Sunflower Oil, A powerful friend in skincare.

Why we at Mil Balms use sunflower oil in our skincare products.

Sunflower oil is an all natural, healthy ingredient to heal skin and maintain its health. Sunflower oil has calming and moisturising properties which are well known among skin care experts. Sunflower oil has many medicinal and cosmetic uses and may be helpful if you are suffering from acne, eczema, and irritation of the skin.  It is also a great product to use on your newborn baby for extra skin protection.

Sunflower Oils Properties

A light coloured oil, sunflower oil has a delicate nutty scent. Perhaps the most important aspect of sunflower oil is its high vitamin E content. The health benefits of consuming vitamin E, or using it on the skin, have been studied for years and can benefit skin in many ways.  Vitamin E is crucial in the prevention of damage to sensitive skin cells by sunlight. Additionally, studies have shown that vitamin E may prevent scarring, smooth the appearance of existing wrinkles and generally improve the appearance and health of your skin.  Sunflower oil is also high in vitamins A, C and D, all of which have protective qualities.

How to Use Sunflower Oil on the Skin

The best way to use sunflower oil is to find either a cleanser or moisturising product that contains the oil as one of its main ingredients.  Mil All Natural Balms use organic sunflower oil in our Baby Bum Balm. Combined with the other ingredients such as golden beeswax, jojoba and chamomile it forms a powerful and gentle diaper balm which protects and moisturises baby soft skin. 

Mil All Natural Balms are so impressed with sunflower oil we have also used it in our Organic Baby Oil.  Once again the sunflower oil it is blended with organic jojoba to provide a powerful, gentle and simple body oil.   This blend is a wonderful all over body baby body oil keeping baby’s skin soft and supple.  It is particularly useful on dry skin and cradle cap.  Mums (in fact women of all ages) are also using it as a wonderful all over moisturising body oil.  Just massage small amounts in to dry warm skin, and let it work its gentle nourishing  magic!   

Our Baby Body Oil is also being used by skincare professionals and many customers as a cleanser and moisturiser in one.  When using this blend to give your skin suppleness and remove dead cells and impurities. When using it as a cleanser, the combination jojoba and sunflower oil should not require any additional moisturising, as the oils themselves contain fatty acids and vitamins which will effectively, gently and naturally moisturise your skin. 

Sunflower Oil is a powerful friend in natural skincare, we love it in our products.

From bee to you

www.milallnaturalbalms.com

If you would  like any further information you can contact Sinéad on Mil.natural@gmail.com 

A guide to using Mil Balms, oil blends, balms and serums

Lotions, ointments, creams, oils, serums and balms, what is the difference between them?.  There are certainly a lot of different products on the market and this can be very confusing for anyone navigating their way through the world of skincare and well-being products. 

In this article we asked Sinéad, the creator of Mil Balm’s product range, for her insight into the differences between balms and other products.  We also asked Sinéad on her own recommendations with regards the use and application of Mil Balms.

“Balms are defined as an ointment that can be used to soothe, nourish or treat skin conditions.  Mil Balms are made with natural vegetable oils, essential oils, waxes, resins and butters.  Most true balms, such as our own Mil Balms, do not contain water while lotions and creams usually do.  The high water content of creams and lotions mean it is essential to add preservatives to control bacterial growth and emulsifiers to encourage oils and water, which are usually polar opposites, to mix.  While lotions and creams are very common many of them may have unnatural and in some cases, questionable ingredients. 

We at Mil Balms stay clear of ingredients that are artificial, for us natural is best.  Indeed, Mil Balms, Serums and Blends are inspired by traditional and indigenous knowledge from throughout the world with our products using ingredients that have been long used by different peoples and cultures over thousands of years."

Using Mil Balms and Serums – get to know your skin!

