A healthy glow is a great confidence booster but with many of us keen to avoid those sun-inducing lines and wrinkles, the best way to achieve a great looking tan is to fake it! If you’ve been hiding away under the black opaque’s for the past month, our tanning guide can help you achieve a lovely bronze glow that will take you right through until Summer.  But don’t forget, getting both the preparation and application right is essential. If your skin isn’t prepared correctly then your fake tan or Golden Shimmer Body Oil might streak, fade or look uneven.  If you make sure your skin is perfectly primed for self tanning then your golden glow will look far more natural and last much longer.

Exfoliate

Dry Brush your legs and exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! Dry, rough patches of skin are a major no-no as the fake tan will cling to the surface of the skin resulting in unsightly orange patches or leave dark spots around the dead skin build up around your hair follicle.

Exfoliation is essential if you want a natural looking tan. Spend some time for a few days before you self tan dry body brushing each day, paying particular attention to dry areas like knees, elbows and heels. When you are in the shower use the Bodecare Sisal Exfoliating Mitt to gently exfoliate and clean skin using your favourite bath gel.  Always apply an organic body moisturiser after you shower to keep your skin hydrated and supple.   Exfoliating will prevent tan from becoming too dark in the dryer areas, which would leave a blotchy finish.   When you are ready shave or wax your skin so you will look silky smooth and then apply your self-tanning lotion.

After your self-tan has absorbed and you are looking like you just got back from the South of France, you can enhance your tan using a natural Shimmer Body Oil.  Each day apply the Remedica Exquisite Coconut and Moni Scented Shimmer oil. It is a natural golden shimmer made with coconut oil and Tahitian Tiara flower the golden shimmer is natural Mica from the earth (the same ingredient they use in mineral make-up to create a shimmer) It leaves your skin moist and beautifully scented with a golden glow that is very subtle, this will prolong  your self-tan.

Best time to start dry body brushing again is after about 3-4 days when you can see that your self-tan is starting to wear off.  Combine dry brushing and using the Bodecare Exfoliating Mitt to  gently remove the self tanning lotion evenly and after a few days your skin will be back to it’s original colour.  Continue to use the Golden Shimmer Oil for a natural glow.

Good News! Bodecare is now selling the Natural Moni Scented Shimmer Body Oil and as an Introductory offer every purchase of the Golden Shimmer oil will receive a Free Sisal Exfoliating Mitt worth $12.90.

Happy Brushing!

Jodie Smith

www.bodecare.com

Hi Jodie,

It was so lovely talking to you the other day and thank you for the information you shared regarding skin issues, black salve etc. The following information is the success I have had with your Jute brush.  http://youtu.be/-fQhwCeVIKU

“I have very reactive acne prone skin that is very sensitive to most natural and chemical products. I am unable to exfoliate my skin without causing breakouts even exfoliating a very wet face gently with my fingertips are enough to cause pimples. Therefore, I wandered how the Jute brush was going to be any different. I was advised to use the brush once a week very gently in which case I did. The result was a lovely blush to the skin without my face feeling tight or dry. After using the brush I applied Aloe Vera gel with two drops of Rosehip Oil to my face as a moisturiser. The next morning my skin looked remarkably clearer and smoother.

Again one week later I used the Jute brush in the same manner as before with the same results. However, what I did notice was that I felt I needed to use the brush earlier within the week because my complexion was starting to look a little bumpy around my jaw line and side of cheeks where I have always had pimples for the last three years now. I was so excited I decided to use the brush every second day even though you recommended not to. As you mentioned my skin did end up feeling sensitive and tight. By the next morning my skin was feeling comfortable without any side effects from the dry brushing the night before, however, I did break out in new pimples; therefore I am assuming that dry brushing my face too frequently was over stimulating my skin.

Now, I am using the Jute brush every 4 to 5 days at night on a clean face and always moisturising my skin afterwards with the Aloe Vera and Rosehip Oil mix. I use the brush in upwards and circular strokes in a gentle manner so not to cause any discomfort. I have also found that using the brush this often has so far not caused new breakouts of acne Since staring this new regime, I am finding my skin getting clearer and clearer. I still get some bumps on the side of my cheeks that come and go, however, they are not so raised or red looking and do not produce a pus head and also are much quicker to disappear.

