Aromatherapy Skincare - What is aromatherapy?

Lizzy The Guru Interiew - Animation - Aromatherapy Skincare

Frankincense - Not Just for Christmas

Frankincense is a word we're all familiar with due to the numerous nativity plays we've been in or watched.


I guess it's also something most people know very little about.
Frankincense is a small tree which is native to North Africa and some of the Arab countries. It's usage is best know within two areas - religion as a burning incense (it's a relaxant) and in the world of aromatherapy (it's a relaxant and fantastic in skincare).


When the bark of the tree is damaged the tree exudes a resin in drops and the essential oil is extrcted from this resin by a process called steam distallation.





Glycation is a new buzz word but very imporatnt. Using today's scientific knowledge with age old frankincence glycation can be fought.


Great, but what's glycation? Glycation is a chemical reaction which permenantly reduces your skin's ability to produce and and regenerate high quality collagen and elastin. (Collagen and elastin are fibres within the skin which give it its strength, structure and plumped up look. For more information please visit my blog on Vitamin A which explains the formation of collagen.)


So what is this chemical reaction? When naturally occuring sugar molecules enter the skin, it bonds to skin proteins such as collagen and elastin causing them to become brittle and less elastic which in turn produces the look of older skin.


The next stage is once these sugar molecules have bound themselves to the skin's collagen and elastin, they mutate creating new molecules. These molecules are called advanced glycation end-products (A.G.E.s)


So what can you do about it? Firstly, my advice would be to cut out as much sugar in your diet as possible (including alcohol)


But what has frankincense to do with all this? Something called boswellic acids are extracted from the gum of the frankincence tree and it is this acid that helps with glycation in two ways.

• the formation of new collagen through special cells called fibroblasts.
• the reduction of glycation occuring through the collagen's protein.

Two valuable studies have been carried out. 

The first is a study considering a cream containing boswellic acids and its stimulatory effects on fibroblasts. 

The second is a submitted patent using bowellia carteri (frankincense) as an anti-glycation agent - 3-0-acetyl-11-Ketoboswellic acid for relaxing the skin.

INSKIN Skincare produce a wonderfully beneficial facial oil containing frankincense. 

Many thanks for taking the time to read this blog, and if you've found it interesting I'd be delighted if you'd ask your friends to take a look.

Many thanks, hugs and kisses

Lizzy Radcliffe

ITEC Certified Aromatherapist Graduate 1996

If you would like to become involved with our work here at INSKIN skincare - please complete the form on the INSKIN website 

Aromatherapy Clary Sage - Relax....Just Do it

Relax... Just Do it - the sort of serious relaxation you need after a hard day at the office, after a meeting, long drives across country, business flights - I think you know the sort of relaxation I'm talking about.. This blog explains how clary sage helps the decrease in brain dopamine to decrease blood pressure and also how its usage has been increased in midwifery wards for pain relief.

Clary sage essential oil is well known for its relaxing properties and many people will give testament to how relaxing they found it.


Indeed as a qualified aromatherapy practitioner I used to massage a gentleman with an incredibly stressful job. After the massage using clary sage, I had to tie his shoe laces and his wife had to always drive him home as he was so deeply relaxed. He also enjoyed the benefit of a wonderful night sleep.


So why is clary sage so good?

Research has shown that relaxation occurs when clary sage (NOT to be confused with clary which is highly toxic) is used in baths, massage or inhaled. Tests were carried out to measure the modulation of dopamine. Dopamine is found in the brain and from it, it is possible to measure levels of increased/decreased heart and blood pressure.


The decrease, which was found, is the reason why clary sage is so deeply relaxing.


For more information on dopamine effects caused to clary sage (salvia sclarea) please follow this link:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874110002667


Indeed, clary sage is now recognised as a relaxant within many hospital's midwifery wards. in 1990, 585 women used clary sage to control labour pain through relaxation, with most finding it beneficial.


