As we age and spend more time in the sun (especially after these glorious summer days), pigmentation naturally creeps up on us. Having recently turned 40, it’s something that I have noticed comes easier to me if I’m not careful and has made me more conscious to reduce and prevent it.
In my experience, there are 3 key steps to tackling pigmentation naturally. Here’s how:
Cleansing helps in 2 ways. Firstly, it helps to gently exfoliate the skin, removing the top layer of skin cells, which in turn encourages the skin to produce new skin cells. Secondly, and this is specific to our Refining Cleanser, it helps to reduce melanin production (the dark pigments in skin that cause pigmentation). This is because our Refining Cleanser contains Bearberry, a botanical that has been shown to inhibit the enzymes needed to produce melanin.
How often should I cleanse?
Cleansing should take place daily. When using the Refining Cleanser, this is best used in combination with a face cloth such as our Organic Bamboo Face Cloth as this further assists the exfoliation process.
What about the 2 in 1 Face Exfoliant + Mask?
This product is fabulous for serious exfoliation and should be used 2-3 times weekly, with particular attention paid to areas of pigmentation.
After cleansing and exfoliating, the next products that hit your skin need to help further reduce melanin production and promote skin cell turnover.
Firstly, spritz with our Ultimate Biome Spritz. This product is packed with vitamin C which has been shown to inhibit melanin production. It also contains ingredients which encourage a healthy microbiome, overall skin health and protect against environmental pollutants.
After spritzing, we recommend applying a few drops of our Repair Face Serum. This beautiful product contains ingredients which have been shown to reduce pigmentation and increase skin cell turnover.
How often should I use these products?
Both the Ultimate Biome Spritz and Repair Face Serum should be applied every morning and evening.
After going to all these efforts to reduce your pigmentation, the next step is to protect your skin and prevent any further damage. In order to do this, you need to apply a product containing SPF as the sun is the most common cause of skin darkening.
I use our Protect + Clarify Daily Face Lotion as it’s a beautiful light weight lotion which protects my skin from the sun, as well as containing ingredients which fight pigmentation.
Our Protect + Clarify Daily Face Lotion contains SPF15 which blocks 93% of UVB rays. This is enough if you are only spending periodic periods in the sun (I spend most of my days in the office and am only out in the sun for maximum 30 minutes per day). When spending longer periods, it’s best to choose an SPF30 or higher.
How often should I apply this product?
Protect + Clarify Daily Face Lotion should be applied every morning.
So just to re-cap, the 5 products I use to tackle pigmentation are:
Using these products should help to reduce any areas of pigmentation and prevent it from reoccurring again.
Got further queries? Please feel free to email me bridget@clemenceorganics.com
I auditioned for a Clearasil ad when I was around 11 (don’t worry, the irony isn’t lost on me). I remember preparing for the audition, making sure my skin was clean and obsessing over a tiny spot or 2 on my face. I couldn’t decide if they wanted someone with pimples and I should leave them, or if I should cover them up?
I didn’t get it in the end. Either I wasn’t a very good actor, or I wasn’t quite what they were looking for. Why am I telling this story? I feel like it was the beginning of my obsession with my skin.
I had acne quite badly when I was a teenager. I used all the toxic stuff that ‘guaranteed’ clear skin. After years of poisoning myself with chemicals, my hormones settled, and my skin calmed down. What I was left with was scars and plenty of them. My fault entirely – I was a picker, not a leaver. I just didn’t think they would leave such a legacy on my face for years to come.
As a teenager, I was also very aware of the scars on my body. I acquired a large keloid scar right in the centre of my chest when I was around 10 and when I became a teenager it became a major focal point in my life. I felt it was ugly and made me look ugly. I did everything I could to try to hide it. I would choose clothing so that it could be covered. And if I couldn’t cover it with clothing, I became very good at making or adjusting necklaces so that they would cover it.
Now that I’m almost 40, and after years of applying my Repair Face Serum, that scar has pretty much flattened and disappeared. I have another on my shoulder, more recently acquired at university, but I don’t really care too much about it. Growing older, having children, becoming more worldly-wise, has made me realise that people don’t care about scars. It doesn’t make me ugly. It’s just a part of my story.
I’ve been reflecting on my reflection lately. It’s funny, having a skincare brand, there is some internal dialogue telling me that my skin should be perfect. But is that really true? I have been told over the years that I have lovely skin and that is no surprise given the skincare I create and promote. But sometimes I look at my face in the mirror and all I see are the faults – acne scars, faint pigmentation from years of careless sun exposure and the beginning of deep lines. Why do we do that to ourselves?
