Health & Wellbeing

Self Care

During a recent online networking event, we covered self-care. A summary of some of the information can be found below.

Ladies in this crazy world we're all in, when did you last take time out to do something just for you? Hopefully, with lockdown restrictions easing I am sure in many ways you have become self-sufficient; no hairdressers no nail shops, no facials - hallelujah, I hear you say. The videos and information covered during the session(s) related to this topic can be viewed by becoming a member.

How's your hair experience been?

Did you have to make any changes in your hair care routine?

Whether you are natural or relaxed I'd like to take the time to talk about shampoos and conditioners with ingredients we need to avoid. So, armed with this information maybe it's time to throw away those favourite shampoos and conditioners that we've come to love for something that will work with your hair and your body.

Here are some of the chemicals in shampoos and conditioners we now need to avoid:

Sulphites

Chemical detergent which causes foaming once rinsed will strip your hair and scalp of any natural oils creating dryness flaking and irritation. They have the potential to form carcinogens which can lead to kidney damage and hormone disruption.

Parabens

These act as an agent to prolong shelf life. Parabens can disrupt your natural hormone balance, create skin irritation and can also affect reproductive health.

Polyethylene Glycols

A thickening agent often made from petroleum known for stripping the hair of moisture and causing breakage. It has also been linked to numerous types of cancer.

Formaldehyde

A carcinogen found in many shampoos and conditioners, when checking packaging look for quadrennium 15.

Fragrance and colours

The manufacturers are being quite smart because they're using a loophole which means they don't have to actually list the chemicals.

Triclosan

A preservative antibacterial agent. This has been banned from being used in antibacterial soap yet another carcinogen. Also found in deodorants and toothpastes. Known to cause infertility, foetal harm, immune system issues, weight gain and loss and also depression.

Synthetic Colours

Derived from petroleum and coal tar night calls a range of health issues look for FD and C or D & C Combined with numbers.

Dimethicone

A silicone which makes your hair feel soft and smooth but extremely drying, build up will block out moisture and stop nutrients flow to hair.

Alcohol-based Products

Any product with alcohol in is absolutely extremely drying for both hair and skin.

So, what products are safe?

Shea Moisture
Jason's
Bumble and Bumble
Lush products
Having an aloe plant, which I'm sure most people will have, is extremely hydrating for the hair just used in its raw natural state.

Just a little self care I'm sure if you love a bath this is just going to be right up your street. I know most people prefer showers but hey, there's nothing more soothing and relaxing than a bath. So, in that bath add the following:

Two cups of Dead Sea salt
1 Cup of Epsom salts

This will relieve stress, achy muscles and irritated skin; actually in fact it will make your skin feel really really soft.

Quick and easy way to maintain your feet in between pedicures with minimum effort:

soap and glory's heel genius

This foot cream is absolutely awesome.

Hands, ladies! We use our hands for everything; they're constantly in an out of water throughout the day, and what with the additional hand sanitising it's not been kind to our hands so a quick tip: salt and olive oil scrub - using this one to two times per week you will actually notice a great difference in your hands on their softness. Also the way your hands will actually absorb your hand cream.

Regular table salt 3 tablespoons
Olive oil
Mix to create a paste

If you make more than you actually need it's not a problem because it stores well in a sealed container.

Interested to learn more? Join Ladies 1st

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