Sarah's Organic Skin Care Blog

CONTENT hosts Pai Skin Confidence Facials for sensitive skin

2011-09-14T14:56:00.001+01:00

To celebrate the launch of Pai Skin Confidence Facials, the organic beauty haven that is CONTENT, Marylebone, will be hosting a day of free* facials on Thursday 15 September 2011.

The facials, free when you spend £45 on Pai products, have been developed specifically to soothe, restore and enhance sensitive skin.

Packed full of therapeutic organic extracts, the 1 hour long treatments can be tailored to suit your skin’s individual needs.

The Pai Detox & Decongest facial uses a combination of Himanthalia, Sea Fennel And Rice Plant to purify and rebalance skin, revealing a clear, even and healthy complexion.

The Pai Restore & Regenerate facial, meanwhile, harnesses the powers of Echium, Perilla and Lotus to rejuvenate lacklustre skin and promote a youthful, luminous and firm complexion.

This fabulous event also coincides with National Eczema Week, and CONTENT staff will be on hand to offer advice and product recommendations to those dealing with the common skin condition.

Spaces are limited – visit the CONTENT site for more details.

The good news is the full Pai range plus Pai Skin Confidence Facials are available from CONTENT all year round, so next time you’re sensitive skin is in need of a boost be sure to pop in!

Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate oil featured in the Irish Examiner

2011-09-12T17:36:00.000+01:00

We’ve had yet more Irish press attention over the weekend, which also happened to tie in with our very successful stint at Dublin’s Rude Health Show!

Thank you to Beaut.ie’s Kirsty McDermott for picking our Rosehip BioRegenerate oil as one of the top natural products on the market.

Kirsty says,

‘Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate is a nourishing mix of plant botanicals from fruit and seeds that’s like Baby Bio for skin.

Effective for use on scars, stretch marks, fine lines and on sun-damaged complexions, this is refining, plumping and is a great product for use last thing at night.

Good for all skin types, once you’ve tried oil for a moisturiser it’s really hard to go back to creams’.

While creams hydrate the skin, oils are fantastic for reconditioning and repairing its surface.

Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate not only contains Omega 3,6,7&9 but also additional Vitamin E, which protects the skin from the sun’s harmful rays and helps keep the precious oil in optimum condition.

Use alongside Pai Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream for ultimate skin regeneration.

Know your Organic Certification Standards

2011-09-07T17:44:00.062+01:00

Organic September is here and brings with it a raft of fabulous opportunities to delve deeper into the green world of natural & organics.

While I’m forever extolling the importance of buying certified organic skin care products (read my previous post to find out why), I haven’t really discussed the differences between the main organic accreditation standards.

The certification logos you’re most likely to find on organic products in the UK are those of the Soil Association and ECOCERT.

Each of these has their own guidelines as to what qualifies as ‘organic’, and the purity and ‘naturalness’ of a product can vary greatly depending on the body it is certified by.

Soil Association (UK)

A minimum of 70% of a product’s non-water ingredient must be from organic farming.
If a chosen ingredient can be sourced organically anywhere in the world, it has to be utilised.
All non-organic ingredients must be non-toxic, biodegradable and carry a non-GM certificate.
A product cannot contain parabens, petrochemicals, propylene glycol and other potentially harmful synthetics.

ECOCERT (UK/EU)

For a product to be labelled 'organic': a minimum of 10% of non-water ingredients (by weight) must come from organic farming. 95% of all plant-based ingredients in the formula must come from organic farming.
For a product to be labelled ‘natural’: a minimum of 5% of non-water ingredients (by weight) must be organic. 50% of all plant-based ingredients in the formula must come from organic farming.
A product cannot contain parabens, petrochemicals, phenoxyethanol and synthetic fragrance, and all ingredients must be non-GM.

I don't know about you but I find these different standards pretty hard to get my head round, let alone when there are standards within standards!

As a consumer, do you know that there are 2 different 'natural' and 'organic' standards within Ecocert? Or do you just see the red symbol and think "it must be organic"?

Even more confusing are the raft of authentic-looking 'natural ingredients', 'paraben-free' or 'organic extracts' logos that aren't actually affiliated to an organic body at all, but are instead mere marketing ploys by brands to make their products seem more legitimate!

Here are a couple of examples:

The good news is that the Soil Association, ECOCERT and a number of other European organic standards are joining together into one harmonised certification standard called COSMOS.

This unified standard should make things a lot more straightforward for the organic consumer - I’ll be blogging about COSMOS and its implications for the industry in more detail at a later date.

While officially launched, COSMOS won’t start to be enforced until 2015, so in the mean time here's a quick and easy way to tell just how organic your 'organic' product is.

An organically farmed ingredient has to be clearly marked with a star on an ingredient lists. The more stars gracing the list, the higher the percentage of organics within the product - so get gazing!

Skincare up in the air: What happens to your skin when you fly?

2011-09-02T16:16:00.000+01:00

The Great British summer may be officially over (boo!), but many of us are still due to jet off on last minute getaways in search of that elusive tan to take us into Autumn.

While sun-kissed, glowing skin may be a winner, dry and dull aeroplane skin most certainly is not!

But what exactly does happen to our skin when we fly?

The contained, re-circulated and repeatedly filtered air within an aeroplane is incredibly dry, with only 10%-20% humidity (compared to an average of 80% humidity in the UK).

As we breathe this air our bodies become dehydrated from the inside out, and moisture is drawn out of the skin, leaving it tight and lacklustre.

This extreme and rapid dehydration is a nightmare for all skin types, but in allergy sufferers already prone to dryness it can lead to excessively itchy, cracked or flakey skin.

To avoid skin jetlag, follow my top five tips and tricks:

1. Drink like a fish - water that is! It’s essential to replace our body’s lost moisture with plenty of water. Not only will this ease the effects on the skin, but it will also boost and protect our immune system, which is weakened by the dry cabin conditions.

2. Don’t drink like a fish! Though the odd tipple may help us through the monotony of a 12 hr flight, dehydrating drinks such as alcohol, tea and coffee are best avoided from take-off to landing.

3. Water your skin. Pai’s new BioAffinity Toners are perfect for refreshing the complexion mid-flight, and at 50ml can be at easy reach in your hand luggage. These unique ‘living waters’ actively hydrate, brighten and soothe the skin.

4. Think below the surface. While waters hydrate the surface, creams really drive water deep into the skin. Always keep your moisturiser handy, and slather on whenever you need a more thorough top-up.

5. Go natural. While we all like to look a little glam, an aeroplane is no place for a full face of make-up, which can look powdery as the skin dries out. Always remove make-up as soon as you board (allowing you to tone and moisturise while you’re flying), and lightly re-apply once you have disembarked.

Pai launches into Irish chain Nourish with exclusive Meet the Founder event

2011-09-01T15:09:00.000+01:00

Irish Pai fans now have even more stores in which to pick up their favourite organic skincare products!

From 5 September the full Pai range will be available to browse, try and buy in three of the Nourish stores across the central Dublin area.

The chain stocks a fantastic array of whole foods, natural supplements, and ethical and organic beauty ranges, and we’re delighted to be on board!

To celebrate Pai’s arrival, Nourish will be hosting an exclusive Meet the Founder event with my dear self next Thursday 6 October in their Wicklow Street store.

I’ll be talking about sensitive skin and how to lead a skin-friendly lifestyle, and will be offering one-to-one skin consultations throughout the evening

There will be lots of free samples available for you to take away and try at home – who knows you might just discover skin’s new best friend!

The event will be taking place between 6-8pm, click here for directions.

We’d love to see you all, so if you’re in the Dublin area do come along and say hello.

Ireland’s beauty experts fall for Pai

2011-08-25T14:53:00.001+01:00

Irish eyes have certainly been smiling over Pai in recent weeks, with a host of fabulous coverage coming in from the Emerald Isle.

Amongst other pieces we were absolutely thrilled to see Ireland’s leading beauty expert Laura Bermingham announce her love for our BioAffinity Toners in the Mail on Sunday.

This fabulous reception from both press and our lovely customers has led to us expanding our Irish empire, and I’m delighted to announce some news hot off the press - Pai will be launching into Dublin’s Nourish chain of health & beauty stores in September!

More on that to come over the next couple of weeks, but for now, here’s a round-up of some of our recent Irish press:

‘This ultra-soothing organic (certified by the Soil Association) lotion gives skin a little TLC for summer. Great range, well priced.’

Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream, The Gloss

‘With so many of us having sensitive or easily irritated skin, it’s a relief, literally, to use products tailored to our sensitivities. Here’s [one] to try that won’t have you running for the shower of antihistamines.’

Avocado & Jojoba Hydrating Day Cream, U Magazine

‘We’ve been fans of the Pai Skincare range since it came to our attention in Nelsons Homeopathic Dispensary on Duke St last year. Pai’s philosophy is to work with your skin type and not against it and their new BioAffinity Toners are no exception’

BioAffinity Toners, Beauty Couture

‘Parfum’: the sweet-smelling disguise that hides a multitude of sins

2011-08-23T16:47:00.001+01:00

Last week’s ‘How to Read a Cosmetics Ingredients List’ post briefly touched on Parfum, but as many of you sensitive-skinned beauties will know it’s not an ingredient to gloss over.

‘Parfum’ is a bridging term for the countless cosmetic ingredients that ostensibly contribute to a product’s unique scent.

While these ingredients may include essential oils and synthetic fragrance, they can also legally include ingredients that have nothing at all to do with aroma, such as phthalates and preservatives.

Shockingly, current UK cosmetic legislation allows over 200 different chemicals to be covered by the listing ‘Parfum’.

The term itself was originally created to protect perfumery scent formulations, which were considered a closely guarded trade secret.

These days however it has become more of a labelling ‘loophole’, through which manufacturers can hide some of their potentially controversial or irritating ingredients.

No matter why a brand may choose to use them, as a sensitive skin sufferer I would never buy a product with the words ‘parfum’ or ‘fragrance’ on the ingredients list.

This is simply because I can’t be 100% sure what it contains and whether I may or may not be allergic to it.

In the interest of full disclosure and transparency, you will never find ‘parfum’ on a Pai product.

Instead we choose to list each and every ingredient in plain English so you know exactly what’s in the bottle and are able to make an informed buying decision.

What do you think? Is ‘parfum’ a misleading term, or simply a logical way of keeping ingredients lists short?

Stay tuned this week for a follow up post on Natural vs Synthetic Fragrance for Sensitive Skin.

Women’s Fitness keep skin healthy with Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate oil

2011-08-18T14:15:00.000+01:00

While some of us at Pai HQ may be slightly allergic to exercise, we were thrilled to see our Rosehip BioRegenerate oil pop up in the September issue of Women’s Fitness!

