Author: <span>CvanStaden</span>

Fulvic Acid Powder

12 March 202219 March 2022
by CvanStaden

What is Fulvic Acid ?

Naturally, fulvic acids contain minerals (more than 70), amino acids, sugars, peptides, nucleic acids, phytochemical compounds, vitamins, and fragments of plant DNA [3].

What is it used for ?

alkalising the body
decalcification agent
for arthritis, mental clarity, sense of wellbeing for mind and body, restores memory, alzheimers, dementia, anti-ageing, mineralisation, rejuvenating
hydrates cells, neutralises and removes heavy metals from the body, provides minerals for healthy cells, cleanses, neutralises and removes toxins from the blood and every cell of the body
oxygenates the blood, protects against free radical damage, detoxifies, helps regulate thyroid and thymus gland function, provides an inhospitable environment for cancer, viruses, bacteria, moulds, yeast, fungi, eczema, psoriasis
promotes hair growth, helps control appetite

Why should I take Fulvic Acid ?

The active chemical compound helps our bodies to use and absorb other nutrient better, such as probiotics, antioxidants, fatty acids, and minerals.

Fulvic acid is one of two classes of humic acids, organic compounds found in the earth’s soils, rock sediments, and bodies of water. In fact, you can get fulvic acid naturally by spending time outdoors and coming into contact with soil. Fulvic acid is created when organic plant matter decomposes and millions of healthy bacteria are released. Fulvic acid is thus jam-packed with tons of trace minerals, electrolytes, fatty acids, silica, prebiotics, and probiotics.

Even when you can get fulvic acid from contact with nature, these days, many people are turning to dietary supplements to get their adequate dose of humic acids, especially since as a society, we are spending less time outdoors.

A fulvic acid supplement may be what you need more of to improve a host of bodily woes, from constipation to less-than-stellar cognitive performance. Consider these benefits before you start rolling around in the mud.

Buchu

9 February 202219 March 2022
by CvanStaden

What is Buchu?

Buchu is a plant from South Africa. The leaf is used to make medicine.

Buchu is applied to the skin as an insect repellant, as a deodorant, and for skin infections.

In manufacturing, the oil from buchu is used to give a fruit flavor (often black currant) to foods. It is also used as a fragrance in perfumes and colognes.

What does Buchu treat?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Inflamed prostate (prostatitis).
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
High blood pressure.
Fever.
Cough.
Common cold.
Upset stomach.
Stomach ulcers.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Gout.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Skin infections.

Astaxanthin

6 February 202213 March 2022
by CvanStaden

What is Astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is an increasingly popular carotenoid which belongs to the subclass of xanthophyll. It occurs naturally in certain algae and runs the color gamut from red to pink. Some astaxanthin can also be found in specific seafood types.

In fact, it is what causes the reddish color in lobster, salmon, fish eggs, trout, crabs, and other seafood. This substance is also what is responsible for the pinkish color in the features of flamingo.

Why should I take Astaxanthin daily?

Your body cannot produce astaxanthin on its own, which means you have to get it through food or dietary supplements. Those who prefer astaxanthin-rich foods should consume plenty of salmon, shrimp, lobster, rainbow trout, and other seafood.

Seafood, however, might not be a plausible way to get significant amount of astaxanthin. The richest seafood source – sockeye salmon, for instance, has only 4.5mg of the compound per every ounce. That’s not enough to spur the desired health benefits.

That’s why most people go for dietary supplements. Those based on Pluvialis algae have the highest bioavailable amount of astaxanthin. 3 present of its biomass is pure astaxanthin. In fact, it is the only supplement has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a safe and viable source of dietary astaxanthin.

Does Astaxanthin actually works?

Astaxanthin is 550 times more effective as an antioxidant than vitamin E
Astaxanthin is nearly 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C, one of the most important vitamins when it comes to boosting the immune system
It’s also 550 times richer as a source of antioxidants than green tea or other Catechins.

