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5 THINGS TO DO IN YOUR SPRING SKIN CARE ROUTINE February 24 2023

Spring is just around the corner! And there is no better time to review your toilet bags and update your skincare routine to prevent breakouts and get that glowing skin to suit the season.

5 SUMMER USES OF LAVENDER July 16 2021

Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular and widely used floral scents mainly for it's soothing effects and a great number of applications. We use lavender year round but one season in particular - summer is when we always keep a bottle near by. We go on vacations, picnics and hikes with a bottle of lavender because you never know when it will come in handy.

Here is why:

Mosquito repellent

Bug repellent

Lavender repels insects and if you are bitten, a drop rubbed over the bite will remove the stinging. No more nasty chemicals on your skin or in your air!

Use it: Add 15 drops Lavender to a diffuser with 5 drops of Rosemary for a garden-inspired aroma. Place your diffuser by an open window or on a patio with an outlet. 

If you are on the go and you want to avoid any mosquito bites or other unwanted insects our Soothe balm is perfect to bring on your next camping trip.  

After-sun care 

You've spent a day under the sun and your skin feels hot and red. Prepare a nourishing oil or a gel to help bring the temperature down and soothe your skin.

Tip: Add 6-12 drops of lavender to a 30ml bottle of avocado oil. Shake well to blend the essential oil and use it to instantly calm your sun-kissed skin.

After sun skincare 

First Aid 

Whether you have a bruise, your kid fell down from his/her bicycle or you cut yourself, lavender oil is the fist aid remedy that comes to mind for any of these situations.

Tip: Dampen a cloth or towel with cold water, add 3 drops and apply as a remedy for bruises. To treat cuts, grazes or other wounds wash the affected area with an antiseptic wash first.

Antiseptic wash

3 drops of lemon essential oil

2 drops of tea tree essential oil

1 bowl of warm water

Add the essential oils into the bowl of water and swab the wound gently. Wet a cotton ball and add 2 drops lavender essential oil. Gently tap the affected area. Lavender has the ability to relieve pain and destroy pathogenic bacteria and inhibit growth of viruses which makes it the perfect plant remedy to reduce swelling and to speed up the healing of the tissue. 

 

Deep Summertime Face Clean

Summertime skincare might be light but pollution, daily sunscreen application and traveling might make your skin feel slightly congested and prone to breakouts. All you need is a towel, lavender and tea tree. These essential oils have deeply cleansing and antimicrobial properties which tend to clear blemishes caused by clogged pores. Note to keep your eyes closed during this treatment to avoid any eye stinging. Lavender and tea tree oils are volatile and can be too intense on the eyes.

Summer Face Steam

1 towel

2 drops lavender essential oil

1 drop tea tree essential oil

Directions:

1. Run hot water over the towel. Wring it out and open it across one hand.

2. Add the essential oils into two of corners of the towel and then bring them together to its middle point. Twist the towel to help disperse the essential oils.

3. Close your eyes and place the towel over your face. Make sure to keep an open space around your nose or mouth to be able to breathe. Take several deep breaths with a pause in between each inhalation and exhalation.

4. After 3-4 deep breaths your summer face steam is done. Use the towel to wipe out any excess impurities. Rinse with cool water if you want an extra pick-me-up.

 DIY lavender bed linen spray

DIY lavender bed linen spray

Making this spray only takes 5 minutes and it will be totally worth your time because when using it will transport you to a peaceful lavender field and make you sleep like a baby. And who can say no to that?

Lavender spray

250 ml distilled water

2 Tbs vodka or rubbing alcohol

40 drops lavender essential oil

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.

2. Shake well and use.

Tip: The use of alcohol in this recipe helps to dissolve the essential oil and makes the scent last longer. We love using this lavender spray on our bedding or pillows to freshen up. Another lovely way to utilize it is to spay your laundry when you are ironing. 

Lavender essential oilStone aroma diffuserOrganic avocado oil

 


CELEBRATE ALL MOTHERS February 01 2021

We can all agree on at least one thing - there is no greater gift than life itself. We exist thanks to our mothers, who gave birth to us and watchfully raised functional human beings. Being a good mom takes sacrifice and dedication, something especially true for new moms. That is why we have included tips for taking care of new moms as written by Kelsi Ludvigsen from her personal experience.