"As previously stated Mil’s all natural balms and serums are crafted using a range of natural butters, oils, essential oils, resins and waxes. These products do not contain water and thus are wonderfully concentrated skincare products.  Unlike many water based lotions if you put on more Mil Balm than your skin needs it will not evaporate away leaving your skin feeling greasy.  However, if you use a small amount and allow your skin to absorb it, your skin will feel nourished, full, soft and supple. If you think your skin needs need a little more after the first light application then by all means add it.  The important thing is that Mil Balms and Serums will not evaporate away so you will always know if you applied too much or too little.  

By taking time and applying a small amount at the start and then adjusting your application you will actually get to know your own skin better and understand the correct amount of nourishment it really needs.

Proper use of Mil Balms will allow you to take control of your skincare like never before. From  our Spéirbhean Beauty Range through to our Lámh an Uachtar, Working hand Balm our products will, if used in the correct way, nourish and nurture your skin using simple natural ingredients that have been tried and tested over the ages.  

Sinéad,  Mil Balms

From bee to you

Pregnancy and stretchmarks

Let us start with something that is  important to us at Mil Balms, honesty.  There is no 100% proof way for everyone to avoid stretchmarks in a normal pregnancy.  Everyone's skin is different and  some skin is more elastic than others.  Mothers with stretchy skin can get away with it while others are going to  have some stretchmarks no matter what they do.  

There are things you can do though to minimise stretch marks.

1.  Drink plenty of fresh water:  Your skin, like the rest of you, is made mostly of water.  Moisturising does not just come from a can or jar but also comes from within.  A well hydrated person will have more supple skin.  So drink around 2 litres of water everyday.

2.  Eat good food:  Good food means lots of fruit, greens and nuts.  A daily fruit smoothie is a great way to make a tasty refreshing drink that is packed with goodness.  Use fruits high in oils such as avocado and plenty of colours, such as strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.  
Make a green salad with a light oil dressing, (we like organic extra virgin olive oil).  You can occasionally dress the salad with some tasty nuts, which are packed with oils.  The vitamins, minerals and oils in fresh fruit and salads will be great for your skin and for baby!. 


3.  Get plenty of rest:  Sleep is on of natures greatest gifts.  A well rested body is a healthier body and this means healthier skin.   


4:  Treat your skin with natural products:  Massage your skin with a simple natural moisturiser as you owe it to your skin and to your baby.  Your skin can absorb a huge amount and much will be absorbed into the blood stream and be passed on to your baby.  So make sure you avoid unnatural products. We recommend products like Unrefined Shea Butter.  It has long been used in preventing stretchmarks and it is very soothing on the skin.  It has a faint smell of chocolate which quickly dissipates when on you skin.


We at Mil Balms also recommend Organic Jojoba Oil, which is the closest natural product to your own skin oil, so is really easily absorbed.  
Natural Organic Sunflower Oil is also very easily absorbed and is packed with vitamins A, D and E, which are great for your skin.


Apply oils and butters lightly until you understand how much your skin needs as we are all different.  Apply your moisturiser at least once per day and more if you feel you need it.  


In the end, a common sense, holistic approach is the best way forward. Keep it simple and natural. By doing this you will be doing the best for you, your bump and, most important of all, for baby.


If you follow this guide, you may not totally avoid stretchmarks, but you certainly will have  done your best to minimised them. 


From bee to you
The Mil Team  www.milallnaturalbalms.com 

Mil Balm 'Spéirbhean' Body and Hand Balm blends Unrefined Shea with Jojoba.  Pure simple 100% natural (No matter how natural and kind any product is, make sure you read the label,  you and your baby are too important)

Mil Balm 'Leanbán'  Organic Baby Body and Massage Oil is very kind to baby.  What is good for baby is also good for Mum.  A blend of Organic Sunflower Oil and Jojoba mean it will be easily absorbed and really nourish your skin.  

Lovely Lavender - why is it so beneficial in skincare and well-being?

