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What happens to Collagen as we age, and reach menopause?

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Did you know that, thanks to sex hormones, women have naturally softer skin than men?

Estrogens are a major contributor to the formation of collagen, a fibrillary protein. During youth, your skin is made up of 80% collagen. As long as this structure, similar to a rope, works optimally, your skin remains smooth and soft. Collagen is able to swell up and this, swelling capacity allows it to store water efficiently.

Your skin is strong from the inside. As our hormone levels decrease, the epidermis becomes thinner and more fragile. The dermis below it loses a third of its collagen over the first five years following menopause. Our skin is less supple, and no longer properly hydrated.

Natural regulation of fat content does not work as well as it did in the younger years. All of this makes the skin drier and more fragile. Imperfections sometimes appear on the face.

Some women even get pimples at the beginning of menopause; hormonal variation is involved. The main cause is production of estrogen is slowed down; that of testosterone (male hormone) remains stable. In cases of excess testosterone, from the age of 50, pimples can suddenly appear the production our mucous membranes are also affected by these changes. About 40% of women notice vaginal dryness. The consequences are irritation and pain during intercourse. The risk of infection increases as we cannot fight off germs and fungi as we used to.

 

While it may not be possible to prevent these changes in our skin, we can slow the process down.  When it comes to irritation and imperfections here are a few tips on what to use, so that our cosmetics don’t aggravate the situation.

 

 

  1. Choose a body wash that is mild and not too drying
  2. Choose a shower that is not too hot, it dries the skin less than a bath.
  3. The application of a cream is essential. Creams or gels containing organic substances such as hyaluronic acid help the skin stay hydrated. This is particularly important for parts of the body such as the shins, which are often extremely dry in women, and which are liable to flake.
  4. For the face, be careful to avoid irritable substances such as alcohol, perfumes or preservatives, as they can be harmful to sensitive skin.
  5. As you reach middle age, the skin of the face needs a lubricating and moisturizing cream, to be applied twice a day.
  6. Experiments with the most diverse skincare products also show that these products do more harm than they treat.
  7. Do consult your dermatologist (strongly recommended).
  8. In case of dryness or vaginal irritation, anything that improves the irrigation of the pelvis is beneficial, such as perineal gymnastics, walking or cycling.

To relieve pain during intercourse, a lubricating gel may be helpful (https://www.morgannasalchemy.com/product/luvoil-venus-with-cbd-200-mg/)

What is the Scandinavian Happiness Recipe?

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The inhabitants of the Scandinavian countries are said to be some of the happiest in the world.  Do you know why? Read more

Learn to love your legs again, with these amazing toning tricks.

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Skin covers our entire body! We need to take care of all the parts!

 

Part 1 of 4

It is good to give your legs some attention morning and night. It doesn’t take very long, only some regularity.

  1. Shower: After you have properly rinsed, please do wipe yourself in a delicate manner. Do not rub your legs with a lot of energy. Always be gentle. Use a body wash that is pH neutral to your skin’s pH.  At the end of your shower, try switching to cold water (as much as possible). Cold water will stimulate your skin and help it to be firmer.

 

  1. Bath time: Do make it a pleasurable moment while taking care of your skin. Add some light oils such as Ylang Ylang.  Always rinse off with some cold water upon finishing.

 

  1. Cold water sit down: Twice a week, do sit down in your bathtub with your legs straight, Put a jet of cold water from your ankles all the way to your buttocks going up and down. Until your legs are completely covered.  Stay in a few extra minutes if possible.

 

  1. Exfoliate: Twice weekly, feel free to take your coffee grinds with you in the shower and rub all over your legs all the way to the ankles! It will not only give your immediately make your skin soft and supple, but it will help to prevent cellulite, as caffeine is a well-known blood circulation improvement ingredient.

