Sarah's Organic Skin Care Blog

Could salicylate sensitivity be causing your skin allergy?

2010-02-28T23:40:00.002Z

As a long term urticaria sufferer I was interested to read recently about salicylate intolerance.

Salicylates are a protein formed naturally in plants. They are also manufactured artificially and are found in some medicines (namely aspirin), perfumes as well as in beauty products containing benzoate preservatives.

Salicylates are a bad trigger of skin conditions such as dermatitis, hives and urticaria. People who are salicylate sensitive are also likely to develop a histamine intolerance - which is what causes that uncontrollable itching in those afflicted by urticaria.

Just some of the natural foods that are particularly high in salicylates are:

- tomatoes
- broad beans
- green peppers
- apricots
- citrus fruits
- avocadoes
- strawberries
- almonds
- peanuts

Interestingly, no current method of food intolerance or allergy testing can identify a salicylate intolerance. Which perhaps explains why some people suffering from skin reactions get frustratingly inconclusive results from this form of testing.

Do you avoid alcohol in your skin care products? Not all alcohols are bad for you.

2010-02-14T20:38:00.001Z

I always recommend that sensitive skin sufferers check ingredient lists and give beauty products containing alcohol a wide berth.

Ethyl alcohols dry the skin, cause irritation, trigger Rosacea flare-ups and prevent the absorption of Vitamin A - the lack of which promotes premature ageing.

These drying alcohols are listed as 'alcohol denat.', 'ethanol' or 'ethyl alcohol'.

Some companies market alcohol as a "skin balancer" - if you have oily skin, then it will dry it out. There are better ways to rebalance your skin!

This is a cynical marketing gloss for the true reasons for including alcohol - it is used as a "natural" preservative in organic products, as well as a fixing agent for fragrances.

But it only works in high concentrations - for alcohol to work as a preservative in skin creams, it must be used in concentrations of up to 20%, which is why you see it high up the ingredients list.

But...Pai uses a form of alcohol in its products - is it also drying and a skin irritant?

No. Not all alcohols are created equal. They can take various forms, serve different purposes and not all are bad for the skin.

There is a class of wax alcohols such as cetearyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol.

These are referred to as 'fatty alcohols' and are commonly used as an emulsifier or thickener in creams. They actually have a non-drying moisturising effect on the skin.

These alcohols are usually naturally derived from vegetable sources such as coconut and are well tolerated by sensitive skin sufferers.

Drying alcohols carry a 'moderate' hazard rating of 5-6 on the Cosmetic Safety Database while fatty alcohols have a 'low' hazard rating of 0-1.

So, know your alcohols - we at Pai do use Ethly Alcohols but we use them to clean and disinfect our work surfaces. Which just about says it all.

My Tips For Treating Rosacea

2009-11-01T20:11:00.011Z

I get a lot of people with rosacea writing to me – particularly at this time of year when the weather gets cooler and central heating is switched on. Allergy-prone skin can be particularly sensitive to temperature variations.

Rosacea is a common skin allergy that appears on the face - usually along the upper cheeks and nose.

Symptoms include facial redness, dilated capillaries and, in some cases, small hard spots. It is most common in women over the age of 30 and several friends of mine developed the condition during their first pregnancy.

If you suffer from rosacea it is important to avoid the following triggers:

- Caffeine
- Spicy foods
- Alcohol in skincare products
- Sunlight

Moisturise with a chemical-free moisturiser such as our Chamomile & Rosehip Cream. Rosehip is a fantastic skin healer and strengthener while Chamomile (see image) contains azulene, a natural anti-inflammatory, which will cool and calm the flushing.

Diet is also important when dealing with all skin allergies and rosacea is no exception. Try and increase your intake of Essential Fatty Acids (Omega 3, 6 & 9) as these can help calm and condition the skin from the inside. Oily fish, seeds and nuts are all good sources as are supplements like a high grade flaxseed oil.

Pcynogenol, or pine bark extract, is also believed to be a good natural remedy for rosacea as it has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

The Facts About Phenoxyethanol

2009-10-21T21:52:00.002+01:00

Cosmetics manufacturers are increasingly responding to customer demand for paraben-free products and removing it from their formulations.

While this is a good thing, many are replacing Parabens with another chemical preservative called Phenoxyethanol.

