Akoma’s Day out of the Office: Visiting St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Derby
The sun shone last Friday afternoon (10/06/2011) on us all, as we went along to St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Derby. Akoma went to St Joseph’s School and participated in their annual summer fair. It was a lovely day as the children put on their displays of gymnastics and the school choir provided some lovely music and song to our ears. We also enjoyed the tasteful food cooked on the BBQ and watched the children materialise with faces painted as lions and showing off their fake tattoos.

Akoma displayed their Certified Fairtrade and Organic Raw Shea Butter and African Black Soap from Ghana. It was lovely to learn that the children knew about Fairtrade and the significance of the mark. We shared with the children and their parents the story about the Akoma Cooperative Multipurpose Society and the journey of Akoma’s Raw Shea Butter and Ghanaian Black Soap.

They were intrigued how the lovely creamy Shea Butter derived from the Shea Nut. They were equally interested on how the money from our Fairtrade products was used to pay for the women of the Akoma Cooperative and their families, medical insurance. In addition, we explained and showed them how the Fairtrade premium provided cloth to make the children’s school uniform.

We had fun, allowing the children to touch, feel, smell and try the Shea Butter and Black Soap. In addition, having the photographs depicting the story of shea butter from the Akoma Cooperative, having the shea nuts and products to try, made the experience of learning fun for all. Yes, it was a great day out of the office, must have a few more of these.

Best wishes,
Joanne

Babassu Oil has been compared to Coconut Oil. I love coconut oil and use this myself in cooking and as a hair product for moisturising my scalp and hair. Traditionally Babassu Oil was used in cooking, but now it is found to have more uses. It has many qualities besides just being a wonderful moisturising oil. It can be used for ailments such as eczema, dry and itchy skin and also being beneficial for the scalp. I have not yet tried this for my own eczema, as the Hemp Oil seems to be doing wonders for my skin and I am almost scarred to stray away from this at the moment as I want to experience the full benefits of Hemp.

However, the Babassu Oil is known to have five fatty acids and Vitamin E which we know is wonderful for healing the skin due to reducing inflammation and helps with the renewing of skin cells. Never mind the eczema, this sounds perfect for anti- ageing!

Not only is this oil great for dry skin but also for those who have oily skin. This is due to the oil not leaving a residue on the surface of the skin but tends to balance the skins natural oils and is absorbent. Sounds perfect!
I also found out that this oil tends to be good in soaps and shampoos. This is due to the cleansing properties and not stripping the natural oils from the skin or hair. I may have to try this on my own scalp and hair, to moisturise my naturally curly hair that tends to suffer from dryness.

So this little wonder sounds good enough to try on its own, in creams, soaps and shampoos. What more can I ask for?

Until next time,

Joanne

This powerful oil is from the Arnica flower, found in the mountains of Siberia and Europe. It is also cultivated in North America and Canada. This aromatic lubricant is made from an infusion of the arnica flowers and oil. The oil is suitable for treatments such as swellings, bruises, sprains, muscle fatigue, rheumatic pain and aching muscles. Sounds just the job after a hard day’s work or a work out in the gym. Better still could have therapeutic results for those who do suffer minor injuries.

Although this oil sounds just the thing to have around but it does come with a bit of a warning. This oil is only to be used externally on unbroken skin. Otherwise it may cause irritation to the skin. Especially with the prospect of causing skin irritation such as peeling, eczema and other skin conditions if used over a period of time.

Like most skin care products and oils used for the first time this should definitely be tested on the skin. When testing, patch test on the skin either the inside he inside of the elbow or behind the ear. You may want to do this for a minimum of 72 hours. If irritation occurs discontinue using. This treatment oil should not be continuously used without seeking qualified specialist advice, such as from a qualified herbalist.
Despite this warning do not forget its therapeutic uses, especially if diluted for message, creams and compresses. Ensure it is used externally on unbroken skin and not internally. This oil is for the medical cabinet and to be used with some sort of educational knowledge.

Thanks Joanne

I have decided to firstly look at Andiroba Oil, a new addition to the Akoma range of carrier oils. This golden colour oil with its earthy smell intrigues me, mainly because of its many uses.

Andiroba Oil derives from the Andiroba tree, normally found in the Amazon rainforest. However, it has been reported the trees are cultivated in Brazil. The rich oil is extracted from the seeds or kernels found in the nut, resembling a chestnut. Indigenous people have been using the oil for centuries in its pure format or mixed with other oils or other parts of the tree. Used as an insect repellent for topical diseases, skin wounds, to relive arthritis and rheumatism. In addition, tea was made from the bark of the tree to relieve fever.

I found that this oil has a lot of beneficial and therapeutic properties for healing and moisturizing the skin. Some additional uses for Andiroba Oil is the treatment of eczema (may give this one a try on my own eczema), acne, psoriasis and as an insect repellent. Furthermore, I found this multipurpose oil could be used to relax muscles (maybe perfect for message), reduce inflammation and used as a basis in moisturizers.
The information present about this oil is endless so what I present is just the tip of the ice berg. I feel this oil is one to have in the first aid box. But as the summer holiday season is not too far away, to keep those mosquitoes and insects away maybe Andiroba Oil should be first on that all important holiday list!