 

  1. Hydrate: Do pick a very hydrating lotion that contains Aloe, Butters and other very hydrating components that will not leave a greasy feel. See the Mango Madness Body Lotionhttp://www.morganna.northernagency.co.uk/product/morgannas-mango-madness/

 

  1. Firm: It is indispensable to own and use a firming cream that will limit the amount of cellulite and skin elasticity damages. Many vegetable based active ingredients are able to reduce the destruction of Collagen and elastin, the two proteins that keep our skin firm. See the Freshly Ground Coffee cream http://www.morganna.northernagency.co.uk/product/freshly-ground-coffee-anti-celullite-cream/

6 Crucial Requirements to buying good CBD OIL

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1.   The Source of Your CBD Matters

The hemp plant is a hyper accumulator. It takes in anything that is present in the ground that it was cultivated and farmed. If a hemp plant grew on rich soil, it will be of high quality that can produce CBD oil in the same high-quality as well.

The safest CBD oil will be grown in an area where the government requires farmers to be certified and have their fields frequently tested for toxic substances.

 

  1. Extracted using CO₂

The best CBD oils are extracted using safe solvents like supercritical CO₂. It ensures a safe extract is produced free of any additives or additional chemicals — which is often the case with other extraction methods.

Supercritical CO2 extraction requires expensive equipment, more complex refinement process and production expertise, but it ensures that CBD oil maintains its purity all through the process

 

  1.  If the price is too good to be true!!!

High-quality CBD oils aren’t cheap to make, so if the price is too low, that’s a good sign that it was made from inferior or contaminated raw materials, sub-standard solvents, or it doesn’t contain very much, if any, actual CBD.

  1. The product label includes the amount of CBD

Good CBD oil made by a reputable company will tell you how much CBD you’re getting right on the label. Look for either the concentration or the total number of milligrams in the bottle. Higher numbers mean a more potent product. To be considered effective, the bottle should contain 250–1000mg per 30ml bottle.

    5.  Careful of Vaping Products that contain Propylene Glycol

Vape pens produce little smoke and are easy to transport and use. They can they can easily go undetected. But the concentrated oils used in vape pens of CBD might contain a solvent called propylene glycol. When burned at high temperatures, propylene glycol can degrade into formaldehyde, a chemical that can irritate the nose and eyes and could increase the risk of asthma and cancer. To avoid this problem, consider CBD vape pens that advertise “solvent-free oils.”

 

 

    6.  Make sure it Contains under 0.03% THC

CBD oils made from hemp may contain trace amounts of THC—usually 0.03% or less—but it’s not nearly enough to get you high. However, sub-standard processing can boost the levels of THC to a percentage that can create a psychoactive effect that can be uncomfortable for some. Not only is this a sign of a low-quality product, it could even make the CBD oil illegal where you live.

The Miracle actions of Vitamin C

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Vitamin C has a lightening and antioxidant action it is used to prevent aging, reduce wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles and spots. It promotes better healing of the epidermis and limits skin inflammation. As for the age spots, it reduces the oxidation linked to melanin. It is therefore acclaimed for its global action because it gives a boost to your skin for a good-looking effect in a few weeks.

Here is a great natural skin Brightening Mask DIY

In a small cup or bowl

1 Open and empty 10-12 capsules of 500 mg Vitamin C (powder capsules)

  1. Add spoonful of Collagen Powder
  2. Add 2 spoonful’s of Rose Water
  3. Add 3 -4 spoonful’s of lime juice

Mix together and apply under the eyes and all over face.

Leave on for fifteen minutes and rinse off.

Results are beautiful, fair looking skin

Top 8 benefits of vetiver essential oil:

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  1. Fighting bacterial infections: Vetiver essential oil is very effective against staphylococcus (Staphylococcus aureus) and it is widely used in the tropical regions of India and Ski Lanka to prevent infection of open wounds.

 

  1. Accelerates the healing of wounds and prevents the formation of scars: This is one of the essential oils known for their healing effect. It stimulates the formation of new tissues to replace dead and discolored tissue and helps to give the skin its uniform appearance.

 

 

  1. Fights inflammation: Vetiver essential oil has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. it is particularly beneficial for inflammations of the nervous and circulatory systems.
  2. Natural Aphrodisiac: It is used in drinks and sorbets to stimulate libido. It is also used in aromatherapy against impotence and frigidity.

 

  1. Tonic effect: The essential oil of vetiver has an invigorating effect that allows it to stimulate the respiratory, digestive, circulatory, excretory, immune and endocrine systems.

