The last few weeks have seen seismic shifts in how we live and work — and even for those of us comfortable with alone time, this period of self-isolation is likely to be challenging. While this is a stressful time, there are a few things we can do to tend to our physical and emotional needs. Not only can these self-care practices help us cope with isolation and stress, but also keep us feeling our best all year long.

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1 / Maintain social contact

We, humans, are social animals. Research on the effects of loneliness suggests that when people lack social connections they are more likely to suffer from physical health problems. Maintaining social contact doesn’t have to be in person; this can be as simple as phoning a friend for a chat, arranging a Google hangout, or joining in with a discussion via social media. We’re always happy to receive messages, too. Reaching out to a friend and feeling part of a community has been shown to boost mental health all round

2 / Eat well, exercise… and listen to upbeat music

Exercise and getting enough vitamins have been proven to contribute to a healthy immune system… as has listening to upbeat music, according to Psychologists.

3 / Structure your day

While self-isolating we may have difficulties with sleep [insomnia], feelings of restlessness or sadness, or start to feel demotivated. To combat this, create and maintain a structure to the day. Set a schedule for mealtimes, bedtime and plan out activities and goals to help to maintain positive levels of motivation and mood.

4/ Take care with news and information

There’s nothing wrong with keeping up to date with what’s happening, but taking in too much [negative] news can trigger stress and anxiety. To help with this, limit news to certain times of day [from trusted sources], take frequent breaks from social media, and mute any unnecessary notifications.

5/ Focus on what you can control

There is so much in this time that we can’t control if we focus on those things our mental wellbeing can be taken out of our hands. If you’re feeling this way, a useful exercise is to write down a list of all the things out of your control, and all the things within your control [like what we eat, exercising, and checking in on loved ones]. Then think how you can focus more on the things you can control – what would that look like? When we focus on what we can control, we don’t worry as much about what we can’t.

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Those are just a few of our suggestions, but we’d love to hear yours! What daily habits have you put in place to help mind and body during this time? Feel free to send us an email or direct message on social media.

Stay Safe.

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Photography by: Cristina Gareau — Nanou Studios

The post Adjusting To Isolation appeared first on The Wild Together.

As we enter a new year (and a new decade) we are inevitably inundated with information about new diets, new products, new practices and new treatments that all promise to work miracles in our search for a healthier mind and body. But what if the key to all of this is something that’s not new? What if the key to sustained wellbeing is, in fact, something ancient — something that has been known about, used and practised in the Eastern world for thousands of years. Welcome to the world of adaptogens…

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What Are Adaptogens?

An adaptogen is essentially a botanical that adapts to your body’s needs by reducing the effects of stress on the body – like fatigue, jitters, and inflammation. These adaptogenic ingredients have been used for centuries in eastern modalities like Chinese Traditional Medicine and Ayurveda. Today’s wellness trend has made people much more aware of the wisdom of these ancient practices

Adaptogens come in various forms of plants and herbs, which, when eaten, rebalance the body’s stress responses. They effectively help the body adapt to stress, be it work stress, the changing of the seasons [which can affect the immune system] or emotional stress. They have been shown to be nourishing for the adrenal glands, can stabilize blood sugar, and aid with immune system regulation, as well as helping to restore blood pressure to a healthy level and even rebalance hormones. But how do these stressors affect our largest organ — the skin?

How Stress Impacts The Skin

The growing field of psychodermatology is all about the mind-skin connection. It addresses the apparent link between our emotional state, the body’s physiological response to our emotional state, and the outcome of this response on our skin, body, health, and well-being.

Stress hormones can wreak havoc on skin. As a result, stress can lead to breakouts, dark circles, irritation, redness, wrinkles and fine lines — and one study in mice even demonstrated how a stress-triggered hormone called glucocorticoid can lead to, or worsen, psoriasis and eczema.

Other research links chronic bursts of cortisol in the system to elevated blood sugar. Unfortunately, these spikes damage the collagen and elastin that keep skin smooth, firm, and supple. Cortisol also increases oil production in the skin, creating an environment prone to breakouts. 

Here are a few of our favourite clinically researched adaptogens that support your mind, body and ultimately your skin health.

Clinically Researched Adaptogens

1. / Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola has been found to support collagen and elastin production in the skin, which are the building blocks of young, plump skin. The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of California Irvine reported promising anti-ageing benefits when they investigated the effects of Rhodiola on the life span of fruit flies. It has been proposed that Rhodiola could extend longevity and improve healthspan by alleviating oxidative stress. 

2. / Triphala

In Ayurveda, triphala is known as “three fruits” and is made from the combination of three myrobalans, fruit-bearing trees: amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki. The benefits of this adaptogen are hugely amplified when the three are combined. Dr. Michael Tierra, LAc, OMD, researched triphala and reported that it improves the digestive and liver function. Amalaki is said to contain 20 times the vitamin C of an orange, which is essential for collagen synthesis. Triphala can also be applied topically to the skin to speed the healing of bruises and sunburns.