Below you'll find some ideas to spend quality time with your loved ones.

The ultimate Mother's day brunch 

Nothing says "I love and appreciate you" like a homemade meal. Treat your moms to a delicious brunch. The menu we've picked is easy, yet delightful as there is something for every taste.

brunch recipes

  Mothers day flower bouquet

Flowers - always a good idea

Offering flowers has always been the purest gesture from one human being to another. Our dear mothers are no exception. Handpicked or bought from the florist, receiving a blooming bouquet will undoubtedly warm her heart. Whether you assemble the bouquet or go to a professional, keep in mind that each flower carries a certain degree of symbolism according to the kind of plant it is or the physical attributes it offers the world. Research before you commit to showing the recipient of your gift the level of care and attention you devoted to picking the perfect flower arrangement. Choosing seasonal and local helps our environment and support nearby businesses. 

 mothers day bouquet

Roses are a popular choice, and they are widely available all year round. A white rose symbolizes sincerity and purity of heart. Pink rose shows tenderness, and orange stands for admiration. Red roses carry certain romantic notions, so let's just save them for our wives and girlfriends. 

Tulips and other spring flowers are an obvious choice. Tulips represent deep, unconditional love and rebirth, which makes them perfect as a present to your mother or a friend. As with roses, here too, the different colors carry a different meaning. White tulips have a meaning of forgiveness, respect, purity, and honor. Yellow tulips symbolize cheerfulness and hope, while pink ones are known for meaning affection, caring, good wishes, and love. 

Amaryllis, for example, is commonly associated with determination and love - both qualities typical for a mom.

Mothers day

Being together


Spending time with your mom is important. Modern lifestyle, the pandemic and the physical distance between grown children and their parents often force us to delay visits or shorten the time we spend with our loved ones. Dedicating your time just to this special person is an excellent way to connect and create new memories. Taking her to a massage with you or massaging her yourself, going out for a walk. You could also do facials at home or cook her favorite meal, there are so many possibilities and just one rule: special attention.

Mothers day mom to be

 

New moms and mothers to be

Visiting a new mom is even more important and can turn into an amazing experience for everyone as long as you remember to pay attention to her as much as to her baby. It is hard work to take care of a newborn. It will mean the world to her to show that she matters, she is loved. Not sure what you can do, check out Kelsi’s instagram for some tips and our gift guide for new mamas.

  

Threat her with gifts 

Mother's day is not about nice gitfs, but also about appreciating our her presence in our lives.  "Life doesn't come with a manual, it comes with a mother." Cherish your mother and the moments spent with her. If you decide to get her something consider your mom's needs, hobbies, and preferences. How about something nourishing and indulging? Below you'll find our suggestions for clean beauty gifts every mother would enjoy.

Pink blossom Face maskAntiaging face oil rejuvenateRose quartz face massage set

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


WASH BAR GUIDE November 27 2020

Have you ever wondered about which soap bar from Neven's collection will suit you best? When formulating a new kind, we consider not only their physical attributes but also their properties.
Even though most of our bars suit the needs of most people, some will work better for a specific skin type while others will not.
Below you find general guidelines of our soap/shampoo collection to help you choose a bar for yourself or others.

Neven soap bar guide


ORGANIC BEAUTY AWARDS 2020 April 22 2020

Neven's Rejuvenate face oil has been nominated for best face oil in the Swedish Organic Beauty Awards 2020!

We are honored and grateful that the jury has selected Rejuvenate oil as a finalist in the category "Best facial oil 2020". This is the second time we have ever participated in a green beauty competition and once again, our product reached the final stage.

What makes Rejuvenate face oil such a success?


