It is now officially Autumn but it seems like we are having four seasons in one week of late. Does the crazy weather impact your skin?

A few tips you may like to keep in mind as we transition from one season to the next.

• There has been high humidity and moisture in the air over the past month. This may cause your skin to become oilier than usual and may even cause breakouts. If you are noticing the change in your skin you may need to adjust your cleanser for a few weeks to get your skin under control or until the weather changes again.
• Sometimes with the extra moisture also we see an increase in insect and mosquito bites on the skin. Try to prevent these bites from becoming infected by keeping the area clean with soap and water and most importantly try not to scratch!! (Cutting the fingernails can do wonders).
• During the season transition keep up the water intake. With all the wet weather about it can be easy to forget we still need to keep our water intake up. I now have a little sign above my desk reminding me to get up, walk about and have a drink of water. Having a little sign at the kitchen sink too is another reminder idea.
• Finally, just because the weather is starting to become a little duller it doesn’t mean our skin should. Exfoliate at least once a week to remove excess dead skin cells to reveal smooth, luminous skin. Removing them will also help new skin cells development.

How are you fairing as we move from summer to Autumn? Our thoughts are with those affected by the crazy weather and floods.

If you pick up many of our Sanctum body products and read the ingredients, often the first ingredient on the list is Aloe Leaf Juice (Aloe barbadensis Leaf Juice).

As you probably guessed, Aloe Leaf Juice come from the Aloe Vera plant. Many of you may have Aloe Vera growing in your garden or may remember it from your Grandma’s garden as I do. There are over 200 different varieties of Aloe plant around the globe, Aloe Vera being the most know.

Aloe is a tropical succulent plant made up of thick, light green rubber like leaves and can grow both outdoors and indoors. It doesn't mind a fair bit of water and loves lots of sunshine. Up here in sub tropical Byron Bay, NSW, Australia it thrives in many gardens without very much looking after at all (my kind of plant!!).

The inside of the Aloe leaf is a thick, sticky, gel like sap and this is where all the goodness is held.

DID YOU KNOW: Aloe is said to be one of the beauty secrets of Cleopatra

Aloe Vera contains a rich source of amino acids, vitamins A, C, F, B, niacin and traces of Vitamin B12 - pretty potent plant, no wonder it has such a long history of healing and treating the skin!

Aloe Vera has significant moisturising, protective and regenerative properties. It is used in many skincare products as it helps supports the natural balance of the skin and has both anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. Aloe is also ideal for after sun care due to its cooling and soothing properties.

We use an Aloe Vera that has been grown and processed organically.

**LIMITED TIME SPECIAL OFFER**

We have a special offer happening this week (21/01/12-27/01/12), purchase 2 or more Sanctum products online and receive a free 200gm Sanctum Organic Body Soothe valued at $16.95. A  great offer to celebrate Australia Day from an 100% Australian owned and operated business - Sanctum Organic Skincare.

NB: Product will be automatically added into your order when it is packed.

Check out the online store here, if you have any questions please email us at enquiries@sanctumaustralia.com

Image credit: aeypix

This post gives you seven practical tips on how to keep your body and skin hydrated and looking fresh throughout summer. Although it has been quite a mild start to the summer in many parts of Australia so far, I am sure soon enough we will be enjoying the sunshine and the heat.

When we talk about keeping hydrated think about what you can do for the inside of your body as well as the outside. Your skin is the largest organ in the human body. It is there to protect our insides and keep out infection, it is very important for your whole body to keep your skin healthy. One key thing you can do to promote a healthy body and healthy skin is keep hydrated and here’s how;

DRINK WATER. Of course the first tip is to drink water. But more than just drink water, drink water regularly. Make it a habit and a routine such as getting up in the morning and having a full glass of water. Keeping a drink bottle with you throughout the day is another great way to reach your daily water intake. It is also important to remember to drink water before you start exercise as well as during and after exercise.

EAT FRESH. Eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and salads.Give your body the fuel and nutrients via vitamins and minerals in the foods you eat to do its job. To be able to absorb the water you are drinking, produce healthy cells and support your immune system.

LIMIT ALCOHOL. Avoid excessive alcohol, I know it can be hard during the holiday season. Alcohol can act as a diuretic making you urinate more this dehydrating you. If you drink in moderation you will look and feel better and your skin will certainly thank you.

DAY MOISTURISER. Using a day moisturiser acts as a barrier between our skin and the environment (sun, wind, air conditioning, pollution) providing important hydration and protection from the elements. Make moisturising your body as well as your face part of your morning routine.

NIGHT MOISTURISER. At night while we sleep, our skin naturally rejuvenates itself and benefits from the support of a suitable moisturiser which can enhance this process. When washing or cleansing your face of an evening, also apply a suitable night cream or moisturiser to work on your skin while you are alsleep.