3. / Maca

Native to Peru, Maca is one of the more popular adaptogens on the market, largely thanks to its energy-enhancing effects, however, studies have also shown how Maca can benefit skin health, too. According to the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru, Maca can act as a protectant against the sun and has also been shown to increase collagen synthesis in the skin.

3. / Schisandra

A type of medicinal berry, Schisandra has multiple healing properties. It is a powerful natural skin tonic that can protect the skin from sun, wind, other environmental toxins, allergies and prevent dermatitis. In 2015, the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health published studies that determine the anti-inflammatory effects of Schisandra. The study observed the effect on ear swelling by lowering skin dermatitis, immune cell filtration and cytokine production, which are all markers of inflammatory skin disorders in humans.

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In an era where 24-hour digital connectivity and overpacked workloads can easily result in burned-out adrenals and stressed-out complexions, the Eastern approach to ancient powerhouse adaptogens offers one way to help restore balance to mind and body.  

At The Wild Together, we believe in the power of adaptogens, which is why we include the powerful botanicals in every product in our range, for their role in helping to regulate the skin. And if you’re new to our range, you can try the full range at home in through our set of minis, The Experience Collection. 

The post The Best Adaptogens To Save Our Skin From Stress appeared first on The Wild Together.

Our epidermis has a big job: it protects us from the outside environment, helps to regulate our body temperature, balances fluid levels and even offers protection from sunlight. We often take for granted our skin’s importance and — even more so — our skin’s health.

To ensure your skin is properly taken care of — to keep it looking its best and in healthy, working condition —a skincare routine with the proper products is crucial.

There are a lot of skincare options out there — a lot of synthetic products high in chemical ingredients and low in vitamins, natural oils and antioxidants. However, the very best products to use on your skin contain only organic, plant-based ingredients.

Our skin is more of a filter than it is a barrier; it absorbs everything from environmental pollution to the products we apply, which is why it’s important to make sure we avoid putting anything on our skin that we wouldn’t want inside our bodies. In order for a skincare plan to keep you healthy, it must be based solely on what’s best for your skin.

Ingredients from the earth — why plant-based is best

Plant-based skincare products come from the earth and share the same biological chemistry as our bodies. They skip synthesized additives and the less-effective, cheap substitutes used by many brands.

Ensure your skin is getting the TLC it deserves by opting for a skin product with all-natural ingredients, such as our adaptogenic and 99.5% organic blend, The Serum.

Benefits of plant-based skincare products

Antioxidants – Antioxidants restore and strengthen your cells by combating free radicals [oxidants] manufactured by the body and the environment.

Vitamins – Vital to maintaining your skin’s functioning health, vitamins support cell repair and help decrease signs of ageing. 

Essential Oils – As well as reversing the look of ageing, essential oils can help calm acne, fight dryness, combat oiliness, smooth scars and increase skin elasticity. 

Proteins – Proteins can work wonders for the strength and durability of your skin cells.

Terpenes – Occurring in strong-smelling plants, these healing aromatic components help to soothe your senses as well as increase your body’s ability to deal with pain and inflammation.

Hydrocolloids – These naturally occurring polymers give skincare products natural texture, avoiding the need for petrochemicals or other synthesized polymers.

Damaged skin can be the result of a number of things

Our skin is bombarded by stressors daily, some that we can control and others that we can’t, but however this damage has been accumulated there are ways to fix it.

When choosing topical products to repair damaged skin, here are just a few incredible natural ingredients to look out for…

The Best Natural Ingredients To Heal Damaged Skin

Liquorice Root – To Combat Sun Damage

Damage due to prolonged or unprotected sun exposure is one of the hardest to repair, as it affects everything from collagen production to the moisture content of the skin.

Liquorice Root contains the antioxidant glabridin and licochalcone A. They both have powerful anti-ageing and skin-soothing properties. Glabridin, in particular, has been shown to mitigate the effects of sun damage. This helps to keep the skin firm, smooth and taut but it also means that the skin’s protective barrier will remain generally intact, defending the body against external stressors and bacteria.

[Liquorice Root is one of the key botanicals found in The Essence]

Mango Butter – To Heal Dry, Eczema-Prone Skin

Dry skin is often more prone to damage as the gaps between the surface skin cells tend to be bigger [this is what lets moisture escape and allergens enter the skin] which means they require deeply nourishing ingredients to heal the skin and repair these gaps to create a more defensive epidermal barrier.

Mango Butter is a non-comedogenic natural emollient and is packed with essential fatty acids which are important components of healthy skin. The higher the concentration of Mango Butter in a topical moisturiser or lotion, the better it will be for dry, damaged skin.