Ultimately, I’m happy with my skin. It really is the best it’s ever been in my life – pimple free, acne scars and pigmentation fading, and overall glowing skin. It will never be perfect, and I certainly will never succumb to cosmetic procedures to make it so. It’s healthy, it will age well, and that’s really all that I want.
When I reflect back on that Clearasil commercial, perhaps what I should have learnt was that confidence is key. My products give me confidence that what I’m putting on my skin is not only going to make my skin as healthy as it can be, but it’s not going to do any harm to my body or the environment. This makes me feel good, and I hope it makes others feel good too.
I have always tried to live a low-tox life but it became paramount for me when I decided I wanted to become a parent. Falling pregnant was not a piece of cake for my husband and I, and we ended up in an IVF clinic after several years of trying to conceive naturally.
As a naturopath, I found this very difficult to stomach as I believed that I could solve our fertility issues with my education and experience. Turns out, medical science is the only solution in some situations.
What I could control was the health of my body and so I took it upon myself to ensure I was doing everything I could to provide a healthy ‘vessel’ for the growth of our unborn child. I read all the research on environmental toxins and fertility, and cleaned up my act.
Whilst I’m certainly not the ‘guru’ when it comes to living a low-tox life (I’ll leave that to Alexx Stuart), here are some of the changes I made in my life 10 years ago and live by today.
Obviously, this is quite an extensive list of recommendations and I wouldn’t expect anyone to put them into place right away. I think that by becoming aware of where toxins can come from in your home is a great start to living a low-tox life – better for your health and the health of the planet too.
As always, I’m here for any questions you might have so please feel free to email me.
Best of health to you,
There’s a reason why I only have a single line of products in the Clémence Organics range. It’s because I don’t believe in skin types. I know it’s a bold statement but hear me out.
The skin types you hear most often are normal, dry, oily, mature, combination, and sensitive. But who only has one skin type? And what is normal?
I know my skin varies according to the season, what I’m eating, the climate I’m in, my current stress levels, and what I’m using on my skin. For example, in summer I would say that my skin is oily. In winter it’s dry. It’s always sensitive and given that I’m getting close to 40 I would say it’s verging on mature. How do I label that?
The truth of the matter is, your skin is never one skin type but rather a living, breathing, changeable organ, and you should treat it as such. By adapting your diet and skincare, you can keep your skin happy, no matter the season.
Currently I’m using the full regime of Clémence products (otherwise known as the Ageless Beauty Collection) because I live in a dry climate and its mid-winter. Work has been busy lately (never mind school holidays) and so my stress levels are a little higher than usual. Because of this I know that the extra cortisol pumping through my bloodstream is sending the nutrients I’m eating to other organs, feeding my skin last. I’m also exercising less at the moment because most days I struggle to get out of bed early enough to fit in a run.
These factors combined cause my skin to beg for extra hydration, and so I give it all the Serum, Face Creme and Eye Creme it desires. I also Spritz my skin throughout the day to keep it moist, especially when I’m in the office with indoor heating. On top of this, I use the 2 in 1 Face Exfoliant + Mask every second day to nourish my skin and increase the turnover of skin cells.
During winter I try to feed my skin by adding extra fats to my diet including avocado, nuts and oily fish. And whilst I don’t drink as much water, I sip on herbal teas throughout the day, and try not to have too much caffeine as it dehydrates skin.
As the weather warms, I will slowly decrease the amount of Serum and Cream I apply, and replace some of the extra fats in my diet with ‘lighter’ nutrient-dense meals including soups and salads.
In summer I tend to use my Face Creme sparingly and will often apply the Spritz and Serum, or just the Protect + Clarify Daily Face Lotion during the day. This is because the warm summer weather naturally encourages my skin to produce more oils.
So what makes the Clémence range so adaptable and suitable for everyone? Well for starters it’s 100% natural and organic, with no chemicals or unnecessary ingredients, minimising the risk of a reaction. Ingredients are non-comedogenic which means our products won’t your block pores, reducing the formation of blackheads and acne. Perhaps more importantly the range is designed to balance your skin’s pH, microbiome and sebum levels, allowing your skin to reach a natural equilibrium. Our skin has an inherent ability to heal itself and so the products we put on it should support this process, not make it harder.
My advice, don’t label your skin. Listen to what it needs according to where you’re at, what you’re eating and how you’re feeling. Choose skincare products that support your skin. If you can adapt to give your skin what it needs right now, you may just find your ‘normal’.
