whatreallyworks.co.uk


September Online Newsletter - Issue 31
whatreallyworks.co.uk

With National Eczema week just gone (17th - 24th September) it seemed appropriate to shed some light on the developments in the world of skincare. What a pleasant surprise to find that not only are we as consumers becoming more aware of what goes into our bodies, but also what we use on the outside as well.

Due to this growing awareness, skincare manufacturers are making every effort to meet our demands for pure and truly natural skincare. In this newsletter we highlight some of those that we have tried and enjoyed - from natural anti-ageing solutions through to scar healing miracle creams made in the kitchen!

Last month we celebrated the tradition of the Farmers' Market. It has been brought to our attention that not all markets are listed with the National Farmers Market Association. Jenny from www.capelleferne.info kindly provided information about Farmers' Markets in Kent, which can be found at www.producedinkent.co.uk. Check with your local county for information about the closest Farmers' Market.

This month Cancer Fundraising events are in the news - check out our homepage for information on the World's Biggest Coffee Morning, Find your sense of Tumour for teens, and Classic Songs in Holburn. While we are on the subject, the whole of October is dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness, so please show your support - visit
www.breastcancercare.org.uk for ideas and information on how you can help. Click here to read Susan's Breast Cancer factsheet.

October also brings Backcare awareness week (17th - 23rd October). Keep an eye out on our homepage for upcoming features regarding innovative back pain treatment and prevention. A search on our site using the words 'back pain' returns nearly 30 items!

Finally - make sure that you take a look at our homepage Stress feature. Find out more about why stress is useful and learn how you can manage your own stress levels.

If you are receiving this newsletter as text only, you can now view the full online version by clicking here. You can also access our entire archive of newsletters by clicking here.

What’s new in our zones

Parents & Kids Zone
Melissa Clark looks at the latest news, events, products and top stories of interest to families in her September 2005 edition of the Parents & Kids monthly newsletter.

Ayurvedic Zone
Sebastian Pole looks at ways in which the ancient Indian traditions of Ayurveda can help us to deal with modern stresses in his latest article, The Ayurvedic Management of Stress.

Supplement close up: Arctic Wrack

Information courtesy of Xynergy Health Products

Arctic Wrack is a species of brown seaweed (Pelvetia, Fucus, Ascophyllum) harvested among the remote Lofoten Islands of Norway. Seaweed is already regarded as an outstanding vegetable as nutritionally it is a complete food providing a full range of micro-vitamins and minerals.

Arctic Wrack provides a broad balance of plant nutrients known as phytonutrients, and is rich in polysaccharides and whole vitamin B complex. It also contains high levels of chlorophyll, micronutrients, and minerals such as magnesium, iron, phosphorus and potassium. Like many seaweeds, it provides the correct level of iodine required by the body, along with selenium - essential for the body to optimally utilise iodine.

Benefits:
- aids regulation of metabolism and weight
- helps cleanse, detoxify and alkalise the body
- helps eliminate heavy metals from the body
- replenishes depleted levels of amino acids
- helps restore mineral imbalances
- aids regulation of the thyroid and thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism
- helps with dysfunctional digestion - dysbiosis and acidosis
- boosts immune system
- helps with disturbed fatty acid metabolism and electrolyte imbalances
- improves dry skin, listless hair and poor circulation
- helps restore the body’s acid/alkaline balance

Use Arctic Wrack as a supplement (2 x 500mg capsules daily), in place of your usual condiments, or include it in your recipes for a nutritional boost. For more information visit www.seagreens.com or www.alcasoft.com/seaweed. Seagreens is available from Xynergy Health Products online (08456 585858).

Wellness Inventory - Take charge of your health

The Wellness Inventory is a pioneering whole person wellness program designed to help you gain personal insight into your state of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The program, developed by HealthWorld Online and wellness pioneer John W. Travis, MD, MPH, offers guidance and tools to transform this new awareness into lasting changes in your life, and a renewed sense of health and wellbeing. Specific benefits allow you to:

