It conditions dry and under-nourished hair! Neem oil contains several essential fatty acids which allows it to be absorbed quickly by the hair and to penetrate outer layers of the scalp so it can be used when needed. Which is most delightful for your hair!

Skin Benefits: Again due to its anti-bacterial properties, neem oil works well on acne prone skin! As a face mask it removes impurities, nourishes the skin, tightens pores and evens skintone! I'm yet to incorporate neem oil into my skincare regime so will let you know when I do!

So yes, neem oil has a-mazing benefits however, the only not-so-good thing about this oil is the smell! It has a distinctive smell which I can't even compare to anything (sorry guys lol, you're going to have to smell it yourselves). I use neem oil in my conditioning hair masks, mixed with coconut oil and a deep conditioner to dilute the smell. I do use the oil alone if I am applying it directly to a problem area on my scalp! 

I've been using neem oil for two weeks now in my deep conditioning regime and my hair definitely likes it! My hair came out really soft and felt lovely and nourished. My scalp is looking healthy too already. I will keep you updated!

I purchased my neem oil from my local afro-caribbean hair shop, however it can be purchased online or from natural health and beauty stores. Be sure to check that it is 100% pure and not mixed with mineral oil, petroleum or any other fillers. It should also be 'cold pressed' 

Be sure to patch test the oil before you use it!

#organicbeautyjourney #obj

Lots of Love,

xoxo

1st picture from google images

Giovanni Eco Chic Hair Care: Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating shampoo, conditioner and direct leave-in weightless moisture conditioner 250ml review

I came across the Giovanni brand on YouTube; following the beginning of my research I was really desperate to find a sulphate and paraben free shampoo. As soon as I found out about the effects of sulphate and parabens I quickly reviewed the ingredients in ALL the haircare products I had and to my horror I found that all my shampoos and conditioners contained sulphates!  So yes, the search was on to find a hair-friendly shampoo and conditioner, I was concerned with how much an organic shampoo and conditioner would be as I was so used to picking up mine from local superdrug! Listening to the reviews Giovanni quickly became my first choice and I began researching online where I could find it. I know that they sell it in Holland and Barrett’s now however, at the beginning of my journey they didn’t. Holland and Barrett currently sell Giovanni shampoo and conditioners for £7.99, they don’t however currently sell the tea tree triple threat shampoo and conditioner- which is a shame. In other news there are plenty of online shops that do! I bought mine on a site called skin nutrition. Which is a site for organic beauty products and natural skin care. They also sell 250ml Giovanni shampoos and conditioners for £7.99 however, they are currently having a 20% off special offer, which makes all the 3 products reviewing product £6.39 each (This offer has been on since I first purchased my Giovanni products in December 2013!- winning) Plus they have free postage on all UK orders over £10- amaaazing!

A bit about the Giovanni brand…” It was one of the first “natural” salon hair care products and today is the #1 selling Natural Hair Care brand in the United States natural products industry. Giovanni Cosmetics remains a family owned company, committed to creating only the purest formulations, packaged in aesthetically beautiful bottles and marketed with extraordinary visuals and graphics. Their products consist of only the most carefully selected blends of vitamins, minerals, nutrients, herbs and oils. These unique products contain no parabens, sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate or animal by-products. Their products are 100% vegetarian, cruelty-free, never tested on animals, pH Balanced, no dyes and biodegradable formulas with recyclable packaging. The range consists of shampoos, conditioners, repairing treatments, styling, finishing products, and body and skin care products.” (Reference: http://www.giovannicosmetics.com/)

So before I review I need to let you guys know how long these products have lasted me! So I co-wash my hair every week and shampoo my hair once or twice a month. I also use the leave in conditioner about twice a week. I have had these three products since the end of December 2013 and they are only just finishing now!! Although I did from have a 2 month break from the products I think that is pretty amaze!

Pros: Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo, conditioner

• A small amount goes a long way: So when I first saw that it was £7.99 for a 250ml shampoo/conditioner I was shocked. The drugstore brands are usually 500ml and cheaper! So I started by not using a lot of product to save having to re-buy the products often! It worked wonders! It lathers very well and very quickly despite it having no sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate (winning again)
• The shampoo leaves my scalp feeling fresh and clean
• The tingly feeling from the tea tree-you can literally feel it working!
• It leaves my hair feeling quite soft and supple
• Great smell (if you like the smell of tea tree
•  Design  is simple and cool, it’s also a great shape and fits easily into bags.

