Category: Skincare

Do Seed Oils Offer Sun Protection?

Did you know that tropical trees contain natural compounds that protect the skin from the sun’s damaging rays? Oils extracted from tropical fruits like Coconut and Shea Butter are effective in shielding the skin from harmful UV rays while allowing Vitamin D to form in the lower layers of the skin. This natural process ensures that the skin is adequately protected from the sun’s harmful effects while also enabling the beneficial effects of sunlight to penetrate the skin.

While Coconut oil and Shea Butter are excellent natural ingredients for protecting the skin from the sun, oils extracted from exotic African plants like Marula, Moringa, Baobab, and Kalahari Melon also offer similar benefits. These oils are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients that can help nourish and protect the skin from the damaging effects of the sun’s rays.

Marula oil, for example, contains high levels of antioxidants and fatty acids that can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while Moringa oil is rich in Vitamin E, which can help protect the skin from environmental stressors like UV rays. Baobab oil is also rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective ingredient for soothing and nourishing sun-damaged skin. Kalahari Melon oil, on the other hand, is rich in essential fatty acids that can help repair and protect the skin’s natural barrier.

By incorporating these exotic African oils into our formulations, we offer you a skincare routine that can help protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. While commercial sunscreens and mineral oils contain harmful chemicals that can cause damage to the skin when exposed to solar radiation, natural ingredients like these oils offer a safe and effective alternative.

It’s important to remember that sunlight offers numerous benefits for our bodies, and we need regular exposure to it.

However, we must avoid sunburn, which can cause radioactive damage that is toxic to the skin (1). Sun-protective foods, natural supplements like our Resveratrol rich Vitality Skin Supplement, and a proper skincare routine can help shield the skin from sunburn while still allowing beneficial sunlight to penetrate the skin.

In conclusion, natural compounds found in tropical fruits and trees, as well as exotic African oils, can offer effective sun protection without the use of harmful chemicals. By incorporating Fontis Organic Skinfood into your skincare routine and adopting a sun-protective diet and supplement regimen, you can enjoy the benefits of sunlight while safeguarding our skin from harmful UV rays.

And Why is Vitamin D Important to Me?

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in our overall health. One of its most important functions is regulating and shaping the immune system. In fact, Vitamin D acts as a parent to the immune system, guiding and controlling its responses to keep us healthy. Regular sun exposure triggers our skin to produce Vitamin D, which activates a powerful immune army (2) within our body to protect us against infections, diseases, and other harmful pathogens. Furthermore, a 10-year study found that regular sun exposure (without burning) can reduce cancer risk by up to 75%. (3)

Vitamin D also plays a crucial role in the body’s absorption and use of calcium, which is necessary for strong bones and teeth. Without sufficient Vitamin D, our bodies cannot absorb the calcium we need to build and maintain healthy bones, leading to conditions such as rickets in children and osteoporosis in adults. To ensure optimal levels of Vitamin D, it is recommended to get regular, moderate sun exposure (without burning), consume foods rich in Vitamin D, such as fatty fish and fortified dairy products, and consider taking Vitamin D supplements if necessary.

Despite its importance, many people are deficient in Vitamin D due to a lack of sunlight exposure or insufficient dietary intake, especially those living in areas with limited sunlight or who spend most of their time indoors. However, Vitamin D has been linked to a variety of other health benefits, including the prevention of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

To sum up, Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that plays a vital role in our immune system, bone health, and overall well-being. It is important to monitor our Vitamin D levels and take steps to ensure we are getting enough of this vital nutrient. This may include spending time in the sun (without getting burned), consuming Vitamin D-fortified foods, or taking supplements as recommended by a healthcare professional.

Vitamin D Deficiency & Illness

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with a wide range of acute and chronic illnesses, including preeclampsia, childhood dental caries, periodontitis, autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disease, deadly cancers, type 2 diabetes, and neurological disorders (4). In addition, a lack of Vitamin D can also lead to other health issues such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, depression, insomnia, arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, psoriasis, fibromyalgia, autism, and weight gain.

