The benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and features antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is a common misunderstanding that saturated fats are always bad for the health. This is not true. Some saturated fats occur naturally and cannot be compared to artificially man-made manufactured counterparts. The naturally occurring saturated fat in coconut oil is actually very good for the

health and provides a number of profound health benefits, such as increasing of metabolism and thyroid and supporting the immune system.

And coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrition for hair and skin. When applied topically on the skin, it has anti-aging and regenerative effects. Regular massage of the head with coconut oil ensures that the scalp is free of dandruff, even if the scalp is dry. It is also a very good conditioner that helps new hair to grow and nourish it by providing essential proteins.

It is well-known that sun and UV can damage and age your skin. But did you ever thought of protecting your skin while driving a car or sitting in a bus?  Most of us think of wearing sunscreen at the beach or at outdoors activities. Protecting your skin may not be the first thing on mind while driving. The UVA are still

penetrating through the glass of the windows, doesn’t matter whether the windows are up or down. While UVB (short wave) rays are responsible to cause the sunburn, UVA (long-wave) rays don’t. But they are still connected to aging and cancer.  If you don’t want to apply oily sunscreen every time you get on a car, you can use natural skin care to do the job. Many natural, and especially herbal, skincare products provide a very good sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful ultra violet rays. For example you can use a lotion containing Black Sesame and Aloe Vera. Such a lotion penetrates skin cells quickly and offers a natural protection from the harmful effects of the sun.

Tamarind and its fruit pulp is used as ingredient in food, drinks and also cosmetics (incl. tamarind face mask and tamarind face scrub) since generations.The health benefits of tamarind are well-known: the fruit contains acids, minerals, vitamins

and dietary fibers. When used in drinks, the dietary fibers of the tamarind contribute to regular bowel movements and help to prevent constipation. Tamarind drinks are rich in tartaric acid, a very powerful antioxidant that helps the body to protect from harmful free radicals. In addition, tamarind protects from Vitamin C deficiency and is used as blood purifier. And the slightly sour taste makes tamarind a great choice for a juice.

OUR TIP: Mix tamarind juice with chilled soda and create your own “Tamarind Spritzer”. It is a great sports drink, healthy and delicious.

Turmeric in Skincare Products

Increasingly popular in the West – well established in the East

Turmeric is becoming increasingly popular in the West. A growing number of companies are using turmeric (botanical name: Curcuma Longa) has an essential ingredient in their skin care products. In Asia, turmeric has been used for therapeutic and skincare purposes for centuries.It is also used in many Hindus celebrations: Hindu wedding brides rub their face and arms with turmeric to get a natural golden glowing look. And new-born babies are also rubbed with turmeric on their foreheads for good look.

Turmeric: anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties

Turmeric is a member of the ginger family and has a bitter-warm, mustard like taste. It is the Curcumin pigment that gives turmeric its yellow colour. In fact, turmeric is one of nature’s most powerful herbs. It has anti-bacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory (similar to hydrocortisone and Motrin) properties. It can be used to heal and prevent dry skin, treat skin irritations such as eczema, poison oak/ivy and acne. In addition it helps to retard the aging process, diminish brown spots and to remove the redness from acne scars. It is also said that turmeric is able to decrease the activity of melanocytes pigment producing cells.

Combination of Turmeric with other natural ingredients

Using a turmeric face mask is beneficial in cleansing, smoothing and improving the appearance of the skin. Turmeric powder can be combined with other natural ingredients to form a lotion, scrub or face mask. Together with coconut oil it will hydrate and improve the skin tone. In combination with jojoba oil it helps to control eczema and eliminate spots. A turmeric and honey body lotion helps to improve the skin tone. These two ingredients actively penetrate skin cells to leave the skin looking naturally clear. A body lotion containing turmeric and Pueraria Mirifica (Kwao Krua Khao) helps to slow the aging of the skin while building skin cells and fading wrinkles. And a scrub of turmeric and thanaka helps to remove dark spots, age spots, and post-acne scars.

Turmeric & Pueraria Mirifica Body Lotion	Turmeric & Honey Herbal Body scrub	Turmeric & Honey Body Lotion

The power of Vitamin C is well-known. It is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. In skincare Vitamin C is able to control overproduction of oil and can be considered as a collagen stimulator. But it has to be in the right concentration, i.e. if too high it can irritate the skin, and if too low it will hardly benefit the skin. Vitamin C has also

anti-aging properties and helps to brighten the skin and even the skin complexion. Important for all kind of Vitamin C products is to store them in a dark place as light can break it down and make it ineffective.

