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Benefits of Natural Rose Quartz

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 14:04:39 GMT

A brief history of rose quartz

Rose quartz, named after its pink colour, is a type of Quartz which exhibits a pale pink to rose red hue. This semi-precious stone that has been used for thousands years in various ancient cultures. According to GIA's (Gemological Institute of America) website, rose quartz beads dating back to 7000 BC have been found in the area once known as Mesopotamia (today’s Iraq). Also early cultures of the Americas used quartz amulets, known as the ‘love stone’, to balance the emotions and to heal anger and disappointment. The Romans used rose quartz as a seal to signify ownership, while the Egyptians believed the stone could prevent natural ageing.

Love is in the stone

I n crystal therapy, rose quartz symbolizes self-love, inner peace, compassion and kindness. Rose quartz is used to heal and bring balance through its resonance and vibration. Its soft, gentle, almost pastel pale pink colouring makes its strong connection with unconditional love. It is a stone of both giving and receiving love, associated with quality love as well as emotional well-being. It can be used to improve understanding, communication, heal strained relationship between yourself and your partner, lover or family members.

Rose quartz gently draws off negative energy and replaces it with loving vibes. It can bring deep healing to the heart by opening the heart chakra, if you wear or place the crystal close to the heart. Once this is achieved, it brings a sense of calmness, serenity and peace, which ultimately results in deep relaxation, bringing the feelings of joy and contentment.

Use rose quartz to enhance self-love

Judy Hall says in her book “Rose Quartz opens your heart so that you become receptive. It teaches you how to love yourself, vital if you have thought yourself unlovable… You cannot accept love from others nor love them unless you love yourself.” Love yourself first before you love others. I think she is right. Self-love doesn't mean to be selfish, only care about yourself; it is the foundation of love for humankind.

Other benefits of rose quartz

It has been claimed that Egyptian and Roman ladies in the ancient times used rose quartz face masks to clear their complexions and prevent wrinkles. It soothes feelings of burning and irritation, releases muscle tension, promotes micro-circulation, eliminates toxins, calms the nerves, and prevents wrinkles and dull, saggy complexion.

As rose quartz has cooling and relaxing effects, it is also thought to be a useful stone for women who are going through menopause with symptoms of hot flushes, mood swings, lack of energy and insomnia.

Natural rose quartz face roller - a great beauty tool for relaxation and anti-ageing

Face roller (jade roller) is mostly used for promoting facial lymphatic drainage. It is very soothing and relaxing, you should feel a sense of coolness while using the facial roller to massage your skin. With regular use it can transform your look, calm your mind.

Benefits of natural rose quartz face roller :

Helps skincare penetration
Improves lymphatic drainage
Stimulates skin detoxification
Boosts blood circulation, energizing your skin
Reduces dark circles under the eye and puffiness in the face and neck
Brings radiance and elasticity to the skin
Tightens pores
Smooths out fine lines and wrinkles
Evens out facial complexion
Brightens the skin tone and gives your face a healthy, natural glow

To learn how to use rose quartz face roller, go to the Shop page on our website.

“ Emotionally, Rose Quartz is the finest healer . Releasing unexpressed emotions and heartache and transmuting emotional conditioning that no longer serve.” - The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall, 2003.

What Causes Dark Circles Under the Eyes?

183:812103615 (Margaret Gosling) — Tue, 31 May 2022 12:13:04 GMT

What causes dark circles?

Dark circles is not a sign of a medical problem, however, it can become an issue for some people as far as appearance and emotional well being is concerned. The skin around our eyes is the thinnest and most delicate part of our body, it can suffer lot of wear and tear if left unattended. Dark circles (excessive pigmentation) can make your face look dull, tired and sad. The good news is dark circles come and go, normally they don’t last forever. Recognizing the causes can help you remove eye dark circles and prevent them reoccurring.

Proceeding to treat those dark circles under your eyes, you should realize what is causing them so you can utilize the right remedies to ease up and lighten them up. The skin underneath your eyes is extremely delicate, and there are a large number of veins in this part, bringing blood flow to your face and head. This mix of fair skin and high density of veins gives your under-eye region that dark look. Sometimes, what appear to be dark circles under your eyes may simply be shadows cast by puffy eyelids.

Here are a few reasons that cause dark circles:

1. Sleep deprivation

Fatigue and stress can bring adverse effects to our body and mind, prompting pronounced dark circles. Fatigue from sleep deprivation is one of the main causes of dark circles. The dark tissues and blood vessels beneath your skin can start to show if you stay up late even just for a few hours past your normal bedtime. People who work on the night shifts or lack of good sleep regularly are more likely to have noticeable under-eye dark circles. A research shows that stress makes the dark circles more intense, while rest and good health seems to have a positive impact.