For more information please follow this link - Clary sage oil usage:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/147097-clary-sage-oil-uses/

At Doncaster and Basselaw maternity ward, clary sage is recommended for the following:

"Clary Sage is useful for relieving pain, and helps contractions. It is better used as a compress or bath rather than as a massage oil. It may make some people feel sleepy." 

For more information please follow this link to NHS Doncaster and Basselaw maternity ward - Aromatherpy usage including clary sage: http://www.dbh.nhs.uk/Library/Patient_Information_Leaflets/WPR21180-Aromatherapy.pdf

INSKIN Skincare produce a fabulous Deeply Relaxing Bath Salt Scrub which contains clary sage.

Please note - although I adore the therapeutic benefits of clary sage, it mustn't be used if pregnant (it may be used in labour only).

Many thanks for taking the time to read this blog, and if you've found it interesting I'd be delighted if you'd ask your friends to take a look, please take a look at the video below.

Many thanks, hugs and kisses

Lizzy Radcliffe

ITEC Certified Aromatherapist Graduate 1996


If you would like to become involved with our work here at INSKIN skincare - please complete the testers form on the INSKIN website at http://www.inskin.org/testers.htm

Aromatherapy - Meet Lizzy the Guru

Vitamins in Skincare - the History

There are three vitamins commonly used in skincare. They are vitamins A, C and E.

• Vitamin A is used as it aids collagen production in ageing skin (more info is available on my blog/ YouTube video on Vitamin A)
• Vitamin C is used as it works in harmony with vitamin A to aid  the collagen in ageing skin
• Vitamin E helps to deal with free radicals as it is an anti-oxidant

All vitamins have been commercially used orally to aid the body for a much longer period than they've been used in skin care industry.


Vitamin A and E have been in regular cosmetic use for over 15 years, whereas Vitamin C is somewhat newer to the skincare industry and has been only in use for 6 -8 years.

• Vitamin A

In the late 1960s, Albert Kligman, M.D., Ph.D., a dermatologist at the University of Pennsylvania, started testing a Vitamin A derivative called tretinoin on acne patients. By 1973, Kligman patented his formula for Retin-A, the first-ever effective acne treatment.

In the early 1970's the dermatologist noticed a lucrative effect of the patients he was treating for acne - they also had fewer wrinkles.


The cosmetic industry quickly realised this was a momentum discovery and the use of Vitamin A in skincare is well documented and scientifically proven. (For in depth knowledge of Vitamin A, please refer to my previous blog and You Tube Video - thanks.)


There are a number of derivatives of Vitamin A with some being much gentler on the skin than others. Retinyl Palmitate is recognised as being the gentlest of these vitamins.

• Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a collection of chemical compounds called tocopherols and was first identified in 1936. 

Vitamin E was added to skincare products approximatly 20 years ago, but a basic knowledge is needed to understand which are the best 'bits'.

The word tocopherols covers a collection of vitamin chemical compounds - alpha, beta, delta and gamma tocopherols.

It is alpha tocopherol which has the highest percentage of anti-oxidant properties.

Another point to consider is whether the alpha tocopherol has been produced synthetically or naturally, as it is the natural alpha tocopherol with the highest percent of of anti-oxidants.

• Vitamin C

Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (eg the sun) and environmental pollutants can also accelerate skin ageing.    


Whilst vitamin C is extremely important for overall health, very little reaches the skin when digested orally yet vitamin C applied directly to the skin aids collagen and it is high in anti-oxidant properties when applied directly to the skin. 

1933 a scientist synthetically produced absorbic acid commonly known as vitamin C. However, throughout history, women have always found ways to enjoy the anti-ageing effects of vitamin C on their skin. 

In Tibet during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), women who wanted to fight the outward signs of premature aging would rub sea buckthorn on their face and hands. The golden-orange berries of the sea buckhorn plant yield a deep-colored oil that is a major source of vitamin C.