In our skincare products we use Vitamin C from natural sources. For example our non-irritating natural facial wash made of naturally extracted Vitamin C and Green Tea. This gentle facial cleanser washes away impurities and leaves the complexion purified. It is made to treat normal to dry skin but gentle enough for all skin types and can be used daily. The combination of Vitamin C and green tea is also known to soothe the skin and its antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals.This natural skin care product is suitable for both men and women. It is 100% natural and of course does not contain SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate).

Did you know that bee venom consists of more than 18 natural substances that cannot be chemically produced?  It is already used to treat conditions such as arthritis and tendinitis. And it is also used in skin care products.

The online retailer Beevenommask.com is now offering a range of skin care products containing bee venom. The Abeeco Bee Venom Mask, for instance, contains bee venom and manuka honey collected in New Zealand.

But how the venom works?

The venom in the skin care product “fools” the skin into thinking it has been lightly stung, and this stimulates the production of the naturally occurring chemicals Collagen and Elastin creating a tightening and smoothing effect. The most active component of the bee venom is the co-called melittin, which has many useful properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anit-viral actions.
This product came into the spotlight following the wedding of Kate Middleton and reports that also Victoria Beckham, and the Duchess of Cornwall have been using this unusual beauty treatment.
More information: http://www.beevenommask.com

Mangosteen in Skin Care Products & Anti-Aging

The purple Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), unrelated to the mangos, is a tropical fruit that is believed to have originated in the Sunda Islands and the Moluccas of Indonesia. Today the fruit can be found in many countries of South East Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and of course Indonesia. The fruit is about 5-7 cm in size, outside deep reddish purple and inside opaque white.

Mangosteen is high in Antioxidants – Xanthones

Mangosteen is often described as “the miracle fruit” that can work wonders. The rind, or pericarp, has been used for medical purposes in South East Asia since generations. Fact is that Mangosteen extract is very high in polyphenol antioxidants, known as xanthones. The antioxidants strengthen the immune system and protect the body from harmful viruses and infections. Tea made of the rind can be used to heal diarrhea, bladder infections, and even gonorrhea. And ointments made of the rind are used to treat skin rashes, skin infections and wounds.

Free Radicals: Enemies of the Skin

Free radicals are everywhere in our environment and we cannot avoid them in our daily lives. And the damage done by free radicals is the Number One cause of aging of the skin. The Mangosteen fruit contains some of the most powerful free radical scavengers available, more than other major fruits in South East Asia, e.g. more than the rambutan or durian. The Xanthones have very potent antioxidant power which is greater than that of Vitamins C and E when it comes to skin care. And both vitamins, in effective

doses, are well-known to support healthy collagen renewal leading to healthier skin and anti aging. Mangosteen extract is also often used in health drinks. And Mangosteen containing products do often reflect the power of xanthones by using brand names such as XanGo (popular health drink), Thai-Go, Mangosteen Plus or Mango-xan.

Mangosteen in Face Scrub and Body Cream Lotion

We at Body Delights use the Mangosteen extract in our skin care products. This allows the benefits of the Mangosteen to be applied topically and absorb right into the skin. The Mangosteen skin extracts in our Mangosteen Body and Face Scrub help to reduce wrinkles, nourish the skin, and reduce the bacteria that produce pimples. And the signs of aging can be fought with the Mangosteen Body Cream Lotion, which will both moisturize and nourish the skin with extracts of aloe vera and xanthone. This product will also reduce fine lines and wrinkles, giving a younger looking appearance.

Rice Extract in Natural Skin Care Products

The Japanese Sake is more than just a poplar drink. In Japan Sake is also used also in skin care products. Japanese SPAs are offering sake bath to revitalize the body. And Geishas created their iconic pale faces by washing their faces with sake, which contains a kind of natural skin lightener. All this thanks to a very “basic” ingredient: Rice!
Since generations rice extract is used in Japan and wide parts of Asia in skin care products. The rice grain is rich in rice bran oil which is full of minerals and antioxidants. Milled rice starch makes a highly absorbent face powder that helps to soften and lighten the skin, and balance the oil production. Used in shampoos and conditioners it can help to protect the hair from the environment.
Just recently a kind of worldwide “rice water” hype started. But this for good reasons. To wash the face with rice water makes the skin smooth and improves the complexion by reducing the sizes of the pores on the skin. Rice water can simply used as part of the face, body and hair masks. And powdered rice grains give a great body scrub that makes the skin extra soft.

How to make rice water?

Just boil the rice with more water than usual and strain the extra water which is not absorbed by the rice. Let it cool down and then use, optionally with other herbal ingredients, as a face or hair wash.

We at Body Delights are convinced of the benefits of rice extracts and use it in our natural shampoos. Khao Si Nin (also called Kao Sinin) is a special species of rice which is well-known for containing a lot of anti-oxidants. For instance the anthocyanin in the Khao Si Nin plant strengthen the blood vessels and stimulate blood circulation at the root of the hair. This product helps protect against balding and hair loss, while providing a useful layer of protection against UV rays. Besides the Khao Si Nin extract our Khao Si Nin Herbal Shampoo does also contain Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E and moisturizer.