Lavender is one of natures remarkable gifts to us.  It has many properties, from its ability to aid relaxation, calm nervous tension, disinfect scalp and skin and enhance blood circulation.  Lavender essential  oil is a powerful ally in any family medicine cupboard.  It is one of the few essential oils that can be used neat (but only  in small  quantities).  Lavender has been traditionally used in soothing minor burns and grazes.   If used in an essential oil burner or, if a few drops are placed on a cloth, it will disperse into the air and aid deep, restful sleep.  

Lavender has long been used in health and skincare.  It works well as a treatment for acne, eczema and dry skin. Its effectiveness in skincare as a moisturiser is the reason why Mil Balms use it in some of our best loved products, such as our Spéirbhean Lavender, Chamomile and Geranium Body Balm and our Béalghra Lavender and Chamomile Lip Balm.   We find lavender blends beautifully with chamomile and geranium. Together the synergistic effect of these essential oils along with golden beeswax, organic shea butter and jojoba mean that this member of our  Spéirbhean Beauty Range has so many uses.  It is wonderful as an all over moisturiser and also soothes and cools, which makes it particularly effective after hair removal.  
Another use for our Spéirbhean Lavender, Chamomile and Geranium Body Balm is as a  very effective after-sun balm.  Lavender is famous for its ability in cooling skin and along with the other natural ingredients your skin will be bathed in a deep moisturising balm and will not dry out. 


Lavender is a great addition as a plant in your garden.  Put a few plants in a sunny corner and let the aroma from the flowers and leaves create a relaxing corner for all the family to enjoy during long Summer evenings.  The rich purple lavender flowers are a favourite with pollinating insects, such as honey bees, so you will also be doing your bit for them as well. Remember, you can also crush some of the fresh leaves and place them in a room. They will fill the room with a relaxing, fresh and fragrant aroma, just like burning the essential oil 


We at Mil Balms think lavender is one of natures great gifts, the name comes from the ancient Latin, which means 'to wash'.  Next time you have a bath put in several drops of lavender essential oil in to the water, enjoy the relaxation it brings and then feel how clean your skin feels!


A relaxer, burn soother, skincarer, moisturiser, disinfectant, circulation enhancer with a wonderful aroma, we think lavender is one of natures great gifts.


From bee to you


The Mil Balm Team
www.milallnaturalbalms.com

Almond Oil - Nourish your skin

Almonds are wonderfully healthy food,  high in protein and essential fatty  acids.  Most of us think of the almond as a nut, but actually it is  a seed of the fruit of the almond tree, a medium-size tree that bears fragrant pink and white flowers. Like its cousins, the peach, cherry and apricot trees, the almond tree bears fruits with stone-like seeds (or pits) within. The seed of the almond fruit is what we refer to as the almond nut.  The goodness of almonds can not just be enjoyed as a whole food but also as an oil.  .
Almond oil is one of the many vegetables oil that is often used as a carrier oil in aromatherapy. It is a great base oil for essential oils used for massages because it's not as oily as other oils,  it is a great emollient and moisturizer and is very absorbent.  



Nourish your hair skin
Almond Oil is rich in vitamin E and it also contains magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D.
Pour a few drops of almond oil into your palm. Dip your fingertips and apply gently on your scalp. Massage slowly in small circular motions and feel the comfort.  Almond oil adds luster to the hair, adds shine, nourish hair and protects it from becoming brittle. 

Benefits of almond oil for your skin

Almond Oil has many benefits for you skin, its deep moisturizing effect leaving skin smooth and soft.  The oil  also has an anti-ageing effect while for many it relieves dry and itchy skin, improves complexion and restores the skins natural glow.  

Mil Balms use almond oil in several of our all natural products.  We have found it has a wonderfully synergistic effect when used with golden yellow beeswax, for  this reason we use it in two of our Béalghrá  Lip Balms, (Simple Natural and Organic Shea and Cocoa).   Almond oil also  forms the base oil for our Bláthola, Well-being Massage Blends which are also soften and nourish the skin.  