 

  1. Protects the nervous system: As we saw in the intro, the essential oil of vetiver has a nervine property. That is, it has many health benefits to the nervous system.

 

  1. Beneficial against insomnia, stress, and anxiety: It is known for its sedative effect that makes it one of the best essential oils against insomnia, stress and anxiety.

 

  1. Combat Hemorrhoids: Add a drop of Vetiver Oil into a glass of water, Apply to the affected area, twice a day.

What makes a plant an adaptogen?

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To qualify as adaptogens, plants must meet the following three criteria:

  1. To have no toxicity, even in long-term use.
  2. To produce a non-specific response, i.e. a general increase in resistance and adaptation of the body to stress of physical, biological and emotional origin.
  3.  To have a normalizing effect at different levels, whether nervous, immune or endocrine, thus helping to maintain the homeostasis of the body, (too often precarious) balance.

At the moment, there are close to twenty plants can take advantage of the glorious title of adaptogens .The majority of them come from the Chinese pharmacopoeia, such as Astragalus, Codonopsis, Reishi and Schisandra, as well as from the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia, such as holy basil (also called tulsi), Ashwagandha, Shatavari and the Shilajit. This is because these two systems of medicine have similar concepts and work.

However, more and more discoveries are being made and plants such as Moringa and Mushrooms such as Djondjon (originally from Haiti) can also be qualified as adaptogens.

Djondjon contains many vitamins B’s and protein and calcium that help to relax the body as Reishi Mushrooms.

What’s behind the Magic of Plant stem cells?

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Think of stem cells as blank scrabble pieces, they can fill in where there are needed because they have the ability to turn into specialized cells

In plants, they are totipotent stem cells able of regenerating the entire plant Its maintenance depends on: Self Renewal Cell differentiate Make new cells

How do they work? Scientists push stem cells to overproduce bioactive compounds to further boost the efficacy of the plant stem cell-derived active ingredients.

KEY BENEFITS

-season-independent

-HTN allows the in vitro culture of plant stem cells in highly controlled conditions and enables to take advantage of the variety of natural substance Is used in cosmetics for being very environmental-friendly,.

-NO pesticides,

-Occupy very little space,

-Consuming very small amounts of water.

-No risk of pollution or contamination

 -Able to cultivate Rare and protected plants (Ex. Edelweiss and Orchid)

We have mastered the culture of cells from small parts of plants, like leaf, root and stem fragments.

Plants of cosmetic interest have been limited for use due to slow growth, seasonal harvest, variation of active concentration from plant to plant and harvest to harvest and existence of toxic metabolites.

Skincare advantages: All plant stem cells provide powerful antioxidant effects ,guard against inflammation, neutralize free radicals and reverse sun. They can boost collagen, protect against sun damage, brighten repair damaged cells.

Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) is an herbaceous plant that grows on mountain ranges from the Pyrenees and Alps to the Himalayas. Over time it has developed many natural defenses in order to survive the extreme climates in which it grows. It has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

The edelweiss plant grows in harsh climatic conditions and produces active substances that can protect against harmful components such as UV rays. The Institute for Biotechnological Research in Italy has studied edelweiss stem cells for its anti-aging benefits. The protective substances of the plant are used to guard the skin, as it is used in the plant itself. The edelweiss cells contain high concentrations of Leontopodic acids A and B, which exhibit strong antioxidant properties. The firm also reports that the anti-aging ingredient helps control the degradation of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin. The ingredient is prepared by cutting a small amount of plant biomass into tiny pieces and placing it in a culture medium. The plant stem cells surround the cut and form a wound healing tissue (the callus), which can be used in skincare products

5 great ways to use dark chocolate !

