Friday, July 31, 2015

Edelweiss Extract: Anti-aging Beauty Mystique from the Swiss Alps

What do you know about the wild Edelweiss flower? Most people know it is a flower that is indigenous to the European Alps, notably in Switzerland, where it has also, unfortunately, become an endangered species, due to over-picking over the centuries. The flower is extremely hardy, and grows easily in the harshest of climates, with little or no sunlight. Edelweiss flower have evolved to be able to resist very cold temperatures and frost, which are usually present in the high altitudes of the Alps in late August and September, when the flower blooms. 

The Edelweiss plant must use all of the nutrients available to it found in it's harsh mountain native environment, in order for it to survive, and it retains it's small size. This is exactly how Nature expertly crafted this lovely, anti-aging gift for us! The petite flower and plant yield an extract that is highly concentrated with antioxidants and rich in many other skin-benefiting properties, precisely because of where and how it grows. It also has developed UV-ray absorbing qualities over the centuries, due to growing in such high altitudes- and yes! -this quality in the extract makes it perfect for UV-ray protection for skin!


The Institute for Biotechnological Research (IRB) in Italy, recently released an anti-aging ingredient created with edelweiss stem cells.  They state that Leontopodium alpinum stems, contain high concentrations of leontopodic acids A and B, which have potent antioxidant properties. IRB also claims these compounds have strong anti-collagenase and hyaluronidase actvity, helping to limit the breaking down of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin. (Source: WorldHealth.net; for more RESEARCH and Sources, see below.)

This amazing, wild, organic flower extract is rich in anti-oxidant power, so it's a powerfully healing and protective botanical extract for your skin! Some of it's properties include: 
  • Provides strong protect against free-radical damage;
  • Rebuilds collagen;
  • Reduces & repairs fine lines & wrinkles;
  • Strong anti-inflammatory properties;
  • Protects against UV-ray damage;
  • Repairs minor acne blemishes;
  • Create firmer, more elastic skin;
  • Delivers true moisture to the deepest layers of skin- strengthens each skin cell so it can retain its own moisture, to regulate moisture production & fight skin dryness & oiliness;
  • Soothes sensitive skin with it's powerful anti-inflammatory components

These many skin-benefiting properties found in just one rare flower are excellent for skin in a daily care regimen. They have become highly sought-after by consumers of natural & organic skin care, who really want the best botanical anti-aging ingredients in their beauty products. For all of these reasons, we chose to bring this incredible, anti-aging, protective & healing compound to you by incorporating organic Edelweiss extract in our new line of anti-aging, facial care formulations! Please visit our Natural Boutique at www.theLaudun.com for more information on each product and how to get your own antioxidant-charged facial care with our New "Edelweiss Nectar," Restoring Facial Serum, "Wink," Rejuvenating Under-Eye Creme, "Coquette," Creamy Facial Cleanser and "Rose Water Frost," Skin-Reviving Facial Toner. Why not give yourself the Gift of HEALTHY & Beautiful skin? -The Gift of EDELWEISS. (: 