 

Remove Acne Scars with Tamarind

How to Reduce Acne Scars and Dark Spots

Scars caused by common acne or chickenpox can be very annoying. We are very often asked whether Tamarind can reduce scars on the face and other parts of the body, or even completely remove them. Since generations tamarind extract is used to treat various health disorders, such as burns, common cold, digestion problems, fever and even more uncommon diseases such as scurvy and dysentery. Tamarind extract contains different enzymes, fibers, Vitamin B & C and is especially high in alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) which is well-known for removing dead skin cells. And it is also proven that the AHAs from the Tamarind can reduce acne scars and remove dark spots.

Natural Fruit Acids from the Tamarind fruit

Alpha Hydroxy Acids are natural fruit acids. Whether retrieved from Tamarind or other sources, AHA can be found in various skin care products including, body lotions, facial masks, creams, body scrubs, moisturizers, cleansers and peels. AHA-containing products come in various concentrations. Products sold to consumers do usually contains less than 10% AHA, while trained cosmetologists are able to handle up to 30% and doctors even 50-70%. However, the higher the acid concentration, the more skin irritations can occur, up to severe redness and flaking skin.

How do the Tamarind Natural Acids reduce the Acne Scars?

When skin is injured (e.g. due to acne spots or chickenpox), the fibroblasts generate a fiber-like protein called “collagen” in order to close the wound. This collagen fibers, more numerous than in normal skin and haphazardly arranged, make up most part of the scar tissue and give it its appearance. Like the normal skin, scars change over time, for instance some simply fade, while others gradually change colour or shape.

As mentioned earlier, AHA can be used to remove dead skin cells. Used in combination with a peel or scrub, it is similar to microdermabrasion, i.e. the top layer of skin is peeled off, making scars less noticeable and improve the appearance. Usually these products have to be used continuously for several months before a real difference can be noticed.
Whether the acne scars can only be reduced or even completely removed depends mainly on the kind of acne scars and their age. Dermatologists classify depressed acne scars into different categories and names, such as “Ice Pick” or “Pock Marks” scars (saucer-shaped depression, usually with indentation in the skin’s surface) or “Box Car” scars (angular scars, either superficial or deep, similar to chickenpox). AHA products generally only treat these kinds of depressed acne scars. However, it usually works for both new and old scars, though older scars may take longer to improve. Important: New scars can only be treated if the wound is completely healed, i.e. no open area, oozing or scabs.
That AHA-containing creams can effectively treat acne scarring is also scientifically proven and backed by
different medial researches (e.g. study of the journal “Dermatology” in 2007 or the “International Journal of Dermatology” in 2000).

Reduce Dark Spots with Tamarind

Dark spots (also known as age spots or sun spots) are areas where the skin produces more pigments than the rest. Similar to scars, they influence the looking of a person but are usually not of a health concern. Here the natural acids in Tamarind can also help to fade darkened areas working as a natural skin peel. If used continuously the process removes the darkened skin until new light skin emerges.

We at Body Delights are aware of the benefits of natural Tamarind extract and use it in our facial skin care products (Tamarind Herbal Foam Facial Scrub) and body scrubs ( Tamarind and Honey Herbal Body Scrub and Tamarind Salt Body Scrub). Visit our website www.bsc-teknik.com for a full range of Tamarind and other herbal containing skin care products.

Tamarind homemade face mask recipe

This simple Tamarind facial can be done daily:
- take a handful of tamarind pulp, add 100 ml of water and knead until thick
- rub gently on the scarred section and let dry, then rinse with water
or
- take some mashed turmeric and mix with tamarind pulp/wate.
- apply a mask, let stand for 20 minutes, then rinse with water

What is tamarind?

Tamarind, indigenous to tropical areas, is a bushy tree with evergreen leaves. The Tamarind fruit is about 10-15cm in length and has a juicy and fleshy pulp which is sweet and slightly sour in taste. The fruit contains protein, minerals, fats, fibre plus carbohydrates, and is high in acids (incl. Alpha Hydroxy Acids), vitamin B & C and even calcium. It is also used cook jams, syrups, barbecue and the famous Worcestershire sauces.

Fact: AHA and sunscreen

we are often asked for Tamarind and AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) in sunscreen products. AHA is only effective at a certain certain pH value (e.g. in a 6-8% concentration at pH of 3-4), where in contrast sunscreen is not stable. Therefore AHA and sunscreen do not work well together. Moreover, because alpha hydroxy acid increases sensitivity to the sun, sunscreen has to be applied when using AHA products, or better do not expose to the sun at all.