GUEST BLOG | Natalie Balmond, Creator of Purepotions Skincare

When and why did you start developing Purepotions?

When my 18 month old baby started to get red patches on her elbows and behind her knees I really believed that that was as far as it would go.  But little by little it got worse and worse until by the time Lula was 18 months, she was covered in it from head to foot.  Her skin was raw and inflamed most of the time and she scratched herself until she bled every night.  She cried and screamed when we applied creams to her skin that the doctor prescribed and nothing seemed to help.  I lost so much sleep from her itching in the night that there were times when life seemed utterly unbearable.  She could not lead a normal life like other children as all sorts of environments would flare up her skin.  Each time we saw a different doctor or specialist I pinned my hopes on them having the answer.  Most conventional approaches involve the use of pretty strong steroids and the more we used them the more worried I became about their long term affect on Lula.  I became quite sure that Lula was sensitive to the chemicals and preservatives used in most of these creams and I was desperate to find an effective product that did not contain these ingredients.  Over time we experimented with many approaches, from dietary changes to Chinese herbs but nothing made a significant difference to the condition of her skin.  My partner and I were sleep deprived, exhausted and desperate.  When great Ormond Street wanted to admit her for two weeks of intensive steroid treatment I felt like I was going to have a breakdown.Knowing how desperate I was, a friend gave me a book about herbs and I soon realized that it was possible to make an ointment in my own kitchen.  I could select the herbs I felt would alleviate her symptoms and be safe in the knowledge that I knew exactly what was going in to it.  I used Hemp Oil as a base which I knew was an excellent source of essential fatty acids, which eczema sufferers often lack. It took lots of changes and experimentation but I finally hit upon a combination which had an amazing effect.  Even before the final recipe was finished we noticed that she did not scream and flinch as we applied the ointment like she had done with all the other products we had tried.  The final recipe produced startling results.  Her skin was less angry and red, the broken skin began to heal and the itching was dramatically reduced.  The difference it made to how she slept was incredible and we continued to make endless pots for her over the months.  She was like a different child and our lives were transformed.  

When did you realise that you had created a product that worked and how did others find out about it? 

I started to make batches for friends and family and I realized that it wasn't a fluke!  Other people found great relief too.  Demand grew and eventually I decided that I really ought to make a go of selling it.  I teamed up with a partner and started a business.  We now receive hundreds of testimonies from eczema sufferers who have benefited greatly from its efficacy, and especially from parents who are hugely relieved to have found a remedy which is safe and steroid free for their babies and children.  

What are the main ingredients in Pure Potions and how natural is is?

All the ingredients in all our products are so pure you could eat them. We do not add any ingredient whatsoever which has the potential to cause harm. We will not use chemical preservatives, SlS,parabens, petrochemicals or perfumes.The main ingredient in most of our products is hemp oil which is extremely rich in essential fatty acids.Most mainstream skin products are made up of dozens of manufactured chemical ingredients which are considered suspect or even dangerous.  As the risks become more published, so the market for natural skin care products grows.  Many companies claim to be producing natural products but “natural” means many things to many people; the word certainly has significance to consumers and since the consumer believes that they exist, it is up to responsible companies to address this need in an honest way. Some companies have included one or two natural ingredients in their formulations alongside the potentially harmful ingredients mentioned earlier.  Some have included natural ingredients alongside ingredients that are naturally derived , some used ingredients of plant origin but have been processed until they barely resemble the original plant ingredient.  Others, like ourselves, have made an absolute commitment to formulating high quality 100% natural products; our ingredients are as close to their natural state as possible and we will not use any ingredient with the potential to cause harm 

How often can you use Purepotions products and can you use the Skin Salvation along side the Bath Oil?

You can apply the salve liberally to any part of the body as often as required. This product is safe for daily use and has no restrictions to the number of applications. It is for external use only. It is particularly useful at night as it can be applied thickly at this time.  At night it is best to wear old pyjamas after applying. The ointment can be used in conjunction with any other creams or emollients that you may have been prescribed. However to properly monitor the results it is advisable to try the product on its own, maybe on one concentrated part of the body.For maximum benefits the bath oil can be used alongside the salve every time you take a bath or a shower

You were recently on Dragons Den. What was that like? 