However, rose hips, the berry-like fruits that are left behind after a rose dies, contain more vitamin C—about 20 times that of an orange


INSKIN produce the INSKIN Precious Anti Ageing Facial Oil which contains vitamins A and E and a high percentage of vitamin C producing rosehip oil. The concentration has been carefully measured to give each vitamin the best possible balance when working on the complexities and the various layers of the skin.

If you would like to be included in our tester trials - please contact us at www.inskin.org/testers 

Many thanks, hugs and kisses

If you would like to visit my website - please take a look www.inskin.org

Many thanks, hugs and kisses

Lizzy Radcliffe

ITEC Certified Aromatherapist Graduate 1996

Vitamin A (Retinol) - How cool is it?

This is a large subject and there's so many exciting things I want to share with you.  I've endeavoured to do this in a way which is concise and easy to understand.

Many people are aware that Vitamin A is a wonder vitamin in the anti ageing skincare world and there are numerous papers which prove its effectiveness.

However, there is a lot to understand as Vitamin A is complex.

Doctors are able to prescribe products containing retinoic acid, a form of Vitamin A and these give dramatic improvements to ageing skin. 

So why discuss it any further?

• retinoic acid at effective levels needs to be prescibed by a doctor
• it often causes skin irritation
• after long term use, many people find there skin suffers dreadfully from pigmentation

There are many celebrities/models using Retinoic Acid and they look truly wonderful, but many celebrities/models who've used it over a number of years are wishing they hadn't as such a harsh treatment has left them with heavily pigmented skin.

So are there any better alternatives?

In my opinion, absolutely.  


Retinoic acid is needed, but putting it directly on the skin is where most of the problems occur. 


However if Retinyl Palmitate, a form of Vitamin A, is applied directly to the skin. It is fully absorbed (due to its low molecular density) into the skin cells where it is converted firstly to Retinol then to Retinoic Acid, avoiding any skin damage.

It is possible to purchase Retinol products over the counter, but again, these can cause skin irritations. Additionally, studies have shown that most Retinol products contain insufficient quantities to be beneficial.

Retinyl Palmitate is known to be much gentler on the skin.

Accordingly, I use Retinyl Palmitate in my anti ageing product - INSKIN Precious Anti ageing Facial Oil.

To summarise so far

I believe Retinyl Palmatite used at the correct dosage is the safest way to get Retinol/Retinoic Acid into the skin's cells. Retinol has been clinically proven to improve the appearance of ageing skin.

So that's great, I've now explained which form of Vitamin A I believe is the best to be applied directly to the skin, but how have the clinical studies actually proven it's brilliance?

At this stage we need to understand why our skin looks wrinkled with the ageing process.

The skin is made up of lots of bits and bobs like cells, hair follicles and sweat glands and indeed the skin itself is made up of three layers.

Amongst all the above bits and bobs we also have something called collagen and something else called fibroblast cells.

Now collagen (of which there are quite a few different types) is great as it is a protein which strengthens, supports and adds elasticity to the skin. You see it as "plumped up" skin. 

Something called fibroblast cells produce the collagen, so if we want to keep our skin "plumped up", we've got to keep those fibroblast cells working.

Sadly, our natural ageing process, along with exposure to the sun and free radicals causes an enzyme in the skin to degrade the ability of the fibroblast cells to produce collagen.

Studies have shown that Retinol (Vitamin A) reduces the enzyme which degrades fibroblasts, allowing the collagen to keep on being produced.

Let's break that down further:

• Collagen gives us "plumped up" looking skin
• It is produced by cells called fibroblasts
• When we age the fibroblast cells are 'attacked' by an enzyme. (The enzyme is called matrix metalloproteinases, commonley known as MMP's. If you require more information, please search 'MMP's on the internet.)
• If we use the correct dosage of Retinol (Vitamin A), it helps stop these MMP enzymes 'attacking' the fibroblast cells.
• Collagen is produced again

There are many studies which prove the effectiveness of Vitamin A if used at an effective dosage. The studies also confirm that the majority of skincare products available to purchase stating they contain Vitamin A or Retinol, have no benefit due to the tiny amount of Vitamin A/ retinol added.