1) Astaxanthin Helps With Diabetes

2) Astaxanthin helps With Heart Disease

3) Astaxanthin Improves Your Blood Pressure

4) Astaxanthin Helps Manage Your High Cholesterol

5) Astaxanthin Assists with Heart Damage Repair

6) Astaxanthin Can Naturally Reduce Your Oxidative Stres and Improve Your Immune Response

7) Astaxanthin Helps Manage Your Ulcers.

8) Astaxanthin Boosts Your Skin Care.

9) Astaxanthin Helps Protect You Against Bacterial Inflammation.

10) Astaxanthin Helps Prevent And Treat Fatty Liver Disease.

11) Astaxanthin Helps Tame The Growth of Cancer Cells

12) Astaxanthin Boosts Physical Performance.

13) Astaxanthin Prevents And Reduces Brain Damage from Stroke.

14) Astaxanthin Helps Accelerate Recovery From Traumatic Brain Injury.

15) Astaxanthin Reduces the Risk of Developing Alzheimer’s.

Disease.

16) Astaxanthin Slows Down the Development of Parkinson’s Disease.

17) Astaxanthin May Help With Male Infertility.

18) Astaxanthin Helps Alleviate Menopausal Symptoms.

19) Astaxanthin May Reduce Pain Symptoms Tied to Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Advanced Repair Oil Serum

Heal your skin and prevent the signs of ageing…

24 January 202220 March 2022
by CvanStaden

Here at Le Bleu we have done countless hours of research and tirelessly sourced quality natural products from across the globe and lovingly and meticulously crafted it into two potent facial serums for your skin health, protection and rejuvenation.

Each serum can be used on its own or used in conjunction for maximum benefits:

Advanced Repair Oil Serum
For problem skin (acne, eczema & facial rosacea); nourishment; blemishes; spots & scars; firming and to help skin glow

Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing Serum
Powerful hydration for dull and dry skin; antioxidant to reverse skin ageing, cell regeneration & collagen booster

Natural ingredients with powerful benefits

See for yourself the amazing healing, regenerative and anti-ageing properties of these two serums:

Advanced Repair Oil Serum

Rosehip Oil: treats wrinkles & firms skin, removes age and dark spots, fades scars, hydrates, exfoliates, treats acne, helps with eczema and facial rosacea.
Emu Oil: contains vitamins A & E and omega oils 3, 6, 7 and 9 and is perfect for burns, problem skin, wrinkles and stretch marks.
Jojoba Oil: moisturises, promotes skin health, vitamin E & B complex to protect and repair.
Rose Geranium: cicatrisant to help fade scars and spots; astringent for skin firming; natural deodorant and skin tonic.
Lavender: skin detox, treat acne and improves blood circulation.
Frankincense: strengthens skin, evens skin tone and elasticity to help prevent signs of ageing and damage.

Le Bleu Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing Serum_1

Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Hyaluronic Acid: this molecule has the amazing ability to hold 1000 times its weight in moisture; making it the perfect ingredient for hydration to lighten and plump skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles & boosts collagen.
Astaxanthin: a powerful, naturally occurring carotenoid pigment that’s found in certain marine plants and animals and is one of the most powerful antioxidants in nature. Its ability to fight free radicals has been shown to be 6,000 times higher than vitamin C; to help reverse skin aging and alleviate inflammation.
Fulvic Acid: a very potent antioxidant with significant effects against fine lines, wrinkles and skin sagging.
Neroli: perfect for cell regeneration to treat stretch marks, age spots and scars and beautifully fragrant.

