beauty Blog - Ecco Verde 2024-04-25T23:52:01+02:00 Zend_Feed_Writer https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/ Ecco Verde uk@ecco-verde.com https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/ <![CDATA[Winter Sun Care ]]> 2023-12-06T00:00:00+01:00 2023-12-06T00:00:00+01:00 https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/info/beauty-blog/winter-sun-care Ecco Verde uk@ecco-verde.com https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/ The days are getting shorter and the sun intensity is dwindling. But although it doesn't shine as consistently in autumn and winter as it does in summer, the UV rays still reach the earth's surface. Sun protection is therefore not limited to summer only - the skin needs to be well protected from UV radiation in winter too. Whether you're skiing, snowboarding or hiking - your face and lips in particular need sufficient protection from the sun, even during winter. A good sun cream is therefore essential. Even if the sun doesn't feel as warm in winter, the UVB and UVA intensity increases by around 20 per cent for every 100 metres in altitude. This means that the risk of sunburn on a winter day in the mountains is often higher than on a summer holiday at the beach. In addition, snow reflects up to 90 per cent of UV rays so that it also reaches the skin from below and from the sides. What sun protection factor do I need? In the snow and the mountains, a sun cream with SPF should be used. In addition, it is particularly important at lower temperatures to use a sun cream that has a low water content to protect the skin from the cold. Don't forget your lips: They have neither sebaceous glands nor their own sun protection function. Lip moisturiser with UV protection is therefore advisable at any altitude. How to avoid a greasy sun cream feel in heated spaces A thick layer of sun cream also protects against the cold - however, the layer of cream is often perceived as very uncomfortable in a warm cabin, as the skin underneath starts to sweat. It is therefore best to remove the layer of cream with a soft cloth and reapply a fresh layer before the next descent. <![CDATA[Intensive Care with TAUTROPFEN Face Oil]]> 2023-10-24T00:00:00+02:00 2023-10-24T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/info/beauty-blog/intensive-care-with-tautropfen-face-oil Ecco Verde uk@ecco-verde.com https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/ Well-cared-for skin with a TAUTROPFEN facial oil Taking care of demanding skin is essential for maintaining a radiant and youthful appearance. TAUTROPFEN offers you the perfect solution to discover the optimal care for your skin. The specially formulated products provide intensive moisture, reduce wrinkles, and improve the skin's structure. With each application, your skin is pampered with high-quality ingredients, which help to preserve its natural radiance. Why should I use facial oil? Facial oils are considered a form of intensive care for the skin as they supply the skin with additional nutrients. They are highly concentrated, provide ample moisture and can assist in maintaining the skin's natural protective barrier. These oils are particularly helpful in nourishing and rejuvenating dry skin, but they can also be beneficial for sensitive and aging complexions. Does using facial oil cause more oiliness? Facial oils are often thought to leave a greasy film on the skin. However, that is not the case. In fact, the specially formulated compositions based on purely natural ingredients actually help to hydrate the skin and balance sebum production. In fact, facial oils are more like skincare heroes, protecting the complexion against harmful environmental pollution, supporting the structure of the skin, and ensuring a healthy-looking glow. TAUTROPFEN facial oils - special ingredients Tautropfen takes immense pride in the usage of top-notch ingredients in its facial oils. These include: Squalane: protects the skin from moisture loss and leaves it feeling extremely soft, silky and non-greasy. Squalane is highly compatible with the skin's natural lipids, making it very well tolerated. Baobab: protects the skin from transepidermal water loss. This means that the skin loses less water and therefore retains moisture over a longer period of time. It has a smoothing effect and protects the skin's natural barrier function. Bisabolol: bisabolol, an ingredient with anti-inflammatory properties that promotes skin renewal and is often used for irritations, is sourced from the chamomile flower. It has the same effect as "real chamomile" but with a significantly lower allergy rate. DEFENSIL®-PLUS: With its three active ingredients, the patented combination protects irritated skin and is ideal for itchy and allergic inflammation. It has calming properties. With its active ingredients, it helps to strengthen and rebuild the skin barrier. Wild rose oil: wild rose oil from controlled organic cultivation promotes collagen production and stimulates cell renewal. Unlike other oils, wild rose oil activates skin regeneration with its unique, natural ratio of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. A