  • Bring a greater sense of balance into your life.
  • Increase your awareness of the impact your behaviours, thoughts and beliefs have on your health and wellbeing.
  • Discover your wellness profile in 12 dimensions of your life.
  • Identify the areas in your life you are most motivated to change.
  • Receive guidance in creating your personalised wellness action plan.
  • Access tools and resources to help you implement your action plan and reach your wellness goals.
  • Create the desired changes in your life.
  • Track your progress in reaching a higher level of wellness.
  • Learn more about yourself as a whole person - in body, mind and spirit.
  • Achieve a higher level of health and wellbeing.
  • The program consists of 5 basic steps to wellness:
    Step 1 - Assessment: Users are guided through a lifestyle assessment covering 12 dimensions of whole person wellness from breathing, eating and moving to playing & working, communicating and sex.
    Step 2 - Scores: Upon completing the assessment users receive Wellness & Satisfaction Scores for each section as well as feedback on their areas of strength.
    Step 3 - Personal Wellness Plan: Users are guided to create a Personal Wellness Plan of 10 action steps drawn from feedback received from the test. The action steps focus on the areas they are most highly motivated to make changes in their life.
    Step 4 - Resource Centre: You are then directed to 12 Wellness Resource Centres to access resources helpful in meeting your wellness goals. The Resource Centres offer books, tapes, videos, products and services specific to the 12 areas of wellness.
    Step 5 - Follow Up: The program is designed to keep you motivated in achieving your wellness goals. Regular email reminders provide access to valuable resources and send you your wellness plan to keep you focused on your goals.

    Visit www.wellpeople.com for ordering and information.

    Home fertility test for men

    A survey recently carried out by Norwich Union Healthcare revealed that only five percent of men were aware they might have a lower sperm count than average and, even more worryingly, 90% of GP’s said they do not have the time to offer men infertility tests and treatments. Add to this the fact that most men say they would be too embarrassed to get their sperm checked at a fertility clinic anyway, and the problem gets even bigger.

    Infertility has largely been regarded as a women’s problem, but research has found a rising number of men are now being treated for the condition. Some studies show average sperm counts have fallen by more than half and although the causes are uncertain experts suspect lifestyle factors such as alcohol and drug use, lack of exercise and obesity are to blame for these alarming figures.

    With 1 in 4 couples suffering from infertility problems and some experts predicting this to rise to 1 in 3 in the near future, the problem of male infertility needs to be addressed.

    The FertilitySCORE Home Male Fertility Test allows men to check the quality of their sperm in the privacy of their own home, thus avoiding the potentially awkward scenario of going to a clinic. It measures the amount of motile sperm (sperm that are able to move freely) concentration within minutes and can give a strong indication as to the quantity of motile sperm in the sample, which is one of the most accurate indications of sperm quality and quantity.

    The home test is positive if it represents 20 million sperm per ml, which is the cut off quantity recommended by the World Health Organisation between fertile and infertile. In a clinical study the FertilitySCORE Home Male was shown to be 93% accurate in identifying semen samples containing 20 million or more motile sperm per ml.

    The FertilitySCORE Home Male Fertility Test costs £19.99 and is available from Homechec on 0871 871 0691 or online at www.homechec.co.uk.

    What's hot! - Natural anti-ageing products

    When it comes to anti-ageing potions, lotions and treatments it seems that some people will do almost anything to turn back time. Fortunately there are some natural alternatives out there with fabulous results. Here are a few that we have tried ourselves and were impressed with:

    Purelogicol® Range
    This range consists of a three-fold support system for your skin to visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, firm and smooth skin and promote a healthy youthful appearance. The first step is to use the Velvet Face Serum, which really does feel like velvet on your skin, morning and night. This anti-ageing serum contains a high volume of collagen and antioxidants, feels very light and is quickly absorbed into the skin.

    Secondly, prepare your skin from the inside out with Pure collagen Body supplement (just two capsules before bed every night). This supplement contains the highest quality ingredients with a high solubility rate so that it is readily absorbed into the system. Because it is simply a naturally occurring protein there are no known contraindications or side-effects. Also great for your hair and nails!

    Finally, treat yourself to a luxury collagen face mask, unique in the fact that you prepare the mask from pure collagen powder and an activating cream so that you get the freshest possible product. Use 1-2 times per week for best results. This mask really gives your skin a firmness and fresh glow.

    The entire range is extremely gentle and contains no parabens, perfume, alcohol or colouring.

    Purelogicol® Velvet Firming Serum costs £39.99 for 30ml, Purelogicol® Collagen Face Mask costs £44.99 for 12 applications, and Purelogicol® Collagen Body Supplement costs £29.99 for one months supply. Phone 0870 777 4555 for stockist information or visit www.purelogicol.com.