[Mango Butter is a key ingredient in The Moisturiser]

Prebiotics – To Create A Barrier Against Environmental Stressors

A mixture of natural polysaccharides where the Inulin is extracted from chicory roots and the Alpha-glucan oligosaccharide is obtained from sugar beet. This acts as a food for the desirable bacteria present on the skin — a food that the undesirable bacteria is unable to process. The prebiotics promote the friendly bacteria on the skin to recover and grow faster whilst the harmful ones are reduced, in turn restoring the natural bacterial balance to the skin.

This unique combination helps to create a barrier against pollution and environmental damage and is useful for acne-prone skin that is susceptible to infections.

[Prebiotics are a key ingredient in The Moisturiser]

Marine Algae – To Encourage Faster Healing

Over exfoliating the skin, cosmetic procedures and extreme trauma can all leave the skin damaged and struggling to heal which results in an inflamed and uncomfortable complexion. Marine Algae is especially rich in omega 3 and sterols that are soothing and anti-inflammatory for irritated and damaged skin. It plays an important role in the skin’s barrier function due to its repairing properties. clinics are even using Marine Algae in preparation for surgery, as it helps the skin recover postoperatively, and beauty clinics are using it to restore the skin after deep peels and laser resurfacing.

[Micro Marine Algae is a key ingredient in The Serum]

Snow Mushroom – For All Round Repair

Whether your skin is dehydrated due to harsh weather conditions or compromised following surgery, Snow Mushroom can help to repair and restore the skin’s protective layer to encourage faster healing time and a more comfortable recovery.

Snow Mushroom can hold up to 500x its weight in water, with super fine particles that drive hydration deep into the skin. It has soothing anti-inflammatory properties, stimulates collagen production for plumper skin, and has been proven to provide more enhanced lightening and brightening properties than compounds such as arbutin, vitamin C and kojic acid.

[Snow Mushroom is a key ingredient in The Essence]

Our ingredients are highly multifunctional and designed to work just as well in isolation as they are in tandem with other products in the range. They are formulated to provide you with tailored rituals to suit your skin’s needs on any given day.

We have full details of all the ingredients benefits on our website — however, if you have any questions about our products or how they could suit your skin then feel free to drop us an email at hello@thewildtogether.com — we’re here to help.

The post Natural Ingredients To Heal The Epidermis appeared first on The Wild Together.

Herbal studies are now proving the effectiveness of plants for medicinal purposes…

Today, we live in a time when manufactured medicines and prescriptions prevail, but is a time approaching when they won’t be the only approach to healing?

Even with all of these engineered options at our fingertips, many people find themselves turning back to the medicinal plants that started it all: herbal remedies that have the ability to heal and boost physical and mental well-being.

In fact, at the beginning of the 21st century, 11% of the 252 drugs considered “basic and essential” by the World Health Organization were “exclusively of flowering plant origin.” Drugs like codeine, quinine, and morphine all contain plant-derived ingredients.

While these manufactured drugs have certainly become paramount in our lives, it can be comforting to know that the power of nature is on our side, and these herbal choices are available to complement our health practices.

But the extent of the power they hold is also still being explored. These alternatives aren’t cure-alls, and they aren’t perfect. Many carry the same risks and side effects as manufactured medicines. Many of them are sold with unfounded promises.

However, both plants and supplements, which aren’t regulated for safety or quality, can have questionable dosage and might have a risk of contamination. Keep this in mind before choosing supplements from the shelf.

These plants have the most numerous high-quality studies and are safer choices among herbal remedies.

We hope this guide will act as a starting point to those who wish to integrate herbal remedies into their lives and arrive armed with knowledge. As always, speak with your doctor before starting any new health treatment.

Ginko

As one of the oldest tree species, gingko is also one of the oldest homoeopathic adaptogenic plants and a key herb in Chinese medicine. The leaves are used to create capsules, tablets, and extracts, and when dried, can be consumed as a tea.

It’s perhaps best-known for its ability to boost brain health. Studies say that gingko can treat patients with mild to moderate dementia, and can slow cognitive decline in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Recent research is looking into a component that can help diabetes, and there continue to be more studies, including an animal study that says it might influence bone healing.

INTERESTING FACT

The gingko tree is considered a living fossil, with fossils dating from 270 million years ago. These trees can live up to 3,000 years.

Turmeric

With its brilliant orange hue, it’s impossible to miss a bottle of turmeric sitting on a spice shelf. Originating in India, turmeric is believed to have anti-cancer properties and can prevent DNA mutations.

As an anti-inflammatory, it can be taken as a supplement and it’s been used topically for people with arthritis who wish to relieve discomfort. It’s used worldwide as a cooking ingredient, which makes it a delicious, antioxidant-rich addition to many dishes.

According to recent research, turmeric is also showing promise as a treatment for a variety of dermatologic diseases and joint arthritis.

INTERESTING FACT

Turmeric has been used as a medicinal herb for 4,000 years. It’s a tentpole of an Indian alternative medicine practice called Ayurveda.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a lot more than those pretty, purple coneflowers you see dotting gardens. These blooms have been used for centuries as medicine in the form of teas, juice, and extracts. Today, they can be taken as powders or supplements.