Cons: Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Shampoo, conditioner:

•          Conditioner is not deep conditioning

Pros: direct leave-in weightless moisture conditioner:

• Very lightweight- doesn’t leave hair feeling greasy or weighed down as the title rightly suggests
• This product mixed/ sealed with an essential oil makes a great moisturiser for those with Afro-Caribbean hair
• With this product a little goes a long way too
• Great product to use for detangling as it provides a great slip
• Doesn't leave any white residue if used correctly (as in not putting on heaps)

Cons: direct leave-in weightless moisture conditioner:

•         It's not deep-conditioning

Overall I’m really impressed the 3 Giovanni products and would thoroughly recommend them! Obviously I am comparing it to my previous sulphate brands however I am yet to compare it to other organic brands. I will be trying out other natural hair care products and reviewing them very soon!

#organicbeautyjourney #obj

Lots of Love,

xoxo

World class organic beauty secrets!

Women all over the world have one thing in common and that is the desire to enhance and maintain their beauty. In less westernised societies there is less of a focus on manufactured products sand more on natural, organic and pure products that have been passed down through generations. I believe that there is so much that we can learn from these remedies and these women! The desirable look for women all over the world is thick, long healthy hair and clear radiant skin. I would love to travel across the world and see how marginalised women live and their beauty regimes (maybe one day!). In the mean time I have come across some of the organic beauty staples from women across the globe!

Let’s start off by defining a few terms to look out for when purchasing some of these items…

Organic: Natural produce involving production without the use of any chemical aid

Natural: Made from nature without the interference of humans

Pure: Untouched and not mixed with any other ingredient fillers

Unrefined and Cold- Pressed: Extraction without excessive heat and as a result the nutrients remain intact which means the oil remains ‘virgin’ and ‘pure’

Tamanu Oil:  This oil is found in Polynesia, which is a region made up of over 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. The islands in Polynesia are known for their tropical climate. These women are known for their well-tanned skin and legendary hair. This oil is extracted from the nut grown on the Tamanu Tree. The scientific name for the Tamanu Nut Tree is Calophyllum Inophyllum. Tamanu oil is used to accelerate wound healing and promotes healthy, glowing skin; it is also used for cuts, insect bites, stings and to treat acne, eczema and dry skin.

 Manoi Oil: Again used by Polynesians and specifically the Tahiti women who again have great skin and hair. It is not all down to genes but natural beauty products. It is made from soaking tiare petals. It is amazing for the hair when left to soak in and then rinsed thoroughly. For the skin it serves as an easily absorbed formula that rehydrates and protects against external damage. It is used as an after sun treatment and also during pregnancy to stop stretchmark’s. It is also used as an alternative to perfume.

Turmeric/Haldi: This is a well-known indian spice! From my experience Turmeric serves as a great ingredient for facial masks, it can be used on oily, dry and combination skin- winning! Turmeric is great for treating acne due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties which fight pimples, breakouts as well as helping to clear acne scars, while providing a youthful glow to your skin. Since finding out about the uses of turmeric from the lovely Farah Dhukai’s YouTube channel it really has been a staple organic beauty treatment for me! More details on facial masks coming soon on the blog!

Honey: I am currently using Honey as a cleanser and I love it! I use it in the mornings and just before I go to bed, I put it on when my face is damp, leave it on for 15 minutes minimum and then wash it off; it leaves my skin feeling soft and supple. Here are some reasons why pure honey is so great. Honey is naturally antibacterial, so it's great to use as an acne/break out treatment and prevention. It is also full of antioxidants and it is great for slowing down aging. It is extremely moisturising and soothing, so it helps create a glow. Honey is cleansing and clarifying because it opens up pores making them easy to unclog! Amazing! Honey is used all over the world.

Gram/Besan Flour: This Hindi ingredient is great for face masks! It is known for its skin brightening properties, pimple fighting agents and general cleansing properties. This flour mixed with milk (or yogurt), with a pinch of turmeric and almond oil works wonders for my skin and literally overnight! It can also be mixed in with homemade body scrubs! How’s that for harsh chemical-free living!

Tulsi plant: Tulsi or basil is one plant you are sure to find in most Indian homes. It is a herb with medicinal and healing properties, tulsi leaves are added to dishes or even eaten raw for its numerous benefits. In terms of beauty, ground tulsi can come in handy when it comes to dealing with everyday beauty woes like pimples and dandruff especially when mixed with oils and honey. I am yet to try this plant however, I have heard great things! I will definitely be reviewing this herb when I do!