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  1. Chocolate as a way to relieve stress: Studies show that consuming 40 gr of dark chocolate every day for 14 days will help lower stress hormones in most individuals.
  2. After analyzing the results of 7 studies in which 114,000 people participated, scientists from the University of Cambridge have reached a conclusion: it is sufficient to consume high-dose chocolate to reduce by 37% the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The protective effects of dark chocolate on the cardiovascular system are mainly due to its flavonoids. They have the power: to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, to increase the good cholesterol, to prevent the oxidation of the bad and to reduce it, to prevent blood platelets from aggregating, to improve the elasticity of the wall of the blood vessels.
  3. Chocolate contains many vitamins (B3 and C, for example) and minerals, such as manganese, magnesium, potassium, selenium and copper. There are also flavonoids, very antioxidant substances that are found in anthocyanins, these molecules that give their purple-black color to plants (blackberries, eggplants, black currants, etc.). By various chemical reactions, all these elements act as powerful antioxidants
  4. Hair regrowth Mask: 1 bar of dark chocolate- 2 spoonsfuls of coconut oil – 1 spoonful of ground red pepper. In a bowl, melt chocolate and coconut oil, reduce heat and let cool down. Apply mask all over hair and scalp- let sit for 20 minutes. Wash as usual. Do this once weekly, for a full volume of hair. Chocolate contains Magnesium, which helps to regrow thick hair.
  5. mature skin requires more attention. To slow the aging of the skin, there are natural assets that, in the form of masks, can be very effective provided they are applied quickly to prevent them from oxidizing. Discover 3 natural skin care recipes and face mask for mature skin.

Here is a quick at home DIY with Chocolate

The antioxidant face mask with chocolate

Wrapping, exfoliation, care and facial mask, chocolate is the star product of natural cosmetics. It is suitable for mature skin because it protects free radicals responsible for aging skin. Ingredients : 50 g dark chocolate 1 drop of coconut oil 2 drops of geranium essential oil

Melt chocolate and coconut oil in a bain-marie or microwave. Once this mixture has cooled, add the essential oil. Then apply the mask on the face using a brush avoiding the eye area and lips. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes and rinse with clear water.

The Incredible virtues of the Mango Fruit

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Mango is the second most consumed tropical fruit in the world

 

If you are dieting, do feel free to add one mango a day on your list. The caloric values of the mango are as follows: One full Mango contains about 105 calories, but that’s not all: It has Fibre, natural sugars, Protein, Vitamins A, B6, B9, C, Iron, Potassium and our favorite Polyphenols, which are super antioxydants that protect against swelling and inflammation, inside and out of your body. Here are a few additional reasons to eat this super fruit.

  1. Mangoes help slow the aging process with vitamins A and C, which help the body produce collagen. Collagen helps slow the aging of the skin, promotes the health of blood vessels and body tissues. Similarly, vitamins A and C are antioxidants, which fight against the deterioration caused by free radicals and protect the body against the harmful effects of oxidative stress
  2.  Mango is rich in iron, so it is an excellent natural solution for people with anemia. Pregnant and menopausal women can indulge in mangoes as this will increase their iron and calcium levels at the same time

 

3.     Rich in polyphenols One of the few studies specifically done on mango has shown that mango juice has an anti-cancer effect on cells. This could be       explained by the presence of polyphenols in the mango juice. In fact, this substance has a high antioxidant content that protects the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals (substances in the body responsible for premature cell aging).

 

4.   Mango improves digestion On the one hand, the soluble fiber found in its composition helps to facilitate the digestion and elimination of food. On the other hand, it contains digestive enzymes that help digest proteins by participating in their decomposition. As a result, mango is a very good ally against constipation, indigestion, excess acidity and hemorrhoids.

 

 

5. Body scrub Make a paste with mango puree, honey and coconut milk and use it for a body scrub, you will feel that your skin is tender and smooth

 

6  .And let’s not forget Mango Butter for the skin and the hair.

 

We actually have to write about water

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In the past few months, we’ve been noticing something pretty bizarre that has been going on with certain brands and people referring to water! It seems that in order to make their brand look better, they are not only promising the moon, but also make big, bold statements, about their products containing no water!!!

Is this implying that water ( the source of life) is no good? Unfortunately that is exactly what is going on. The first thing is that it usually is a bold face lie!! Just look down a bit more and see if they have added some preservatives? If so, the ingredients list is wrong, or purposely written that way. For this reason, we have listed four very important reasons why we should celebrate Water!!

