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Australia’s only Naturopathically Formulated and Certified Organic Skincare
Australia’s only Naturopathically Formulated and Certified Organic Skincare
Our hormones are hugely powerful chemicals that surge through our system constantly. They all have different jobs and some dominate at certain times in our lives. But how do they affect our skin?
Over the next 3 weeks I’ll be taking a look at different life stages, what hormones are most active at these times, how they affect our skin and what skin issues thrive in these conditions.
(Yes that is me as a teenager!)
Our hormones gradually increase as we grow from infancy, through childhood. Once we hit puberty, which can occur any time after 10, our hormones take a big leap in production, particularly our growth hormones and sex hormones, which includes both oestrogen and androgens. Whilst oestrogen does play a role in keeping skin healthy, it’s the androgens that have a direct affect on the amount of sebum produced by our skin. An increase in androgen production can lead to excessive sebum production, known as seborrhoea, a common cause of acne. But it’s not just the androgens that cause acne. The makeup of our sebum plays a role here too.
What’s in our sebum?
This amazing lubricant, which acts to protect our skin, is made up of a mix of oils including essential fatty acids and cholesterol. Given the right balance, sebum transports antioxidants around our skin, provides anti-inflammatory benefits, and has a natural antibacterial quality which assists in the wound healing process.
The composition of it is affected by our diet, particularly the fatty acid component. Studies have shown that low levels of linoleic acid, an omega 6 fatty acid, have been found in people with acne. This information is particularly crucial given that linoleic acid cannot be made by our bodies and only obtained via our diet.
Diet, Hormones & Acne
Dietary choices can play a role in influencing our hormones and our skin in other ways. Dairy foods (particularly milk) and high GI foods (e.g. white bread, rice) have an effect on our insulin levels (particularly IGF-1) which further stimulates androgen production. Teenage years are often a time when food intake is mixed and haphazard, and so it doesn’t help that when the skin is most susceptible to dietary influences, diet is often at its least nutritious.
Stress
Puberty and teenage years are often very stressful times. Unfortunately this also affects our hormones and therefore our skin. The key stress hormone, cortisol, plays a role in our skin’s health in 2 ways. Firstly, it has a direct effect on sebum levels, increasing production when cortisol levels rise. Secondly, cortisol has a dampening effect on the immune system, which means that infections are more likely to take hold when you’re stressed.
Recommendations
Whilst hormones will be hormones, there are things you can do to minimise the impact on hormone fluctuations during puberty, and therefore minimise acne occurrence.
For further recommendations on acne, particularly adult acne, please refer to blog post ‘How Your Hormones Affect Your Skin’s Health – Part 2 The Menstrual Cycle & Hormone Irregularities‘.
As always, I’m here to help so please feel free to reach out if you have any queries.
I hope you find it helpful.
Since exhibiting at the Beauty Expo in Sydney a few weeks’ ago, I’ve been approached by many beauty salons using modern skin treatments (e.g. microdermabrasion, laser) wondering whether our products are suitable for simultaneous use. They most certainly are! In fact in most situations they will only improve on treatment results.
Whilst I have not partaken in these treatments myself (yet), I spent time talking to existing salon clients, as well as customers, family and friends, to hear their experiences and which products they found worked best with which treatment.
Here is a break-down on the 4 most common at-home and salon treatments going around (from least invasive to most) and which Clémence Organics products to combine for best effect.
What is it?
These are the rollers you’re seeing ALL over the internet at the moment. Generally made from either polished jade or quartz, they’re comprised of a broad crystal at one end (for large areas like your cheeks and forehead) and a small round crystal at the other (for tighter spots like under the nose and near the eyes).
What does it do?
By gently applying pressure, they can assist in draining fluid from the skin and increasing circulation. This can lead to improved skin tone, reduced puffiness and a boost in collagen production.
Which Clémence Organics products should I be using with this?
We highly recommend applying the Repair Face Serum before you start rolling. This will allow the roller to glide effortlessly across your skin, and the roller will increase the absorption and impact of the serum on the skin. Match made in heaven!
What is it?
These are the spiky version of crystal rollers! Basically, it’s a wand with a small head covered in tiny needles which you roll over your face.
What does it do?
The needles on the roller create small holes in your skin which allow skin care products quicker access into the deeper layers of your skin, and also stimulate skin renewal. This can benefit dry skin and anyone wanting to improve their complexion.
Which Clémence Organics products should I be using with this?
Dermal rolling should be done on clean, dry skin and so we would recommend first cleansing with our Refining Cleanser. After treatment, apply the Tone + Hydrate Spritz to calm any redness and follow with either Repair Face Serum or Ultimate Face Cream.
What is it?