MORE RESEARCH 


There exists an incredible amount of leontopodic acids A and B in the leaves and stems of the wild Edelweiss plant. These are highly powerful antioxidants that protect skin from the environmental & other effects of aging.
A plethora of studies (some noted below) have shown that these antioxidants protect cells against exposure to pollution, UV-rays, and more. Research in 2005 confirmed the unusually high antioxidant activity in leontopodic acids A and B, and also that they help to protect DNA from changes. In 2009, researchers found that these compounds also protected cells against fungal toxins while helping to encourage detoxification of those toxins.
Findings in a later 2012 study showed these acids reduced inflammation in skin cells and protected from UV-driven damage. Researchers then surmised that the Edelweiss plant acids could be useful for chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. Other studies proved that the acids actually stimulate key proteins in the skin that not only protect it, but actually help to regenerate it, restoring skin to a more youthful look.
SOURCES & STUDIES: 
Tian Yi Kang, et al., “The Studies of Chlorogenic Acid Antitumor Mechanism by Gene Chip Detection: The Immune Pathway Gene Expression,” Journal of Analytical Methods in Chemistry, 2013, Article ID 617243,http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jamc/2013/617243/.
Kitagawa S., et al., “Efficient topical delivery of chlorogenic acid by an oil-in-water microemulsion to protect skin against UV-induced damage,” Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo)., 2011; 59(6):793-6, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21628922.
Gunter Seelinger, et al., “Anti-carcinogenic Effects of the Flavonoid Luteolin,” Molecules, 2008; 13: 2628-2651.
Stefan Schwaiger, et al., “Leontopodic acid—a novel highly substituted glucaric acid derivative from Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum Cass.) and its antioxidant and DNA protecting properties,” Tetrahedron, May 9, 2005; 61(19):4621-4630,http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0040402005004059.
Costa S., et al., “In vitro evaluation of the chemoprotective action mechanisms of leontopodic acid against aflatoxin B1 and deoxynivalenol-induced cell damage,” J Appl Toxicol., January 2009; 29(1):7-14,http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18636399.
Fischer F., et al., “UV-ABC screens of luteolin derivatives compared to edelweiss extract,” J Photochem Photobiol B., April 4, 2011; 103(1):8-15,http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21300553.
Lulli Daniela, et al., “Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Concentrated Ethanol Extract of Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum Cass.) Callus Cultures towards Human Keratinocytes and Endothelial Cells, Mediator of Inflammation, 2012, Article ID 498373, http://www.hindawi.com/journals/mi/2012/498373/.
Simon Pitman, “DSM study underscores regenerative and protective properties of edelweiss,” Cosmetics Design-Europe, September 26, 2012,http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/Formulation-Science/DSM-study-underscores-regenerative-and-protective-properties-of-edelweiss.
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Thursday, June 25, 2015

COSMETIQUES LAUDUN TM Latest NEWS- We're NOW in WEST COAST Stores Near You!


After many months of planning & much hard work, we are very excited to share with our loyal customers and readers our BIG News - COSMETIQUES LAUDUNTM is NOW on the Shelves of 13 NEW SEASONS MARKETS Stores! This latest, successful business venture on the U.S. West Coast to enter the high-end, Specialty Grocery Store channel is the culmination of 18 months of planning & working closely with NEW SEASONS MARKETS corporate Purchasing & employees in the Portland, Oregon Metro & Southeast Washington areas. 

We couldn't be more excited to see our lovely new Organic Facial Care & Body Care lines on the shelves in these very popular Natural Grocery Stores! At The LAUDUNTM, we want everyone who visits the stores to have an opportunity to try our products, so we Launched our line in NEW SEASONS MARKETS starting with a SALE for the month of June 2015- Yeee Ha!! Our entire line of Organic Facial & Body Care products are currently 25% OFF MSRP in all our NEW SEASONS Markets Locations in the Portand/ Vancouver Metro area- SEE: http://www.newseasonsmarket.com/our-stores/find-a-store to FIND a STORE Near You!  We will continue to have products on Sale in the coming months as well!
As many of you know, all of our organic skin care products are carefully & specially formulated from Founder & CEO, Anna's, Grandmother Jeanne's family Organic Garden Beauty Recipes. It is truly a thrill for us to be able to bring Mama Jeanne's healing legacy to so many people via our NEW SEASONS Markets! We want you to know we are working hard to make the same opportunity possible for customers all over the U.S. this year, via several other large Specialty Grocery Store chains. 


Of course we will give you the latest news on these new developments as soon as we have them- so Stay Tuned to this Blog!  It is our sincere pleasure to provide you with healing & luxurious care for your skin, made from the finest organic ingredients available on the market today- COSMETIQUES LAUDUN TM. 

Yours in Care & Service,

Nancy Bechtol
Director, Sales & Marketing

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Beauty Secrets of Organic Plaintain Extract, Part I

Organic Plantain leaf is known as a very healing plant that's usually overlooked, because most people think of it as a common weed.  It can be seen growing in abundance in the your yard or in fields. It is an excellent source of vitamins C, A, and K, and well over 200 species of organic Plantain are found in the world.  Plaintain Major, a broad-leaved or common plantain, and Plaintain Lanceolata, narrow-leaved plantain, or ribwort, are the two most common species to North America.