REJUVENATE FACE OIL IS A FINALIST AT CLEAN BEAUTY AWARDS February 06 2020

Neven’s best-selling face oil - Rejuvenate - honored by an independent panel of judges from North America, Europe, and Australia who selected it as a finalist among over 300 other products for the 2020 Clean Beauty Awards


GIFT GUIDE FOR NEW MAMAS January 15 2020

"Becoming a mother is a transformative event, just like puberty." Now with the pandemic, but even before that, postpartum can be isolating time for women. That's why we thought to share some tips from my teacher Kelsi. Her practice focuses on nourishing and caring for new mothers and mothers to be and we're happy to share her knowledge and experience with you.

Here are some of her tips:

+ ask her how is she feeling. It may comes as a no brainer but how often do we forget to ask each other this?!

+ cook her something she loves or drop off her favorite takeout

+ ask her if you can come over and help her with laundry, washing dishes or babysit so she can have a moment for herself

+ massage her hands or neck or feet. A gentle touch with a dose of love and care will certainly brighten her day.

+ encourage her and tell her she's doing a great job

To read more from Kelsi's tips visit her IG. 

Choosing a gift for a new mama can seem easy - cute baby everything. But are those gifts really for her? Here are some of our suggestions for a mindful and useful gifts.

Soothe body balmjojoba oilnourish baby butter 

Soothe balm - this multitasking balm calms the nervous system, promotes restful sleep and makes a wonderful hand cream.

Nourish baby butter - luxurious butter for all body parts with a natural aroma of raw cocoa butter, virgin coconut and almonds. This butter is perfect for sore nipples, growing bellies and perineal massage.

Jojoba oil - another good product to promote the skin's elasticity. This oil resembles our skin's sebum - the oil it produces to protect itself. Jojoba possesses excellent regenerative and toning properties that makes it useful for sore nipples, growing bellies and perineal massage.


ESSENTIAL OILS: THE BASIC CARE KIT PART August 27 2019

Essential oils are powerful natural medicine that can be incorporated in our daily lives to improve wellness, clean our home, repel pests and insects, improve our garden, enhance our holiday celebrations and so much more. This list includes the ten most versatile and useful essential oils for the home medicine cabinet.


Cooling & replenishing summer face mask July 11 2016

Strong sun rays really damage the skin causing it to age at a faster rate. Regular hydrating and restorative treatments can help your skin recover and glow after long days at the beach or in the park. 

Try this mask after gently washing your face and neck with a mild cleanser. Avocado is rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, vitamins and other nutrients while cucumber cools and hydrates the skin. really nicely. Clay soaks up excess liquid and also feeds the skin with minerals. 

 

1/2 small avocado

1/3 cucumber (ca 60g)

1Tbsp bentonite clay (or any clay by choice)

 

Mash the avocado with a fork and shred the cucumber into fine pieces. Mix in the clay and stir until incorporated. Cover the face and neck as you avoid the eyes and mouth. Enjoy :)


PAPAYA HEALTH BENEFITS AND SERVING IDEAS May 23 2016

With a colour of the sun and the taste of a tropical garden, papayas are rich source of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, Vitamin C, flavonoids, B vitamins and minerals like potassium, copper and magnesium. Together they support eyesight, cardiovascular and immune systems; promote digestive health and reduce inflammation and acne. 

You may think of papayas as sweet, but you can enjoy them in savoury dishes as well. From fruit salads and salsas to main courses and desserts, papaya is quite versatile.

This sweet and sour tropical salad is the ultimate breakfast or afternoon snack in the warm months. 

500gr Papaya

1 Lemon

1-2 Tbsp Honey

15gr Coconut flakes

For more ideas check out these recipes we’ve found on Huffington post.


15 USES OF LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL April 08 2016 2 Comments

uses of lavender essential oil

We love Lavender. The oil from this aromatic plant is quite popular and widely used all over the world. In fact, we believe every home should have a bottle. Known for its relaxing effects on body and mind, lavender oil has gained popularity in natural skin care products and treatments. With its antibacterial, analgesic and antiseptic properties, it may effectively be used to cleanse cuts, bruises and skin irritations. In addition, its fresh, floral aroma calms the nerves and balances emotions. Having a small bottle of lavender in your purse or house is almost like having a personal first aid kit, perfume and sedative. 

