THE SOLUTION TO A SIMPLE, MEANINGFUL, WELL-DESIGNED LIFE /
THE F Ê T E / LIF E PROJECT
01
NO. SKIN CARE Welcome to the Fête/Life Project – a collection of helpful, useful and practical articles that can be applied to life at any time, but especially now. Sourced from the many magazines we have released, our message has never been more relevant or needed by our community today… let’s embrace the simple life and treasure what is truly important – human connection, community, self care and pure acts of kindness. SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST /
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Parquet Towels in Charcoal, Bath Towel $49.95, Bath Sheet $79.95, Bath Mat $39.95 and Hand towel $19.95, all aurahome.com.au
health / W E L L - B E I N G
STORY / JANE CAMERON
SKIN CARE The pace of life can be hectic, stressful and overwhelming. Add to the mix a multitude of oxidants absorbed from environmental pollution and additives ingested from food, pharmaceuticals and alcohol and it’s no surprise our bodies are often close to overload. The result can be a sluggish metabolism, brain fog or worse still, disease and illness. It’s little wonder people are searching for natural alternatives to everyday skin care products as a measure to keep the intake of chemicals to a minimum. A quick summary of ingredients from most big-brand skin care products reveals a long list of synthetic chemicals. At small
Janesce director, Kristen Jelk, continues, “By feeding the skin the nutrients it needs through topical products, it encourages
AUSTRALIAN BRANDS GROWNALCHEMIST.COM AVA I L A B L E I N T E R N AT I O N A L LY, A N
doses these chemicals may do no harm
healthy skin function and aides resilience
to humans but consider the cumulative
to environmental stress. To optimise the
effect of multiple applications each day
benefits the products bring to the skin,
CERTIFIED ORGANIC BOTANICAL
over many years. There is little way of
Janesce adheres to all plant ingredients.
INGREDIENTS.
knowing how this concoction of products
The skin absorbs liquid herb extracts
JACQUELINEEVANS.COM.AU
affects our bodies over time.
easily – into the cells and also into the
A RANGE OF SKIN CARE
bloodstream. Synthetic substances mostly
PRODUCTS USING NATURAL AND
As Emma Reid from Australian brand, Musq, shares, “We believe that healthy skin is
sit in the upper dermal layers of the skin,
EXTENSIVE RANGE OF NATURAL SKIN CARE PRODUCTS USING
CERTIFIED ORGANIC PRODUCTS.
and bring no nutritional benefit to the
JANESCE.COM.AU
health of the cells.”
FOUNDED BY JANICE SARRE
your skin and for our planet should be a
Dion Nash from the New Zealand men’s
given, not a luxury. We believe that making
skin care brand, Triumph & Disaster, says,
OVER FORT Y YEARS AGO.
beautiful and that it’s important to keep it clean. Choosing products that are good for
small changes can make a big difference.
“Nature is road-tested through time and
SMITH IN THE ADELAIDE HILLS PRODUCING AN EXTENSIVE R A N G E O F O R G A N I C, P L A N TBASED PRODUCTS.
This is why we encourage you to choose
evolution… our system has been exposed
consciously and do the best you can for
to any compound or ingredient that occurs
LESBOBOS.COM.AU
your own health and well-being, as well as
naturally over thousands of years of
BASED IN PERTH, THIS BUSINESS
the world around you. Nature makes things evolution and we’ve either become used simple and we like to keep it that way.
to it or our ancestors died from it because
Beautiful skin shouldn’t be complicated”.
they worked out the hard way that it was
It is commonly accepted that we absorb as much as 60% of topical skin care products through the skin and into the bloodstream. Few of us would knowingly eat food that contained such a high load of chemicals! Doyen of the natural skin care revolution, Janice Sarre Smith, was somewhat ahead of her time when, forty years ago, she founded the Australian company, Janesce. She says, “I knew that if nutrition was good for the body, then it would be good for the skin, so I applied the same principles that I had learnt as a naturopath when I formulated my skin care range. I have proven many times that when the skin is healthy, then skin problems will disappear. We only have to look to nature for the answers.
toxic to humans! Synthetic ingredients not so much. We say stick to what the body knows. Well-designed, balanced natural formulations will be much gentler on the system than synthetic chemicals that have been designed by chemists in a lab sometime since the 70s. The latest,
PRODUCES A SMALL RANGE OF NATURAL AND ORGANIC SKIN CARE PRODUCTS WITH NO FRAGRANCES, ARTIFICIAL COLOURS OR ANYTHING SYNTHETIC.