With summer sadly coming to an end, the WF beauty team are on hand with their top 10 tips for extending that sun-kissed look into autumn and beyond.

While a clever bronzer and tinted moisturiser are all useful tools, it’s also important to remember to replenish and regenerate skin that has been exposed to the sun.

After all healthy skin glows all the brighter!

Here’s what the WF girls had to say:

‘Sun exposure can stress your skin, so now’s the time to repair.

Antioxidants are your armour against environmental damage, so use a nutrient-rich serum after sun exposure to make sure your holidays leave you looking healthy, not haggard.

Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil - Boost skin’s natural healing with this blend’s essential vitamins and fatty acids, ideal for post-sun nourishment.’

If you are a fan of Rosehip then be sure to check out our Rosehip Sensitive Skin Duo deal, which saves you £9 on our oil + Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream.

Hurry though, as this current offer ends on the 31st August…..

How to Read a Cosmetic Ingredients List

2011-08-16T16:57:00.002+01:00

With faux-organic beauty products taking over our shop shelves, learning how to spot a true organic beauty from a chemical imposter has never been more important.

The key is in cracking their ingredients list, a feat often easier said than done.

These lists can be difficult to decipher - what with the rolling microscopic text, the long chemical names and, of course, the Latin!

I'd go as far as to say that in most cases ingredients lists are intentionally off-putting.

After all, the last thing the ‘natural’ mega-brand manufacturers want is for you to actually know what's in their products…

At Pai we buck the trend and list all of our ingredients in single lines with plain English translations.

Surprisingly, we're still the only cosmetics company to do this, but as a chronic sensitive skin sufferer I know how important it is to understand exactly what you’re putting on your skin.

With that in mind I’ve pulled together my top tips for navigating ingredient lists - follow these and you’ll be making fully informed buying decisions in no time!

1. Read from Top to Bottom

Ingredients are always listed in proportional order with highest quantities at the top of the list.

So if an ingredient you don’t like the sound of features somewhere in the top half, it’s probably best to leave that product on the shelf.

2. Understand your ingredients

The Cosmetics Safety Database is a useful tool for getting to know your ingredients.

It's an online directory of cosmetic ingredients that gives each a toxicity hazard score (0 being least harmful and 10 being most harmful).

It does have some flaws though, so be mindful of the following:

i. where there is 100% data gap (ie. no scientific data available) an ingredient is automatically given a hazard score of 0, regardless of its potential toxicity.

ii. concentration is not taken into account – an ingredient may well be harmful at 100% but harmless at 0.1%.

iii. where ingredients have the same name there is no distinction between the naturally derived and synthetically produced versions. These can be a world apart, particularly when it comes to skin irritancy.

3. Know your Organic Kitemarks

Not all organic standards are equal.

Look for the Soil Association or USDA kitemarks as these demand the cleanest ingredients – with 70% of their non-water ingredients having to be organically grown, harvested and extracted.

Standards such as ECOCERT allow companies to use as little as 10% organic ingredients in products that carry their ‘organic’ kitemark.

I’ll blog about this in more detail later in the week.

4. Seek out Organic Stars

A product claiming to be organic should have its organic ingredients clearly marked, usually with a star ‘*’.

If 70% of its non-water ingredients are organic then you’ll expect to see quite a few stars. If there are just a couple then you’ll know that its organic credentials are, at best, tenuous.

5. Know your irritants

Pai customers don’t just want to know that their products are organic, they want to ensure they are sensitive skin friendly too.

The following ingredients tend to be most irritating. This is by no means an exhaustive list and everyone’s skin is different, so it’s important to isolate your personal triggers:

i. Detergents – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine

ii. Preservatives – Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol and Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate.

iii. Fragrance – ‘Parfum’ the term can signify artificial fragrance which is a bad irritant. With natural essential oils – care must always be taken as in high dosages they can be irritating. Some, such as lemongrass, are irritating even at concentrations as low as 0.1%.

Natalie Portman picks Pai once again in Stella Magazine

2011-08-15T16:02:00.002+01:00

Those of you who picked up a copy of The Sunday Telegraph yesterday will have seen Pai’s Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream gracing the pages of Stella.

The gorgeous fashion and beauty supplement raided Natalie Portman’s make-up bag this week and found a host of natural beauty treats, including our now cult daily moisturiser.

Here’s what Natalie had to say about Pai:

I love the British organic brand Pai – this cream is my favourite product. It’s a really good moisturiser.

Get your hands on her skincare saviour today by purchasing our Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream alone, or as part of one of the following penny-saving deals:

Cleanse & Tone Starter Kit £70 (save up to £11)
Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, BioAffinity Toner of your choice, Moisturiser of your choice.

Double up Deal £44 (save £4)
Buy two Cleansers or Moisturisers of your choice at a discounted price.

Daily Mail talks Organics and Rosacea

2011-08-12T17:18:00.000+01:00

The Daily Mail has been talking Pai’s language this week with two features on subjects very close to our heart.

Alice Hart-Davies began the week with her exposé piece entitled ‘The organic myth: The label says organic but how ‘natural’ are the products you’re forking out for?’

The article points out that while in the US, big brands such as Jason and Boots are being sued for their false ‘organic’ claims, there remains no labelling regulation on the use of the terms ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ in the European cosmetics industry.

So how do you tell a fake from a true organic product? You guessed it – read the label (as if I haven’t told you enough times!).

I’ll be writing a couple of posts next week on what exactly you should be looking out for in terms of ingredients and certification bodies, but as Alice points out what you really want is a Soil Association symbol - meaning that over 70% of the product is organically farmed and extracted.

The other skin related feature that grabbed our attention in Tuesday’s paper (this time by Laura Tennant), shone a light on Rosacea.

Like many sufferers of this condition, Laura’s Rosacea didn’t develop until her 40s, and for a long time her oily, bumpy and flushed skin was misdiagnosed as adult acne.

Laura’s article points out the sad truth that 13% of Rosacea sufferers avoid socialising because of their flushing.

If that sounds like you then why not try our Skin Confidence-boosting Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream, which not only reduces redness but also strengthens the skin - making future flushes less likely.

A Model Recommends Pai BioAffinity Toners, and has a fab freebie up her sleeve too!

2011-08-10T16:34:00.001+01:00

Pai’s brand new BioAffinity Toners have received their first glowing write up thanks to model and beauty blogger extraordinaire Ruth Crilly, aka A Model Recommends.

Ruth’s been a fan of the Pai range for a while now, and regularly relies on our Camellia & Rose Cleanser, Rejuvenating Echium Eye Cream and Rosehip BioRegenerate oil to soothe and revive her skin on its more ‘sensitive’ days.

You can read her full review of the Rice Plant & Rosemary BioAffinity Toner here – it certainly looks like we’ve converted a self-confessed Toner sceptic!

To celebrate their launch A Model Recommends is also hosting a fabulous BioAffinity Toner deal, where readers receive a FREE Rejuvenating Echium Eye Cream (worth £24) with every Toner purchased.

UK customers will even receive free shipping too!

The offer expires at midnight this Fri 12 August, so get your orders in quick.

Head over to Ruth's site to find the exclusive code, and while you’re there check out her fabulous glowing skin - very proud to be at least partly(!) responsible...

Introducing NEW Pai BioAffinity Toners

2011-08-04T15:46:00.002+01:00

I am delighted to announce the arrival of Pai's most innovative skincare solution to date: the BioAffinity Toner.

Until now, toners have commonly consisted of an irritating alcohol base or inert floral water with few skin benefits.

However, thanks to revolutionary High Frequency extraction technology Pai's BioAffinity Toners harness the incredible skin-benefitting powers of complete plant water extracts.

These unique 'living waters' contain a rich complex of vitamins, amino acids and trace minerals as absorbed from the roots and body of the plant.

The organic elixirs have the exact pH of healthy skin, giving Pai BioAffinity Toners unparalled skin affinity and the power to optimise skin tone, texture and hydration levels.

Lotus & Orange Blossom BioAffinity Toner for sensitive, dry or mature skin

Lotus water's unique power to inhibit cutaneous neuropeptides, the molecules that cause skin to flare, instantly soothes sensitive skin, while Neroli stimulates circulation and skin cell regeneration to promote a clear, toned and luminous complexion.

Packed full of potent antioxidants, this toner also protects the skin against free radical damage.

Rice Plant & Rosemary BioAffinity Toner for sensitive, combination or oily skin

The antioxidant powers of a host of trace minerals actively cool, rebalance and decongest the skin to promote an even, clear and healthy complexion. The anti-inflammatory properties of Rosemary keep sensitive skin soothed throughout.

Introduce a valuable new step into your Pai Skincare regime today. Buy individually (£30), or as part of our Pai Starter Kit Deluxe (coming soon).

Industry body reveals beauty brands do not live up to ‘natural claims’

2011-08-03T14:01:00.000+01:00

Organic Monitor, the research body that specialises in the organics industry, has this month released a report assessing the truth behind ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ cosmetics claims.

What natural and organic brands are making the grade? looks at the growing trend for ‘natural’ products, and the influx of big beauty brands trying to cheat their way into the market.

The experts selected over 50 cosmetic brands making clean, green marketing claims and rated their ‘naturalness’ out of 10 based on their ingredients.

It turns out that very few brands’ natural claims stand up to scrutiny, and even those labelled ‘100% natural’ still contain synthetic preservatives, emollients and surfactants.

Unsurprisingly they found that the most truly natural products were those certified by a recognised organic body such as the Soil Association (ahem, like Pai…)

It’s high time Colipa (the European Cosmetics Association) and Cosmetics Directive imposed some proper regulations on the use of the terms ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ on product labelling before these claims lose their true meaning and credibility altogether.

In the mean time, this current ‘greenwashing’ epidemic is one that savvy consumers should be aware of.

With so many companies jumping on the organic bandwagon, the only way you can really be sure of a product’s natural credentials is by reading the ingredients list.

This can sometimes be a bit of a minefield, so over the next couple of days I’ll be blogging about what exactly to look out for and which ingredients to embrace and avoid.

Watch this space…..

‘V’ for Vegan

2011-08-01T17:18:00.000+01:00

Pai’s high-performance organic creams have always been Vegan-friendly, but they are now all registered with the Vegan Society to prove it.

All suitable products will carry the prestigious green ‘Vegan’ symbol, making it easier for our animal-loving customers to identify which Pai goodies are right for them.

If you’ve recently turned Vegan and are unsure which cosmetic ingredients to avoid, read our previous Vegan Skincare blog.

Pai Bergamot Orange Organic Lip Balm is currently the only product in the range not suitable for Vegans due to the fact it contains beeswax.

