C'est Naturel

Cracked Heel

2009-11-11T10:39:00.004+08:00

With the majority of us working and living in air-conditioned environments, it is no wonder we find the skin on our heels dry and cracked.

The crack lines are known as heel fissures. While some cases are mild with the fissures affecting just the epidermis (uppermost layer of the skin), more severe cases have fissures deeper, into the dermis layer. This could result in bleeding and infections.

Apart from those with naturally dry thick skin (callus), those who are constantly on their feet will experience cracked heels as well. This is because of pressure being placed on the heels, causing them to expand sideways. If the skin in the area is not elastic enough, it splits and cracks. This also means those who are heavier will have more pressure placed on their heels.

Simple measures can be taken to prevent the condition from exacerbating. One way is to wear closed heel footwear, so as to reduce the sideway expansion of the heel, and therefore the chances of the skin on the heel to tear. Making an effort to moisturise the heels increases the skin's elasticity and lowers the extent of heels being cracked. Soaking the feet in water prior to applying moisturiser would be excellent. You could also try scrubbing your feet periodically to remove the dead skin. This enables the new skin to surface, ensuring better skin elasticity.

Cést Naturel offers several remedies for cracked heels:
1. Salt Foot Scrub
2. Foot Nourisher with Jojoba Seed Extract
3. Customised Bath Salt Therapy with essential oils for quicker results

Dandruff

2009-10-30T13:15:00.008+08:00

For those who find white flakes constantly on your shoulders and are tired of sweeping them off you, you might be interested in a few natural remedies to ease the "flake-fall".

Dandruff is a result of skin renewal where new skin replaces old skin by pushing it out. The old skin is then left to dry. Everyone has dandruff as this skin renewal process repeats itself monthly. However, for most people, these dry flakes are too small to be seen. For others, this shedding of skin takes only a week which results in large white clumps of flakes.

One reason why the cycle takes only a week is the amount of oil secretion on the scalp. Also, the presence of certain fungi on the scalp causes dandruff. Certain skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis could also occur on the scalp, causing flaking.

Some natural remedies to alleviate the condition are massaging your scalp with natural base oils. You could try sweet almond, coconut, kernel, jojoba and apricot oils. A small portion of rosemary, tea tree, lemon or thyme essential oils (please note that several essential oils are not suitable for certain conditions, including pregnancy and epilepsy) can be added into the base oil as well to make it more effective.

While shampooing your hair, a little lime juice may be added to your shampoo. Cider vinegar can be diluted in water and dabbed onto the scalp while bathing. You may also want to try massaging aloe vera gel onto the scalp before shampooing. Certain essential oils work not only for dandruff, but regulates oil production and eases itchiness.

Some say diet and constipation are reasons for dandruff and advocate going on a fruit diet. You might want to try cutting down on processed foods too.

Cést Naturel customises all natural remedies for curbing dandruff with our Scalp Tonics and Mud Scalp Treatments. Conditions such as hair loss, scalp breakouts and fragile hair can be improved as well with different combinations of natural ingredients.

If you are unsure about your condition and which oils will work best for you, please drop us an email at enquiries@cestnaturel.com.

(Picture sources: wikipedia)

Contest

2009-10-19T12:05:00.001+08:00

10 jars of Skin Repair Cream (worth S$30.90) to be given away! Simply tell us how C'est Naturel has made a difference by emailing us at enquiries@cestnaturel.com.

*Winners will be notified via email
**Closing date: 31 October 2009
+Testimonials may be posted on our website & blog.

Dry Skin

2009-10-08T13:28:00.008+08:00

If you reside in a country which experiences winter, or if you spend a lot of your time in air-conditioned places, you would probably notice that your skin is dry. The low humidity leads to moisture loss. Dry skin lacks oils and moisture, is usually thin with few or no visible pores and may appear scaly. Dry skin also lacks suppleness and may also feel tight after washing. Signs of ageing appear early for those with dry skin as well.

The first signs of premature ageing are dry and sagging skin, lines and wrinkles. The most common factors that cause premature ageing are exposure to the sun, insufficient water intake, poor diet and improper skin care.

Bathing with very strong soaps or going under the sun too often can also dry up the skin. If your skin condition is serious, it would be advisable to consult a doctor. If not, try changing some of your bathing habits. To protect the skin, bathe in warm water. However, taking too many baths a day to keep the skin moisturised will only worsen dry skin conditions. Instead, drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated. Use milder or less soap when bathing.

Another way would be to apply oils, moisturisers or lotions to soothe and hydrate the skin by reducing evaporation. The best time to apply would be after a bath when skin is damp.

Try some of these C'est Naturel products for healthier skin:

1. Customised body oil (all natural) - This includes a blend of 2 or 3 essential oils in either sweet almond, grapeseed or jojoba oil.