This is basically a serious buff and polish for your skin. Although there are hundreds of different machines on the market, generally a small wand glides across your skin, exfoliating it with a type of crystal salt, and vacuuming up dead skin cells at the same time.
What does it do?
It’s serious exfoliation! Although multiple sessions are generally recommended to see results, microdermabrasion can help budge acne scars, pigmentation and fine lines.
Which Clémence Organics products should I be using with this?
The Clémence range is perfect for reducing inflammation post-treatment, and so we would recommend following with the Tone + Hydrate Spritz, Repair Face Serum and Ultimate Face Cream.
What is it?
Laser treatment involves using pulsating beams of light, set to different wavelengths, to address specific skin concerns. Like dermabrasion, there are hundreds of types of laser machines, including ablative (they remove the outer layer of skin) and non-ablative (do not remove skin).
What does it do?
Lasers can address anything from hyperpigmentation to tattoo removal. By varying the wavelength of the light, and the pulse duration, lasers ‘vaporise’ anything in their path.
Which Clémence Organics products should I be using with this?
Laser can cause some serious inflammation post-treatment and so we recommend applying the Tone + Hydrate Spritz to immediately cool and calm the skin. This should be followed by the Repair Face Serum and Ultimate Face Cream. Our Refining Cleanser will gently cleanse the skin in the days following, without stripping it of its natural oils and causing any further inflammation.
As always, I’m here to help so please feel free to reach out if you have any queries.
I hope you find it helpful.
When I was mulling over topics to discuss in this week’s blog, I got to thinking about scars. I started pondering the different scars that I have had to deal with in my 37 years.
I developed my first keloid scar when I was 10, and acne and stretch marks in my teens, the latter of which made me prepped for pregnancy in my 30s. So given that I’ve been dealing with scars for 27 years, and over that period of time have tried a whole bunch of treatments, I thought I could share what has helped (and a few things that haven’t).
Acne scars
I don’t know about you but I was definitely a picker when it came to pimples in my teens. I had friends who resisted and would come to school with zits gleaming white and untouched. I’m sorry to say that I just couldn’t bear it. I squeezed to my heart’s content and to the detriment of my skin. I know better now but years of bad habits have left their mark. It was rosehip that I turned to to help repair my acne scars. Studies have shown that rosehip oil significantly promotes wound healing and effectively improves scars. So for the past 10 years now I have been applying what is now my Repair Face Serum (pictured). I have found that this combination of rosehip, calendula, jojoba and other organic oils, really help reduce my scarring and discourage further acne from occurring. I also use the 2 in 1 Face Scrub + Mask 2-3 times weekly to increase skin cell turnover.
Stretch marks
Stretch marks occur at any age when we grow quickly and skin is forced to stretch beyond its normal pace. They most commonly occur on upper thighs during teenage growth spurts and around the abdomen during pregnancy. With this type of scarring, prevention is definitely better than a cure, and so when you anticipate growth (as in pregnancy) it’s a good idea to apply a treatment that will reduce the occurrence of stretch marks. Because I did get some minor stretch marks on my thighs in my teens, I anticipated abdominal stretch marks during my pregnancy. And so my growing tummy was smeared daily with a coat of organic balm (what is now my Ultimate SOS Balm) rich in rosehip and calendula oils. I’m happy to say that I managed to scrape through with no new stretch marks. It’s worth noting that this balm can also be applied to existing stretch marks to help encourage skin cell turnover and reduce scar tissue.
Keloid scars
For those of you who don’t know what keloid scars are, they are scars that develop when you cut yourself or have surgery, but instead of the normal healing process occurring, collagen production goes into overdrive and you are left with a ‘lumpy’ scar that is red and often itchy. I got my first proper keloid scar when I was 10 after a GP removed a small pea-sized scar on my chest (caused by chicken pox) and caused a much larger scar as a result. Being a self-conscious teenager I took to wearing t-shirts and tops that covered my scar, and began searching for treatments to reduce it. Over the course of many years I tried steroid injections (painful injections which go directly into the scar), silicone sheets and all manner of natural ointments and oils. In the end I stuck with rosehip oil as it was the only thing that softened my scar, kept its size under control and reduced the incessant itching. I apply my Repair Face Serum daily to my now 4 keloid scars to keep them in check and improve their appearance.
As always, I’m here to help so please feel free to reach out if you have any queries.
I hope you find it helpful.
I’m often being asked what brands I love and use in my life (other than my own – obviously you need more than just great skincare products to get by). Given that spring is the perfect time to start switching out old for new and bad for good, I thought I’d share a few of my favourite natural and organic bathroom-cabinet brands, and why I love them so.
Sunscreen – We all need a good sunscreen, especially as the weather warms and we spend more time outdoors, and I have had a clear favourite for years. The Soleo Organics Sunscreen is my pick because it’s 100% natural and organic, and is not as thick and ‘zincy’ as some of the other natural ones.