Skin Health

6 Summer Survival Tips for Your Skin

24 January 202220 March 2022
by CvanStaden

Sun Protection: Choosing the right sunscreen for your skin and reapplying every 2 hours throughout the day is essential for optimal skin protection.
Hydration: Your skin tends to lose a lot of moisture during the summer months causing it to become dehydrated and dry. Look for skin care products containing hyaluronic acid, such as the Le Bleu Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing Serum. The hyaluronic acid molecule carries about a 1000 times its weight in moisture and is the perfect ingredient for skin hydration.
Daily Antioxidants: UV rays create free radicals which destroy collagen and elastin causing premature skin aging. It is important to note that no sunscreen can block all of the sun’s damaging rays. The Le Bleu Advanced Repair Oil Serum is a nourishing blend of organic oils packed full of vitamins and antioxidants to assist with dry skin, blemishes and fine lines and wrinkles.
Beautify the skin from within: Consuming fruits and vegetables that are in abundance during the summer months will give a boost of glowing good health to your complexion. Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries and plums have the highest total antioxidant capacity of any food and drink at least 8-9 glasses of water a day.
Deep Cleanse: Hot, humid, hazy days can make your skin feel sticky and clogged because sweat just clings to your skin instead of evaporating into the air. It may be time to switch up your cleanser such as the Le Bleu Deep Cleansing Face Wash for that extra deep clean.
Aftercare: even with proper sun protection our skin is still prone to brown spots and blemishes. Ensuring your skin gets all the correct antioxidants and vitamins after a day out in the sun, we advise the Le Bleu Advanced Repair Tissue Oil. This tissue oil can be applied over the whole body helping to nourish skin, treat brown spots and blemishes and leaving you with a healthy glow.

Quantum physics

Quantum Physics & Essential Oils

24 January 202220 March 2022
by CvanStaden

The next time someone asks you what an essential oil can do, you can give then two answers. You can choose to give them the scientific description of the elements of the oil and the health benefits that are produced. Or, you can help them understand the quantum physics approach to the health benefits of essential oils.

Essential oils are natural organic substances which are produced in various parts of plants. Through the process of distillation, a simple essential oil undergoes a process of metamorphosis into a complex essential oil. Complex, because during the distillation process a number of new chemicals are formed by hydrolysis thus creating a whole new unique spectrum of chemical constituents.

Each essential oil, based upon these chemical constituents has a unique aroma as well as specific medicinal value. E.g. Lavender is soothing to the mind, is useful during stressful periods due to its content of a chemical known as Linalool. As an aroma, most individuals have a positive association and hence its ability to soothe and comfort.

When we smell lavender, for instance, its aroma enters our nasal passageway and an electro-chemical impulses is sent to the brain that interprets and perceives the odour. Impulses also reach the limbic system where olfactory signals activate smell related emotions and behaviours. Once the limbic system has received the odour impulse, it makes instant decisions and directs the resulting integrated somatic and sensory activity.

The limbic system is considered to be one of the oldest aspects of the human brain. According to quantum physics, at a subatomic level, matter and energy are interchangeable. Essential oils are therefore able to facilitate mind/body healing via their direct access into the limbic region of the brain.

What quantum physics is teaching us is that human thought and human intent affect the behaviour of electrons. Since every chemical and neural process in the human body involves the activity of electrons, we see that our bodily functions are not simply matters of traditional chemistry and classical physics – they are mental, emotional, and spiritual as well.

Aromatic substances have a direct impact upon our perception of the world and emotions. It is known that the same essential oil will have different effects on different people, and the usual explanation is that different people have different chemistries. But the real determining factor as to which potential action will manifest is definitely also affected by the attitudes of the receiver. Our thoughts won’t change the chemistry of an oil, but our thoughts can determine which aspects of the chemistry of that particular oil will work in our bodies.

Essential oils are merely a packet of possibilities and in a category all of their own—above and beyond the simple drugs, antibiotics, and antibacterial agents marketed by pharmacists and physicians. Essential oils have been available on earth since the creation of plant life and are imbued with the qualities and intent of their creator.

This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; but rather to inform readers about current scientific research into the many benefits of essential oils. Always seek expert advice before using essential oils.

Anti Ageing

The skin barrier – our body’s first line of…

24 January 202220 March 2022
by CvanStaden

Our skin is such a complicated yet sophisticated organ. All around the clock, it’s keeping you protected from external environmental stressors like microorganisms, pollution, UV rays, dust, gunk—the list goes on. It is made of many layers with an outermost barrier layer or also commonly known as the “skin barrier’. It is this barrier that acts like the first line of defence for your body.