Some essential oils that benefit dry skin: bergamot, cedarwood, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, lavender, myrrh, patchouli, rosemary, rosewood.

2. Body Whip with Shea Butter

3. Brightening Body Lotion

4. Lavish Body Balm

5. The Ultimate Body Lotion

Ylang Ylang

2009-09-23T11:30:00.005+08:00

(Picture source: Wikipedia)

Ylang ylang (pronounced ee-lang ee-lang) is obtained from the greenish yellow flowers of the canaga tree. The process of steam distillation extracts the essential oil from the flower. Because of its delicate and fresh floral fragrance, ylang ylang is an ingredient used in many cosmetic items.

For aromatherapy, ylang ylang is widely used to combat stress related symptoms such as migraine. It can also be used to alleviate high blood pressure. When blended with carrier oils and applied on the skin, ylang ylang regulates sebum (oil) production and is thus suitable for both oil and dry skin. When used on the scalp, it promotes fuller hair.

C’est Naturel offers customization of various hair, face and body treatments with ylang ylang. Please refer to http://www.cestnaturel.com/Customisation.html for a list of customizable items, or email us your condition at enquiries@cestnaturel.com.

Jojoba oil

2009-08-28T10:55:00.004+08:00

(Picture source: Wikipedia)
When you think of the word ‘oil’, a greasy feeling probably comes to mind. You would not even think of applying it onto your skin – even more so if you have oily skin. It is only after testing out and understanding the properties of this multipurpose oil that many change their perception of it.

Jojoba (pronounced ho-ho-ba) oil is odourless, golden yellow in colour and penetrates the skin rapidly to nourish it. The oil is extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant. It is used as a carrier oil and in many cosmetic products as its texture is close to sebum - the oil your body secretes. Jojoba oil has an indefinite shelf life even when stored at room temperature.

By itself, it is an excellent moisturiser. Instead of leaving the skin oily, it softens and moisturises mature, sensitive and dry skin. C'est Naturel always recommends jojoba oil to those with inflamed skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis as it has healing properties. It also helps control acne and oily skin.

As jojoba oil balances oil production, it is helpful for both skin and hair. It conditions, renews and protects the hair. It is even known to have the ability to stimulate hair growth! C’est Naturel uses jojoba oil in its customisation of facial oils, scalp tonics, salt scrubs and massage oils. Jojoba oil is also found in a number of our ready made products:

1. Body glows
2. Hydrating Face Cream
3. Hair Detangler
4. Lavish Body Balm
5. Comfort Hand & Nail Cream
6. Foot Nourisher

Shea Butter

2009-08-18T11:59:00.004+08:00

(Picture source: Wikipedia)
Shea butter is obtained from the Karite tree. The dry savannah areas in Africa are home to the Karite tree, which produces the shea nut as its fruit. The trees begin to bear fruit when it reaches about 20 years of age, and continues to do for another 250 years. The seed of the nut is extracted and then sun dried, before they are crushed to draw its oils - shea butter.

Shea butter is widely used in cosmetics for its moisturizing properties. It is known for its capabilities to heal scars and wounds. Skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis can be relieved as well. Shea butter not only moisturizes, it is able to combat wrinkles by regenerating cells with the presence of vitamins A and E. Another component in shea butter, cinnamic acid, naturally acts as a defense against ultraviolet rays.

C'est Naturel carries several items containing shea butter:
1. Body whips
2. Ultimate Body Lotion
3. Lavish Body Balm

Feature of the Month - Lavender

2009-07-27T12:47:00.007+08:00

Lavendula augustifolia/offinalis/vera

Lavender essential oil is commonly used in products for its wide array on benefits. It is obtained via steam distillation of the Lavender flower. It colour ranges from colourless to light yellow.

Nervous System

Lavender acts as an antidepressant. It gives a calming and balancing effect. Therefore it relieves headaches and stress.

Skin

With its antiseptic and healing properties, it is effective in alleviating numerous skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, burns, fungal infections, acne and sores.

Bodily System

Lavender is beneficial for those with indigestion or nausea. It eases menstrual pain and the effects of menopause. It also helps to relieve water retention. Respiratory wise, it is helpful for those with asthma, bronchitis, cough and the flu, and stimulates immune system as well.

C’est Naturel carries several beauty products which contain Lavender oil.