2. Eyestrain

Spending too many hours staring at your TV, smart phone or computer screen can cause strain and a sensation of dryness on your eyes . This can enlarge the blood vessels around your eyes. As a result, darkness around the contours of your eyes becomes more visible.

3. Poor diet

Taking in too much alcohol and caffeine regularly can contribute to dark circles and eye bags. Both alcohol and caffeine are diuretic, which cause increased urine volume. To respond to the water loss, our body will try to hold on to as much as water possible inside our body to keep fluid balance. This explains why some people have eye bags and a puffy face the next day after drinking. Alcohol and caffeine could also interfere with deep sleep; this can play a part in forming dark circles.

4. Ageing

As we age, the skin becomes thinner and there is a drop in production of the fat and collagen that maintains your skin’s elasticity and firmness. As this occurs, the dark blood vessels beneath your skin become more visible, causing the area below your eyes to darken. Drooping skin (as a result of reduced collagen) will pull the under-eye area down, forming wrinkles.

5. Genetics

Family history can play a part in developing dark circles around your eyes. Some people may inherit this trait in childhood or early in adulthood. Over time, the dark circles may lighten or get darker. I have an Italian friend who is in his 50s; he looks exactly like his mother, both have big almond-shape eyes with sad looking dark circles under their black eyes.

6. Allergy

Dark circles can be caused by rubbing and scratching the skin around the eyes and by accumulation of fluid due to allergy such as atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.

Use eye products with antioxidants to treat dark circles

With hundreds of eye creams/gels available in the market, it is challenging to figure out which will be the best to remove eye dark circles . As eye creams can be very costly, it is essential to educate yourself on what to search for before settling on a choice of what to buy. Skin care products that contain antioxidants may help reduce the appearance of dark circles. According to Terri Vinson in her book Skinformation, Vitamin A is one of the best ingredients for treating dark circles.

Moonette Eye Cream

This ultra-moisturizing cream is 100 percent plant-based, and suitable for vegan users. The formula contains three amazing organic vegetable oils which are packed with antioxidants : shea butter (which contains oleic acid, latex, vitamin A and E), rosehip oil (rich in vitamin C), and avocado oil (rich in vitamin E). Moreover, the essential oils extracted from German chamomile (anti-inflammatory) and palmarosa are carefully selected to enhance the cream's anti-aging properties.

Benefits of regular use:

Moisturizes and revives the tissues and restores skin's elasticity
Reduces and prevents wrinkles and fine lines
Limits dark circles and inflammation
Decreases puffiness
Levels out complexion and decreases age spots
Protects against sensitivity to sun rays (thanks to the latex found in shea butter)

Application:

Apply a small amount of cream, and place around 3 dots under the eye and 2 dots under the eyebrow. Softly massage around the eye contour (this improves blood circulations and reduces eye bags). For best outcomes to remove eye dark circles, use it daily.

By identifying what factors cause your dark circles, it is possible to tackle them with success. Adopt a healthy life style and regularly look after the skin around your precious eyes to avoid the problem is a good solution.

What you should know about serums and retinol

183:812103615 (Margaret Gosling) — Mon, 09 May 2022 13:29:24 GMT

Are serums the same as moisturizers ?

Serums are skincare products that are formulated with high concentrations of active ingredients which target specific skin tissues. They are more potent than face creams and work more profoundly on the epidermis layer. If you are going to spend money on skincare products, serums are probably the number one category which you should focus on.

Are serums the same as moisturizers? The answer is no! Moisturizers are used to coat and add a layer of protection to the outer layer of your skin. A good moisturizer can prevent your skin from dehydration and cracks after exposure to heat, cold air, sunlight, and pollution.

Serums work differently, depending on what their main function is. There are many differe nt types of serums on the market, ranging from anti ageing to skin brightening serums. Serums can work wonders on your skin within a relatively short period of time, if you choose the right product that suits you and if you use them correctly. You can think of a good face serum as a super-nutrient or food supplement that enhances your body in maintaining healthy, youthful skin.

There are 2 types of serums in terms of texture: gel based and oil based.

Gel (liquid) based serums:

A liquid form of serum looks clear and feels lighter than a moisturizer in terms of texture. For example, a good hydrating serum will keep your skin hydrated more effectively than a moisturizer cream does. The molecules of the serum can penetrate the skin fast and hydrate on the deepest level, while the heavier cream tends to sit on the top layer of the skin. Hydrating serums do not necessarily replace your moisturizer, but can boost the hydrating effects of your moisturizer. To make the most of your money, you should read the ingredients list carefully before you purchase any products. Look for ingredients that have been scientifically proven to work, such as hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, A and E.