    Laveré Range
    Again this is a gorgeous natural range specifically designed with the over 30s in mind. We tried the Lifting serum (£34.90 for 25ml), which really does have an instant firming effect; Hydro-sensation energy cream (£23.40 for 50ml), just fabulous - I think this is the favourite from the range - to recapture that glow; Teint Balance (£22.50 for 30ml), to even out your complexion; and Special effect Gel mask (£26.90 for 50ml), a fabulous de-stress treatment to be used 1-2 times weekly.

    Laveré products are available in London from Selfridges, Farmacia, Fresh and Wild, Organic Pharmacy, Essentials on Drury Lane, Olivers and Here/Chelsea Farmers Market. Also at independent health stores nationwide and also via mail order by calling 01557 870 203 or visiting www.lavere.co.uk


    Natralox
    Finally a natural, painless and affordable alternative to Botox injections and cosmetic surgery. Natralox by Skin Elements contains four proven ingredients; Argireline ®, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate), and Vitamin C to reduce the visible signs of ageing, giving you back the appearance of smooth and radiant skin you thought you had lost forever. Natralox is completely free from chemical preservatives, chemical UV-absorbers, parabens and artificial fragrances, so you can be confident that you are making a healthy choice for your skin and body.

    Argireline® is scientifically proven to visibly reduce the appearance of expression lines and wrinkles by up to 50% in 30 days, scientifically proven in both In Vitro and In Vivo testing. Hyaluronic Acid is intensely hydrating, ‘plumping’ the skin with moisture and giving the appearance of smooth, wrinkle-free skin. It helps protect against free radical damage and helps stimulate the skin's natural regeneration process. Vitamin A has been found to help give the look of firmer skin, smoothing away the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and reducing the signs of sun damaged skin. Vitamin C plays an important role in the body’s natural production of collagen, which is the skin’s defence against the appearance of line and wrinkles. It is a valuable antioxidant that helps to protect against free radical damage while also helping to slow the appearance of hyper pigmentation, or "age spots". This balances skin tone and gives the face an overall "glow".

    Natralox also includes green tea, jojoba and ylang ylang oil, which are natural antioxidants and moisturisers that have been shown to hydrate and revitalise ageing skin. It is a low irritation formula so that it is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Natralox is available at Harvey Nichols, Holland and Barrett and selected beauty salons and independent pharmacies across the country at a recommended retail price of £49.95 for 30ml.

    What's not! - Hazardous Toiletries

    The results of a MORI survey published recently reveal that the British public harbour concerns about ingredients hidden in common toiletries. The survey of over 1,000 people commissioned by Avalon Organics found that 85% of the British public agree that more information about chemicals in beauty products and toiletries should be available at point of purchase.

    Avalon Organics has reformulated its range by increasing the purity of its ingredients - removing parabens and preservatives. The newly formulated Avalon Organics hair and body range is available in four fragrances, Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary and Peppermint and can be found in leading health food stores, selected Sainsbury’s and Waitrose stores. For more information please visit www.avalonorganics.com

    What else is safe to put on your skin? We had a look around...

    Miessence
    Organically grown products are well-known to contain more vitamins, nutrients, and cancer fighting antioxidants than their conventionally grown counterparts. ONE Group's Miessence personal care range is energised with the vitality of clean pesticide-free, and effective, certified organic fruit, nut, seed, herb and flower extracts. This personal care range is unique - the world's first & only extensive Certified Organic personal care range, certified to International food standards.

    With a unique combination of natural ingredients and no synthetic or semi-natural preservatives, Miessence products exceed the International requirements for emulsion stability and preservative efficacy, resulting in a tested and proven all-natural product with shelf life!

    The extensive range is beautifully packaged and includes skincare for every kind of skin, including a shaving range, haircare and styling products, cosmetics, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorants, bodycare and so much more... Visit www.onegroup.gg to see for yourself and order online. You can also email info@onegroup.gg for ordering and information.

    Green People
    This well-known product range has just added 8 neutral and scent-free products especially designed for sensitive, irritated skin following the results of a survey by Allergy UK showing that 68% of people with allergies say they are sensitive to perfume, including natural scents.

    Organic Base is a range of scent-free products free from fragrances and essential oils. Suitable for everyone with especially sensitive skin, and for those who prefer scent-free products. Perfect for consumers suffering with multiple allergies or specific allergies to essential oils.

