Important Announcement...

It is with great sadness that on the 15th March 2012, Maeve, the founder and formulator of Natural Wisdom Organic Skincare felt that she had no alternative but to resign from Natural Wisdom Holistic Beauty Ltd, a company she had set up with her business partner in June 2010. Unwilling to give up after so many years of devotion and hard work Maeve is currently working hard to rebrand and relaunch Natural Wisdom as a new independent company with some great improvements...

Natural Wisdom will be available in bigger sizes and better prices. Exciting new products which will all be available unscented and with the option of a growing choice of 100% natural essential oil blends to uplift and inspire. New exciting ingredients like Acai berry and more. All this and more BUT you can be assured that Natural Wisdom will remain the same great skincare. Cold blended from natural & organic food grade ingredients with the same eco, ethical, organic ethos and philosophy. No fillers, no nonsense and especially no compromise.

Thank you for reading.

Yours in beauty & health

Maeve :-) x

Our Philosophy on skincare and bringing out the beauty from within by cherishing the outside of our inside...

Natural Wisdom's Skin Care Philosophy

Wed, 01 February 2012
There are those, who see their skin as nothing more than an inert outer covering lining the outside of the body. it’s cleaned, polished and treated with highly processed, synthetic products, just as if it were an object, like a machine...

But, this couldn't be further from the truth. Our humble skin is our bodies largest Organ and excreting gland. It helps regulate, detoxify and harmonise all our bodies systems, it’s our first line of defense and an integral part of our immune system, our endocrine system and our digestive system.

Our skin protects us with it's complex 'Acid Mantle' a biodiverse and sophisticated microcosm of friendly micro organisms and fatty acids that hold the line come rain or shine.

Our Skin is truly amazing because it needs to be. Just think for a moment if our skin stopped doing its job, it survives on very little credit and has to tolerate a great many challenges, from increasing environmental pollution and radiation to toxic chemicals in our everyday skincare and our everyday life.

Here at Natural Wisdom, we love to find new ways to protect, nourish and rejuvenate our skin because we don't see our skin as an inert outer covering, we see our skin as the outside of our inside, the reflection of how we live and how we feel, from our emotions to our beliefs... It holds our spirit, the light of life which distinguishes us from others, without which we simply do not exist.

Have you ever noticed that our skin glows brighter when we're happy, it lights up when we smile, it blushes when we're embarrassed and it shows when we're tired, stressed or unwell.... Our skin responds and reacts to a healthy lifestyle & it both absorbs & digests whatever we apply to it.

Our skin cools us and it warms us. It is reactive to our emotions and responsive to our lifestyle. Our skin, literally holds us together. These are just some of the things our skin does for us all day, everyday.

We passionately believe that healthy skincare should be healthy wholesome food, that’s why our products are hand made and cold blended in small fresh batches from certified organic, cold pressed, bio active superfood ingredients, no fillers and blking agents, synthetic silicons, propylene glycol, polymers, parabens or other such toxic and nonsense ingredients. We don't compromise...because what we do to our skin, we do to ourselves...

Feed your skin what it deserves. Cold blended, organic superfood skincare. Inspired by the pure botanical energy of natural wisdom.

(c) Maeve Smith 2012

The Natural Wisdom Of Antioxidants In Preventing Premature Ageing.

Natural Wisdom Organic Skincare is handmade using a cold process that guarantees 100% bioactive potency. Our Rosehip & Pomegranate Organic Facial Collection is designed around a core of 15 of the highest potency natural and organic ingredients and we formulate using therapeutic levels of these to maximise potency and give great resuts.

These fifteen ingredients are our tripple seed oil blend of Rosehip, Raspberry (38%) and Pomegranate (20%) eight CO2 (Supercritical fluid extracts) Calendula, Chamomile, Carrot, Seabuckthorn, Amaranth, Rosehip, Pomegranate and Rosemary. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Hylauronic Acid and Aloe Vera.

I began researching the art and science of skincare in 2006, since then, I have been heavily focused on studying the role that antioxidants have in repairing and protecting the skin. Having spent more than half of my 39 years living south of the Equator I have seen first hand the effects of sun exposure on my own skin. Each and every day, without fail, our skin is bombarded with environmental assailants resulting from exposure to smoke, processed food, alcohol, pollution, and most importantly, ultraviolet radiation from the sun. This is in addition to the free radicals generated by our own metabolism which trigger the release of inflammatory mediators which break down collagen and cause premature ageing.