Amongst the skin disorders, psoriasis is probably up there as one of the trickiest to treat. Whilst it can present similarly to atopic dermatitis (eczema), it requires a slightly different approach to treatment.
Although it can be caused by a multitude of factors, there are lots of ways to reduce psoriasis occurrence, and sometime eradicate it for good. Here is what I know about psoriasis and what you can do about it.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin disorder characterised by red and/or silvery scaly lesions that present most commonly near the scalp, elbows, knees and buttocks. In most people, epithelial (skin) cells take 28 days to divide and move to the surface, but in psoriasis this happens in only 4 days.
What causes Psoriasis & how do I treat it?
Basically, in psoriasis the skin cells are faulty, causing them to reproduce way too fast. This fault can be caused by either a genetic error (family history accounts for around 50% of cases), abnormal immune stimulation (psoriasis can be found in conjunction with autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and coeliac disease), or gastrointestinal dysfunction.
From a naturopathic perspective, the treatment of psoriasis focuses on reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of healthy skin.
Diet and Gastrointestinal health
Whilst a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet is key to reducing psoriasis, it is firstly important to ensure healthy gastrointestinal function. This means making sure you digest your food properly (e.g. sufficient digestive enzymes) and have healthy gut flora. You also want to avoid any foods to which you have demonstrated a sensitivity e.g. gluten.
Probiotics should be a regular component of your diet and can be added via foods (e.g. kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchee) or supplements. Not only does good gut flora improve the absorption of key nutrients necessary for healthy skin, but it also benefits the immune system and is anti-inflammatory.
As with many skin disorders, the Mediterranean diet is perfect because it is high in antioxidants, high in fibre, low in red meat, low in refined carbohydrates and doesn’t include processed foods. It’s also rich in those all-important, skin-loving omega 3s (e.g. avocado, olive oils, oily fish).
Exercise, Stress and other Lifestyle factors
Exercise is a must for psoriasis sufferers as it decreases the activity of the main immune cells responsible for its progression. It also reduces stress, which has strong links to psoriasis progression. In fact, one study reported that 39% of psoriasis patients reported a significant stressful event within 1 month of their first psoriasis episode. Mind and body therapies including meditation have been shown to improve psoriasis outcomes.
As with any skin-related disorder, you want to minimise chemical and irritant exposure. This includes minimising exposure to paints, perfumes, aerosols (e.g. hairspray, deodorant), and household cleaning fluids (laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, surface spray etc.). All can be replaced with natural, low-allergen options.
Last but not least, you want to choose skincare that is going to reduce inflammation and improve the health of the skin. One of the botanicals that has been shown to be effective for psoriasis treatment is Aloe vera. This is what makes our Ultimate Hand + Body Lotion so well-suited. Aloe vera is the first and largest ingredient in this lotion, followed by rosehip oil and other anti-inflammatory skin superstars. Seriously, there is no water or fillers in this luscious body lotion, making it a standout when it comes to restoring skin health.
As always, I’m here to help, so please feel free to reach out if you have any specific queries.
Best of health to you,
Please note, this blog post contains general naturopathic recommendations. Individual cases may require specific treatment measures so please seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
The quality of your skin varies according to the season, what you’re eating, the climate you’re in, your current stress levels, and what you’re using on your skin.
Your skin is never one skin type but rather a living, breathing, changeable organ, and you should treat it as such. By adapting your diet and skincare, you can keep your skin happy, no matter the season.
For example, in Australia we’re in late autumn (almost winter) which means the weather is cool and dry. So, I’ve adapted my skincare routine, some habits and my diet, to keep my skin healthy.
Here are my top tips for keeping your skin happy this winter:
Currently I’m using the full range of Clémence products because I live in a dry climate and it’s getting pretty cold already. Work has been busy lately (plus we’ve been home schooling the kids on and off for the past few weeks) and so my stress levels are a little higher than usual.
Because of this I know that the extra cortisol pumping through my bloodstream is sending the nutrients I’m eating to other organs, feeding my skin last. I’m also exercising less at the moment because most days I struggle to get out of bed early enough to fit in a run.
These factors combined cause my skin to beg for extra hydration, and so I give it all the Serum, Lotion and Crèmeit desires. This means that I’m ALWAYS doubling up e.g. in the morning I’ll apply Serum and then my Protect + Clarify, and then in the evening I’ll apply Serum and then Ultimate Face Crème. (This compares to summer where I’ll only do Serum OR Lotion/Crème.)