true dream for your care routine Particularly noteworthy in this context is the Baobab Repairing Calming Facial Oil, which is ideal for demanding skin types. It was developed to support the skin's own repair mechanism and support the skin's protective barrier with a variety of natural active ingredients, such as squalane, baobab oil and bisabolol. The high-quality formula supplies the skin with nutrients and gives it a radiant appearance. The high-quality oil is quickly absorbed by the skin, allows the pores to breathe and does not leave behind an oily feel - making it a gentle, intensive-care product for morning and evening use. More about the optimal beauty routine à la TAUTROPFEN It's recommended to follow a 5-step beauty routine, although depending on your skin type, care needs, or preferences, some steps may be optional. However, everyone agrees that regularly cleansing your face with gentle products is essential for healthy-looking and well-groomed skin. The following recommendation is specifically for demanding skin types that need some extra TLC. Step 1.: The first and crucial step in the skincare routine is thorough cleaning. Only through effective cleansing can the face be freed from dirt and allow the subsequent steps to unfold their full effect. The gentle Hyaluron Face Cleansing Gel is recommended for cleansing. The soap-free product gently cleanses the skin and moisturises it at the same time. Step 2: A toner preps the skin to better absorb the ingredients of subsequent skincare products and removes the last remaining residues of sebum, oil and dirt. The gentle, alcohol-free Rose Gentle Rose Water is the perfect pick in this instance. It also provides gentle care. It has a wonderfully refreshing effect, particularly during the warm months. Step 3: A facial oil. The intensive oil penetrates the deeper layers of the skin to bind moisture and give it a more youthful appearance. Use the Baobab Repairing Calming Facial Oil to provide your skin with intensive nutrients, moisture and essential fatty acids. Step 4: The moisturiser supports the skin in maintaining its elasticity and ensures a supple, radiant complexion. The Sea Buckthorn Moisturizing Facial Cream is ideal for this. Apply the cream generously to intensively moisturise the skin. Immediately after application, the skin is supple, appears more vital and noticeably smoothed. Step 5: Eye care is important to hydrate and nourish the delicate skin around the eyes. The Sea Buckthorn Moisturizing Eye Cream not only reduces fine lines, puffiness and dark circles under the eyes but also reduces dryness wrinkles and signs of fatigue. <![CDATA[Skincare Routine with 100% Pure ]]> 2023-05-26T00:00:00+02:00 2023-05-26T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/info/beauty-blog/skincare-routine-with-100-pure Ecco Verde uk@ecco-verde.com https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/ 100% Pure offers 4 selected products for an easy-to-follow skincare routine. The skincare product industry is huge and extensive. Many of the products on the market can be viewed as nice-to-have items. However, oftentimes, a less-is-more approach to skincare is more effective. It can be challenging to find the perfect skincare product that benefits your individual skin type. Complicated skincare routines are not all they are cracked up to be. A simple 4-step regimen can work wonders. The most important thing to note: know your own skin type. Identify your skin type Cleanse the skin thoroughly. Do not apply any additional products to the skin for the next hour. Take notes of the condition of your skin after the hour has lapsed and compare them with the descriptions below. Try to categorise your skin as close to one of the listed skin types. Normal skin: fine-pored, velvety and rosy with a soft, supple feel. Dry skin: skin that has started to take on an unpleasant taut-like sensation - even a reddened appearance - during the waiting period. The complexion may also show flaky patches and fine lines. Blemished and/or oily skin: oily and shiny complexion paired with impurities or pimples. Pores appear larger on blemished skin types. Combination skin: shiny T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) that appears slightly oily and has rather visible pores while the cheeks feel tight and look a bit red. Sensitive skin: appears irritated in many areas, red and unpleasantly taut. Mature skin: wrinkles around the eyes, mouth and forehead. The skin appears rather dry and dull. Cleansing - toning - moisturising - and sun protection: 4 simple steps 1. Cleansing A facial cleanser basically has only one task: to gently remove dirt, excess sebum and make-up from the skin. Natural cleansers have the advantage of being free of aggressive additives and irritating chemicals, but it is advisable to adapt the cleansing routine to your own skin type. Normal skin is a fairly unproblematic skin type and can be optimally cleansed with a gentle gel or foam. Dry skin needs particularly gentle products that do not further dehydrate the complexion and nourish it during cleansing. The product of choice, in this case, would be the Argan Oil Creamy Cleanser. Oily/blemished skin can be cleansed with a light, alcohol-free product. Ideal would be one with additional clarifying, balancing properties, such as the Charcoal Clay Cleanser or the Clear Complexion Tea Tree Cleanser. Combination skin is a particularly demanding skin type, as it has two needs to be met simultaneously. A balancing foam that provides intensive cleansing action without drying out the skin. Sensitive skin needs a mild cleanser like the Cucumber Cloud Foam Cleanser. Mature skin, on the other hand, needs more time for regeneration and is optimally cleansed with a revitalising and nourishing product. 