Eczema treatment

Unfortunately, many of us are quietly suffering from different skin conditions but nothing as common and as painful as dermatitis also known as eczema.

Dermatitis (Apotic Dermatitis)

Dermatitis is known as an inflammation of the skin and depending on the type, the skin may become red, itchy with some acute attacks causing crusty scale or blisters that ooze fluid.

It’s very common among the profession of hair dressers, doctors or nurses that have continuously wet hands through the day.

Based on the Victorian Health Government Website, Eczema is caused by a person’s inability to repair damage to the skin barrier. It is a inherited skin diseases, usually if you have asthma or allergic history in your family. Contrary to common belief eczema is not related to food unless you have a food allergy which your doctor should test you for.

 

 

Avoid

• Contact with irritants
• Soap products
• Frequent showering
• Hot Water
• Heat
• Synthetic Fabric
• Synthetic fragrance
• Chlorinated pools
• Synthetic Perfumes
• Artificial Fragrances in body and hair products

Tips

• Wear gloves to prevent your skin getting wet
• Wear 100% cotton clothing
• When trying a cosmetic try testing it on a small area of your forearm. If you experience a reaction don’t use the product again.
• Oil Bath
• Moisturizing regularly may improve the skin condition
• Anti inflammatory ointment

Treatment option are varied some treatment can be very expensive. Not all treatment will work for everyone this is why it’s eczema is such a big business.

What you need to remember, if you suffer from Eczema is that it is a chronic atopic (a form of allergy)condition, in most cases it will never go away completely, and you need to avoid triggers at all cost as well as keep your skin clean and moisturized.

There are tons of products out there to help alleviate the condition but below we have a simple DIY Eczema Ointment Remedy you can do at home that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

And if you decide to buy a moisturizer here are some of the ingredients they should include:

 

Ingredients

Coconut oil has been known to help retain moisture because of the high level of saturated fat. It contains fatty acid Capric /Caprylic/Lauric acid that also act as disinfectant and antimicrobial properties. As a result, when applied on the skin, coconut oil protects from microbial infections that can get into open wounds or even enter the body through the pores.

Calendula is great for sensitive skin and has anti inflammatory benefit.

Hydrolyze oat/ Oats has been known to help retain moisture in the skin. It’s also known as being effective in addressing dry skin symptoms like itchiness, rashes, scales, peeling etc…

 

Melaleuca (tea Tree)  is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties

Rosemary Oil helps ease puffiness and swelling and can be used to treat acne, dermatitis and eczema.

Clove Essential Oil  is used as an antiseptic and pain-reliever because of its antibacterial, anti fungal & antihistamine properties.

Lavender essential oil is analgesic, antiseptic and cicatrizan

 zinc Oxide to soothe inflame skin

White Willow Bark contains salicin which is antipyric and pain relieving

Marshmallow extract is anti- inflammatory and has a soothing effect

References

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/eczema-atopic-dermatitis

http://www.livestrong.com/article/494803-zinc-oxide-to-treat-eczema/

Lemon, zizyphus, blood orange and honey facial cleanser

This is what I do on my time off…That’s right, my friends would say am crazy or maybe obsess but I can’t help it. I just love making new products!

I got inspired from Pineterest simple DIY  lemon wash that you can do at home and added to it. Here’s a simple version, which you probably have the ingredients in your cupboard for.

• 1/4 C Olive Oil

• 1/8 C Liquid Castile Soap
• 1/4 C Honey
• 1/8 C Organic Lemon Juice
• 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 Tbsp Vitamin E oil
• 10 Drops of essential oils

This is a great facial wash because Lemon juice helps clear the dark spots and the honey soothes and give a beautiful glow to your skin.

 

I decided though, to take the recipe a little further because like most working people you don’t always have time to whisk up a face wash like this. Plus its perishable so it only last a few days. I also wanted something even more natural so I dropped the Castile Soap and replace it by Zizyplus Extract which is a natural surfactant.

Zizyphus Extract or Jujube Zizyphus Extract is classed with the raisin, date, and fig as a pectoral fruit, being nutritive. The jujube fruit, which originated in China more than 4,000 years ago has been use in China for centuries to treat all sort of conditions.

