Health News

If you love makeup, you probably know that hydrated skin is an essential part of a healthy, glowy look. Moisturizing certainly plays a vital role in a healthy complexion: water is responsible for giving skin its smooth, soft and velvety appearance, whereas dehydration will result in skin that is dull, rough and has fine lines. So, it makes sense that makeup applied on hydrated skin will look better, and also require less coverage. Here’s how.

Why is hydration so important for glowing skin?

Without adequate hydration, your skin feels tight and uncomfortable. Your skin is vulnerable to environmental factors like pollution and smoke. These aggressions can result in less smoothed skin, which makes makeup crease more easily. In addition, your complexion also becomes dry and flakey¹, often resulting in more makeup being used to counteract these symptoms. That’s why it is important to first treat dehydration, in order to get your skin makeup-ready. and sensitive skin, but also to wrinkles and dark spots³. For your makeup routine, this implies having to add heavy layers to cover up fine lines, blemishes and redness, without treating the real problem. But now you can reduce the affect of all these issues with Minéral 89! This skin booster creates a film over the skin’s surface to decrease pollution adherence. The result? Healthy skin to obtain a natural coverage.

How can Vichy Mineral 89 improve the appearance of your makeup?

Minéral 89 can be beneficial for all steps of your makeup routine. The first one is to use the booster to prepare the skin, even before your usual primer, foundation or concealer. This not only helps to improve application of products to the skin, but also smooth skin to help have a more even coverage for a glowing, healthy skin. If you have sensitive skin, Minéral 89 can unify skin and reduce any discomforts you may experience.

With the skin booster, you won't have to worry about your makeup drying out early on, as it helps to lock in moisture all day long. It can also smooth out skin, helping it to look radiant and healthy. Before bed, remember to remove all your makeup and apply the skin booster one more time. You can bet your skin will be less dehydrated and smoothed by morning.

Who can use Minéral 89?

Minéral 89 is recommended for all skin types. Its lightweight texture makes it perfect for oily, and sensitive skin types. It can be used day and night, as the first step of your skincare routine- booster first, cream second. So, before putting on makeup and your sun protection, don’t forget to apply Minéral 89.

Hypertension – or persistently high blood pressure – is often referred to as a “silent killer”. It presents with little to no symptoms and affects more and more young people being affected. But what exactly is it, and how do you know if you’re in danger?

What is blood pressure?

The term refers to the pressure within your blood vessels. It’s generated by the pumping action of your heart and counteracted by the resistance of the smaller arterial vessels. Blood pressure is essential to life, as it keeps your blood flowing, delivering oxygen and vital nutrients to your organs. High blood pressure, however, “increases the force of the blood against the artery walls, and over time can damage your arteries, resulting in loss of elasticity and hardening, which puts extra stress on your heart,” warns Jessica Byrne of the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (HSFSA). “In the long term, hypertension can affect your organs, resulting in heart disease, stroke, blindness and kidney failure.”

Get yours checked now – it’s simple!

Considering its high prevalence and that it’s the single most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease worldwide (causing four in 10 heart attacks and more than half of stroke incidence), the HSFSA recommends that you have your blood pressure checked annually from age 20. It’s a simple and painless procedure that is done with a blood pressure gauge or sphygmometer, which consists of an inflatable cuff that restricts the blood flow and a mercury or mechanical manometer that measures the pressure.

“Your blood pressure is read in a systolic and diastolic measurement – this represents the blood pressure in your arteries during the contraction and relaxation of your heart, respectively,” explains Byrne. “An ideal blood pressure is 120/80mmHg. It can be a little higher or a little lower than this and still be considered healthy.” Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure is consistently above 140 systolic or 90 diastolic, says Byrne. “Blood pressure over 130/85 is referred to as pre-hypertension and in this case, your physician would make a clinical decision regarding treatment.” In patients with other risk factors, such as diabetes or heart disease, blood pressure needs to be controlled below 130/85mmHg. Follow-up blood pressure checks are advised every three months after diagnosis.