But the good news is that we’re currently working on a lip-quenching, soothing and protecting formulation that is beeswax-free, so watch this space!

If you’re not yet convinced of Pai’s Vegan credentials, check out this fabulous piece by Vegan Beauty Review.

L’Oreal ads banned for ‘misleading’ airbrushing

2011-07-29T16:17:00.000+01:00

News emerged this week that mega-buck beauty campaigns starring Julia Roberts and Christy Turlington are to be banned in the UK.

After receiving a flood of complaints, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has deemed the excessive airbrushing in the Lancome and Maybelline ads ‘misleading’.

The L’Oreal-owned brands defended their cover ups by claiming that eliminating crows feet, erasing dark circles, and tightening the skin were accurate representations of the benefits of the products. Yeah right!

No one can deny that Julia Roberts and Christy Turlington are exceptionally beautiful women, so why the need to airbrush them so heavily?

Perhaps because they actually look their age (43 and 42 respectively), and ageing gracefully does not sell millions of pounds worth of products!

Of course it’s not just the more mature celebs undergoing such extreme retouching, but every cover star no matter how youthful.

This airbrushing debate follows in the footsteps of the controversial Size 0 debate, proving that society is rebelling against the images of unattainable perfection imposed upon us everyday.

What do you think? Are we ready for a natural, real and honest beauty revolution?

And if the ASA are finally starting to clamp down on misleading beauty campaigns, how about they turn their attention to some of the ‘natural’ products advertised on the box at the moment, that really take the biscuit! No prizes for guessing who….

Sunburn Salvations

2011-07-27T17:55:00.000+01:00

While we’re well aware of the dangers of sunburn, chances are the odd bout of surprise sun will catch us out and we may still suffer from time to time.

The crucial thing to remember is that sunburned skin is damaged skin, so after-sun care shouldn’t just be about moisturising but repairing and restoring the skin back to full health.

Luckily for you, healing and strengthening the skin is what Pai is all about, and we have three organic rescue treatments guaranteed to have your skin sighing with relief in no time.

1. Comfrey & Calendula Calming Body Cream

When skin is sore and tender, the last thing you want is to aggravate it further with irritating chemicals.

Our therapeutic body cream is made from organic plant extracts with proven calming and regenerative properties.

The anti-inflammatory powers of Calendula work in perfect unison with Allantoin (in Comfrey), a substance that stimulates the growth of new skin cells.

Rich plant oils and butters intensively hydrate and nourish the skin, easing any tightness and reducing the risk of unsightly peeling!

2. Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream

Nobody wants to look like a lobster, so reduce redness instantly with our super-soothing Chamomile & Rosehip Cream.

Chamomile is bursting with Chamazulene, a powerful natural anti-inflammatory that cools the skin and reduces swelling.

Wonder ingredient Rosehip accelerates the skin’s natural healing process, while improving its firmness, elasticity and suppleness.

3. Rosehip BioRegenerate oil

Rosehip’s powerful combination of natural Vitamin A and Omegas 3, 6, 7 & 9, repair and condition sunburned skin fast.

Unlike other Rosehip oils on the market, Pai Rosehip contains ‘fruit’ oil which has twice the regenerative sterols and five times the skin-protecting carotenoids of regular seed oil.

Clinically proven to significantly improve the appearance of sun damage, as well as scars, stretch marks, fine lines and age spots, Rosehip BioRegenerate is the ultimate skin SOS treatment.

The Science behind Sunburn

2011-07-26T17:22:00.000+01:00

The fleeting visit of long-awaited summer sun last weekend no doubt meant there were some red faces in the office come Monday morning!

But while we’re well aware of the dangers associated with too much sun, how many of us actually know what happens to our skin when it burns?

The reddening, swelling and pain of sunburn are actually the symptoms of a toxic reaction to the sun’s UV rays.

The intense energy of UV radiation damages molecules on the skin’s surface, and sparks the synthesis of proteins such as prostaglandins and cytokines.

In turn, these proteins cause the blood vessels to dilate and inflammatory cells to gather at the affected area – this is when you feel the burn!

It usually takes 4-6 hours for these proteins to kick in after the initial UV over-exposure, hence why sunburn can appear long after you’ve been sitting out.

Though the odd patch of sunburn is treatable, the real danger lies in prolonged or regular over-exposure to UV radiation.

In these cases skin cells become so damaged that the body can no longer repair them, and they irreversibly mutate into potentially cancerous cells.

The other, less serious but sadly more effective, sunbathing deterrent is the very real ageing effect of UV radiation.

Astoundingly, sun damage accounts for 90% of the symptoms of premature skin ageing!

Though scientists aren’t completely certain of how this process works, some think that it is due to UV rays’ ability to breakdown collagen.

Collagen naturally depletes with age, and is the substance responsible for maintaining skin strength, firmness and elasticity. The less collagen, the more loose, lined and lacklustre skin appears.

Regular readers of the blog will know that Pai is yet to find a completely safe SPF (and particularly stays clear of those containing Methyl Paraben).

As always our best-advice for protecting the skin is to stay out of the sun during the peak hours of 11-3pm, or if you’re out and about to cover-up. A wide-brimmed hat is a girl’s best friend!

It’s also important to ensure your diet and skincare is rich in anti-oxidants, as this will help long term skin health.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s Sunburn Salvation post, where we reveal the best organic ways to replenish, repair and regenerate sun-damaged skin.

Don’t let your hands give your age away!

2011-07-22T16:48:00.000+01:00

A while ago we met a lovely Pai customer who taught us a valuable skincare lesson.

After years of caring meticulously for her face, her supple, toned and remarkably wrinkle-free skin meant that she could easily pass for a woman 10 years her junior.

I naturally offered my Congratulations on her skincare success, to which she recoiled, held up her hands and said ‘But look at these!’

Though perfectly normal for her age, her hands did give her away.

Years of washing up and gardening had taken their toll, and left her mits lined, loose and cracked.

It always surprises me how people regard hand cream as an occasional use product rather than a staple part of their skin care regime.

After all, our hands are on show as much as our face, and the poor things are worked much harder!

To really nourish, protect and replenish the hands it’s important to invest in a therapeutic treatment cream rather than a bog standard perfumed cream.

Pai’s Fragonia & Sea Buckthorn Instant Hand Therapy Cream incorporates the latest in bio-active ingredients to repair and regenerate dry, chapped hands. Rich in Pro-Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Omega 3, 6 & 7, it aids cell renewal and smoothes the skin.

Its anti-inflammatory properties make it suitable for even the most sensitive of skin, and its fast absorbing formula means no annoying greasy residues. Just apply and get on with your day.

But don’t just take our word for it, listen to the eco-Mums over at The Green Parent Magazine, who recently honoured our star hand cream with a prestigious Green Parent Natural Beauty Award!

At Pai HQ we keep a bottle in the bathroom along with our Rosehip BioRegenerate oil for an extra skin repair boost. One pump and one drop mixed together are a powerful combination!

Pai stars in The Gloss’s Summer Beauty special

2011-07-21T14:19:00.000+01:00

Well done to all our Irish Pai fans who spotted us in July’s gorgeous issue of The Gloss.

Our now cult Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream was named one of the ‘best new face-savers’ in the Summer Beauty special.

Beauty Editor Sarah Halliwell says,

This ultra-soothing organic (certified by the Soil Association) lotion gives skin a little TLC for summer. Designed for reactive, ultra-sensitive skin, it’s made from the purest plant extracts and is rich in antioxidants. Great range, well priced.

We’re thrilled with such high praise!

Summer heat is a major cause of skin sensitivity flares, so if you are going away it’s worth keeping a bottle of Chamomile & Rosehip Cream on hand to soothe any redness or irritation.

Its high concentration of skin repairers and regenerators also make it a great natural after-sun. It’s like the moisturiser that keeps on giving!

Camellia works wonders for your skin, heart and all round health

2011-07-20T15:56:00.000+01:00

What do your cleanser and your cup of tea have in common?

Well, so long as you’re using Pai’s organic offering, both are derived from the Camellia Sinesis plant.

Camellia is one of those wonder ingredients that has a multitude of health, beauty, and apparently taste, benefits.

The Japanese have used it for centuries as a natural skin cleanser, and according to a new report commissioned by the Tea Advisory Panel, it is what gives tea its health-boosting properties.

As unveiled by Cosmopolitan.co.uk, the same report also claims that a regular cuppa with milk is as healthy for you as green tea!

Apparently as both are harvested from the same plant, both improve heart health and circulation, as well as reducing the risk of cancer, stroke and diabetes.

We’re a little dubious of their equal kudos ourselves, if only for the fact that milk has a tendency to aggravate skin sensitivities.

But still, it’s food for thought – what do you think, are all teas really made equal?

Pai’s ‘Magical’ Rosehip BioRegenerate oil featured in SHE magazine

2011-07-18T15:11:00.000+01:00

Thank you to SHE magazine for selecting Pai’s Rosehip BioRegenerate oil as the star of this month's Summer beauty feature.

The vibrant pink and orange ‘Beauty Dust’ spread celebrates the most magical beauty products of the season.

Casting the spell of ‘Picture Perfect Skin’ on anyone it touches, our Rosehip elixir keeps skin in optimum condition.

SHE says,

Enhance your complexion with Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate, £20. Bursting with antioxidants and omegas, it hydrates and lessens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The powerful healing and regenerative properties of this oil also improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, sun damage and age spots, promoting an even and glowing skin tone.

Order your bottle online today, or buy as part of our Rosehip Sensitive Skin Duo and save £9.

Win a personal skin consultation and £100 worth of Pai products with UpStyler

2011-07-13T16:11:00.000+01:00

If you haven’t seen it before UpStyler is a fabulous, vintage-inspired free newspaper which shows off what British shopping has to offer beyond the high street.

This month’s ‘Home Grown’ issue embraces the natural pleasures of the good life, and no one does organic better than Pai!

Not only does our cult Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream star in the ‘Roll your own Beauty’ feature, but we’re also offering one lucky reader a stellar Pai prize.

Enter online to be in with the chance of winning a one-to-one skin consultation with myself, in which we’ll establish your unique skincare needs and put together a tailored Pai product kit worth over £100!

The competition closes on 3 October 2011, so if you know of anyone whose skin is suffering and in need of some TLC then get them entering.

Read this month’s ‘Home Grown’ UpStyler online, here.

Pai Price Changes Summer 2011

2011-07-12T18:30:00.000+01:00

Hi Pai fans,

I just wanted to let you know that as of 1 July 2011 Pai Moisturisers and Pai Bergamot Lip Balm have increased in price by an average of 10% in the UK and USA.