2. Toning A facial toner, or tonic, is considered the absolute conditio sine qua non in skincare. It is a versatile product that not only removes dirt and make-up residues after cleansing but also moisturises the skin, prepares it for subsequent skincare products and balances the pH value. Dry, sensitive and mature skin types benefit from a product with intensive hydration. Oily and blemished skin types are best advised to use a regulating toner. A classic toner suitable for all skin types that gently cleanses, moisturises and tones the skin is the Rose Micellar Cleansing Water. 3. Moisturising Every skin needs moisture and hydration, but not every skin type needs the same amount of both. Oils are basically hydrophobic (insoluble in water) but can provide optimal moisture balance because they supply the skin with important lipids to support the skin's natural protective barrier. The lipids contained in oils retain moisture in the skin and are particularly ideal for dry skin. However, if the skin still feels dry after using an oil-based care product, it is probably dehydrated - this is not a skin type, but a temporary condition. This can be remedied by supplying the skin with moisture/water - with a water-based skin care cream and intensively moisturising additives, such as hyaluronic acid. Even when moisturising, attention should be paid to ensuring that the skin also receives the nutrients it needs. Oily, blemish-prone skin is best treated with a light, water-based cream. Dry and mature skin (not dehydrated skin) should be pampered with an oil-based, rich cream. Normal and combination skin needs balanced formulas that moisturise without being greasy. Green Tea EGCG Concentrate Cream is a perfect choice. 4. UV Protection Last, but not least: remember to apply sunscreen! UV protection is essential and should be part of a beauty routine. It protects against free radicals and harmful rays, which are the main cause of premature skin ageing. In addition, using sunscreen can not only prevent the signs of skin ageing but also plays an important role in preventing sunburns and reducing the risk of skin cancer. The information in this article is for educational purposes and is not intended to be, and should not be used as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. <![CDATA[Co-Washing & Squish to Condish]]> 2023-04-25T00:00:00+02:00 2023-04-25T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/info/beauty-blog/co-washing-squish-to-condish Ecco Verde uk@ecco-verde.com https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/ Bring out the beauty of your curls - with the co-washing and Squish to Condish (STC) methods. Have you ever heard of the Curly Girl Method (CGM)? If you have curly hair, you have certainly stumbled across the term. We summed up interesting facts and techniques in a blog post about it, which gives you an overview of this grooming method. One of the most important pillars of CGM is knowing your curl type and being mindful of avoiding numerous harmful substances that can be found in cosmetics. This brings us to the real, and most important issue: if you have curly hair, it is advised to avoid the use of shampoo. Instead, it is recommended to replace shampoo with a conditioner or co-wash. The latter offers the best of both worlds: it gently cleanses and conditions the hair at the same time, and is CGM-compatible. This means that the product is formulated with "clean" ingredients from a CGM's point of view. Co-washing refers to cleansing the hair with a conditioner which is milder on the tresses - avoiding sulphates altogether. Shampoos often contain harmful substances, like harsh surfactants, that do a really good job of stripping the hair of its natural oils. They can damage the hair fibres and are more aggressive on the scalp and the hair. Curly hair textures have a unique structure and require extra special care to retain a shiny, healthy and bouncy appearance. Co-washing curly hair types is the gentler way of ensuring your curls look their best. What are the advantages? Curls and frizzy hair are naturally drier than straight hair. The structure of the hair results in the natural oils produced by the scalp taking much longer to make their way to the lengths of the hair. Using shampoo to cleanse curly hair means that the hair and scalp will continue to look dry and may even lead to itchiness. The advantages of co-washing: The moisture balance of the scalp and hair