    As with all Green People products they are free from sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate, irritating emulsifiers, ethyl alcohol, parabens, synthetic colours and all other unnecessary synthetic ingredients. Green People products are available in all good health food stores and Harrods. You can also order online at www.greenpeople.co.uk or by phoning 08702 401444.


    Living Nature
    As Living Nature doesn’t use artificial preservatives and uses only the purest ingredients, the product range is effectively 'alive', this is why every product has a sell by date on each container. This was also the reason behind the company name Living Nature. The original formulas included Manuka, Benzoin Tree Gum and Tocopherol as preservatives. New developments with a whole range of native plants now form a preservative system that is at the cutting edge of healthy cosmetic science.

    As well as utilising unique native plant ingredients such as Manuka Oil, New Zealand Flax Gels & Totara, some of the range also uses Halloysite clay found only in Matauri Bay, New Zealand, for its natural exfoliating and cleansing properties. The pigments used in the Living Nature Colours makeup range are only extracted from natural minerals, which include oxides Zinc, Iron, Magnesium and Mica.

    Living Nature choose not to use parabens, PEGS, grain alcohol or sulphates, and is also GM free. All their packaging is recyclable, and they endeavour to use dioxin free papers and inks. The brand also uses bottles made from the highest grade recyclable plastic.

    The range now includes over 100 natural skincare products with a further 60 pure and natural cosmetics available in the Living Nature Colours range. Living Nature is available in exclusive therapy rooms globally with natural spa products from the Living Nature Professional range. Living Nature also produce room amenity products available for boutique and major hotel rooms.

    A wide selection of Living Nature products are available from retail outlets worldwide, as well as from Living Nature’s website www.livingnature.com. Living Nature mail order and stockist enquiry number - 01794 323 222.

    Suki's Naturals
    Suki is a complete line of 100% natural skin care products that integrates the best of science with traditional knowledge in uniquely effective therapeutic treatments. All of their products are made with the highest quality clean ingredients, harvested and processed to sustain their dynamic, living elements, ensuring the highest potency and optimum results.

    The most potent parts of the healing plants are extracted to maximise the effectiveness and strength of these unique products. Active elements, such as natural liposomes and antioxidants in high concentrations are utilised to create stable, natural products that have a visible impact on the skin. Most actives in skin care are used at 0.05% - the legal minimum required for a label claim to be made, however these products use 1-2%, which is necessary to make an impact on the skin and still remain gentle and safe to use.

    Their fabulous product range smells exquisite and is packaged with simplicity and style. After only using this range for a few days you will notice the difference. Our favourites? The exfoliating lemongrass cleanser with chamomile and vitamin C and the Transformative facial clay with green tea, roses and white willow.

    Visit www.sukisnaturals.com to take a look at the entire range. Suki's Naturals is imported into the UK by Touch My Face Limited (020 8249 6003), email info@touchmyface.co.uk, you can also buy Suki from www.naturisimo.com.

    Naturisimo
    This is a website dedicated to selling only truly natural skincare products. Their range includes Suki's Naturals, The Organic Pharmacy, Living Nature, Primavera, Weleda, Green People, Barefoot Botanicals and they are constantly searching for new natural and organic brands.

    Visit www.naturisimo.com for the finest Natural, Organic and Cruelty Free Skin and Hair Care Products from Exceptional Quality Brands.

    Elena's Nature Collection
    Elena Schalburg developed her passion for safe natural skincare through her work with burns victims in the Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead. She doesn't use paraffin or petroleum based by-products, instead choosing ingredients for their purity along with the mineral and vitamin content.

    Although this range is brilliant as an everyday skincare system, it also has a myriad of therapeutic uses - having successfully reduced redness and scarring from burns, suture lines, skin grafts, eczema, psoriasis, acne and other skin conditions.

    Best of all, she still mixes her skincare products at her home in East Sussex - a far cry from the mass-produced expensive skincare we have become accustomed to. This range has already gained an impressive reputation simply by word of mouth.

    Samples of Day Cream Special and Trinity Soap and Shampoo (10g each) are available to purchase at £3.00 (including information about the regime and years of interesting research). Visit www.elenascollection.co.uk or phone 01435 882092 for information and ordering.

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    * Disclaimer: The advice in this newsletter should not be taken as a substitute for medical advice or treatment, especially if you know you have a specific health complaint. Our advice is that you find a GP who is sympathetic to the usefulness of natural medicine.