Bestow Nourishing Facial Oil

in Products & Reviews / Skin Care

Bestow Nourishing Facial Oil is Janine Tait’s personally selected blend of 12 powerful botanical oils that will nourish, strengthen and protect your skin. Bursting with EFA’s, vitamins and antioxidants, this topical facial oil is a rich booster to add into any skin care regime.

WHO IS IT SUITABLE FOR?

Bestow Nourishing Facial Oil is suitable for most skin types including very sensitive skin. While heavy in consistency, the formulation is non-comedogenic, which means that it won’t block pores or cause pimples. With its nourishing lipids it is particularly beneficial for dry skin and has proved helpful for treating rosacea and dry skin conditions.

THE STORY BEHIND THE PRODUCT

“Many years ago, when I was a newly qualified therapist I found a book about the therapeutic benefits of plant oils. Despite the fact that I lost it when I moved flats, that book sparked my life-long fascination with these incredible oils. They are beautifully rich in the phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for healthy, glowing skin.

Each oil has its own unique powers and properties. Each one offers its own particular nourishing gift to the skin. Over the years I compiled a list of oils that I was particularly interested in and used them on my own skin. I loved the results.

When people began asking me if they could put ‘Bestow Beauty Oil’ on their face, it got me thinking. The answer, by the way, is most definitely no. Bestow Beauty Oil is a beautiful oil for nourishing the skin from within but the formulation is too heavy to be used topically for any length of time.

Still, the seed had been sown. Why not formulate a concentrated facial oil blend that could nourish the skin topically? I dusted off my ‘honours roll’ of the therapeutic oils I had tried over the years and created a special blend of my 12 favourite oils.

My two personal favourites out of the collection are jojoba oil, which is the closest oil in nature to our skins natural oil and borage oil which repairs the skin barrier faster than anything else I know.

I have wanted to use borage oil for years, but have avoided it because it has a slightly strange fragrance. In Bestow Nourishing Facial Oil we have achieved the perfect blend and I can’t detect the smell at all.

It gives me great pleasure to share Bestow Nourishing Facial Oil with you. I hope you enjoy using it as much as I have enjoyed making it.” – JANINE

12 BOTANICAL OILS – MEET THE CHOSEN ONES

_MG_3670 The 12 botanical oils I chose for the Bestow Nourishing Facial Oil contain phospholipids and glycolipids, natural constituents of beautiful skin and good water-binding agents, which enhance optimal barrier function.

Individually, each oil has been chosen for a specific reason.
Together these oils form a powerful blend that support skin barrier function, moisture levels and supply many vital nutrients that are needed topically.

1. Argan Oil is touted as ‘liquid gold’ due to its ability to moisturise lack-luster skin. It is high in EFA’s and vitamin E, two key players in helping the skin stay hydrated and preventing further moisture loss.

2. Jojoba Oil is compositionally the closest oil to our own natural sebum and therefore helps strengthen the skin’s protective function. Fun fact: jojoba oil is technically a wax.

3. Avocado Oil is full of vitamins and anti-oxidants, all of which are essential for beautiful skin.

4. Borage Oil is nature’s richest source of gamma linolenic acid, a secondary essential fatty acid, which helps repair the skin barrier faster than any other essential fatty acid. It decreases water loss, helping the skin stay hydrated and flexible. It is rich in vitamins and minerals as well as two important polyphenols; ferulic acid, which is a very effective anti-oxidant that can repair sun and weather induced skin damage and ellagic acid, which reduces collagen destruction.

5. Calendula Oil speeds healing, reduces inflammation and improves epidermal differentiation.

6. Rosehip Oil contains tretinoin, a vitamin A derivative that delays the effects of skin aging, assists with cell regeneration and promotes the increase of collagen and elastin levels.

7. Tamanu Seed Oil has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and skin healing properties. It is a most unusual oil because of its ability to penetrate deeply into the skin.

8. Vitamin E Oil is an important antioxidant that protects the more delicate oils in the collection from oxidation.

9. Grapeseed Oil also helps prevent oxidation of the blend but in addition it contributes to skin repair and regeneration.