If you scan ingredient lists of natural and organic beauty products it is surprising how many companies are using it.

However, this synthetic preservative comes with it's own set of problems.

- It has been linked to skin irritation and is believed to have damaging effects on the nervous system.

- Like Parabens, it has oestregenic properties so should be avoided by endometriosis sufferers or those afflicted with adult acne.

- It has a hazard score of 4 on Skin Deep, a brilliant and comprehensive database of cosmetic ingredients.

- Its use in cosmetic preparations is restricted in Japan and will be disallowed under the new European organic beauty standard, COSMOS.

We don't know for certain how safe or harmful phenoxyethanol is so, at Pai, we take the precautionary approach and leave it out.

The Ultimate Natural Sunburn Remedy

2009-06-16T12:08:00.009+01:00

So we've covered sunscreens (chemical v natural), what about After Sun?

If you have caught the rays a little too much then our Chamomile & Rosehip Cream

is the perfect antidote.

Chamomile contains azulene, a natural anti-inflammatory, which will cool and
calm the skin.

Rosehip is the ultimate skin healer that will help regenerate and rejuvenate the skin.

To make it extra soothing, keep it in the fridge and apply cold.

What's more, it comes in a trusty 30ml bottle, so you can take it on the plane if you're heading abroad this Summer!

Sunscreens: The hidden dangers

2009-06-11T11:52:00.010+01:00

I get a lot of enquiries about sun-
screens. It is difficult to create an
SPF (sun protection factor) cream
without the use of chemicals. As a
general rule the higher the SPF the
more chemicals used.

A lot of the UVA/B chemical filters used
in sunscreens are not only harsh skin
irritants but some, like Isotridecyl
Salicylate and Octyl Salicylate, are also
believed to be oestregen mimics.

Many also contain Methyl Paraben which is used as a
preservative. The controversy around parabens is well known,
but a recent study in Japan also showed that Methyl Paraben
prematurely ages the skin when exposed to UVA/B sunlight.

So what about the more natural sun creams on the market?
Are they really better?

Natural SPF creams are made with mineral sun blocks like titanium or zinc oxides. They work in a different way to chemical sunscreens (which absorb UVA/B light). Instead they act as a barrrier which is why they don't absorb well and often appear white on the skin.

While these sunscreens are kinder on the skin, more and more manufacturers now grind down the minerals into nanoparticles to eliminate the whiteness problem. While this may seem like a good thing, recent studies suggest these smaller particles penetrate the body in ways the larger particles cannot and could pose a long term health risk.

Manufacturers currently do not need to label nanoparticles on their products, although there is mounting pressure for this to change.

So...what is the best way to stay protected this Summer? I'd suggest investing in a wide brimmed hat and staying out of the midday rays!

Skin advice you're itching to know about...

2009-05-09T03:30:00.003+01:00

Monday marks the start of National Allergy Fortnight.

It's normally a week but no-one could agree on the right dates!

So, we at Pai have taken the liberty of making it a fortnight instead.

The UK has one of the highest rates of skin allergies.

Up to 1.8 million in the UK are are allergic to one or more ingredients in their beauty products.

One in five women will develop hand or face eczema as a result of an irritant or allergy.

To mark National Allergy Fortnight, we will be be running the following activities to help bring these sensitive souls some relief:

- Monday 11th May:
Launch of 'Ask Sarah' - free online skin advice forum on Paiskincare.com.

- Wednesday 20th May:
4.30-6.30pm: Sampling at Whole Foods Market, Kensington.
Pop by and pick-up a sample of our best-selling Chamomile & Rosehip Cream for Sensitive Skin

6.30pm-7.00pm: Living with a Skin Allergy.
I will be giving a talk at Whole Foods Market, Kensington.

- Saturday 23rd May:
Whole Foods Market, Kensington
I will be giving free skincare consultations, 11-6pm.
Booking line: 020 7368 4531

Hope to see or hear from you at some point over the two weeks!

Pai launches in Fenwick and Whole Foods Annapolis

2009-05-08T17:31:00.013+01:00

We've been busy...

This week we’re excited to announce
Pai’s launch in Fenwick Tunbridge
Wells.

This store has a stellar beauty floor
and it is so refreshing to see a
department store embracing the
growing trend in organics.