Our skin barrier is part of the top layer of our skin called the stratum corneum. It is made up of corneocytes (skin cells) and lipid interface that glued them together. The lipid interface is made up of free fatty acids, cholesterol and ceramides. On their best state, this skin barrier will shed off their top layer which causes our skin natural exfoliation, keep our skin’s moisture intact and protect allergens from getting inside and causing irritation.

How does your skin barrier become damaged?

The bad news is that although the body is generally pretty good at protecting itself, when it comes to our skin barrier, modern life can really start to wear it down. Especially during the Coronavius epidemic the use of strong sanitizers can really negatively impact our skin. Redness, flakiness, tightness, itchiness, rough to the touch, fine lines, increased breakouts and rashes are all signs of a compromised barrier.

Possible causes of skin barrier damage

Signs of a compromised skin barrier are often mistaken for other skin concerns such as acne, rosacea and sun damage so it is really important to find the cause of the irritation. Look out for sudden or new changes in your skin and that would indicate that it something you are doing or in your environment.

The most common causes of a damaged skin barrier are:

Genetics
Age
Aggressive skincare habits, such as over-washing and over-exfoliating
Environmental aggressors, like UV exposure and pollution

How to Repair Your Skin Barrier

Less is more when we’re talking about your skin’s barrier, so go back to the basics. Overcomplicated routines are just asking for trouble – keep it simple for effective, nurturing skincare. Here are some helpful tips that can help with a healthy skin barrier:

Skincare routine: review your skincare habits and assess if it suits your skin type. If you have oily skin, cleansing in the morning and again at night might be fine. But if you have dry skin, you may be better off sticking to cleansing only at night and splashing your face with water in the morning.
Products: make sure you invest in a range of products that are as natural as possible and free from harmful chemicals. Jojoba oil (as found in our Le Bleu Advanced Repair Oil Serum) is most similar to the natural oils found in human skin (called ‘sebum’) and is high in Vitamins A, B complex and antioxidants. This makes it great oil for sensitive skin and to promote skin healing.
Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate: the single most important thing you can do to help heal your skin barrier is to keep it hydrated. Natural ingredients contain moisture as well as nutrients that nourish you skin. While products containing parabens only coats the skin with a thin layer that feels like it is doing something, but actually provides no moisture or nutrients to the skin. Hyaluronic Acid is one of the miracle ingredients (found in our Le Bleu Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing Seum) that provide deep hydration. And our Advanced Repair Body Butter is great for blemishes and problem skin.
Diet: we all know this one, but we forget that our skin needs nutrients in order to repair itself and fight off microorganisms. Try to slowly cut our sugars and fatty food and introduce more fresh fruit and vegetables. And most importantly drink lots of water, at least 8 glasses a day, to keep your body and skin hydrated from the inside.
External factors: it is not always possible to change external factors such air conditioning at work. But once you have identified the problem, you can implement measures to counteract.

Natural preservatives

The use of natural preservatives in cosmetics

23 January 202220 March 2022
by CvanStaden

Our ethos is to create only natural health and beauty products that are free from any harmful and artificial chemicals. We have done extensive research on preservatives and what to or not to use in our products. Clients regularly ask us for information on preservatives and we’ve made this handy guide to answer the most common questions.

Do cosmetic products really need preservatives?

Products that contain aqueous (water) ingredients need preservatives to delay the formation of fungi, yeast, bacteria and mold and to extend the shelf life of your product. Without a preservative, the shelf life of these products would only be a couple of days. Generally these would include lotions, creams and shampoos. Oil based products such pure essential oils, oil serums, massage oils, balms, tissue oils and so forth generally don’t need a preservative as they don’t contain any water.

Are there any ‘natural’ preservatives?

Short answer is no, not really. Vitamin E, rosemary extract and grapefruit seed extract is sometimes used as ‘natural’ preservatives, but they are in fact antioxidants and not preservatives. Antioxidants do assist fats and oils from going rancid, but they do not offer broad spectrum antimicrobial protection.