Cosmetics – Whilst I don’t wear makeup every day, I have a few brands that I use consistently. My foundation is Inika, my compact powder is Gemma Vendetta and my eyeliner and eyebrow pencil are Ere Perez. LOVE all three of these brands for their natural and organic ingredients.
Toothpaste – I’ve used the same toothpaste for years on both myself and my family. Grants all natural toothpaste tastes great, does the job and doesn’t concern me if my little one’s swallow some. Mint is my favourite flavour but the cinnamon one is delicious too.
Deodorant – I inherited my father’s healthy sweating genes and so I’ve always needed a good deodorant to make me comfortable all day long. I’ve tried a few over the years and I keep coming back to the Miessence deodorant. It’s 100% natural and organic, smells great and it really works. I’ve also used the Black Chicken deodorant paste because it works well too, but I must admit I haven’t repurchased simply because I prefer a roll-on to paste.
Shampoo and Conditioner – I’m currently hooked on the Everescents Rose Shampoo and Conditioner. I LOVE the smell and it really makes my hair shine. Again, its 100% natural and organic, and their 100ml bottles are awesome for travel.
Soap – My recommendation on this one will change soon as we’re working on our very own liquid soap. But in the meantime, I use the Melrose Castille soap. I buy it in bulk and then add my own organic essential oils which vary according to where I’m using it. For example, in the kitchen I add lemon myrtle oil, in the bathroom lavender, and for the dog wash tea tree.
The other thing I love about these brands is that they are all Australian. We’ve got to support our local industry where possible.
I hope you find it helpful.
As you may know we’re currently running a giveaway with the stunning Byron-based organic cotton lingerie brand Eco Intimates (pictured). It got me thinking about the benefits of supporting small brands who work on a small scale and create their products ethically and consciously (a bit like ourselves).
In case you don’t know Eco Intimates is owned by a very talented woman called Madonna Bain who is based in Byron Bay. Each piece is hand crafted using GOTS certified organic cotton and remnant fabrics. And boy are they beautiful! Madonna says “My designs are carefully considered to deliver style, fit and comfort for every woman and create a garment with the quality to last and be worn many times.” Styles that Madonna is unable to produce in Australia she has made in Bali by seamstresses in their own homes, in their own time. Madonna says “This is not the cheapest way to produce, nor a way to produce large quantities. There are bigger factories there that can make clothing for much cheaper but that is not how I want to produce my emphasis is sustainability and quality.”
Another brand that we’re working with (watch this space) is Gemma Vendetta Cosmetics. This South Australian based vegan and cruelty free make up range was created in 2016 by its name-sake following a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, and a desire to interrupt the widely accepted manufacturing ethos’ of the ‘big brands’. Gemma believes that a natural approach to makeup doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality or your health. In fact since switching to natural make up Gemma has gone 10 years without a multiple sclerosis relapse, and 2 years without any disease progression.
The common thread that weaves through these boutique brands is that they truly care about the quality of their goods and there is no compromising. Your health and the environment also benefits, making each purchase an investment in the future.
Clémence Organics is growing and if I have my way it will soon be an international brand (watch out world, here I come!). This makes me so happy because the bigger my business gets, the more opportunities I have to disrupt the beauty world, and make natural and organic skincare the new norm. It also means I get to give back.
But I had to start somewhere and I’m proud of my market-stall roots. I’m grateful for the loyal customers who stuck with me and supported my growth.
So next time you’re browsing at your local market, or online marketplaces like Etsy, support small brands. You never know, the next purchase you make could be from the next million dollar business, and may shape a more ethical and conscious future.
Next week it will be 2 years since I launched Clémence Organics. 2 years! Where has that time gone? This past week I’ve been thinking, if I knew then what I know now, would I have done it? The answer, without a doubt, is yes! My passion for organic skincare, and everything that goes with it, has only increased. I am more obsessive about my work now than I ever was.
But skincare hasn’t always been a passion of mine. When I was in my last year of high school I was actually planning on studying law. I had read Nelson Mandela’s ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ and I wanted to make a difference in the world. It was only when I put my university plans on hold to spread my wings and explore, eventually landing work as a legal secretary in London, that I realised there was no way I was going to be a lawyer. The long hours and cutthroat nature of the firms I worked in, did not suit me. My grandfather (who was sooo keen on me studying law) was crushed when I told him the news (sorry Grandpa!)
So after several years in London and a heap of travel, I fell into a naturopathy degree. It felt easy and a natural progression of my interest in health and natural medicine. I loved it. It felt so good to help others with what seemed second nature to me. And natural skincare was always a part of that. Whilst I had dabbled in making products to soothe keloid scars I had suffered since childhood, more significant experience came when my father was diagnosed with throat cancer in my last year of university.
