Climate-friendly cosmetics
The last few months in the UK have been some of the hottest and most unpredictable on record … sudden heat waves interspersed with torrential downpours, thunderstorms and floods. Climate change is gaining pace each year, so there is more reason than ever to be discerning about our lifestyle choices and to do whatever we can to minimise our impact on the natural environment. This means reducing our dependence on plastics and avoiding products that contain by-products of the petrochemical industry such as mineral oil – found as a principal ingredient in many mainstream cosmetics – which is amplifying the effects of climate change through the continued burning of fossil fuels.
The use of synthetic ingredients in many toiletries, such as soaps and exfoliants, also find their way into the water systems, poisoning our oceans, while superfluous packaging contributes to the build-up of non-biodegradable waste, which end up in toxic landfills. In contrast, by choosing natural products and recyclable materials we can all help to turn the tide back on unsustainable ways of living which are contributing to climate change.
Stress-free travel choices
Travelling is exhilarating and exciting, but it can also be draining and stressful if things don’t go according to plan. It’s good to be prepared for all eventualities and keep your summer holiday plans on track! Here are my twenty top travel tips based on using 100% pure botanicals so you can be sure you’re looking after both yourself, your family and the planet.
As you learn more about the world of natural aromatics, you will discover that a single essential oil or flower water can be amazingly versatile … one bottle can effectively do several different jobs! This is one of the principal reasons why they make the ideal travel companions being concentrated, compact, multi-purpose and lightweight. Always check the label for recommended methods of application and safety data before use.
The key advice for enjoying your summer holidays however, is to stay well protected from extremes of temperature in hot weather wherever you are, to stay hydrated and to apply a sunscreen frequently, even when it’s cloudy.
Top twenty aromatherapy travel tips:
- To balance any pre-travel nerves, apply Geranium water frequently whilst on the move as it known to reduce stress and restlessness. It can also help revive and refresh your mind and body upon arrival.
- To wind down and sleep after a long day travelling or to help deal with the aftermath of jetlag, spray Lavender water onto your pillow before retiring.
- To prevent travel sickness or nausea use Spearmint water as a refreshing spritz. It also makes a great on-the-go natural deodorant.
- Rosemary water is the perfect morning pick-me-up for recovering from jetlag, sluggishness or as a cooling hang-over aid! Best kept in the fridge overnight.
- Rosemary water is also renowned for boosting hair growth and lustre – simply spritz onto damp hair and leave it in to dry naturally.
- One of my favourite Rosemary tips is to put a few drops of Rosemary essential oil onto your hairbrush every time you brush your hair to keep it healthy, shiny and smelling divine!
- Rosemary essential oil is also my all-time favourite preventive to shrug off the first signs of a cold, flu or other respiratory infections whilst on the move.
- To stay dewy-fresh and hydrated for all occasions, spritz your face and neck frequently with Neroli water.
- Neroli essential oil (5% diluted in light coconut oil) also makes a lovely light summer perfume – a favourite with the Italian Princess of Nerola!
- Melissa water or Melissa essential oil (5% diluted in light coconut oil) is perfect for calming the nerves and soothing away the stress of travelling – good for dealing with any kind of shock or sudden change of plan, including for children.
- Use Jasmine water when going out in the warm evenings and to keep your skin hydrated in the heat – or apply Jasmine essential oil (5% diluted in light coconut oil) as an exotic floral perfume. Renowned as a potent aphrodisiac!
- Famed for 1000’s of years, Rose water makes the perfect all-round skincare companion as a combined toner/cleanser/refreshing/hydrating spritz. A must-have to pop into your toiletry bag before setting off on your travels.
- Rose essential oil (5% diluted in light coconut oil) makes a lovely heart-warming natural perfume and can also be used as a mini versatile facial serum for all skin types.
- To keep ants away, put Peppermint essential oil in their path or make your own spritz by combining with water. Shake well before use.
- Peppermint essential oil is also good to help clear the head of congestion and to combat tiredness by putting a few drops of a tissue or in a portable vaporiser.
- Use Tea Tree water or essential oil to disinfect and treat minor bites, burns or cuts, as it has powerful infectious, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- You can also use Tea Tree water as a room spray to protect against airborne viruses and to support immunity.
- To repel mosquitos, spray Citronella water onto exposed areas of skin every couple of hours.
- Apply a few drops of Lavender essential oil to any acute patches of sunburn on your skin or add a few drops of aloe vera gel as an after-sun lotion. Lavender oil also soothes the itching and inflammation from insect bites.
- However, my personal ‘must-have’ for travelling is our exquisite homemade Fragonia water. See my tips below on all sorts of ways to use this delightfully scented and versatile aqua spray.
Fragonia Water
Fragonia water is completely unique to Aqua Oleum. We produce it ourselves in our artisan laboratory in the Cotswolds and you won’t find it for sale anywhere else in the world. So why go to the trouble of creating this bespoke product? Simply because it has so much to offer!
Fragonia (Agonis Fragrans) shares many of the benefits of its famous ‘cousin’ Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia) since it has powerful bactericidal, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, alongside being an effective antiseptic agent and immune stimulant. Unlike tea tree, however, fragonia has a lovely fresh citrussy-green fragrance and is mild and safe for sensitive skin, including for children. The essential oil is produced from a beautiful tall flowering bush with narrow leaves and small white flowers which is native to Western Australia. With only a limited number of growers, it is therefore considered a rare oil and we like to ensure we get first shout after harvesting.
I use Fragonia water on a daily basis as part of my skin care routine as a light cleanser/toner as I have slightly oily complexion. It also makes a delightfully refreshing spritz in warm weather having an uplifting and revitalising effect. In addition, it helps boost and support the immune system and prevents the spread of viral air-borne infections – great whilst travelling. In some individuals it can even help deal with bouts of asthma or hay fever. I like to use it as a light deodorant and also as a purifying yoga mat spray when I’m on the move. It’s an absolute essential in my travel kit wherever I’m going!
(See also my previous journal post ‘Focus on Fragonia’ for more details about this wonderful and little-known botanical.)