Amla Oil: This natural substance is often used to promote healthy hair and growth. It can be used fight hair loss and premature grey hair. When used as a hair treatment, amla oil is typically applied directly to the scalp and massaged thoroughly. Amla features a number of essential fatty acids, which help to strengthen the hair follicles and condition the hair. It can also help treat dry, itchy scalp. No wonder it’s one of India’s most trusted hair oils!  Lovely!

Shikakai: Shikakai (literally translates to "hair-fruit" or "fruit for hair") is a shrub-like tree that grows in central India. It has been used for centuries as a cleanser for hair, body, and pretty much anywhere else a cleanser might come in handy. What sets this plant apart from the rest is that shikakai actually lathers moderately because its bark, which foam up when shaken in water, similar to soap! Shikakai is very high in vitamin C as well as vitamins A, D, E, and K, antioxidants which are essential for healthy and rapid hair growth. These vitamins provide the hair follicles with the necessary micronutrients to help hair grow fast and healthy. I have not yet tried Shikakai powder but it sounds amazing! It is definitely something I will be looking to purchase and review. Shikakai has very low pH levels, which means your hair won’t be stripped of its natural oils, apparently it also works as a shampoo and detangler at the same time. This all natural product sounds almost too good to be true! - We’ll see!

Shea Butter:  It is a creamy-coloured fatty substance made from the nuts of karite nut trees. Being of west African descent shea butter has always been a part of the family and I really did not used to like it (mainly because of the distinctive smell, although now I really don’t think its that bad). This was until I found out about its many uses! My mother and all the women in my family use shea butter as a moisturiser and skin healer. African women are known for their supple, gracefully aging skin. The vitamin A in shea butter contributes to this, it is important for improving a number of skin conditions including early lines and wrinkles, eczema, skin allergies, insect bites, sunburns and wounds! You can imagine my mother’s confusion when I asked her for some shea butter when I had snubbed it for nearly my whole life! Be careful though guys, only high quality premium shea butter can offer all the benefits of shea butter, once it has aged or loses its natural integrity many of the benefits can be lost so make sure you know what you are buying!

Rose hip seed oil/ Rosa mosqueta oil: South American women have used this oil for a while. It comes from the seeds of a wild rose that grows in the southern slopes of the Andes. It was used by the Araucanian Indians for its healing and regenerative properties. The oil is rich in unsaturated and essential fatty acids and vitamins A, C and E.  Rose hip seed oil helps prevent premature skin aging, helps improve uneven skin tone and pigmentation, and repairs sun damage. It also improves the texture of skin and increases elasticity.  Rose hip seed oil is known to be effective in treating skin conditions like dermatitis, acne and eczema too! Wow! Nature at its finest!

Coconut Oil: If you don’t own a bottle of organic coconut oil then you cannot sit with us (lol). Coconut oil and its many uses just had to feature in this post! Indian women are known for their luscious thick, long hair and this has been their beauty secret for centuries. Using coconut oil is a wonderful natural way to make your hair and skin soft, radiant, and healthy. Coconut oil is natural; chemicals free, all purpose moisturiser for skin and hair!

Sometimes, I think that we humans love chemicals and quick-fixes! We have so many natural remedies and although results won’t be seen overnight in most cases, in the longer term it is so beneficial! Be sure to patch-test out these products before thoroughly using them for any allergies! And always, always, always read ingredients, only natural, raw, pure and unrefined products out here!

Lots of Love,

xoxo

Pictures: All from google

What goes into your body…you decide!