The best-known use of echinacea is to shorten symptoms of the common cold, but more studies are needed to verify this benefit and to understand how echinacea boosts immunity when a virus is present.

Generally, save a few potential side effects, echinacea is relatively safe. Even though it needs more testing, you can always choose to use it if you’re hoping to see your cold symptoms end more quickly.

INTERESTING FACT

Some of the earliest people to use echinacea as a medicinal herb were Native Americans. The first archaeological evidence dates back to the 18th century.

Lavender

If you experience anxiety, chances are that someone along the way has recommended that you use lavender essential oil, and for good reason. This aromatic, purple flower has a fairly strong standing among studies, which have mainly focused on its anti-anxiety capacities.

It’s proven to be soothing in a study conducted among dental patients, while another study confirmed that lavender can directly impact mood and cognitive performance. It’s also been commended for its sedative properties to help people get much-needed sleep.

Recently, it’s been discovered that lavender carries anti-inflammatory benefits as well. It’s most effective diluted and applied to the skin or used in aromatherapy, and it has few side effects.

INTERESTING FACT

Lavender was first brought to Provence, France, by the Romans 2,000 years ago.

Tea Tree Oil

The tea tree, which is native to Australia, produces an oil that’s long been thought to be beneficial for skin conditions, including mild acne, athlete’s foot, small wounds, dandruff, insect bites, and other inflammatory skin conditions.

There needs to be further study into acne and scalp use, but for now, there’s a degree of research into the antimicrobial superpowers of tea tree oil on wounds and topical infections.

One recent study said that tea tree oil slowed the growth of acne-causing microbes. It’s commonly used as a highly concentrated essential oil.

Tea tree oil, as with all essential oils, should be diluted in a carrier oil.

INTERESTING FACT

Tea tree oil is derived from the leaves of a tree that’s native to Queensland and New South Wales, Australia.

Grapeseed Extract

For years, grapeseed extract, which is available via liquid, tablets, or capsules, has been well-established and applauded for its antioxidant activity. It has potent health benefits, including lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and reducing symptoms of poor circulation in the leg veins.

Studies are confirming that regular consumption of grapeseed extract has anticancer effects and seems to halt cancer cell growth.

INTERESTING FACT

Grapeseed extract contains the same antioxidants found in wine.

Chamomile

With flowers that resemble small daisies, chamomile is another medicinal plant that’s thought to have anti-anxiety properties. Most people know it because it’s a popular tea flavour says that over 1 million cups per day are consumed around the world), but it can also be ingested through liquids, capsules, or tablets.

The calming powers of chamomile have been frequently studied, including a 2009 study that states chamomile is superior to taking a placebo when treating generalized anxiety disorder. One recent study confirmed it’s safe for long-term use, and another recent study looked beyond its use for anxiety and confirmed that it also shows potential in anticancer treatments.

INTERESTING FACT

There are two types of chamomile: German chamomile, an annual that thrives in the Midwest, and Roman chamomile, a perennial that attracts pollinators and smells like apples.

Evening Primrose Oil

The vibrant yellow evening primrose flower produces an oil that’s thought to alleviate the symptoms of PMS and skin conditions like eczema.

Studies that are available on this oil tend to be all over the map, but there are studies that are stronger than others. For example, some studies have found that evening primrose oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s been known to help with conditions such as atopic dermatitis and diabetic neuropathy. It can also help with other health concerns, such as breast pain.

Recent research points to improving the quality of life for patients with multiple sclerosis, changing hormones and insulin sensitivity in those dealing with polycystic ovary syndrome, and using it topically to improve mild dermatitis.

According to these studies, evening primrose oil might just be the Swiss Army knife of the medicinal plant world. The caveat is that it can interact with several medications. More research is coming, and the applications are promising.

INTERESTING FACT

Evening primrose flowers are also called moonflowers because they bloom as the sun begins to set. People often say they smell like lemons.

Flax Seed

Flax seed, also available as an oil, is one of the safer choices among plant-based dietary supplements. Harvested for thousands of years, today flax seed is praised for its antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Although more research needs to be done with human subjects, one study says that flax seed can help prevent colon cancer.

Another study cites that flax seed has the ability to reduce blood pressure. When consumed, it can even aid in reducing obesity. Many people add flax seed and flaxseed meal to oatmeal and smoothies, and it’s also available in the form of tablets, oil (which can be put into capsules), and flour.

The best way to add flax seed is through your diet. Sprinkle ground seeds on cereal or salad, cook in hot cereal, stew, homemade breads, or smoothies. Add flaxseed oil to salad dressing.

INTERESTING FACT

Flax seeds are one of a handful of plant-based sources for omega-3 fatty acids. Other sources include chia seeds, walnuts, and soybeans.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, a form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing.

It has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration (Source).

Its botanical name is Withania somnifera, and it’s also known by several other names, including Indian ginseng and winter cherry.