 I have only been using the Jute brush since the beginning of March 2013 but have only now found what the right routine for my skin is”.

 Thank you Jodie so much for sending me your Jute Brush. I was quite sceptical at first considering I have spent $$$$$$ and tried so many products over the years and nothing seems to have worked. I always felt that not exfoliating my face enough also caused the acne along with particular ingredients in the products I was using.

But as I mentioned earlier on that whatever I used or did to remove the dead skin seemed to always cause more breakouts but the Jute Dry Face Brush seems to work. Previously trying to find a solution to my acne was a vicious cycle that never ended. However, I do agree that keeping your skin routine simple is much better than using many different products. Since staring this new regime, I am finding my skin getting clearer and clearer.

I wish you and your family a lovely the best Kind regards,

K, Loetsch, VIC

FREE  Brush Offer with a Dry Body Brush Ends Soon!

Happy Easter

Easter Blog

EASTER HOURS Closed Friday 29th March to Thursday 4th April

OPEN FROM 5th April

Happy Easter to you all, Don’t you love the super cute photo of Alyssa and my puppy Bingo! (pictured above) I’m looking forward to having a short, relaxing break at the beach this year. It’s been a busy few months and hopefully this goes some way to explaining why this newsletter is late.

I’m hoping to return next week recharged and refreshed. Many new clients have purchased body brushes this year and this is in part thanks to you all for recommending me to your friends and family. Being a small business with no shop front, it can be hard to attract new clients so I am very appreciative of your confidence in me.

As you know I love supporting the local community and in the last couple of months I was involved with raising funds for Ovarian Cancer Australia and AEIOU Autism Foundation. Every bit of help we can give means those affected can cope better and hopefully give them a chance for a better life.

I will be planning more great offers and the free brush offer is still available, plus save on the Detox Packs. Over Easter we do tend to indulge which can cause a few digestion issues, so please read on for some handy tips that might help you avoid bloating and stomach pains.

De-Stress Your Digestion over Easter and Improve Skin Health – Part 1.

How often do we suffer from digestive issues such as constipation, recurrent diarrhoea, stomach pains, acid reflux, gas, bloating and choose to ignore them? The problem is that when we are suffering from digestive issues, our bodies are telling us that they are not coping with our lifestyles and the foods we are putting in. An inefficient digestive system is most likely not processing the foods you are eating (even if they are good quality organic fruits and veges) and you are not getting the nutrients of these foods. This can leave you feeling tired and lacking in energy. Good digestive health is essential for good skin. If the digestive system is overworked or underactive, waste products have to eliminated via another bodily system. The skin is one of our backup waste elimination systems and if the digestive system is not working well enough, our skin can suffer. Increased levels of toxins in the blood can show up on our skin with acne, psoriasis, eczema, dull skin, blotchy skin and sores. Consumers spend billions of dollars each year on over-the-counter medicines and prescription drugs designed to temporarily relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. However, natural therapy methods can aid the digestive system and heal the body, without putting any unnecessary chemicals in the body. Natural therapy methods may take a little longer to heal the body but in the long term it is a much healthier option and the results will show with glowing skin and clear eyes.

Natural Therapy Methods To Try.

Acupuncture Assists Digestion

” Evidence that Oriental medicine has been used for digestive disorders can be found in early medical literature dating back to 3 AD, where specific acupuncture points and herbal formulas for borborygmus (rumbling or gurgling in the intestines), abdominal pain and diarrhea with pain are discussed. According to Oriental medical theory, most digestive disorders are due to disharmony in the spleen and stomach. The spleen plays a central part in the health and vitality of the body, taking a lead role in the assimilation of nutrients and maintenance of physical strength. It turns digested food from the stomach into usable nutrients and Qi (energy). Many schools of thought have been formed around this organ; the premise being that the proper functioning of the”‘middle” is the key to all aspects of vitality. By taking into account a person’s constitution and varied symptoms, a treatment plan is designed specifically for the individual to bring their “middle” back into harmony and optimize the proper functioning of the digestive system. A variety of techniques can be used during treatment including acupuncture, lifestyle/dietary recommendations and energetic exercises to restore digestive health.” Cathy Bell, Acupuncturist.

