Beautiful clear skin from the inside out

No-one wants blemishes and we’re all looking for wonder products to help. Natural products are becoming more popular as more of us make the choice not to put chemicals on our skin.

New products worth trying are Neal’s Yard Remedies inside/out natural remedies for blemish prone skin - Organic Mahonia Clear Skin Gel and Organic Mahonia Clear Skin Formula, a tonic to be taken orally. Both are derived from pure natural ingredients and are Soil Association certified. The products have been formulated to tackle spots, problem blemishes and acne in teenage and mature skin, and to restore balance to troubled skin during a woman’s menstrual cycle.

The key ingredient, Mahonia extract (Oregon Mountain Grape), has powerful anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Traditionally Mahonia has been used for skin itchiness, infections and irritations and it is highly recommended for use with acne. Its tannin content gives Mahonia an astringency that helps to cleanse the skin and reduce oiliness, whilst retaining soothing qualities.

The gel and the tonic formula can be used together for a holistic inside out approach to skincare for troubled skin, on a preventative and/or treatment basis. When skin reacts or comes out in spots, Mahonia Clear Skin Formula helps to redress the balance – it is a tonic to purify and fortify the system from the inside and cleanse and refine the skin from the outside.
Susan Curtis, Medicines Director at Neal’s Yard Remedies, explains, “Many acne gels are very harsh on the skin, which can dry the skin and damage it further. Some acne treatments are also very toxic with damaging side effects. We have combined the best traditional herb cures with our own research to create these effective, yet gentle, natural treatments for spots and acne.”

Organic Mahonia Clear Skin Gel: a purifying blend of naturally anti-bacterial plant extracts, to minimise spots and blemishes. Apply to clean dry skin on the problem area.
Mahonia is blended with skin-enhancing botanical extracts and natural preservatives:

• Calendula flower extract: naturally antiseptic and healing, it is rich in skin- renewing oxidants to help with healthy skin structure and renewal.
  
• Gotu Kola: stimulates collagen and tissue formation, and improves circulation, which benefits skin tone.
  
• Aloe Vera leaf juice: hydrating and cooling, and helps lock moisture into the skin.
  
• Thyme: soothing and warming, it has antiseptic actions and is regarded as a ‘tonic’.
  
• Glycerin (plant-derived from coconut): used as a skin- softening emollient, humectant and natural preservative.

Organic Mahonia Clear Skin Formula: taken orally this is for beauty from within. The tincture tonic cleanses the system internally, encouraging clear, unblemished skin, and prepping it for a topical gel. It contains a purifying blend of the skin-loving botanicals mahonia, calendula, gotu kola, thyme, schisandra (also known as magnolia vine - used historically for immune system support and skincare, it is believed to have cleansing benefits) and artichoke, a digestive cleanser used in Chinese medicine which helps to purify and calm the system. Take three times a day, simply add 2ml to a cup of water. (Not suitable to take during pregnancy. Check with a qualified herbalist if you are taking any other prescribed medication).

Mahonia Clear Skin Gel costs £12 for a 10ml bottle. Mahonia Clear Skin Formula costs £6 for 100ml. Available in Neal’s Yard Remedies stores nationwide.

For details of your nearest Neal’s Yard Remedies shop telephone the Customer Advice Line on 01747 834634 or visit www.nealsyardremedies.com or for Mail Order telephone 0845 262 3145.

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