Kick up your heels......fully armed with all the info

At Ali Mac Skincare we know the 'World is your oyster', we're also aware that information is power and the more positive information we can divulge to assist in your own personal quest to get the most out of life....well it all starts and ends with YOU and decisions you make...

 

What is Natural Skincare?

Natural skin care is the care of the skin (the largest organ of the body) using naturally-derived ingredients (such as herbs, roots, essential oils and flowers) combined with naturally occurring carrier agents, preservatives, surfactants, humectants and emulsifiers (everything from natural soap to oils to pure water). The classic definition of natural skin care is based on using botanically sourced ingredients currently existing in or formed by nature, without the use of synthetic chemicals, and manufactured in such a way to preserve the integrity of the ingredients.

 

Why do I need a moisturiser?

Using a moisturiser will stop your skin from drying out.

 

Do I need a day and a night cream, or can I just use a day moisturiser for both day and night?

Though it's not vital, your body does a lot of regeneration whilst you sleep therefore assisting your natural processes of regeneration with our wonderful Serum is the ideal time to get the ultimate benefit from this product.

 

How can I effectively protect my skin against premature ageing?

Protect your skin from over-exposure to the sun; we're working on the development of sunscreen products containing UV filters to combat the sun's rays, plus anti-oxidant Vitamin E to protect against environmental influences such as pollution. Meantime try either Natural Face Balm or the fantastic Natural Face serum and Mask to help your skin resist the first signs of ageing. Smoking is an ageing habit as is the over consumption of alcohol and other recreational drugs.

 

Should I moisturise before or after applying sunscreen?

We would recommend that you cleanse your skin first, then apply your preferred Moisturiser, to ensure that skin gets the nourishment and nutrients it needs. We would advise that after applying your moisturiser you wait a few moments for it to be fully absorbed into the upper levels of the skin before applying your sunscreen.

 

What is an antioxidant?

Modern day living, cigarette smoke, car exhaust emissions and the sun's rays can all produce free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that contribute to the ageing process by destroying the collagen and elastin fibres that support the skin. Antioxidants help protect the body from free-radical damage. We can maintain our own supplies of antioxidant nutrients by eating a diet rich in vitamins A (in the form of beta-carotene), C and E. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best source of beta-carotene and vitamin C, especially dark green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli and brightly coloured fruits such as oranges, mangoes and strawberries. Vitamin E is more difficult to find naturally in large quantities but you can increase your intake of some vegetable oils (such as Soy oil or Argan oil) and consider taking a natural-source vitamin E supplement.

 

What evidence is there to support claims that many chemicals are absorbed through the skin?

Drugs such as nicotine and female hormones are now routinely administered in the form of a skin patch and are readily absorbed into the body. Studies have shown that most substances can be absorbed through the skin and that up to 60% of any substance applied to the skin may enter the body through this route.

The EWG, (Environmental Working Group) has investigated industrial chemicals, pollutants and pesticides in umbilical cord blood; this research highlights the importance of eliminating these baddies from daily use via the food we consume and products we use in our daily hygiene...that's why we've chosen to eliminate these nasties from the Ali Mac Skincare range:;

• Parabens and other synthetic preservatives

• Synthetic colourants

• Synthetic fragrance

• Silicones

• Petrochemicals

• SLS & SLES

• Mineral oils
   

Why is glycerine used in some personal care products?

Glycerine is a humectant, which means that it helps to retain moisture in creams and lotions. Secondly, glycerine is an emollient, which means it makes the skin feel softer and smoother and helps to reduce wrinkles. This is achieved partly through coating the skin with a thin layer of oily wax, and partly by reducing water loss from the skin. Glycerine is also a solvent and helps different ingredients used in many creams and lotions mix together. Weonly use vegetable derived glycerine.

 

What is the purpose of the citrus seed extracts used in some skin care products?

The citrus seed extracts form part of our preservative system. All products which contain both oil and water based ingredients such as creams and lotions have the ability to support bacterial growth and need to contain some form of preservative.

 

I find that the perfumes used in many skin care products cause skin rashes and sensitivity?

We use only Natural Essential Oil essences to fragrance our products. We choose to use those which are non irritant... This enables us benefit individuals with sensitive skin..

 

I keep reading about Essential Fatty Acids, particularly Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats. What is the difference between these and what foods contain them?

Dietary fats consist of mixtures of fatty acids, with different fats containing different mixtures of fatty acids. There are many different fatty acids but just two are considered essential for human health. These are called Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and, as the body cannot synthesize them, they have to come from the foods we eat.

Whilst these two fatty acids work closely together they have different functions and are not interchangeable. Omega-6 Fatty acids are found in many plant oils and few people are deficient in them, but Omega-3 Fatty acids are less commonly found in our diets and some people would benefit from supplementing their diet with them.

 

If I eat organic foods, why do I need to think about using organic skin care too?

The skin is composed of multiple, lipid containing layers. As with all lipid-containing membranes, the skin can be easily penetrated by lipid-soluble materials. Once a chemical gains access to the dermis, rapid and complete absorption into the bloodstream is usually assured.

Around 75,000 chemicals might come in contact with your skin and you absorb up to 60% of any substance applied. Differences in skin structure and condition affect the degree to which chemicals can penetrate the skin. When the skin is damaged by abrasion or chemical irritation, penetration of chemicals further increases.

Using chemical based skin care products adds to the toxic burden that we have to deal with. By using organic skin care products you can help to decrease the toxic load on your body and on the environment.

 

Why do a lot of your ingredients sound like chemicals?

Under EC legislation all ingredients have to be given their Latin, INCI name (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients). Some manufacturers use this to disguise or hide the true nature of the ingredients they use. We use truly natural and where possible organic ingredients in our products.

We are working on an ingredients section for our website where we will give their common names and sources. Some ingredients do sound like chemicals even though they are from natural sources. Examples include foaming agents, e.g. Decyl Glucoside derived from coconut; emulsifiers, e.g. Cetearyl alcohol - not an alcohol but fatty waxes derived from plant oils.

 

Are your products suitable for sensitive skin?

Ali Mac Skincare products are based on pure, natural, certified organic ingredients. All our formulations are extremely gentle. They're easily absorbed into skin and do not block the pores. Our products are free from sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate, chemical irritants, artificial fragrances, synthetic colourants and alcohol (ethanol). As a common sense precaution, we recommend a patch test is carried out prior to first application.

 

What is your policy regarding animal testing?

Ali Mac Skincare is totally opposed to any cruelty to animals. All Ali Mac Skincare products are tested on humans. We do not and will not use ingredients that have been made by manufacturers who carry out or commission animal testing of cosmetic ingredients.

 

Do any of your products contain parabens?

No, none of our products contain parabens. There is definitely sufficient research available now which proves to us that parabens are not desirable for use in products that we use on our body.