There is a great selection of natural
brands on offer and the staff are
seriously clued up on their products.
Go check it out.

We have also made our first baby
steps over the pond. This week we
opened in one of Whole Foods Market's
brand new stores in Annapolis, USA.

I will be in-store offering free skincare
consultations from 4-7 June. If you're
in that neck of the words, be sure to
pop by and say hello!

Chocolate does NOT give you spots - but sugar and animal fats do.

2009-04-12T15:55:00.006+01:00

Does chocolate give you spots? I get asked this question a lot.

It's no secret that skin health can be directly affected by our diet. I often write about the links between acidic foods and eczema flare-ups for instance.

So, it stands to reason that chocolate might not be the best thing for our complexions.

But, does it directly cause pimples?

The answer is yes and no.

The key is the quality of chocolate. The cacao beans themselves are not the culprit but the other ingredients used in its production - namely low grade animal fats and large quantities of refined sugar.

Sugar - of the white, processed crystalline variety - is the biggest cause of spots.

Eating too much of it suppresses the immune system by causing the pancreas to secrete excessive quantities of insulin to break it down.

Insulin remains in circulation in the bloodstream for a long time afterwards and is thought to upset our mineral and hormonal balance.

Hormones increase sebum production which can clog the pores and cause pimples to erupt.

So why so some people get spots and others don't?

Well firstly your genes have a lot to do with it. Some people are just blessed with flawless skin.

However, the strength of your liver function is thought to be a major contributor to perfect skin.

Your liver clears excess hormones from your system. So a strong liver will do a better job of this than others and mean less hormonal imbalance.

A liver weakened by poor diet and high alcohol consumption will lead to more unsightly spots and congested skin.

In its purest form, dark chocolate has the highest cacao content. Studies have shown that when eaten in moderation, it can help to promote cardiac health.

It also increases our serotonin levels — the brain chemical that makes us feel happy. Which, in my book, is reason alone to get chomping this Easter.

Pai Featured in 'Toxic Beauty' Book

2009-03-06T00:52:00.005Z

Pai has been featured as a natural beauty supplier in a new book called Toxic Beauty: How hidden chemicals in cosmetics can harm you.

The book uncovers the sheer quantity and diversity of chemicals lurking in our every-day beauty products, and is the essential guide to what to avoid and why.

It also shines a light on on just how natural 'organic' beauty products really are. A subject close to my own heart!

The author, Dawn Mellowship, is a freelance ethical journalist and contributor to New Consumer and Natural Health Magazine.

This, her fourth book, includes a comprehensive directory detailing the health issues associated with common toiletries such as hair gels and sunscreens.

Pai nominated for UK Beauty Awards

2009-02-23T21:45:00.003Z

We're very chuffed to be nominated for the UK Beauty Awards.

The award ceremony will happen at the UK Clothes Show on the 29th May.

Our category is the Organic Beauty Product Award, which is only open to products certified by the UK Soil Association.

All of the products have been nominated by beauty PR agencies and then shortlisted by beauty editors, journalists and industry professionals.

But the final decision over who wins is up to you! It is a public vote, so please vote for Pai here:

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/survey.zgi?p=WEB228TC32ER7A

Once you've voted, you can submit your email address to Handbag.com for the chance to win one of 5 goody bags filled with shortlisted products and worth over £500!

German Consumers lead the Organic Revolution!

2009-02-11T18:41:00.005Z

Perhaps not suprisingly for the country that gave us Dr Hauschka, German consumers are the greenest in Europe.

In the German personal care sector, one third of all purchases are of natural or organic products.

The UK and France lag behind, although we've caught up in recent years.

The Kline Report, Natural Personal Care 2008, estimated the size of the European Naturals sector at $3 billion - up 15% on 2007.

It went on to say that consumers don't appear to be put off paying up to a 20% premium for organic products - which reflect the higher costs of production and ingredients.

While organic food has been hit by the European economic downturn, the expectation is that the European organic personal care sector will continue to grow.

In fact, premium organic brands are actually much better value for money than luxury cosmetics - where the high retail price is set by the expensive TV marketing and not the cost of the ingredients.

Consumers choose certified organic over "natural inspired" brands

2009-02-11T18:04:00.005Z

A new research report from US Kline Group has concluded that UK consumers are increasingly choosing certified organic products over "natural inspired" brands.