Sun rays are absorbed by a skin without sunblock...

Yes, that is right. Sunblock does just that, it prevents the rays from coming through. Our skin produces the vitamin D needed when exposed to sunlight and natural oils aids in Vitamin D production and absorption, whilst protecting the skin from that oxidative damaged caused by the sun rays.

It seems that blocking out the sun is not the best plan, but protecting your skin is, whilst allowing some rays through.

Vitamin D & Your Skin

When it comes to Vitamin D, our skin plays a crucial role in its production and absorption. Sunlight is the most effective way for our bodies to produce Vitamin D, and when our skin is exposed to the sun’s rays, it naturally produces this essential nutrient. However, many people are concerned about the damaging effects of the sun on their skin and use sunblock to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

It is important to note that while sunblock does prevent the harmful UV rays from penetrating the skin, it also blocks the beneficial UVB rays that stimulate Vitamin D production. This is why it is recommended to expose your skin to sunlight without sunblock for short periods of time to allow for Vitamin D synthesis. Natural oils in the skin can also aid in the absorption of Vitamin D, while protecting the skin from oxidative damage caused by the sun’s rays.

It’s clear that blocking out the sun completely is not the best plan when it comes to Vitamin D production, but protecting your skin is essential. The key is to strike a balance between sun exposure and skin protection, allowing some rays to penetrate the skin to produce Vitamin D, while using appropriate measures such as sunblock, protective clothing, and seeking shade when necessary to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin damage and cancer.

See What Felicity Experienced!

Sources:

1. Vital tools to correct immune systems – Dr Peter Osborn

2. Mike Adams – Naturalnews.com

3. Ty Bollinger from thetruthaboutcancer.com

4. The vitamin D deficiency pandemic: Approaches for diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Holick MF., Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2017 Jun;18(2):153-165. doi: 10.1007/s11154-017-9424-1. Review. PMID:28516265

WebMD: Vitamin D Food

Information supplied is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease.

High Performance Botanical Ingredients

Sophisticated ingredients are more effective on your skin and there is nothing more sophisticated than nature!

What you put in or onto your body matters. So when it comes to ingredients that nature produces value is more valuable than price. Why? The better the quality the better will the results be for your skin and body.

Sometimes high value is not very expensive, however price is your criteria.

Natural ingredients must come from the area where they have been known to grow for centuries. Cheap ingredients in products may come from plants that where not mature when they were made and then you sit with an inferior quality ingredient.

Water plays a huge role. Today in the USA, for example, 75% of rainwater has toxins in that is not good for your wellbeing (1). Because of agricultural chemicals that is water soluble there are areas on the planet where you will not be able to get botanical ingredients without them. One of the best places ingredients can be sourced is wild natured and comes from native villages. This can be way better than natural ingredients from commercial farms.

Since 99% of the actives we use are organic (natural plant) materials we want to share the secret of their skin glowing effects on your skin.

The Secrets of Nature

The rainfall, soil conditions, wind and sun affects the final product.  This means that active natural ingredients offer adaptability and resiliency which is great news for your skin. At Fontis Skinfood we believe the secret to lively skin lies in the 100’s of different compounds found in plant based materials. Your skin cannot become bored! Nature provides us with what we need to balance body and skin and it is seasonal by design.

Example

Let us use anti-biotics as an example. They are developed to inhibit specific activity, so a virus simply finds a way around the anti-biotic. That is why you hear about drug resistant viruses.

The way natural active ingredients defend your skin today is the result of the 100’s of different compounds in them. Let us look at Limonene (a compound found in Orange and Frankincense essential oil): it inhibits pathological cell growth, it interacts with the detox process; it is strongly anti-viral as it disrupts the membrane of the virus.

Botanical actives have life in them and it contributes to vitality and glowing skin!