The rest of the products in the Pai range remain the same price.

We have held our prices constant over the past three years and during this time absorbed tax increases and the inflating costs of ingredients – some of which have risen by up to 300%.

The Macadamia & Rose Dry Skin Cream has increased in price a little more to £26 / $47. This is because we reformulated a few months ago to increase the proportion of the active ingredients, so the ingredients cost increased substantially more for this one product than the others. However we believe it’s a far superior product as a result!

Our Bergamot Lip Balm has increased in size by 30% (from 7g to 10g) and has increased by £1/$2. So gram for gram it now works out cheaper than the previous jar format.

In order to maintain product quality we’ve had to make these adjustments to our UK and US pricing, and we hope you agree these lovely products are worth it!

There is a silver lining. We have left the price of our Pai Organic Skincare Starter Kit unchanged at £40 / $60.

We have also introduced a new deal that enables you to buy your favourite Pai moisturiser at the old price when you buy two bottles or more.

DEAL 1
Starter Kit. The set of Pai essentials contains a Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser and a moisturiser of your choice, meaning that you can now save up to £11/$32.

DEAL 2

Moisturiser Duo Deal. Save up to £6 when you buy two units of your favourite Pai moisturiser.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support.

We always love to hear your feedback, so if you have any questions or product reviews please email them to info@paiskincare.com

Pai Camellia & Rose Cleanser praised by Sunday Mirror

2011-07-11T15:33:00.000+01:00

Regular Sunday Mirror readers and one-off News International boycotters may have seen Pai pop up in yesterday’s Celebs on Sunday.

This week’s ‘Tried & Tested’ feature set about helping you sensitive souls find a cleanser that won’t dry or irritate your skin.

Here’s what Gayle Stubbs had to say about our certified organic offering,

‘My skin often looks a bit mardy after a cleanse, but this didn’t irritate it one little bit’.

As our Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is alcohol and detergent-free it removes make-up, dirt and impurities without stripping away the skin’s natural oils.

Additional Omega 3, Vitamins A, B, & E nourish and hydrate skin to leave it refreshed, soft and supple.

Buy our creamy cleanser as part of our Pai Organic Skincare Starter Kit and save up to £11.

Skin Complaint Snapshot: Milia

2011-07-08T17:04:00.000+01:00

It’s been a while since I’ve done one of my skin snapshots, but after an influx of queries about Milia I thought it was high time I resurrected these informative little sessions!

Milia are small white lumps that usually appear around the eyes and cheekbones.

Filled with keratin, a naturally occurring protein, Milia are thought to be caused by a build up of dead cells at the skin’s surface.

While they are completely harmless and pain-free, Milia can be frustrating and confidence-crushing.

How can I avoid developing Milia?

It is thought that excessive use of heavy eye cream or eye make-up increase the likelihood of Milia, as they combine with dead skin cells and block pores.

Make sure you remove all traces of make-up at night, and avoid using eye creams that are particularly rich or waxy. Pai Rejuvenating Echium Eye Cream is a great option as it is light, fast-absorbing and beeswax free.

Keeping the skin hydrated, detoxified and in optimum condition will help maximise skin cell turn over and decrease the likelihood of dead cells building up.

Follow the usual advice and drink plenty of water – hot water with a slice of lemon is particularly good for decongesting the complexion.

How can I treat existing Milia?

Dermatologists can remove Milia by pricking the blisters with a needle, however I wouldn’t recommend doing this at home!

Exfoliating is considered the most simple and effective way to get rid of mild Milia.

First steam the face with a hot muslin cloth, and then massage the area in circular motions to try and dislodge the built-up cells.

Do remember that the skin around the eye area is extremely delicate though, so be REALLY gentle to avoid causing any damage.

Introducing: Pai Skin Confidence Facials for Sensitive Skin

2011-07-05T16:38:00.000+01:00

Ok, we can’t keep our mouths shut any longer – Pai is about to start a sensitive skin confidence revolution!

As a long term skin allergy sufferer facials have been something that, in the past, I’ve had to give a very wide berth.

While they promised glowing, healthy skin, the harsh products and rigorous techniques only left my skin red, blotchy and aggravated.

Now, thanks to our new ultra pure and gentle Pai Professional range, sensitive skin sufferers can finally reap the radiance of a high performance facial without the risk of irritation.

We have been formulating, testing, tweaking and perfecting our salon facial products for almost two years and think they really deliver that ‘wow’ factor.

Don’t believe us? Just have a look at what Sunday Mirror’s Octavia Walker has to say…

This facial was seriously in-depth – I lost count of the lovely cleansing, moisturising and nourishing stages – but not the slightest twinge of reaction.

It was utterly pampering. Afterwards my skin was glowing and fresh with no hint of redness, which makes a nice change.

You sensitive souls can choose from two 75 minute facials: the Detox & Decongest for sensitive, combination and oily skin, or the Restore & Rejuvenate for sensitive, dry and mature skin.

40 minute ‘express’ versions of each are also available as Instant Radiance facials.

Our facials are currently available from a few select salons in UK.

Pai is currently on the lookout for further launch partners. If you are connected to a spa or salon that would like to offer Pai Skin Confidence Facials, please contact sales@paiskincare.com.

Vegetable oils vs. Esterified oils: Which are better for the skin?

2011-06-24T17:41:00.000+01:00

As you know, all of Pai’s lovely certified organic creams are made from only the purest plant extracts and absolutely no chemical nasties or irritants.

But, that’s not the only reason we’re so proud of them.

Pai is also one of the few skincare companies, mainstream or organic, to not use Esterified oils.
Instead, we work with natural Vegetable oils with real skin benefits, and here’s why.

What are Vegetable oils and why are they used?

Vegetable oils are naturally occurring oils which are made up of Triglycerides, as well as skin-loving vitamins and regenerative sterols.

These Triglycerides have the same structure as the lipids in skin cell membranes, and so Vegetable oils have an incredible affinity with the skin.

This affinity allows the skin to easily absorb the oil’s skin-nourishing, conditioning and protecting components.

It might help to think of Vegetable oils as full-fat milk and Esterified oils as skimmed milk – Vegetable oils are rich, unprocessed and retain all of their natural goodness, right through to the end product.

What are Esterified oils and why are they used?

Unlike natural Vegetable oils, Esterified oils are produced from two successive chemical processes:

1. Saponification – using an alkaline component on a Vegetable oil to separate the fatty acids from the glycerol.

2. Esterification – using an acid environment and the previously obtained fatty acids to create a synthetic Triglyceride, or Ester.

While Esterified oils can be derived from a combination of natural raw materials, they are always a result of these chemical reactions.

Having been processed, these Esterified oils have very different properties to natural Vegetable oils.

They are colourless, odourless and cheaper than Vegetable oils, making them an attractive option to the majority of manufacturers.

They are also relatively ‘dry’ oils, which feel lighter on the skin and absorb quickly.

Though they are practical, Esterified oils have very few skin benefits.

The new synthetic Triglyceride structure is stripped of its natural antioxidant, nourishing and regenerative properties, making Esterified oils comparatively inert.

How can I tell the difference between Vegetable and Esterified oils on an Ingredients list?

The naming structure for Vegetable oils is:

‘Name of plant in Latin + oil’, eg. ‘Helianthus Annuus Oil’ is Sunflower Oil.

Unsurprisingly, Esterified oils have more synthetic, “chemical” sounding names, and are commonly listed as:

‘-yl -ate', eg. ‘Octyl Palmitate’.

So get scouring those lists, and maximise your skincare by opting for products that only contain natural Vegetable oils.

How to handle Menopausal skin

2011-06-22T15:38:00.000+01:00

After the steady run of relatively obedient adult skin, the Menopause can often feel like hitting the rollercoaster of puberty all over again.

As our hormones swing out of balance, so does our skin.

For around 2 years between the ages of 45 – 55, 80% of women will regularly experience hot flushes, insomnia, aggravated skin and night sweats.

While I can’t offer a miracle cure (let’s face it, who can?), I have got some top tips for relieving the most frustrating symptoms of Menopausal skin.

Hot flushes

The bain of the Menopausal female’s life, hot flushes can strike at any time and usually last for a few minutes.

While some may just feel a short sensation of extreme heat, others will suffer perspiration, faintness and even sickness.

During these hot bouts, the face, neck and shoulders flush red.

Applying a cooling and calming mist or cream to the skin will help relieve these annoying and oppressive symptoms.

Pai’s Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream, for example, contains active ingredients that soothe, strengthen and protect reactive and flaring skin.

Keep in the fridge and apply cool to instantly reduce redness and dispel excess heat.

Dry, itchy and lacklustre skin

As Oestrogen levels drop, Collagen production slows down, and the skin needs a bit of extra help staying firm, fresh and toned.

An Essential Fatty Acid (Omega 3,6 & 9) supplement will help condition your skin from the inside out and promote a soft, supple and vibrant complexion.

Take in organic oil form from the spoon for best results - I strongly recommend Hemp oil and here’s why.

To combat dry, itchy and aggravated skin, moisturise on a regular basis with an alcohol-free moisturiser and body cream.

Rich in Palmitic Acid, the oil produced naturally by the skin that depletes with age, our Macadamia & Rose Dry Skin Cream is the ideal hydration boost for mature skin.

The anti-inflammatory powers of our Comfrey & Calendula Calming Body Cream actively soothe, heal and regenerate irritated skin, while additional oils and butters replenish lost moisture.

Insomnia

Though insomnia is not a skin complaint, it can have a direct effect on skin health.

Lack of sleep and the stress it causes often aggravates existing skin conditions and sensitivities, as well as contributing to a general tired, dull and unhealthy complexion.

Lavender is a great organic sleep aid. Keep some dried buds on your bedside table or dot a couple of drops of essential oil into your pillow for a soporific effect.

Also make sure Menopausal insomnia is not made worse by additional stresses and strains.

Yoga and meditation are ideal stress-busters. Try practicing a few gentle exercises before you go to bed to clear and calm your mind.

Cheat your way to five-a-day

2011-06-10T16:40:00.000+01:00

We all know that we should be eating at least five portions of fruit and veg a day to optimise our intake of those essential Vitamins and Minerals.

In order to break the raw food tedium of apples and carrot sticks, many of us drink fruit juice as a quick and easy alternative.

According to scientists at Bangor University however, fruit juice should not count towards our five-a-day as it contains too much sugar.

The sugary taste, scientists report, sparks a psychological cycle of sweet food and drink consumption that is in fact detrimental to our health. Read the full article here.

So, with one quick fix out of the window, here are our replacement top three tips for cheating your way to your five a day:

1.   Smoothies and soups

Unleash your inner domestic goddess by whipping up some delicious smoothies and soups for a healthy meal or snack.