We at Pai have consistently warned that consumers are increasingly sceptical of brands that claim to be organic, but in fact load their "natural" products full of unpleasant, dangerous and cheap chemicals.

The worst offenders are the major chemical companies who have launched a series of "nature inspired" brands.

Their TV adverts may focus on the essential oils the product contains, but neglect to mention the large quantities of Sodium Larel Sulphate and other worse chemicals.

Also worrying is the number of independent "organic" brands that use some certified organic ingredients, but include chemical preservatives such as Parabens, Sodium Hydroxmethylglycinate or Propylene Glycol.

For consumers who have made the move to organic, it often comes as quite a shock to find that the brand they bought (usually at a premium) from their organic shop is still full of chemicals.

Sometimes you'd be forgiven for thinking you need a chemistry degree to decipher the ingredients panel on the back of some cosmetic boxes.

For those of us that don't have one, the UK's Soil Association logo is a quick shorthand for determining if an "organic" product really is organic.

At Pai, our products are not only Soil Association Certified, we don't use any chemical preservatives... even the ones on the SA's authorised list, such as Phenoxyethanol.

This makes our products the purest on the market. That's good for us, and very good for your skin!

Europe bans cosmetic companies from using Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Phytonadione (Vitamin K)

2009-02-10T19:29:00.010Z

The recent European Cosmetics Directive has finally outlawed Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Phytonadion (Vitamin K1). About time too!

Few cosmetic companies now use these ingredients... but some still do - even the odd organic one.

Diethylene Glycol is a type of Glycerine or Glycerol that is poisonous to humans. It is often used in anti-freeze. However, in recent years DEG has been found in toothpaste originating from China.

Glaxo Smithkline has said that the ingredient was found in counterfeit versions of its Sensodyne toothpaste. In Panama, contaminated products are estimated to have killed 70 people.

DEG isn't completely banned, as the directive allows for cosmetics to contain traces of the chemical found in Glycerol.

At Pai we use vegetable derived Glycerine (as opposed to Animal Fat derived). Because we are Soil Association certified, we can only use their approved suppliers of vegetable Glycerine in our products.

This ensures that not even trace amounts of DEG find themselves into Pai products.

Pai manufactures all products in-house, rather than outsourcing production to a factory.

This means we can guarantee that our ingredients are not contaminated or replaced with non-human grade glycerine (this has happened to other companies in the past).

Phytonadion is best know as Vitamin K1. In 2006 it was banned in France by the health regulator Afssaps (Agence Francaise de Securite des Produits Sante).

Afssaps reported twelve extreme allergic reactions, all eczema-related conditions of the face and body. Six of the sufferers had to be hospitalised.

"Cosmetics products that include K1 can represent a serious threat to human health," an official statement from Afssaps said at the time.

Vitamin K2 is thought to be generally safe - but if a product does not specify K1 or K2, then we would suggest you stop using it.

Many consumers are becoming aware that just because a product says it is organic on the front, the ingredients on the back often tell a different story.

If you want to be absolutely sure a cosmetics product is as natural as it claims, then look for the Soil Assocation logo on the box.

Japanese Honeysuckle - the secret Paraben

2009-02-08T21:34:00.011Z

I get many emails from people wanting to know more about Japanese Honeysuckle.

They see it listed in the ingredients on their organic skin care products but have heard that it is a Paraben.

Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is sold as a natural preservative and contains a complex mixture of lonicerin and natural para-hydroxybenzoic acid.

The latter is the main component of parabens hence the abbreviated name 'para-ben'. You can read a bit about it on Wikipedia (under the 'Chemistry' section).

Whether a natural paraben is better for you than a synthetic one is up for debate.

However, I did extensive research into the ingredient. The professional advice I received from manufacturers and chemists was that there is little difference between a natural and synthetic paraben - they both work in exactly the same way.

That's why Pai does not use Japanese Honeysuckle in any of its products.

We take a precautionary approach and do not use any ingredient that we have doubts about.

Pai Starter Kit - Save £10 and get Free UK Delivery

2009-02-02T11:19:00.003Z

The Pai Starter Kit contains the essentials of your skin care regime.

Choose the Moisturiser to suit your skin type.