remains intact. Increased shine and less frizz formation. More defined curls. Renewed suppleness, less hair breakage and improved hair manageability. Who can benefit from the STC method? It is best if you know your curl pattern and hair type in order to optimally care for your hair. Squish to Condish and co-washing methods are basically suitable for almost all hair types - starting from thick, to dry and porous hair. These techniques provide the hair with intensive moisture and cleanse the tresses without causing dehydration. The methods are not necessarily ideal for oily hair types because the excess oil is not removed resulting in an oily-looking appearance. Co-washing is strongly discouraged for damaged and brittle hair. Conditioners are formulated to soften the hair fibres which is not beneficial for weaker hair types. Instead, opt for special products with ingredients that are known to repair the hair. Are you familiar with your curl type? Perhaps, you have come across terms, such as 2c or 3b curls? These terms refer to the different curly hair categories - and, there are several of them. They range from 2a, describing gentle waves, to 4c, which refers to coily textures. The categories are beautifully illustrated down below: Can't find your unique curl pattern? Don't fret, most people have a mix of 2 or more curly hair types. How does co-washing work? Co-washing refers to using co-washes or sulphate, silicone-free and lighter conditioners to cleanse the hair. The former may contain mild detergents/surfactants but are considerably gentler than those in a shampoo, making them more similar to a conditioner in terms of product type. Conditioners, on the other hand, usually do not contain surfactants, but this also makes them less effective at cleansing. It is not recommended to use hair masks or intensive hair treatments for co-washing. These products are too heavy and not suitable for use several times a week. Assuming you've found the perfect conditioner for your hair, wet your hair, rinse once, and then distribute the co-wash or conditioner through the hair. The amount of product needed depends on the length of the hair and how rich the formula is. Massage the conditioner through the hair for about 5 minutes - from the roots to the ends - about the same way you would a shampoo. The massaging motions gently cleanse the hair - the product will pick up the dirt particles attached to the hair and the scalp. Leave the conditioner on for a few more minutes before rinsing thoroughly. This process can be repeated if needed. Occasionally, a more intensive cleanse can be performed: a weekly scrub or cleansing with a shampoo and conditioner every 2 weeks is a good change of pace depending on your hair type. It is recommended to "clarify" the hair once in a while. Product buildup can lead to dullness, itchiness or even flakiness, and the co-washing method might not have the same, usual effect. Clarifying the hair can fix this. To do so, clarify the hair using a CGM-complaint or clarifier shampoo. Alternatively, use a mixture of water and organic apple cider vinegar to clarify the hair, remove product buildup and cleanse the scalp and hair. This solution supplies the hair with nutrients that provide a healthy-looking appearance. The Squish to Condish technique Essentially, the technique refers to squishing the conditioner into the hair with water. This provides intense moisture while defining the curls at the same time. To do this, use your usual conditioner or co-wash. A small amount is usually sufficient. With a little practice, you will quickly find out how much conditioner you actually need. The STC method is performed on freshly washed, detangled hair. Distribute a small amount of conditioner through wet hair. Tilt your head forward and let your hair hang down. It should still be wet and feel like seaweed - what's known as "seaweed hair": thick, wet strands that are soft and squishy. If it's not, add some conditioner. Now, cup your hands to catch some water from the shower. Place your hair in your cupped hands and gently knead the water in an upside-down position from the bottom upwards. Move the hands in light, pulsing motions to knead the water onto the hair. You will hear a squishing sound when doing so. Continue with these motions on the sides, back and front of the head. If there is still frizz or tangles, repeat the technique. The method is complete when the hair is no longer dripping with water and appears defined with no frizz in sight. If not, experiment with a little more water or less/more conditioner until you are happy with the result. This method does not require the conditioner to be rinsed. This technique allows for even distribution of the conditioner whilst binding and defining individual strands of hair. Follow up with a curl-enhancing gel. A leave-in hair care product is no longer needed. Finally, allow the curls to dry naturally or use the plopping technique. Drying the hair naturally after using the STC may take a bit longer than usual due to the excess amount of water that is worked into the hair. The curls will, however, appear more defined and less frizzy, and as a result, less voluminous. Notes: Clarifying the hair has not improved its structure and appearance? Then the products used are possibly too heavy for your hair type, or the hair needs time to adjust to the formulas used for co-washing. The hair may need a few weeks to become accustomed to the switch from shampoo to co-washing products. Investing in these methods and products, however, is worth it in the end. It is also important to note that the hair shouldn't be clarified too frequently. Doing so may cause damage. <![CDATA[What is the Difference Between Alkaline or PH-neutral Skin Care?]]