Most people tend to focus on their muscles when it comes to health; it is all about diet and exercise. However, the skin is the largest organ, and as such, it plays an important role in our health and wellbeing.

This is because your skin absorbs a lot of the chemicals and products that it encounters. Therefore, it is important that you take care of it. You need to know what you are putting on your skin, hence the rise of more ‘natural’ beauty products. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits.

What Does ‘Natural’ Mean In Terms Of Beauty Products?

For a product to be labelled as natural within the beauty industry, it has to adhere to the following guidelines. Firstly, it cannot contain any harmful chemicals or synthetic colours or fragrances. The ingredients should be natural; this means that they are grown sustainably and often fair trade too. These are the minimum requirements. 

The rest are advantageous but not necessary for the classification. They may be grown organically without pesticides. They may also be cruelty-free or vegan, and finally, the packaging may be recyclable. 

Natural Vs Artificial Fragrances

A lot of traditional products also have an artificial fragrance added to them. While these artificial fragrances are often stronger, they can also lead to skin irritation, sinus problems, and migraines. On the other hand, natural products are only scented by the ingredients within them. They are often more subtle, and because of this, they are better for those who have sensitive skin.

Natural products, in general, are less likely to cause adverse reactions unless the user is allergic to one of the ingredients.

Clearer Labels

The beauty industry is regulated, and they have guidelines to follow, such as labelling the ingredients on the products. However, it can be hard to read and understand the technical terms when it comes to traditional products. Natural products tend to have a smaller ingredient list, and the terms themselves are easier to understand. 

An Avoidance Of Traditional Chemicals

The synthetic chemicals traditionally found in beauty products aren’t necessarily good for you. Preservatives like parabens or even formaldehyde can actually be harmful because they can disrupt the production of different hormones within the body and cause imbalances; there are also links to respiratory conditions and neurotoxicity. 

In extreme cases, they can even cause cancer. Products with foam, like face and body washes, often contain sulphates, leading to skin irritation and producing carcinogenic by-products. Finally, the packaging itself can be toxic in some cases. Therefore, a lot of people have begun to make the switch to natural products in order to avoid the types of ingredients used in traditional products.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Kinder To The Skin

Skin irritation is incredibly common. Between chronic skin conditions, pollutants, and irritants, it is no surprise. The irritations themselves can take many forms, and they can be exacerbated by an exposure to the chemicals found in traditional beauty products. Switching to natural products can help. The ingredients are often of a higher standard, and they are simply gentler.

Take CBD oil as an example; it has natural anti-inflammatory properties which can alleviate a lot of the symptoms of skin conditions, from breakouts to rashes. Their antioxidant properties can also help protect the skin from issues returning. You can find CBD oil from experts such as The Good Level. You should work with experienced sellers such as this, so you know you’re getting quality. You apply CBD oil under your tongue, before swallowing, allowing it to start working inside of your body. Not only can CBD oil help your skin, but it can be great for a range of other health issues, including anxiety, stress and sleeplessness. 

Better For The Environment

Traditional beauty products are terrible for the environment, they are big polluters, and the manufacturing process is not sustainable. Sourcing the ingredients can damage the environment and destroy ecosystems. Traditional products are also often tested on animals to ensure that the synthetic chemicals are safe for human use. 

The methods used to source and manufacture natural products tend to be more sustainable, meaning that they produce less of an impact on the environment. As mentioned above, a lot of natural products are also labelled as cruelty-free and vegan, which means they don’t contain any animal by-products, and they haven’t been tested on animals either, further lessening their environmental impact.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In the End

It should be clear that natural beauty represents a pivot for a cleaner, more sustainable future for the beauty industry. Committing to natural beauty products may be a little pricier, especially in the short term, but you should look at it as an investment into your health and the health of the planet too.

Thanks to a growing trend of ethical consumerism, the products are now more accessible than they have ever been before. Be sure to do your research to find a brand whose values align with your own.

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A stronger immune system confers several benefits, allowing you to fight off illnesses quicker and feel better on a regular basis. But how can you boost your immune system in a healthy and natural way?

