Jojoba What?

Trying to wrap your head around the hundreds of essential oils and natural ingredients that make up common all-natural skin and body care products is a full time job. Considering many of us struggle to pronounce most ingredient names, it’s hard to imagine understanding the benefits of different natural products. This article offers a simple, basic synopsis of one of those very products – jojoba oil (pronounced ho-ho-bah). What is so wonderful about this oil? In particular, what can it do to help improve the natural beauty of your skin and hair?

Jojoba oil is many peoples favorite all natural beauty secret. Indeed, the chemical makeup of Jojoba oil mirrors that of the human skin oil sebum, which is a wax ester that moistens skins surface and sets up a impermeable guard preventing bacteria from invading the skin. Ultimately, jojoba oil, like sebum, helps heal dry, damaged skin and hair.

Frequent use of jojoba oil in skincare products will increase the suppleness of skin for up to eight hours, which, if applied regularly, will lead to long term benefits such as the reduction of facial lines and wrinkles. More specifically, jojoba oil provides an unbeatable mixture of vitamins and minerals to help improve the health of your skin and hair.

1 – Vitamin E: A powerful anti-oxidant, this will increase the shine in hair by providing hydration for hair, skin and nails.
2 – Vitamin B-Complex: Paraded for its ability to increase growth, shine and color of hair while contributing to an overall healthy scalp. This will also lead to reduced hyper-pigmentation in skin
3 – Silica: Adds shine and strength to hair
4 – Zinc: Builds hair protein
5 – Copper: Can add firmness to skin
6 – Iodine: Combats bacteria and fungal infections

All of these benefits come together to fight against aging, wrinkles and air lose. Since jojoba is not based in water, it will not evaporate and thus can provided continued moisture to your skin. Ultimately, this is the magical oil for dealing with irritated, dry scalps and skin. And if it could get any better, jojoba oil has had next to no cases of allergic reactions.

by Ashley McEachern

What Is The Secret Behind Black Soap?

There are hundreds of different types of all natural soaps on the market nowadays. How can you know which natural soap is best for your skin? The goal is to find an all-in-one natural body care product that can cleanse, moisturize and exfoliate your skin. Professional research and personal testing of hundreds of soaps has led me to the winner, and had me asking, what Is The Secret Behind Black Soap?

Black soap originated in West Africa and has been used throughout history by different tribes and communities for cleansing, purifying and healing the skin. It is traditionally handmade by women through the blending the bark of different plants like shea and plantain trees with water and the most beneficial oils, such as coconut oil. These all natural ingredients stockpile the soap with Vitamins A, E and iron, while the shea provides the soap a natural sunscreen.

In my search for the perfect natural soap, I almost settled on black soap as the winner. It was an excellent cleanser and moisturizer for my skin. Yet, after a few weeks of use, I realized that what was lacking was the exfoliation that is detrimental to helping my skin look and feel smooth. Through even a light exfoliation, you can break down the dead skin cells thus opening your pores and preventing acne. Exfoliation is used in many anti-aging remedies because of its ability to reduce fine lines. Alas, my search for the perfect all natural soap continued.

I found my champion in Thailand, where another type of handmade black soap has made its way into mainstream markets. This time it is all natural black rice grain soap. What is the secret behind black rice soap? Like black soap, black rice grain soap is stockpiled with antioxidants, botanicals and natural oils to help soothe, protect and purify the skin. It too contains an all natural sunscreen in the form of rice bran oil. What pushed it over the top however were its detoxifying and exfoliating abilities.

One of the primary all natural ingredients in black rice grain soap is charcoal, which creates a layer on the skin to protect it from free radicals, including pesticides, cigarette smoke, pollution and sun exposure. Way back in 1956, Dr. Denham Harman proved that these free radicals are indeed the primary cause of aging. This is because collagen, the protein molecule that keeps our skin looking and feeling supple, is most susceptible to free radicals. Black rice grain soap is instrumental in reversing the effects of free radicals by introducing antioxidants into the skin and giving free radicals the electrons they require for stabilization, stimulation of blood circulation and overall skin nourishment.