Our skin is an important organ and one that is often taken for granted in our daily lives. On average women use around 200 chemicals on their skin daily, 60% these chemicals are absorbed, so it is important that we know what is going on our skin. Putting products on your skin can be more dangerous than eating them as it is absorbed straight into the bloodstream. Whether you are a consumer, make-up artist or dietician it is our responsibility to know what is in the products that we are using. Many of these products are highly unregulated by the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA) - the UK regulatory body and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). I’m going to go through the main ingredients that should be avoided in cosmetic products and outline what the products are and the possible effects of them. I will not be able to list all toxic ingredients in products however, these are the most popular. We may not be able to see the immediate effects of these products however in the longer term many of these products can be harmful. If like me you are currently in your 20’s or a bit older- you may not see the effects of these products on your skin until later on in life when your skin is more mature. Living in our 20’s we think we have so much time however, it is also the time when we start to think about preparing our future therefore investing in healthy products is essential. The good news is that many brands are starting to eradicate toxic and useless ingredients from their products and with some pressure hopefully someday we can say bye bye to all toxic chemicals! Join me in the team #GoingClean campaign (on instagram, name:organicbeautyjourney) to educate ourselves and eliminate toxic ingredients from our personal products and cosmetics. Brands will continue to contain the toxic chemicals listed below because we allow them to (it’s as simple as that). Where has all the compassion in this world gone :(. Anyway enough of feeling sorry for myself (lol), lets educate ourselves…

INGREDIENTS TO AVOID:

Petroleum and Mineral oil: This smothers the skin leaving it unable to breathe, it can clog pores leaving the skin unable to let out natural toxins, it can also slow down the way cells are renewed. Thankfully there are many products out there that avoid using petroleum and mineral oil.

Parabens: (Usually seen on ingredients as Propylparaben, methylparapen). This is a popular preservative, meaning it is used to prevent the growth of yeasts, moulds, and bacteria in cosmetics products. As a strong hormone (estrogen) mimicker, traces of it have been found in cancer tissue. It can contribute to hormone imbalance in females. Check personal care product labels and avoid any products with parabens or any word ending in "-paraben."

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate:  These are cleaners that separate molecules making it easier for the product to interact with the product and the surface. This product is included in nearly all shampoos, toothpastes, mouthwashes, body washes, soaps, detergents and body wash.

Fragrance/ Parfum: Fragrance can be the code-name for many toxic ingredients, it used so that brands do not have to reveal secret ingredients in their products. This is also responsible for making soap foamy. It has been connected to cancer, dizziness, headaches asthma and allergies/irritation.

Toluene: This is  used in nail products and hair products and hidden under the ‘fragrance’ ingredients. It is used in the making of many products including paint thinners, adhesives, rubber and hair dyes. It is also used in nail products to form a smooth finish across the nail. It explains why Salon workers should wear face masks when working with nail polishes and nail products containing such toxic substances!

Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40): a very drying and irritating solvent and dehydrator that strips your skin’s moisture and natural immune barrier, making you more venerable to bacteria, moulds and viruses.

Lead: Found in lipstick and hair dye but it is hardly ever listed. Lead is used in lipstick to give its pigment and most of the time consumers do not know what is in the lipsticks that they are buying.

Toxic Sunscreen Chemicals: Oxybenzone: Oxybenzone is used to absorb ultraviolet light, however,  believed to cause hormone disruptions and cell damage that may provoke cancer. Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A palmitate): Retinyl palmitate is used in sunscreen because of its antioxidant properties and gentle nature, it is also thought to cause cell damage that may provoke cancer.

How to avoid these and other toxic products:

• Read, read, read the ingredients labels on all your products!
• Take time to research your staple cosmetic products and brands and what they are doing to contribute to the safety of their consumers.
• Make the switch to natural and organic products- it’s better to be safe than sorry if in doubt of what is toxic and what isn’t! Organic products do not have to be overly expensive it is all about doing your research- over the next few weeks I will be reviewing some affordable organic cosmetics!

Make sure that when you are choosing products that claim to be ‘natural,’ you read the ingredients!

#organicbeautyjourney #obj

Lots of Love,

xoxo

References:

http://www.breastcancerfund.org/

http://www.naturalnews.com/

http://www.safecosmetics.org/

http://www.fda.gov/

Picture: www.farsali.com

Where it all began…

Hello Beauties...

I just wanted to introduce myself, I've been wanting to start this blog for a while now but it seems as though fear has been really holding me back, as well as not wanting to let go of some cosmetic brands  which I really love! 