What may take 30 seconds to watch on the TV could have taken a working afternoon to create in the studio. In total we were stood in the Den for two hours of relentless interrogation. Two hours under intensely bright lights. Two hours batting forth queries. Two hours discussing financial minutiae. Two hours standing in heels. It was a nightmare. But it was totally worth it. Previously, we rehearsed our pitch over and over. We delivered it on several occasions to our staff. We performed it to other business people and welcomed difficult questions and feedback. We pitched our finances to accountants and offered our books for intense scrutiny. We studied the marketplace. We checked and re-checked our valuation of the business. We wanted to understand where the weaknesses might be in our argument so we might counter any opposition effectively. In short, we were incredibly well prepared for the interview. We honed our approach until everyone agreed we had done a thorough job.We did all the right things. Or so we thought, but we got a proper roasting. The Dragon’s focused on a single stone we had left unturned and went at it repeatedly. They started off all nice and friendly but ended up tearing strips off us.Running a business is a learning curve. Our advice to entrepreneurs is never being ashamed of the mistakes you make, because those who don’t make mistakes don’t make anything. If you have put a lot of hard work into your project, don’t let anyone take that away from you.Would we do it again? Hell yeah! We are dedicated business owners and we never pass up the opportunity to plug our product. It’s not about our damaged egos. It’s all about helping people overcome severe skin conditions.We were savaged by the fire breathing Dragon’s. But we would walk through Dragon fire to reach our customers. They are the ones who are important, not us. We’d do it again tomorrow. But next time we would trade our Zara suits for asbestos." 

What are your plans for the future of Pure Potions?

Purepotions' products are already well positioned in retail outlets throughout the UK but we would like to raise the company profile further, be available in multiples and pharmacies and reach as many sufferers as we can. We would like to be more easily available on the NHS and to replicate the success we have had in the UK by expanding into markets further afield. 

Do you have any tips for the application of Skin Salvation?  

Keep persevering, don’t expect overnight cures and expect that the skin will take a little time to restore. Keep using it every day and be patient. 

Natalie Balmond | Founder of Purepotions' Skincare

PurePotions' is available at Lovelula.com 

Expert winter essentials from Jackie Tyson

EVER WONDERED WHAT THE WINTER BEAUTY 

SECRETS ARE OF MAKE-UP ARTISTS TO THE STARS? 

We got the scoop from Jackie Tyson, famous for accentuating natural beauty

Jackie says... "keep your skin in good condition as 

that's the key to flawless make up in the winter!"

So... 'How to do it' by Jackie Tyson

1. Always cleanse and moisturise but in really cold 

weather it is important to step up your moisture 

protection. 

2. Don't forget an SPF, even in winter!

3. Keep your lips in top form with Dr.Lipp which my 

three daughters and I never leave the house without. 

It protects lips and leaves them looking perfectly groomed. 

I also like to blend in some lipliner to add a little definition. 

Keep your Dr.Lipp to hand to add gloss and control

 to eyebrows or highlight cheek bones and brow bones.....

the list of beauty uses goes on!

4. I always wear foundation with a good moisture content to leave the skin looking dewy and ''skin-like''.

Dr. Lipp's Original Nipple Balm for Lips available at LoveLula.com £11.00

REVIEW | Polly Noble discovers Sans Ceuticals

Sans Ceuticals products have been created by some of New Zealand's top scientists and I have to say I think that they have done a fabulous job. Not only do they smell absolutely divine but they are extremely nourishing and have a luxurious exotic feel to them.

Several years ago, when I discovered that my everyday products that I had been slathering on were packed full of harmful chemicals, I had no idea that there were so many amazing alternatives out there that were not only safe to use but also as, if not more effective in their use than those made with nasty toxins.

As a wellness writer and health coach, I am always looking at ways to reduce my exposure to toxicity and chemicals and help others do the same so products such as Sans Ceuticals really help me to do that. Not many people realise that their skin is their largest organ and literally drinks in everything you put on it making it even more important to be diligent about what products you are using.

Activator 7 Body Oil

The Sans Ceuticals ph Perfect Body Wash smells gorgeous, lathers up nicely and leaves you feeling sparkly clean. I love the Sans Ceuticals Nourishing Hair Hydratant Ultra + which leaves my hair feeling extremely soft and well-conditioned but my only criticism of this product however is that I have to unscrew the lid, turn the bottle upside down and squeeze out the product as it seems to be too thick for the pump which is a shame. Post shower I like to use the Sans Ceuticals Activator 7 Body Oil which also smells amazing and leaves my skin feeling moisturised and silky smooth. Thanks to companies like Sans Ceuticals, we need not compromise on our beauty regime or our health - hoorah!