Below you can read about some of the most popular applications of lavender essential oil in your daily life:

 

1. Calming

Dilute 2-3 drops оf lavender in 1-2 teaspoons of vegetable/nut oil and rub in your palms, the temples, wrists and feet for almost immediate calming effect on the body. It takes about  20 minutes for the chemical compounds in the oil to reach your blood stream and react with your chemistry. For a more speedy effect, you can also use inhalation to draw the scent all the way into your amygdala - the emotional centre of the brain.

 

2. Sleep aid

Simply put a 1-2 drops on your pillow and relax in your bed. As an alternative rub the mix from above to your palms and feet. Enjoy!

  

3. Sun and heat burns

Lavender magically heals minor burns. It decreases the pain, redness and swelling. The aromatic oil also prevents scaring and stimulates the cells of the wound to regenerate quicker. Use a salve, balm or some other oil based product that lingers on the skin before absorption. 

 

4. Insect repellant/Insect bite

Not only does Lavender repeal bugs but it aids in healing insect bites and stings. It also stops itching and reduces the swelling. 

  

5. Cuts and grazes

Wash the affected area with antiseptic wash. Once the wound is clean drop lavender oil directly onto the cut/graze. It will stop the bleeding and kill bacteria.

 

6. Eczema / Dermatitis

These skin conditions are usually aggravated by stress and nervous tension. Aromatherapy massage with lavender helps relieve stress and tension. Take a bath with 2-3 drops of pure lavender oil or mix several drops of lavender oil in 2-3 tea spoons vegetable/nut oil and rub it on the eczema/dermatitis.

 

7. Nausea / Motion sickness

Place a drop of Lavender on your fingers and rub the area behind your ears and around the navel. If you wish not to put the oil directly on your skin (as it may cause irritation to those with very sensitive skin) you can place 1-2 drop on a tissue and sniff to relieve your symptoms.

 

8. Dry or chapped skin

Use diluted mix of lavender and vegetable oil and massage the dry/chapped skin.

 

9. Hay fever

Rub the blend mentioned above between your palms and inhale deeply to help alleviate the symptoms of hay fever.

 

 10. Dandruff

Mix 3 drops of Tea tree and Lavender oil in 2 tea spoons vegetable/nut oil to give yourself a nice scalp massage. For best results, do this several times a week.

  

11. Nosebleed

To stop a nosebleed, you will need a tissue paper and a chip of ice. Use a drop of lavender oil on the tissue and wrap it around a the piece of ice. Hold that up the base of your nose in the middle of your upper lip and let it remain there until it becomes uncomfortable or until the bleeding stops.  

 

12. Cold sores

Dilute 2 drops of lavender and bergamot oil in 5 ml clear alcohol like vodka and apply directly on the cold sore when you notice it at first. 

 

13. Headache

Apply a cold compress containing lavender oil to your head and lie down. Replace the compress with a new one when it reaches body temperature. 

 

14. Sore muscles

Lavender oil can also be used to help relieve tight or bruised muscles. Use it in a  massage blend and rub into the skin around affected areas. 

 

15. Acne and other blemishes

Often caused by the skin’s overproduction of sebum and bacteria, acne plague many people. The antiseptic properties of lavender act effectively in managing them. Apply undiluted lavender oil with a cotton swab directly on the inflamed spot. If you have very sensitive skin use a dilute 1-2 drops of Lavender oil in a teaspoon of vegetable/nut oil.


Winter skin detox February 09 2016

A well-known fact is that our skin accumulates toxins and impurities much like a sponge. I have heard people refer to their skin as a “third kidney” as it plays an important role in removing “junk” from the body. Over the long term, these tiny unwanted molecules build up in your body and skin. Toxins may cause the appearance of pimples and blackheads, cause irritation, allergies, or even intensify the effects of aging.

The environment we live in and the conditions to which we expose our bodies determine how much and what type of pollution sticks to the skin. Air pollutants and smoke provide examples for external sources of “junk”. The synthetic and harmful additives in cosmetics and make up also add to the list of external pollutants of skin.