Since black rice grain soap is based in rice grain extract, it provides a gentle exfoliation to the skin, releasing dead cells and revealing fresh, new skin. The rice grains provide a natural scrub that is subtle enough that the soap can be used anywhere on the body without causing irritation.
The battle is over. I finally found a natural soap that can exfoliate, detoxify, soothe and cleanse my skin all at once. Black soap was unquestionably the runner up, but the best all-around natural soap product I could find on the market was the natural black rice grain soap.

by Ashley McEachern

NEW THANN HAND CREAM WITH ORGANIC COCONUT OIL AND ARGAN OIL

THANN Aromatic Wood Hand Cream helps to reduce roughness, dehydration and climate ravaged condition. This indulgent experience will leave your hands, nails and cuticles feeling luxuriously pampered and deeply moisturized.

Enriched with natural extracts from Organic Rose Water, Organic Coconut and Organic Argan Oils, THANN Aromatic Wood Hand Cream provides an excellent soothing, nourishing and anti oxidant properties. The sweetness of orange and tangerine essential oils creates joy and uplifting ambience.

KEY INGREDIENTS:

Organic coconut oil rich in Vitamin E soothes and softens sensitive skin.

Organic rose water, the magic of the queen essential oil has gorgeous uplifting scent. It is used to treat skin irritation; it has anti inflammatory and rejuvenating effect.

Organic argan oil and rice bran oil are rich in Vitamin E. The emollient quality will leave the skin soft and moist for long lasting effect. Promote free radical scavenging property, and decelerate aging process

Thann Weekly Contest Begins!

*Weekly Thann Contest Begins Today*

We want to know - What is your Natural Beauty Secret?

Like our facebook page & share your secret on our wall to be entered for a chance to win a $100.00 gift card for Thann Canada! Contest runs until December 28th.

Come Shower With Us At ARC Hotel

Last week, Thann Canada and ARC Hotel threw the party of the year, turning oft-dreary Ottawa into a high-class event that appeased all the senses. The chic ARC Hotel was packed to the brim with shining Thann models, while the aroma of Thanns all natural skin and body care line filled the guests noses with essential oil blends like orange and nutmeg, lavender and rosemary and shiso cocoa butter.

Over 400 of Ottawa’s finest socialites, including Thierry Pepin, David Clemmer, Marlen Cowpland and James Jefferson, came together to celebrate the ARC Hotels tenth anniversary and the launch of Thann Canadas' new product line – an all natural skin and body care line emerging from Thailand.

All of Thann’s products contain 100% natural ingredients, with no artificial colours, synthetic fragrances, harmful preservatives or chemical nasties. Put simply, Thann is dermatological tested, clinically proven, natural beauty. One of Thanns’ newest products is the Oriental Essence All-in-one Balm. An organic blend of pomegranate extract, sunflower wax, organic jojoba oil and organic beeswax, this balm will definitely keep Ottawa dwellers skin moisturized, relieved and healthy throughout the forthcoming harshness of winter.

The partnership between ARC and Thann means that yes, you will be able to come and shower with us at ARC Hotel, which is now carrying Thanns chic skin and body care line for its chic and fabulous guests. We are looking forward to showering with you soon!

by Ashley McEachern

Ten Steps to Natural Beauty!

Last month, many of us were caught up watching s some of the worlds most beautiful women take the stage to compete in the 2010 Miss Universe competition. These women appear in front of us with beautiful smooth skin, perfectly toned bodies and a glow to them that every woman desires. How is it that so many different women from different corners of the world, all seem to have glowing, flawless, perfect skin?

There are seven major lifestyle changes that can be made to help you find your inner Miss Universe. By applying the following steps to your daily routine, you are guaranteed to emerge with that glow and shine that so many of this years Miss Universe contestants had.