> 2023-03-08T00:00:00+01:00 2023-03-08T00:00:00+01:00 https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/info/beauty-blog/what-is-the-difference-between-alkaline-or-ph-neutral-skin-care Ecco Verde uk@ecco-verde.com https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/ When it comes to the difference between alkaline and pH-neutral skin care products, we often question which is healthier for our skin. Should we base our choices on our skin type? Why do skin care products have different pH values at all? The answers to these questions are not so simple. Not only are there different types of skin care products, there are also two schools of thought on the subject. Therefore, it is impossible to make concrete statements on this issue without contradicting one of the two perspectives. In this article, we will compare the two schools of thought.* * This article is merely a comparison of different points of view and perspectives. Therefore, the statements of the respective positions contradict each other. We have left the language of the different schools of thought as in order to give our readers a clear picture of each perspective. Please forgive the contradiction of these statements. Furthermore, the article is not meant as a recommendation for or against specific products or perspectives. It is your responsibility to form your own opinion on appropriate skin care. Conventional medicine advocates pH-neutral skin care based on the idea that the acidity of the products we use affects the protective acid mantle of the skin. The acid mantle is a thin lipid film consisting of sebum, sweat and horny cells that ensure that the skin remains healthy. From the view of alternative medicine, there is no such thing as an acid mantle. In this school of thought, the skin's acidity is based on other reasons. Here are the two points of view: PH-neutral skin care From this point of view, the skin has a slightly acidic pH, a discovery that science made over a century ago. The pH of healthy skin has an average value of 5.5 (water has a neutral pH of 7).  Depending on your age, gender, skin type, etc. this number can change. The acidic environment of your skin is regulated by the so-called 'acid mantle'. The term "pH-neutral" in skin care does not mean neutral in terms of water, which is neither an acid nor a base, but skin-neutral. These products are adapted to the pH of the skin and are thus slightly acidic. The idea behind pH-neutral skin care is that the products change the natural pH of the skin as little as possible, keeping your skin in a healthy balance. Normal soap has a relatively high pH of up to 9. The higher the pH-value, the more the skin is dried out by using the soap. Previously, it was assumed that the acid mantle of the skin regenerates after an hour or so. Studies have now shown that this regeneration takes much longer, leaving the skin vulnerable to attack during this period. Alkaline body care is based on the assumption that the acids of the skin or body are harmful. The body, however, can easily compensate for an imbalance in the acid-base balance by simply neutralizing excess acids. This is an everyday occurrence because of an excess of acid forms even with a normal, varied diet. Acids are also excreted through the skin, maintaining the acid mantle. Studies have shown that an acidic environment is unfavourable for most species of bacteria and fungi, inhibiting their growth. In general, neutralizing acids with bases is not a good idea because many areas of the body are dependent on acids. Therefore this practice does more harm than it helps. Alkaline skin care Up until the seventies, we only had alkaline based personal care products available. Therefore, we have decades of experience with alkaline skin care. These products not only cleanse the skin but offer the skin protection. PH-neutral products cause allergic reactions and damage the skin, creating an excellent breeding ground for fungi of all kinds because fungi survive best in an acidic environment. Thus, your best bet for personal care is to use alkaline based products rather than acid based products.  A slightly basic pH of 7.4 does not dry out the skin and is ideal for regular grooming. PH-neutral products lead to the destruction of the skin's natural regulations. In fact, there is no so-called acid mantle. This idea is used by the cosmetics industry for promotional use only. Instead, the skin's low pH is due to the body's inability to process the high acidity. The kidneys and intestines can only process so much acidity at once, necessitating that the skin takes over to relieve their burden.  