There are many high quality studies and trials proving that antioxidants applied to the skin’s surface can offer protection from sun damage and stimulate collagen production, reducing the signs of ageing. The most powerful and potent of these topical antioxidants are Vitamin C and cold pressed Seed Oils of Pomegranate, Raspberry & Rosehip. Still relatively unknown I include the new generation of Supercritical herbal and botanical extracts also known as CO2 extraction of which Rosemary Antioxidant is one of the most powerful, with it’s detaphenol profile it is many times more potent than Vitamin E and has the benefit of being able to protect delicate seed oils from oxidation, increasing their shelf life by many times and contributing to their antioxidant action on the skin.

Vitamin C is a unique and very powerful antioxidant for the skin. When applied correctly, It has the ability to help prevent water loss and encourage increased collagen and elastin formation as well as deactivate unstable free radicals, growing evidence shows that Vitamin C has a synergistic relationship when combined with other antioxidants such as vitamin E. Trails have also shown that Vitamin C has an important role in the treatment and prevention of Acne and is healing when correctly applied to skin rashes and eruptions.

However, Vitamin C in its ascorbic acid form is unstable and quickly oxidises when mixed with water and exposed to light and oxygen. The solution to the instability of Ascorbic Acid is a stabilised derivative of Vitamin C known as Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate which has all the benefits of Vitamin C without any of the failings.

It is the rare, essential fatty acids and polyphenols in cold pressed Pomegranate seed oil that give this fruit its antioxidant potency. These bioactive compounds are the subject of many scientific trials, the results of which show some extraordinary findings, such as; cold pressed Pomegranate seed oil boosts the SPF rating of topical sunscreens and that the punicic and  ellagic acid, found in pomegranate seed oil has the strongest age-proofing capabilities to date and is currently being studied for its anti-cancer and healing benefits.

In a recent South Dakota State University study entitled Chemopreventative Effects of Pomegranate Seed Oil on Skin Tumor Development, Pomegranate extract was applied topically to topical skin tumors on mice. After five weeks, the study concluded that topical application of pomegranate oil inhibited papilloma incidence and activity.

Raspberry Seed Oil (cold processed) has been shown in research trials to possesses an exceptionally high proportion of alpha and gamma tocopherols (Vitamin E antioxidant compounds), vitamin A and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. In a study done on the properties of Red Raspberry Seed Oil, the oil showed a natural SPF in the UV-A, UV-B and UV-C ranges of 28-50 suggesting that it may be useful as a broad spectrum UV protectant in skin care formulations (Oomah et al, 2000). Red Raspberry Oil is rich in alpha linolenic acid suggesting pronounced anti-inflammatory properties, thus it may be an effective oil to use in the treatment of eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions.

Rosehip Seed Oil is known to provide a potent source of Trans-Retinoic Acid, a precursor to Vitamin A,  widely recommended by skin care specialists to help prevent premature ageing, heal, rejuvenate, soothe and stimulate healthy skin cell renewal.
It reduces uneven skin pigmentation and provides a very potent source of antioxidants, vitamins A, C & E, minerals & essential fatty acids, Rosehip seed oil is also known to help discourages spots, acne and skin irritations.






Main bibliography sources:

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
www.sciencedirect.c

How Do You See Your Skin?!

Some of us see it as nothing more than an inert outer covering...

We see it as the outside of our inside, the reflection of how we live and how we feel, from our emotions to our beliefs... It holds our spirit, the light of life which distinguishes us from others, without which we simply do not exist and yet, it is something even more than all of this.

Our Skin is truly amazing and it needs to be, it survives on very little credit in todays world and has to tolerate a great many challenges, from pollution to toxic chemicals in our skin and hair care products.
We may take it for granted but our humble skin is our bodies largest Organ and excreting gland, it helps regulate, detoxify and harmonise all of our bodies systems and it is the largest part of our immune system, protecting us with it's Ninja style Acid Mantle and its sophisticated microcosm of friendly micro organisms that hold the line come rain or shine.

Our skin glows brighter when we're happy, it lights up when we smile, it blushes when we're embarrassed and it shows when we're tired or unwell.... Our skin responds and reacts to a healthy lifestyle & it both absorbs & digests the skin products we apply to it, including chemicals we would rather it didn't....

Our skin cools us, it warms us, it is reactive to emotions, responsive to lifestyle, and adaptive to temperature, our skin, literally holds us together. These are just some of the things our skin does for us all day, everday.

What do you do for your skin?

Why not treat your skin to some Natural Wisdom Organic Skinfood this summer... 15% off for the whole of August, FREE postage and gift wrapping! :-) x

Chapter 2 of the Natural Wisdom guide to youthful ageing.

Hello again, in my last blog post I discussed my desire to move away from the belief that to be beautiful we need to put something on, like camouflage. I wanted to express my personal view, that the feeling of being beautiful originates within us, and no amount of fashion or perfume can really change that if we don't have that feeling.

In this chapter I wanted to discuss those days when we feel awful, no energy, dull skin, dry hair, bloated feeling and a murderous disposition.