1. Drink lots of water. Miss Jamaica, Yendi Phillips, is known for always drinking tons of glasses of water and herbal teas before, after and during interviews. Over 50% of the human body is composed of water and this needs constant replenishing – dehydration will decrease energy levels leading you to a more sedentary, unhealthy lifestyle. Aim for 8 glasses a day!
2. Wear Sunscreen. During the lake tour, the Miss Universe contestants pulled out their sunscreen and lathered up. Health Canada confirms that too much exposure to UV radiation is likely to lead to sunburn, skin damage, sun spots, skin cancers, diseases of the eye, and immune suppression.
3. Exercise. There is always loads of time slotted for the contestants to take care of their bodies. Last year, Miss Australia promoted her routine which included a morning 6km swim and an additional 1.5 hours of fitness. Miss Alaska in 2004 relied on walking and rollerblading – integrating regular exercise into her everyday life. Miss USA 2010 sticks with the tried and true kickboxing, a hardcore toning and cardio workout. Health Canada insists that physical activity will better health and well-being by reducing stress, improving the vitality of the heart and lungs and increasing energy levels.
4. Healthy Eating: Eat your greens. Some contestants are vegans, others stick to low carb diets, but most admit to eating a fair share of fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods. Again we return to Health Canada recommendations that all people should invest in their food by carefully choosing a diversity of non-processed foods from all food groups such as fruit, vegetables, dairy and grains.
5. Avoid Chemicals: Steer clear of processed foods, skincare products and household cleaning products that are packed full of parabens, trans fats or artificial additives.
6. Use all natural skin care and body care products: Some women put hundreds of chemicals onto their skin every day just with their regular facial care routine and makeup application. The chemicals that make up many products such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate and parabens are known skin irritants and should be avoided at all costs. Instead, use all natural skin care products with essential oil bases that are nutrients not nuisances for your skin.
7. Help others. It is true that beauty comes from within. Many of the contestants are involved in charitable causes. Australian Jesinta Campbell is an ambassador for Muscle Sprouts, a children’s charity that promotes healthy living and exercise. A little help goes a long way, for others, and yourself.

So its that easy. If you want to have Miss Trinidad and Tobago’s’ flawless skin or Miss Venezuela’s porcelain smooth skin, try to integrate these changes into your everyday routine. Sooner than you can imagine, you will see marked differences not only in your skin, but in the way you feel when you roll out of bed every morning. You may just find your inner Miss Universe sooner than you ever imagined.

by Ashley McEachern

What Are The Top 5 Benefits Of Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil?

With all the hoopla about all-natural skin and body care products, people want to know exactly what the supposed benefits are of these new products they are being introduced to. One ingredient that continually appears in my personal favorite skincare products is Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, which is extracted from rice. This ingredient has found its way into my all natural moisturizers, lip balms, cleansing oils, soaps and even body sprays. What does this really mean? What are the benefits of using rice bran oil in skin and body care products?

After much research, I discovered five key benefits of Rice Bran Oil.

1) Rich in Anti-oxidants such as tocotrienols, which can help protect against heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses.
2) Rich in essential fatty acids which are essential for good health because our body needs them but is unable to naturally produce them. Essential fatty acids have been linked to the reduction in rates of depression.
3) An effective substitute for the skin-irritant lanolin, which is used as a skin ointment, and can help reduce inflammation and itching.
4) Excellent source of Vitamin E, which helps to protect dry, scaling and chapping of skin.
5) Paraben Free with no artificial color or fragrance. This is a biggie. Rice Bran Oil is all natural which means that by using products that have Oryza Sativa as a base, we are protecting ourselves from the many toxic carcinogens that permeate skincare products.

Both Environment Canada and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Assessment have approved Oryza Sativa as a safe ingredient for skincare products. Moreover, in Japan, where the product has been used for centuries, it has been approved for the treatment of various problems, and is commonly found in skin care products.

I decided to really put these benefits to the test. For the last six months, I have been using a Rice Extract Moisturizing Cream and, not surprisingly considering the research, I have experienced a major shift in the feelings and patterns of my skin. My normally dry skin has soothed out incredibly. I feel protected, moistened and nourished. I began using the cream in the dead of the Canadian winter, and it saved me from the dry skin I have struggled with all my life. Now with the hot climate of summer, it has been essential in balancing out my skin and ensuring protection against free radicals.

Both the research and product testing has confirmed that that hard to pronounce ingredient Oryza Sativa I keep finding in my skin and body care products is definitely keeping my skin strong and beautiful.

by Ashley McEachern

What are the best sources of Antioxidants?

Although the primary source of antioxidant is unquestionably through daily intake of fruits and vegetables, clinical studies have shown that the topical application of antioxidants through all natural skin care and all natural body care products is an excellent way to introduce more of this beloved nutrient into your body.

