Spring Clean Your Body - Part 2

Part one of 'Spring Clean Your Body' I shared tips on how to treat your skin from the outside, but what about from the inside?
I am a huge believer on being healthy from the inside out, so would like to share some of my favourite products I personally use.

Two of the natural remedies I have used continually now for many years, and are on my list of 'must-haves', are both from the beehive. Bee Pollen and Propolis. Those who know me, know how much I swear by both of these products and I think everyone should take them! The benefits of both are staggering.

Bee Pollen is the most nutritionally rich food on our planet. It contains 22 amino acids, 27 mineral salt (including calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper and iron) and other elements and various enzymes. Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B8, B12, C, D, P. Provitamin A and Rutin. The healing, rejuvenating and disease fighting effects of bee pollen has been well documented. Bee Pollen has been known to assist with: digestive upsets, fatigue, allergies - hayfever being the most common of allergies - antioxidant, antidepressant, antibacterial, enhances the immune system and so many more benefits. On a personal note, those close to me have also had results with side effects of chemotherapy and pain relief. Each of us will reap different effects and benefits.

Photo credit Vonnybee

Propolis is the immune system booster. For me, working in education for many years being surrounded by students - and staff - coughing and sneezing in confined spaces, this product was my saviour, as I never got ill! Propolis is a natural antibiotic, antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial and like Bee Pollen, Propolis has so many amazing benefits - aside from strengthening your immune system -such as assisting with tonsillitis, laryngitis, colds/flu, mouth dentistry, respiratory problems, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, allergies, healing wounds and so much more!

Photo credit Vonnybee

Neal's Yard Remedies Organic Superfood Organic Greens Complex with Purifying Chlorella can be added to juices and smoothies, as well as a shot. This product is carefully blended to provide a natural source of soluble fibre and non-animal protein. With acerola fruit powder extract, rich in vitamin C, to support the immune system and normal collagen function of the skin.
It has amazing benefits. As well as detoxifying, it is an antioxidant, good for the gut, brain and muscle building. It is non GM, gluten free, dairy free, preservative free, vegan and kosher! Greens Complex gives us a purifying inner cleanse and restores glowing skin also. I use it in either a juice or smoothies. If you are not really a fan of seaweed, you may prefer the Berry Complex, although the benefits do differ.

Neal's Yard Remedies Organic Superfood Organic Berry Complex with Antioxidant Vitamin C is my new favourite product and I confess once my pouch was opened, my greens Complex got sidelined slightly! Although, I do know some like to add a bit of both complex's to their smoothies, so you can always do this for a double-whammy!
The Berry Complex is jam packed with a powerhouse of antioxidants to help boost collagen and the skin’s radiance. This delicious, highly nutritious organic complex is also  bursting with organic acerola cherry extract, rich in vitamin C, and phytonutrients, it supports your immune system and gives you antioxidant protection.

Carefully blended with organic superfruits, omega fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, to provide a natural source of fibre and non-animal protein. Organic Berry Complex is ideal for all the family, vegetarians and vegans, not to mention there is no added sugar, non GM, gluten free, dairy free, no preservatives, vegan and kosher. 

This is so yummy and I used this daily in my smoothies until the pouch was empty to see what the results would produce, would it do what they say it would and I have to say, it did. My skin appeared plumper and definitely had more radiance. Very happy with this product I have to say!

Photo credit NYR Organic

Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

I did talk about Coconut Oil in my 'Spring Clean Your Body - Part 1' as it is amazing as a body moisturiser, but, we can eat it too! It is highly nutritious, versatile and packed with health benefits and can be used for baking and frying, as well as being able to add to salad dressings or smoothies. Organic Virgin Coconut Oil supports healthy digestion, boosts energy and is a superfood. 

With so many varieties currently available, how do you know what is the best type to use? I recently read an article and the answer, thankfully, was Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. I was relieved as it is what I have been using! 

NYR Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is 100% organic and raw, 100% virgin, vegan, non GM, no bleaching, no additives, unrefined, cold pressed expeller, no gluten or lactose, no preservatives, no pasteurisation and no hydrogenation. 

I love all of the benefits of this amazing product for both inner and outer health and felt a feeling of satisfaction when I had used every bit of my first jar and opened my second! 

Photo credit NYR Organic

These are a few of my personal favourites for inner health, however, there are many others that may suit you and your specific needs.

Disclaimer - this is my own personal blog and any products discussed/shown have been purchased by myself unless otherwise stated.