Not only are they simple to make but they’re also jam-packed full of those vital vitamins and minerals.

For the ultimate skin-boosting smoothie, blend strawberries, blueberries and blackberries together with some natural yoghurt and manuka honey.

All these fruits are incredibly rich in Vitamin C which promotes the production of collagen and keeps skin firm, supple and youthful.

2.   Decorate your meals with fruit and veg

Add dried or fresh fruit to your regular breakfast for effortless extra health points.

Dried raisins, dates and apricots are great in muesli, and mashed banana is (we think) pretty yummy on toast!

If your tooth is more savoury, add fresh tomatoes and mushrooms to your omelette or scrambled eggs.

3.   Take sides

Add a side salad to every meal for an easy greens hit.

Not only will this count as one of your five a day (two if you have one with lunch as well) but it will also help increase the alkalinity of your diet.

A slightly alkaline diet is thought to benefit difficult, allergic or sensitive skin.

Is Hemp oil the best Essential Fatty Acid supplement?

2011-06-07T17:59:00.001+01:00

In case you haven’t read this blog before (and therefore missed my countless references), I’m a HUGE fan of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs).

The skin benefits of Omegas 3,6 & 9 are endless. They are the building blocks of healthy skin, and help maintain the natural barrier that locks moisture in.

They are also powerful anti-inflammatories that calm, soothe and improve conditions like eczema and acne from the inside out.

You can imagine then how interested I was when the lovely Nikki from Nutricentre revealed Hemp oil as the best EFA supplement around.

According to Nikki, the perfect balance of Omegas 3,6 & 9 is 2:1:1, as this is the ratio in which they are found naturally in human cells.

Many EFA supplements are blended to reach this golden ratio, but Hemp oil naturally contains the Omegas in these proportions.

As they are all from one source, the body metabolises the Omegas in Hemp oil more readily, and so reaps more of its skin benefits.

Nikki also pointed out that according to Chinese medicine, Flaxseed oil, an alternative EFA supplement, is a ‘warm’ food while Hemp oil is a ‘cold’ food.

The Chinese school of thought asserts that you can holistically remedy illnesses or conditions by ingesting the opposite energy.

For example, eczema and urticaria are triggered by heat and are hot to the touch – in fact the word ‘eczema’ literally translates from Greek ‘to boil over’. The ‘cooling’ powers of Hemp oil combat flares by calming and soothing the skin, restoring balance to the body.

Have any other Essential Fatty Acid fanatics out there heard this about Hemp? If so we’d love to hear your comments!

Pai wins Green Parent Beauty Award!

2011-06-06T16:51:00.000+01:00

Our ‘beautiful’, ‘fabulous’ and ‘luxurious’ Fragonia & Sea Buckthorn Instant Hand Therapy Cream has today become award-winning too!

A big thank you to The Green Parent Magazine for ‘Highly Commending’ Pai in the Best Hand Cream category.

We’re really proud of this product and worked hard on getting the formula just right.

It absorbs quickly without leaving any greasy residues, and is kind enough to soothe, heal and protect even the most sensitive hands.

If you’d like to see what all the fuss is about, take advantage of this month’s Hand & Body cream bundle deal and save yourself £8.

Summer’s here, but do you dare to bare?

2011-06-03T16:49:00.000+01:00

This weekend’s set to be a scorcher, but if you’re anything like me then you might not feel quite ready to flash some flesh!

Boost your skin confidence this summer by following our top three body beautiful tips.

1.    Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate.

Every month our body produces a whole new layer of skin. If we don’t remove the outer layer, dead cells can build up on the surface and leave skin looking dull, grey and lifeless.

Unleash luminous limbs by exfoliating once a week. Avoid exfoliators with uneven grains, as these can scratch skin cells and aggravate sensitivities.

For best results, invest in a high quality loofah or exfoliating mitt.

2.    Bare-faced beauty

Heavy make-up in summer looks out of place and isn’t great for the skin.

Heat opens the pores, allowing a mixture of sweat and make-up to sink down and clog them up. Blocked pores = spots.

Get that summer glow without the bronzer by treating your skin to doses of Pai’s Rosehip BioRegenerate oil. This luxurious serum is packed full of skin-loving nutrients that revitalise and brighten the complexion. *Remember, Rosehip oil is best applied in the evenings.*

If you’re not prepared to go fully nude, opt for a lighter mineral make-up which also contains natural SPF.

3.    Maintain Moisture

Hydrated skin is radiant skin.

Increase your summer shine from the inside out by drinking plenty of water and increasing your intake of Essential Fatty Acids (that’s Omegas 3, 6 & 9).

Too much sun can dry and distress the skin. Restore it back to full health by moisturising regularly with a soothing and nourishing cream like Pai’s Comfrey & Calendula Calming Body Cream.

Hope you all enjoy the glorious weather x

Pai graces the pages of Vogue

2011-06-01T15:54:00.000+01:00

Pai’s Rejuvenating Echium Eye Cream takes pride of place in this month’s British Vogue.

‘Beauty Confidential’, Vogue’s first ever beauty supplement, reveals the best-kept beauty secrets of stars such as Kate Moss, Julianne Moore and, of course, Natalie Portman.

In it, Natalie thanks the poetry of EE Cummings for her beautiful mind, and hikes in the LA hills for her toned figure.

Pai takes care of that porcelain skin.

Our Rejuvenating Echium Eye Cream nourishes, hydrates and revitalises the telling eye area.

It’s packed full of organic active ingredients with proven anti-ageing properties that regenerate skin and smooth fine lines.

Also, as our eye cream is free from alcohol, its super gentle on the delicate skin around the eye.

Order Natalie’s eye care essential here, or buy as part of our Pai Starter Kit and save £9.

The Dirty Dozen: 12 fruits & veg to always buy organic.

2011-05-24T13:55:00.000+01:00

This week is National Vegetarian Week, the UK’s annual campaign to promote the benefits of a meat-free, vegetarian lifestyle.

I’m forever blabbing on about the wonders of a diet rich in fruit and vegetables on the skin.

Strawberries, broccoli and red pepper for example are excellent sources of Vitamin C, which encourages collagen production.

Collagen is the substance that holds skin together, so the more collagen, the firmer and plumper skin will appear.

While fruit and vegetables are incredibly good for us, the chemical pesticides and fertilizers they are commonly doused in are not.

I recently came across a great article about the EWG’s ‘Dirty Dozen’ blacklist, which names and shames the top 12 most contaminated fruit and vegetables (read in full here).

According to the EWG, or Environmental Working Group, American consumers ingest an average of ten pesticides when they get their full five-a-day.

These pesticides have been linked to various health scares, particularly with regard to foetal and early childhood development.

Reduce your pesticide consumption by buying the following worst offenders in certified organic form

1. Celery

2. Peaches

3. Strawberries

4. Apples

5. Blueberries

6. Nectarines

7. Peppers

8. Spinach

9. Kale

10. Cherries

11. Potatoes

12. Grapes

Yoga Magazine says ‘Soothe Sensitive Skin with Nature (& Pai…)’

2011-05-23T17:37:00.000+01:00

A big thank you to the holistic heroes at Yoga Magazine for featuring us in this month’s beauty pages.

The fabulous article, Soothe Sensitive Skin with Nature, describes organic ranges as the obvious protection against the ‘toxic barrage of various chemicals’ in mainstream products.

Approximately two million of us reportedly react to these chemicals, which include detergents, alcohols and preservatives (eg. phenoxyethanol).

To sensitise your skincare regime, Yoga Magazine says,

‘Remove [cleanser] with moistened organic cotton wool or a muslin cloth by a certified organic company such as Pai, which also make a specialist daily moisturiser especially for sensitive skins.

Their Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream (£22) uses the purest organic ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties to soothe and hydrate.’

The good news is that as Pai says no to all common irritants, our entire range is suitable for sensitive and allergy-prone skin.

Shop with confidence at www.paiskincare.com.

Rosehip: your Sensitive Skin Salvation.

2011-05-20T17:58:00.000+01:00

Pai works hard to bring you sensitive souls gentle yet effective skincare solutions, and they don’t get much better than our latest penny-saving pair.

Ideal for easily irritated skin, the Rosehip Sensitive Skin Duo comprises of our now cult Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream and our new Rosehip BioRegenerate oil.

The active ingredients in our caring couple soothe, protect and regenerate skin.

While the oil conditions skin with its vital nutrients, the cream drives hydration into the epidermis. Together, they leave skin feeling healthy and looking luminous.

Why is Rosehip so great for sensitive skin?

Rosehip has long been known as the ultimate skin healer. Its naturally high concentrations of Vitamin A, and essential fatty acids Omega 3,6,7 & 9 work together to regenerate damaged or lacklustre skin.

Due to the effects of repeated reactions, sensitive skin can often be damaged skin. Rosehip helps strengthen and restore it back to full health.

*Pai Pointer* For the ultimate skin boost, add a drop of Rosehip BioRegenerate oil to a couple of squirts of Chamomile & Rosehip Cream and massage into clean skin at night. Trust us, you’ll be impressed in the morning!

Buy our Rosehip Sensitive Skin Duo today, and save £7.

Yes to Life: CONTENT hosts Wellbeing Workshops for fantastic cause

2011-05-18T12:09:00.000+01:00

CONTENT, the gorgeous Marylebone apothecary, will today host one of its Wellbeing Workshops in support of the charity Yes to Life.

The events, which take place every other month, treat cancer patients to non-toxic makeovers, sessions with a naturopath, and advice from a non-toxic product expert.

Not only do the workshops encourage those with cancer to feel good about themselves, they also equip them with the advice they need to live a healthier natural lifestyle.

Each invitee also takes home a goody bag filled with organic products, and today’s star none other than Pai’s Rejuvenating Echium Eye Cream!

Yes to Life aims to help cancer sufferers access the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine. For more information about the organisation, visit www.yestolife.org.uk.

To book your Wellbeing Workshop, contact the Yes to Life office here.

Pai Geranium & Thistle Combination Cream: Saoirse Ronan’s skincare secret

2011-05-16T15:21:00.000+01:00

Forget extravagance and excess, today’s A-list is on an eco-mission - and they’re turning to Pai for organic skin care support!

Not only have we been tending to the porcelain skin of Natalie Portman, but Saoirse Ronan, star of the forthcoming blockbuster Hanna, is also a big fan of our sensitive range.

Pai’s Geranium & Thistle Combination Skin Cream is ideal for Saoirse’s youthful complexion.

Its active ingredients rebalance the skin and reduce the appearance of large pores – creating a smooth, even and fresh on-screen look.