FULL BODY MASSAGE. Having a full body massage using body oil or body balm can be great for your skin. It serves three purposes, firstly massaging moisturising body balm top to toe both hydrates and protects the skin. Secondly, massage can help release toxins from your muscles so a full body massage followed by drinking water to flush out those toxins can be great for keeping your body hydrated and healthy and thirdly, massage can be beneficial for blood circulation which transports oxygen all throughout the body.

AVOID SUNBURN. According to Wikipedia a sunburn is a burn to living tissue through over exposure to UV radiation. Sounds serious, well it is, especially in Australia where two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70. Avoid getting sunburnt by taking extra care when enjoying the outdoors between 10am and 3pm when UV rays are at their strongest. Also remember to Slip, Slop, Slap and Slide (that is slide on some sunglasses).

Consider carrying a hydrating mist in your handbag. If you need an instant refresh a mist can hydrate and re-energise your skin simply and quickly.

Enjoy and feel free to add any of your own tips in the comments below.

To view the Sanctum Organic range visit the website here .

Sanctum Certified Organic Soap

• Made from the finest certified organic and natural ingredients
• All ingredients sourced only from sustainable agricultural farming methods
• Medicinal grade, therapeutic plant and herbal extracts
• Soothing essential oils
• 100% recycled packaging
• Valued at $4.95

VISIT THE ONLINE STORE HERE

This special Christmas gift will be automatically added to any orders placed online between 14/12/11 – 16/12/11.

Body Soothe

For all over body hydration spoil yourself with this light, nourishing lotion. Absorbs quickly into the skin for instant hydration. Locks in moisture for a radiant, natural glow.

Features certified organic Aloe Leaf Juice, Chamomile Flower Extract, Avocado Oil, Calendula Flower Extract, Macadamia Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil and more.

Great for all skin types.

Check out the online store here.

Merry Christmas

Image credit: Simon Howden

Originating from Europe, the Calendula flower is seen in many gardens across the world. Just like a sunflower, the Calendula flower follows the sun throughout the day. I am always amazed when I see flowers like this in the garden, moving with the sunshine. There is a scientific reason why certain flowers do follow the sun but I think knowing takes the romance out of it....

Calendula Flower Extract has been used throughout history as a culinary and medicinal herb. It is known mainly for its anti-inflammatory properties for the skin as well as soothing and anti-viral qualities.

According to Wikipedia the petals of this flower are edible and can be used fresh in salads.

We at Sanctum uses a certified organic Calendula Flower Extract in many of our products including the Sanctum baby shampoo and wash, the Sanctum purifying foam cleaner, gentle face exfoliant, soothing cream cleanser and the popular tone and refreshing mist.

The Sanctum tone and refreshing mist is one of those great summer handbag products. Designed to tone, firm and hydrate your skin with a simple spray as well as giving a general refresh and peep me up. As mentioned, organic Calendula Flower extract is a key ingredient in this mist but it also features certified organic Aloe Leaf juice, Cucumber extract, Rose flower water, Chamomile flower extract and other delicious natural and organic ingredients.

Sanctum Tone and Refresh Mist

Sanctum is proud to offer pure certified organic products researched, developed and created in the pristine unspoiled Byron Bay shire of Australia.

For more details on any of our products or ingredients please click through to the Sanctum website or feel free to drop us a note via Twitter or Facebook.

Sanctum has been in the market place for close to 20 years, it is a family owned and operated business and like many businesses, Sanctum Organic Skincare has evolved through hard work and passion.

Much of that passion has come from a care and concern for nature and the environment, which living and working in Byron Bay, Australia is easy to appreciate.

At Sanctum we have been working to change our packaging to further fit with our ‘sustainable organics’ philosophy. We are very proud to announce that Sanctum now uses 100% fully biodegradable packaging across all the tubes in our product range. This new packaging is both biodegradable and/or recyclable. The vast majority of Sanctum products are packaged in tubes (around 90%) with the remainder in airless pumps and bottles that are recyclable.

According to “Clean up Australia’, Australia is one of the largest producers of waste in the world per head of population. Australia is second only to the United States sending between 18 - 41 million tones of rubbish to landfill every year. ‘Clean up Australia’ says the best way to reduce waste is to avoid it in the first place and if you can’t avoid waste then recycle it.

All packaging used across the Sanctum range can be recycled. If the biodegradable tubes do end up in landfill they will fully decompose from anywhere between 9 months up to a maximum of 5 years.

Compare this to a plastic bag that takes 20 years plus, some say up to 1000 years to decompose and a plastic container that can take between 20 - 80 years to decompose.

We hope you will feel as proud as we do in this shift and feel confident in purchasing Sanctum Organic Skincare and our ongoing commitment to the environment.

