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A little about essential oils in beauty for everyday self care

We all know the power of fragrance, and how certain smells can evoke a feeling, trigger a memory or change our mood. Essential oils are highly concentrated oils extracted from plants and are used in beauty not only for their aromatherapeutic properties but also their skin and hair-enhancing qualities. Whilst the Ancient Egyptians are often credited with the invention of essential oils, other ancient civilizations were using essential oils around the same time, including Indian, Chinese, Greek and Roman.

Some Popular Essential Oils and Their Beauty Benefits

Lavender
One of the most revered essential oils in beauty and health products, lavender has powerful anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties, not to mention the calming aromatherapeutic properties of the oil. Its anti-inflammatory properties mean lavender oil is often called upon in formulations for acne and other skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. In hair care, lavender essential oil may help hair grow thicker and faster, whilst its anti-inflammatory properties may help with scalp conditions such as dandruff and itchiness.

Lemon
We all know how uplifting the smell of a zesty lemon can be, well when we diffuse lemon essential oil it can enhance our concentration and have an energising effect, as well as removing toxins from the air. In both skin and hair care, lemon has a balancing effect on oil production, so is great for those who suffer from greasy hair and shiny faces. When it comes to body care, use lemon essential oil products in the bath or shower to improve your mood and tone the body, and even reduce cellulite.

Rosemary
A member of the mint family, rosemary has long been touted for a range of health and beauty benefits. Studies have shown that rosemary extract can improve cognitive memory function in ageing brains, as well as combatting the signs of ageing in the skin.In skincare, rosemary can help protect skin from UV rays and free radical damage, increasing elasticity and reducing sagging and age spots. When it comes to hair care, rosemary essential oil offers superior cleansing properties, as well as helping keep the scalp healthy and moisturised.

Peppermint

The active ingredient in peppermint is menthol, and has been proven to help with headaches and pain relief. Many also swear by peppermint oil for relief from gastrointestinal ailments such as IBS and acid reflux. When applied topically, peppermint oil has a natural cooling effect which can soothe irritation and inflammation, and can be an effective cleansing agent thanks to its natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties. In hair care, peppermint oil can help with any dryness or itchiness on the scalp, and may even stimulate hair growth by increasing blood circulation to the hair follicles.

Tea Tree

Tea tree is one of nature’s most potent antibacterial and antiseptic agents, and as such is used in many therapeutic beauty products. You will commonly find it in hair care products used to treat conditions such as itchy scalp, dandruff and psoriasis, due to its antibacterial properties. Likewise in skincare, tea tree oil is a hero ingredient for many suffering from acne, and is often used directly on the skin to treat breakouts, as it inhibits bacterial growth by mixing with our skin’s natural oils, preventing them from becoming food for the bacteria. When it comes to nails, tea tree oil’s antifungal properties may help in reducing the growth of trichophyton rubrum, a fungus that causes nail fungus and athlete’s foot.

Avalon Organics offer a range of essential oil-led hair, bath & body care products, available in store at Waitrose and online at waitrose.com Indulge your senses with some aromatherapeutic self care every day, and your skin and hair with the power of botanical-based beauty products. As well as the lead essential oil, all shampoo and conditioner formulas are enriched with Quinoa Protein, Aloe, Babassu Oil and Vitamin E, and all products are NSF-certified to contain organic ingredients, and EWG VERIFIED™, which means it meets the Environmental Working Group's strict ingredient standards and features the EWG VERIFIED™ seal on its label.

From our November issue…

Sponsored post | Avalon handcare

Treat dry hands to a little natural pampering

Guided by the infinite wisdom of nature and the knowledge that all beauty begins with the Earth, Avalon Organics® harnesses the pure benefits within botanicals to create nourishing products that contribute to a holistic lifestyle of health, wellness and sustainability.

Avalon Organics offers a range of botanically infused products to give a helping hand to both your skin’s health and happiness, seeking out plant-based organic ingredients from trusted sources. This process results in products that are safe to use, and safe for the Earth. As well as being vegan-friendly and certified by Cruelty Free International, all of the formulas are biodegradable and certified to the NSF/ANSI 305 Standard for Personal Care Products Containing Organic Ingredients or USDA Organic.

Searching out the beautifying benefits hidden within each plant, Avalon Organics develops formulas to not only nourish the body, but also to nourish the mind and soul for an uplifting experience with every use. Avalon Organics Glycerin Hand Soaps are designed to purify yet comfort skin without causing dryness or irritation, even with frequent washings. Generously enriched with vegetable glycerin to help lock in moisture and formulated with a hydrating aloe barbadensis leaf juice base, organic essential oils and vitamin E, to indulge and cleanse with every wash.

For the ultimate soothing combination, pair with a Hand & Body Lotion from Avalon Organics, featuring aloe barbadensis leaf juice, a healthy triple dose of plant lipids from shea butter, safflower and coconut oils to intensely moisturise, as well as beta glucans and oat bran extract to soothe any irritation and alleviate dryness. Choose from Nourishing Lavender for extra dry hands, Rejuvenating Rosemary for skin renewal, and Refreshing Lemon, which has a natural antibacterial blend of botanicals. Avalon Organics’ range of products is available at kijaniliving.com, ocado. com, waitrose.com and in store at Whole Foods Market.

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From our May issue…

Sponsored post | Avalon hair care

Look to Avalon Organics® for gentle, safe and effective hair care to restore your hair’s natural beauty after the winter months, without the use of harsh preservatives or hair-stripping cleansers.

For hair that is dried-out post-winter, try Nourishing Lavender Shampoo & Conditioner. Lavender essential oil, quinoa protein, aloe vera, babassu oil and vitamin E work in harmony to cleanse and nourish every strand.

If your hair is dull or weighed down by product buildup, look no further than the latest launch: Smooth Shine Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo & Conditioner. Raw apple cider vinegar, nettle extract and argan and babassu oils work together to clarify and restore hair to its natural ph balance.

Biotin B-Complex Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner are from the Therapy range, and will be a blessing to those looking to build body in fine, thinning hair. Biotin, saw palmetto, quinoa protein and vitamin E stimulate the scalp to encourage hair growth, and cleanse, strengthen and nourish hair from root to tip for hair for thicker, more voluminous, and softer hair.

Also from the Therapy range, Tea Tree Mint Scalp Normalizing Shampoo & Conditioner will help relieve itchy dry scalps,  thanks to a blend of tea tree, mint, eucalyptus and chamomile. With use, hydration levels are restored in the scalp and hair, circulation is energised, and hair is soft, shiny and manageable and the scalp is comfortable and balanced.

All products are NSF/ANSI 305 certified, as well as being EWG VERIFIED™, vegan, cruelty free and biodegradable. All packaging is made from high post-consumer material content and sustainably sourced paperboard, all recyclable after use.

Curated from nature’s resources, Avalon Organics® beauty products are deep-rooted in a profound respect for the earth. Combining modern science with botanical knowledge, Avalon Organics® constantly strives to produce products that are safe to use and safe for the earth, thoughtfully developing formulas to nourish the body, mind and soul.

Avalon Organics® products are available from Waitrose, Ocado.com and www.kijaniliving.com

From our April issue…