So, I began this healthy beauty journey with my hair, I really wanted long, thick, healthy hair and I found myself coming across all these girls on social media also searching for healthy hair and documenting their journey towards it! I began to really look into it and look at what I could do to make my hair grow, I think I was so focused on wanting my hair to grow and imitating the girls and products on YouTube that I wasn't really aware of what I was actually putting in my hair. At that point my hair was relaxed (now for those of you who don’t know what relaxing is, it is basically chemically straightening your hair so you lose your natural curl pattern). I am of African descent so I have afro hair which is known to be thick and coily so from a very young age (I think the age of 10) my mum had been relaxing my hair, it became such a norm for me. I didn't even ask questions it was just a way of life to make my hair more manageable and more silkier. So for years I wasn't really looking after my hair, I was washing it every 2 weeks and adding petroleum based products here and there to ‘moisturise’ my hair. To be honest my hair looked pretty healthy it was longer than most of my peers with the same texture hair so I thought this whole relaxing regime was working out for me. It wasn't until I was watching these girls on YouTube that I actually started taking notice of what I was actually putting in my hair and the effects of it. Anyway so I started looking into natural and organic products that were free from certain toxic chemicals and preservatives. This is when my eyes were really opened! Everyday we use dozens of products that we think are safe and the reality is they are not! What is worse is that we are not made aware of these ingredients and the possible long term effects of them- this really scares me! The fact that some of these toxic chemicals that are linked to severe health problems are not being talked about is shocking really. Anyway I’ll get into that in another post; you can see that there is a lot of passion there!

So yes! I began to really look at what I was putting in my hair the products I was buying and really opting for more organic products, I also eventually stopped relaxing my hair as I realised that it completely did not make sense for the direction I was going, I am currently 6 months post my last relaxer. The decision was not an easy one to make as relaxer is all that I have known and it’s not like my hair was extremely unhealthy! Anyway I rest assured that I have made the right decision, cutting out the chemicals was never going to be a bad decision just an uncomfortable one! Around that time I also began taking my Christian faith more seriously so treating all of my body as a temple was very important to me.

So given that I was on the right path for my hair I turned the direction onto my skin! I can’t really complain, I’ve always had good, clear skin, apart from struggling with a bit of uneven skin tone my skin was never really a problem for me growing up. However, I never really looked after it, I would always take my make up off before I went to bed and give it a quick wash but never the TLC that it really need and this was when I started to notice that my skin was starting to reflect this, I started to get small break outs here and there which left a small bit of scarring, I didn't know what was going on as I had been so used to clear skin. This was when I really made that decision to consciously take care of my skin, so I went over to my beloved YouTube to see what products people were using for their skin and I came across Farah Dhukai’s channel of DIY and organic skincare masks, cleansers and toners and I really was amazed. Not only was she using clean ingredients for her DIY products but they were also cheap too. I also come across SunkissAlba on YouTube who is also an advocate for natural skincare and make-up! It was so great to see people really educating themselves and wanting to educate others on natural skincare. I soon became obsessed with finding out more about organic skincare and this is where the passion began! Currently I am transitioning to using only natural and  toxic free products and DIY products and I love it. Knowing what the ingredients are, being able to pronounce them and knowing what is going inside my body is an amazing feeling. 

I started this blog because I am now making the full transition to non toxic make up, everyday cosmetics, skincare and haircare; I know that this is going to be very hard especially on the make-up side. As a young black woman I know how hard it is to find products that aren't organic that match and compliment my skin tone, so finding organic products is going to be a mission and it is going to take a lot of perseverance to let go of those staple products and brands that I love but once again I know that it’s not a bad decision it’s just an uncomfortable one but I guess nothing ever great came from staying in comfort zones! I am also on this journey to help and educate others of all skin tones and types and be some sort of role model I guess. At the end of the day our health should be the most important thing and I believe that if people really knew and were conscious of what they were putting into their skin they would really wake up and make a change! I also want to show people that you can still look amazing and fabulous with organic products and to really set and establish this healthy, organic, toxin free make up and skincare trend. I am based in London, so it is also a platform for UK based organic beauty brands to stand up and be heard.  

A lot of us, including me are very happy with our make-up brands so we don’t want to let go. I am here to make it known that letting go is the right decision and knowing what I know now about the products that are in some of these popular brands I don’t think I can ever fully be ignorant to it. Yes, ignorance is bliss but prevention is also better than cure! So join me as I embark on this journey to being healthy, beautiful and staying fabulous with no compromises. Think about it wouldn't you want to look amazing and know that it’s in a healthy way as well? Having people ask you what make-up you’re wearing and what you do to get your healthy glow and being able to tell them that it’s all toxic free and organic products. A quote that I really love is: ‘Wisdom always chooses to do now, what it will be satisfied with later on’ so let’s get started! 

#organicbeautyjourney #obj

Lots of Love,

xoxo

Pictures from google images, I do not own them