The earlier hypertension is diagnosed, the earlier it can be managed with medication and lifestyle adaptations such as dietary changes, weight loss, stopping smoking and eating less salt.

Benefits of face masks

Whether you’re trying to combat oiliness, tackle congestion or restore moisture levels, there’s a face mask for almost every skin concern. As a general rule of thumb, masks that provide an exfoliating effect are best at tackling concerns such as dullness, while mineral clay formulas are better suited to blocked pores and congestion. Sheet masks, on the other hand, are largely used to restore hydration levels, and to create a beautiful base for makeup.

Prepping the skin before a face mask

One common mistake that many people make when using a face mask for the first time, is skipping a thorough cleanse beforehand. It’s vital that you create a clean, dry base before applying your mask, as this will remove all traces of dirt, makeup and pollution and allow skin-boosting ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin - and most importantly, work their magic far more effectively.

Applying your face mask

If you are applying a mineral clay or exfoliating mask, make sure you cover the entire face and neck, while avoiding the delicate eye area. Gently tap the fingertips over the face, before massaging in any excess or dabbing it off with a tissue.

Knowing when to remove your mask

You should always check the directions of each individual face mask for usage instructions, but as a general rule, five minutes is adequate time for a mineral mask. Be careful to not let clay formulas dry too much before you remove them, as this can strip the skin of essential oils. Some sheet masks however, are designed to be left for a longer period of time, up to 20 minutes as they saturate the skin with moisture, rather than providing a deep cleanse. Use this time to sit back, relax and enjoy a few moments of peace.

It’s the buzz word with claims it can do everything from detox problem skin to purify the digestive system. SO what’s all the fuss about charcoal?

If you hadn’t noticed already, charcoal – the stuff traditionally used to stoke your fire – is appearing in the most unusual places. Water bottles containing charcoal shards have become de rigueur among the yoga set, you can buy charcoal pills and powder in health shops and it’s now also found in trendy foods – ice-cream, salads, smoothies, ‘detox lemonade’ and even burger buns are being given the charcoal treatment, all gaining a pleasingly dark hue with this added ingredient. And that’s not all. The burnt wood is now much lorded in the beauty industry and being used in beauty products – from tooth whitening kits, toothpaste, activated charcoal masks and soaps.

Why is charcoal beneficial?

Charcoal is known for its health-giving and detoxifying benefits and has been used to rid the body of toxins and bacteria (both internally and topically) for centuries, with the earliest records dating right back to the Egyptians in 1550 BC. It’s purported to absorb 100-200 times its weight in impurities making it an excellent natural product to purify and deeply cleanse skin.

What is activated charcoal?

It’s not just any old charcoal you need for maximum beauty benefits; the ‘activated’ kind is the only one to buy. Activated charcoal is created when oxygen is added to regular charcoal. This process increases the surface area of the particles to attract impurities and hold them there in a process called adsorption, rather than absorption. Up until recently, it was mostly used by doctors to treat poison, GI tract infections, nausea and even alcohol poisoning and drug overdoses. It works by attaching to toxins in the stomach and absorbing them before the bloodstream can.

Activated charcoal for skin

It might seem counterintuitive to spread a black colored paste onto your skin to cleanse and purify it but activated charcoal does just that. Activated charcoal face masks act like a magnet and help draw bacteria, poisons, pollution, dirt and other micro-particles to the surface of skin, helping you to fight problem skin and achieve a flawless complexion.

So, if you’re looking to cleanse your skin and purify your body, it’s time to take that leap of faith!

The aloe vera cactus may not seem like the obvious beauty treat, but this succulent has an unprecedented healing effect on skin and body. Read on to discover its healthful benefits, both inside and out.

Why a spiky cactus plant holds the secret to beautiful skin?

Aloe vera is a bona fide super ingredient, with a long list of health benefits and a celebrity following that dates right back to Egyptian times. Cleopatra used the plant in her beauty regime, selecting it to treat everything from burns to infections and parasites.