You may have read my recent blog post on ‘How to cleanse your skin’ and so I won’t go into too much detail. Basically, the more you cleanse, the more natural oils you strip from your skin. To keep skin happy, keep cleansing to a once-a-day affair only.
Choose the time of day when your skin is at its dirtiest, most commonly the evening, to use our Refining Cleanser. When you’re not cleansing, you can simply splash your face with cool or warm water or use a moistened face cloth.
Because I’m moving less, my skin cell turnover is slowed, which means there is a greater build-up of dead skin cells, leading to more dry spots. To combat this I’m using the 2 in 1 Face Exfoliant + Mask every second day to nourish my skin and increase the turnover of skin cells. This keeps my skin smooth and glowing.
Using a Toner (either our Tone + Hydrate Spritz or Ultimate Biome Spritz) after cleansing keeps your skin’s biome happy (which means less redness and breakouts), and adds extra moisture.
Applying your Repair Face Serum and/or Ultimate Face Crème/Protect + Clarify directly after toning not only allows it to go on more smoothly (which also means you use less), but it seals this moisture into the skin.
During winter I try to feed my skin by adding extra fats to my diet including olive oil, avocado, nuts and oily fish (e.g. salmon).
And whilst I don’t drink as much water due to the colder weather, I sip on herbal teas throughout the day, and try not to have too much caffeine as it dehydrates skin.
My advice is to listen to what your skin needs according to where you’re at, what you’re eating and how you’re feeling. Choose skincare products that support your skin, rather than aggravate it. Remember, your skin has an inherent ability to heal itself and so the products you put on it should support this process, not make it harder.
If you can adapt to give your skin what it needs right now, you’ll find yourself with happy, healthy skin all winter long.
As a Naturopath I have treated many skin conditions over the years but some of them you see more than others. Eczema and dermatitis are most definitely my number one. And as the weather is cooling, now is the time when flare ups most commonly occur.
Although it can be caused by a multitude of factors, there are lots of ways to reduce eczema occurrence, and sometime eradicate it for good. Here is what I know about eczema and what you can do about it.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions out there and it’s not selective. Also known as atopic dermatitis, it most commonly appears in early childhood and presents as a red, itchy rash, that may also weep and form dry crusts over time.
You’ll find it most commonly on the backs of knees, elbows, and arms, but it can be located almost anywhere on the body.
What causes Eczema & how do I treat it?
Eczema is most commonly caused by an allergen (or allergens) that the body is responding. It could be allergens that are being consumed e.g. foods and other substances, and/or external allergens e.g. chemicals, detergents and metals.
There are very often other factors that exacerbate eczema, including stress and gut health, and so it’s important to assess the whole picture – both internal and external factors. Let’s take a look.
Food allergens & gut health
One of the most common irritants for eczema is food. This is why one of the first things that should be investigated is food allergens. Most commonly these include cow’s milk, gluten, soy, eggs, nuts and fish.
The quickest way to determine if you have any of the common food allergens is to see a health practitioner who can perform a skin prick test. They may then refer you for further testing.
In terms of general diets beneficial for eczema, you want to look for those providing anti-inflammatory properties. The Mediterranean diet is perfect because it is high in antioxidants and has a low glycaemic index. It’s also rich in whole grains, low in refined sugar, and contains those all-important, skin-loving omega 3s (e.g. avocado, olive oils, fatty fish).
Want to supplement? Specific nutrients shown to reduce eczema incidence include essential fatty acids (omega 3s, evening primrose oil), vitamin D and zinc.
Having a healthy gastrointestinal system is also key to reducing eczema symptoms. This includes having the right balance of healthy gut flora and reducing intestinal permeability.
Probiotics should be a regular component of your diet and can be added via foods (e.g. kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchee) or supplements. Not only does good gut flora improve the absorption of key nutrients necessary for healthy skin, but it also benefits the immune system and is anti-inflammatory.
Stress & lifestyle choices
Stress can aggravate eczema because it increases production of the key stress hormone, cortisol. Cortisol has an inflammatory effect on skin and can contribute to flare-ups.
To reduce stress, use daily stress management practices e.g. yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises. Gentle exercise and a good night’s sleep also help regulate cortisol levels.
The climate and temperatures you expose your skin to can also cause eczema to flare up. Where possible, avoid excessive climatic extremes – too much heat, too cool, high winds, and high humidity. Keep baths and showers to a moderate temperature, as well as your home heating and cooling systems.