Spring Clean Your Body - Part 1

In my last blog I shared tips on how to 'Spring Clean Your Skin' which got me thinking about tips for spring cleaning our bodies too. I mean, after all, we have had our bodies hidden under layers for the autumn / winter months, shielding and protecting us from the cold. Now spring is upon us, it is that time of year where the layers will becoming less (hopefully!) and more skin may be exposed, hence the time for some of us to prepare the skin for such an occasion.
So, now is the time to step up your body care routine by following some simple tips for a more luminous, radiant skin as you start to prepare for the coming summer months and potential holidays.

Skin Brush - Our skin can certainly look lacklustre this time of year and skin brushing is the perfect way to kick start a new regime. As well as smoothing away the dull, top layers of the skin which will help to improve the appearance of the skin, this method is fabulous for increasing circulation, which in turn helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Win win!
For best results just follow these simple guidelines: Always use a brush when it is dry and with natural bristles and always apply with long, upward strokes e.g if using on the legs, stroke from ankle to knee for lower legs and for upper leg above knee towards the groin area.

Photo credit E'spa

Photo credit NYR Organic 

Exfoliate - Invest in a decent exfoliating body scrub because it is the most effective way to remove the lacklustre, dead skin cells that have been hidden under wraps. It will reveal glowing, healthier looking skin and you will find your body creams/lotions/oils etc will be absorbed into fresh, new skin therefore being more effective as a result.
Exfoliating regularly - twice a week - will help alleviate ingrowing hairs from waxing, your fake tan will have better results and if you like to sunbathe then your 'real' tan will be more even and last longer. I know some of you think if you exfoliate a tan it will remove it, this I can assure you is not the case. In fact, quite the opposite!


Moisturise - We need to keep our skin well and truly hydrated and nourished, partly as it will give added glow and radiance, but also to keep the 'crinkly' skin that can appear very ageing at bay. Do not spend all your time and money on investing on your face and ignore your body! It as just as important.
There are so many types of nourishing body products available now for a variety of needs, not just about moisturising. Anything, from 'contouring', 'anti cellulite' or 'firming' are readily available. You just have to decide what you would like from your products and the good news is, these will all hydrate, as well as having the other added benefits they offer.
Generally, you may 'mix it up' and depending on the time of year may depend on what you use e.g if you are getting beach body ready you may choose a firming or anti cellulite product.
Personally, I have dry skin and always opt for richer products such as body oils or butters. Currently, I am loving my Organic Virgin Coconut Oil from Neal's Yard Remedies Organic. I smother myself in it and it is amazing! I am thrilled with the results.

Photo credit NYR Organic

Fake Tan - Once your skin is exfoliated, you may want to add an application of fake tan. There are so many available nowadays. If you struggle with applying tan yourself, maybe getting a professional to do it is a better option. I recently had a Lauren's Way Spray Tan before a few days of winter sunshine and I would highly recommend it.


For one to one advice, guidance and tips please feel free to email me at tranquilityUK@gmail.com or you can visit my website https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/andreagough

Disclaimer - this is my own personal blog and any products discussed/shown have been purchased myself unless otherwise stated.

Spring Clean Your Skin

It is that time of year, when spring is in the air, that makes us want to spring clean our houses, but why just do it to your house and not your skin too? The lighter, brighter, longer days can bring attention to our skin. The general dull, lack lustre complexion that the winter can cause.

So, it is time to 'spring clean' your skin and with a few simple tips for your regime your skin can be glowing in no time revealing a radiant, refreshed and renewed complexion.

* Change with the season - I for one have always done this as my skin is dry, I always apply richer, more nourishing products during autumn/winter months and as long as my skin feels hydrated enough - dependent on our weather in more recent years - I then switch to lighter products for spring/summer e.g during winter months I will use a Cleansing Balm but in spring/summer a Cleansing Lotion.

Wild Rose Beauty Balm
my new favourite product!