But it’s not only the rich and famous who reap the benefits of aloe vera for skin, it’s well known among health and beauty aficionados who seek out the medicinal wonder ingredient in everything from food supplements, drinks and smoothies to cleansers, masks and after sun care. Why? The jelly-like substance found inside the thick spiky leaves of the aloe vera cactus is laden with an impressive list of nutrients, including 20 minerals, 12 vitamins, 18 amino acids and 200 active plant compounds or phytonutrients.

There’s a myriad of health benefits attributed to the plant. As well as being a potent antioxidant, aloe vera is said to boost immune function, reduce high blood pressure and aid digestion.

Aloe vera gel benefits for skin

Applied topically, the gel is purported to be outstanding for skin health. The high water content (99.5 per cent) means it’s very hydrating, soothing and cooling (that’s why it’s a common ingredient in after sun products). It’s also a powerful anti-inflammatory and can treat skin conditions including psoriasis, sunburn, acne, dry skin and frostbite. Furthermore, it makes a very effective make-up remover.

Drink to health

Aloe vera has a slightly bitter flavor so is not the most pleasant tasting plant. However, blended into a smoothie with other ingredients such as berries, coconut milk and green vegetables like cucumber and spinach, it provides a nutrient-rich super drink that will cleanse your system and benefit your skin.

Tip: When using fresh aloe vera leaves, allow them to drain before cutting out the gel-like flesh from skin. Stand the leaf in a glass leaving the cut end down. A yellow substance should leak out after a while. This is a latex found just beneath the skin and is what gives the aloe vera its bitter taste. It’s also a common ingredient in laxatives.

So whether you’re ingesting it or applying it to your skin, harvesting it from a plant or buying it in products, this natural plant ingredient will soothe, hydrate and repair stressed skin, for a newly radiant look.

We are all likely to know someone who has needed an iron supplement, or we may have taken one ourselves, and this is because iron deficiency is the top nutritional deficiency in the world.

Iron is an essential element which is required for numerous cellular metabolic functions, however most importantly it is needed by the body to create red blood cells which transport oxygen throughout the body.

As many as 80% of us do not have enough iron in our bodies, so to help combat this we are looking at the four most common signs that may indicate you have low iron levels.

·         Tiredness and Fatigue

A feeling of fatigue and tiredness that does not go away with rest is one of the most common signs you may have low iron levels. Iron is a component of haemoglobin which is required by the body to carry oxygen from the lungs and transport it throughout the body. Without enough iron the body is unable to make enough healthy oxygen-carrying red blood cells, ultimately affecting your energy levels.

·         Pale Skin

Paleness throughout the body, including skin, eyelids, nails or any other area can indicate low levels of iron. This is due to low levels of haemoglobin which gives the blood its red colour and consequently our skin its rosy colour. If haemoglobin levels are low, the red blood cells become smaller and paler meaning our skin also becomes paler.

·         Shortness of breath

Difficulty breathing can be a regular occurrence if you have low levels of iron, especially if you undertake regular physical activity. This is because the lack of iron present means that the body is unable to move oxygen from the lungs around the body, thus reducing oxygen levels and increasing your breathing rate as your body tries to get more oxygen.

Why so many symptoms?

Looking at these symptoms you may wonder why low levels of iron can present itself in so many ways, this is because iron plays a fundamental role in so many functions within the body, each producing a symptom which manifests itself in a different way.

Experiencing these symptoms may indicate you have an iron deficiency, if this is the case, consider testing your levels and consult your GP.

When it comes to getting a decent night’s sleep, there are some obvious rules to follow. Not using your phone or computer right before bedtime, having a regular bedtime routine and having relaxation rituals to wind down before you go to bed are all good ideas. But the foods you’re eating can also have a big impact on your sleep, so if you’re struggling to get eight hours, try making these changes to your diet.

Cut the caffeine

We all love a cup of coffee or tea in the morning, but your caffeine habit could be keeping you up at night. Gradually reduce your caffeine intake throughout the day, and have your last cup of tea or coffee (or other caffeinated drink) no later than lunchtime.