Here are four reasons

  1. ELEMENT OF LIFE: Religions and myths have always attributed to water a power of fertility, of birth. Indeed, the three monotheistic religions were formed in contact with the scarcity of water perceived as a gift of God while in Greek mythologies, water gave birth to some gods like Poseidon, the god of the seas, or Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, born from the foam of waters
  2. Healing: Water is also recognized for its healing properties: it can prolong life, as evidenced by the benefits of vitalizing baths or other “miraculous” waters. Its freshness and clarity give it a renewing purifying power: an imagery materialized in the myth of the fountain of youth
  3. Source of beauty: Its purifying function makes it an excellent ally in slimming and beauty, and its benefits for the skin need no proof! Its positive action on the complexion is undeniable. The hydration it provides – making the skin more supple and smooth while protecting it from the premature appearance of wrinkles – makes it the first anti-aging care. It increases cosmetic effects by allowing the transfer of active ingredients to the heart of the skin !
  4. Source of Life: Our bodies are made of 70% water, we can go 30 days without eating, but only 3 days without water. So keep it close.

Healing with Nature:

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: Alchemy is the forerunner of chemistry, based on the supposed transformation of matter. It was concerned particularly with attempts to convert base metals into gold or to find a universal elixir.

Stopping Dry,Rough, cracked skin: How to deal with zone specific extremely dry skin!

Elbows, knees, heels … what are the common points behind these ultra-specific areas? In the first place, these are areas of intense mechanical activity: folding, pressure, friction are multiplying on the same day, causing a thickening of the skin.

These areas suffer from increased hydration deficit which weakens the skin. On the heels for example, dehydration generates a loss of flexibility which, under the weight of the body and repeated shocks (especially in summer with the wearing of open shoes) promotes the appearance of cracks and crevices. The elbows can also show painful micro-cracks.

Rough skin is visually, dry, slightly whitened looks like dandruff when it peels off “packets” of cell layers that remain adherent. This unsightly appearance can even be accompanied by redness, irritation, itching, burning

The answer? Intense Hydration therapy

MANGO BUTTER HAS A WOUND HEALING QUALITY. HENCE IT IS USED AS AN APPLICATION FOR ULCERATIONS, FISSURES OF THE LIPS, HANDS AND CHAPPED SKIN ETC; AND IN WOUNDS AND SORES WHICH ARE INFLAMED. CHEMICALLY IT IS MAINLY COMPOSED OF GLYCERIDES OF OLEIC AND STEARIC ACIDS.

(Sunflower) Seed Wax HEALTHY BALANCED SKIN This oil is rich in Beta-Carotene which the body converts to Vitamin A. The reason this is a big deal is because Vitamin A: -Exfoliates, thus producing even, smooth skin -Reduces brown spots and pigmentation -Improves skin hydration -Decreases sebum production when needed -Repairs the cell structure of the epidermis which helps with UV protection -Helps with wound healing -Balances blood flow which aids in a natural, healthy skin appearance PROTECTIVE BARRIER

Used topically, Jojoba Oil acts as a non-comedogenic, fast-absorbing yet long-lasting emollient that gently moisturizes, soothes, nourishes, and softens skin without leaving a greasy residue. It cleanses skin to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and to promote the growth of new skin that is clear, cleansed, healthy, and supple. Due to a chemical composition that closely resembles the sebum found in human skin, Jojoba Oil is readily accepted and endured by skin

Mimosa in skincare properties, and delving into Mimosa oil’s phytochemistry a bit more we find that one of the oil’s key constituents Lupeol has been shown to have anti-inflammatory action. Mimosa flower oil is also an emollient ,repairing, protecting, and moisturizing dry, damaged skin

 

The above mentioned natural ingredients alone can all hea extremely dry skin.

WE HAVE ADDED THEM ALL TOGETHER IN OUR MANGO MADNESS CREAM: Our Mango Madness cream is specifically made to treat all of the problem areas, elbows, knees, between your toes.

It helps to heal and is organically Safe; non-allergenic, no parabens, fragrance or harsh chemicals that could harm your skin. -It’s unscented and non-greasy.-Perfect for a baby’s sensitive skin. Very gentle yet effective for addressing skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis. pH balanced to match your skin exactly. Works with the skin without stressing it out

TRY SOME TODAY YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT : http://www.morganna.northernagency.co.uk/product/morgannas-mango-madness/