It’s also important to think about what you put on your skin. Firstly, choose clothing that is naturally breathable (cotton, bamboo) and does not cling tightly to skin. Bedding, towels and clothing should be washed with a natural, low-allergic laundry detergent. Also consider replacing your household cleaning fluids (dishwashing detergent, surface spray etc.) with a natural, low-allergen option.
Last but certainly not least, it’s important to think about the products you put on your skin. I have formulated products in the Clémence Organics range to help alleviate common skin conditions including eczema.
To make it easier to find which products are best suited for your skin type, you will see a ‘Shop by Skin Condition‘ tab on the top bar of our website which will take you directly to products best suited for eczema.
If I had to recommend a product (or two), it would be our Baby + Mum Balm and our Ultimate SOS Balm. These multi award-winning balms have helped ease many eczema cases, particularly in children. Grateful parents have provided us with some wonderful reviews which you can read on the product page. The ‘grown-up’ version of this balm, Ultimate SOS Balm, has also worked wonders on adult eczema (including Mia Freedman of Mamamia fame most recently).
As always, I’m here to help, so please feel free to reach out if you have any specific queries.
Best of health to you,
I recently had the privilege of travelling to the USA with a group of other Australian certified organic businesses, to learn about the US organic market. This trip included time with major stores, co-operatives, producers, growers and restaurants from the California region.
It was a whirlwind 5 days (and to be honest, a bit messy with the coronavirus situation, albeit early days) but incredibly enlightening. Here are some highlights of the trip, what I learnt and how I want this to impact on Clémence Organics.
Whole Foods
We started off the trip with the big kahuna – Whole Foods. If you don’t know, Whole Foods is the largest natural and organic supermarket in the USA (and probably the world) with around 500 stores.
We met with Randy Ducummon, Vice President of the Northern California and Reno region, an extremely passionate guy who had worked his way up from the shop floor to the boardroom. He clearly loved what he did and his enthusiasm for his business was infectious.
Probably the most interesting thing I learnt was how they had transitioned from being a bricks and mortar grocer to an online organic superstar (quite clearly moreso after the acquisition by Amazon). They had increased their online capabilities to the point where there was nothing they couldn’t ship and in record time. These systems are priceless, especially in times of self-isolation, allowing customers unlimited access to healthy products.
Good Earth
Mark Squire radiated a similar enthusiasm for organics, only he’s been in the industry for 50 years! One of the owners of Good Earth, a large organic supermarket with 2 stores in the San Francisco region, Mark is a big deal in the business.
We sat there entranced as Mark spoke of how Good Earth began and how they hold true to their original tenets of sharing healthy organic food with their community. After so many years, his belief in the power of organics and the role they played in returning our planet to good health was undiminished.
Mark took great pride in educating customers on the produce he purchased, including which farm it came from and how many miles from the store that was. How I would love to be able to do this with the ingredients I purchase. Definitely something to aspire to!
Earl’s Organic Produce
Probably the most passionate person I met on this trip was Earl from Earl’s Organic Produce. This guy just oozed enthusiasm and love for his organic produce. His business worked 24/7 to ensure shops and restaurants had access to the best organic fruits and vegetables from across the country.
The dedication and enthusiasm Earl displayed for this produce, his people (I LOVED that he would stop himself and say hi to anyone who passed us during the hour of our time together) and ultimately his business, made me want to buy his goods.
Similarly, the team at Good Eggs, Miyoko’s Creamery, Coke Farms and Rainbow Grocery, all spoke about their businesses with such vision. They clearly felt that the organic industry had so much room to grow and so much to offer, and they wanted to be a big part of that growth.
California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF)
This all came to a point when we met with the team from California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). A non-profit organisation, CCOF serves organic producers throughout North America by providing services, advocacy and educational programs. Their CEO, Kelly Damewood (pictured centre below), spoke so confidently about the future of the industry and clearly loved being a part of a growing movement towards health and sustainability.
One thing I really loved was that the team members we met with from CCOF were all young women, including the CEO herself. It was inspiring to see that it is the youth of California that are standing up and supporting its future.
Reflections and looking to the future
On the whole, the main take-home from the trip was that organics are viewed differently in the USA than they are in Australia.
Over there, organics are a large part of the fresh produce and personal product sector, and stores can sell 100% certified organic products and be profitable. The health benefits, not only for the consumer, but also for the earth, are a no brainer, and it’s gradually becoming an everyday part of US households.