Tea before bed

Since you’ve cut out your afternoon cuppa, replace it with a nice soothing cup of chamomile tea. It contains apigenin, which is an antioxidant that has been linked with promoting sleepiness. In studies, participants fell asleep faster and experienced improved sleep quality.

Eat your evening meal earlier

If you’re eating too late in the day you may struggle to get off to sleep, so try to time your evening meal at least three hours before bedtime. This meal should also be free from starchy carbs like pasta, rice and bread, which can cause a peak in sugar levels and then reactive hypoglycaemia, or a ‘sugar crash’. The resultant release of stress hormones can wake you in the night, so instead, opt for a meal that isn’t too big eaten nice and early.

Melatonin boosters

For that evening meal opt for foods rich in the amino acid tryptophan, which is needed to produce the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin. Nuts such as almonds, seeds, chicken and turkey are all good sources of this. Supplementing tryptophan in the form of 5HTP can also help to boost your levels of this sleep-supporting amino acid.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a natural relaxant as it has been linked to lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It is also a smooth muscle relaxant; so make sure your diet includes foods that are rich in the nutrient. Spinach, kale, avocados, chickpeas, salmon and figs are all great options. It can be tricky to get enough magnesium from our diet alone, so it’s worth considering a supplement.

Say no to sugar

It may seem obvious, but it’s surprising how many people opt for a sugary drink with dinner or have a sugary treat like a chocolate biscuit right before bedtime. Keep your daily sugar intake to a minimum and ensure that it is coming from natural sources such as fruit rather than refined sugars, fizzy drinks and sweets. Swap your pudding after your evening meal for a digestive-aiding peppermint tea for a better night’s sleep.

Notre corps est composé à 60% d’eau. Sans cet élément essentiel à la vie, nous n’existons pas. Alors il faut mettre toutes les chances de notre côté et nous hydrater au maximum, on ne le dit jamais assez. Mais qu’apporte clairement l’hydratation à notre corps, et notamment à notre peau ?

• L’hydratation protège la peau des agressions

En contact direct entre notre environnement et notre corps, la peau est notre bouclier principal contre les agressions de l’extérieur. Elle évite la pénétration de corps étrangers dans notre organisme et est la démonstration de notre bonne santé.

Hydrater sa peau lui permet de se régénérer plus rapidement et de la rendre plus forte contre les bactéries et autres irritations nocives à notre santé.

• L’hydratation au cœur de la beauté

C’est l’eau qui aide votre peau à se protéger de l’extérieur. Plus vous hydratez votre peau, notamment si elle est sèche, et plus vous lui donnez les moyens de lutter contre les agressions environnementales telles que le vent, le soleil ou le froid.

Une peau hydratée sera plus belle, plus lumineuse tandis qu’une peau sèche sera plus sensible et facilement irritante. Aussi pour votre confort et votre bonne santé, hydratez votre peau chaque jour avec un produit adapté.

Quels produits hydratants pour quel type de peau ?

Valable pour tous les types de peaux, le geste incontournable est de boire régulièrement pour renflouer ses réserves en H2O.

Pour une peau à tendance grasse : Préférer une crème moins riche en éléments nourrissants, en addition avec un régulateur de sébum. Cette formule aura pour effet de réguler la production de sébum de votre peau, tout en garantissant une hydratation optimale.

Pour une peau sèche : choisir une crème nourrissante et reconstituant, ou des huiles, qui contiennent plus d’actif gras qui favoriseront le gonflement des cellules protectrices de la peau.

Toutes les peaux sont différentes et nécessitent un traitement adapté. Néanmoins, l’hydratation de l’épiderme est indispensable et garante de votre bonne santé !

Originaire d’Afrique, l’huile de ricin est une huile végétale extraite des graines de la plante du même nom, le ricin.

Ses bienfaits sur la peau étaient déjà connus des égyptiens. L’histoire raconte qu’elle était l’huile préférée de la reine Cléopâtre qui l’utilisait pour se démaquiller.