Also included is our Camellia & Rose Cleanser for all skin types.

It is formulated for even the most sensitive skin, so you can use it around the eyes.

Our organic muslin face cloth is perfect for cleansing and exfoliating - and much better for the environment than disposable cotton pads.

Best of all, you save 10.00 off the normal retail price and get FREE UK delivery!

Why muslin cloths should be an essential part of your skincare regime

2009-01-21T23:29:00.009Z

I get a lot of questions about the benefits of using a muslin cloth in your cleansing routine.

Why are they so good?

1. they have a gentle exfoliating action that leaves skin super clean and smooth.

2. they help to remove any lasting residues of dirt or make-up without scratching the skin.

3. they are re-usable and are made from 100% unbleached organic cotton. This makes them far more environmentally friendly than cotton wool. Just stick them in the washing machine on a cold wash.

4. the cloths prevent bacteria growing - the open weave of the cloth allows them to dry quickly. Regular flannels hold water for longer and can be a breeding ground for bacteria.

We recommend using Pai's organic muslin cloth alongside our Camellia & Rose Natural Cleanser.

After applying the cleansing cream, rinse the cloth in hot water and remove the cream using a gentle circular motion.

Finish with a splash of cold water to close the pores.

Parabens cause premature ageing - new study

2009-01-18T19:35:00.010Z

It is a little ironic that Parabens, which are widely used in anti-ageing creams, have been linked to premature ageing.

A new Japanese study has demonstrated that when products containing Methyl Paraben are combined with ultra violet light, there is damage to your DNA and skin.

So avoid sun creams with Methyl Paraben or using a moisturiser containing it on a sunny day!

There are lots of manufacturers still backing Parabens (while no doubt frantically reformulating their products!), and where possible citing research showing it is safe.

It is worth pointing out that much current testing (including this study) on the safety of Parabens involve testing on animals.

At Pai, we take the precautionary approach - if there is a doubt about an ingredient's safety, we don't use it.

And we certainly don't condone animal testing of ingredients - all our products contain only natural ingredients and are tested on willing humans!

What is Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate?

2009-01-18T19:29:00.005Z

Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate - it doesn't exactly trip off the tongue!

It is a chemical preservative commonly used in "natural" beauty products to help preserve them from bacterial or fungal growth.

We are meeting more and more people who have extremely strong reactions to products containing this chemical.

One customer used an organic facial moisturiser from a well know 'natural' skincare brand and immediately had an intense burning sensation followed by extreme irritation lasting for several days.

Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate is a skin irritant in high concentrations, and should only used in low levels in products - 0.1%. Although there are products out there using higher concentrations.

It is far more of an irritant than Parabens and it affects more people. Parabens have been used for years and there are few reported cases of Paraben allergies.

But many manufacturers are shifting away from Parabens because of the bad press and instead including less well known chemicals to preserve their products.

Sodium Hydroxmethylglycinate is often described as "organic" or naturally derived from the glycine, an amino acid.

However, there is little that is organic about it - it goes through a rigorous manufacturing process using lots of chemicals. Indeed, one of the particular problems highlighted is that Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate is sometimes contaminated with Formaldehyde, which is used during manufacture.

It is also thought to break down into Formaldehyde in the body - which is a problem if the product you are using is a moisturiser, designed to permeate the skin. It is less of a concern if it is present in a shampoo or cleanser, which is washed off.

Many people come to organic skin care after developing reactions to chemicals in their usual products. Unfortunately, if you purchase a product containing Sodium Hydroxmethylglycinate, there is a chance it will irritate your skin or that you will have an allergy to it.

At Pai Skincare, we only use natural preservatives - no Parabens and certainly no Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate.

Sodium Hydroxymethlyglycinate is also listed as:

GLYCINE, N- (HYDROXYMETHYL) -. MONOSODIUM SALT;
GLYCINE, N- (HYDROXYMETHYL) -, SODIUM SALT;
N- (HYDROXYMETHYL) GLYCINE, SODIUM SALT;
N- (HYDROXYMETHYL) -. MONOSODIUM SALT GLYCINE;
SODIUM SALT GLYCINE, N- (HYDROXYMETHYL) -;
SODIUM SALT N- (HYDROXYMETHYL) GLYCINE;
N- (HYDROXYMETHYL) - SODIUM SALT GLYCINE;
SODIUM HYDROXYMETHYLGLYCINATE;
GLYCINE, N- (HYDROXYMETHYL) -, MONOSODIUM SALT;
HYDROXYMETHYLAMINOACETIC ACID,
SODIUM SALT;
SODIUM N- (HYDROXYMETHYL) GLYCINATE

Anti-Ageing Creams - the ULTIMATE test

2009-01-12T16:20:00.006Z

What is the best test for whether your skin care products are helping to prevent ageing?