Rich in calcium, protein, and Vitamins C, B1, B2 and A, the wonder-fruit not only works miracles from the inside, but its reparative nutrients deliver intense moisture, nourishment and protection to the skin as well.Chinese have use this ingredients in beauty treatment for centuries.. So it’s just about time we catch up..;)

Zizyphus Extract has Anti-inflammatory effect, Anti-aging, and astringent effect and if the fruit is consume anti cancer, sedative, stomachache and counteract allergic reaction.

Zizyphus Extract has the highest level of anti oxidant which make it perfect in this new organic face wash which will be available at the next market!

Lemon, Zizyphus & Honey Face Wash

Ingredients: Water, Lemon Juice,  Zizyphus Extract, Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Oil, Honey, olive wax, Vitmain E, Optiphen (paraben free preservative), Blood Orange Essential oil.

 

Check out waterroots for more beauty tips, DIY Recipes or organic body and hair care range.

 

Neroli and Casis Winter Cream

I spent a lot of time experimenting new products in the last few months or so and I gotta say am really enjoying that part. Not only because I get to create new things and play with new ingredients but I also get to try all this new stuff!!! You should see my bathroom, its full of experimental creams, shampoos…etc.. Oh, and my husband also has to play the Guinea pig from time to time but am sure he doesn’t mind. Its for a good cause and I can proudly say that none of WaterRoots products are tested on animals only relatives, volunteers and friends!

The start of winter not only puts an end to the sunny beach weather but it also brings a change in your  skin needs. Like the season your skin changes as well and sometimes a cream that is totally fine during summer won’t cut it during winter.

As we are just starting winter here “Down Under” even thought it’s still only 22’c where I live (well what can I say I leave in a paradise called “Byron Bay”!) your skin commends for extra nourishment and moisturizing ingredients.

So because you asked for it…Here it is my newest addition.

 

Neroli & Casis Winter Cream

Ingredients: Water, Macadamia Oil, Witch Hazel Floral Water, Vanilla  oil, Oliv Emulse, Cetyl Stearyl Alcohol, Honey Powder, Neroli Absolute, Casis Absolute, Bergamot Sicilien Essential Oil, Silk Protein, Bicarb of Soda, Geogard Ultra ( naturally-derived, broad spectrum preservative).

Macadamia Oil is the perfect treatment for mature, dry and sensitive skin. It contains fantastic fatty acids such as Lineolic and Oleic acid that offers skin regeneration and moisturizing properties. Vanilla Oil contains anti oxidants and honey gives this wonderful nourishment and glow to the skin. Check out this blog honey its wonderful skin benefit. The silk protein helps prevent the lost of moisture in your skin and bicarb of soda that help regulate your skin Ph which result in leaving your skin silky soft! And whats not to like about Neroli and Casis for a sent! This cream is perfect for you hands and elbow or any particularly dry area.

This new cream will be available soon at the market and on my new website when its finish!

Check out www.waterroots.com.au for more tips and tricks.

 

 

And the lucky winner is ….Melissa QUINN!!!

Share or like this post and win this AMAZING face cream “Oracle of Delphi” valued at $25.00. The unique blend of Jojoba, Rosehips, Wheat Germ oil and Royal Jelly act as nourishment and a highly nutritive repairing cream for facial wrinkles and eye contours.

The more you share the more entries you get in our draws. The winner will be announced on Tuesday the 18 of March, so keep an eye on our face book page because you could be our next WINNER!!!

If you don’t win you can still get this amazing WaterRoots product here.

Ingredients: Grape seed Oil,  Laurel Floral Water, Oliv Wax, Geogard Ultra, Aloe Vera,  Jojoba Oil,  Rosehip Oil,  Wheat Germ Oil, Royal Jelly, Vitamin E, Laurel Essential Oil.

Check out our blog for more FREE DIY Recipes. Click here

Natural DIY perfume

I got inspire after reading the paper the other day from this new natural perfumery that recently opened in Byron Bay. Ambrosia who is the owner and natural perfumer at Perfume by Nature,  is promising exclusive fragrance blend using old technique learned in Europe and rare ingredients sourced from all over the world.

