BENEFITS OF ARGAN OIL

Argan oil is extracted from a nut inside a fruit. The fruit is grown on a tree in the Argan forest of Morocco. In 1998, the Argan forest was declared a Biosphere reserve due to the benefits and uses that Argan oil has.

Argan oil is considered one of the most expensive plant based oils in the market. 

Argan oil is rich in Vitamins A and E. This boosts cell production and the oil has some great natural uses:

•                    Anti-aging effects

•                    Skin toner

•                    Lip balm

•                    It revives dry hands and heels

•                    Night-time moisturizer

•                    Used to exfoliate skin

•                    Helps get rid of acne

•                    Reduces stretch marks

•                    Soothes razor bumps and burns

•                    Moisturizer for the whole body

•                    Leave-in conditioner for easier hair styling

•                    Overnight deep conditioning treatment for dry and brittle hair.

•                    Ideal treatment for nails

Argan oil works well enough as a moisturizer to help if you suffer from eczema and other skin ailments. To utilize both the anti-aging benefits and the moisturizing benefits of Argan oil, rub a few drops on your face and your neck before going to sleep.

You can also use Argan oil in the formulation of cold process soaps or melt & pour soaps, moisturizer, lotions and other skincare items. They work great in hair products too to help keep hair naturally healthy and shiny. 

This natural carrier oil is not oily and it does not cause breakouts. In fact, it helps you to prevent them.

Argan oil can be used for many of your skin care needs.  The benefits you can get from Argan oil are unparalleled.

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HOW TO ADD COLOUR TO EPOXY RESINS

In the market today, you can find a range of specially designed epoxy dyes to colour your epoxy resin pieces. These dyes are stable and work well with the epoxy resins. However, some of these can be expensive. 

So here is a list of other ways you can dye your resins. But before you start, remember to always do a trail run by using small amounts first.

Oil Paint

Oil paints blend well with resin. Start by squeezing a tiny amount of oil paint on your stir stick and mix it up. It mixes well but there are some dark particles floating in it.

Fabric Dye

This paint comes in a liquid form. You can start by dipping your clean stir stick into the bottle of paint and then stir the colour left over on the stick into the resin. The final result is gorgeous to look at and very fluid.

Glass Paint

This has the same method as the fabric dye. The glass paint mixes beautifully. However, some glass paints may not work with resin. It is best to try out a small batch first. 

Acrylic Paint

This paint is easy to find in any craft store. When you use acrylic paint, the paint mixes well and has a smooth consistency. It is also much more opaque compared to other pigments. When using water based acrylic paints, you will get colours that are vibrant. Be careful when you are adding acrylic paint. If you add too much, your resin will become like a rubber and cures much weaker. It may also be scratched, break or chip.

Mica Powders

Mica powders are wonderful to work with. You can work with very fine micas or larger glitters to colour your resins. For a transparent light tint, use less mica. For a opaque fill, just add more micas. It's that easy. Some micas come as glow-in-the-dark powders which can add a wonderful effect to your resin projects. 

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ALLERGIC TO SOAPS? THESE COULD BE THE REASONS WHY...

Do you know someone who is allergic to soaps? The reaction is usually dry skin, flakiness, skin peeling and in more severe cases, skin cracking, itching and bleeding. 

Certain soap making ingredients could be the culprit such as: 

• perfumes
• detergent items (SLS/SLES)
• bleaching components
• preservatives (paraben)
• antibacterial additives
• colourants
• thickeners & hardeners

The allergic reaction happens because the immune system thinks these ingredients are infectious. The reaction usually causes a person to end up with ugly patches, or raw and sensitive skin.

Let's talk more about some of these ingredients.

SLS

This is a common ingredient in soap making that is known to cause allergic reactions. SLS is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. This chemical ingredient makes soap foamy. It’s also good at breaking down grease but in the process, it strips your skin of its natural oil. This weakens the natural oil that is used to protect the skin and causes the allergic reaction as well as dryness.

Paraben

This is a soap making ingredient added to soaps to keep them fresh longer. It acts as a preservative. There are many different Paraben compounds. The variation means that only some people are allergic to certain types. This makes it near to impossible for people to know which one exactly they are having a reaction to. The best is to select products that do not contain this ingredient. 

Perfumes

Most commercial soaps contain chemical based scents. Perfumes do contain some allergens that could create a reaction. The reason why factories use perfumes is because essential oils and natural scents are costly. Making your own soap will ensure you use only most natural scents that are beneficial for your skin. You can also choose to totally eliminate scent from your soaps.

Colorants

Commercial soaps contain artificial colourings that may cause a reaction to your skin. If you think about it, colourants in soaps are purely for aesthetic purposes so if you are making your own soap, you don't really need to add any of these. Go natural. Use natural clays or dry herbs and plants, or skinsafe micas from a reliable source. 

A simple way to treat allergy is to opt for more established soap brands. Another way is of course to make your own soap so you know which ingredients you put into making it. Or purchase from a reliable handmade soap maker.

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WHAT IS SLS AND WHY IS IT BAD FOR YOUR SKIN?

 Today, there are many chemicals that are found in products that we use on a daily basis.  These chemical ingredients can sometimes be harmful, causing skin dryness, itchiness, and rashes. In some cases, these chemicals are even cancerous.

Over the years, you will notice an increase of products that no longer contain SLS or SLES. What is this compound and why are companies trying to do away with its use?

SLS stands for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. SLES is an abbreviation for Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate. These ingredients are added to soap to create the foam. Both foam-making chemical ingredients are also commonly used as a pesticide and herbicide. 

Why SLS/SLES has a bad rep is because it is a known skin irritant. They tend to make your skin dry, your eyes sting, and if you are sensitive to it, it can cause your skin to itch or to break out.  

To avoid using these chemicals, try looking out for Sulfate free products. While soaps without SLS/SLES tend to have less foam, it just takes a little getting use to. 

Having a rich lathery bath and squeaky clean skin may not be all that healthy for you. It is best to bath with natural soaps that contain lesser harmful chemicals. 

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HERE'S WHY YOU SHOULD START MAKING YOUR OWN CANDLES

The art of making your own candles may be a few centuries old but it is never too late for you to learn about this rewarding and fulfilling activity. Making your own candle is easy, fun and affordable. Here are the 3 reasons why you should start to learn how to make your own candles.

Healthier Option

Unlike store-bought candles that are made from cheaper paraffin wax, homemade candles are usually made from natural wax such as soy wax, beeswax and palm wax. Paraffin wax is made using petroleum and it is bad for the environment and health. Candles made from natural wax tend to be healthier, burn slower and does not produce smoke.

Made to your liking

With different materials and unlimited creative ideas to play with, you have the option to control and decide on the design, look and type of candle that compliments the decor of your house. You get to decide on the colour, the shape, the size of the candle and of course the scent too. You can even customise your candles to your very own theme or recycle used jars. The creative options are limitless here.

It's Cheaper 

Making your own candle will only cost you a fraction of what you pay when you buy candles in shops because you will be buying the raw materials in bulk. You can also save money on gifts for your families and friends by giving them your own homemade candle.

Making your own candle can be more than just a pastime as it helps to develop your imagination and creativity. Why not give it a try?

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