Archive for January, 2012

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.