 Almond Oil is  gently nurturing.  In an world with a baffling range of skin care products that promise beyond what they can deliver ,it is reassuring to know that natures skin care remedies are still the finest.

This  photo was from a demonstration of how a simple but wonderfully nourishing  lip balm can be made using Golden beeswax and Sweet Almond Oil.    It smells wonderful!

That is all for now.

The Mil Balm Team

From bee to you

www.milallnaturalbalms.com

Spéirbhean - A Natural Beauty

This blog we thought we would share with you the way some of Mil Balms products are being used by professional beauticians.  People are more aware of the importance of the natural products they put on their skin as well as the food they put into their bodies.  We at Mil Balm don't think you should have to compromise.    Here is what an experienced beauty therapist thinks about our all natural products.  

Jane Creith an experienced beauty practitioner and manager at Oasis Beauticians, Camerons, in Ballymena , Co. Antrim said “ I have been using Mil products in my salon for a two years now and I am totally delighted with them.   They appeal to me because they are natural products, made locally and I must say the balms are really effective in my treatments.  They are rich, soothing  to the client’s skin, with gorgeous natural aromas that fill my treatment room.  Working with them is a real pleasure.  I also use Mil’s oil blends for massage treatments.   They are wonderful and so handy because they are already blended to the correct dilution, and have an atomiser which means ease of application and storage.  They also smell divine.   I have a range of Mil’s Lip Balms and other products for sale in my salon.   They are very popular as customers often want to use them at home or buy them as gifts”   

With high praise from experienced beauticians it appears that Mil’s natural range of products are beginning to earn a reputation.  The company ethos of natural, ethical products, handcrafted in Ireland gives Irish beauticians the option of sourcing natural products locally. www.milallnaturalbalms.com

Dry and Cracked Hands - You don't have to suffer

Dry and cracked hands affect many people.  When the skin on your hands becomes dry and cracked, any simple job can become awkward and painful. Also people with dry, cracked and hacked hands often feel that their hands are unattractive further adding to their discomfort.

What causes it?

The simple way of explaining what causes dry and cracked hands is a lack in the protective layer of oil and water that should occur naturally in the skin.  This natural skin oil is what keeps your skin supple and flexible, so when it goes so does the flexibility resulting in dry and cracked skin.  
Changes in climate has the tendency to draw moisture out of your hands and cause cracking. Whether you live in  a hot, dry or moist climate changing of seasons seems to have a negative impact in skin moisture and flexibility.   People who are involved in jobs that see them in and out of water or moving inside and outside, such as farmers, nurses and teachers also are very prone to dry hands.   Others are impacted by skin conditions such as Eczema  which can occur on different parts of the body, including hands. Symptoms include red patches of skin, flaking or cracking.  

Protection, treatment and maintenance.

Maintaining moisture levels in your hands is the best way to prevent your skin from cracking. Wearing water proof gloves  when your hands are in and out of water can help but this is not always possible.  Applying moisturizing substances also helps, consider things such as natural butters like shea and cocoa,  soft beeswax  or  natural vegetable oils. We do not recommend products such as petroleum jelly as it may  further dry your skin in the long term.  There are many good natural products on the market,  one we recommend is our own Mil Hard Working Hand Balm.  This balm contains golden unbleached beeswax, unrefined shea butter,  jojoba oil, ( which is very close in makeup to human skin sebum, so is easily absorbed), soothing lavender oil and healing benzoin tree resin.  It is great aroma that appeals to men and women and to put it simply,  it really works!.

Other factors to consider

Having cracked hands can result in an infection if the fissures in the skin open enough to allow bacteria inside. If you notice cracks forming on your hands, visit your doctor for treatment suggestions before the condition gets worse.


That is all for now
Hope this helps

The Mil Team
From bee to you
www.milallnaturalbalms.com