10. French Lavender Essential Oil has strong skin soothing and healing properties and assists in cooling and calming inflamed skin.

11. Sandalwood Essential Oil is beneficial for many skin types from dry, dehydrated skins to oily skins and acne.

12. Rose Geranium Essential Oil is wonderful for balancing the oil production of the skin making it valuable for treating oily or dry skin and everything in between!

BESTOW SKIN NOURISHING RITUAL

A RELAXING RITUAL TO NOURISH YOUR SKIN AND YOUR SOUL

THE RITUAL: Take time for you. Partially fill your hand basin with warm water. Immerse your Bestow Soaking Cloth, wring out excess water and press damp cloth to your face while taking five slow, deep breaths. Repeat this step to ensure your skin is fully hydrated. Apply any toners, mists or serums that you desire. Lock in all that precious moisture by using the tips of your fingers to gently massage 1-2 drops of Bestow Nourishing Facial Oil into your still damp skin. You can then apply your usual moisturiser if you wish. Go into your day or evening with grace and gratitude.
This relaxing ritual is best done two to three times a week or every day if your skin needs extra nourishment and protection. Can be used morning or evenings

excerpt from Janine Tait, bestowbeauty.co.nz

What Your Skin Should Look Like When It’s Healthy

in Body Care / Hands & Feet / Intro & Basics / Skin Care

A balanced, hydrated skin

Smooth texture, without congestion
Even in colour
Refined, soft pores
Slightly ‘tacky’ or ‘damp’, but cool to touch
Heals at a steady rate
Renews as a stead rate
Has a ‘glow’ look

An unbalanced, dehydrated skin

Dull in colour, and/or uneven skin tone
Very dry or very oily
It feels tight/taut, flaky – especially after a cleanser
Large pores
It feels bumpy and irritated (such as acne – both deep and fine congestion)
It has blockages – big or small. Some that just don’t go away!
It always seems red, or is sensitive to certain conditions or products
Products feel tingly or stingy
Products cause redness after first being applied
Slow to heal
Premature ageing

4 Steps to Glowing, Hydrated Skin

Bestow Beauty Oil

in Products & Reviews / Skin Nutrition

Bestow Beauty Oil is a wonderful food for skin. It’s your edible cosmetic, making your skin soft, smooth and velvety. Bestow Beauty Oil is able to do this because it contains high levels of Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6), which are not only vital for good health but also the beauty and vitality of your skin.

Unlike most fats, your body cannot produce Omega-3 and Omega-6, this is why they are called vitamin F. Bestow Beauty Oil is a blend of organic, unrefined, extra virgin oils cold-pressed from flax and golden flax seeds, to provide you with a rich source of these Essential Fatty Acids. Bestow Beauty Oil has all the benefits of fish oil, only it contains even more EFAs … and tastes much better!

WHAT CAN IT DO FOR YOUR SKIN?

EFAs moisturise your skin from the inside. Your normal moisturiser only penetrates so far, whereas the EFAs moisturise the deepest layers of your skin.

In addition, as your skin cells move up though the layers toward your skin’s surface, they carry the moisturising, protective effect of the EFAs with them.

They keep your skin supple and smooth and help maintain the hydration of your skin.

When rich in EFAs, the oil that naturally makes its way onto the surface of the skin forms a healing, anti-inflammatory, protective outer layer for your skin.

EFAs prevent skin congestion and ‘breakouts’ and can even help dissolve existing blockages.

They help make cell walls more permeable, ensuring nutrients can be absorbed and waste removed, so your skin looks more vital.

OTHER BEAUTIFYING ACTIONS OF EFAs

EFAs can help treat any skin problems ranging from acne to increased sensitivity, from over oiliness to excessive dryness.

EFAs help make hair and nails visibly stronger and healthier, promoting faster growth.

They can lessen the incidence of ingrown hairs due to smoother, more supple follicles.

They help us lose weight by reducing fat production in the body and increasing fat burning and heat production. They help the body shift from burning glucose to burning fat.