Our Combination Cream is now a staple on Hollywood film sets, as it absorbs quickly and leaves a matt finish.

Try a sample of Saoirse’s go to moisturiser here, or take advantage of our Pai Skincare Starter Pack and save £7.

Is there a link between allergies and depression?

2011-05-12T13:28:00.000+01:00

I recently stumbled across an interesting article (read in full here) linking allergies with depression.

Published by the New York Times News Service, the piece reports that allergy sufferers are twice as likely to develop depression as non-allergy sufferers.

As well as the general feeling of depletion and helplessness brought on by allergies, the reaction itself is said to release cytokines.

These compounds are thought to reduce the body’s levels of serotonin, the happy hormone – leaving us feeling disheartened, or even depressed. Female allergy sufferers are believed to be worst affected.

The link isn't necessarily a new one - I myself have previously blogged about the effects of stress on skin allergies.

Episodes of extreme trauma and stress can play out on the skin and cause skin conditions like psoriasis or urticaria either to manifest or flare.

These emotionally-induced flare ups can cause further distress, and spark a vicious cycle in which both our skin and emotional wellbeing deteriorate.

Nip the cycle in the bud, and combat stress through exercise, yoga or maybe even a spot of retail therapy…

Pai Skincare tops Grazia’s Best of British List

2011-05-11T16:06:00.000+01:00

Eagle-eyed Pai fans down under have spotted this fantastic piece of coverage in Grazia Australia.

‘The Yes List: Brit Clique’ features the UK’s most-wanted brands, and puts Pai’s covet status right up there with the likes of Burberry!

Of our now cult Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream, Grazia says:

When Natalie Portman bangs on about a brand, it’s our duty to investigate.

The verdict: the calming and regenerative properties of her go to Pai moisturiser make it worth the import.

Get your hands on our star product here, or buy it as part of our Pai Skin Care Starter Pack and save £7.

Thread veins: What are they and how can I get rid of them?

2011-05-05T14:08:00.001+01:00

Thread veins, or telangiectasia, are tiny veins that have dilated just under the skin’s surface.

They are more common in women, thanks to our lovely hormones, and become increasingly apparent as we age.

While one in five women in their 20s suffers from thread veins, they affect roughly half of women over 50.

This is because older skin produces less collagen, causing the skin to become thinner, more fragile, and the veins underneath to become more visible.

Thread veins often occur as part of Rosacea, a condition which causes the cheeks to permanently redden.

For specific advice on treating Rosacea, read my previous blog.

They can also be caused by sun exposure, obesity, hormonal surges (pregnancy, menopause or the Pill) or simple genetics.

Here are my top tips for managing thread veins, without resorting to surgery!

1. Avoid strong sunlight

Not only does the sun age and damage skin, it is also the most common trigger of thread veins and Rosacea.

I have my own reservations about sunscreens, so my best advice would to stay in the shade at the sun’s peak and invest in a super stylish wide-brimmed hat!

2. Make use of natural active ingredients

Choosing a moisturiser with skin-calming essential oils can improve the appearance of thread veins and redness.

Many Pai customers who suffer with thread veins and Rosacea report fantastic results from our Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream.

Its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties soothe and protect aggravated skin.

Rosehip’s high concentration of Vitamin C also boosts collagen production, making the skin firmer, plumper and the underlying thread veins less visible.

3. Avoid alcohol

If you indulge in the odd glass of wine, you’ll notice that alcohol causes your blood vessels to dilate and your cheeks to flush.

In regular drinkers, these blood vessels never get the chance to contract, and so are permanently visible as thread veins.

Alcohol in your products should also be avoided - ethyl alchol in particular is a known trigger of Rosacea, and so potential trigger of thread veins.

4. Embrace Antioxidants

Antioxidants protect the skin from the damage of free-radicals in sunlight, a known trigger of thread veins.

Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate is a fabulous source of antioxidants such as Vitamin C & E, and will also help improve the skin’s firmness.

5. Keep skin strong

Where possible avoid harsh exfoliators or facial peels as these will thin the skin and accentuate the appearance of thread veins.

Exfoliators with uneven grains are the worst culprits for this, as they scratch the skin’s surface.

Try and find a scrub with circular grains, or better still, opt for a gentle and hygienic exfoliating muslin cloth.

‘I still get pockets of eczema on various parts of my body even after 30 years, why is it worse in the winter than summer and is it really dependent on certain foods?’

2011-05-04T18:25:00.002+01:00

Eczema, a form of dermatitis, is one of the more common and frustrating skin allergies.

Not only is there no known cause or cure, but there are so many possible triggers that identifying and eliminating them can seem like an impossible task.

While one in five children is diagnosed with atopic eczema, almost half grow out of it by their teens.

Eczema that continues into adulthood is therefore likely to be a permanent problem, but one that can be managed by a more skin-friendly lifestyle.

Seasonal variance

The majority of eczema sufferers report a worsening in their condition over the winter months. Reasons for this may include:

- Cold winter weather. As temperatures drop so do the moisture levels in the air, causing the skin to become dry and dehydrated. Drier skin is more prone to itching and cracking, and so eczema gets worse.

- Central heating. Persistent exposure to central heating can aggravate eczema as it strips the skin. Try and avoid over-heating your home, particularly when you’re sleeping and moisturise regularly with a cream rich in Omega 3-6 oils, such as Pai Comfrey & Calendula Calming Body Cream.

- Scarce sunlight. For us Brits, winter means greyer skies and far less sunlight, which in turn means a lack of Vitamin D. As well as being a key antioxidant and known healer of dry skin conditions such as psoriasis, Vitamin D is also crucial for our immune system. As eczema can worsen when we are ill or rundown, it’s important to keep our dosage of D up!

- Irritating clothing. Rough and itchy fibres such as wool are known to aggravate eczema, so where possible try to wear cotton next to the skin with warmer garments on top.

This being said, the nature of eczema varies from person to person, and some actually suffer more in summer as a result of humidity or the skin’s reaction to sweat.

Dietary Effects

It is widely believed that certain foods can cause eczema flare-ups.

The most common food triggers feature more heavily in our winter diet, perhaps part-explaining why eczema may worsen during the cooler months.

Many Pai customers report great results from the following dietary changes.

- Avoid Acidic foods. Way back in the 1930s Nobel-prize winning scientist Ragnar Berg identified the effects of highly acidic foods on our general health. In particular, his research highlighted a link between acidity in the gut and eczema flare-ups. Dairy, oats and refined sugar are all acidic baddies, which is why winter favourite porridge can be particularly aggravating for eczema sufferers.Try eating a slightly alkaline diet and see how your skin reacts.

For more info, read my previous blog.

- Avoid Dairy & Meat. As well as being acidic, both dairy and meat are also common allergens which aggravate the skin when ingested. They also both contain arachidonic acid, a fatty acid which can build up within skin cells and contribute to the inflammation associated with eczema flare-ups.

- Embrace the good fats. Increasing your intake of Essential Fatty Acids is essential for anyone suffering with skin difficulties. They condition the skin from the inside and are the building blocks of healthy skin. Hemp and Flaxseed oils are both good EFA supplements. It is important to store them in the fridge to keep them fresh for longer. If you prefer to take Flax in its seed form then remember to grind the seeds down so the body can absorb them more easily.

Finally, remember - moderation is key! If you are looking to make any radical changes to your diet, always consult a nutritionist first.

‘My hands get so dry from washing up that the skin cracks? How can I stop that happening?’

2011-05-03T18:25:00.001+01:00

Judging by all your cries for help via Facebook, sore, dry or cracked hands seem to be a common complaint.

Repeated washing, particularly with liquid soaps, strips the hands of their natural oils leaving them dry and rough.

Liquid soap usually means chemical detergents which are bad skin irritants. These foaming agents can aggravate the skin leaving it inflamed and prone to cracking.

For many this marks the start of a vicious cycle, as cracked skin can become infected and is far more likely to become further sensitised to chemical ingredients in hand washes and hand creams.

As with all skin afflictions, there may not be a simple single solution to the problem.

Here are just a few suggested lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of irritation and help nurse your hands back to full health.

The first step towards healthy hands is to avoid contact with the following common triggers:

1. Liquid Soaps (including washing-up liquid)

The chemical detergents in liquid soaps are drying and are known skin irritants.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, or SLS, is one of the worst, and is incredibly common in shampoos and body washes.

Always read the ingredients list on your products and avoid it where you can – good health food shops will stock SLS-free products or vegetable oil soaps which are kinder on the skin.

2. Latex gloves

Many people who suffer from irritated hands turn to washing up gloves as protection from any chemicals or irritants they may come into contact with.

However, the Latex in these gloves can cause further irritation as a result of mild (or not so mild!) Latex allergies.

Vinyl washing up gloves are a good alternative and tend to be better tolerated.

If you’re unsure as to whether you might have a Latex allergy, here’s a little clue - half of those who do, also experience reactions when eating foods such as avocados, bananas and kiwis. Strange but true!

3. Petroleum-based products

A lot of people’s first port of call when trying to treat damaged hands is petroleum-based moisturisers or emollients.

These work as a protective barrier to prevent water loss, but as a result can suffocate the skin.

Though they may appear to work in the short term, they can sometimes worsen dryness and sensitivity in the long term.

Once the triggers have been removed, it’s time to start healing and regenerating any damaged skin.

4. Increase your intake of Essential Fatty Acids

Essential Fatty Acids (Omega 3, 6 & 9) condition the skin from the inside out.

Oily fish, seeds and nuts are all good sources, but if your diet is lacking in these then hemp or flaxseed oil are examples of good oil supplements.

These are best taken in pure oil form off the spoon. Always store in the fridge to keep the oil in optimum condition.

5. Moisturise and massage

Moisturise with a certified organic cream that doesn’t contain any of those chemical irritants that aggravated your hands in the first place.

Pai Fragonia & Sea Buckthorn Instant Hand Therapy Cream is intensely hydrating and its natural-active ingredients soothe skin and promote cell renewal.

For an extra intensive treatment, try adding a couple of drops of natural plant oils to your hand cream or directly to your hands.

Rosehip BioRegenerate oil is a great one, as its high concentration of Vitamin A, Omega 3, 6, 7 & 9 nourish the skin and accelerate the natural healing and regeneration process.

Apply generously at night and wear cotton gloves to allow the cream and oils to soak into your hands rather than your bed sheets!

Calling all Skin Allergy Sufferers: Join Pai at The Allergy Show

2011-04-28T15:21:00.000+01:00

So many people come to Pai as an answer to their sensitive and allergy-prone skin, and I’m really looking forward to meeting some of you at The Allergy and Gluten-Free Show next week.