Lavender Essential Oil (Lavendula augustifolia)
Mud Wash
Deep Cleansing Mud Bar
Body Whip with Shea Butter – Lavender & Chamomile
Hair Detangler
Calming Mineral Shampoo
Customised Massage Oil/Body Scrub - with Lavender
L'eau de Fleur - Lavender
Customised Treatments – Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne, Fungal infection

THE TRUTH BEHIND FLORAL WATERS

2009-07-15T18:51:00.017+08:00

I find that it is a shame many are unaware or don't consider including floral waters as part of their skin care regime. It could be its 'plain water' appearance or cost that is holding many of you out there back from using them. But don't be deceived by its look and subtle scent. Floral waters are packed with valuable and therapeutic nutrients for the skin, hair and senses!

What are floral waters? Floral waters are the byproduct obtained from the steam distillation of essential oils and comes from the same plant parts as essential oils do. Though floral waters are the byproducts of steam distillation, the many therapeutic characteristics are retained. In addition, they also contain water soluble properties that essential oils do not have.

How do they form? The heat of the steam forces the essential oils out from the plants. As the oil droplets are released, they evaporate and travel through a tube to a condensation chamber together with the steam moelcules. The steam then condenses into water. The essential oils which would have formed a layer on the surface of the water is then removed. What is left behind is the floral water.

Floral waters & skin care They are definitely valuable in skin care and can be used as facial toners or mists. They are much milder than essential oils so you can use them liberally on your skin as a toner or aftershave. C'est Naturel has been customising face tonics for specific skin conditions by blending in pure essential oils. The goodness of floral waters is enhanced when oils are added. I would say my customers as well as myself were amazed by the effectiveness of our customised face tonics particularly those with acne, oily, sensitive/inflamed and blemished skin.

You can also use floral waters as a face mask. All you need to do is moisten a few cotton pads with floral water and lay them over your face and eyes for about 15mins. Lie back and relax!

Floral waters and eczema/psoriasis What I've noticed among my customers with eczema and psoriasis is that they detest that sticky and oily feeling most moisturisers leave behind especially in our hot and humid climate. Many tell me they skip the moisturising routine altogether! As you know, moisturising plays a major role for those with eczema and psoriasis and some even have to do it a few times a day.

2 non-greasy options are C'est Naturel's 100% pure chamomile floral water which others have said works well during the day when their skin feels terribly dry and needs hydration. It does soothe the skin instantly. Jojoba oil is what I also recommend customers as it absorbs into the skin fast and leaves no trace. Just a small amount is needed to hydrate the skin.

Floral waters & hair Floral waters are surprisingly great for the scalp and hair. C'est Naturel customises scalp tonics using floral waters as the base. They are effective and results for dandruff, oily scalp and scalp breakouts are almost immediate. We have had customers coming back for more!

For dehydrated and overprocessed hair, spray floral waters directly onto damp or dry hair.

Other ways to use hydrosols You can try misting the air with floral waters to alter the atmosphere as smelling hydrosols is similar to smelling essential oils, and can change your mood and evoke emotions. You can also prevent the spread of infections, induce sleep and alleviate certain health conditions by using different types of hydrosols.

Purity of floral waters Before buying a bottle of floral water, it is good if you look out for things added like preservatives, alcohol, fragrance, emulsifiers or extenders. Pure floral waters should have a mild fragrance.

View C'est Naturel Floral Waters.

Customise a scalp tonic.

Customise a face tonic - (Not available on our website yet. If interested, please e-mail us at enquiries@cestnaturel.com)

Open Pores

2009-06-29T17:35:00.019+08:00

If you find miniature pot holes on the surface of your skin on the face, this is probably the article for you. Genetics could have played a part for the open pores on your face. If your parents tend to have oily skin, so would you and the higher sebum (oil) production causes pores to be enlarged.

Before putting the blame on them, another cause is that you may not be cleaning your face well enough. Dirt accumulated on the skin clogs pores and causes them to get enlarged. Oil gathers in the pores and blackheads, as a result of the oxidization of sebum, form.

Ageing could be a reason for open pores as well as skin loses its elasticity. The expansion of pores results.

Solutions

Perhaps the most effective way to combat open pores is to target the core, and that is the oily cum dirty skin. Just cleansing regularly with a cleanser will do the job, although exfoliation will work better to rid the dirt in the pores. Ingredients in the cleanser or exfoliator play a part as well. Certain essential oils such as lavender, geranium, tea tree and cedarwood are beneficial to control sebum production. Chemical ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and salicylic acids (BHAs) eliminate dirt in the pores. Mud masks are another solution to effective cleansing of the skin as the silt in the mud is fine enough to clean the inside of the pores.

Toners are to be used to close the pores and cleanse the skin from previous cleansing processes. It also restores the pH level (acidity and alkalinity) of the skin. The wonderful thing about floral water is that not only is it an effective toner, it also comes with other benefits for the skin. Floral water is great for the hair as well!

If you can’t get rid of it, cover it up. Use makeup to conceal the open pores or make them less visible.