Antioxidants are the equivalent of body armour that protects your skin and body from the rough pollutants that damage skin cells and weaken immune systems. They are, in essence, nutrients that can prevent or slow down damage to the bodies’ cells and are essential to the maintenance of health and beauty. Antioxidants come in the form of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Zinc, Polyphenolic antioxidants (found in red wine, soy and tea) and caretonoids (found in fruits and vegetables).

The benefits of antioxidants cannot be understated. First and foremost, they protect against oxygen radicals that Health Canada has linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders (ex. Parkinson's disease), cataracts, and arthritis

Antioxidants can be best absorbed through daily intake, this includes foods such as fruits and vegetables, nuts, meats, eggs, grain cereals. Fruits and vegetables, along with green tea, are among the top sources of antioxidants and it is therefore suggested that everyone consume 8-10 servings per day to help protect against heart disease. While antioxidants are primarily absorbed through fresh, non-processed foods, all natural skin care and all natural body care products are another great way to increase your intake of antioxidants.

The use of antioxidants in all natural skin care and all natural body care is the key to anti-aging, and it has been suggested that everyone’s skin care regimes should include all natural skin care and all natural body care products based in antioxidants. Through the application of antioxidants in all natural skin care and all natural body care products to the body, people can protect themselves from the mass of free radicals they are exposed to on a daily basis. Free radicals include the pollutants people constantly come in contact with, including sun damage, poor diet choices and cigarette smoke. Not only will topical antioxidant application protect against aging and heal sun spots, fine lines, wrinkles (it increases collagen levels thus firming the skin) and damaged skin, it is also the most natural and gentle way to provide this protection, unlike the many harmful chemical products on the market.

Ultimately, antioxidants are a miracle source of health and beauty that can be absorbed through skincare products based in shiso, perilla, green tea extract, olive leaf extract and zinc.

by Ashley McEachern

Lets look younger

It seems that everyone wants to look years younger, regardless of how old they, or their skin, actually looks and feels. In fact, a recent Health Canada study shows that 71% of Canadians depend on natural health products, such as vitamins, minerals, herbal products, homeopathic medicines and all natural skin care.

For those of us who proudly follow all natural skin care regimes, it can be a challenge trusting anti-aging face creams to give us back our adolescent glow. First, we must teach ourselves about all-natural anti-aging face creams. What are the key ingredients? What are the functions of those ingredients? How effective are they? How often should anti-aging face creams be used?
Ultimately, the purpose of an all-natural anti-aging face cream is to provide a comprehensive skin treatment, smoothing out lines, wrinkles and sunspots. Moreover, the goal is to restore elastin and collagen to tighten the skin. Not only do anti-aging face creams seek to restore mature skin, but they provide nourishment to protect against daily pollutants such as heat and UV rays.

The most important ingredient in all natural anti-aging face creams is antioxidants as they drastically reduce the impact of free radicals on your skin. Look for ingredients such as Perilla ocymoides (Shiso), which provide the skin with the much-needed nurturing from antioxidants.
Other common ingredients in anti-aging face creams include different essential oil extracts such as black tea extract, which plays a primary role in preserving your skins’ elasticity. Jojoba Seed Oil is another common ingredient in all natural anti-aging face creams because of its powerful antimicrobial, antifungal and nourishing properties. The presence of Vitamin E, B-complex and zinc makes this one of the more popular elements of all natural anti-aging face cream. Unique proteins are used such as hydrolyzed rice protein and soy protein to stimulate collagen, and keep the skin purified by protecting it against sun damage.

It is clear from the benefits of these ingredients that all natural anti-aging face creams can provide boundless opportunities for our skin to reclaim its youthful vitality. All natural anti-aging face creams can be pivotal in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, blemishes, dark circles, age spots and puffiness under the eyes. However, it is important to ensure that you are choosing all natural anti-aging skin care products that do not include any parabens or toxic chemicals.