* Exfoliate - exfoliating the skin x1/x2 per week helps to promote radiance by removing dry, dull dead skin cells giving us a healthy glow. As well as making the skin appear brighter, you will find your makeup will go on more easily and potentially last longer. Also, for you men you will find by exfoliating pre shave you will also get a closer finish.
* Apply a face mask - by applying a face mask (or masks, depending on your skin type) after exfoliation to fresh, new skin will help nourish, hydrate or, in some cases, purify the skin.
* Add an SPF - personally the tinted moisturiser I use all year round has a SPF15 and ideally everyone should do the same, but if you don't spring/summer is a good time to start when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Please note, it can be in any form you choose, not tinted moisturiser like myself.
* Switch to tinted moisturiser - why not ditch the heavy foundations of winter months and change to a lighter, natural looking tinted moisturiser which helps achieve a radiant glow and some can contain an SPF too.
* Declutter your products - time to 'spring clean' your products, including make-up too! Check all the products you have open and see if you use them still, are they out of date, are they what your skin needs? If not, bin them and replace them with lovely new products that your skin needs and will benefit from.

For some fantastic organic products check out my website:

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/andreagough


Disclaimer - this blog is my own personal blog and any products discussed/shown have been purchased by myself unless otherwise stated.

Winter Skin Care Tips

We all know that skincare, though very worthwhile, can a big investment and with so many ranges and products available it can also be quite daunting. Add that to the fact that you may not know your skin, I can't help but wonder how confusing it must be to many in figuring out what is best for you. A lot of people nowadays are more aware of the basics of cleanse, tone and moisturise - which is great - but not so much with serums, face oils, eye products etc. This is where - hopefully - as a therapist I can add to that knowledge, not to mention help you achieve that radiance all year round, not just in summer, because let's face it (pardon the pun!) our skin can take a battering in the autumn and winter months, but there is help at hand!

I am a huge advocate of 'layering' products, winter more so than during the summer. I find that my skin doesn't need as much nourishment at that time so I tend to revert to my regular day and night cream those months. 

Eye Cream - is a must and is specially formulated to treat the delicate eye area to help hydrate, helping to minimise the appearance of fine lines. This should be applied prior to moisturiser. Some ranges have eye serums or eye gels. Gels are for puffiness and dark circles but obviously will hydrate to a certain degree. Please note: This is something to be used all year around though not just winter!

Serum - these penetrate the deeper layers of the skin to help even skin tone, pigmentation and enhance the skin’s elasticity as well as help to firm, boost radiance, and nourish. Applied after eye cream prior to moisturiser.

Face Treatment Oil - these oils are absolutely my firm favourite and I have used them for many years now. So, depending on the skin’s needs you would use these in oppose to a serum. They will deeply nourish the skin and reduce the signs of fine lines. Apply after eye cream, prior to moisturiser, albeit that this is what your skin needs, as using an oil may be enough for you. 

Oils can also be available for oily and combination skins too - yes, oil onto oily skin! I have had amazing results with clients over the years with E’spa Balancing Face Treatment Oil. If I was oily I would use definitely use this as it helps regulate the oil levels in your skin, therefore, combatting further outbreaks and issues related to this skin type.

A personal favourite of mine - NYR Organic Rejuvenating Facial Oil

E'spa Balancing Face Treatment Oil

Moisturiser - please, please, please, moisturise! Over the years I have discovered that so many people don’t moisturise! This is your barrier to lock in moisture and protect the skin from environmental aggressors. Once your serum/oil has soaked in, apply to clean fingertips and tap onto your forehead, cheeks, chin, neck and décolleté and smooth in light upward strokes. 

Tinted Moisturiser – The perfect finishing touch to your routine and something I have used for about 16 years. For me, this gives me the extra hydration as it is incredibly nourishing and I apply it over moisturiser.  If you can purchase one with SPF 15 it will also provide UVA and UVB protection so it’s perfect for the Spring and Summer and may actually be enough for you that time of year to use alone. It is definitely a personal choice as we are all different.

My must have product! 

Aveda Inner Light Tinted Moisturiser SPF15

I hope these tips have helped! 

Visit my Neal's Yard Remedies Organic shop for fantastic skin and body care products: 

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/andreagough

Disclaimer - this blog is my own personal blog and any products discussed/shown have been purchased with my own money, or used previously in my salon unless otherwise stated. 

New Year, New You?

It's that time of year again. When we are full of hope and optimism and we are all planning a path of self-improvement to begin to eat better, look after our skin, detox, get fit and to generally feel happier. Yet there is a minefield of advice out there which I feel makes it difficult to know what the correct path is for us individually.
Personally, I think where some of us have got it wrong in the past, is setting ourselves quite 'big' targets - then feel disheartened when we naturally fail to achieve them - instead of setting maybe slightly smaller, more realistic, achievable goals.

I feel the need to get back on track myself after the festive period and far too much indulgence in all things naughty but oh so nice!
So, with this in mind I thought I would share some tips I will be either reintroducing or continuing with in my regime in 2016 to guide and help you along the way.