The ashwagandha plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers that’s native to India and North Africa. Extracts or powder from the plant’s root or leaves are used to treat a variety of conditions.

Many of its health benefits are attributed to its high concentration of withanolides, which have been shown to fight inflammation and tumor growth (Source).

Studies have shown that ashwagandha may help reduce cortisol levels and also lower blood sugar levels.

But ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its ability to reduce stress. Researchers have reported that it blocked the stress pathway in the brains of rats by regulating chemical signalling in the nervous system (Source).

Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb with multiple health benefits. It can reduce anxiety and stress, help fight depression, boost fertility and testosterone in men, and even boost brain function. Supplementing with ashwagandha may be an easy and effective way to improve your health and quality of life.

INTERESTING FACT

“Ashwagandha” is Sanskrit for “smell of the horse,” which refers to both its unique smell and ability to increase strength.

The post Nature’s 10 Most Powerful Medicinal Plants and the Science Behind Them appeared first on The Wild Together.

In our culture’s sub-current there has started to be a deviation from Western medicine, and what is deemed the “norm” as an emergence of interest in studying the effects of psychedelic medicines has gained both momentum in interest and in solid scientific research/results. When used properly in the right set and setting, plant medicine is being shown to have the potential to save lives in allowing a new perception of healing from the inside out.

The human mind knows how to heal itself if you give it the trust-filled atmosphere and the opportunities to become deeply aware of the levels of consciousness within you.”

— William Richards

Over the past 20 years there has been a resurgence of psychedelic research in the fields of neuroscience and psychiatry. Psychedelic substances were widely researched in the 1950s and ’60s but political decisions in the decades that followed forced strict legislative restrictions on these substances. Now researchers are attempting to update what we know about psychedelics within the context of modern science and modern small-scale trials have echoed this promise.

In 2019, we understand that hallucinogenic drugs are complex, nuanced, and under the right circumstances can even treat depression, anxiety, and other mental and physical health issues. While most psychedelic drugs sit in a legal grey area, doctors and researchers across the world are beginning to offer them therapeutically.

Mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD can sometimes be resistant to conventional treatments because they vary based on individuals’ brain chemistry, personality, and life experience. In these cases, psychedelics may help by “rebooting” the brain.

However, that doesn’t mean they’re all going to work for everyone; it’s not a one size fits all — more research is clearly needed and the potential for misuse and diversion is high. No amount of hope should replace caution but it is an area that is certainly worth exploring further, which a new documentary film, DOSED, is setting out to do.

DOSED is a documentary about treating anxiety, depression, and addiction with psychedelic medicine, and we believe is a topic worth exploring and talking about.

The film, which sees its London premiere on January 10th, follows the story of a suicidal woman who turns to underground healers to try and overcome her depression, anxiety and opioid addiction with illegal psychedelic medicine like magic mushrooms and iboga.

Adrianne’s first dose of psilocybin mushrooms catapults her into an unexpected world of healing where plant medicines are redefining our understanding of mental health and addiction.

DOSED has its London premiere this week and we hope will encourage people to think differently about these drugs for the betterment of society. You can watch the trailer for DOSED below:

If you’d like to know more about DOSED and to support the film you can learn more by visiting their Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter pages, and you can find tickets to the London premiere below:

For tickets to the Jan 10th London premiere: 

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/dosed-documentary-qa-london-premiere-genesis-cinema-one-show-only-tickets-84013122511

For tickets to other screenings in other cities: 

https://www.dosedmovie.com/screenings/

The post Can natural psychedelics [plant medicine] treat mental illness differently than traditional medicine? appeared first on The Wild Together.

Here are ten simple steps that will turn your skincare routine from a tedious process into a rewarding self-care ritual:

1/ Take Time To Mask

Your daily skincare routine can become mundane, but setting aside some time for a face mask gives you both a power-packed dose of skin-loving essentials, and some time to relax. The Exfoliant is the perfect me-time mask that restores your skin back to its natural glowing radiance.

2/ Personalise

Your skin is one of a kind, so what works for others may not work for you. Mix and match skincare products and blends for a personalised routine that fits the needs of your skin type. For combination skin, apply The Saponin Scrub to your T-Zone to soak up excess oil, and use The Omega Scrub on the rest of your face for optimal hydration.

3/ Keep It Natural

Harsh chemicals strip the skin of essential nutrients, so treat your skin with natural ingredients. The Essence contains Snow Mushroom & Licorice Root Extracts that naturally lighten and brighten the skin, while all-natural Green Tea rejuvenates skin cells, and Bisabolol & Willow Bark Soothe.

4/ Aromatherapy

Unlike harsh fragrances that can irritate your skin, natural fragrances and essential oils provide aromatherapeutic benefits that are good for both your skin and your state of mind. The Wild Together incorporates therapeutic-grade, allergen-free essential oils that greet you with a soothing fragrance whilst bringing healing properties to your skin.