Oil based serums:

Often, they are made from natural plant oils (always check the ingredients list on the label), and are sometimes known as facial oils. For example, Moonette’s Organic Anti-ageing Serum is a 100% botanical face oil serum. It is packed with antioxidants such as vitamin A and E, which prevent damage caused by free radicals. This face serum contains high quality certified organic plant oils, such as sweet almond, avocado, lavender essential oil, sweet orange essential oil, and geranium essential oil. It acts as targeted treatment to slow down the natural ageing process. It is especially effective in reducing wrinkles and fine lines, preventing pre-mature skin ageing, brightening your complexion, evening out skin tone, and boosting the night time skin-repairing process. It is suitable for all skin types and it especially caters to mature skin. It is also vegan and cruelty-free and totally free from Sodium Laureth Sulfate, PEGS, synthetic fragrance, alcohol and preservatives. It is gentle on the skin and easily absorbed after application.

Free radicals and ageing

Although free radicals are natural by-products of chemical processes in our bodies, those originating from external factors can be very detrimental to skin. According to Huntington's Outreach Project for Education at Stanford University, we are exposed to free radicals via the food we eat, the water we drink, the medicines we take, and even the air we breathe. Fried or burnt foods, alcohol, tobacco smoke, pesticides and air pollutants are some common sources.

Too many free radicals in the body have a destructive effect on our cells and DNA. As far as skin is concerned, this is believed to be the main cause of premature ageing and wrinkles. Since most people are exposed to free radicals on a regular basis, establishing a healthy life style as well as applying antioxidant serums is an essential part of good skincare regime.

Benefits of anti-ageing serums

Repair free radical damage on skin cells.
Promote healthy skin renewal and speed up healing.
Prevent formation of deep wrinkles and fine lines.
Encourage collagen production, hence improve skin elasticity and strength.
Reduce skin discolouration and pigmentation.
Improve hydration - smooths and softens skin texture, generating a glowing, dewy look.

Apply a serum before a moisturizer

Depending on the size of your face, it is recommended to use one pump for a small face, and two pumps for a larger face. If a serum comes in a bottle fitted with a pipette, 3 to 5 drops for each application is sufficient. For the best outcomes, use your serum(s) twice a day on a clean face and neck. Applying on slightly moist skin will help the serum be better absorbed. However, there are exceptions, please read the last section of 7 tips for retinol use in this post!

A serum is lighter and delivers active ingredients to the skin quickly, so it should go on straight to your face after cleansing. To seal the serum in order to maximize the benefits, a moisturizer or face cream should be applied on top. Of course, there might be some exceptions; reading the product label is the key! What if someone uses more than one type of serum in the routine? Well, use a gel-based serum first then followed by an oil-based one.

Depending on the serum and the current state of your skin, you might see some results — like slightly more hydrated skin — in just a few days. However, you should allow at least seven weeks for your skin responding to the active ingredients in the serum. In the case of our Organic Anti-ageing Serum, if applied regularly you should see results after two to three months. Needless to say, age needs to be taken into consideration. If you are in your 60s or 70s, it is going to take longer to see a real difference.

Something you should know about retinoid

In recent years, beauty products which contain retinoid / retinol (topical vitamin A) are getting popularity because of their efficacy in treating acne and wrinkles, promoting radiant youthful skin and clearing sun-caused damage, like sun spots. If you are thinking of getting a serum or moisturizer with retinoid, it is best to start with a low concentration, like 0.05 %, to see how your skin responds to it. Retinoid is an unstable ingredient, and can cause irritations or retinoid dermatitis to some people who have sensitive skin. To reduce the risk of side effects, dermatologists recommend that you choose the right product for your skin type and skin conditions, and incorporate it slowly into your skincare routine, complementing it with other calming and hydrating products. Once your skin is happy with retinol, you can then gradually move up to a slightly higher dose. Picking a retinol product that is fragrance-free is another rule you should follow.

7 tips for retinol use

Don’t use retinoid if you are trying to conceive, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Apply a low strength of retinol skincare product once a week to start with for a few weeks, then increase the usage to twice weekly if you can tolerate it. Using it every day in order to get faster results would be a mistake!
Use retinol at night ! As motioned before, retinol is not a very stable ingredient and can easily break down in the sunlight. Certain products may be suitable for day time application but wearing a sunscreen for protection is definitely a must.
Apply retinol to fully dried skin after cleansing with a gentle cleanser. Why? Because damp skin will cause too much retinol to be absorbed deeply. Don’t pair retinol with an exfoliating cleanser or face scrub; this will increase your chance of getting irritation.
Apply a moisturizer before and after you put on a product contains retinol to double protect your skin.
Avoid using it on sensitive areas such as eye contour and mouth.
Don’t co-use a retinol product with topical acids (AHAs and BHAs) or vitamin C because this will increase skin irritation. Use vitamin C in the morning, then retinol at night.

* The image of Olay Retionl 24 Night Moisturizer is credited to Amazon Es website.