Makeup not only beatifies, it also pollutes the skin

 

Other harmful chemicals like pesticides and preservatives find their way from the inside: through the food and drinks we consume and especially through the bad habits we indulge like smoking and drinking alcohol.

Finally, the waste material of broken cells that the skin periodically replaces may also build up subduing the formation of new tissue. Our bodies subconsciously and naturally deal with those issues all the time.

Of course, we can consciously choose to aid the processes of elimination and recovery to help our organism be rid of toxins and to have beautiful, healthy skin. Having a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water provide the base for a healthy organism. Those factors, along with regular physical activities can really help your skin repair, clean, and rejuvenate. However this post will focus on 4 activities not related to food or exercise, though regularity helps. You may easily do them alone to stimulate the elimination of build up toxins naturally.

Eat well and drink much water

Eat well and drink much water

Eating well entails to choose a diet based primarily on fruits and vegetables. Among the best foods for glowing skin are leafy greens like kale and spinach, berries (especially blueberries), pomegranate, carrots, avocado, tomatoes, broccoli and sweet potatoes. After all we are what we eat. Our cells use the building blocks we give them to get energy and to create new tissue. Therefore, a beautiful and healthy skin relies on some menu planning, wise choices in the supermarket and imagination in the kitchen. Here you can find great ideas and recipes. Eating a variety of food groups in small portions throughout the day will help your body do its job better. For that you also need plenty of water. We are mostly made up of water anyway, so maintain the balance and drink even when you are not thirsty. Water not only maintains a healthy metabolism, but it plays main role in flushing toxins out of the body.

 

 Exfoliate at least once a week

Everyone knows the benefits of exfoliation and we all need it to some extent - Some of us need to exfoliate more often that others depending on skin type and climate. I recommend it at least once a week in the shower or bathtub. It will help your skin shed dead tissue particles and lose toxins very effectively. The skin must be wet or oiled up. If done well, It stimulates the lymphatic system and blood flow both of which play key roles in detoxification. Use gentle exfoliates on tender skin areas like the face and never apply too much pressure in order to avoid redness and inflammation.

  

Treat yourself to a full body massage sometimes

Massage benefits your skin more than you think. It makes it more elastic and stimulates the formation of new tissue. Deep tissue massage raises the body’s temperature and increases blood flow, therefore it helps your organism "clean up" and recover from its daily operations. Certain points require firmer and deeper massage to release build up pressure or encourage proper lymph flow. The lymphatic circulation is one of the major ways our bodies throw out unwanted chemical compounds they accumulate.

   

Brush! Brush! Brush!

Brushing is another way to accomplish improved circulation of the blood through the skin and to shed impurities, or dead tissue. The difference with exfoliating is that brushing must always happen on a dry skin. Choose a gentle brush with soft hair and run it over your entire body. Always begin down with your feet and make your way upward using circular motions.

The action not only increases blood flow in the dermis, but it also stimulates your skin's nerve endings and exfoliates dead skin cells. Being tickled seems like an unwanted side effect, although one gets used to it after awhile. Remember to brush all surfaces, including the soles of your feet, armpits and the entire back. All motion should happen in the direction of your heart. If you choose to brush your face, you may do so with a specially designed for that gentle bristle. Personally, I have not done it. What I often do is a simple face mask that we will share in the next post.


CALMING TURMERIC FACE MASK October 05 2015

Face masks maintain our skin healthy and glowing. They help us prepare it for the changing seasons, calm inflammation, clean its pores, and provide it with necessary nutrients. This particular mask, I blended is inspired by autumn colors and contains only three basic ingredients you can find in your kitchen. 

 

1ts Turmeric

1ts Honey

1ts Yogurt

 

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients until they blend well. Place on the face and neck while you avoid the areas around the eyes and mouth. Rinse with lukewarm water after the mask dries on your skin. Wash with face cleanser to remove the yellowish stain from the turmeric. Skip this step if you plan to stay home and relax. Finally, hydrate the skin with a facial serum or your favorite cream.