5/ Soothe Irritations 

Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can irritate the skin and leave it rough and dry. The Moisturiser takes away redness and itching associated with these conditions. Botanical Extracts & Prebiotics provide soothing, calming and anti-itch effects while Centella neutralizes free radicals to protect the skin from fatigue and stress.

6/ Take 10

Stress can impact the skin negatively, so it’s important to set aside some time to relax and unwind. Setting aside just 10 minutes a day for yourself can have extreme health benefits. If you don’t have an abundance of free time, multitask with multifunctional, mixable products. With a 10-minute time frame, this moment of self-care is easily and seamlessly workable into your skincare routine. Our Blends are a great solution to a busy schedule.

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Whether applying a face mask before soaking in a long relaxing bath or throwing on a face oil before bed, these skincare steps create a sanctuary from a hectic day and our busy lives — a vital step to loving your skin and loving yourself.

~ Photography by Sarah Marie Vera

The post From Skincare Routine To Self-Care Ritual appeared first on The Wild Together.

1/ Facial Oils cause breakouts

Naturally derived oils aren’t responsible for breakouts — it’s comedogenic oils, mineral oils or synthetic oils, that can cause breakouts. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory oils are particularly good for skin-prone to breakouts. If you have acne-prone skin, then consider Perilla Seed Oil [which is high in Omega 3 fatty acids] and believed to suppress chronic inflammation and itchiness.

2/ Facial Oils should not be used by oily skin types

It seems counterintuitive to spread more oil on your skin when you battle with an overly oily complexion. But, using certain types of facial oils can actually help regulate the problem. Tsubaki Oil [found in The Serum] can be used for regulating the amount of sebum the skin produces whilst also soothing inflammation.

3/ Facial Oils are not required if you use a good moisturiser

“Better together” is one of our core beliefs, especially where skincare is concerned. You may be diligent about moisturising morning and night, but if you start feeling dry the second that spring wind acts up, then your efforts seem moot. Instead, try using your moisturiser in conjunction with a facial oil [like The Serum], which will allow your products to do their job better and reduce water from evaporating from your skin and also help hydrate dry, cracked skin.

4/ Oil-free products are better for your skin.

There is an outdated belief that in order for a product to be noncomedogenic [won’t block pores], it must be oil-free. Noncomedogenic simply means the product is so well chemically blended that it won’t form semi-solids at body temperature.You still need products with some oil in them to properly hydrate and protect the skin. 

5/ Facial Oils are not an effective anti-ageing product

The whole premise behind wrinkles is that dry, dehydrated skin will crinkle up and show lines faster and deeper than hydrated skin, which will stay plump and taut. Oils, of course, stop dryness in its tracks and lock in moisture. For a youthful look, facial oils offer antioxidants, which are repairing, slow down ageing and neutralise free radicals. Sea Buckthorn, Plum Kernal and Moringa for example help provide powerful antioxidant protection from free radicals that may cause cellular damage.

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The Serum — our blend of 10 of the finest facial oils —  is lightweight enough to work for oily skin as well as dry and combination skin types. The Serum is 100% natural and 99.5%.  

The post Five Myths About Facial Oils appeared first on The Wild Together.

When she was only 8 years old her father, a very successful and busy entrepreneur, became really sick: unfortunately he didn’t have the tools to take care of his own wellbeing and therefore crumbled under the pressure of owning a multimillion euros business. 

This led to him losing everything he had worked so hard for, with huge consequences to him and the whole family.

As a result of her childhood experiences, Serena has developed an interest in wellbeing practices which started at a very young age.

Today, she works passionately to help leaders be strong and fit so they can be healthy and satisfied and can continue to have a positive impact within their organizations and the communities around them.

Serena is also very passionate about bringing wellness to the workplace, since many people spend most of their waking hours at work: she believes that “employees who are cared for, care more” and that companies who put the wellbeing of their employees at the forefront of what they do, are more successful than average. 

Her new book “Make The Shift – a proven methodology for busy business owners to shift to their most fit, healthy and confident selves” is due out next month [December 2019]. Here is an exclusive extract from the book…

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About love

In reading the title of this book you may be deceived in thinking that this is a book about fitness or nutrition: you may think that you’ll mainly discover tips on what exercises to do to get more lean and fit. You’re probably hoping to get some healthy recipes and meal plans to get you started on a healthy eating plans. Who knows, you may even be expecting to discover some “secrets” that will finally make a huge difference to your wellness journey and get you the results you’re hoping to achieve.

Let me give you some breaking news: this book is, before anything else, a book about Love.

When I say Love, I’m obviously not referring to the romantic kind of Love that first springs to mind: I’m talking about Love as the universal principle underlying our lives at the deepest level; I’m talking about what we believe to be the most powerful force in the Universe: what makes us who we are and motivates us at the deepest level. That which brings us together and brings out the best in us through life. That’s the Love I’m talking about. And let me tell you, that kind of Love as A LOT to do with your health and wellbeing. More than you can imagine. 