Pamper Your Skin With the Perfect Morning Skincare Routine

183:812103615 (Margaret Gosling) — Sat, 19 Mar 2022 05:38:51 GMT

Good morning, buenos días, gorgeous !

Do you follow a specific skincare routine? If you don’t, it’s time to get it started. You will be delighted to discover what a positive change a good skincare regime can make to your beauty and health. In this post, you will learn some practical tips on morning skincare routine especially tailored for women aged over 40s.

A good skincare routine will clean, purify, moisturize and protect the skin regardless of your skin type, colour, age or beauty budget. What do you need for an essential morning skincare routine ?

Cleanser

Toner

Eye cream

Serum or face oil

Moisturizer

Sunscreen

The Best Morning Skincare Routine for Mature Skin

Our skin is constantly changing as we grow older and wiser. It doesn't look or feel like it used to be in our early age (20s & 30s). Women should change beauty products accordingly because our skin becomes more delicate, drier and thinner as we advance in age. If you have been using the same beauty products over many years, it is time to take an action, evaluate your needs and make a positive change! I stopped buying The Beauty Shop's products in my 30s as their skincare range no longer suits my need.

Morning Skincare

Start a good morning skincare routine by following these steps:

1. Non-foaming cleanser

After a good night's sleep, our natural sebum and sweat get settled on the face and neck. A good cleanser milk, cream or soap can gently eliminate this build-up so you can begin your day with clean skin. Use your fingers instead of a cleansing wipe or cotton to wash your face.
Pamper yourself with 2-3 minutes cleansing, applying your finger tips and gently washing and massaging every inch of your face and neck, breathing slowly and making some positive affirmations for the day ahead. Regularly massaging your face muscles will improve blood circulation and reduce tension, hence improving your complexion.
Try to use non-foaming cleanser because foaming agents can dry up your skin. Use products with natural or organic ingredients to avoid irritation.
You can use the same cleanser in the evening if you wish.

2. Toner

Eliminate the last particles from the face by adding a hydrating toner to the morning routine.
The toner is intended to close pores, hydrate and balance the skin's pH for the rest of the day. Avoid using products contain alcohol and synthetic perfume. Organic rose water is a good option.
Generously dab or spray it onto your face and neck.

3. Eye cream

Apply a pea size of eye cream on your index or ring finger, dab 3 dots under your eye and 2 dots under your eyebrow. Gently massage the cream around the eye contour in a tapping motion. Make sure you apply enough eye cream to cover the entire orbital area.
Remember to apply your eye cream before serum and moisturizer. Why? It’s because by doing so it enables the eye cream to be better absorbed before you tap serum and face cream to your face.

4. Serum or face oil

Use a serum or face oil which is stored in a dark glass bottle, as it protects the natural ingredients from sunlight radiation. If you are using a water-based serum and a plant oil based serum, use the water-based product first, followed by the oil-based one.
Apply the serum to a given region. Allow it to absorb into the skin for a few minutes. A good serum will pay off after continuous usage for 8-12 weeks.

5. Moisturizer or day cream

Apply a long lasting moisturiser to the face and neck. The product can be a moisturizer or face cream.
Pay attention to the quality of pure essential oils. Plant-based essential oils can function as an effective lubricator and a powerful protector from harsh sunlight, wind and air pollution when properly applied to the skin.

6. Don’t skip sunscreen

Protection from the sun is vital for healthy, younger-looking skin, especially for mature skin. Wrinkles, dark spots and pre-mature skin are caused by unprotected long exposure to sunlight over time.
Ultraviolet light is invisible to the human's eyes unlike light. Within the UV spectrum , there are two types of rays that can damage the DNA in your skin cells and lead to skin cancer. It’s important to protect your skin from both types:

1. UVB rays cause sunburn and play a key role in developing skin cancer.

A sunscreen’s SPF number refers mainly to the amount of UVB protection it provides.

2. UVA rays cause skin damage that leads to tanning as well as skin ageing and wrinkles.

The shortest wavelengths of UVA rays also contribute to sunburn.

Generally speaking, water-proof sunscreen with a SPF30 or higher (with UVA & UVB) is recommended for any extended outdoor activity. With SPF 30 it would take you 30 times longer to get sunburn than if you weren’t wearing sun cream; ideally, it can give 97% sun protection to your skin. With SPF 50 it would take you 50 times longer to redden your skin versus without any sun protection; it can block 98% sun lights.
Apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before going out. It is necessary to reapply the sunscreen every two hours if you are staying outdoors for long hours.

No Single Method of Sun Defense Can Protect You Perfectly

If you are living in a town or city where sunny days are a regular occurrence like where I live in Costa del Sol, Málaga. You should be aware of the risks linked to sun damage especially during the hottest season.

