July 2009
Botáni
Taking care of Sensitive Skin

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Customers stories
Just thought I'd let you know that I get coffee from the same place every day and the waitress told me on the weekend my skin looked great and what had I done. I had actually used the Olive Skin Serum as a makeup base. She is now going to get some.  Thought you'd like the positive feedback.
Thanks
Linda Curtis, Beauty Editor, Fashion Journal
In April we featured this testimony from Michelle Killalea
The Botáni products are truly the best around, they work and feel good. I've used the Olive Skin Serum and it's better than any rosehip oil around. My skin has had much sun damage and hence skin cancers. I had 180 spots taken off my face a year ago and the progress using the serum and Olive Repair Cream are great. I love the soaps too. I'm passing on to others the product. Thank you to all of who make this wonderful Olive experience. 
 
Michelle has been kind enough to send us some before and after shots. These are now on our website. To view the remarkable transformation of Michelle's skin, please click here http://www.botani.com.au/beforeandafter.php
The release of 6 new products is just around the corner.
In September we will be launching
      Healing Lip Balm
      Olivéne Balm
      Detox Foot Scrub
      Spirulina Salt Scrub
      PhytoBody Wash
      PhytoBody Lotion
And don't forget Botáni's latest addition;
      Rescue Eye Treatment.
We've been very busy!

 

Keep an eye open for next month's newsletter for more details
This month as we focus on Sensitive skin, we will briefly revisit the products specifically formulated for this skin type. (Note the Olive Fruit on the packs)
Olive Soothing Cleanser
A soothing cream-based cleanser formulated with a unique blend ofBotani Olive Soothing Cleanser premium botanicals, to delicately cleanse and remove surface impurities and bacteria. Excellent for the removal of make-up. It leaves the skin moist and refreshed while minimising dryness and irritation.
 
Botani Olive Repair CreamOlive Repair Cream A gentle, yet intensive moisturising repair cream. Soothes and calms the skin whilst providing optimum hydration, protection and suppleness. This superior treatment softens, repairs and protects the skin from environmental harshness and dryness.  Visit the website for more details.
 
Olive Skin Serum
helps to maintain moisture, offering protection while nourishing and Botani Olive Skin Serumrestoring harmony to skin. It is ideal for sensitive, delicate and ageing skin, but has something to offer all skin types, with its ability to heal scars, and offers soothing and healing relief to those with eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. It also helps protect against sun-damage, the major cause of fine lines and wrinkles. Olive Skin Serum offers you vitality and radiance as it moisturises and hydrates your skin. It helps soften and lock in moisture allowing you to beat the effects of dry and dull skin. Visit the website for more details.
 
Soothing Facial Mist
A natural alternative to alcoholic toners. It has a hydrating, toning and revitalising effect on the skin – stimulating blood circulation and supporting the structure of the natural acid mantle of the skin. Harmoniously composed of premium organic plant extracts and organic floral water to refine the skin's structure and have a positive effect on the skin's flora. Visit the website for more details.
Skin Health
How to care for your Sensitive Skin.
With the stressors of modern living, environmental harshness and changes in the climate, skin sensitivities have become a growing concern for many people.
The causes of sensitive skin are varied. It may be heredity, especially for those with conditions such as allergies, eczema and psoriasis. Environment can play apart, if you are exposed to harsh conditions. Chemical exposures can also contribute.
 How do we define sensitive skin? Sensitive skin can be of any skin type, even oily or combination. It tends to be fine textured and delicate. The skin is prone to flushing from temperature changes, both cold and heat. Sunburn and windburn happens easily. Those with sensitive skin are prone to allergic reactions. And irritation usually results in red and blotchy skin.
Once you have sensitive skin, you may find the simplest things can cause irritation. So, the products you use on your face and body need to be gentle and designed specifically for sensitive skin.
With all skin types, but especially sensitive skin, it is vital to keep the skin and the correct pH i.e. is slightly acidic. When the pH is off balance the skin becomes vulnerable to infections and sensitivities. As most soap is highly alkaline and strips the natural oils form the skin, it is left dry and vulnerable. So the number one rule is don't use soap (unless it is specifically pH neutral and certainly never on the face). (Botáni Olive Cleansing Bar is pH neutral, suited for sensitive skin and perfect for use on the body and hair.)
Use gentle pure plant cleansers and moisturisers, twice daily, Botáni Olive Soothing Cleanser and Olive Repair Cream are designed specifically to suit the most sensitive and offer high moisturisation and healing. 
We recommend the use of Botáni Olive Skin Serum, alongside these, to assist in the healing of the skin. It is particularly healing and nourishing and very suitable for even the most sensitive of skins. If someone is particular sensitive, such as after chemotherapy or surgery, it is recommended to use only Botáni Soothing Facial Mist and Botáni Olive Skin Serum on the face, for a period of a month, before a regular regime is commenced. This combination can be used to cleanse, moisturise and heal.
It is important to treat sensitive skin gently. Avoid harsh abrasive exfoliants or peels. Harsh environments and extreme temperatures, (including hot showers), can be aggravating to sensitive skin.
Minimise the use of make-up and check the ingredients of what you are using. Look for something hypo-allergenic and as natural as you can possible find. If you must wear make-up, remove it as soon as you get home and try to have at least one make-up free day a week.
Supplements can be very helpful for sensitive skin. Essential Fatty Acids are the number 1 skin supplement, in the form of fish oil or evening primrose oil. This will help your body to restore the natural oils in the skin and assist with healing. As always, it is so important to drink plenty of water.
Keep your skin regime simply. You just need a mild cleanser and some moisturising and nourishing treatment. You don't need a lot of products and it is always advisable to use just one brand of products, as they are made to be compatible with each other. Mixing and matching can lead to further irritations. 
 
For all skin types it is important to use products that only use natural ingredients that are biocompatible with the skin. Plant based ingredients are healing and care for the skin. They allow the skin to breathe naturally.
Keep away from products with synthetic fragrances and colours. Some natural essential oils can be irritating, so choose products with a minimum of fragrance.
Natural plant oils such as Squalene and Jojoba are biocompatible with the skin, and heal and nourish as they moisturise.
Herbal extracts, such as Calendula and Chamomile are healing and soothing to the skin.
Take advantage of in-store testers,patch test the product on a small area of the inside of your arm. If you have no reaction, come back the next day to make your purchase.
 
More on skin health next month from your Botáni Naturopath, Andrea.