Thanks
Joanne

Akoma Oils

From my own research I was a little overwhelmed by the amount of information available out there. So I decided to look at some of the main points. If any of you would also like to make a comment please do, as it will help all our customers especially to those who are new to using carrier oils for the first time.

It was found carrier oils are extracted from the fatty part of the plant such as the nut, seeds and kernels. The oil can be old pressed without the use of heat. However, a limited about of heat can be produced due to the friction caused when extracting the oil. I am amazed by all the different oils, having their own unique characteristics, having essential vitamins, nutrients and fatty acids. If oils are extracted at a high temperature the valuable nutrients in the oil are likely to be damaged.

Some factors that determine the price of carrier oils is how the oil is extracted, the type of plant and the quantity you buy. In addition, organic oils tend to be more expensive. When purchasing your oils it is advisable to buy the amount based on how long the oil last and the amount you will use within the shelf life. In addition, store your oils in dark bottles in a cool place ideally away from heat sources. It is important to look after your oils as they can go rancid and deteriorate.

There is a lot more information to be read about carrier oils I have merely scratched the surface. However, understanding the basics is a start. My next blog I will research Andiroba Oil (Cold Pressed) recently introduced and available from Akoma.

Take Care
Joanne

Combination_skin

Clay Face Mask for Oily Skin

Ingredients required
• 2 tablespoons of green clay
• 1 teaspoon of aloe vera juice
• ½ teaspoon of jojoba oil
• 1 drop of Lemon oil
• 1 drop of Tea Tree oil

Instructions
• Mix the green clay, aloe vera juice, jojoba oil, lemon oil, tea tree oil and add fresh water until you have a creamy smooth paste.
• Spread carefully and evenly with your fingertips on your face and neck avoiding the eye area.
• Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes
• Rinse with lukewarm water
• Pat dry and apply your everyday moisturiser

Clay Face Mask for Dry Skin

Ingredients required
• 2-3 oz. white Kaolin Clay
• 1 tablespoon Corn flour
• Fresh water
• 1 teaspoon Argan oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Apricot kernel oil
Instructions
• Mix the clay, cornflower, Argan oil, apricot kernel oil and some water until you have a smooth creamy paste.
• Spread the paste gently and evenly with your fingertips on your face and neck keeping the eye area clear
• Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes
• Rinse it off with lukewarm water then pat your skin dry with a towel. Apply a moisturizer.

Clay Face Mask for Mature Skin

Ingredients required
• 1 ounce red clay
• 2 teaspoons finely ground oatmeal
• 3 tablespoons rosewater
• 1 teaspoon argan oil
• 1 drop Frankincense essential oil
• 1 drop Geranium essential oil
• 1 drop Rose essential oil
Instructions
• Mix the clay and oatmeal in a container.
• Add the rosewater and argan oil, mix until you have a thick paste.
• Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
• Avoiding the eye area spread the paste over your clean, slightly damp face and neck.
• Leave for 10-15mins
• Rinse off well with lukewarm water pat dry with a towel and apply your moisturiser

Clay Face mask for Acne skin

Ingredients required
• 1 ounce green clay
• 3 tablespoons aloe Vera juice
• 1 teaspoon tea tree water
• 2 drops Lavender essential oil
• 1 drop Orange essential oil
• 1 drop tea tree essential oil
Instructions
• Mix the green clay and aloe Vera juice in a bowl
• Add the tea tree water, mix in well to form a thick creamy paste.
• Add the essential oils, stir well
• Avoiding the eye area spread the mixture over your clean, slightly damp face and neck
• Leave for 10-15mins
• Rinse off well with warm water before applying your moisturizer

Thanks
Muriel

Why are you staring at my hands?

Since reading about the various treatments and using quite a few of creams stating suitable for eczema sufferers, I have now started experimenting making my own treatment. Not perfected and still a long way to go. I have tried many creams, some I may say worked and some well known products aggravated my eczema so much there were times the skin on my hands were hot, itchy and red raw. Not very attractive and drove me mad. The day when relief came is when I decided to stop using those creams that aggravated my skin. I also visited a Chinese herbalist. After drinking some concoction and bathing in as I describe it, herbal water made from a mixture of leaves, I did see a difference. My skin did heal after a period of time. I can only assume I was cleansed from the inside out. This makes me wonder about my not so healthy diet.

As it was recommended by one of our customers I have been using and taking hemp oil. I must say it is an acquired taste, may try the capsules next time. I have also devised my own cream. I decided to do this with having using Hemp cream before and thought I will try and make my own. So I mixed Akoma’s certified Raw Shea Butter, Coconut Oil Virgin Organic (Food Grade) Cold Pressed and Organic Virgin Cold Pressed Hemp Oil. I must say this creation is lovely on my skin and very moisturising. However, I am still yet to perfect this to get the right balance of each ingredient.

My next educational experience is to understand a little more about the various oils out there. This could mean I may be onto a winner in knowing what is suitable for my skin type. So please remember if you want to share your knowledge please do so as we love to hear from our customers own experiences.