Plaintain Major is actually seen growing in the cracks of sidewalks. It is anti-bacterial in nature and contains allantoin, an anti-inflammatory plant chemical, well known for accelerating healing and generating new skin growth, and it even boosts the immune system.  It's simple to use it to quickly make a poultice that is very soothing on skin burns.  Herbal poultices are always a great organic remedy for cooling and soothing minor burns, rashes and common skin irritations, especially those associated with dryness and itching. 

Fresh, organic Plantain leaves are best to use when make healing skincare remedies at home.  The leaves can easily be prepared in a high-speed blender that will thoroughly chop up its leaves, stems and roots. Then the macerated, organic fresh leaves can be applied to minor skin irritations, like poison ivy, to bee stings, malignant skin ulcers and burns. 


Another fascinating property of this amazing organic healer is it actually stops bleeding in minor cuts, or is styptic.  It is clear that organic Plantain Leaf contains many important skin healing components, two of the most important being the Glucoside Aucubin and Allantoin.  

Choose all-natural, organic skin care and beauty products that contain this powerful anti-inflammatory plant, and you will give your skin protection and healing that is far more effective than any manufactured cosmetic that contains chemicals that are actually harmful to your skin.  -Stay tuned for more information on this miracle plant, coming in Part II of this Post!

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Beauty Secrets of Botanical Facial Cleansers in Natural, Organic Skin Care

At COSMETIQUES LAUDUNTM, we have spent many years researching the health benefits and effects of using natural, plant-based products on skin, rather than exposing it to the harsh, chemical effects of commercially made, unnatural products that can damage skin. One of the best beauty tips we can share with you is the real importance of regular, daily facial cleansing with a natural botanical cleanser as part of your skin care regimen. Shockingly, much research into the subject has recently shown that on those evenings that we may just go to bed and skip washing our face, we are actually adding an unbelievable extra week of aging to our skin!

Crazy as this sounds, it is absolutely true. Sleeping with the day's old make-up still on, mixed with dirt, grime and general atmospheric toxins is way too much for our delicate skin to handle getting rid of on its own. It is much easier and kinder to your skin to just make a habit of properly cleansing your face before going to bed. It is equally important to use a gentle, plant-based facial cleanser that will not remove its protective acid mantle and cause further damage your skin, but instead enable skin to rejuvenate cells and recover from all those environmental toxins.


Well, to make it easier to do this for all our valued COSMETIQUES LAUDUNTM Customers, Friends & Family, we've recently created a NEW Natural, Botanical Facial Cleanser- It's called, "COQUETTE" (or "Flirt,") Creamy Cleansing Milk, and it is simply Luxurious for your skin! Our plant-based, Organic daily Facial Cleanser gives you gentle, but effective daily cleansing.  You've NEVER experienced a Facial Cleanser like our dreamy Cleansing Milk (can you tell we're excited about it?) (;  It's rich & creamy texture easily glides over skin to effectively lift even stubborn make-up, dirt, grime & environmental toxins at the pore level, for effective cleansing that leaves skin incredibly soft & Fresh!  


One of Mama Jeanne Laudun's vintage Beauty Formulations made with only Organic plants & flowers taken from her garden, our "Coquette," contains only pure botanical essential oils & extracts, works beautifully on all Skin Types and is completely Toxin-free! Our unique Creamy Cleanser is naturally rich in antioxidants for ultimate free-radical protection, because its Key Ingredients are Organic Tamanu Nut & Coconut Oils & Plantain Leaf Extract, so its also effective in keeping skin clear of acne and breakouts.  Our formula is concentrated- only a small amount is needed for gentle daily cleansing, and of course we delightfully scented "Coquette" with a light, intoxicating organic floral fragrance!  

Designed for Daily Use, morning and night, for optimum natural skin cleansing & softening. 
Simply apply a small amount of the cleansing cream around the face and neck using fingertips, or squeeze a small amount onto a washcloth and gently rub using circular motion; then rinse well with cool, clean water; repeat until all of the cleanser is removed.  