The Immune System: an Overview

In case you aren’t familiar, your immune system is a complex bodily system designed to help your body detect foreign invaders (like bacteria, viruses, and parasites) and remove them before they cause you harm. If your immune system does its job well, you can fight off most illnesses before they begin to affect you. Boosting the immune system, then, should give your immune system more resources and more power with which to defend your body.

In reality, this is an oversimplification. The immune system relies on a great number of different cells and different response patterns, so describing it as a single entity rarely provides an accurate picture of what’s happening in your body. On top of that, “boosting” immune cells isn’t always a good thing; in fact, overly active immune cells can result in a multitude of other health problems.

That said, there are some simple habits you can use to make sure your immune system has everything it needs to function appropriately and keep you safe.

How to Strengthen Your Immune System

These are some of the best ways to support your immune system:

Use an immune system boosting supplement

First, consider using a natural immune system boosting product like Biocidin LSF. Biocidin LSF contains a mixture of different botanical compounds that support detoxification in the body and help balance your internal microbial environment. Other supplements, like echinacea, are also purported to provide immune-boosting benefits. Always do your research and talk to your doctor before taking any supplements for your health though.

Avoid smoking and drinking

As much as possible, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. Excessive consumption of these substances can weaken your immune system and put you at risk of other health conditions, like heart disease and diabetes. You should work on quitting smoking as soon as possible, abandoning the habit entirely. As for drinking alcohol, you should limit it to occasional drinks and limited volume consumption.

Eat lots of fruits and vegetables

Try to eat a wide variety of different fruits and vegetables. To function properly, your immune system depends on a variety of different nutrients, including vitamins C and E. While it’s possible to supplement these vitamins and other nutrients your body needs, you shouldn’t have to worry about supplementations as long as you’re fitting enough fruits and vegetables into your daily diet. While you’re at it, cut down on junk food – it may not hurt your immune system directly, but less junk food is always a good thing for your health.

Move daily

Get some physical exercise every day, even if you’re just going for a brisk walk. The stimulation is good for your muscles and for your blood flow, and leads to a variety of different health benefits.

If your body is physically fit, and you’re able to maintain a healthy weight, you’ll have a much easier time fighting off infections.

Get plenty of sleep

If you don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis, your immune system could suffer the consequences. Lack of sleep is highly correlated with acquiring infectious illnesses. As long as you’re getting the recommended 7 to 9 hours every night, you’ll be in good shape to fight off the worst diseases. If you’re having trouble getting that amount of sleep, consider reprioritizing certain things in your life, reducing your caffeine intake, and avoiding digital screens right before bed.

Avoid infections

Exposure to microbes can help your immune system develop better defenses against similar microbes, but being exposed to a serious illness is going to put excessive strain on your immune system. Keep yourself safe by following better food preparation guidelines, washing your hands regularly, and keeping your distance from other people who are known to be sick.

Reduce stress

Did you know that stress can also weaken your immune system? If you’re chronically or excessively stressed, you could face a higher risk of getting sick. Make sure to reduce the stress in your life however you can, such as by reducing the number of hours you work or by finding stress management strategies.

Hopefully, your immune system is already doing a pretty good job of protecting you. If you follow these basic habits and strategies, and continue pursuing a healthy lifestyle overall, your immune system can become even stronger!

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A quick skate on the Evolve bamboo GTR AT electric skateboard to Vula Food Shack to pick up some weekly fresh fruit and vegetables, all plastic packaging free  

Vula is a self sustainable business focused on Holistic health and promoting a sustainable relationship with Mother Nature. One of the ways in which they realize this goal is by providing a door-to-door, zero wastage, fresh produce delivery service.

If you’re looking to get an Evolve board in South Africa, click here to Shop Evolve! Use CODE: Evolve x Nishal for R750 off your purchase

Pay them a visit for all your fresh vegetable and fruit needs, as well as a range of package free goods. You can even have a sit down meal at the restaurant in a lovely peaceful and tranquil setting.