According to the Skin Cancer Organisation's website, none of the sunscreen products in the markets provide 100% ultraviolet light protection. Therefore, it’s important not to rely on high-SPF sunscreens alone. Sunscreen is just a crucial part of a good sun defense routine. It should also include seeking shade and covering up with clothing, such as wearing a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Importancia de la Hidratación

183:812103615 (Margaret Gosling) — Fri, 24 Dec 2021 17:16:12 GMT

La piel está compuesta por casi un 65% de agua

Como ya sabrás, hasta el 60% del cuerpo humano adulto es agua. Según una investigación de H.H. Mitchell, publicada en el Journal of Biological Chemistry 158, la piel es alrededor 65% de agua y los huesos también son acuosos, que contienen 31% de agua.

Nuestro cuerpo usa agua para todas las funciones. Sin suficiente ingesta de agua, nuestro cuerpo no puede funcionar de manera óptima. El agua nos mantiene vivos y con buena salud. El agua cumple una serie de funciones esenciales:

Las células en nuestros cuerpos están llenas de agua. Es un nutriente vital para la vida de cada célula. La capacidad excelente del agua a disolver tantas sustancias permite a nuestras células utilizar valiosos nutrientes, minerales y productos químicos en los procesos biológicos.
Regula la temperatura interna de nuestro cuerpo mediante la sudoración y la respiración.
Los carbohidratos y proteínas que nuestros cuerpos usan como alimento son metabolizados y transportados por el agua en el torrente sanguíneo.
Ayuda a eliminar los desechos principalmente al orinar.
actúa como un amortiguador para el cerebro, la médula espinal y el feto.
forma saliva que ayuda a la digestión.
lubrica las articulaciones.

¿Está tu piel deshidratada?

¿Tu piel está tensa, escamosa y muestra algunos parches con picazón?
¿Tienes labios secos sin vida o círculos oscuros debajo de los ojos?
¿Muestras unas líneas finas cuando pellizcas suavemente la piel de la mejilla?

Si tus respuestas a esas preguntas son SÍ, es muy probable que tu piel esté deshidratada. Una manera fácil de evaluar tu nivel de hidratación es: pellizque la piel del dorso de tu mano, mantenga la piel alejada de la mano durante unos segundos y luego suéltela. Con un buen nivel de hidratación, la piel volverá rápidamente a su posición original. Si se presenta deshidratación, la piel tardará más tiempo en volver a su form.

La piel deshidratada es una condición de la piel, que es temporal, no predeterminada genética. Es causada por elementos externos (clima y cambios estacionales), una dieta poco saludable (por ejemplo, falta de productos frescos y insuficiente consumo de agua) y estilo de vida (consumo excesivo de alcohol o cafeína). Todos estos factores agotan la retención de agua de la piel, lo que da como resultado una apariencia seca y menos firme.

Es muy importante asegurarse de que nuestra piel no esté deshidratada. Una de las mayores consecuencias de la piel deshidratada es un aumento de la sensibilidad. Cuando se rompe la barrera de humedad de su piel, no puede protegerse adecuadamente de los factores estresantes externos. Como resultado, los irritantes como las bacterias y la contaminación pueden penetrar en su capa más externa, empeorando los síntomas como enrojecimiento, picazón e irritación.

¿Cómo prevenir la deshidratación de la piel?

Beba tanta agua como pueda. Es una muy buena idea usar un filtro del agua de calidad para eliminar contaminaciones, por ejemplo, metales pesados como arsénico, cromo, plomo y flúor, y contaminantes microbianos como bacterias y virus del agua potable, sea agua del grifo o agua embotellada.

Usa diariamente una crema, humectante o serúm orgánico natural para ayudar a "retener" la hidratación en tu piel, especialmente si tienes la piel seca y madura. La clave es evitar que el agua salga de la piel manteniendo intacta su barrera de humedad. El aceite de jojoba y la manteca de karité son dos ingredientes geniales para hidratar la piel madura y hacerla más flexible.

Disminuya la ingesta de cafeína y alcohol ya que ambas sustancias tienen un efecto diurético en los riñones, podrían afectarnos a orinar más de lo normal.

La protección del sol es vital para una piel sana y de aspecto más joven, sobre todo para pieles maduras. Las arrugas, las manchas y la piel prematura están causadas por exposiciónes prolongadas sin protección del sol.

En otoño se recomienda applicar un SPF30 con la protección de UVA y UVB. La protección UVA podría reducir el daño de la elasticidad de la piel y la aparición de manchas. La protección contra UVB podría bajar el riesgo de cáncer de piel.