 

Sources:

  1. Quoted from an interview with Dr Zach Bush – Triple board certified Physician and Endocrinologist
  2. Quoted Ron Teeguarden who has been involved with Herbology since 1971

Information supplied is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease.

Seven Reasons Your Skin Loves Omega 9

Skinfood Science Time

 

Seed oils contain many chemical compounds that are great for your skin. Did you know that 30% of your skin sebum is made up of Oleic Acid which is an Omega 9 fatty acid?

Below are seven ways Oleic Acid helps your skin.

 

Fontis Skinfood Tranquility Nectar and Exuberance Nectar are stuffed with Omega 9 goodness! Your skin will love you for adding it to your skincare routine!

Why wait any longer? Your skin needs the nourishment!

 

Information supplied is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease.

 

Does Fear Affect Your Skin?

For many years the medical industry thought that acne was caused by hormone imbalance and excessive oil produced by the skin. Now, the medical industry, made an interesting discovery: ‘acne is fear, anxiety and stress related to peer pressure (fear of man and fear of rejection)’.  Anxiety is one of the fastest growing disorders in America, which about 20 million people suffer from, is social anxiety. The root of social anxiety is the fear of man and what people think of you.

A meta study that was done in 2004 which involved 300 000 people showed that social support is the strongest predictor of survival.

Did you know that essential oils can assist with acne & fear related emotions?

I had a discussion with Jaco, our graphic designer, the other day and he mentioned how the beard oils he uses affects his mood. The one oil gives him a sense of confidence and the other is invigorating. Essential oils triggers an emotional response in your brain.

This is how it works:

Your limbic system has the job of storing emotional problems in specific parts of your body i.e. pancreas, kidneys etc. This system can be referred to as a library of unresolved problems. As you smell essential oils it can bring unresolved emotions to the surface so you can deal with them. It has been found that most diseases have an emotional root and there are various books (i.e. Switch on your brain by Dr Caroline Leaf and Changes that heal by Dr Henry Cloud) and  studies out there that points out the link between emotions and your health.

Relaxing Chamomile

Clear Thinking Sandalwood

Calming Lavender

How do essential oils assist?

According to a 2013 study it was found that Lavender, Roman Chamomile and Neroli reduced anxiety in ICU patients (1). Another, human, study found that the inhalation of Roman Chamomile leads to more calmness. This means it assists your body to enter into a more restful state (2).

The extensive therapeutic effects of Sandalwood can assist you with more clarity and calmness. Cedarwood has a soothing and calming effect on the body and helps to ease tight muscles.

When inhaled into the lungs the natural compounds in essential oils has a therapeutic effect on your body.

Two Ways of Inhaling Essential Oils

Direct Inhalation:

Open the essential oil bottle (or our Tranquility Nectar/Exuberance Skin & Beard Oil) and breathe in the aroma.

Place a drop of your favourite Fontis Skinfood Nectar or Oil on the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together, breathe in the aroma and then apply your skincare product to your face.

Diffuse essential oils in a room:

This can be relaxing and calming to the mind. Always keep in mind best practise when diffusing essential oils.

Are there more options?

Natural herbs like the adaptogenic herb Ashwangandha can soothe away anxiety symptoms by reducing the effects of stress on the body.

Also do not underestimate your body’s need for Magnesium as it reduces tension and helps to calm the nervous system.

What about my skin?

Support skin on the outside:

A very common reaction is to steer away from seed/skin oils when you suffer from problem skin. It is however the treatment with oils that will assist your skin in returning to normal! Do not dry out your skin, but give it the fatty acid food that it needs!

At Fontis Skinfood we keep in mind the effect of the various essential oils on your emotions in order to assist you with an improved lifestyle. Many of the oils above are found in our formulations. For us your skincare routine is more that just skinfood!

Support skin from the inside:

Also remember when there isn’t enough good bacteria in your body bad bacteria takes over so support your immune system. Some suggested supplements can include:

Probiotics: Supports skin health by fighting acne. Take 25 to 50 billion colony forming units (4).