Given the current health crisis, I can’t help but feel that now more than ever its time that organics was taken seriously the world over, and nowhere more so than here in Australia.
You see, certified organic is all about health – better nutrition and reduced exposure to chemicals (pesticides, herbicides etc). As a naturopath, my focus is and has always been on health. My products don’t just make your skin look good, they make it healthy. They also keep your body healthy (by not exposing it to unnecessary chemicals) and the planet healthy (by not supporting the commercial growth of non-organic botanicals). In my mind, especially with my family history of cancer, there is simply no other way.
The other main take-home from this trip is that it’s the people behind the brands, behind the companies, that make them special. Their love and passion for their organic products make me want to support them, buy their products, invest in their future.
Given that I’m the person behind my brand, I really want my passion for what I do and what I believe in to shine through. And so, I’m going to talk to you more. Share my passion for organics, for healthy skincare and for the future.
I want you to understand that I’m in this business because I truly love what my products represent and the changes they make in people’s lives, and ultimately, the planet.
So keep an eye on our social media, on our emails and on our website as I contribute more personal posts (and try to overcome my shyness for the camera – eek!) to put my passion out there more.
Best of health to you,
As the world grapples with the unfolding of one of the toughest challenges we’ve faced for almost a century, our individual stress levels are understandably rising with each passing day. It’s difficult to maintain focus and keep to ‘new normal’ everyday routines and activities when so much is happening to so many.
So we do what we can. For us here at Clémence Organics, that’s helping you look after yourself and your skin.
If you’ve found your skin isn’t behaving in its usual way lately, perhaps it’s reacting to products or foods that are normally fine or you’re breaking out more than normal, elevated stress levels are likely to be the culprit.
Your skin is the largest organ of your body and provides critical barrier and immune functions. What’s going on inside your body is, more often than not, reflected in your skin.
Repeated or prolonged stress suppresses your skin’s immune function, which increases inflammation, allergic response, susceptibility to infection, and reactivity to new stimuli. A spike in the stress hormone cortisol adds to the inflammatory response, making your skin work even harder.
This is why, if you have an underlying skin condition, stress is probably going to make it flare up. To add to that, it can also make even usually well-behaved skin hyper-sensitive.
So stress directly affects the health of your skin from the inside.
But it also disrupts our good habits. We stop taking the best care of ourselves and our skin loses out. Poor sleep, skipping steps of our skincare routine, eating sugary, processed food and drinking less water all contribute to depleted skin health.
So, how does all this play out for your complexion?
Cortisol is a power player that wreaks havoc on your skin. Not only does it increase inflammation, but it also breaks down collagen and thins your skin.
Prolonged periods of stress and sustained cortisol levels don’t give your skin the break it needs to repair and rebuild.
During times like this you can support your skin with products that contain potent anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as our Repair Face Serum. This luxurious serum uses Organic Rosehip Oil for powerful anti-ageing and to promote skin elasticity, and beautiful Calendula to soothe inflammation.
For added benefit, try rolling it into the skin with a Jade roller to reduce puffiness, and to soften and relax tight facial muscles.
If your skin is prone to sensitivity, rosacea or eczema you undoubtedly already know how much stress can affect a complexion. Once again, cortisol and its immune-suppressing effects are to blame for the heightened inflammatory response and ensuing flare-ups that occur during times of stress.
When your skin is suffering flare-ups or hypersensitivity the best way to adapt your skincare routine is to bring it right back to basics.
Remove any products that might cause irritation or sensitivity and use simple yet powerful ingredients such as Calendula, Rose Otto and Biofermented hyaluronic acid to increase hydration, ease inflammation and soothe hypersensitivity.
Our Ultimate Face Crème incorporates these divine ingredients and has gathered a loyal following for its skin-soothing effects.
Possibly the most common side effect of stress, acne and breakouts occur when the skin starts overproducing oil. Stress can be a catalyst for this as it disrupts our delicate hormonal balance and signals the skin to start producing excess oil.
Your first thought may be to start scrubbing it away with strong cleansers, but hold that thought! Over-cleansing and stripping your natural oils only makes your skin work harder to replace the lost oil.
We highly recommend cleansing only once per day with our Refining Cleanser and then toning with our Ultimate Biome Spritz which gently balances pH levels, tightens pores without drying and strengthens your skin’s natural barrier to reduce infection and inflammation.
Stress and sleep….well, there’s a huge topic. But we all know the feeling of tossing and turning as our thoughts run away with all those hours we should be using to recharge. And, of course, lack of sleep leads to the inevitable, tell-tale dark circles.