Simple Tips for Taking Care of Your Eyes

Fri, 24 Dec 2021 16:16:37 GMT

The skin around the eyes is the most sensitive on our face. It is more inclined to dryness and dehydration and it is one of the first places that show signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, fine lines and drooping eyes. Most people don’t pay much attention to the skin around their eyes. If you are one of them, maybe it is time to reassess your daily skin routine as your age advances.

1 Moisturize your eye contour day and night

Twice a day, apply a moisturising eye cream made from natural ingredients, especially if you have mature or dry skin. Using an eye cream/gel that contains hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid helps boost hydration, which will brighten the eye contour.

Unless instructed otherwise, apply your eye cream/gel before your face cream or serum. This allows your skin to better absorb the nutrients from the eye cream which are targeted on this area.

It is a good idea to use a small jade roller to massage your eyebrows and your under-eye area after you have applied eye cream. Sweep a gua sha tool over the under-eye area and out to the temple, all the way to the hairline.

2 Tapping eye cream around the eye contour to reduce puffiness

Tap the eye cream with your finger into the skin in the under-eye area. The tapping movement works as a gentle message which helps to reduce puffiness and increase lymphatic drainage. Make sure your hands and nails are clean when you apply your eye cream.

To avoid appearance of darkness in the under-eye area, drinking plenty water each day and having good night sleep can really help. Avoid taking in a large quantity of liquid (water, fizzy drinks, soup, alcohol, coffee) two hours before your normal bed time. Drinking is another form of eating, a full stomach will not help your digestion system nor your nerve system while your body and mind is supposed to rest and restore during sleep.

3 Wear sunscreen to protect from sunburn and premature skin ageing

The depletion of the ozone layer in our planet has further increased our risk of sun damage from harmful UV radiation (both UVA and UVB ray). Your skin type is a major risk factor for developing skin cancer. The research findings show that people with fair skin tones and blue eyes are more at risk for sunburn, skin ageing and skin cancer. However, this does not mean people with dark skin will not develop skin cancer.

Sunscreens (at least 30 SPF) that blocks UVA and UVB rays are best, as they reduce the risk of sunburn and premature skin ageing. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation in the USA, by applying sunscreen every day can cut your risk of developing skin cancer (melanoma) in half.

4 Wearing UV blocking sunglasses to reduce the risk of cataract

I t is estimated that at least 10% of cataract cases are attributed to UV exposure. To minimize risk of this common eye disease, it is recommended to wear a sun hat and UV blocking sunglasses to give your eyes extra protection .

My brother-in-law developed cataract and needed a surgery in his 40s. I was surprised at first but soon I realized that he has been living in a hot sunny city for many years, and his job requires long hours of driving and travelling. There is probably a strong link between the environmental factor and his illness.

Costa del Sol in Andalucia is renown for its long sunny days through out the year. It is a good idea to keep a spare pair of sunglasses and a sun hat in your car or handbag, so when the sun is dazzling and there is no shade to be found, you will be armed with the right protection!

Cleansing and Exfoliating for Mature Skin

183:812103615 (Margaret Gosling) — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 22:30:08 GMT

Our skin deserves more respect

Skin is the largest organ of human body. It plays a vital role in providing first layer of protection from external threats and attacks.

First of all, our skin acts as a barrier from the outside world, with the tissues being strong enough to protect us. It defends our body from infection by harmful microbes, like bacteria, viruses and fungi, and it also protects us from pollution. The inner layer of the skin also interacts with the immune system of our body and helps destroy micro-organisms. Our skin works as a protector in reducing sun damage; it carries melanin which helps to protect us against ultraviolet radiation. Moreover, the sweat glands in the skin release sweat onto the outer layer of skin, which then evaporates to reduce levels of the body heat. In short, skin is a key player in regulating our temperatures according to external environmental changes, so our body does not get over-heated or become too cold.

Invest in a good skincare routine for both men and women

Thanks to advances and innovation in science & technology, better medical care and education, women are not only living longer, but are also living better and more empowering lives. As the ageing population is continuing to grow, with an increasing number of men and women living well into their 80s in many countries, it has become evident that we also need to take good care of the largest human organ - our skin, as we get older. Good skin care deserves more attention than we think, not only for reasons of beautification but more importantly for the sake of our health. Not only should women invest in a good skincare routine, so too should men!

A few good habits in daily skincare routine will bring you noticeably positive results. In this post, I would like to bring your attention to two very important steps: cleansing and exfoliating for mature skin.

Wash your face with a quality cleanser day and night

A good skincare routine begins with using more natural, organic products , and that is the place where a suitable cleaner comes in. As we reach menopause, our skin will look and feel drier than it used to be; and cracks may appear too. This is mainly caused by a reduction in the production of sebum (natural body oil) which is excreted by sebaceous glands in the skin. An article from Harvard Medical Scho ol explains that "Sebum is a complex mixture of fatty acids, sugars, waxes, and other natural chemicals that form a protective barrier against water evaporation." Although men produce slightly more sebum than women, everyone’s sebum production declines with age. With the decline of sebum, you'll need to switch to a cream or oil based cleanser rather than a product which contains foaming agent. That is because foaming agent will strip away sebum and leave your skin drier after cleaning.