I remember visiting the oncologist to hear all about his intended treatment and to ensure I could prescribe complementary medicines alongside his conventional treatment. This was all fine. The only thing I wasn’t happy with was the barrier cream they gave him to ‘help’ his radiation burn. The petroleum based tube of cream went straight in the bin and instead I made him a natural cream based on calendula and vitamin E. Not far into his treatment, the oncology nurses were commenting on his radiation burn, and how much less it was compared to other patients. In fact he had very little redness at all which minimised his pain. I was so happy. I was also caught on the fact that sometimes it’s the little things you do for someone (like swap one cream for another) that can make a big difference. This was a bit of an ‘aha’ moment for me.
This lesson was further imprinted on me years later when I went into private practice and started making skincare formulations for clients. I treated everything from acne to psoriasis, and the feedback I got from patients inspired me to do more.
I know this sounds a bit silly, and whilst I’m not changing the world anywhere near the scale of Nelson Mandela, I get to make little differences in people’s lives and I love it. Whether it’s a child with painful eczema or a woman with facial rosacea, sometimes all it takes is swapping one cream for another to make a life-changing difference. I do what I do because I want to make a difference in the world. Not only do I want to make people’s lives a little bit easier, but I want to make them healthier. That’s what Clémence Organics is all about.
So as challenging as the past 2 years have been (honestly I’ve wanted to throw in the towel at least once), I’ve loved the ride and I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve got so much planned for the next few years, making Clémence Organics much more than a skincare brand, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Acne is the most common skin disease with around 80% of the population experiencing it at some point in their life. It can range from mild (the odd pimple) to severe (multiple sites, severe redness and pitting). Because it often presents in puberty, it can cause embarrassment and leave not only physical scars, but mental ones too.
When I developed acne as a teenager I picked, squeezed and basically went to town on any zit that dared present itself (seriously regretted now because of the scarring I caused). I tried Clearasil and any other acne treatments my Mum would supply me with. I was so embarrassed by my acne. If only I knew then what I know now!
So what causes acne?
It’s a complex beast. There is generally not one cause but many factors which play a role in its development including diet, stress, genetics, hormones and barrier dysfunction.
What can I do about it?
Because of its complexity and its tendency to vary from person to person, there is no one size fits all treatment approach. Having said that, the following recommendations have been helpful to many of my naturopathic clients and can reduce acne occurrence:
Skincare
Cleansing is key. You want to keep your skin clean and remove excess oil, without stripping it and upsetting the natural sebum balance. That’s why it’s important to steer clear of foaming cleansers and opt for light cream cleansers instead. I also recommend cleansing only once daily where possible. 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.
Exfoliation should take the place of cleansing 2-3 times weekly to increase skin cell turnover and reduce scarring. Use a gentle exfoliant (steering away from the micro-bead varieties) such as our 2 in 1 Face Exfoliant + Mask and don’t over-scrub.
It’s also important to keep pH levels in check and reduce any inflammation with a gentle toner. After cleansing or exfoliating, spritz with a mild astringent to balance pH levels and soothe any redness. Our Tone + Hydrate Spritz comes highly recommended!
Last but not least you need a moisturising product that is non-comedogenic (won’t block pores) and contains all the right vitamins to help repair scar tissue. Our Repair Face Serum is the perfect combination of moisture + repair.
Diet
Reduce your dairy intake. Several studies, including a recent meta-analysis, have shown that high dairy intake is associated with a higher incidence of acne (particularly milk and ice cream). Yoghurt and cheese shows no significant association.
Increase anti-inflammatory foods, such as those that feature in the Mediterranean diet. This diet 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).
Probiotics should also be added to your diet (e.g. kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchee, supplements). Good gut flora can help improve the absorption of key nutrients necessary for healthy skin, including zinc and vitamins A, C, D and E. It also benefits the immune system and is anti-inflammatory.
Lifestyle
Stress can aggravate acne because it affects hormone levels, particularly 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. Exercise can also help regulate cortisol levels.
Get some sleep! When you sleep your body goes into repair mode, increasing collagen and elastin production to repair damaged skin. Cortisol levels also decrease significantly as you slumber.
Spend 10-15 minutes in the sun each day. UV light has been shown to reduce acne by killing bacteria known to aggravate acne. It also stimulates production of the all-important vitamin D, necessary to reduce acne occurrence.
I have put together a Naturopathic Skin Protocol on Acne which goes into further detail on my recommendations above. You can also hit the ‘Shop by Skin Condition‘ link for Acne to view recommended skincare products.
As always, I’m here to help so please feel free to reach out if you have any queries.
I hope you find it helpful.