Finish with New COSMETIQUES LAUDUN TM “ROSE WATER FROST” Natural Facial Toner and our entirely new Organic Facial Care Line, designed to give our LAUDUN TM family of customers the best natural, organic facial care possible!

 -Stay Tuned for more exciting News about all of our NEW products!  


Beauty Secrets of Organic Skin Toners in Natural Skin Care

ARE FACIAL TONERS REALLY NECESSARY? At COSMETIQUES LAUDUNTM, we believe the answer is... Definitely, YES!  Using a natural Facial Toner is absolutely critical after cleansing to restore skin's natural pH Level and to maintain the natural Acid Barrier & moisture reserves. The barrier can become damaged or stripped away during the cleansing process, especially with many commercially available products today that are unfortunately chemically-based.  (However, using an all-natural facial cleanser like our new "COQUETTE" Creamy Cleansing Milk will NOT strip your skin, because it's made from only pure, Essential Oils & Botanical Extracts that are by nature High in Fatty Acids/ natural Acidic content.)
Normal functioning of the skin's acid /moisture barrier is critical to keep bacteria, viruses, dirt, microorganisms, all germs & environmental toxins OUT of skin cells and away from being absorbed by the bloodstream. The skin is absolutely the largest organ in the body, and it's function is very similar to that of the liver- the body's detoxifier! This natural barrier for the skin also works to retain vital moisture, thereby retaining the skin's health and youthful appearance.

In addition to restoring the skin's pH balance, an effective natural Toner also Removes excess Cleanser and Tightens Pores. A toner created from all-natural & organic ingredients is best to choose, since these are mildly astringent & non-Irritating. The job of a good Toner is to actually prepare the skin to receive and hold on to moisture. It does this by naturally helping to restore & maintain the skin's pH/ Acid Barrier, or "Moisture Barrier," and increases its ability to retain moisture.  So do your beautiful skin a BIG favor- Pick a Natural Toner to add to your Daily Skin Care Routine & see how much healthier and radiant your skin will be!
    
 COSMETIQUES LAUDUN TM "Rose Water Frost," Rejuvenating Facial Toner




Monday, February 23, 2015

Beauty & Skin Care Secrets in Natural, Organic Tamanu Oil

Organic Tamanu or more specifically, Organic Tamanu Oil (scientifc name is Calophyllum Inophyllum) is a relatively unknown essential plant oil remedy for many common skin care problems. Sufficient scientific studies have been done in Europe and the U.S to demonstrate that this essential oil has the unique ability to promote the formation of new skin tissue (how's that for a completely natural face lift?), and that it possesses strong anti-inflammatory, anti-neuralgic, antibiotic and antioxidant properties as well. While there have been a number of scientific studies on Tamanu Oil, the research has been somewhat limited mostly due to the product not being well known outside Pacific Island countries such as Vanuatu and Tahiti. It has been discovered that Organic Tamanu Oil actually has many extraordinary healing qualities, and for this reason it is a highly prized ingredient in organic skin care formulations.

This all-natural plant/nut oil has been held in high regard by the natives of Melanesian and Polynesian cultures since ancient times. They believe it is one of nature’s sacred healing gifts to man and sometimes refer to it as the "Sacred Oil Of Tamanu," or "Green Gold."  The true healing power of this traditional topical oil is its unique ability to promote the formation of new tissue, thereby accelerating wound healing and the growth of new, healthy skin cells (anti-aging). The scientific term for this process is "cicatrization". Natural Tamanu Oil effectively speeds up skin's healing process by penetrating deep into the underlying connective tissues to where it encourages skin regeneration.

Scientists do not yet have a full comprehension of the unique cicatrizing properties of the essential oil, due to its extremely complex biochemistry. However, scientific studies clearly establish that pure Tamanu essential Oil is a significant healing agent, not only because of its ability to produce new skin tissue, but also due to its natural treasure trove of anti-inflammatory, anti-neuralgic, antibiotic and antioxidant properties. 