How about water temperature? Try to wash your face with cold or lukewarm water rather than hot water. Personally I avoid using cleaning wipes and cotton pads, as they tend to dry the skin surface and don’t clean thoroughly. I think our hands are the best tool to use when it comes to cleaning; you can sense how your face and neck feel each day and night, and at the same time give your skin muscles a nice dose of face massage and show your appreciation and care to this front line defender of our body!

Benefits of face massage

Face massage has multiple benefits regardless of what style you use. It is beneficial to all skin types; even you have a skin condition such as rosacea. Facial massage can help to:

enhance face lifting and improve facial tone
decrease fluffiness and congestion around the eyes and cheeks
release muscle tension
improve blood vessel circulation

Don't over-wash your face with different cleanser products. Keep it simple and enjoyable! Mature skin will start to show fine lines, wrinkling, dryness and sensitivity. There is no need to over-wash your face and neck. You clean it once in the morning and again in the evening. You can use the same cleaner for morning and evening. Obviously, in the evening you need to spend more time to clean your face properly if you wear make-up during the day. Don’t be tempted to skip the twice a day routine. Sweat, dirt, germs, dust and all the synthetic chemical components from make-up will build up on and inside your skin, hampering its optimal functions.

Choosing face cleanser products that are free from harsh synthetic ingredients such as:

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Mineral oil
Parabens
Propylene Glycol (PG) and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

Exfoliate your face with natural ingredients once a month

Consider adding a gentle plant-based exfoliator, such as ground-up rosehip seeds, pure raw coconut oil, organic oatmeal, cane sugar, frankincense or neroli essential oil to your skincare routine at least once a month to remove dead skin cells and impurity. Honey and yogurt are also two good natural ingredients to use if you are not vegan and not allergic to these ingredients. Regularly exfoliating your face, neck and body will shed dead skin cells, leaving your skin splendid and glowing. Moreover, it can help the beauty products in your routine absorb better and work quicker.

Add shea butter eye cream to your skincare kit

Pure unrefined shea butter has both moisturizing qualities and a protective property in sun protection because of its cinnamic acid component. This natural ingredient is recommended by dermatologists and aestheticians since it is easy to absorb, gentle to skin, and effective in slowing down skin ageing. Apply a shea butter eye cream day and night without fails to moisturize delicate eye area, to support collagen creation, to diminish hyper-pigmentation and wrinkles, and even to decrease sun damage.

No matter how old you are, it is never too late to start a good, simple skincare routine which works for your skin and budget!

Which One is Better -Gua Sha or Jade Roller?

183:812103615 (Margaret Gosling) — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 19:00:54 GMT

Adding This Amazing Beauty Kit to Boost Your Skin Health

I have an amethyst jade roller and a rose quartz gua sha on my dressing table. I enjoy using both tools in my morning skincare routine.

Gua sha and jade rollers are made of similar semi-precious stones. They do similar jobs. However, prices vary a lot, ranging from 6€ to 68€ for a single item or a set. So shop around before you purchase. Be aware that there are gua sha and jade rollers which are made from fake stones (like glass), personally I think it is best to avoid them. Why use glass when you can have a real gem? In this post, I will briefly talk about how to use them and what they are used for . are made of similar semi-precious stones. They do similar jobs. However, prices vary a lot, ranging from 6€ to 68€ for a single item or a set. So shop around before you purchase. Be aware that there are gua sha and jade rollers which are made from fake stones (like glass), personally I think it is best to avoid them. Why use glass when you can have a real gem? In this post, I will briefly talk about how to use them and what they are used for .

How to use jade roller?

1. Always put facial cream , oil or serum on your skin before massaging with a jade roller. It is easier to roll on moisturized skin.

2. Gently move the large roller in an outward and downward motion starting from the neck, this help to stimulate the lymphatic drainage going down your throat.

3. Then move to the centre of the face, repeat the rolling action in an outward and upward direction (lifting effect) on your jaw line, lower cheek and cheekbones on both side of the face.

4. Use the small roller to massage under your eye, and then continue with the large roller to finish off on your forehead.

5. Repeat at least 3 times per area. Go across the face in one stroke slowly each time it touches the skin.

What are the benefits of jade roller?

Jade roller is mostly used for promoting facial lymphatic drainage. It is very soothing and relaxing, you should feel a sense of coolness while using the jade roller on your face and neck. With regular usage it can do wonders on your skin. In particular, the benefits of jade roller are that it:

boosts blood circulation, energizing your skin.
reduces puffiness on the skin.
stimulates skin detoxification.
brightens the complexion and gives a natural glow to your face.