WHAT HEALTH BENEFITS DO ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS (EFAs) OFFER ME?

EFAs are truly nature’s gift to skin and good health! They are essential to virtually all bodily functions, including:

Energy production: they help with endurance, recovery from exercise and mental stamina.

Brain function: benefits include elevated mood, lifted depression, increased calmness, better handling of stress, less hyperactivity, better focus, better mental processing, faster learning, increased intelligence, better concentration, and improved motor coordination.

Cardiovascular health: Omega-3 fatty acids can decrease many cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including arrhythmia, high triglycerides, blood pressure and platelet stickiness.

Insulin function: Omega-3 helps to improve insulin sensitivity in diabetics.

Digestion: EFAs improve gut integrity, decrease gut inflammation and decrease ‘leaky gut’ that can lead to allergies.

Allergies: EFAs reduce symptoms of allergies.

Inflammation: Omega-3 fats can help reduce inflammation.

Immune system: Omega-3 fats help to regulate the immune system and can help with both low immunity and an over response of the immune system (autoimmunity).

Injury recovery: EFAs speed the healing of injuries.

Bone minerals: Omega-3 fats improve bone mineral retention, thereby helping to inhibit the development of osteoporosis.

Vision: EFAs are also required for good vision.

Hormones: EFAs can also improve hormone function.

Reproduction: EFAs are required for healthy sperm formation, the female menstrual cycle, and during pregnancy.

Stress & sleep: EFAs improve the stress response. People report feeling calmer, dealing with stressful situations more calmly, and losing their temper less often. EFAs can also improve sleep in some people.

_MG_1023b

WILL IT MAKE MY SKIN OILY?

No, it is not capable of increasing the oil flow of your skin’s oil glands. But what it does do is ensure that the oil your skin’s glands are producing is protective, healing and not as likely to block causing congested skin.

WILL IT HELP IF I HAVE BLACKHEADS?

If your skin is prone to being oily, greasy or more inclined to block in the pores, this can be due to a diet high in saturated fats or a lack of essential fatty acids. By taking EFAs and reducing your intake of foods containing saturated fats, you can correct this imbalance and have beautiful smooth skin once again.

WILL I PUT ON WEIGHT?

Fats fulfil many important functions in our bodies and we cannot survive without them. Fats are blamed for many health problems, but it is now clear that this is a dangerous over-simplification. Some fats are healthy, others are unhealthy.

Bestow Beauty Oil contains Omega-3 essential fatty acids that actually help you to keep slim by increasing your metabolic rate. This helps you burn body fat more rapidly and gives you more energy. Another way in which Omega-3 fatty acids can assist with weight loss is that they can help your kidneys to get rid of excess water retained in body tissues.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK AND TASTE LIKE?

Bestow Beauty Oil is a clear, golden oil with a very mild nutty flavour. It gives food a delicious creamy texture and can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes.

CAN I RUB IT ON MY SKIN?

Yes you can but only use a small amount as it can oxidise on the skin if it is not absorbed (take care with broken skin). There are many better oils for applying to your skin like Jojoba oil, which is very similar to the oil your skin produces. Bestow Beauty Oil is the best oil for working from the inside!

WHY ISN’T IT IN CAPSULES?

Capsules do not allow you the opportunity to mix the oil with food. When the oil is emulsified in food it is much easier for your body to absorb.

We always recommend that the oils are taken with food – taking it from the spoon on an empty stomach can result in loose stools as it fails to be absorbed. It can also cause nausea in some people or repeat on you.

BB-OIL-2640

WHY IS IT IN A BLACK PLASTIC BOTTLE?

The bottle is made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This is an extremely safe, high quality, food grade material for use with food (especially oils). HDPE doesn’t allow any chemicals to leach into the oil.

There is no evidence in scientific literature that phthalates are being used in HDPE bottles. The fact that it is black helps ensure that the delicate oil is not exposed to light, which can make it deteriorate faster.

HOW DO I LOOK AFTER MY BESTOW BEAUTY OIL?