Food - my advice..do not use the 'D' word..yes, you know the one 'DIET'!
Just eat clean as this is a realistic thing to achieve and can easily be implemented into your daily diet. Reduce your intake of things like processed foods, fast foods etc and introduce whole foods. I love to juice also, this gives my body raw foods and helps me obtain a good supply of nutrients.
I think the key is do not deprive yourself of anything as this can cause you to 'fall off the wagon' then eat more!

Skin - no matter what happens and whatever 'season' it is, this is the one thing that I never sway from, which is a good skin care regime. In recent weeks I have been so thrilled as I have had so many compliments over my skin, which for me is the ultimate because I know what I use is working - although I never doubted the range!
The key is to fully understand your skin type, what your concerns are and then have a consultation with an experienced beauty therapist/facialist as there are so many ranges on the market nowadays.
Sampling can be key too. This gives you the opportunity to 'try before you buy' or even have a facial.

My advice, use products for your skin type and for maximum results use the same product range. Cleanse, tone and moisturise day and night. Incorporate an eye cream and always use a separate eye makeup remover. And, more importantly don't go to bed with your makeup on!
In addition to your daily regime you can link in exfoliation x2 week, followed by a face mask - again, specifically for your skin type.

For skin care advice, or samples of the product range that I use both personally and in my facials - Neal's Yard Remedies Organic - please contact me.

Detox - I began my detox today! I had my first juice of 2016, literally with all I had in my fridge that could be juiced! Carrot, cucumber, ginger and broccoli. The power of raw foods blows my mind! I also added NYR Organic Greens Complex with Purifying Chlorella. This is an amazing addition to juices or even smoothies and helps to detoxify, boost wellbeing, vitality and much more, but more importantly for me today I added it as it 'helps the gut' which I felt I needed as my digestive system has felt very sluggish this past few days.

Organic Greens Complex

This product has so many amazing benefits!

If you are looking to really kickstart your January detox, then Neals' Yard Remedies Organic have just launched a Natural Detox Kit.
It contains all you need to cleanse, recharge and revitalise.
Organic Greens Complex 100g, Vitamin B Supplement (60 capsules), Ginger & Juniper Warming Oil 100ml, Cleanse Aromatherapy Blend 10ml.

Natural Detox Kit

It contains all you need to cleanse, recharge and revitalise.
Organic Greens Complex 100g, Vitamin B Supplement (60 capsules), Ginger & Juniper Warming Oil 100ml, Cleanse Aromatherapy Blend 10ml.

**PLEASE NOTE: SADLY THESE PRODUCTS HAVE BEEN DISCONTINUED SINCE THIS BLOG POST WAS WRITTEN.*

Another great tip that aids detoxification, as well as help alleviate cellulite, is skin brushing daily. This also improves the appearance of the skin as well as exfoliates dead skin cells.  

Use a natural bristle brush. Always use long, sweeping strokes up towards the heart to stimulate circulation.  

Body Brush

Here is an example of a Body Brush, it also has a removable handle. My go to Body Brush - for 20+ years now - is from Espa. The perfect natural bristle brush! So effective and lasts a lifetime I'd say! 

And finally, on a detox tip, why not give your body a wake up call by having a lemon water for your first drink of the day instead of tea or coffee? Adding a burst of citrus can make you feel energised!

Wellbeing - I have used wellbeing as this last topic, because if like me the word  'gym' fills you with dread - particularly in January - then I think we can take small steps, so my advice is to ease yourself into 2016 with those smaller, realistic targets that we spoke of earlier. With that in mind, how about meditation? This doesn't sound 'small' but it doesn't have to be as daunting as it sounds. I personally have to use guided mediation. My favourite are The Honest Guys and you can find them on YouTube. Just find one to suit you and try to introduce it into your daily regime.

Yoga? Find a great centre near you and take advice from teachers on the best classes for you. I for one want to get back not the mat the year as t has been far too long!

Walking? They say walking 20-30 minutes per day can be so beneficial, so I will do it if you will!!

We know that moving helps our lymphatic system, not to mention releases endorphins, which in turn helps our general health and happiness and I for one need to implement more 'movement' into my daily regime in 2016, so let's do it together!! 

I heard something the other day that I resonated with, so wrote it down so I could share...

"Eat less, move more, manage stress"

  

On that note..  Here's to a healthy and happy 2016!