Face
Probiotics come in handy when it comes to the skin on your face as well. The skin is naturally home to beneficial flora that protect it from pathogens and regulate inflammation, but these friendly populations of bacteria can be disturbed through harsh soaps and other environmental toxins. Restoring beneficial bacteria through probiotic lotions or spot treatments appears to reduce skin inflammation from the outside, thus improving acne. In patients with acne and rosacea, living microorganisms on the skin are recognized as foreign by the body’s immune system. The immune system springs into action to counter this potential threat resulting in the inflammation, redness, or bumps common in these skin conditions.
Probiotics applied topically sit on the skin’s surface and prevent the skin cells from seeing the bad bacteria and parasites that can cause this immune system response. This is known as “bacterial interference”, as probiotics protect the skin and interfere with the ability of bad bugs (or bacteria and parasites) to provoke an immune reaction. Check out this probiotic face mask which also uses the cleansing properties of charcoal and bentonite clay too.
Body
We do love to treat our bodies with all manner of lotions and potions – especially when we suffer from aches and pains. One way of taking care of your skin AND easing sore, tight muscles and cramps, is with topical magnesium. Many of us are deficient in magnesium, a mineral involved in hundreds of biochemical functions in our body, in particular related to the nervous system and stress, detoxification, and sleep. Our body doesn’t make it, so we must get enough magnesium through our diets. Symptoms of poor magnesium intake can include muscle cramps, facial tics, poor sleep, and chronic pain. This body butter (creamy mousse consistency) is useful for cramps, sore and tight muscles, plus helpful for relaxing and aiding in a restful sleep. Rubs in beautifully – an easy way to get your regular magnesium – and leaves skin soft.
You can find probiotic deodorant, turmeric and charcoal toothpastes, probiotic charcoal face mask and magnesium body mousse at Nature Body.
The earth-conscious business source their ingredients organically where possible, make their own herbal oils using their own or locally sourced herbs and they do not test on animals – they test on themselves! All of their product containers are cardboard, glass or tin and they are moving toward zero plastic lids and pumps as soon as they can. They ship products in cardboard boxes (often recycled) or paper bags. They recycle all their cardboard and paper products that their ingredients are delivered in, or re-use them to package parcels. They only print what is necessary and use 100% recycled paper.
Hannah Schenker is a freelance writer, editor and regular contributor to The Natural Parent Magazine. She lives with a touch of magic in Golden Bay, New Zealand.