And yes, you will also get very many invaluable informations that specifically pertain to wellness: my intentions is most definitely to exceed your expectations so don’t be alarmed. I will get to that point but what I feel sets us apart from any other approach to health and wellbeing is that we will get you to dig deep to the roots of your roadblocks and obstacles so that whatever new results you achieve can be yours for life because you won’t simply be doing things differently for a while, you will actually transform your habits and motivation from deep within. Our aim is not merely to change what you do and how: it is to change why. 

Sure, there will be ups and downs along the way, I’d lie to you if I said otherwise. But you will never go back to the way things were simply because you wont be that person any longer. 

Having said all that, I’d like to start with a powerful exercise and I kindly ask you not to read on before you’ve completed it. This is so that you can get the greatest possible benefits from it.

So let’s put pen to paper and please write down below who you deem to be the most important person in your life: who do you love the most? who’s needs do you put first above anyone else’s? who do you cherish the most and take greatest care of each and every day?

I know this is a tricky question especially if you have more than one child as no parent can ever choose one child above the others so I’ll make an exception for you and allow you to write them all down but wherever possible, I invite you to choose one person above anyone else. 

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Well done for making this touch choice! I know how hard it can be to choose just one person but I firmly believe we ALL have that one special individual that has the power to make everything better (or worse), that can fill you with joy within seconds (and sometimes even a bit of hate, when they don’t behave how we would like them to); the person who most often has a solutions for our greatest questions and doubts. The person that can keep you motivated when things get tough. The person that can make you feel loved and cared for even when nobody else is around. That special person that is most deserving of your unconditional love, attention and care every single day because as long as they are cared for fully and completely, then you know all will be well in the end.

So keep that person’s name in mind and trust me when I say that this exercise will make sense in a little bit. Before I explain further however, let me share with you a powerful story. One that has shaped my life more greatly than anything else.

Why I do what I do

One of the greatest obstacles I see busy and time-pressed professionals face time and again, when trying to improve their level of fitness and wellbeing is that of time. Really, if I had a pound for every time someone told me they just “don’t have time” to improve their wellness routines…well let’s say I’d be buying WAY more Stella McCartney bags than I currently do. This issue feels particularly insurmountable to parent of small children: in many cases it really is the “make or break” factor in determining whether someone will indeed take action towards shifting their habits for the better.

Now let me tell you a story: my story, actually, and my father’s story. You see, after spending hours (and I mean HOURS) researching and investigation my purpose and our company’s mission statement as a part of an amazing course I attended, I realized just how far back the seed was planted for me to become who I am and do what I do.

My dad was a VERY successful entrepreneur; in his early thirties, he quit his safe and sound full-time job to start a business which he grew to several millions euros in revenue in under 10 years. He actually invented a profession that didn’t really exist before his time. He was brilliant, successful, wealthy and had it all, or so it seemed. Until he lost it all. When I was only 8 years old my dad became ill and was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, a mental illness which is a trickier variation of Depression. Anyone who has ever had anything to do with Bipolar, whether directly or indirectly, knows what a truly invasive and difficult illness it is. 

What followed were by and far the most challenging years of my life and my dad’s illness remains to this day the hardest thing I’ve ever had to overcome. Now I feel that I’m lucky to have had the strength (also thanks to my amazing and supportive family) to turn it into a formative experience and I embrace it fully for making me who I am, however I wouldn’t wish the same childhood on anyone else. I know that many are not as lucky as I was and end up completely derailed after growing up in such a dysfunctional environment. 

I see now with great clarity that my dad simply didn’t have the tools to handle the mounting pressure of a highly demanding creative job and running a business on his own, whilst also doing his best to care for a young family. He literally crumbled under the pressure and lost EVERYTHING he had worked so hard to achieve over many years and sadly has never quite recovered since. These experiences are what planted the seed of wellness in me at such a young age: very early on I started to investigate ways that I could become a stronger and healthier version of myself, physically and emotionally and I haven’t settled yet.

The consequences of my dad’s diagnosis were profound and traumatizing not only on him but also us and ALL the many communities around him: our entire family had to deal with many issues from financial to medical, all his 15+ employees lost their jobs quite unexpectedly, clients and work associates lost an amazing supplier and colleague that was truly hard to replace. 

I often share this story with our clients who are struggling to prioritise their own self care; I also tell them (and truly believe this wholeheartedly) that if my dad had had the courage and strength to take months or even years off his life and responsibilities to focus exclusively on his wellbeing and recovery, all of us would have had such a better life for it. Not to mention how much suffering and loss could have been prevented if he’d had the wisdom to realise he needed help and time for himself BEFORE he got ill. I would have gladly traded hours of his time and all the fancy clothes, cars and trips for a healthy father that could have been there for me physically and emotionally as I grew up. The problem is that he wasn’t willing to make this trade himself: he gave more importance to his worldly success than his health which sadly led to him losing both.

We often think of our fitness and wellbeing routines as something we do “just for us” but the truth is, it’s not just for us.