Natural substances that show antimicrobial activity are either not adequate for broad spectrum protection or they have undesirable qualities. Others, such as essential oils, require unsuitably high concentrations to be effective. Some have offensive odours or colours that would be unacceptable in skin care products. Many become inactivated by manufacturing procedures and other factors. So an all-natural preservative is not really an option.

What preservatives are considered natural and safe to use?

Like various products over the decades, preservatives have gotten themselves a bit of a bad rap. Studies have shown that substances which release formaldehydes and parabens can be harmful if exposure is sustained over long periods of time.

The good news is that the beauty industry has come a long way and there are now many preservatives on the market that are considered safe as they are either derived from natural sources or are nature identical. Many of them carry certification from bodies such as Ecocert and have undergone rigorous testing.

While there are many options to choose from, listed below is some of the most popular natural preservatives on the market. Always check the product label as the preservative should be specified on the ingredients list.

Geogard 221 is one of the most popular liquid broad spectrum preservative and it is ECOCERT approved for use in natural and organic formulas.
Euxyl PE is a phenoxyethanol based liquid broad spectrum preservative and also Ecocert approved.
Geogard Ultra is a relative of Geogard 221 but in powder form. It is also broad spectrum, ECOCERT approved and globally accepted.
Potassium sorbate is a natural preservative for cosmetics and food. It can be used in a wide variety of products including makeup, skin care products, hair care products, bath products, nail polish, fragrances, oral care products, spermicides, and insect repellents.
Citric acid is not considered a preservative in itself, but is often used alongside another preservative such as potassium sorbate. Citric acid is mostly used as a pH adjuster as it has a pH of around 2.2 which is very low. In low pH levels, certain preservatives do work better and yeast and mold activity can be limited.

What factors to consider when choosing a preservative?

A producer of cosmetics or beauty products needs to keep the following in mind when selecting a preservative:

Amount needed as preservatives are typically only used in very small amounts, anywhere from 0.5 – 2% of the formula.
A preservative must offer broad spectrum protection against bacteria, mold and yeast.
The pH level of the product.
How sterile is the equipment used during production?
Are all the ingredients compatible with each other?
Is heat used somewhere in the production process?
Is the final product stored in sealed container in a cool and dry environment?

Armed with the right knowledge on the correct use of preservatives; you as a consumer can make an informed choice when selecting which cosmetics to buy.

Essential Oils

Essential Oils vs. Extracts

22 January 202220 March 2022
by CvanStaden

Both, essential oils and plant extracts, can be used in natural skin care products. However, it is the essential oils that carry the most beneficial and medicinal properties, the best ones being the anti-inflammatory ones and other powerful properties that can help treat and prevent skin ailments. Extracts don’t contain medicinal properties and are mainly used for flavouring or perfumes.

The process of extraction

The different of Essential oil and Extract are the process of extracting it. Both are extracted from different parts of the plants and is therefore both natural. The process of acquiring a plant’s essential oil is a bit more complex as it must be obtained through distillation.

Essential Oil

The plant’s primary aromatic features (its leaves, flowers, and roots) go through a steam distillation process to extract the oil. The liquid that is obtained in the process is called the plant essence or hydrosol (such as Buchu Elixir). The very small quantity of volatile oil that is left behind is the essential oil. It takes a larger amount of plant parts to get a small amount of essential oil, which explains why essential oils are more expensive than extracts.

Did you know? It requires about 10 000 roses to distill approximately 5 ml of pure rose essential oil.

Extracts

When plant materials are soaked into liquids such as water or alcohol solutions for a longer period of time in order to infuse their flavors, medicinal properties and aroma to the liquid, then they are called extracts. Extracts are typically used for perfumes, but they can also be used for cooking or as part of medicine (tinctures). In skincare where water is needed to make a product, such as a cream or lotion, it could be beneficial to use a water-based extract to enhance the product.