 

Turmeric is a root widely in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. The powder gently exfoliates the upper layer of skin, leaving it silky-smooth. Curcumin, a polyphenol chemical that gives turmeric its vibrant yellow color, has excellent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. It improves the skin tone and helps in treating conditions like acne, hyper-pigmentation, dark circles, Rocasea, eczema and psoriasis. Read more about the amazing health and beauty benefits of turmeric here.

 

People have harvested and consumed Honey for thousands of years, but not everybody knows about the wonderful effect raw honey has on the skin. It possesses natural anti-bacterial and antibiotic properties that make it excellent for preventing and treating acne and inflammation. Rich in antioxidants, honey increases skin’s ability to rejuvenate and slows down aging. It has also the ability to attract moisture from the air and retain it on the skin. For more ideas how to incorporate honey into your DIY home spa treatments check this article from TreeHugger.

 

Yogurt, too, benefits the skin in many ways. Its high lactic acid and nutrients content promote healthy skin. In fact, it was used in ancient India to treat acne and pimples. As natural moisturizer, yogurt aids the skin to increase its skin tone and elasticity.

 

Overall this mask will revitalize tired skin and help you get rid of dead skin cells and acne. It will improve the skin tone and tighten pores while retaining moisture. Try it and let us know how it feels.

Mila & Veli


How to fight eczema naturally June 09 2015

Our customers often ask us about the effectiveness of salves against eczema or other chronic skin conditions, the symptoms of which require constant and continuous care. To put it simply, we would not call them "healing," if they did not do the job. To understand how and why they combat eczema so effectively, we must first look at the problem.

 

 

A barrier that sometimes breaks...

 

The skin- our largest organ - shields the inside of our body from the dangers of the outside environment such as solar radiation, infection and disease. It acts as a barrier that stops bacteria from reaching our bloodstream and yet, the skin cells allow moisture and some nutrients to enter. This important barrier, however, can easily become vulnerable to the constant attacks from bacteria. 

 

 

Agents of infection called Staphylococcus aureus, for example, live on the skin of all people suffering from eczema and even on those who never had a breakout. Higher concentration of this microscopic plague leads to more severe consequences for our skin. Together these bacteria produce doses of protein called "superantigen" that, in turn, activate our immune system on a local level. The skin inflames and the barrier begins to crack. Its tightly packed cells sealed with layers of protective lipids are not so tight anymore. That causes moisture to escape the skin and leads to its cracked and scabby appearance. Those openings in our protective system only strengthen the bacteria and worsen the condition of affected areas. That is why eczema itches though scratching would not relieve the symptoms.

 

So what would?

 

 

Fight back using oil-based concoctions with antibacterial properties!

 

Because the levels of lipids on inflamed skin are much lower than those on healthy skin, the epidermis is less resistant to attack by bacteria. It loses moisture and dries until it cracks. Logically, supplying the skin with emollient and moisturizing substances from oil based salves, creams, and ointments helps in relieving the symptoms of eczema. The effect cannot be permanent, but with intensive use several times a day and sometimes over night, the symptoms disappear. Affected area reduces, softens and ceases to itch with time. Intensive emollient treatment reduces the need for additional therapy, such as steroid creams.
Most plant-based oils possess emollient and moisturizing properties, but the extent and potency of their effects on the skin vary between the different oils and among various individuals. Emollient are those compounds that soften tissue making it more elastic and pliable. Moisturizes, on the other hand, not only hydrate the skin directly, but they also help retain the moisture it produces naturally. Finally, humectant are substances that attract air moisture and keep it on the skin.

 

 

 Our healing salves contain potent and pure base oils with all of the properties to fight eczema. Essential oils increase the therapeutic effects of the blend with strong soothing and antibacterial action. Salves belong to the ointment category of skin care products and are suitable for regular use on the body.

Ingredients in similar products vary, but as long as they consist of natural base oils and butters in additional to pure essential oils, these products will be successful in treating eczema. You should seek salve that works for your skin type and has a pleasant scent and texture. Use it regularly directly on and around affected areas. Also, avoid commercial soap and other strong detergents as they strip our skin of its natural lipids and worsen the symptoms of eczema. Instead, purchase natural soap rich in glycerin (humectant) and with added oils that make it milder.