Is it lots of pseudo-scientific language on the box?

Is it airbrushed 21 year old models claiming a product works for them?

Or should you spend hundreds of thousands on inconclusive cosmeceutical research projects?

In fact, for the average girl on the wrong side of 30, there is really only one test that matters:

When was the last time you were ID'd for alcohol?

Now we at Pai always say that our creams are good for you and your skin. But how do they shape up when presented with this real life test?

As the founder and longest user of Pai (3 years now), and definitely north of 30 by a few years...my results are:

Asked for ID in the last 3 months: TWICE

OK, but that's only one person I hear you say. Well, no, my best friend - also a faithful Pai user - has been asked for ID even more times than me.

So there you go - proof that Pai products have anti-ageing properties - as tested on real people in real life!

Christmas Offers at Pai - Find the Perfect Stocking Filler

2008-12-10T12:27:00.004Z

Free Stocking Filler and Free Delivery when you spend over £30.

Looking for the perfect stocking filler?

Spend over £30 and we will include a free Bergamot Lip Balm in your order

Made from beeswax and sweet almond oil - this 100% organic balm will soothe and protect dry lips.

It comes in a muslin pouch complete with gift tag.

Order today and get Free UK Delivery too!

View our full gift range.

The Chemical Preservatives used by "Organic" Beauty Brands

2008-12-08T00:57:00.009Z

"Organic" doesn't always mean free from synthetic chemicals when it comes to your beauty products.

I am always frustrated when I come across a beauty product that is marketed as "organic" or "natural, but contains lots of synthetic chemicals.

Cream based products contain water. So they need preserving properly, otherwise your product could contain bacteria or fungus.

Products like bath salts, body oils and soap don't contain water, so don't need a chemical preservative (although some companies do stick them in for fun anyway!)

The challenge for beauty product manufacturers is how to fulfil a retailer's requirement to order in large quantities of product and then have them sitting on shelves for up to 2 years.

Many brands argue that a chemical preservative is a necessary evil. In particular Parabens are used to preserve cream products.

But because of all the recent reports about potential long term health problems associated with Parabens, most organic personal care companies are switching to alternative preservatives.

Some are cynically putting in anything that isn't a paraben, but is far more likely to harm you...customers just don't know about it yet! For example, there is no excuse for putting in Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.

Other companies use a naturally occurring Paraben, Japanese Honeysuckle. It seems dishonest to me to market your products as "Paraben Free" if you use a natural Paraben.

The only difference between chemically produced Parabens and the natural variant is the method of manufacture - they act and behave the same.

In this post I wanted to highlight a few of the harsh chemicals commonly used by "organic" skin care brands to preserve their brands.

Before I do, I should mention that Pai products use only natural preservatives. Our products have a 6-12 month shelf-life. It takes a bit more effort and cost to use only natural preservatives and it complicates the supply chain - but that's what justifies the price premium organic beauty products can command.

Always Read The Label
Companies have to put most of their ingredients on the label. They hope you won't read it - and if you do, they are pretty sure you won't understand it!

Pai was the first Organic Beauty brand to list all our ingredients in plain English. We have to put it in Latin as well because of EU regulations.

Unless you have done lots of research, most of the ingredients won't make much sense. So I have put together a list of the most commonly used chemical preservatives below:

Alcohol
Works as a preservative when present in concentrations of over 20%.

Used in such high proportions it can strip away natural oils and be unsuitable for sensitive skin or Rosacea sufferers.

If Alcohol is listed near the top of the ingredients list, then a large proportion of the product will be alcohol and completely unsuitable for use in a moisturising product.

Benzoic Acid
A mild skin irritant thought to exacerbate Eczema.