Turning off screens in the hours preceding bed-time, meditation, essential oils – all these activities will help optimise your chance of some rejuvenating rest.
If you need some extra help to combat dark circles and puffy eyes, our Lime Caviar Eye Crème is formulated with brightening and skin-tightening vitamin c. Rosehip oil and Biofermented Hyaluronic Acid work to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to give your peepers the lift they need during trying times.
When overwhelm gets the better of your skin, the best thing you can do is go back to basics.
Skin that’s feeling hypersensitive will benefit from a simple routine that doesn’t put too much pressure on it.
All Clémence Organics products are gentle and made with 100% natural, certified organic ingredients and nothing synthetic.
If you are using any skincare that has excess fragrances, dyes or colours, now is the time to have a break from them as they can irritate stressed-out skin.
Make sure your routine is simple and brings you a little joy. Cleanse, tone, serum and moisturiser should give your skin the break it needs while not demanding too much of you either.
As always, we highly recommend only cleansing once per day, as over-cleansing can strip your skin’s natural protective barrier and leave it exposed. Choose morning or evening, whichever suits your lifestyle, and simply splash your face with warm water before toning at the other end of the day.
Wishing you and your loved ones the best of health,
Bridget x
Given the current health crisis the world over, I thought it was a good time to talk all things immune system health. As a naturopath, I’m always looking at natural ways to boost my immune system, whether it be through my diet, herbs or lifestyle choices.
Now more than ever, we need to feed our bodies the best nutrients to ensure our immune system stays in top condition. Here are my go-to’s for keeping my immune system healthy.
Green tea
Green tea has been shown to be beneficial for immune health because of its high polyphenol content. These natural antioxidants help to protect the body against bacteria and viruses by inhibiting replication and therefore inhibiting development of these nasty bugs.
How to: Add a cup or 2 to your daily routine but avoid having it in the evening – green tea can contain almost as much caffeine as black tea.
Top tip: Many people find green tea quite bitter but it doesn’t have to be. To avoid bitterness, don’t let it steep longer than a minute and choose quality tea leaves. My personal favourite is Japanese sencha.
Ginger, turmeric and garlic
There are many beneficial herbs and spices for immunity but these 3 are my top picks. They have all been shown to have significant antibacterial and antiviral properties, as well as having other health benefits.
How to: ginger and turmeric are delicious in hot water as a tea (simply slice or grate into a cup and then pour over hot water), and all 3 can be added to soups and curries for amazing flavour.
Top tip: the best effects are seen in the fresh versions of these spices so try to buy raw ingredients whenever possible. I sometimes crush a fresh clove of garlic in my meal just before eating for maximum effect – just avoid doing this before meetings or hot dates!
Oranges, lemons and other citrus
Citrus fruits are obviously packed full of vitamin C and bioflavonoids which are essential for immune health, but they also hold other benefits. Their peels contain essential oils which have been shown to have antibacterial and antiviral effects.
How to: peel 2 or 3 fresh strips of their skins into a glass, cover with the freshly squeezed juice of these refreshing fruits and then drink. When peeling and juicing the stronger citrus fruits (lemon and lime), you may like to add them to cold or warm water to decrease the acidity and make them more palatable. You can also add fresh strips of peel to your water glass or bottle for great flavour and added benefits.
Top tip: its best to choose organic when using the peels of these fruits to avoid the waxes and chemicals found on conventionally grown citrus.
Manuka honey
Not all honeys are built equally, and manuka is certainly a standout. Scientists have heavily researched this sweet beauty, finding it has potent antimicrobial benefits. Similar to green tea, manuka honey prevents replication, stopping colds and flus in their tracks.
How to: simply scoop and serve. As it contains natural sugars, limit it to no more than 3 teaspoons daily.
Top tip: Manuka honey is graded according to its potency – the higher the number, the higher the potency. You definitely get what you pay for!
Other immunity do’s and don’ts
• DO ensure you’re eating nutrient dense meals – you are what you eat and so make sure you’re only putting in the good stuff. My favourites are fresh smoothies, salads, soups and curries.
• DON’T consume alcohol or refined sugar – these guys have the opposite effect on your immune system (they depress it) and so are definitely off my list when I need to look after my health.
• DO stock up on Echinacea – when I really feel like I’m fighting something off, I’ll take this potent herbal immune booster in both tablet and herbal liquid extract form. Seriously good stuff!
Hope you find this helpful!