We all get them. It doesn't mean we're bipolar or mad, or bad. It just means we're in the grip of a hormonal tornado and while we're in the grip of one, all we can do in reality is hold on and wait for it to pass.

When it's passed, then we can think about doing something about it. We can consider for example if we may be deficient in an important essential Vitamin or Amino Acid ?.  Omega oils 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 are proven to help us regulate and balance our hormones, along with being abundant in powerful Antioxidants and having considerable anti inflammatory benefits amongst many.  B5, also known as Pantothenic acid or the 'stress vitamin' is a B Vitamin incredibly useful for helping us cope with stress by helping relieve the pressure on our Adrenal glands. Vitamin D3 is absolutely essential and integral to our overall health (check out the Vitamin D Council for unsurpassed information) If we are deficient in Vitamin D3 everything from our bone health to our mental health can suffer. Powerful Antioxidants such as Vitamin C, CoQ10 and Astaxanthin are enormously helpful not only in our desire to age youthfully but in healing and energy production. The sad fact is, with the amount of sugar and chemicals we consume in our daily Western diets we're just not getting a balanced diet anymore and we need to supplement and make a concious effert to eat fresh, healthy food (locally sourced is best) to help us to stay on top.


I wanted to also offer suggestions for actions we can take that can help during one of these hormonal tornadoes. All I can really suggest is what works for me and that is Self Love & Adoration. I literally dote on my self, girly movies with popcorn and my comfort blanket, housework can wait, other people wash up and cook if  I can swing it and I treat myself to pampering. I do my nails, I give myself a Natural Wisdom Facial and I do what I call 'my pages' where I write stream off conciousness "woe is me" monologs that are a little like hoovering under the bed or empying & spring cleaning the dustbin in my mind...

Even with a healthy, active and privileged lifestyle we all get these days that make us feel down in the dumps. The piont I would like make, is that the solution to these miserable days lies in what we can do for our selves, not something in a bottle, jar or syringe.

So...curl up, watch your favourite movies, eat popcorn and pamper your self....

The Natural Wisdom (home spa) Facial

• Begin with our Rosehip & Pomegranate Cream Facial Cleanser. Apply to clean dry hands and then to clean dry skin, cleanse in a circular motion all over your face to lift off all the oily grime and then add a little water and cleanse thoroughly once again. Using one of our luxury hand crocheted cotton wash cloths rung out in hand hot water, remove and rinse face while gently exfoliating. End with a holding a cold wash cloth to help close the pores.

• Tone with our Rosehip & Pomegranate Antioxidant Hydrating Toner which contains Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid, comfrey root extract, Aloe vera leaf extract, Which hazel and Rose water. Apply to the palm of a dry hand, rub hands together and massage into face and neck pressing gently onto closed eye lids.

• Whilst your skin is still damp with our Toner, apply 2 pumps of our Rosehip & Pomegranate Antioxidant Treatment Oil to the palm of your hand, rub palms together and massage face firmly in upward and outward direction paying particular attention to areas of tension like eyebrows and jaw line. Press gently onto closed eye lids. Be sure to tense facial muscles to provide resistance, this has been shown to tone facial muscles in a way that encourages collagen formation and firms skin to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Massage for between 5- 10 minutes. Face should feel warm and flushed when you finish. This encourages good blood flow to the skin. We advise this regime twice a day.

• Now watch what your skin makes of that...you won't be dissapointed.

Special Affinity: This facial is especially suited to skin in need of some intensive care. Dry, dull, blemished skin in need of a lift.

Considerations: If you suffer from cystic acne, intense massage may inflame sore areas so this facial may not suit you at this time.

The Natural Wisdom Guide To Youthful Ageing

Chapter 1: Changing our paradigm (belief system)

We have been sold a story from child hood, that to be beautiful we must put something on, a cream, a perfume. Jewelry. I believe it is time we changed this paradigm and reflected on the real meaning of beauty.

Healthy radiant beauty and youthful ageing begins within, by first acknowledging that our skin is the outside of our inside, the reflection of what we eat, how we feel, what we believe and how we see our selves. It is the wrapping of our spirit, the spark of light and life which distinguishes our uniqueness from others, without which we are simply dead.

In my opinion, I believe that skincare should be seen as topical nutrition, we don't eat synthetic food so why are we sold synthetic skincare when our skin is a systemic organ connected to every part of us.

"Our skin is the outside of our inside, it is the reflection of what we believe, how we think, what we feel..."

When I was a child, my mum would say to me..." Don't pull faces or the wind will change and your face will stick" it took me many years to fully understand what this meant. I have summarised this over the years and instead of saying this my 3 children, I simply suggest to them... " Smile more than you frown".

We have all walked by the person with the angry look and stare, have you noticed how it ages them? I believe that our outside is the reflection of our inside. If we are smiling inside, we are smiling outside.