MUSQ.COM.AU AN AUSTRALIAN NATURAL SKIN C A R E R A N G E T H AT I S C H E M I C A LF R E E, C R U E LT Y-F R E E, V E G A N AND GLUTEN-FREE.
greatest, green science technology is
NYASKINCARE.COM.AU
far superior performing than the cheap
A RANGE BASED ON TRADITIONAL
synthetic chemicals, many of which
CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE
were really only designed to make the manufacture of products easier and
WITH NO ARTIFICIAL CHEMICALS, FRAGRANCES OR PRESERVATIVES.
cheaper, not necessarily to improve
SODASHI.COM
cosmetic performance. Check out the
BASED IN FREMANTLE, WESTERN
amazing benefits of ingredients like Horopito, Ponga fern, Jojoba, Harekeke, Tamanu oil, Argan oil… I could go on. Once you realise how amazing these naturally occurring actives are, you will never go back to synthetic ideas concocted in a lab”.
AUSTRALIA, THIS BUSINESS O F F E R S A N AT U R A L , C H E M I C A LFREE SKIN CARE RANGE.
YNATURAL.COM.AU AN AUSTRALIAN COMPANY PRODUCING A HIGH QUALITY CERTIFIED ORGANIC, NATURAL SKIN CARE RANGE. VISIT THEIR PAGE ON ‘INGREDIENTS TO AVOID’ FOR LOTS OF HELPFUL TIPS.
ISSUE NO. 18 / FETEPRESS.COM.AU
45
health / W E L L - B E I N G
Unfortunately we can’t rely on all producers to do the right thing – sometimes products are labelled ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ when they still contain potentially harmful ingredients. It’s up to us as consumers to do the research and read the labels, determining any suspect ingredients and deciding if we want to support products that may ultimately end up causing us harm. Keston Muijs from Austalian company,
P O LY E T H Y L E N E G LYC O L S (P E G)
DAVIDSUZUKI.ORG
Commonly found in skincare products used as thickeners, solvents, softeners and moisture-carriers. May be contaminated with ethylene oxide which is a known human carcinogen which can also harm the nervous system.
A LIST OF THE ‘DIRT Y DOZEN’ CHEMICALS TO AVOID IN SKINCARE AND COSMETIC PRODUCTS: B U T Y L AT E D H Y D R OX YA N I S O L E (BHA) AND BUT YL ATED HYDROXYTOLUENE (BHT)
BHA and BHT can cause allergic reactions in the skin. BHA interferes with hormone function.
COMPOUNDS
PETROL ATUM
Typically used in moisturisers as a barrier to lock in moisture. Studies suggest longterm use may be carcinogenic. CYCLOMETHICONE AND INGREDIENTS ENDING IN
Grown Alchemist, encourages us to choose
COAL TAR DYES:
organic options wherever possible, “You
P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE (PPD)
may think there is little difference between
to the best beauty results.”
Used extensively in moisturisers and FOLLOWED BY A FIVE DIGIT facial treatments to soften, smooth NUMBER and moisten. The European Union has Typically found in hair dyes where they classified D4 as an endocrine disruptor have been linked to tumours in laboratory that interferes with human hormone tests. Toxic to aquatic environments. function and may impair human fertility. D I E T H A N O L A M I N E ( D E A ) - R E L A T E D D5 can also influence neurotransmitters in the nervous system. INGREDIENTS Used to make cosmetics creamy or SODIUM L AURETH SULFATE foamy, also acting as a pH adjuster to Commonly used in facial cleansers as counteract acidity of other ingredients. a foaming agent. May be contaminated Can cause mild to moderate skin and with ethylene oxide which is a known eye irritation and exposure to high human carcinogen which can also harm doses has been shown to cause liver the nervous system. cancers and precancerous changes It doesn’t easily degrade and can remain to skin and thyroid. in the environment long after it is D I B U T LY P H T H A L AT E released into the water systems. The European union classifies DBP as TRICLOSAN a suspected endocrine disruptor which Often found in cleansers and as an may interfere with hormone function. anti-bacterial agent. Triclosan can pass FORMALDEHYDE-RELEASING through the skin and interfere with PRESERVATIVES hormone function. It can irritate the eyes Used as preservatives in a wide range and skin and is very toxic to of cosmetics. Formaldehyde may aquatic organisms. off-gas from cosmetics and inhaled as well as being absorbed through the skin.