GUEST REVIEW | Buff Beauty takes a look at John Masters Organics

For me John Masters Organics epitomises all that the natural industry should and can stand for: effective and indulgent products, stylishly presented and promoted with a dose of glamour.

So, when LoveLula kindly offered me the chance to independently review some of the collection there was only one (easy) answer: yes please!

John Masters Organics is most famed for its haircare collection, with John first developing his organic products more than 20 years ago. The range has excitingly since expanded to feature skin and body care items. I was sent the following for review:

Sea Mist Sea Salt Spray with Lavender: £16.00 for 266ml

Whether you're jet-setting this summer or braving the British downpours, this is a product that deserves a little spot in your bag. It basically mimics the look of beach waves without the need for sand or sea.

The salt thickens and texturises your locks, boosting the natural movement of your hair, while the lavender oil nourishes and protects – and leaves your hair smelling incredibly pretty.

It couldn't be easier to apply, you just spritz it on (further styling optional). I'd recommend having a few play sessions to find how it best works with your own hair.

I've got fine hair but an abundance of it and, as it's naturally curly, it's reliant on plenty of conditioner. Personally I find the spray works best on dry hair and I particularly like using it to create a big, messy ponytail.

If you have poker straight hair it might be best plaiting it on damp, leaving it to dry and loosening just before you leave the house. Alternatively you can always scrunch dry for a tighter curl.

Citrus & Neroli Detangler: £16.00 for 237ml

Thandie Newton is said to be a fan of this product and - as a quick Google Image search will reveal - she isn't known to have bad hair days. If the Sea Mist is a contender for your bag, this conditioner deserves a permanent place in your shower.

As I've said, my hair needs a lot of conditioning, and I was doubtful that this lightweight detangler could do the job. But it really does.

It's promoted as suiting all hair types and I can believe it will as there's none of that nasty residue that can leave hair looking lank.

The blend of citrus and neroli is fresh but unobtrusive, making it a joy to apply daily.

I always wash and condition my hair at the start of my shower, allowing it to sink in for those extra few minutes. This product can then be rinsed out or left as a leave-in conditioner. With the primary ingredient as aloe vera leaf juice gel, you can imagine just how soft this makes your hair.

Rose & Apricot Antioxidant Day Creme: £25.00 for 30ml

This product contains one of my absolute beauty obsessions: antioxidants! I eat them and slather myself in them whenever I possibly can.

No doubt you've heard the buzz, but if you're yet to understand what they do, antioxidants fight cellular damage: keeping your organs healthy and youthful (including the biggest organ of all, your skin).

So, if you want the dewy skin of youth, read on!

A gentle moisturiser, this is suitable for normal, dry and sensitive skin types. Apricot oil, peach, rose and rice extract combine to enhance collagen production and promote cellular turnover, meaning a plumper, fresher complexion.

It's a very lightweight lotion and sinks in incredibly fast; if you're used to a thick cream or oil, this might take some getting used to, but it is very effective in keeping the skin hydrated throughout the day.

If I could make two tweaks to this product I'd make it slightly more fragrant (but that's just me being fussy) and I'd add an SPF. Meanwhile, you can always, of course, apply SPF separately either as a lotion or in make-up form.

All in all, I remain a huge fan of the John Masters range and have a number of items left on my to try list. If you're yet to sample the collection for yourself I urge you to delve on in: I'm certain you won't be disappointed.

Huge thanks to Buff Beauty blog for sharing her review! You can check out her site here

GUEST POST | Kimberly Sayer helps get your skin ready for summer!

As the days get longer and the sun begins to shine, off go the heavy coats, jumpers and boots and on go the shorter skirts and sandals.

It's also likely your skin is dry, as well as stressed- out, overheated, undernourished. Nothing is worse for skin than a long, cold winter -- the low humidity in conjunction with hot air, heat, and less fresh air often can leave your skin looking dull, dry, rough, and even wrinkled and older. The best place to start, is with a head-to-toe exfoliating and moisturizing treatment.

Gentle Almond & Lavender Face Scrub

Exfoliation is key to rid the build-up of dry dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface of the skin especially bad during the cold winter months. Use a gentle exfoliant that will not damage or irritate the surface of the skin that can lead to aging. We can recommend our Gentle Almond and Lavender Face Scrub that is gentle enough to be used daily. Massage a pea size into the face and leaving on the skin for 15 minutes. The Shea Butter, Squalane and Essential Oils will be absorbed into the skin and the three grains of Jojoba Beads, Almond Meal, and Oatmeal will deeply exfoliate and deep clean the skin. This is especially important during and right after the winter months. After 15 minutes remove with warm water and you skin will be less dry, feel so much softer and the color will be more vibrant. Also your daily moisturizer and your night cream will be absorbed a lot more effectively and deeply.