How do I use gua sha?

Below are the basic instructions of applying gua sha for facial massage purpose:

Always moisturize your skin with a facial cream , oil or serum before using gua sha.
It should be used outward and upward at an angle of up to 45 degrees.
Gently but firmly, starting from the middle of your face, move slowly along your jaw line in an outward & upward motion (towards your ears).
Continuing with your lower cheek, cheekbones, under-eye, ending with your forehead.
Scraping 5-15 times per area is recommended for best results.

What can you benefit from gua sha?

Gua sha is an excellent intrusive tool for anti-ageing beauty care. With regular usage, you should be able to experience the following benefits:

Helps lymphatic drainage - reduces puffiness or swelling.
Cleanses the skin tissues by unblocking toxins stagnation.
Reduces wrinkles and fine lines by relaxing the muscles and skin.
Stimulates blood flow - brightens the complexion.
Lifts and sculpts - by working within the muscle to firm and tone.⁣
Helps prevent acne breakouts by reducing clogged pores; it may reduce acne scarring as it encourages new skin growth.
Allows the facial oils / serum to penetrate deeper to nourish the skin. ⁣

What is the main difference?

In brief, the main difference between gua sha and jade rollers lies in the techniques involved in using each. Although gua sha and jade roller are an amazing addition to your skincare regime, gua sha is more effective as it works deeply in the skin. Unlike jade rollers, gua sha can also be applied on most parts of our body to release muscle tension and reduce pains.

Compared to Jade rollers, gua sha needs more time and expertise to apply. There are many YouTube bloggers sharing useful tips on how to use a gua sha kit, and one of my favourites is @ Ghotamista . However, if you don’t have enough spare time to master gua sha, then jade rollers are the perfect alternative to incorporate into your self-care routine.

Why is lymphatic drainage important?

While the heart continuously pumps blood through the blood vessels, the lymphatic system relies on the movement of smooth muscles to transport fluid through the lymph vessels. The fluid in the lymphatic system helps remove waste and toxins from our body tissues. By making the lymph fluid move around our body efficiently, we get rid of (drain off) the unwanted waste and toxins which accumulate daily. Imbalanced life style as well as inactive physical movements can cause lymph fluid to build up; this could cause the development of health issues in the long term.

Recently, I have come across a YouTube viewer commenting that after only 2 sessions of lymphatic drainage by using a jade roller, the swelling in her cheek, lip, sinus and jaw line on the right side caused by a dental treatment had gone down dramatically. In my view, the therapeutic benefit which was brought to her does not come as a total surprise.

Gua sha (刮痧) comes from the Chinese word, which means skin scraping. The Chinese invented gua sha technique thousands years ago. It is still a popular remedy method used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in China, Hon Kong, Vietnam as well as Taiwan. Gua sha is normally used to treat symptoms such as headache, muscle pains, injury, stiffness, tension, and fatigue. I still remember my grand mum used to scrape my neck with her jade stone or with a porcelain spoon when I was a kid to treat head dizziness. It hurt a little bit, but it always worked! In recent years, the technique of gua sha has been modernized and popularized by western countries, especially the USA, promoting it as a valuable facial beauty aid.

If you are a beginner to gua sha or jade roller, which one will you try first?

Welcome to Moonette´s Blog !

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Dear reader,

The primary goal of this blog is to share some practical interesting knowledge and tips on beauty and health in a way that is informative, simple and fun. I am very excited to start this platform with readers old and new, someone like you.

The main focus of this blog is how to take care of mature, sensitive skin , especially those who are going through menopause. I strongly believe that both men and women can enjoy healthy, gorgeous skin without spending a fortune on super expensive cosmetics or injecting intrusive, toxic chemicals into the skin in order to look young and pretty.

Topics concerning green cosmetics and consumer behaviour will be another focal point. With the devastating impacts on our planet caused by global climate change, there is an urgent call for businesses from all sectors to change their mindset, taking serious actions to cut down plastic waste, minimizing land and sea pollution, moving to Eco-friendly packaging and green energy. One of the driving forces to create Moonette is to use reusable packaging for all our products, to encourage local customers to change their behaviour by cleaning and recycling their empty beauty bottles and pots, rather than dumping them in the bin. I would like to take the opportunity to express my gratitude to those loyal customers who have been supporting our recycling scheme over the past three years.

I hope that you will find something useful here. Also, I hope that you will keep coming back to our website and check updates on Moonette’s Blog. If you would like to contribute to the contents of this blog (e.g. articles, photos, videos, etc.), please contact me by email at margaret@moonette.es, or send me a message on our Facebook page @ www.facebook.com/moonette.es.

Margaret Gosling

Torrox, Málaga, Spain