Other Questions

 
How do I care for my organic skincare products?
One reason organic skincare products are chosen is for the fact that they are so natural. Most customers understand that natural ingredients are more likely to spoil than synthetic ones. For this reason, it is important to take a few precautions:

• Make sure clean fingers are used when taking out daily applications or (better still) use a clean spatula to remove the required amount.
• Ensure the product is finished within the period indicated on the jar (this is the number in the ‘open jar icon’ followed by a ‘M’ for months).

It’s always best to use up a product rather than storing it half used for an extended period of time as any contaminants will proliferate if left in peace.

Storing product in the fridge when not in daily use is advisable.

back to top

 
I am getting married soon. What do I need to do to get my skin looking perfect for the wedding?
Ideally, preparations begin 6 months before the wedding date. A qualified therapist can advise the bride and bridegroom on the correct products to get the best results.

Facial treatments with Esse products should ideally be done monthly for five months before the wedding.

In the month prior to the wedding a facial should be done two and a half weeks before the wedding then again two or three days before the wedding date.

The better the condition of the skin the more confident the bride and bridegroom will feel. Makeup looks and holds better on a well hydrated, balanced skin.

The night before the wedding use the Esse cream mask. The cream mask contains stable and available sources of vitamins A, B, E and C which have been shown to improve skin structure and aid cell regeneration. It has a softening, brightening effect on the skin. This can also be applied around the eye area to hydrate and soften fine lines.

On the day the Esse sunblock can be used as a primer for make up. This should be applied at least ½ hour before the application of make up to allow the oils from the sunblock to be absorbed. The zinc in the sunblock reflects light back off the skin providing a softening effect on fine lines and wrinkles.

back to top

I am pregnant. What cosmetic ingredients should I avoid?
Yes – Esse products are safe to use during your pregnancy

Some ingredients to avoid are listed below.

Phthalates

Phthalates are used in personal care products as part of the fragrance component. They are also used in PVC plastics as plasticizers.

Companies do not have to declare this ingredient in their ingredients list as it falls under the parfum / fragrance listing.

In May 2006 researchers found that there was an adverse effect on male foetal development in women who were exposed to phthalates during pregnancy (1). This study was conducted within the limits of normal phthalate exposure levels. This is concerning because in another study of 289 U.S. men and women it was found that women of childbearing age had the highest levels of phthalate breakdown products in their urine (2). The same study found that the largest contributor was di-ethyl phthalate, which is the phthalate used in personal care products.

Parabens

A 2007 study proved that parabens inhibited testosterone activity (3). This demonstrates that parabens have “antiandrogenic properties and could impact on human reproductive health”. More specifically the concern was that exposure to parabens in the womb could impact on the sperm count of a male child later in life.

back to top

 
I have a client with eczema/dermatitis on her face around her nose. Can she use the Esse range?
Yes – your client can use Esse

The nasolabial fold is a very common area for dermatitis. It is not easy to establish the cause of such a condition and the cause is often multi-faceted. Try to find out about a multitude of extrinsic elements such as the environment, work/play and lifestyle that the client experiences. (See questions below)

The tissue oil is very healing – however, with some clients the dryness will persist for at least two weeks before healing begins. It is best to use a moisturizer over the tissue oil. The Tissue Oil and Ultra Moisturiser are the correct products. Clients have also had great success with applying the eye cream to sites of dermatitis. To completely heal this area the extrinsic cause would also need to be addressed.

Dermatitis in the nasolabial fold area is common especially during pregnancy and during any hormonal change in the body. Remember hormonal changes can be brought about by job promotion, moving house etc – not always obvious reasons.

Find out the following from the client

• Has she been on any medication which may have altered the pH of the skin i.e. antibiotics
• Does she drink enough water or does she drink a lot of tea or coffee or alcohol
• Is she on a ‘fat free’ diet
• Does she supplement with essential fatty acids
• Does she have a fast trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) – forehead looks ‘wet’
• Does she use poor quality cosmetics i.e. old foundation or sun protection
• Is the lymphatic system impaired – fluid retention in hands, feet or puffy eyes. Tingling hot feet at night, heavy legs.

 
back to top

What are key ingredients should I look out for or avoid when selecting a product for dehydrated skin?
Look out for low molecular mass (LMW) Hyaluronic acid (HA) and omega oils. Such as that found in the Esse Serum and Eye & Lip Cream. The penetration of LMW HA is superior to standard HA. Hyaluronic acid increases hydration in the skin. It is hydrophilic and functions like a sponge retaining moisture and ensuring the correct viscosity of the extracellular fluid of the dermis. HA also interrupts the cytokine cascade and, therefore, reduces inflammation.

Omega oils slow down trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) and help retain water within the skin. The application of humectants will help reduce the evaporation of fluids. Avoid cleansing agents that contain harsh surfactants.

back to top

Which ingredients should I avoid if I have sensitive skin?
The most commonly known sensitizers are synthetic fragrance, synthetic preservatives and surfactants. Avoid the following ingredients

• Parabens
• Ethoxylated ingredients
• Synthetic fragrance
• Synthetic colours
• Petrochemicals or mineral oils
• Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulphate

back to top

Why do you use hydrogenated oil? I have heard this ingredient may not be safe, please explain.
Ingredients have a legal way in which they are listed. This can be misleading in that often harmless ingredients come across as risky and other times risky ingredient can appear quite harmless. So as a consumer it is sometimes difficult to know.

The hydrogenated oil in Esse acts as a natural thickening agent. Our source however is hydrogenated through a heat controlled process to prevent the formation of trans fats (which are what all the health concerns are about). Unfortunately some bulk suppliers for the food industry do not use this heat controlled process which results in trans fat formation and gives hydrogenation its bad reputation. It is listed in the same way on official ingredient lists so there is no way of knowing unless you follow up. We receive a Certificate of Analysis with every delivery of every raw material so we do ensure the source is ethical.

We have to be particularly vigilant of our sources as we are audited externally every year by EcoCert. Apart from this. the ethis of our brand is based on safe, effective skincare so we would never put out customers health at risk.

back to top