If you’re not yet convinced it’s time to try
PARABENS – METHYL, PROPYL,
natural active ingredients and non-natural ingredients such as natural Peptides or Hyaluronic Acid. Natural versions of these ingredients are more effective because chemicals are seen by the body as toxic, increasing the production of free radicals, causing inflammation and impairing skin-cell health and function contributing to the ageing process. In addition organic ingredients are grown free of toxins and show a higher count of antioxidants, vitamins, mineral salts, essential fatty and amino acids which are crucial for skin-cell function and repair. Given cells are the foundation of all structure within the body, healthy cells increase the skin’s ability for self-repair – which will ultimately lead
a natural alternative, consider the damage these chemicals are doing to the environment when they are washed down the drains and into our waterways. Many are bioaccumulative meaning they build up in the environment and are not easily degradable, all highly toxic to aquatic organisms. “What comes from the earth goes back to it, so keeping it natural is the only way to go. No polluting waterways with synthetic microbeads or ingredients that never break down and remain as pollutants in the ecosystem forever and a day”, adds Dion Nash. Hailee Youm from Les Bobos continues, “Harmful ingredients in cosmetics aren’t just a personal issue any more. Every product we use on our skin will eventually end up in soil and waterways, where it can further impact microorganisms and aquatic life.”
46
THE DIRTY DOZEN
FETEPRESS.COM.AU / ISSUE NO. 18
AND COLOURS LISTED AS ‘CI’
BUTYL AND ETHYL
The most widely-used preservative in cosmetics and as fragrance ingredients. Parabens can mimic oestrogen and have been detected in breast cancer tissues suggesting a possible association between cosmetics and cancer. It’s estimated that women are exposed to somewhere near 50g of parabens each day when totalling skin care and cosmetic products. Restriction of use is particularly important for pre-teen girls given the suspected connection between parabens and hormone disruption. Teenage girls use an estimated 17 skincare and cosmetic products each day, exposing them to a significant number of toxins. PARFUM (FRAGRANCE)
Over 3000 chemicals can be used as fragrances and many have not been tested for toxicity. Many are irritants and can trigger allergies, migraines and asthma symptoms.
SILOXANE – ALSO KNOWN AS D4 AND D5
OTHERS TO WATCH OUT FOR… TRY AND STEER CLEAR OF: MERCURY – THIMEROSAL LEAD ACETATE SYNTHETIC COLOUR PIGMENTS TOLUENE
SHELFIES the ones that make a great display
L E S B O B O S / Organic Hydrating
Cream 120g $27, lesbobos.com.au H E R B I V O R E / Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Face
Mist USD$32, Blue Clay Spot Treatment Mask USD$22, Brighten Pineapple + Gemstone Mask USD$48 and Orchid Facial Oil USD$64, all herbivorebotanicals.com
M U S Q / Moisturiser Gel 50g $40, musq.com.au
F I G + Y A R R O W / YClay Mask Black 34g USD$18, G R O W N A L C H E M I S T / Gentle Gel Facial
Cleanser in Geranium Leaf, Bergamot and Rose-Bud 200ml $39.95
Yarrow Buttercream 60ml USD$48 and Complexion Water in Rose, Sandalwood and Neroli 120ml USD$42, all figandyarrow.com
T H E S E E K E / Face Cleansing Bar in Rose Geranium,
Lemon and Clay $11.95, residentgp.com.au
J O S H R O S E B R O O K / Moisturising Cleanser
120ml USD$50, Hydrating Accelerator 120ml USD$32 and Herbal Infusion Oil 60ml USD$44, all joshrosebrook.com
L : A B R U K E T / Shea Butter 100g $32,
T R I U M P H & D I S A S T E R / Body Moisturiser
huntingforgeorge.com
500ml NZD$99, triumphanddisaster.com
THE FOUR STEP ROUTINE STEP NO.01 / CLEANSE
STEP NO.02 / EXFOLIATE
STEP NO.03 / MOISTURISE
STEP NO.04 / SUNSCREEN
Cleansers are used to wash
Exfoliators and masks are
Moisturisers can protect
A vitally important step in
away the impurities on the
designed to work alongside
skin from the elements and
the morning skin routine,
surface of the skin, cleansing
your daily skin routine. When
rehydrate it. Using a good
sunscreen protects skin from
away excess oil and leftover
used regularly they can help
moisturising cream or lotion
damaging UV rays ultimately
makeup leaving skin feeling
to enhance the radiance and
morning and evening can
assisting in the prevention
soft, clean and fresh.
surface of the skin.
help give skin a renewed glow.
of ageing to the skin.