The EFAs in Bestow Beauty Oil are sensitive to light, air (oxygen), and heat. This is why they have been pressed and packaged with care so that you can be confident your oil is of best quality possible.

Once you’ve opened your bottle, store in your refrigerator and use within 6 weeks.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO USE BESTOW BEAUTY OIL?

Just one tablespoon a day (or one teaspoon for children) of Bestow Beauty Oil is all you need, eaten raw and mixed with food for easy absorption.

Bestow Oil can be added to yoghurt, smoothies, cereals, or mixed with mashed or stir-fried vegetables, porridge or soup (once it is cool enough to eat). You can also make your own healthy, easy-spread butter by mixing ½ butter and ½ Bestow Oil in a blender (note: not suitable for cooking). Bestow Oil can also be used to replace other oils in salad dressings, mayonnaises or pesto sauces.

For best results, please store Bestow Oil in the fridge and do not use for cooking or add to piping hot food.

excerpt from Janine Tait, bestowbeauty.co.nz

Iodine Deficiency

in Products & Reviews / Skin Nutrition

Iodine is not readily available in our New Zealand diet so it is quite common for people to be deficient in this important mineral.

Iodine supports thyroid function, so metabolism, energy levels and weight regulation can all be affected by a deficiency.

The Iodine Test

Your Janesce therapist can paint a 4cm x 4cm square of iodine tincture on the inside of your forearm. If the iodine tincture is absorbed before 12 hours, you are low in iodine.

If absorbed before 4 hours – very low
If absorbed before 8 hours – moderately low
If absorbed within 12 hours or more – good levels

Addressing Iodine Deficiency

Bestow Berry Beautiful: One teaspoon of Bestow Berry Beautiful will provide half your daily requirement of iodine. It is suitable for those with a moderately low deficiency.

Bestow Beauty Powder: If you are very low in iodine, we recommend you take one dessertspoon of Bestow Beauty Powder as this contains the highest levels of iodine in the Bestow Beauty range.

excerpt from Janine Tait, janesce.co.nz

Changing Your Skin Care With A Change In Seasons – Summer

in Intro & Basics / Skin Care

The skin is our first line of defence when it comes to the body. Its main function is to protect the skin from unwanted environmental influences. Coming into summer, this is always important.

In summer, although the humidity in the air is good for your skin, the heat is not always. Humidity for skin is a good thing because it means moisture, and moisture means hydration. Heat can mean sensitivity, it could also mean sun damage. First of all, know how to protect your skin from the sun (click here to learn). Second of all, know how to hydrate and protect your skin from the heat AND sun.

Hydration is one of THE MOST important things for your skin. If it’s not hydrated, it can’t function. If it can’t function, you lose out on a healthy skin.

Yes you still need to moisturise every day in summer even if your skin doesn’t feel ‘dry’. You also definitely need to be using sun care products (all year round actually!)

What do we do?

We soak, and we protect!

Up your soaking by soaking more times, for longer each time. Give your skin a boost, and a chance to really soak up all that water it’s craving! A hydrated skin can help to actually keep your skin cool.

You’ll most likely up your intake of fruits and vegetables with smoothie’s and salads. A green smoothie is a great thing! If you have sensitive skin, or skin that goes red easily, or even eczema prone skin – just watch out for certain foods that can aggravate this. Oranges & strawberries are good (or bad!) at doing this.

Change your moisturiser. The heavy one you were using over winter may be a bit much now. You can still use a facial oil – and these are usually the best things for ‘oily’ skins. (I put oil in quotation because your oily skin COULD be due to dehydration rather than actually being an oily skin. Click here to understand why)

This still applies even if you work indoors. Have you started using air conditioning yet?

Unfortunately, this can really dehydrate your skin – upping your moisturiser and using your facial mist during the day will help with this. Your facial mist will both hydrate the skin, and keep it cool. Going from a cold room, to the blazing sun, back to an air conditioned room again is also not very helpful for your skin. Your poor capillaries will be working overtime.

Protect, protect, protect. But only after you hydrate!

Exfoliating FAQ

in Body Care / Intro & Basics / Skin Care

When to exfoliate/how often?