I can’t wait to visit the shop to say the least!!

Perfumes these days are mostly produced using synthetic fragrances and unfortunately sciences noted that 95 percent of chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum and include benzene derivatives (carcinogenic) and many other toxic ingredients. So if you are like me conscious about what you are putting on your body but still wants to smell like the queen Cleopatra these DIY natural recipes below should help you. And if you are more the kind of sliding into the abyss when it comes to DIY well you can always visit Perfume by Nature in Byron Bay.

It’s important to note that choosing your blend of Essential Oil is the principal determinant when making your own perfume. It can also become complicated due to the different notes necessary to achieved the optimal result. Hence, below I suggest some blends options with measurement to simplify life. Otherwise, you can make your own blend following the top, middle and base notes rule.

• Top Note 30 % (9 to 12 drops): Your first impression and the scent that will fade the quickest.
• Middle Note 50% (15 to 20 drops) : I have seen it referred to as the heart of the perfume. It will fade after a couple of hours
• Base Note 20% (6 to 8 drops): This will be the anchor to your perfume and it will be the note that lasts the longest.
  •  It is also important to note that usually a base note isn’t the most pleasant of the three initially, but it will become more pleasing over time.

Perfume BASE  (makes 60ml)

• 2 Tsp Vodka
• 2 Tsp Distilled Water
• 1/4 Tsp Jojoba Oil
• 1 Tsp of Essential oil Blends

Blends

Mix all the ingredients together in a 60ml spray bottle and let rest 2 to 6 months for optimal sent. Careful, the initial sent is completely different to the final sent, so be patient!

Flower blend

• 1/2 tsp Bergamot E.O.
• 1/2 tsp Geranium E.O.
• 20 drops Petit grain (or neroli) E.O.
• 20 drops Palmarosa
• 2 drops Sandal wood (optional)

Comments: I made this one but I skipped sandal wood. Am very septic regarding the essential oil Petit Grain which I think is very strong so I will try with and without. So far my first version is only 3 days old and smells very musty and as I though the Petit Grain overtakes everything which I don’t like but will wait a few more weeks and see if it changes.

Mediterranean Blend

• 1 tsp Lavender E.O.
• 10 drops Lemon E.O.
• 10 drops Palmarosa E.O.

Husband blend

• 1 tsp Sandal Wood E.O.
• 30 drops Ceder E.O.
• 10 drops Rosewood E.O.
• 5 drops Lemon E.O.

Here are some additional blends you can use.

Orange, Jasmine, Vanilla
Lime, Rose and Vetiver
Orange, Lavender, Vanilla, Ylang ylang
Grapefruit, Rosemary, Vanilla
Bergamot, Rose, Patchouli
Bergamot, Rose, Jasmine, Sandalwood
Lemongrass, Lime, Lavender, Vetiver
Orange, Peppermint, Cedarwood
Sweet Marjoram, Lavender, Chamomile, Ylang ylang

Follow us on facebook, twitter and waterroots for more awesome free recipes and tips on how to live a greener life.

Reference:

http://www.overthrowmartha.com/2013/07/diy-perfume-making-your-signature-scent.html#.Uwf-XYXuzpU

Book: The bible of Aromatherapy

The skin benefits of Aloe Vera

There’s one key ingredients you will found in most products at WaterRoots: Aloe Vera.

Aloe Vera is a super ingredient that can be useful in treating wounds and burns, minor skin infections, cysts, diabetes, and elevated blood lipids in humans, and shows some promise in treating more serious and persistent conditions such as eczema, dandruff, psoriasis, canker sores, skin ulcers and others.

We love using organic Aloe Vera in our body cream because it sooth the skin and is commonly know remedy to treat sunburn. It acts as a protective layer on the skin and helps replenish its moisture. Because of its nutritional qualities and antioxidant properties, the skin heals quicker and that’s exactly why we love using it in our natural body cream.