Repairing by moisturising the skin

Gentle Face Cleanser

Always use a good moisturizer with a clean SPF at least SPF15 to be effective. We can recommend our Anti-Oxidant Daily Moisturizer with SPF25 for normal or dry skin and our Ultra Light Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 for Combination, Oily or Acneic skin’s. Our Ultra Light Facial Moisturizer with SPF30 is super light and terrific for the warmer weather.

For a daily skincare routine, we suggest always using a good cleanser twice a day, a good exfoliant twice a week (more if excessively dry), toner twice and day and always, always use a good moisturizer with SPF (at least 15). Also use a good night cream and eye product twice daily.

For treatment and at home care (which can extend the life of a facial treatment), use a good facial mask once or twice a week. Try our Deep Cleansing French Clay Mask to brighten and cleanse skin without stripping it of its natural oils.

Guest Post | Kimberly Sayer Shares Her Expert Tips for Ultra Hydrated Skin

The best way to hydrate the skin, is to have a preventative lifestyle that creates internal health and well-being. The skin is the largest organ of the body and will respond well to a healthy lifestyle. 

Say no to smoking which ages the skin prematurely. It causes your skin to lose its elasticity earlier, which makes it more difficult for it to hold onto moisture.

Start from the inside out. Drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods rich in antioxidants. The first step to hydrate your skin is to give your body the things it needs to repair itself.

Use a humidifier. You can use a humidifier while you sleep which can aid in giving dry skin a boost, which will prevent your skin from drying out throughout the day. Make sure you clean the humidifier every 5 days with distilled vinegar; otherwise bacteria can build up from use.

Protect your skin. Wear sunscreen every day. Sun damage does a great deal of damage to our skin, and even more so as we age. Exposure to the harmful effects of the sun can create more wrinkles, as well as discoloration and age spots, so if you are in the process of hydrating and restoring your skin so you have a more youthful glow, don't set yourself back by forgetting to wear sunscreen every day.

Find an excellent moisturizer and other skin care products that help to hydrate your skin. Use products with clean ingredients that will be absorbed internally into the cellular level. This will replenish your skin like moisturizers with Squalane from Olives to hydrate your thirsty aging skin. Maintain elasticity, promote cell turnover, and create a moisture barrier between your face and the environment for the greatest benefits.

     PRODUCTS

Exfoliation is key to rid the build up of dry dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface of the skin. Use a gentle exfoliant that will not damage or irritate the surface of the skin that can lead to aging. We can recommend our Gentle Almond and Lavender Face Scrub that is gentle enough to be used daily if needed. If you have excessively dry skin use this scrub daily as an exfoliating mask by massaging a pea size into the face and letting it sit on the skin for 15 minutes. The Shea Butter, Squalane and Essential Oils will be absorbed into the skin and the three grains of Jojoba Beads, Almond Meal, and Oatmeal will deeply exfoliate and deep clean the skin. After 15 minutes remove with warm water and you skin will be less dry, feel so much softer and the color will be more vibrant. Also your daily moisturizer and your night cream will be absorbed a lot more effectively and deeply.

Always use a good moisturizer with a clean SPF at least SPF15 to be effective. If using a moisturizer or SPF made from minerals make sure that the company does not use micronized particles of Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide that will create a toxic compound and be absorbed into the liver. We at Kimberly Sayer of London have never and will never use Nano particles in our daily moisturizers.

We can recommend our Anti-Oxidant DailyMoisturizer with SPF25 for normal or dry skin and our Ultra Light FacialMoisturizer with SPF 30 for Combination, Oily or Acneic skin’s.

Use a good night cream to repair and restore while you sleep and a good treatment mask once or twice a week to hydrate and restore the skin back to a youthfull firmness and appearance. In the colder weather we suggest double layering by using a night cream or hydrating mask underneath your moisturizer to double layer, hydrate and protect and support the skin’s invisible protective layer, “the acid mantle”.

We can recommend our Hydrating Anti-OxidantFacial Mask and our Night creams.

SUPPLEMENTS

I personally love Vitamin B Complex with VitaminC to combat stress and speed repair and absorption of nutrients, which will give healthy and restorative properties to the skin.

For hydration fish oils can prevent and repair skin conditions that range from dryness to psoriasis and may be effective in counteracting sun damage. They may also hydrate the skin and soften wrinkles.