This is different for everyone, but it’s probably no where near as often as you think. Don’t over exfoliate, you will cause many problems – the first and most problematic being dehydration. Try once to twice a week, depending on your skin type. Before applying a mask is also a great idea. If in doubt, do it less often!

When your skin is hydrated, the enzymes in your skin will be working as they should be – this means your skin will naturally desquamate (exfoliate) at its own natural pace. You shouldn’t ‘feel the need to scrub’. If you do, chances are your skin is dehydrated and there is a build up of skin cells. Yes exfoliate, but more importantly, HYDRATE!

It’s always a great idea to exfoliate before you use a mask, this will give you a smoother more permeable canvas for your mask nutrients to penetrate and work on the skin.

How to exfoliate?

Each product will have different instructions. For the Gentle Enzyme Peel (my favourite!), mix it with a little bit of water in your hand, massage over face and neck and leave for 5 minutes before rinsing completely.

Light, slow circular motions are best as they are more gentle. You don’t need to scrub hard like you’re trying to rub off your skin!

What to use?

Gentle Enzyme Peel or Gentle Clearing Wash are my favourites. The Gentle Clearing Wash is a bit stronger, so I would start with the Gentle Enzyme Peel first. It doesn’t feel gritty. And it’s not a peel. It contains enzymes (surprise) from pineapple and papaya that will do the ‘exfoliating’ for you.

For other brands, use exfoliants that have tiny, smooth or round granules (not the plastic microbeads!) as they are soft for your skin.

What is the acid mantle?

The acid mantle is the skin’s natural protective film. It is made up of our skin’s perspiration (sweat) and fatty acids (sebum or oil). As the name suggests, it is more acidic than alkaline. A pH of 4.5 – 5.5 to be more specific.

Our acid mantle protects the skin from the environment and prevents irritants from coming into contact with the skin. Bacteria thrive in an alkaline environment – so you can see why our skin is designed to be naturally acidic to counteract this and prevent infections and other problems. It is our protective coat. It keeps OUT bacteria, and keeps IN water.

The acid mantle is vital for preventing water loss and maintaining hydration.

Cleansing & exfoliating your skin will disrupt this layer, meaning your skin needs to rebuild the acid mantle again. This is why it is imperative to use an appropriate (and gentle!) exfoliant, to prevent disturbing the acid mantle where possible. Yes, we still need to both cleanse & exfoliate our skins – but gently, and not as often as you think! The acid mantle is vital in maintaining skin health!

What to avoid?

Harsh Scrubs

Many people are still choosing a really harsh scrub thinking it is doing a better job. Please don’t! It will scratch the surface of your skin, strip it of it’s natural oils – and if you’re doing it so often, it will never have a change to repair itself or strengthen! Sorry, I’m looking at you, apricot scrubs. 9 times out of 10 any imbalance in your skin is first due to dehydration. Address that, and you will see a difference! Hydrate, repair, protect!

Over-exfoliating

Just like over cleansing, avoid exfoliating too much and too often (this goes for all over your body!). Over doing it can strip your skin of it’s natural oils and cause even more problems – mainly dehydration. Avoid ‘Daily’ scrubs.

What happens if I don’t exfoliate correctly?

Too much and you can strip your skin and cause the beginning of the vicious cycle of dehydrated skin.
Not enough and it could be dull, with a build up of skin cells preventing your skin from being as healthy as it could be.

Without a healthy acid mantle, the skin is stripped and exposed to the environment. It can become sensitive. Water is lost and the skin dehydrates rapidly. As the skin dehydrates, the surface of your skin becomes tighter as the skin cells dry and ‘curl up’. It can make your pores look larger. Sebum (oil) can become trapped under the skin, your products can’t absorb as well into the skin, your skin’s oil glands can over produce to try to compensate for the lack of water giving you an ‘oily dry skin’.

Another reason to hydrate your skin is so your skin cells are plump, full of water and lie flat protecting the skin from irritants and further water loss. Dry ‘curled’ skin cells will curl upwards, causing further dehydration with irritants being able to enter the skin.

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