Please note -  INSKIN Precious Anti ageing Facial Oil  is produced at the percentage required to be effective.

I've included the following for background information

The British journal of dermatology summarises skin as:

'Ageing skin is characterized by fine lines and wrinkles. Topical preparations alleged to combat these changes abound in the over-the-counter market. Some of the most popular ingredients used in these products are vitamins, minerals and botanical extracts. Proposed mechanisms for antiageing effects on skin range from antioxidant properties to improved collagen synthesis or protection from collagen breakdown. Despite the media attention and consumer popularity that these ingredients have generated, there have been few scientific studies to support these claims. In this report, we review recent published studies on the most common of these ingredients for the topical photo protection and the treatment of ageing skin.'

This paper is excellent and shows that 'Retinol at at certain percentage inhibits the matalloproteinases (MMP's) and stimulates collagen synthesis in both naturally aged, sun protected and sun aged skin'

To read more, please follow this link:

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2133.2003.05540.x/abstract

The Journal of investigative dermatology states the following:

Damage to human skin due to ultraviolet light from the sun (photoaging) and damage occurring as a consequence of the passage of time (chronologic or natural aging) are considered to be distinct entities. As matrix metalloproteinase levels are known to rise in fibroblasts as a function of age, it gives rise to increased matrix metalloproteinases and reduced collagen synthesis. 


Topical application of (x%) vitamin A for 7 d increased fibroblast growth and collagen synthesis, and concomitantly reduced the levels of matrix-degrading matrix metalloproteinases. Our findings indicate that naturally aged, sun-protected skin and photoaged skin share important molecular features including connective tissue damage, elevated matrix metalloproteinase levels, and reduced collagen production. In addition, vitamin A treatment reduces matrix metalloproteinase expression and stimulates collagen synthesis in naturally aged, sun-protected skin, as it does in photoaged skin.


To read more, please follow this link:
http://www.nature.com/jid/journal/v114/n3/full/5603297a.html

In my next blog - I'll be considering "The History of Vitamins in Skincare"


If you would like to visit my website - please take a look www.inskin.org


Many thanks, hugs and kisses


Lizzy Radcliffe
ITEC Certified Aromatherapist Graduate 1996

Natural Skincare & Aromatherapy - Who made your skin care products safely?

Following the formation of my aromatherapy based skincare company INSKIN www.inskin.org, I wanted to consider my competitors.

I decided my competitors should be qualified aromatherapists formulating skin care products using 100% pure essential oils.

Frighteningly there aren’t a great amount of competitors out there. The majority of the larger companies using aromatherapy essential oils appear not to have a qualified aromatherapist at the helm.

After much trawling, I found aromatherapists producing home made products but they often fell down on where the big boys triumph – traceabiblity and correct working conditions.

It is my belief that any company producing aromatherapy products which have contact with the skin need to be formulated by a qualified aromatherapist, within suitable working standards and having full traceability. At INSKIN we work to the exacting standards of HACCP  (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) http://www.food.gov.uk/foodindustry/regulation/hygleg/hygleginfo/foodhygknow/.

Essential oils are absorbed in to the body’s cell structures and should not be taken lightly. I don’t see it as a hobby.

The BBC ran an excellent article – Aromatherapy Hazards Warning (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/294851.stm)  which warned people that essential oils can cause skin burning, rashes, sickness and sometimes miscarriages in pregnant women.

These warnings were discussed at the time at the Royal College of Nursing’s annual conference.

When I was a hands-on practitioner, I very much saw my role as prescribing the correct dose and blend of essential oils to best suit there needs.

I would urge you to carefully consider how, where and by whom your aromatherapy products have been produced.

I’d be delighted to discuss this further and my next blog will consider the wonderful benefits of lemon essential oil as a skin lightener for ageing skin.

If you've enjoyed this, my first blog, it would be wonderful if you could let your friends know.


Many thanks, hugs and kisses to you all

Lizzy Radcliffe

ITEC Certified Aromatherapy Graduate 1996