Improve Digestion with Belly Massage

This massage focuses on toning up the large and small intestines as well as the stomach. It is very quick and easy to do. Practicing this can go a long way to remove gas & constipation. It can help to relieve indigestion, bloating, gas, or undiagnosed pain in the abdominal area. Abdominal massage, also known as a tummy massage or stomach massage has been performed by Ayurvedic practitioners for hundreds of years because it can stimulate certain hormones and also improve the digestive process. The abdomen is home to several important organs that must be working properly to maintain good health. Here’s a close look at how abdominal massage works, and what its key health benefits are.

 If you suffer from anxiety and often feel a ‘knot’ in your stomach, you could be a good candidate for an abdominal massage. Abdominal pain, gas and tightens in the stomach area can be the result of stress, anxiety and other conditions, but a regular tummy massage can alleviate this stress and improve overall health. Abdominal massages are performed using gentle pressure, and involve applying gentle circular motions under the rib cage and clockwise around the center of the stomach. When performed regularly, you will notice an increase in bowel movements and improved posture as your stomach muscles contract and relax into their natural position.

Belly massage techniques will be covered in part two of this article on digestion.

Dry Body Brushing the Belly

Under normal circumstances the skin eliminates more than one pound of waste products every day. If the skin becomes inactive with its pores clogged with millions of dead cells and other debris, toxins will remain in the body. This puts undue stress on the other eliminative organs, mainly the kidneys and liver, making them increase their activity. Eventually they become overworked. When our digestive system is overworked it can lead to things like constipation; flatulence; slow metabolism; irritable bowel syndrome, bloating and other uncomfortable body functions. When your digestion is improved it helps your body detoxify itself better because you are able to absorb and utilize all of the available nutrients in foods. When you first start dry brushing and using aromatherapy detox oils and bath soaks it can have certain healing & detoxifying reactions including gas, tired feeling, extra mucus, etc. which the body creates in order to clear out toxins, so any symptoms and reactions are evidence it is working. In order to minimize reactions start with small amounts and slowly increase them.

 Dry body brushing the abdominal area is very important, but not many people know exactly how to dry brush this area.

Here is a detailed three-part guide to dry brushing your abdominals.

Lower Abdominal Starting left side.

Hold brush at navel and brush stroke downward toward the lymph groin area, repeat 7 times. Lift brush and hold at navel then brush stroke to the hip joint, repeat 7 times. Lift brush and hold at navel and brush stroke to side of torso, repeat 7 times. Repeat on right side.

Upper Abdominal:

Starting left side. Hold brush at navel and brush stroke upward under the breast line, repeat 7 times Hold brush at navel and brush stroke to outer torso ending under the armpit area, repeat 7 times. Lift brush and hold at navel and brush outward to side of torso, repeat 7 times. Repeat this on right side.

Complete abdominal:

Starting at navel move in small circular clockwise strokes, not leaving the skin, gradually increase the circular strokes until reaching the outer abdomen. Then work in anticlockwise strokes from large to small until back at the navel.

Dry body brushing assists the digestive system and in the process detoxifies the entire body. It also has a beneficial effect on skin and general appearance. For many, it is a daily health & beauty treatment and a great way to reverse signs of ageing.

Happy Brushing!

Jodie Smith

www.bodecare.com

I get asked a lot if you can dry body brush while you are pregnant and also do you need to dry brush differently when you are pregnant.  The very first thing I always recommend is to speak with your doctor, midwife or obstetrician first to get their feedback.  Based on your present health, if you had already been dry body brushing and if they think you are o.k. to do it, here are a few tips you should consider before starting.

*As always dry brush your body before having a shower/bath.