OTHERS TO TRY…
OTHERS TO TRY…
OTHERS TO TRY…
OTHERS TO TRY…
Clay Cleanser with Lavender 200ml $80.70, sodashi.com
Janesce Clearing Wash 50g $44.95, janesce.com.au
Dr. Hauschka Regenerating Day Cream 40ml $108, nourishedlife.com.au
Soléo Organics All Natural 30+SPF Sunscreen 40g $16.95, echolife.com.au
Musq Gel Cleanser 200ml $44, musq.com.au
Y Natural 301 Gentle Rose Otto and Hibiscus Mask 145g $60 ynatural.com.au
Nourishing Facial Moisturiser 125ml $14.95, naturalinstinct.com.au
Natural Instinct Natural Sunscreen Invisible SPF30+ 100g $17.95, shopnaturally.com.au
AURA BY TRACIE ELLIS /
Parquet Towels in Charcoal, Bath Towel $49.95, Bath Sheet $79.95, Bath Mat $39.95 and Hand towel $19.95, all aurahome.com.au
health / W E L L - B E I N G
When adopting a more mindful approach to personal skin care, start on changing over the products that are applied to your skin all day or night. Tackle other products as they run out or expire and are due for replacement. Even if you make a small change, it’s a step in the right direction and will be a reduction in the number of chemicals absorbed by your skin each day. Kristen Jelk from Janesce recommends first changing to a milder milk cleanser and lifting the hydration in the skin with a two-step soaking and misting ritual. “Most customers who are starting with a natural skin care line have been using products that may cause irritations over time and are therefore looking for a natural alternative to see if their skin responds in a more positive way. These customers are genuinely disenchanted with the products that they are currently using. Often they have been using a foaming cleanser, harsh scrub, bacterial wash or toner that has over-stripped their skin.”
INTERNATIONAL BRANDS FIGANDYARROW.COM THIS US-BASED COMPANY PRODUCES AN ARTISANAL LINE O F S M A L L-B AT C H, H A N D C R A F T E D, ORGANIC SKIN CARE PRODUCTS. IN AUSTRALIA VISIT: THEL ABORGANICS.COM.AU COLLECTORSTORE.COM.AU
HERBIVOREBOTANICALS.COM A US-BASED RANGE OF
Dion Nash recommends starting by ditching the synthetic scrubs that end up polluting the waterways and opting for a natural scrub. “Next I’d try a natural moisturiser because you will feel the difference straight away. It’s something that the skin accepts compared to a foreign entity that sits on it.” If you’re ready to take the first step, accept that there may be a period of adjustment for the skin as chemical-laden items are replaced with healthier choices. A little time may be needed for the natural alternatives to prove their effectiveness and there may be a degree of compromise as your skin adjusts to a toxin-free regime. Given the vast array of natural products now available, if one doesn’t work effectively, try another until you find one that does. Your health will reap the rewards from a little due diligence and effort.
PRODUCTS MADE WITH NATURAL I N G R E D I E N T S, P L A N T-B A S E D FOOD-GRADE COLD-PRESSED OILS AND MANY CERTIFIED ORGANIC INGREDIENTS.
JOSHROSEBROOK.COM THIS US-BASED COMPANY HAS A L A R G E R A N G E O F P L A N T-B A S E D PRODUCTS, ALL 100% ORGANIC, CERTIFIED ORGANIC OR WILDCRAFTED.
TRIUMPH & DISASTER A NEW ZEAL AND-BASED COMPANY PRODUCING A SKIN CARE RANGE FOR MEN USING NATURAL AND
QUICK CHANGE
INDIGENOUS INGREDIENTS.
bringing beauty into the bathroom
AUSTRALIAN RESOURCES
Natural doesn’t mean going native and ditching all appreciation of style. Try decanting less-than-fashionable favourites into vessels that show them off at their best. DESIGNSTUFF /
PROVINCIAL HOME
BLOOM & CO. /
FREEDOM /
Mette Ditmer White Marble Soap Dispenser $69, designstuff.com.au
L I V I N G / Glass Soap
Marble Soap Dispenser $79, bloomanco.com.au
Maro Soap Dispenser in Black $19.95, freedom.com.au
Dispenser $16.95, provincialhome living.com.au
IAMNATURALSTORE.COM.AU AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL NATURAL SKINCARE, COSMETIC AND HAIR CARE BRANDS.
NOURISHEDLIFE.COM.AU A COMPREHENSIVE SELECTION OF NATURAL SKINCARE AND COSMETIC BRANDS INCLUDING A RANGE OF THEIR OWN.
INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES EWG.ORG A COSMETIC DATABASE LISTING AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF O V E R 60,000 P E R S O N A L C A R E PRODUCTS WITH A RATING SYSTEM TO CLASSIFY THE INTEGRIT Y OF EACH PRODUCT.
MINDBODYGREEN.COM 12 TOXIC INGREDIENTS TO AVOID IN COSMETICS AND SKIN CARE PRODUCTS.
SAFECOSMETICS.ORG INFORMATION ON CHEMICALS OF CONCERN AND SAFER BRAND CHOICES.
ISSUE NO. 18 / FETEPRESS.COM.AU
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