Anyone with even a cursory interest in the make-up of skincare cannot fail to have noticed an increase in the use of exotic-sounding oils which were largely unknown even a decade ago. Argan oil is at the forefront of this latest trend. We have all wondered at one point or another whether these oils possess the wonderful characteristics that are attributed to them.
Baobab oil is obtained from one of the most iconic trees in Africa, and its use is widespread right across the continent. Tamanu oil is prevalent right across Southeast Asia, from Vietnam to Malaysia. Argan oil is produced in North Africa, particularly in Morocco.
All these oils have one thing in common– extensive use by a large population over hundreds of years. Their use, along with Coconut oil is probably the largest set of clinical trials observable. The verdict–they work, they are fabulous and would be considered to be wonder-products if a human being could ever develop them in a lab.
They have many qualities in common– they are emollients, skin-smoothening, scar-soothing, contain powerful anti-oxidants and rejuvenative compounds. Some have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
These recent re-discoveries illustrate why trees that are cut down should be replaced, the rainforests and savannahs should be protected and replenished. If only for reasons of blind self-interest, a healthy environment ought to be cosseted; it’s vital for our well-being and its beauty is therapeutic beyond reckoning.
The best things in life aren’t things.
After an absolutely exhausting week working in sweltering, sunny Guernsey, I actually found the time to take a couple of random pictures on my walk down to work this morning. No matter how stressed or tired I get, my spirits are always lifted by these random glimpses of stunning beauty that surround us all. Of course, you don’t have to wander far to hit one of these heavenly vistas in Guernsey. I have to admit I am less struck by the beauty as I stagger back up Guernsey’s notoriously steep streets! All I want to see then is an oxygen cylinder and a mask…..
So, take the time to get out this weekend and smell the roses. More pictures to follow from the bluebell woods and/or Sark and Alderney if I manage to pop over there this weekend.
Phew! What a scorcher….
For all you people who’s brains are slowly melting in the heat out there, here is a preview of the latest addition to Zaha Hadid’s furniture collection. I hope looking at these pieces from her ‘Glacial’ collection will help you to cool down. In the meantime, I’m drawing inspiration from it to come up with a range based on peppermint oil. I need a pack of Fox’s glacier mints to really get in the mood……..
Baobab, Tamanu, Argan… what’s it all about?
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Orchid Fever
Orchids have the distinction of being so beautiful that they have been known to induce a psychosis-like disease known as Orchidelirium in susceptible flora enthusiasts. From the Victorian era to the present day, people have been willing to lie, cheat and kill to get their hands on this most seductive of flowers. The rare varieties often have their own personal armed guards in the hope of deterring Orchidesperados as I like to call them.
Inexplicable? Only if you are not afflicted. The annual global sales of orchids is now estimated to be an incredible £8 billion. These beautiful yet delicate flowers possess an allure all their own. even the sanest amongst could be forgiven for occasionally having our heads turned.