While all natural anti-aging skin care will definitely improve the look and feel of your skin, always remember to balance this by drinking loads of water, eating your brightest fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly. With this balance of diet, hydration, physical activity and all natural skincare, there is no doubt that you will be radiating any day now.

by Ashley McEachern

Vital Liquids, Life-Force Healing Energy

The use of essential oils is one of the oldest and most potent forms of plant medicine, treasured by the ancient people and still appreciated today. Those who thoroughly use essential oils, swear by them. However, it seems as though most people still may underestimate their magical powers. They are so much more than just a pretty scent! If used on a regular basis, their power to improve mood, decrease stress, fight infections and counteract the aging process is truly amazing. Lets take a closer look to observe the interaction between these vital liquid oils and our bodies.

First, it’s important to understand what roles essential oils play in nature. An oil is "essential" in the sense that it carries the distinctive pure scent, or essence, of the plant. Created by photosynthesis, the aromatic vital liquid enables the plant to shield itself against predators as well harsh environmental conditions while strengthening its immune system and repairing damages made to the plant. The fact that essential oils have the ability to help us as well shows our distinctive bond with plants. Once inhaled through the nose, the oils stimulate the olfactory organs which are linked to the areas of the brain that control emotions. The chemical composition and aroma of essential oils can provide valuable psychological and physical therapeutic benefits. These benefits are usually achieved through methods including inhalation and application of the diluted oil to the skin.

They work systematically on an energetic level (vibrational frequency) and a physical (chemical) level in the body. Essential oils contain light molecules giving the ability to evaporate easily into the air. These are considered “volatile” organic molecules. Each drop of essential oil contains oxygen as well as thousands of various molecules and chemical constituents. These volatile molecules can be beneficial for the lungs and the body in general. The molecules are picked up into the bloodstream and travel very easily to the rest of the body. Essential oils are fat-soluble liquids which enable them to travel very fast and very effectively through the fatty membranes of every single cell the body, making their way through the body’s microcosm and improving the functioning of the organs. These precious molecules and the cells within our bodies speak the same language. Very high quality aromatherapy oils have the balanced chemical profile which exactly matches nerve receptors in a human body, making it possible for the body to beneficially use the information contained in the molecules. Many essential oils are known antibacterial and antiviral agents. They support the immune system while they destroy bad bacteria, viruses and pathogens. They also fight free radicals, promoting youthfulness. It’s also interesting to know that bacteria and viruses do not become resistant to essential oils. Because they are not processed and chemically altered like a drug, each batch of a natural essential oil will be unique, preventing bacteria and viruses from developing resistance.

More and more studies are proving that mental stress is a leading cause for illness and depression. A rich healthy diet of natural whole foods and methods using essential oils should never be underestimated or overlooked as a preventative daily method in order to maintain good health. In addition to all their benefits, essential oils promote calm deep breathing. Something that most people forget to do! Shallow inconsistent breathing slowly starves the organs of fresh oxygen. The incredible scents also help us slow down our thoughts, relieving everyday stress. Keeping essential oils on your desk at work, purifying the air using oil burners, infusing your hot bath and using products made with pure essential oils are some of the ways you can benefit from the wonders they offer. Essential oils shouldn’t necessarily be restricted to the home. Keeping a practical sized pot pouri in the cup holder in the car may have a surprising effect on reducing impatience and road rage while driving. Burning oils while studying or working helps ease mind, increase concentration and fight mental fatigue. To say the least, essential oils are by far the most beautiful and gratifying way to help maintain life-long optimum health and joy.

Free Radicals and Anti Oxidants

Free Radical damage has come to be the primary cause of aging in humans. What are free radicals? They are simply oxygen molecules that have lost an electron and become unstable and reactive. The main contributors of free radicals are cooked oils, pesticides, cigarette smoke, air pollution, and excessive sun exposure. How does this relate to our skin? Free radicals inhibit the production of collagen; a natural protein molecule that gives our skin a youthful, supple appearance.

Antioxidants are considered to be nutrients that prevent and reverse free radical damage. They come in the form of essential fatty acids, vitamins A, C and E, and tocotrienols. The best way to prevent skin damage and slow the aging process is to apply skin care and ingest foods that are rich in antioxidants. The skin- our bodies largest organ, will absorb nutrients faster than if we were to ingest them. Therefore using skin care that is rich in antioxidants is our best defence against aging.