When we’re strong, fit, healthy and fully satisfied we go through life with different energy and stamina; we have more to contribute and generally do a better job all around. This extends far beyond the workplace too: we are better caretakers, parents, friends and partners. We’re happier in our body and mind and therefore are more pleasant to be around. Not to mention, and this is huge for young parents in particular, we are a great example to our kids who will inevitably pick up the good habits, consciously or unconsciously (instead of having to learn them the hard way, like I did).

So next time you struggle to make time for a run, nap, massage or to cook yourself a healthy meal because “the kids come first”, think again. Your kids want nothing more than for you to be your healthiest, fittest, happiest and most satisfied self because if you’re not, they can’t be either. It’s really that simple.

So now, let’s go back to the exercise we did in the previous chapter and let me ask the same question again: who is the most important person in your life?

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I hope you’re now thinking what I’m thinking: YOU should be your first love and number one priority. YOU are the one that can make it all better (or worse).

Only if you love yourself first and fully, can you then love somebody else fully (and yes, that includes your children and parents). 

Only if you take care of yourself every single day, will you have the energy needed to take care of others.

There is no way around this.

So today and every day, we invite you to look in the mirror and acknowledge and be ready to love yourself more than anyone else so that you can then go into the world with an overflow of Love to offer to anyone around you.

Taking care of ourselves should be your top priority and is your greatest responsibility at ALL times because if we don’t, soon enough somebody else will have to; and if you have children, it may just end up being them.

I know often times it’s easier said than done and essentially, that’s why I do what I do: I want to empower as many business owners and CEOs as I can to establish solid, sustainable wellness routines in their daily habits so that none of them will ever have to face the traumas me and my family went through. 

Don’t believe anyone who tells you it’s not possible. Don’t settle for “good enough”. Don’t wait until things get a little easier as it’s likely they’ll never do. 

Most importantly, don’t use your kids as an excuse: use them as a motivation to make it even more of a priority. Start now. #maketheshift

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For more about Serena and Wholeshift Wellness, as well as to win a copy of her new book, visit https://www.wholeshiftwellness.com/

The post About Love – An Exclusive Extract From Wellness Coach, Serena Sebala’s, Upcoming New Book appeared first on The Wild Together.

But what are free radicals?

Free radicals are unstable molecules that start the oxidation process — the process that causes damage to body tissue and leads to cell dysfunction. They are a major contributor to all visible signs of ageing on the skin, from age spots and fine lines to sagging and wrinkles.

So why are antioxidants important?

Antioxidants help reduce signs of ageing and calm inflamed skin while tightening and toning the complexion. To improve the skin’s overall health, it is important to properly incorporate antioxidants into your diet and skincare routine.

Look for skincare ingredients Vitamins B3, E as well as Green Tea. These help fortify cells against damaging free radicals while encouraging cell and tissue growth for renewing and repairing the complexion. Vitamins B3 and E are best known for their ability to protect against sun damage and help boost existing sunblock while aiding in improving skin tone, texture, and discolouration. Flavonoids in Green Tea Extracts help improve skin tone and texture and prevent inflammation.

What antioxidants do for YOU:

1. Anti-inflammatory properties help increase circulation and cell metabolism. Alpha Lipoic Acid, found in pine bark and green tea, is especially well-known for its ability to help even skin tone and keep acne and wrinkles at bay.
2. By helping promote cell turnover, antioxidants are ideal for those suffering from hyperpigmentation [age or sun spots] and scarring and those who seek to improve overall skin tone and texture. Products featuring Snow Mushroom as an active ingredient are also highly recommended because they help even out and brighten the complexion for a more youthful, radiant glow [see The Essence, which includes Snow Mushroom as one of its key botanicals].
3. Skin-firming abilities not only help slow visible signs of ageing like wrinkles and sagging but also improve the skin’s overall health.
4. The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are reduced. Keep in mind that no product can “get rid” of wrinkles, but here’s where antioxidant-rich creams and serums come into play. Ingredients like Niacinamide [Vitamin B3] and E help restore hydration and therefore plump the skin, leaving the complexion lifted, toned, and more youthful-looking.
5. Protecting against sun damage is what antioxidants are most well-known for. They help stimulate blood flow, thereby encouraging cell growth, and also work to boost your sun protection.

The Essence [Active Concentrate] contains Green Tea Extract and Snow Mushroom [in addition to host of other potent anti-ageing ingredients!]

The post What Are Antioxidants? appeared first on The Wild Together.

~ Katrina Louise [London based Model / Performance Artist / Photographer]

“I’ve always had to wear a lot of makeup for work, so for me getting dressed up was when I felt beautiful”.

“As I’ve gotten older I’ve respected my body and my skin more, seen so many improvements and feel like I’ve finally found the perfect balance of internal and external care”.

“Having happy skin means when the makeup comes off at the end of the day, that’s now when I feel fresh and beautiful”.

The post The Skin I Live In. appeared first on The Wild Together.