1. Vanilla & Citrus Body Cream
2. Cucumber & Olive Body Cream
3. Cleopatra’s Body Milk

 Aloe Vera moisturizes the skin without giving it a greasy feel, so it`s perfect for anyone with an oily skin complexion. It can also help with fine lines and the loss of elasticity due to aging skin. Aloe leaves contain a plethora of antioxidants including, beta carotene, vitamin C and E that can help improve the skin’s natural firmness and keep the skin hydrated. You will find this amazing ingredients in a variety of our natural face cream & facial cleanser.

1. Wild Flower Face Cream
2. Little Geisha Face Cream
3. Oracle Of Delphi
4. Bergamot Milk Facial Cleanser

You can also use pure Aloe Vera Gel under mineral-based make-up, it will acts as a moisturizer and is great for the face prior to the application to prevents skin drying. Men can used it as an natural aftershave treatment as its healing properties can treat small cuts caused by shaving.

 

And for the yummy mommy we also recommend our natural body cream because they all contain Aloe vera gel that assist treating stretch marks by healing the wounds left by the skin overstretching.

1. Vanilla & Citrus Body Cream
2. Cucumber & Olive Body Cream

 

Aloe Vera contains over 75 different nutrients including vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, anthraquinones or phenolic compounds, lignin, saponins, sterols, amino acids and salicylic acid.

If you’re not impress by Aloe Vera, well… I don’t know what will.

Natural sunscreens review

So today I am writing about sunscreen.

Unfortunately, this is a product I don’t make at Waterroots for two reasons.

Firstly, it can become expensive process.

Secondly, its messy and complicated  to make. So,  yes I succumbed to the temptation and now buy my sunscreen online. (I do make a facial cream with Beeswax and mineral sunscreen, but the SPF is only low. You can get here at WaterRoots. But keep in mind that it is not a sunscreen but a natural face cream with low SPF). For the not so faint of heart, I also give away a free DIY ORGANIC SUNSCREEN recipe here.

Finding the right natural sunscreen can become a really costly and disappointing exercise due to the numerous contenders on the market. So I though I would gather my research here to simplify people’s life. The time has come that I not only buy sunscreen for my partner and me but also for my daughter. Hence, finding the right chemical and toxic free sunscreen is utterly important.

Below you will find my reviews on natural sunscreen, keep in mind my list is not extensive as I decided to only review the REAL natural sunscreen. If a sunscreen is not on my list and the ingredients are natural and you think its worth reviewing please post a comment and I will add it to my list.

1.Soleo Organics All Natural 30+ SPF Sunscreen
Cost: Expensive $24.95

Where to find it : ecolife.com.au

Ingredients:Candellila Cera, Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed) Oil, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Zinc Oxide 22.3% (Active Ingredient), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Lecithin, Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride, Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Flower Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Vegetable Oils, Natural Vitamin E

Comments: Although I haven’t tried this product yet, I have chosen this one has number one. Firstly, the ingredients list is excellent. I cannot see any chemicals to worry about here. They only use natural preservatives, which show their commitment to producing good quality natural sunscreen over easy cheap and nasty. Secondly, the online reviews on this natural sunscreen are great, to say the least! (This is on my top list to must try).

2. Graham’s Natural Alternatives SPF 30+

Cost: Inexpensive $13.95

Where to find it : ebay

Ingredients:Capric/caprylic triglyceride (plant oil derived), rose hip oil, grape seed oil, sesame seed oil, shea butter, hydrogenated vegetable oil, vitamin E, vitamin A, phenoxyethanol. Active ingredient: Zinc Oxide 26%

Comments: Most ingredients seem natural, Caric/Caprylic triglyceride is usually derived from coconut oil and is used in natural sunscreen as a carrier oil. It is preferred for its silky and non greasy quality and mix really well with zinc who has tendency to lump if mixed with other oils. ** Phenoxyethanol hasn’t got a really good marked up. It is not plant derived but a preservative which is chemically produced. Preservative usually consist of around 1% of the product, so in this case its not a large proportion. Based on the EWG’s skin deep website it has a moderate overall hazard.

I think it’s a much better choice than the contender loaded with chemicals that you will find a the chemist. It’s somewhat natural and at a fraction of the cost.