Alternatively get your pro biotics from food!

Zinc: Supports skin health by balancing hormones.

Fontis Skinfood Vitality Skin Supplement: Anti-oxidant superfood supports skin by fighting oxidative stress.

 

Information supplied is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease.

Sources:

  1. Mossa, M., Howartha, R., Wilkinsona, L., Wesnesa, K. (2006, July 21). Expectancy and the aroma of Roman Chamomile influence mood and cognition in healthy volunteers. International Journal of Aromatherapy. retrieved from  http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0962456206000245
  2. Cho, M.Y., Min, E.S., Hur, M.H., Lee, M.S. (2013). Effects of Aromatherapy on the anxiety, vital signs and sleep quality of percutaneous coronary intervention patients in ICU. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine:eCam, 2013, 381381. Retrieved from http://doi.org/10.1155/2013/381381
  3. Healing begins with the sanctification of the heart, DR MK Strydom (2013). Dr. MK Strydom has some interesting views on skin disorders. According to her book, Healing begins with a sanctified heart, she points out that one of the causes of skin disorders are linked to fear of man.
  4. The Essential Oil Institute

Fragrances: Can They Be Bad For You?

Sense of Smell

I spoke to Isabel,  the other day about the smell of Fontis Tranquility Nectar. She uses it every night and absolutely loves the smell. She says her pillow even smells like that and she buries her face in it! Our discussion sparked this mini article about the Power of Smell!

We have always been told that humans do not really have a great sense of smell, but it seems that it is better than we think. When it comes to smell perception humans perform the same or better than primates as well as better than other mammals.(3) What comes through our noses are very important and we need to know how it affects our health.

Benefits

Perfumers knows that fragrances have an effect on your emotions and a concerted effort is made to evoke certain emotional responses from you when you smell a specific fragrance.

And it is wonderful as a fragrance can invigorate you, calm you down or inspire confidence and more. For example when you breathe in Roman Chamomile (the main essential oil in our Tranquility Collection) you experience it’s known abilities that helps your body to fight stress and promote relaxation.

Who doesn’t need that in the hustle and bustle of our lives? It has also been shown as a natural remedy for fighting anxiety.

Inhaling the aroma of Cedarwood (an ingredient in our Exuberance Mens Collection) can help one achieve focus, calmness and wisdom due to the extensive therapeutic benefits of the essential oil.

Concerns

Be aware as there is an increasing concern that (synthetic) fragrances has an affect on our health and can trigger asthma, migraines and allergies. They may even be hormone disrupters. Not only does synthetic fragrances affect your health, it can be bad for the environment as well.(1)

Synthetic fragrances may also trigger contact dermatitis and sensitise your skin.(2)

Research

A study conducted on hormone disrupting and asthma associated chemicals found the highest concentrations in fragranced products (eg. perfumes, air fresheners). (4)

Do not underestimate the power of your nose when it comes to your emotions and your health. A healthy body and emotions equals a healthy skin!

Life giving beauty is more than just skinfood! It’s a sensory experience affecting your emotions in a positive way too!



"Your products smell amazing"

Wandisiwe Nondlazi

Sources:

(1) Fragrance: emerging health and environmental concerns. Article by Betty Bridges first published 16 April 2012.

(2) Fragrances: Beneficial and Adverse Side Effects. Editors: Frosch, Peter J., Johansen; Jeanne D.; White, Ian R. (Eds)

(3) The Human Sense of Smell: Are we better than we think? Gordon M. Sheperd

(4) Environ Health Perspect. 2012 Jul;120(7):935-43. doi: 10.1289/ehp.1104052. Epub 2012 Mar 8.
Endocrine disruptors and asthma-associated chemicals in consumer products. Dodson RE1, Nishioka M, Standley LJ, Perovich LJ, Brody JG, Rudel RA.