Benefits

Essential oils are highly concentrated, very volatile, and much stronger in aroma. Through the process of distillation, a simple essential oil undergoes a process of metamorphosis into a complex essential oil. Each essential oil has a unique aroma as well as main medicinal value, but consists out of a spectrum of chemical constituents. This can include a range of vitamins, essential fatty acids, antioxidants and antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Marine Collagen

Pure Marine Collagen

22 January 202219 March 2022
by CvanStaden

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It’s found in our tendons, ligaments, skin, muscles, bones, and blood vessels—and it plays a vital role in maintaining our overall structural integrity. Unfortunately, our bodies produce about 1% less collagen with each passing year, and we’re consuming far less of it from natural sources than we used to. That is why is a good idea to include a collagen supplement in your diet.

So what is marine collagen?

There is a minimum of 16 different collagen types found in the human body, but 90% of these collagen proteins are types 1, 2, and 3. Each of these individual types of collagen has a slightly different function in the body and originate from different sources. Much of the marine collagen (or sometimes called fish collagen) sold today is derived from fish like cod or snapper, specifically the skin and scales of these fish. Marine Collagen has the greatest abundance of type 1 collagen. Type 1 collagen peptides are the most abundant collagen in the human body; Type I is the building block for beautiful skin, flexible connective tissues and strong bones.

Where do the fish in marine collagen come from?

Marine collagen can come from two different sources: wild-caught fish and aquaculture fish. Wild-caught fish are caught by fishermen in their natural environment, such as oceans, rivers and lakes. Aquaculture fish are sourced from farm-raised populations, such as cultivated fishery installations. Fish farmers can play a role in the rearing process to enhance production. Wild-caught and farm-raised sources are complementary. Balancing the two sources and treating them with equal respect can help us to feed the world.

How is it made?

It begins with a natural process of extracting gelatin from the raw material (skin and scales of fish), which contains native collagen. Once the collagen protein is removed, it’s broken down into smaller units of protein (or collagen peptides) through a process called hydrolysis (why you’ll also hear these referred to as hydrolysed collagen). These smaller bits make it so marine collagen peptides easily dissolve in hot or cold liquids, which makes it great for adding to your morning coffee, smoothie, or oatmeal. And yes, it’s odorless and tasteless.

What are the benefits of taking marine collagen?

Promotes healthy skin & anti-ageing effects

Animal research has found that consuming marine collagen maintains dermal thickness on mice by promoting the number and activity of skin fibroblasts, or cells in the dermis that produce collagen and other fibers—and research on humans seems to confirm this effect.* In one study, women who took a supplement containing hydrolysed Type I collagen derived from tilapia had better supported skin with diminished appearance of lines, photo-aging, and better maintained moisture levels.*

Antioxidant Protection

Marine collagen contains several amino acids: lysine, glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. Proline and glycine play important antioxidant roles by protecting against free radicals that cause cell damage. Hydroxyproline is made into glycine and it may help regulate a cell’s oxidative state. Preclinical studies show that marine collagen protects against oxidative skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light (sunlight).

Promotes healthy bone growth & strength

In cell culture, ingesting marine collagen increases collagen synthesis and helps incorporate minerals into the bone matrix. In addition, marine collagen supplementation significantly increases the size and mineral density of femur bones. Bone strength depends not only on the quantity of bone tissue but also on the quality, which is altered by its geometry, shape, mineral content and composition, and its collagen microstructure. In cell culture, marine collagen improves collagen quality while supplementation in animals significantly increases bone mineral density and toughness.

Improves Protein Intake and Body Composition

Optimal dietary protein intake beneficially impacts weight management, lean body mass, muscle repair, and immune function, among other benefits. It is also essential to maximize athletic performance by helping to build muscle and improve workout performance and recovery. Marine collagen is a pure protein with no fat or carbohydrate to dilute its impact. In addition, the protein building block, proline, more than any other amino acid, is needed for whole body protein synthesis. Therefore, marine collagen’s proline coontent can help increase lean body mass.