Acidic skin care products push these emerging acids back into our system. Therefore, these products are not good for us. When one uses alkaline products, they react with the acids in our system, neutralizing and dissolving them. Thus, the body is stimulated to remove embedded acids and release waste products, bringing the predominantly acidic environment of the cells back to balance. If, for example, one uses an alkaline bath product with a pH of 8.5, the acid value drops significantly after a bathing period of one hour. The bath water absorbs the acids emitted through the skin from the body. By using pH neutral body care products, the skin is also degreased. As a result, the sebaceous glands lose their natural ability to return moisture to the skin. Alkaline body care, however, stimulates the sebaceous glands. <![CDATA[Hair Care Enriched with Ayurvedic Actives ]]> 2022-11-15T00:00:00+01:00 2022-11-15T00:00:00+01:00 https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/info/beauty-blog/hair-care-enriched-with-ayurvedic-actives Ecco Verde uk@ecco-verde.com https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/ Triphala is an ancient Ayurvedic polyherbal preparation consisting of 3 fruit powders mixed in equal parts: amalaki (amla), bibhitaki (baheda) and haritaki. According to Ayurveda, triphala is a rasayana, which literally means "path of essence" and promises youthfulness and strength. An analysis of the chemical composition of the 3 fruits that make up triphala shows that it is rich in natural antioxidants, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins. Thus, it proves to be valuable in strengthening the hair and promoting hair growth, slowing down the process of greying and preserving youthfulness. Rasayana's triphala line is ideal for hair prone to hair loss and combines the antioxidant and revitalising properties of Ayurvedic triphala with other active ingredients, such as caffeine and a complex with skullcaps, wheat proteins and amino acids. These combinations prolong the anagen phase - the hair growth phase - whilst providing resilience and volume. These active complexes also work in synergy with other beneficial hair ingredients, such as brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Centella asiatica, rosemary and castor oil. The result is a cosmetic line that targets weak hair that is prone to hair loss. It is also ideal for hair types that are in need of resilience. The triphala line offers true strengthening effects from roots to ends: triphala Vayas Pre-Shampoo Strengthening Hair Pack - a pre-shampoo treatment with a creamy texture that is easy to apply and takes effect in a short period of time. triphala Revitalising Shampoo - a special shampoo with revitalising properties, suitable for all hair types, that effectively cleanses without drying out the hair fibres. triphala Leave-In Conditioner - a conditioner that protects the lengths and ends of the hair against heat from styling tools and prevents frizz. triphala Strengthening Lotion - a strengthening lotion ideal for daily use over the course of a 3-month treatment. Used together, the triphala products reinforce one another - the result of this strengthening routine is stronger, healthier and fresher-looking tresses. <![CDATA[Reusable Period Care Products ]]> 2022-10-21T00:00:00+02:00 2022-10-21T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/info/beauty-blog/reusable-period-care-products Ecco Verde uk@ecco-verde.com https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/ The search for sustainable period care products is on the rise. More and more women are leaning towards alternatives for conventional sanitary towels and tampons. Why? The answer becomes clear when one calculates the number of cycles women have in their lifetime (about 500 cycles) and how much waste is produced during this time (an average of 17 000 tampons, panty liners or pads). The main reason for switching to reusable period care products is to avoid waste. The product itself ends up in the garbage and even in the water. What's more, the additional outer packaging leads to additional waste meaning even more waste accumulates over the years. There are many alternatives on the market today: menstrual cups, menstrual sponges, period underwear or even reusable pads and panty liners. The brand masmi uses this approach to develop reusable period care products with their series of Reuse products. The product line includes fabric pads and panty liners as well as period wear. The reusable items can be washed up to 100 times without losing their absorptive properties. These reliable alternatives mean that you save money on period care products in the long run. Let's take a closer look at masmi's product range: Much like fabric diapers for babies, pad and panty liners made from fabric, as well as period wear are particularly environmentally friendly. They can be washed and then reused again and again resulting in zero disposable waste. Is it hygienic to wash and reuse period