A common question I get asked when chatting to people about their skin health is 'I've got oily and dry skin what is going to work to balance my complexion?' My response is Black Seed Oil.  Black seed oil is shown scientifically for its ability to regulate oil production in the skin, which makes it suitable for both dry and oily skin types. For dry skin, black seed oil can provide much-needed moisture and hydration, helping to alleviate dryness, flakiness, and rough patches.  For oily skin, black seed oil can help to balance the skin's natural oil production, reducing excessive oili ..read more

There's another plant retinol doing the rounds, Bidens pilosa, let's dive in and look at how Bakuchiol and Black Seed Oil both mainstay ingredients in the Skin Elixir range, stacks up against it. Bakuchiol and Black Seed Oil demonstrates increased effectiveness when compared with Bidens pilosa for specific skincare concerns. These findings are based both on scientific research and clinical studies. Let's look at some key reasons for this. Let's start by looking at what Bakuchiol addresses in terms of skin health concerns: 1. Anti-aging properties Bakuchiol has been found to have anti-aging eff ..read more

UK women listen up, there's a reason I have a band of loyal women Skin Elixir lovers 8 years in, and I believe it's very much to do with one potent plant ingredient, a rather secret ingredient here in the UK, an ingredient that needs far more exposure and that is the mighty Black Seed Oil. My whole range features this show stopping ingredient.   Otherwise known as Nigella sativa or black cumin seed this is seriously one skincare ingredient that needs mentioning time and time again, and one that needs incorporating into your daily skincare routine and made a ritual if you're looking to rej ..read more

With the launch of the first in the Skin Elixir Aromatics range with eau de parfum 'The Kiss of Lux Solaris' it got me thinking it would be a good time to write an article on the power of scent. Can scent evoke emotion? In a word, yes. Our sense of smell is strongly connected to our emotions and memories. Certain scents can trigger positive or negative emotional responses and also bring back memories associated with those scents. According to a study published by the University of British Columbia researchers there found that certain scents such as lavender can significantly reduce feelin ..read more

Did you know there are people who in a bid to lose weight and boost some of their vital observations eat only potato for a year plus. I find this fascinating so thought I'd take a further look - especially as there's a tendency for the potato to get bad press as the 'starchy carbohydrate' - perhaps seen more as a junk food than a nutritionally viable food choice. As you will know, if you've read last week's Sauerkraut blog, January here at Skin Elixir is all about skin health and radiance so in today's blog we will look at some perhaps lesser known facts about the humble potato and 5 additiona ..read more

January is here and I am wishing a happy new year to anyone reading this. The Skin Elixir blog is having a bit of a revamp, as from now there will be a distinct focus and theme every month. This month with all the talk of 'new year, new me' it's all about skin health and radiance. I told myself I wouldn't make any resolutions for 2024 because, well you know they are not the easiest things to maintain! Who wants to fall at the first hurdle... that said I am committing to one thing. Having come across a video proclaiming the benefits of eating cabbage (and reading the anecdotes) and further inve ..read more

January is here and I am wishing a happy new year to anyone reading this. The Skin Elixir blog is having a bit of a revamp, as from now there will be a distinct focus and theme every month. This month with all the talk of 'new year, new me' it's all about skin health and radiance. I told myself I wouldn't make any resolutions for 2024 because, well you know they are not the easiest things to maintain! Who wants to fall at the first hurdle... that said I am committing to one thing. Having come across a video proclaiming the benefits of eating cabbage (and reading the anecdotes) and further inve ..read more

January at Skin Elixir HQ is all about those little steps we can take to bring us more skin confidence through improved skin health and outward radiance. On the list is Chlorella a type of freshwater algae used as a dietary supplement on account of its high nutritional value.  Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, Chlorella is also a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Chlorella is believed to have various health benefits, including supporting immune function, improving digestion, and detoxifying the body. It is available in various forms, such as powder, tablets, and ..read more

With my mum organising a Secret Santa this year it got me thinking about Skin Elixir and the creation of a mini  'Friends of Skin Elixir Christmas Gift Guide' to celebrate, small, indie and local excellence in gift ideas. To follow you will find 10 of my favourite present ideas (in no particular order) to gift on to loved ones. Make sure to check back soon for my top 10 steals for teenagers in the Skin Elixir Jingle All the Way with These Teen Christmas Gifts: A Gift Guide for Teenagers.. 1. By Sara Christie The Link Earrings £49 For that little bit of ..read more

Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs in women typically around the age of 50, and for some, sooner. Approaching 50 next week, I have now been actively menopausal for some time and have opted for HRT and estrogen and omega fatty acid rich foods to soften the mood and lessen anxiety and increase production of elastin and collagen.    Menopause marks the end of reproductive years and is characterised by the end of menstruation. While the specific experiences of menopause can vary from woman to woman, there are several common effects associated with this phase. The most ..read more