Naturally, Beautifully Nurtured

Make natural products a part of your daily, weekly and monthly beauty routine... and notice the difference!

You know how it goes… you wake up, have a wash (or jump into the shower), moisturise, clean your teeth, put on your deodorant... you've probably been going through the same routine for years without taking the time to see what other options are out there. But why not broaden your beauty horizons, and choose products that are more healthy, enliven your senses with a whole array of aromas and avoid some chemicals which are in conventional products.

You might only make one simple change or you could shift your whole approach to how you take care of yourself. Whatever, it’s time for a change...

Daily:

With all the grime and pollution around, it's hardly surprising that many people choose to wash their hair every day. Spend a day in a large city, and you'll see what we mean! Over time, this can lead to the hair looking dull and lifeless – stripped of natural oils, which have to be replaced with intensive conditioners. The other downside to washing every day, is that it can sometimes leave your hair looking really greasy if you have so much as a day when you don't wash your hair. That's why choosing the right shampoo and conditioner is so important. Remember your crowning glory and try shampoos, conditioners and treatments with natural ingredients. For shine, choose products containing rosemary. For conditioning, choose an intensive hair wash or intensive conditioner (eg leave-in mud conditioners are great for this). There are also some great organic ranges around, which avoid unnecessary use of chemical foamers, pearlising agents and emulsifers. Some also have added vitamins, to condition and strengthen the hair from deep within.

Don't just grab any old soap off the shelf! Pick one that is best for your own skin. Is your skin sensitive? Then choose a goat's-milk-based soap, which can help soothe any discomfort. Aloe vera soaps can also temper sensitive skins, and putting on cider vinegar gels can calm raging red skin. For dry skin, go for an olive oil soap, or for skin with blemishes, reach for one containing tea tree oil – a well known antiseptic essential oil. You might indulge your sense of smell and choose a soap containing kiwi and lime, patchouli and blueberry or even one which appeals to your childhood days, such as 'Clay and Dragon's Blood' soap! (Dr Stuarts).

If you like a spell in the shower, liven it up with organic products including essential oils such as mint, lemon, lime and tea tree (which are invigorating and energising). If you've got a tough day ahead or want to unwind at the end of a long day, use bath/shower products containing lavender – sandalwood and patchouli are great for relaxing before bed.

Don't forget to moisturise. Wind, water and heat can all take the moisture out of our skin (and that goes for both men and women). Aloe Vera moisturisers can help soothe temperamental skin, coconut can condition and add shine, vitamin E conditions and restores skin suppleness.

Regular shaving can dry out the skin resulting in lines and chapping. Both pre- and post-shaving moisturisers can help prevent this, containing ingredients such as sandalwood for chapped skin or spots, moisturisers such as vitamin E, aloe vera and wheat germ and lavender for its soothing properties. And don't forget your hands. Constantly exposed to water and various soaps or detergents, not to mention all the chemicals we come into contact with, our hands can show our age. Look out for formulations which are 'heavy duty hand cleaners'.

Antiperspirants containing essential oils such as sage, pine or lemon suit men as well as women. Have you ever used one made from mineral salts? These are unfragranced so suitable for the man who wants to forego the perfume and chemical irritation, but not the protection. Foot powders often containing mineral salts and tea tree keep feet smelling fresh while at the same time staving off fungal infection such as athlete's foot.

Toothpastes are often taken for granted. But not everyone wants a standard off the shelf product. Nonfluoride toothpastes are available for those who want to steer clear of this mineral, which can cause tooth discolouration. Health stores also stock Aloe vera-based whitening toothpaste (ESI ALOE DENT), ones that are flavoured with fennel, mint, lemon (Kingfisher), strawberry and sensitive non-fluoride toothpaste with 'wintermint' (Tom's of Maine).

Weekly:

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