care products? Yes, it is! It is safe to reuse period care products made of fabric after pre-treating them and then washing them at temperatures between 60°C and 90°C (underwear 40°C). This ensures hygienic cleanliness. Washable pads and the like are remarkably breathable compared to conventional period care items. In addition, the fabric products are made entirely without chemicals, fragrances or other plastics. This is a significant advantage since a women's intimate area - including the vaginal flora - is very sensitive and the risk of irritation occurring is higher when exposed to artificial substances, resulting in itching or fungal infections to name a few. Fabric variants are also more comfortable to wear. No discomfort, no plastic, no glue: soft wings and snaps ensure the perfect fit. What are the masmi reusable period care products made of? 1. Top layer: certified organic cotton (GOTS). This material is in direct contact with the intimate area. 2 . Absorbent layer: 3D fabric made of certified organic cotton. This layer has a high absorptive capacity and is breathable. 3. Leakproof layer: the bottom layer is also made of certified organic cotton paired with a very thin polyurethane laminate inner core. The laminate is waterproof but breathable at the same time. It provides leakproof protection yet releases condensation moisture from the body. The pairing of different layers ensures reliable protection, a highly absorptive core and leakproof properties. The masmi reusable product range at a glance: period panties in various sizes fabric panty liners fabric sanitary towels - day & night Overall, alternative period care products are in no way inferior to conventional products. As mentioned, switching from standard pads and tampons to reusable products is sure to be a change and requires a new routine throughout your period. However, in the long run, environmentally friendly alternatives are well worth it. For the love of your health, the environment and your wallet. A little tip for making the switch if you're still unsure: the washable products by masmi are definitely perfect towards the end of your period when experiencing light flow. Incorporate reusable products into your cycle to ease yourself into a new routine. All masmi reuse products at a glance. <![CDATA[Breast Cancer Awareness: Pink Ribbon Fundraiser Run ]]> 2022-09-28T00:00:00+02:00 2022-09-28T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/info/beauty-blog/breast-cancer-awareness-pink-ribbon-fundraiser-run Ecco Verde uk@ecco-verde.com https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/ Unfortunately, breast cancer is still the most common form of cancer found in women. At 17.5%, breast cancer is sadly the number-one form of cancer that kills most women. However, a breast cancer diagnosis is no longer a death sentence in itself: if it is detected early and the tumour is localised, around 90% of patients can be cured. According to estimates, around half of all breast cancer victims could still be alive if we paid attention to a healthier lifestyle, but also made more disciplined use of the extensive preventive care on offer. Possible causes of breast cancer range from obesity, an unhealthy lifestyle - poor diet, little exercise, alcohol, and nicotine to type 2 diabetes. However, this has not yet been scientifically proven. That is why preventive care is so important: breast palpation by a gynaecologist and mammography are the official methods of preventative care. The most important thing, however, is performing regular checks on yourself. This uncomplicated method can be carried out practically anytime and anywhere. And, it is not dependent on the availability of doctors, appointments and working hours. This is the quickest way to recognise changes and make a doctor's appointment immediately if necessary. Self-care & precautions Massaging the breasts regularly is not only relaxing and soothing but also significantly contributes to breast health. Performing the massage using a good massage oil packed with antioxidants stimulates the metabolism and gets the lymphatic system going. This helps to drain out deposited substances from the breast tissue. It also promotes blood circulation, which increases the supply of nutrients to the skin cells. The skin becomes soft and appears plump and healthy. Additionally, breast massages strengthen the awareness of your own body and the bond with yourself! We want to bring more awareness to breast health and convince all women of the importance of breast cancer prevention. Self-massages are essential for this, as are preventive examinations. Spread the word! Talk to your mother, sister or best friend about it. Unfortunately, many people still don't know how simple prevention can be and how important it is! October 1st marks the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We're donating €1 per order placed to the Pink Ribbon fundraiser run in support of the "Krebshilfe Steiermark" campaign. Order today! #breastcancerawareness #breasthealth #pinktober #checkyourboobs #knowyournormal <![CDATA[Karbonoir - From Coconuts to Activated Charcoal ]]> 2022-08-12T00:00:00+02:00 2022-08-12T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/info/beauty-blog/karbonoir-from-coconuts-to-activated-charcoal Ecco Verde uk@ecco-verde.com https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/ Whether it is utilised in ventilation technology, agriculture, water treatment or medicine - activated charcoal has been a hot topic in many areas of application for thousands of years. This is because porous charcoal has a particularly important property: absorption. This special feature can also be utilised wonderfully in the cosmetic sector - as proven by the brand Karbonoir. Activated charcoal possesses absorptive properties and can be used in a wide variety of areas. In medicine, for example, it is used in the gastrointestinal tract to tackle digestive problems, as it detoxifies and rids the body of harmful substances. In cosmetics, activated charcoal is perfect for cleansing the body and the teeth What is activated charcoal made of? The black powder can be obtained from various plant or mineral substances - wood, peat or, as is the case with Karbonoir, coconuts. To be more precise, the activated charcoal is extracted from the shells of coconuts. It is 100% natural and completely free from additives and preservatives, making it the ideal cosmetic ingredient. Black is beautiful Karbonoir's brand name is derived from »carbon« and »noir«, the French word for black. The brand has dedicated itself to incorporating activated charcoal in all of its product formulas. A few years ago, Karbonoir recognised the trend and launched two jet-black products to counteract discoloured teeth, blemishes, blackheads and acne: Activated Charcoal for Whiter Teeth Handmade Soap with Activated Charcoal & Coconut Oil The Karbonoir range is constantly expanding with more activated charcoal heroes: Anti Aging Serum: counteracts wrinkles and fine lines whilst ensuring a fresh-looking complexion. Nourishes and hydrates the skin. Black Mask with Activated Charcoal: has a sebo-regulating, nourishing and revitalising effect. At the same time, it ensures a mild exfoliating action that cleanses the pores and reduces oiliness. Nourishing Ointment with Activated Charcoal: nourishing, intensive care for young and old - protects against harmful environmental influences, such as the cold, wind and dryness. Toothpaste with Activated Charcoal: binds bacteria and impurities. It helps prevent dental calculus build-up and naturally whitens the teeth. Click here to browse the brand! <![CDATA[Debunking 6 Myths About Shampooing]]> 2022-07-25T00:00:00+02:00 2022-07-25T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/info/beauty-blog/debunking-6-myths-about-shampooing Ecco Verde uk@ecco-verde.com https://www.ecco-verde.co.uk/ Does wet hair really break off when combed? What is the ideal water temperature and how often should hair be cleansed? How often should hair care products be swapped out? Let's take a closer look! 1. It is best to shampoo the hair frequently By no means! The hair should, in fact, be shampooed less frequently. The lipid mantle of the hair is negatively affected when shampooing the hair too frequently. More importantly, it is vital to incorporate hair masks and conditioners into the hair care routine. Tip: only shampoo the hair once using a coin-sized amount of product. 2. Swap out your hair care products regularly This should not be the case. Once you have found a product that best suits your hair care needs, stick with it. The hair naturally gets accustomed to certain formulas therefore it is best to select a combination of 2 products. For example, if you have curly hair, use a rich shampoo and combine it with a conditioner for damaged hair to perfectly target the needs of the hair. 3. A cold rinse results in more shine Cold water does result in adding a small amount of shine by sealing the cuticles, however, in doing so it also seals the pores on the scalp. As a result, the formulas are not able to unfold their effects. Tip: use lukewarm water and, if desired, rinse the lower third of your hair with cold water. 4. The hair is only truly clean when it squeaks This should never be the goal. If the hair makes a squeaking sound after shampooing it means that the lipid mantel of the hair is completely washed away and the hair is unable to protect itself against external influences. A deep cleanse once a month is recommended. Tip: treat the lower third of your hair with conditioner and use a shampoo formula that is rich in nourishing substances. 5. The hair becomes less greasy when cleansed less frequently Yes, however, this too is dependent on the individual hair type. Be aware that the structure of the hair is affected every single time the hair is washed. When using appropriate shampoos and conditioners, washing the hair frequently is virtually harmless for the scalp and the hair. 6. Never comb wet hair Gently combing or brushing wet hair is certainly not a problem. Never dry the hair vigorously with the towel to tug at the strands whilst detangling. take your time and use gentle motions to preserve the delicate structure of the hair.