Argan Oil, also known as Moroccan Oil, is used on the hair for treatment and management, is rich in essential nutrients and has a unique quality of instant absorption.

This certified organic oil, comes from the Moroccan Argan tree which bears a fruit, a delicacy for tree climbing goats, they then eat the fruit but leave the hard nut untouched. These nuts are gathered by locals who extract the Moroccan Oil / Argan Oil from the kernels via a cold pressing process.

Sanctum Conditioner features Organic Argan Oil

Sanctum’s Shampoo for treated hair and new Conditioner for treated hair, feature a light formula suitable for all hair types, leaving no traces of residue.

Both products hydrate and restore shine, strengthen coloured, permed or damaged hair, condition and protect it against UV damage and other environmental factors, and also reduce drying time.

Sanctum is super excited to launch this new product - you can check it out on the Sanctum website here. Let us know what you think?

Sanctum is one of the original pioneers in the Australian natural and organic sector, and each product has been accredited Choose Cruelty Free, registered vegan with the UK based Vegan Society and certified organic by an independent government approved body.

Inspired by the elements of the sea and hinterland surrounding Byron Bay, Australia, Sanctum is created from only the finest organic and natural ingredients.

Sanctum products do not contain:

Harmful pesticide residues

Petrochemicals

Synthetic substances

Artificial fragrances and colours

A range of other potentially harmful additives

To browse Sanctum’s entire website visit: www.sanctumaustralia.com.

Talks, seminars, cooking classes, live music, a kids zone and even vegan speed dating will feature throughout the day. Sanctum has donated product sachets for the World Vegan Day show bags that can be picked while at the event.

Each of Sanctum's product range has been accredited Choose Cruelty Free, registered vegan with the UK based Vegan Society and certified organic by an independent government approved body.

Everyone is invited to attend World Vegan Day and you can hit their website for more details http://www.wvd.org.au

"Veganism denotes a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practical, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose."

Mike supplies Sanctum with certified organic extra virgin cold pressed macadamia oil and raw, certified organic macadamia meal for a range of Sanctum products. Macadamia oil's INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name is Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil.

Sanctum has been working with Mike since 2008. We chatted to Mike about why he choses to farm organically.

“I bought an organic farm because I was going to (and do) live on it and I didn’t want to expose myself, pets, workers or the environment to toxic chemicals.”

“Generally, I try to avoid or minimize my use of chemicals. I often, but not exclusively, buy organic meat, fruit, nuts, dried fruit, dairy products and vegetables. I try to use “greener” washing and cleaning products.”

“I’m not a zealot about it, but when asked I point out to people that organic products are not just (arguably) better for them, but they are definitely better for the people that produce them and the environment.”

Credit: Free photos from acobox.com

This concern, not just for his own wellbeing but those of his workers and of future generations, is really admirable.

The key point of “(organic products are) definitely better for the people that produce them” should be enough motivation to choose organic. Once the demand is there from the consumer, the supply will follow.

“Hopefully in a generation or two, people will look back on the time after World War II when chemical companies dumped chemicals like endosulfan onto farmers to spray on our food, with incredulity” states Mike.

Macadamia Seed Oil is used in many of the Sanctum range including; Sanctum Night Conditioning Cream, HY C Intensive Repair Cream, Firming Eye Balm, On The Spot Blemish Treatment and the popular Sanctum Body Soothe.

Sanctum Body Soothe

Macadamia Oil is high in antioxidants and is known for its moisturising and soothing qualities. Research has found macadamias to be high in palmitoleic acid which is naturally found in the human skin but diminishes as we get older. Using products with macadamia oil can be especially beneficial for dry or mature skin. Macadamia oil is absorbed quickly and easily into the skin protecting and moisturising.

Mike is from Byron Macadamias - Organic macadamias grown in the hinterland of Byron Bay. Sanctum is proud to work with such a high quality, local, certified organic producer.

For more details on Sanctums products please visit our website , sign up to our newsletter here or "like" us on Facebook.

Rosemary leaf extract is mainly known for its effect on promoting and stimulating the body’s circulation. Because of this quality we use it in a variety of our products including Sanctum Certified Organic Shampoo, improving circulation to the scalp area and promote healthy hair growth.

Fresh Rosemary - photo credit Michelle Meiklejohn

Due to the positive effect on the circulatory system, rosemary leaf extract also features in the Sanctum Body Buff, Body Soothe and Body Spa products, all applied directly to the skin stimulating circulation and soothing tired muscles, rosemary has also been praised for its cellulite reduction qualities.

Rosemary is linked to improved memory and clarity of the mind. Fresh rosemary can be great to add to your bath to aid in both the relaxation of tired mussels and clearing the mind of daily stresses.

Pop a few drops of rosemary oil on a tissue under your pillow at night for pleasant dreams.

Sanctum Australia ;-)