Yeah, but what about bad days..?


We all have bad days and they are fine and natural and we can't be content 24 hours a day but we can practice contentment.

So, my answer for youthful ageing are the things I try and practice myself; and believe me my life has had and still has its challenges...& remember, change is constant but that doesn't mean we leave our selves free to be ravaged by time, there is a lot we can do to stay young and youthfull for much longer...

• Smile more than you frown
• Practice feeling content with each moment
• practice being solution focused
• Nurture yourself inside and out with good food & good skincare.
• Exercise body and mind

Natural Wisdom Organic Skin Care is certified organic with the Soil Association. I work really hard to research the ingredients we use to get the highest synergistic blend of anti ageing antioxidants in every single product I design and formulate. Our Rosehip & Pomegranate Collection is the organic skincare I made for my self. I will never use anything else. If your ever passing, please drop by and take a peak. www.naturalwisdom.co.uk

We love to keep in touch with all our customers, come hang out with us on Twitter and Facebook.

How I improved my blemishes and patchy skin...

A LITTLE BIT OF BACKGROUND...

From the age of about 21, I started to suffer from really aggressive allergic rhinitis. I had always been allergic to sea food, lobster being the worst. When I was 3 I had my first experience of my seafood allergy when I developed septicemia and boils all over my scalp, I had to have my head shaved. Believing this to be a unique incident my parents gave me sea food another 2 times over the next few years before telling me I should never eat it because it was bad for me....like they needed to tell me that! each time the same thing happened...

I have for some reason been prone to skin eruptions all my life, from bouts of cystic acne along my chin line to the occasional boil. I am prone to spots too and years of struggling with allergic rhinitis and cat allergies gave me a poor skin complexion. I had a patchy skin tone and blemishes. My worst areas were under my eyes where I had a large angioma under my right eye, possibly from damage caused by sneezing all the time and rubbing by eyes. I used to rub my eyes a lot.

In 2001 I began studying to become a homeopath, a couple of years before my homeopath had completly cured my allergic rhinitis. I was thrilled!

My complexion did improve a little, my eyes were no longer swollen and red but my skintone did not. I still had very uneven skin tone, burst blood vessels and blemishes around my cheeks and chin.

NOW FOR THE GOOD STUFF.....

In 2006 I started to take making my own skincare more seriously, I began to research it and it became an obsession I still have today. The first product I made for myself was my Rosehip & Pomegranate Antioxidant Treatment Oil. My clients began to comment on how well I looked...and I did. I had noticed my skin tone was improving, my blemishes deminishing. Even my angioma was fading...

In 2007 I began to sell my skincare to family, friends and clients. I noticed that the only time I got a spot now was if I was very stressed instead of before.

In 2009 I was becoming pretty busy with my skincare business and I was lucky enough to join forces with a good friend who became my business partner.

All this time I was using my own brand of skincare. I will never use anything else now.

2011 and my skin looks as flawless as if I was wearing a light foundation. My angioma is gone, my chin and jaw line is clear, my cheeks are clear.

 HOW CAN THIS HELP MY SKIN ?...

I have learned that there is a big difference between middle of the road, diluted skincare ingredients and premium organic high potency ingredients. There is a massive difference between Rosehip seed oil and sunflower seed oil. There is a big difference between Almond oil and Pomegranate seed oil or raspberry seed oil... There is a massive difference between CO2 herbal and botanical extracts and alcohol botanical and herbal extracts...

It really does matter what we put on our skin. If our skincare is based on water, sunflower oil and wax emulsifiers we can't expect any significant results. If our skincare is based on high potency antioxidant ingredients and seed oils with no fillers and no nonsense....then we can expect a very big difference over time. For me I began to notice a difference after 3 months.

FACIAL MASSAGE ...

I also began to realise that MASSAGING our face when we apply our skincare is incredibly important. Don't just slap it on in an unloving way. A good facial massage 2-3 times a day for between 5 - 10 minutes stimulates collagen, blood circulation and skin renewal.

ANTIOXIDANTS IN SKINCARE...

Skincare without antioxidants in my mind is completey pointless...

The right antioxidants are incredibly important. Vitamin C is magic but only if it is a stabilised Vitamin C. We use Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate shown to improve and accelerate Collagen and reduce blemishes while discourageing acne. It is also important to use it in the right quantity. It won't work unless you use enough of it in your formula, but it expensive witch is why profit driven companies use so little in their formula's.

Our skincare formulations are designed to be highly antioxidant. We really pack in the vitamins and nutrients because it is this kind of skincare that is effectively anti ageing. It really works. I tried a great number of skincare products before making my own. My mission then and my mission now is to create the skincare you would like to make for your self...

I hope this has been useful. :-)