The exhibition, which runs from 6-8 May at London’s Olympia, is dedicated to providing those living with allergies, intolerances and skin conditions the advice and expertise they need to take control.

I’m delighted to announce that Pai is offering FREE tickets to all those who wish to attend!

All you have to do is click on the following link, fill in your details and download your ticket. It really is as simple as that:

I want to come!

As well as offering one-to-one skin consultations on the Pai stand (No 7), I’ll also be giving a talk on ‘How to get skin confidence’.

In it I’ll be sharing my top ten tips for managing skin allergies holistically, including advice on key skincare ingredients to embrace and avoid. Come along to the ASDA Demo Zone between 15.20 – 15.40 on Friday to check it out.

Next week my blog will also be dedicated to all things allergy. If you have any burning sensitive skin related questions or topics you would like me to write about then I’d love to hear from you.

This afternoon our Facebook page will announce how to submit your questions. The best three will be answered right here, and their authors will also receive a Pai product of their choice.

Watch this space and I hope to see you at the show. The Pai stand will be hosting some amazing exclusive show deals, so don’t miss out!

Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate wins spot in this week's Style List

2011-04-27T17:12:00.000+01:00

If any of you were lucky enough to get your hands on the latest issue of Stylist magazines you will have seen Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate gracing its prestigious ‘Style List'.

The collection of must-have items includes a monochrome See by Chloe silk shirt and the Royal Mail’s new design-your-own stamp app, S.W.A.L.K.

Of our latest skincare salvation, Stylist says:

Gently Does It: Pai’s Rosehip BioRegenerate moisturiser soothes sensitive skin – Natalie Portman is a fan (£20, paiskincare.com)

If you haven’t managed to bag yourself a copy yet, you’ve got until next Wednesday to try and track one down…

Royal book names Pai Skincare the go-to range for the Kate Middleton look!

2011-04-26T13:44:00.001+01:00

Of all the celebrities to be linked to right now you can’t get much better than the current apple of the media’s eye, Princess-to-be Kate Middleton.

And while brands are jumping on the Royal Wedding bandwagon left, right and centre, we’re lucky enough to have had someone do it for us!

We want to say a huge thank you to Sara Cywinski, whose book Kate: Style Princess hails Pai as the ideal range for achieving Miss Middleton’s signature glowing complexion.

Sara’s ‘How-To Guide’ reveals the secrets behind Kate’s ‘easy, elegant and minimal’ look, and advises aspiring princesses to:

‘opt for an organic skincare range, free from parabens, irritating chemicals and alcohols, such as the Pai Skincare range’.

So glad I can now add ‘will help bag a prince’ to the list of reasons why people should go organic!

Now, where’s our Royal seal?….

Easter treats: how to indulge in chocolate without getting spots.

2011-04-21T17:05:00.001+01:00

‘Easter is approaching. It starts on Good Friday, there’s Easter Sunday and then it ends on Diabetes Tuesday’

Jimmy Carr

As Jimmy’s joke points out, ever since the confectionery egg came along Easter time has been synonymous with a relentless chocolate binge.

The good news is that though many of you may blame your breakouts on a sweet tooth, it isn’t chocolate per se that plays havoc with your skin.

The bad news is that the bucket load of refined sugar and animal fats in popular milk chocolate eggs do! For more on the science behind the process read my previous blog.

To get your chocolate fix without the dreaded breakouts, follow my three top tips:

1.    Go dark

I’ve said it before but unlike its unhealthier relatives, dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids) is full of anti-oxidants, promotes heart health and even makes us happier!

There are plenty of dark eggs available and some are even Fair Trade too – double brownie points :)

2.    Pace yourself

Although it can be easy to get over-excited about your egg, try and eat it in small portions throughout the day rather than munching the whole thing in one go!

Dramatic increases in our sugar levels cause the body to produce more insulin, which in turn causes more sebum to be produced. Excess sebum can clog pores and cause blemishes.

Moderating your sugar intake prevents these sudden spikes, and though chocolate may still result in a little extra sebum, the skin is more likely to be able to adjust to it without breaking out.

3.    Stroll in the sunshine

It looks like it’s going to be a glorious Easter weekend, so after you’ve indulged why not go out for a walk.

This may not strictly prevent you from getting spots, but it will stop those unsaturated fats from depositing themselves in any unwanted areas!

Happy Easter from Pai x

Changing your mood with the weather - Seasonal Affective Disorder

2011-04-19T18:10:00.000+01:00

With the sun shining, days getting longer and temperatures rising, it’s hard not to suddenly see the world as a brighter place.

But while a lift in mood may be down to Easter excitement (or Royal Wedding fever!), for almost a quarter of us it could be a sign of something more underlying.

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a very real condition that affects an estimated 24% of the UK population to some degree.

According to the SAD Association, the condition is caused by ‘a biochemical imbalance in the hypothalamus due to the shortening of daylight hours and the lack of sunlight in winter’.

The long list of symptoms range from depression, anxiety and fatigue to loss of libido and weight gain.

SAD can also result in a weaker winter immune system - but it’s important to note that due to an increase in Vitamin D we are perhaps all healthier in the summer months.

For 17% of us these ‘winter blues’ may just be mildly discomforting, but for a further 7% of sufferers the symptoms can be so severe that SAD becomes debilitating.

It is at this time of year (March/April) that sufferers will notice either a sudden or gradual positive shift in their mood, often characterised by a short period of hyperactivity.

As an alternative to traditional medications, many SAD sufferers are finding solace in phototherapy – a process in which they are exposed to bright artificial light for a prescribed period of time.

Interestingly this same therapy is used to treat skin allergies and conditions such as psoriasis, acne and eczema.

Before you go putting your rainy day gloom down to SAD, you have to exhibit symptoms for three consecutive winters before a conclusive diagnosis can be made.

Traditionally, SAD has been prevalent in notoriously bad-weathered countries like the dear old UK, and is relatively unheard of among those living within 30 degrees of the Equator.

However, if the sun stays shining like this then forget the Caribbean – summer in Blighty’s going to be a happy one!

Exercise your way to healthy skin.

2011-04-15T17:59:00.000+01:00

It’s the London Marathon this weekend, and though none of the Pai team is quite fit enough to be taking part, we will be keeping a close eye on this Sunday’s runners – and their skin in particular.

You see, as well as being great for the body, exercise can also make a big difference to the look and feel of our skin.

Cardiovascular exercises such as running, cycling and aerobics pump oxygen-rich blood around our bodies and cause our blood vessels to dilate, giving skin a plumped, healthy glow.

While the sweaty look may be a bad one in the short term, shedding liquid in this manner flushes surface dirt from pores, detoxifying the skin and potentially preventing break-outs or reactions.

That being said, certain easily aggravated skin conditions can be triggered by intensive activity.

Urticaria, for example, often breaks out when the body overheats, and rosacea can appear worse when blood flow increases.

Rosacea is also notoriously worsened by exposure to sunlight, so if you’re exercising outdoors be sure to keep your cheeks in the shade by wearing a cap.

In the cases of these conditions, lower impact activities like yoga may be more suitable – and with its emphasis on relaxation, yoga is also the ideal exercise for acne sufferers.

Proven to lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone that triggers the production of sebum, yoga may prevent the breakouts which more intensive exercise can often cause.

However, if you do have combination skin and are more marathon-runner than meditator, follow these simple rules to best maintain a clear complexion:

1.   Never wear make-up when working out – it mixes with sweat and blocks pores, making those break-outs a lot more likely.

2.   Shower immediately after exercising. Physical activity encourages cell renewal, which is a good thing providing the excess dead cells are washed away, keeping pores clear and revealing the fresher skin underneath.

3.   Avoid tight fitting clothes or head-gear - which can cause Acne Mechanica, a form of acne caused by heat or constant pressure. Opt for loose fitting cotton clothes instead, which will also stop the skin from suffocating or over-heating.

Skin Allergy Snapshot: Keratosis Pilaris (or ‘chicken skin’)

2011-04-13T18:07:00.000+01:00

This Wednesday sees the return of my Skin Allergy Snapshot series, and to mark the occasion I wanted to draw attention to a complaint many women suffer from but few talk about.

More of a condition than an allergy, Keratosis Pilaris affects an estimated 40% of adults and 50-80% of adolescents, and is thought to be hereditary.

The small, goose bump-like red or white marks most commonly appear on the outer sides of the upper arm, but can appear anywhere on the body excluding the palms and soles of the feet.

As the condition is rarely itchy or irritated, Keratosis Pilaris is more of a confidence-killer than health issue, and many self-conscience sufferers often cover affected areas to avoid embarrassment.

What is Keratosis Pilaris and why does it occur?

There are actually several variations of Keratosis Pilaris, the main three being:

1.   Keratosis Pilaris Rubra – red, inflamed bumps.
2.   Keratosis Pilaris Alba – dry, rough, bumpy skin with no irritation
3.   Keratosis Pilaris Rubra Faceii – red rash on the cheeks.

The bumps themselves are caused by an excess of keratin, a naturally occurring protein, in the body which builds up in the hair follicles.

When combined with dead skin cells, this keratin clogs the follicles and creates tiny raised bumps on the skin.

While usually white (the colour of keratin), the bumps can appear red when hair is entrapped within the follicle, or in winter months when the air is drier and tight-fitting clothes rub against the skin.

What treatments are available?

Unfortunately, like a lot of skin conditions there is no known cure for Keratosis Pilaris, however there are things that can be done to improve its appearance.

While many cite various chemical treatments as beneficial, we organic advocates would obviously suggest more natural holistic remedies.

The most important thing to do is exfoliate, which will get rid of the keratin-filled bumps and even out the skin’s surface.

A natural loofah will do the trick, or for a DIY alternative try mixing up a fine grain oatmeal and Manuka Honey blend.

Manuka has strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which will help the skin to heal and calm any redness or aggravation.

Always opt for a Manuka with a high ‘UMF’ (Unique Manuka Factor) – the higher the number the more active and anti-microbial the honey is.

Always follow up your exfoliating with a good moisturiser.

Bursting with even more anti-inflammatories, our Comfrey & Calendula Calming Body Cream is a soothing and intensely hydrating organic skin tonic.

Our new Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate oil may also prove effective, as its high concentration of regenerative sterols will encourage cell turnover – preventing dead skin cells from building up and creating those bumps in the first place.

Try adding a few drops of the Rosehip oil to the Body Cream before applying for an extra skin regenerative boost!

The Facts about Phenoxyethanol – Revisited

2011-04-11T17:53:00.002+01:00

Phenoxyethanol has become a hot topic recently and is an ingredient we are regularly asked about.