Take Care
Joanne

Why are you staring at my hands?

 research on how to control and ease the symptoms. Also I have received some very good suggestions from our loyal customers. So thank you all for your feedback.

When it comes to bathing it has been advised to bath in warm water, not too hot. Using a mild soap and moisturising well after bathing. In fact keeping the skin moist is a must. This creates a barrier and locks in moisture into the skin.

Secondly, trying to avoid synthetic material and wool as these can irritate the skin. I have found wearing cotton clothing works best for me. Even if I wear long sleeve cotton tops underneath jumpers in the winter has worked. In addition, cotton allows the skin to breathe so we do not over heat.

It has been recommended to avoid foods that cause an allergic reaction. As I pointed this out in my previous blog, I have found that certain foods are not agreeable with me. Unfortunately it’s the foods I like. Time for new vices! In addition, from my own personal experience I wear protective gloves lined with cotton to avoid coming in contact with cleaning products and preventing irritation from household cleaning gloves.

I have read the use of perfumed products can irritate eczema. So limiting the use of perfumed products, such as soaps, body creams, lotions and body sprays. I tend to go chemical free wherever possible, even when using sun cream lotion.

Something I could learn to do and have read about that is beneficial, is to distress through meditation and exercise. So this is an area I will explore further. Yoga has always interested me due to its holistic benefits.

It is all too easy to forget the atmosphere in our home and general surroundings. It can be difficult to manage these especially in the work place. However, at least at home we can make small changes. Remembering that heating dries the atmosphere and air conditioning reduces the moisture in the air. The use of a humidifier can help with this.

As I have previously pointed out in an earlier article certain metals especially those included in jewellery can aggravate the skin. I have found this affects me especially rings. So now I limit on how often I wear jewellery, not only rings on my fingers but also necklaces.

Lastly Hemp Oil, this has many benefits for all round health. It contains amino and fatty acids and can be used in general cooking such as salad dressings. I feel that this could be another must for me to try. Not only that it will help with my eczema but due to the Hemp Oil being rich in Omega 6 and Omega 3 it can be used for many deficiencies. I know there are many good oils out there but I decided to focus on this one as it has been recommended by one of our customers and secondly I have not tried using Hemp Oil only Hemp Cream.

If any of you have any further ideas please share them as we would all love to learn more about Eczema and how to find relief for our dry and itchy skin. Eczema is not contagious but the quest to learn about managing our Eczema is.

Take Care
Joanne

Clay Masks

Clay masks  are very effective for most skin types and conditions as the various ingredients can be blended to suit each individual person. Some of the benefits of using a clay mask are listed below:

• Soothing    
• Stimulating
• Desquamating
• Refining
• Cleansing 

The clay masks can stimulate and soothe skin also absorbing any sebum (oil) and debris from the skin surface leaving it cleansed and soft, depending on the ingredients chosen for your mask. There are a variety of clay powders available the following list may give you an idea of which may be right for you.

 

• Kaolin – a cream coloured powder which has a very stimulating effect on the skin’s surface capillaries, helping the skin to remove impurities and waste products. Skin condition – for congested, greasy skin
• Fullers Earth – a green, heavy clay powder. This powder has a very stimulating effect, such that the skin will show slight reddening and also produces a brightening effect. Skin condition – for greasy skin with a sluggish circulation

 

• Calamine – a light pink powder which soothes surface blood capillaries. Skin condition – for sensitive or delicate skin 

 

• Flowers of Sulphur – a light yellow clay powder which has a drying effect on papules and pustules. Skin condition – apply only to specific blemishes (pustules)

 

• Magnesium Carbonate – a very light white powder which creates a temporary astringent and toning effect. Skin condition – for open pores on dry and normal skin

 

To activate these clay powders it is necessary to add a liquid – an active lotion – which turns the powder to a liquid paste. Active lotions are selected according to your skin type and clay powder used they reinforce the action of the mask.

 

• Rose water – This is very popular it has a very mild stimulating and toning effect.

• Distilled water – This is used on highly sensitive skin
• Witch-hazel water – This has a soothing effect on blemished skin; it is also an astringent and is suitable for use on greasy skin.
• Glycerol – A humectant, which prevents the mask drying and is suitable for dry mature skin.

People with dry skin can also benefit from the use of face masks especially when ingredients such as glycerin, honey or oils are used in making the mask.

Oily or acne prone skin types can benefit from the regular use of mud or clay mask which can help balance the skin. If you suffer with sensitive skin using a green tea mask or ginseng are great soothers.

Face masks come in two forms non setting and setting:

 
Non Setting Masks

Non-setting masks may stay soft on application others become firm but do not tighten the skin, some examples are below.

• Natural masks – fruits, plants
• Cream
• Warm oil

 

Setting masks

Setting masks are applied in a thin layer over the skin and then allowed to dry. Setting masks come in the following three varieties:

• Thermal mask
• Clay mask
• Peel off masks which come in a form of gel, latex, or wax

 

Akoma setting face mask

 

Thanks
Muriel