3. Wotnot Natural Protection 30+

Cost: Expensive $25.95

Where to find it : echolife.com.au

Ingredients: Safflower Oil, Purified Water, Candellila Wax, Carnauba Wax, Shea Butter, Sesame Oil, Parfum (Natural Preservative), GMO-Free Vitamin E, Grapeseed Oil, Aloe Vera (Organic), Beeswax, Zinc Oxide (Active Ingredient) (250mg/g)

Comments: Extremely greasy but does not leave a white residue. I personally don’t like this one because it feel so greasy but many swears by this product.

4. Banana Boat Mineral Protect Sensitive SPF 30 +

******Would not recommend any of these products has they are loaded with toxic ingredients. Below is a list of ingredients you should avoid in sunscreen.****

INGREDIENTS TO AVOID!!

Oxybenzone – Is apparently linked  to hormone disruption and potentially to cell damage that may lead to skin cancer.

Titanium Dioxide –  safecosmetic.org , reveals that titanium dioxide is potentially toxic. “In 2008, a peer reviewed study found that nano anatase titanium dioxide in sunscreen was reacting with sunlight and breaking down the coating on steel roofing in a matter of weeks. This study was prompted by reports that coatings on roofs were breaking down in places where workers had inadvertently transferred sunscreen to roofs via skin contact. Researchers from the 2008 study found that this sunscreen ingredient increased the normal rate of sun damage to the roofs by 100 times.(note 1) The study raised serious concerns about the impact these ingredients may be having on our skin. In 2010, Italian scientists warned that anatase titanium dioxide is “capable of destroying virtually any organic matter.” (note 2)”

retinyl palminate may actually be encouraging the formation of malignant, potentially cancer-causing cells in the skin.

Nano particules – There are significant danger with using nano technology in sunscreen. For one, there is no research of evidence that confirms that the particules does not reach the skin cells. Secondly, the technology has not been in use for long enough to be label has safe.

4-methylbenzylidene camphor – has been reported to cause photosensitisation and photoallergic effects. OMC easily penetrates the upper layer of the skin and, when exposed to UV radiation, generates free radicals in skin cells. Recent studies indicate that OMC may also have significant undesirable effects as a xenoestrogen.

octyl methoxycinnamate –Endocrine disruptor are chemicals that interfere with endogenous hormone action and/or production. These have been implicated in the development of a number of diseases in both males and females, including cancer of the mammary glands and reproductive organs, as well as the abnormal development of the male reproductive system.

FOR MORE DIY RECIPE PLEASE CLICK HERE

 

Sources

http://www.novamagazine.com.au/article_archive/2008/08_12_toxicsunscreen.htm

http://www.ingredientstodiefor.com/item.php?item_id=464

http://www.paiskincare.com/blog/2011/04/11/the-facts-about-phenoxyethanol-%E2%80%93-revisited/

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/16/health/sunscreen-report/

And the WINNER IS ….SHARON MCLEAN!!!!!

So the holiday period is over and everyone is back at work. We all need a lift during this period and what better time than to start our free give away of natural body and hair care products again!

This week to celebrate our new labels and photo shoot on our natural hair care range WaterRoots will be giving away our “creme de la creme” Mandarela Shampoo (worth $23) for free!!

All your need to do is share or like this link and you will instantly enter our draw. The winner will be announced on our face book page on Thursday the 23 January, so make sure to stay tune and keep sharing (the more shares the more entry into our draw you get)!

Free recipes here

www.waterroots.com

Organic Sunscreen Recipe

Here we go again!

This is probably my 10 trial of making organic safe sunscreen for my family. Even the one you buy from the natural shop can be quite disappointing and really expensive. Although, after making it myself I can very well explain why its expensive!

Firstly, the ingredients are expensive to buy. In particular, if you use good quality ingredients such as Zinc, Carrot oil etc..

Secondly, its realllyyyy messy and fastidious process if you don’t want to have those lumpy bits in it.

So here’s my new version of a Organic Sunscreen without the lump and safe for your family.

Ingredients

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup Shea butter

1/8 cup sesame or jojoba oil

2 tbsp. beeswax granules

2 tbsp. zinc oxide powder

1 tsp. aloe Vera

1 tsp Turmeric

20-30 drops carrot seed essential oil

Essential oils of your choice (lavender, rosemary, vanilla, and/or peppermint are nice)

Instructions

1. Using a double boiler melt your coconut oil, sesame or jojoba oil, beeswax, and Shea butter together until completely melted.