Benzyl Alcohol
Considered a skin and eye irritant and has been linked to Contact Dermatitis and Urticaria.

Formaldehyde
Still used in some "natural" skin care products, Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and skin irritant.

Japanese Honeysuckle (listed as Lonicera Japonica)
While this might sound innocuous, this is a naturally occurring Paraben.

Are natural Parabens better than the synthetic chemical type? A Paraben is a Paraben - whatever its source.

Parabens – Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl, Isopropyl, Methyl, Benzyl
The debate rages on about these six preservatives. Recent studies have raised concerns over the gradual build-up of these chemicals in the body and linked them to hormone disuption and cancer.

More clinical trials need to be done but, at Pai, we exercise a precautionary approach. If we don't know enough about an ingredient, we don't use it.

Parfum
This term was traditionally used to hide the precise formulae of commercial perfumes.

However it is now a common fixture on beauty products' ingredient lists to hide a multitude of sins - from synthetic fragrances to chemical fixatives and preservatives.

200 different chemicals can be legally covered by the word "parfum".

Phenoxyethanol
Used by the majority of 'natural' and 'organic' skincare brands, this petroleum based preservative is a skin irritant. It is banned in Japan and some European countries.

Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate is derived from benzoic acid which can occur naturally in berries. This common preservative was at the centre of a food health scare a few years ago. In high doses it has been linked to DNA damage and the onset of degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's. In cosmetics it can cause skin and eye irritation.

Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate is a common paraben replacement but is a harsh skin irritant and is thought to break down into formaldehyde in the body.

If anyone has questions about ingredients or chemicals used on beauty products, just get in touch!

Sarah

Pai's Top Tips for the Party Season

2008-12-07T17:34:00.010Z

Rich food, alcohol and late nights can play havoc on our complexions.

Here are seven tips to keep you looking your best during the festive party season:

		Skin needs to be conditioned from the inside as well as out. Oily fish, nuts and flaxseed oil are all good sources of omega 3 & 6, which keep skin supple.
		Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables to kick-start your immune system. Apricots and avocados are both great skin foods.
		Drink plenty of water to rehydrate the skin! Hot water and a slice of lemon will detox and decongest your complexion.
		Go easy on the make-up, heavy foundations and concealer can look cakey on tired out skin.
		Catch-up on some shut-eye. Sleep boosts the immune system and is the time your skin gets to regenerate.
		Keep your Pai in the fridge. Applying a cool Organic Moisturiser will reduce pores and bring a natural glow to your cheeks.
		Use our Echium Eye Cream. Echium is a wonder plant that reduces the appearance of fine lines. Apply cold to reduce puffiness.

Quick Links: Sensitive Skin Guide | Testimonials | Moisturisers | Eye Cream

Global Entrepreneurship Week - Gordon Brown & The Dragons are there!

2008-11-19T13:59:00.009Z

One of the 'Future 100'...

This week is Global Entrepreneurship Week and it has already been a busy one for us.

I attended an event on Monday where Gordon Brown and Peter Mandelson spoke of the importance of British enterprises to help weather us through the recession. No pressure...

Peter Jones and James Caan, of Dragon's Den fame, were also present though unfortunately I didn't get to speak to them or twist their arms into investing in Pai.

Last night I was at the British Library for a new business awards scheme. The Awards were set-up to recognise young (or young-ish, in the case of me) entrepreneurs running socially responsible and ethical businesses.

Rather surprisingly, I was named one of the Future 100 Entrepreneurs of the Year. I'm thrilled to have been included and it's nice when all the hard work pays off!

Cancer Sufferers - Detox Your Life Event: Advice & Products

2008-10-16T11:06:00.021+01:00

Cancer Charity YES TO LIFE has joined forces with one of our favourite retailers to offer cancer sufferers exclusive advice on how to detoxify their day-to-day lives.

A series of events will be held at CONTENT BEAUTY’s gorgeous Marylebone store.

They will provide advice on complementary approaches to health care and natural/ organic beauty.

Pai is donating organic skincare goodie bag items - such as our Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream - to take away.

The first event kicks off Thursday 16th October from 1.30pm with further sessions scheduled over the coming months.

For more information or to book your place, please call Imelda Burke on 020 3075 1006.

Event Location: CONTENT, 14 Bulstrode Street, London W1U 2JG