C’est Naturel carries several effective cleansers, scrubs and toners for the face:

Feature of the Month - The Rose

2009-06-23T17:25:00.006+08:00

Rosa damascena – Damask/Bulgian/Turkish rose (Produced mainly in

Bulgaria

Turkey

and

France)

Rosa centifolia – Cabbage/Moroccan rose
(Produced mainly in Morocco, Tunisia, Italy, France and China)

This valuable oil is extracted via steam distillation of rose petals. Approximately 2000 roses are needed to extract 1 gram of Rose oil, which explains why it is costly. It is yellow to brownish-orange in colour.

Nervous System
Rose oil is uplifting and acts as an antidepressant. It is also able to relieve stress.

Skin
Rose oil is suitable for all skin types and is specifically effective for skin that is dry, mature or sensitive. Inflammations can be alleviated with the use of Rose oil. Thread veins (spider veins) can be lessened with the use of Rose oil.

Body System
Rose oil is good to relieve constipation and liver issues. It helps purify the blood and reduces palpitations. Rose oil is beneficial for conditions with regards to the female reproductive system. It is useful for PMS and menopause. It is also helpful as an aphrodisiac.

C’est Naturel carries several beauty products which contain Rose oil.

Rose L’eau De Fleur (floral water) - new product!
Therapeutic Dead Sea Salt – Rose
Brightening Body Lotion
Ultimate Body Lotion
Salt Foot Scrub
Customised Massage Oil/Body Scrub - with Rose

Dead Sea Minerals

2009-02-04T18:51:00.014+08:00

Many are unaware of the amazing benefits of Dead Sea minerals on the skin. Years of research done by the Dead Sea Research Centre in

Israel

as well as numerous studies done by renowned researchers, have proven the tremendous beauty effects Dead Sea minerals have on the skin.

According to research done, minerals are capable in restoring moisture to the skin as they have moisture-drawing properties. As Dead Sea water is packed with minerals, it is an ingredient that will help prevent the formation of wrinkles. According to the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, researchers carried out a comparative test where 3 liquid gels - a basic gel with no active agents, a commercial anti-wrinkle gel with active agents and the same anti-wrinkle gel with active agents and 1% of concentrated Dead Sea water - were tested on 20 women aged 20 to 65. Each gel was applied twice a day over 4 weeks. Results showed that those who applied the anti-wrinkle gel with active agents containing Dead Sea water had the highest percentage of reduction in skin roughness. It was 46% more effective in average roughness reduction than the other 2 gels.

In skin disorders that are related to a shortage of minerals such as psoriasis, eczema and acne, applying a mineral rich product will alleviate skin ailments. In a clinical study done by Professor A. Krakovsky and Professor S. Brenner, the topical application of cream with Dead Sea minerals on patients with dry sun-damaged skin and psoriasis showed significant results. The majority showed much improvement, the Dead Sea treatment did not produce an oily skin surface and skin became smoother and less wrinkled.

For a breakdown on the major minerals found in the Dead Sea salt, and C'est Naturel's Dead Sea salt products, click here.

Some comments from our customers who have used our products

2008-08-28T17:29:00.007+08:00

Cest Naturel Hand Creme is very effective and fabulous, and it smells GREAT!!! KEEP IT UP C'est Naturel!!!

Rita Lee - September 10, 2008
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After using sea salt, i feel my skin like a new born baby, i feel so fresh all the time, i just like the texture of my skin now. I would like to continue using sea salt to keep my skin more young and fresh like a baby.

Toral - July 30, 2008 9:05 PM
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I love your intensive mud mask for the hair.

Christine Govinden-Loh - 1 June, 2008
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I've started using the Mud Wash for a week and like it a lot.

Jenny Tan - 21 March, 2008

C'est Naturel - media feature (Her World (Sept'08))

2008-08-28T16:58:00.005+08:00

C'est Naturel wants to thank all of its customers for their support!

2008-06-06T17:16:00.005+08:00

We are very happy to hear of those who have their skin disorders under control and those who have shown tremendous improvement after using our custom blended sea salt bath treatments. We understand the physical and emotional suffering skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis and severe acne bring. Thank you for being consistent users and having faith in our sea salt bath treatments!

For those who have had to carry the extra baggage of having a skin disorder since you were a child, do not despair. Please persevere and maintain your weekly sea salt bath treatments. You will see results over time!A pat on the back for parents whose children have shown a vast improvement in their skin condition. It isn't easy dealing with children suffering from skin disorders as you can't keep an eye on them 24/7. Persistence and patience does pay off though.

For those who would like to order more bath salt treatments, please e-mail or call us as we do not have a pushcart at this moment. Contact details can be found here.