When I started formulating Pai back in 2006, I looked at Phenoxyethanol as a preservative for Pai products. However, I discovered I was intolerant to it even in tiny amounts, so quickly ruled it out as an option.

At that time both the Soil Association and ECOCERT allowed Phenoxyethanol in certified organic products.

ECOCERT has since disallowed Phenoxyethanol in cosmetic formulations, and the Soil Association is following their lead in 2012 when it becomes part of the new COSMOS European Organic Certification programme.

As a result, a number of natural and organic cosmetic brands are working hard to remove it from their products. Reformulation is an extremely costly and time-intensive exercise, so these companies are to be applauded.

Some brands won’t bother to reformulate and will either lose their organic certification, or move over to a lax standard such as the Organic Food Federation (UK), which allows Phenoxyethanol and is not part of COSMOS.

So, Phenoxyethanol isn’t just a hot topic for consumers, but one that is proving increasingly controversial and divisive within the natural and organic beauty sector.

What is Phenoxyethanol?

In the cosmetics industry, Phenoxyethanol is used as a stabiliser in perfumes and as a preservative.

For the science-buffs out there, Phenoxyethanol’s chemical name is: 2-phenoaxyethanol; ethylene glycol phenyl ether.

It’s an oily, colourless liquid that belongs to the family of the glycol ether.

Although Phenoxyethanol can be found naturally in green tea and chicory, the cosmetic ingredient is not plant derived. Instead it is synthetically produced in a laboratory.

Why is it so prolific in natural cosmetics?

When the health scare surrounding Parabens surfaced, a raft of cosmetic manufacturers looked for a quick and effective replacement preservative for their formulations.

Phenoxyethanol seemed to fit the bill as a reliable alternative, offering a broad spectrum of anti-microbial activity against bacterias, moulds and yeasts.

Current cosmetic regulation advises that the ingredient only be used in proportions under 1%.

(Note: Ingredients are always listed in proportional order, so if you see Phenoxyethanol referenced high up an ingredient list, then the manufacturer may be using more than 1%).

So why the controversy over Phenoxyethanol?

While existing scientific research on Phenoxyethanol is conflicting, some experts believe it to be a toxic ingredient.

Repeated exposure to the substance over prolonged periods has been linked to contact dermatitis (more info 1 and 2), worsening of eczema (more info), reproductive toxicity (more info) and neurotoxicity (more info 1 and 2).

Before you start worrying, it is important to stress that none of the available research data is conclusive, and it generally applies to exposure to Phenoxyethanol in isolation or products containing high doses of the ingredient.

This is a controversial and complicated topic which I’m sure will continue to be debated at length. To continue your research, take a look at fellow blogger’s No More Dirty Looks post, which I think sums up the topic rather well.

Yellow & Orange, this season’s latest colours…

2011-04-08T18:03:00.001+01:00

With the sun out and vitality levels surging, now is the time of year we all become a little more health conscious.

And with this week’s flurry of super-food studies, it seems we’re not short of advice on how to keep our bodies in tip-top condition this summer and beyond.

Reading them all back-to-back may just be enough to make your head explode, so we’ve compiled a simple and succinct round-up for you.

‘Av a banana, or three…

Research in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests eating three bananas a day could cut your risk of a stroke by around 21%.

This is thanks to their potassium content, which controls the levels of fluid in the body and helps lower blood pressure.

Scientists found that if people were to increase their intake of potassium-rich foods (fish, spinach and milk) and lower their intake of salt, then the number of annual global deaths from strokes could be cut by more than a million.

Report by Daily Mail 7th April 2011.

Trusty Tangerines

Nobiletin, a flavonoid in tangerines, has this week been found to prevent obesity and protect from type-2 diabetes and atherosclerosis, the underlying disease often responsible for heart attacks and strokes.

Though boasting hopeful results, the study has currently only been performed on mice :-( and is yet to be tested on humans.

Report by ScienceDaily 6th April 2011.

Carrots against cancer

A study presented to the American Association for Cancer Research this week hailed Retinoic acid as a potential weapon against breast cancer in its early stages.

The Vitamin A derivative, found naturally in carrots and sweet potatoes, has been found to reverse early changes in cells that lead to cancer.

Retinoic acid is however only effective up to a certain point in the cells’ development.

Courtesy of the UK Press Association.

Gwyneth’s alkaline diet – why it really is better for you.

2011-04-06T16:47:00.000+01:00

Last Wednesday’s Evening Standard featured an interesting article on the latest celebrity health craze - the alkaline diet.

While I’d usually be prone to label these regimes as fads, I have actually long been an advocate of eating alkaline foods - particularly if, like me, you suffer from skin sensitivity or allergies.

Slightly raising the blood’s pH level, (acid = below 7, alkaline = above 7), reportedly detoxes the body and helps to increase energy levels and weight loss.

This is because the body naturally works at a slightly alkaline level (pH 7.35), and keeping it there optimises our bodily functions and saves us from wasting energy and resources on neutralising incoming acids.

Though the science behind the diet has recently been popularised by books like The pH Miracle: Balance Your Diet, Reclaim Your Health, Richard O. Young, relevant research has actually been available since the 1930s.

Nobel Prize winner, Ragnar Berg, was the first to support a 70% alkaline and 30% acidic diet, claiming that disease could not survive in an alkaline environment. He also showed a link between acidity in the gut and eczema flare-ups.

The ideal alkaline diet would heavily feature antioxidant-rich vegetables, fruits and salts whose mineral content neutralises excess acid. Acid-forming baddies such as refined sugar, dairy, alcohol and meat would all be restricted.

While celebrities, like lean-alkaline-queen Gwyneth Paltrow, might extoll the weight loss virtues of an alkaline diet, I think its general health and skin calming benefits are of far greater interest.

Eating just one alkaline-boosting salad a day can result in a higher pH level – so little steps can be enough to make a big difference.

And remember, foods you think are acidic often aren’t, so always do your homework or seek professional nutritional advice.

The Sensitive Skin Care Hustle

2011-04-02T17:45:00.001+01:00

As a long-term sufferer of sensitive and allergic skin I know how hard it can be to live with.

I also know how frustrating it is to invest your hopes and hard earned cash in a product marketed for ‘sensitive skin’ only to get a bad reaction to it.

In my life before Pai, I wasted hundreds of pounds on product after product that purported to be gentle on the skin but, in reality, ravaged mine.

These products over-promised and under-delivered and left me feeling disillusioned and a little cheated.

Sensitive skin is a complex condition to manage and far too many manufacturers overlook this. They can be hasty to wave the sensitive skin banner as a marketing tool without any consideration of the suitability of the ingredients in their products. Always read the ingredient list!

There are a host of fantastic botanical ingredients for sensitive skin which have powerful anti-inflammatory and healing properties. My particular favourites are the three Cs - Calendula (from the humble marigold), Comfrey and Chamomile.

But there are many, many more and at Pai we often take a multi-pronged formulation approach – using a combination of ingredients with complementary but differing remedial properties.

For instance, sensitive skin usually means thinner skin – so it’s important to also use skin strengthening ingredients like Rosehip, which help to make the skin more resistant to environmental triggers and subsequent flare-ups.

With sensitive skincare products, the ingredients left out are equally important as those left in. The three most common skin sensitisers are Detergents, Fragrance and Preservatives.

Always look out for the following on ingredient lists and give them a wide berth. Please note - this is by no means an exhaustive list, I’ve merely highlighted the worst offenders:

Detergents:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Fragrance*:
Parfum (this term can be used to hide over 200 different chemical ingredients, many of which have nothing to do with aroma).

*Remember – natural Essential Oils can irritate too and they need to be carefully chosen and used in the correct dilution. Basil, Cinnamon, Citronella, Lemongrass and Peppermint are some examples of irritating essential oils.

Preservatives:
Alcohol
Benzoic Acid
Benzyl Alcohol
Phenoxyethanol
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate (not just a mouthful but a formaldehyde pre-cursor too!)

At Pai we believe we have developed a range of great products for sensitive skin sufferers. However, we recognize everyone’s skin is different and what works for one person may not always work for another.

We want our customers to be able to shop with skin confidence so we put our money where our mouth is and offer a full 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee.

If your skin doesn’t get on with any of our full size products you are free to return them for a full refund. We will even reimburse your return postage.

If you’re confused about which is the best product for your unique skin type, then give us a call or drop us an email. We’re here to help!

Walnut revealed as antioxidant heavyweight

2011-04-01T16:35:00.001+01:00

I often blog about the importance of anti-oxidants for the skin and general health, so was really interested to read this week that walnuts have been named an excellent source of the protective goodies.

According to Joe Vincen, Chemistry Professor at the University of Scrante, Pensylvania, walnuts contain twice as many antioxidants as other commonly eaten nuts.

The humble walnut’s antioxidants are also reported to be 15 times more potent than those found in other antioxidant sources like Vitamin E.

Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals, the damaging entities responsible for the onset of cancer, heart disease and some neurological diseases to name but a few.

They have a similar effect when applied topically, where they protect the skin from free radicals in UVA sunlight and pollutants in the atmosphere.

Rosehip is also an excellent natural source of antioxidants – yet another reason to invest in our new Rosehip BioRegenerate ;)

So make sure you grab a Waldorf salad or granola bar this weekend, and feel that walnutty goodness sweep through you!

Pai: Pampering Mums everywhere

2011-03-28T18:12:00.000+01:00

Mums are the unsung heroes of this world, so we think they deserve a little more than petrol station carnations and the last card on the shelf with the words ‘Happy Birthday’ crossed out!

Treat your Mum to some Pai pampering this Sunday with one of the following gorgeous and affordable gifts.

Enter the code ‘MUMSTHEWORD’ at check-out and we’ll beautifully wrap your Mother’s Day purchase too – what could be simpler?

Serenity Bath & Body Collection (£15)

The perfect antidote to daily stress, Pai’s Serenity Set comprises a jar of Himalayan and Dead Sea Salt Blend as well as our cult Comfrey & Calendula Calming Body Cream.

Allow Mum to relax and unwind in a therapeutic, skin soothing bath - perhaps while you prepare the dinner! Post-bathing, applying our intensively hydrating cream will leave her skin beautifully soft, supple and rejuvenated.

Fragonia & Sea Buckthorn Instant Hand Therapy Cream (£16)

All Mums love a good hand cream, and if we do say so ourselves, the Pai Instant Hand Therapy Cream is the most luxurious and effective around.

Perfect for those who wash their hands often (ie. cleaning up after little mites), our rich cream soothes and regenerates dry or chapped skin.

And it’s practical too – our fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula means Mum can simply apply and get on with her day.

For more gift ideas, see our website – www.paiskincare.com