De nos jours, sa production se situe majoritairement dans les zones tropicales. Elle donne un liquide jaune pâle épais qui, mis en bouteille, fait notre bonheur dans la salle de bains.

Quels sont les effets de l’huile de ricin sur les cheveux ?

L’huile de ricin est riche en acide ricinoléique, réputé comme bactériostatique (empêchant la croissance des bactéries) du cuir chevelu, et fortifiant des cheveux. Complète en acides gras essentiels, cette huile épaisse et visqueuse nourrit et fait briller la chevelure, les cils et sourcils.

Elle est également réputée pour favoriser la croissance des cheveux.

L’huile de ricin, pour quels types de cheveux ?

Les cuirs chevelus qui ont des pellicules vont l’aimer pour son effet reconnu sur les bactéries.

Elle est aussi particulièrement recommandée pour différents types de problématiques capillaires :

• Les cheveux fins, fatigués, mous, qui deviennent difficiles à coiffer.

• Les chevelures en perte de densité due à la chute de cheveux(en cas de chute importante, nous recommandons de voir un médecin).

• Les cheveux abîméssur toute la longueur ou fourchus, voire les cheveux crépus.

Comment utiliser l’huile de ricin sur les cheveux ?

Nous la recommandons en avant-shampooing. Après avoir légèrement réchauffé le flacon d’huile dans un bain d’eau chaude, il faut l’appliquer sur toute la chevelure et sur le cuir chevelu. Pour cela, il faut bien répartir de la racine aux pointes et revenir sur le cuir chevelu en massant, jusqu’à obtenir un effet mouillé.

Envelopper dans une serviette chaude etlaisser poser pendant 15 minutes va permettre aux écailles de la fibre capillaire de s’ouvrir et d’optimiser l’efficacité de l’huile de ricin.

Deux shampooings sont nécessaires pour rincer l’effet gras de l’huile.

A faire une fois par semaine !

Comment choisir son huile de ricin ?

Pour bien choisir son huile de ricin, il faut vérifier deux points principaux :

La pureté de l’huile

Certains produits sont des mélanges d’huiles végétales. Avec la mention 100% pure, il est indiqué que le produit ne contient que de l’huile de ricin, non coupée avec une autre huile de moins bonne qualité et donc moins chère.

De la vitamine E naturelle, le tocophérol, peut y être ajoutée afin de garantir la durabilité de l’huile dans le temps. En effet, cet anti-oxydant puissant, permet d’éviter le rancissement de l’huile.

La pression à froid

Quand les graines de ricin sont pressées par pression mécanique, sans chauffe, c’est ce que l’on appelle, la pression à froid. Ainsi la chaleur ne dégradant pas les actifs contenus dans l’huile de ricin, celle-ci pressée à froid conserve toutes ses propriétés et qualités.

Difficile de savoir à qui se vouer quand de plus en plus de marques se revendiquent biologiques, dans une cacophonie de labels.

Le doute émerge alors dans nos esprits sur les vrais engagements et sur la sincérité de la démarche des entreprises qui se cachent derrière de belles paroles.

Alors si on démêlait le vrai du faux pour vous permettre de choisir en toute conscience ce que vous appliquez sur votre peau ?

De quoi se compose une crème certifiée bio ?

• Une crème certifiée bio contient au minimum 95% d’ingrédients d’origine naturelle :

Parmi ces 95% d’ingrédients naturels, le label bio français exige 20% d’ingrédients bio dans les crèmes, c’est-à-dire des ingrédients cultivés sans engrais chimiques ni pesticides.

• 20% minimum d’ingrédients bio au total :

Si cela vous paraît peu c’est parce qu’une crème est composée en grande partie d’eau (à 60 à 80% en général), qui, bien que naturelle, n’est pas issue du végétal et ne peut donc pas être certifiée bio.

Car si l’on recalcule ce taux sans l’eau, on atteint au minimum 95% de bio ! Les 5% restants sont des ingrédients de synthèse, principalement des conservateurs.