2.  Remove the mixture from the heat and let cool to room temperature. If you’re using zinc oxide, whisk it in at this point, being careful not to create a lot of dust. If there are some lumps, that’s OK. They will break up when you whip the body butter in step 4.

3. Let the mixture cool to 40’c  and start whipping again using a stand mixer.

4. Add the carrot oil, and any essential oils of your choice, and continue whipping until the mixture is light and fluffy.

6. Use as you would any regular sunscreen. Application rates will depend on your activity and exposure to water. There is no preservative in this sunscreen so store in a glass container in the fridge between uses.

Oh! and don’t forget to make a few spare ones for your friends! Those makes great gift!

 Comments

Although, I found this sunscreen really easy to apply, it is a little sticky but no different than the organic counterparts that you can find at your health shop for $35.

For more DIY recipe click here.

Like us on facebook here.

Harmful Ingredients List

To all of you that care out there here’s a short list of harmful ingredients commonly used in your shampoo, body cream etc… Thanks to nontoxic website for supplying the list and to note that WaterRoots products, shampoos, conditioner, body cream and facial wash are all free from these nasty chemicals…

• Diethanolamine (DEA):
  Shampoos, body washes, bubble bath, and shaving cream.
• Triethanolamine (TEA) : Moisturizers, cosmetics, deodorant, toothpaste, body oils, and washes.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) :
  Shampoo, bubble bath, shaving foam, and cleansers.
• Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) :
  Shampoo, bubble bath, shaving foam, and cleansers.
• Propylene Glycol:
  Primarily made for anti freeze for your car radiator, but surprisingly found in hand sanitizers, moisturizers, shaving creams, deodorants, and baby products.
• Sodium Fluoride:
  Toothpaste (though I am a mother of two and am on the fence about this one).
• Alcohol:
  Mouthwash, toners, and baby products.
• Talc:
  Baby powder, make-up, and foot preparations.
• PABA:
  Originally found in sunscreens but as of late has been removed from many formulations. Still make sure your sunscreen always says Paba-Free.
• PEG:
  Cosmetics, make-up, and shaving cream.
• Artificial flavors:
  Many companies use these to make things taste better and more like you would expect (the reason why Sunny D orange juice always tastes the same no matter the season), as well as toothpaste and mouthwash.
• Artificial colors:
  Used in many processed foods as well as make-up, toothpaste, and shampoos.
• Benzalkonium Chloride and Benzethonium Chloride:
  Synthetic germicides belonging to the large group of germicides known as “Quats, found in numerous household disinfectants, sanitizers including hand sanitizers and personal care products – long term use may affect immune system, cause asthma and should be especially avoided if you have COPD, or any other form of pulmonary disease.
• Ether:
  Nail treatments, shampoo, and conditioner.
• Coal Tars:
  Shampoo, conditioner, hair dyes, soap, skin care and cosmetics.
• Aluminum:
  Thankfully this is mostly just used in antiperspirants as larger concentrations of it have correlated to Alzheimer’s.
• Acetone:
  Nail polish remover.
• Formaldehyde:
  Antiperspirants, nail treatments, and perfumes. The most interesting thing about this chemical is that was used to embalm corpses in the past but even that industry has seen how toxic the use of it was and no longer uses it.
• Fluorocarbons:
  Hair spray used to have a great deal more of them in it (the reason why it used to make you cough). Recently there has been a crack down on this.
• Dioxins:
  Shampoo.
• Petrolatum or Mineral Oil:
  Baby products, washes, and moisturizers.
• Sodium Hydroxide:
  Soaps and detergents, is a caustic poison and very corrosive to skin.
• Triclosan:
  Anti bacterial soaps, hand sanitizers and even toothpaste. Its use is so widespread that it is being linked to lowering the immune system and is now being detected in breast milk. (Overuse of hand sanitizers with Triclosan is not good for your children).

Here’s another excellent link for safe cosmetic in Australia. Click here