Organic Tamanu Oil Healing Skin Care -
  • Clears up acne fast
  • Improves acne Scarring
  • Effectively treats Eczema
  • Improves Psoriasis
  • Diminishes unsightly Age Spots (Anti-Aging)
  • Treats Burns & Blisters
  • Diabetic sores
  • Sunburn
  • Alleviates Dry or scaly Skin
  • Athletes foot
  • Relieves Neuralgia, Sciatica & Rheumatism
  • Insect Bites

The essential oil is best when produced through cold-press methods, extracted from the Tamanu Nut. It has an earthy, nutty, pleasant scent and is easy to use when making your own cleansers, toners, serums, cremes & body lotions. A drop or two added in to your favorite skin care preparation is usually adequate to get the amazing beauty benefits of pure, Organic Tamanu Oil. 

Stay Tuned for the big Announcement of our exciting NEW Organic Skin Care Products coming soon that contain amazing Organic Tamanu essential oil!




Thursday, January 29, 2015

Make Your Own (DIY) Organic/ Natural Hair Conditioner!

The best rule of thumb to remember when purchasing beauty or skin care products, whether at the store or online, is- if the product contains ingredients you would not feel safe eating, then don't buy it & don't put it on your body! Our skin (and hair) absorb an incredible amount of chemicals from the common beauty products we use every day- yuck! Why not choose Organic, and leave the worry behind? 

It's fun and easy to begin making your own Natural Beauty products at home! All you need are a few time-tested recipes- and we just happen to have some to share with you. (: I will do do my best to post them weekly for our readers - Let's start with a simple Hair Rinse / conditioning Recipe:


SIMPLE INGREDIENTS- CHOOSE All Organic:
Your Favorite Herbal Infusion (Strong tea)–  Here are some nice choices:
  • Lavender is Lovely for dark-brown colored or black hair & a well-known treatment for scalp problems. 
  • Hibiscus is Heavenly for brown hair, can produce red highlights.
  • Chamomile is Calming for blonde or light hair, and can naturally highlight yellow or golden tones.
  • Nettle is Nice for All hair types- known to soften, strengthen and increase shine.
  • Rosemary Herbal Infusion– Rosemary is a wonderful natural ingredient to add to any home-made hair products!  It effectively treats common scalp problems, like dandruff and psoriasis, and it is known to stimulate the hair follicle to promote hair growth.
Apple Cider Vinegar– "ACV" is great at removing the buildup in your hair from products that contain waxes, parabens & chemicals.  It leaves hair very soft & shiny, as it closes the hair cuticle (the outer protective covering on the hair strand) which opens during shampooing. 
Essential Oils–  These are great to include for their healing benefits and lovely fragrances. Rosemary, Clary Sage, Lavender, Cedarwood, or Rose Geranium are some excellent ones, but feel free to use your own favorites.

 Prepare:
  • Boil 2 cups of water & steep your preferred herbal tea (see above); add a sprig or small handful of fresh or dried, chopped rosemary. To make the infusion, steep all together for at least 30 minutes, or for several hours if possible.  The longer the steeping, the stronger the infusion will be.
Next, pour entire infusion through a strainer. Pour the 2 cup infusion into a glass bowl or jar and mix in:
  • 1/2 Cup of Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 Cup filtered water
  • 5-10 drops of your preferred essential oil- if you Love the scent, go for 10 drops.
  • Once all ingredients are combined, this mixture of hair "tonic" / conditioner can be funneled into a squirt or spray bottle. DONE -and for mere pennies, compared to the cost of regular store-bought conditioner that usually contains damaging chemicals! 
  • Keep the bottle in your bathroom or shower to use after shampooing.  
  • To use: Shampoo hair as usual (preferably with a Natural or home-made shampoo); while hair is still wet, spray on the Natural Hair Conditioner/ Infusion. It can then either be rinsed out, or left in as a "leave-in conditioner."  
  • Dry and style hair as usual; even if you decide to not rinse before styling, the vinegar odor will dissipate once hair is dry.
  • Now enjoy your silky, soft & shiny hair!