It’s cast in movies as one of the great battles of our teenage years. However, many adults can attest to the fact that acne is definitely not confined to that tumultuous time.
Adult acne can occur at any stage of life and its appearance is just as unwelcome as it was in our teens. So, why does it occur and what can be done to banish the breakouts?
If you’ve ever experienced acne you’re likely well aware that it’s not always easy to pin down what’s causing it. Its progression can be affected by a multitude of factors ranging from sebum production to genetics.
Yes, it’s that broad.
There are four factors that have a direct effect on the appearance of acne, and it’s these that your skincare regime can address head-on. These nefarious players are:
With the right approach and some power-packed organic ingredients, your skincare regime can effectively tackle each of these issues.
The problem is, many of us are doing it wrong.
Honestly, your skincare regime could be failing you in a few key areas. This is mainly because, when you consider what’s causing the acne, they seem like the right thing to do.
The obvious place to start is with cleansing. It’s very tempting, logical even, to simply try and wash away the extra oil and bacteria. But using strong, foaming cleansers can strip away your skins’ protective barrier (otherwise known as the microbiome) and upset your natural sebum balance.
In response, your skin will start producing even more oil in order to right the balance. And then we are back at square one.
There is a similar problem with very astringent toners. They, too, strip the skin of its natural protective oils and healthy bacteria, leaving it irritated and open to overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
Thirdly, check your face cream. Keeping your skin soothed and nourished with a good moisturiser is imperative for skin health. If you are prone to, or already suffering acne, look for a non-comedogenic moisturiser that will adequately nourish your skin without blocking your pores.
We recommend a few key products when it comes to fighting adult acne.
Our Refining Cleanser is a natural cream cleanser that will give your skin a deep clean without stripping it or upsetting the protective barrier. If you’ve been over-cleansing with a foaming cleanser it will take a week or so for your skin to adjust and slow down the extra oil and sebum production.
Our two toners will help to balance your skins’ pH levels and reduce any inflammation. Our Tone + Hydrate Spritz will gently astringe the skin, rehydrate and soothe redness. Its’ antiseptic properties will also assist your skin heal and prevent further infection.
The Ultimate Biome Spritz contains the beautiful Kakadu Plum and Green Tea to protect your skin against environmental pollutants. Probiotics improve the microbiome of the skin and strengthen your natural protective barrier.
Repair Face Serum is a non-comedogenic face oil that soothes the skin and assists repair. Two of its star ingredients are Rosehip Oil, to deeply nourish and increase skin elasticity, and Calendula, to soothe inflammation and promote wound healing.
Diet and lifestyle play a critical part in addressing adult acne. These two factors have a huge effect on contributing factors to acne such as hormonal fluctuations, stress, and even underlying systemic illness.
A healthy diet and regular exercise will start to combat the indirect causes of adult acne. Download our Naturopathic Treatment Plan for Acne for our top tips to get started on a healthy, acne-defying way of life.
Bridget x
The Clémence Organics skincare range is super adaptable and should be made to suit your skin, your climate and your age. Here are our top tips to make it work best for you.
1. You don’t always need to cleanse morning and night.
Excessively washing the skin can add to skin problems and so it’s best to limit to once a day where possible.
Choose the time of day that suits you best – morning might be your thing if you get out and exercise, evening might be your time if you wear make-up.
2. When you’re not cleansing, you can simply splash your face with cool or warm water.
Follow this with a spritz of either of our toners. If you have both Clémence Organics toners we recommend the Ultimate Biome Spritz in the morning to protect against the day and the Tone + Hydrate Spritz for nourishing your skin in the evenings.
After toning, moisturise with our Repair Face Serum, Protect + Clarify Daily Face Lotion or Ultimate Face Crème.
3. Don’t over nourish.
Our Repair Face Serum, Protect + Clarify Daily Face Lotion and Ultimate Face Crème are all potent moisturisers.
So if your skin isn’t dry or its 40 degrees outside, don’t apply more than 1 product.
You might like to switch them around and use them alternative days or use 1 morning and the other of an evening.
4. Our products are potent – less is most definitely more.
You might think that slathering your skin in our beauties is best but don’t overdo it.
We don’t use water or other fillers to ‘pad’ our products so you really just need a little at a time.
(See image below for example amounts of our Refining Cleanser, 2 in 1 Face Exfoliant + Mask, Repair Face Serum and Ultimate Face Crème – clockwise from top).
Have any skincare queries? We’re here to help! Please email us sales@clemenceorganics.com and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
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