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Recently I stopped by the Oranjezicht City Farm Market, which is on Granger Bay Blvd, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town. It has quite a nifty setup with a lot of cool stuff for sale. There are also various food stalls selling ready made food goods, ranging from samoosas to chocolate brownies, to Indian curries and gourmet sandwiches, ensuring there is something for everyone. There are also a very wide range of vegan options. 

The market promotes the plastic free movement, by selling fresh  and organic fruit and vegetables without plastic bags. All you do is grab a basket and choose all the fresh goodies that you like, weighing them at the end and getting them packed in a box or you can bring your own bags to take them away in.

Stallholder costs are kept as low as possible to encourage start up businesses, the vibe is friendly and supportive.

“Catering for vegans and vegetarians, raw foodies, and customers who want wheat, gluten, sugar and dairy-free alternatives is important to us. We also sell indigenous and other plants, heirloom and organic seed and gardening products.”

Held every Saturday and Sunday at the historic Granger Bay site of the V&A Waterfront, the OZCF Market Day is a community farmers-style market for independent local farmers and artisanal food producers. At the OZCF Market customers can do weekly food shopping (veg, fruit, bread, organic dairy, free-range eggs, honey, muesli etc), try out some delicious cooked and raw foods and be inspired about helping to build an alternative food system. Additionally, customers can buy edible plants and seedlings, compost and gardening supplies and equipment.

Entrance is free and dogs are welcome!

If you would like to check out more images (or use some of them) check them out on Unsplash or Shutterstock.

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Little did I know I would get way more than I bargained for, receiving a whole lot of useful information to all my questions from the owner Sandra, who is just full of knowledge and passion about what she does.

So I decided to get one of the soaps to try as well as some liquid castille soap to use for laundry and cleaning. Sandra makes a small range of different things that you can see on the website. Some of the products are also available on, Faithful to Nature and a few other stores.

The soaps are made with natural and minimal ingredients, such as shea butter, coconut oil and olive oil and thus are really soothing on the skin and do not have any harmful chemicals in them that most other cleaning agents do. The soap bars can also be used as shampoo and they work really really well.

After my first use I was hooked and doubt I will ever buy any ‘commercial’ soap or shampoo ever again. I previously used bicarb soda as a face wash/scrub and now alternate with this soap. It’s really a great soothing face wash as well, and having oily skin myself I can say it does help. 

Everything is handmade by Sandra herself and there are various ‘flavors’ of soaps to choose from depending on what sort of smells you like. It is also great to know all the products are cruelty free and are approved by Beauty Without Cruelty South Africa. They are also Vegan, Biodegradable, Eco Friendly, and Grey Water Safe.

Do yourself a favour and give one of these soaps a try, you can even collect from her directly in Cape Town, or order online.

“Puresimple specialises in handmade pure vegetable oil based soaps, body butters & creams and household cleaners. The BATH and BODY ranges have been specially formulated to be mild and gentle on the skin whilst the HOUSEHOLD range has been formulated to clean thoroughly but gently.

All products are handmade and, where possible, ingredients are sourced locally to minimize the carbon footprint and to support environment friendly principles. All finished products are biodegradable and contain no artificial additives, synthetic surfactants, cosmetic fragrances, paraben-type preservatives, mineral oils or petroleum based ingredients.

Packaging has also been specially sourced to ensure that it is biodegradable and/or recyclable.”

*A small side note: If you live in quite a hot area and the soap becomes not so solid, just put it in the fridge/freezer It’s also great using a cold bar of soap on your skin when it is so hot!

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In this video Lauren Singer from Trash is for Tossers will teach you how she stores her compost in her Brooklyn apartment and then how she takes it to the farmers market to compost!

If you haven’t heard of composting before, it is essentially taking organic waste (food, yard trimmings, paper) and breaking it down into soil again using heat, time, and sometimes worms (also known as vermicomposting). After you watch this video you will be well prepared to compost in your apartment or home and whether you are bringing it to a market, drop-off location, or your backyard, you can be sure that you are composting waste free.

In this next video Lakshmi discusses what exactly composting is and how you can do it right in your apartment, no matter how small it is!

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