*Be extra gentle during pregnancy, especially the stomach, very light strokes or if it feels uncomfortable don’t brush the stomach at all.  You may consider getting a softer bristle body brush, make sure it is still plant bristle. Bodecare has specifically designed Jute plant bristle body brushes for this.   They are soft but will still exfoliate skin, open pores and stimulate the circulation.

*Leave out hot/cold baths we don’t know how far you are away from delivery or anything about your state of health.

*It’s O.K. to brush your feet, legs and buttocks.  It will release a lot of stress from carrying extra baby weight and help circulation in your legs, as some pregnancies can increase fluid retention around your feet and ankles.  It will also assist to maintain your skin from developing any stretch marks.  A firm body brush is ok for feet, legs and buttock, especially if you were using the same firm brush before you got pregnant.

*Continue to brush your fingers and hands to reduce any fluid retention.  And brush your arms and armpit, to open pores and stimulates sweat glands to release waste material.

*Dry body brushing is an incredible tool to use to get your lymph moving and keep it moving—this assists in our health throughout your pregnancy!

*Always use an organic body moisturiser or Jojoba oil after the shower to keep the skin hydrated and supple, this is key while your skin is stretching are growing through the pregnancy to reduce any stretch marks.

*Scalp tapping would also be a wonderful and relaxing exercise to do regularly while you are pregnant. Use a timber paddle brush with smooth rounded pins and a rubber cushioned base to soften the tapping on your head. See bodecare hair brushes.

Pregnancy is a very special time and something you will treasure always, treating ourselves kindly during this time is so important. Personally I found that if I regularly spent a little bit of time on body maintenance while I was growing, that in time it did enhance the appearance of my body and helped my self-image and self-esteem.

Happy Brushing!

Jodie

Promotion for December

Receive Luxury Cotton Towelling Head Band with every product purchased at Bodecare.  If you purchase three items you will receive three head bands and so on.  Perfect stocking fillers for Christmas presents.  Offer ends December 23rd.

If you don’t already know I just got a Beagle puppy, her name is Bingo and she loves being brushed. Of course I love brushing her too because it is something that relaxes me and now my puppy gets to enjoy this wonderful practice. Especially if you have a short haired dog dry brushing with a Dry Body Brush or a synthetic bristle hair brush is a really nice experience for you and your pup.

 Brushing not only is great for removing shedding hair but also helps stimulate the skin’s natural oils to nourish the hair and promote a healthy, shiny coat. While you brush it is also a good chance to check the skin for any problems or detecting flees or ticks. The earlier you start the better, if a puppy gets use to trusting you to brush them they will relax and enjoy the experience a lot quicker.

My puppy now loves her brush so much that she takes it to bed with her.

Obviously for a dog with long wavy hair you will require a special grooming brush from the pet store. But for a short haired puppy a body brush or standard synthetic bristle hair brush will do fine. With each different breed of dog, proper tools are essential, and in case of grooming, tools should be matched to your dog’s coat type.

HUGE Offer this month: Receive a Starter Brushing Pack worth $78.65 if you spend over $50 on product. Your Starter Brushing Pack includes: Deluxe Coco Bristle Body Brush worth $35, Natural Face Brush worth $13.75, Bean Nail Brush worth $6, 100% Volcanic Pumice Block in Gift bag worth $9 (Fair Trade), 100% Towelling cotton Hair Wrap worth $14.90.

Gift Wrapped in Bodecare Ribbon and Gift Swing Tag, Ready for Christmas. Simply spend over $50 on product (not including freight) and write in comments box: Free Starter Brushing Pack, and this beautiful gift can be yours! Offer ends 30th November 2012.

Happy Brushing! Jodie Smith

(Receive Free Body Brush, scroll down to find out how!)

Get Rid of Ingrown Hairs with Dry Body Brushing

Ingrown hairs and shaving rash can be really embarrassing, especially in the warmer months when we are heading to the beach. Dry brushing is a simple, natural way to reduce and even eliminate this problem.

Ingrown hairs and razor bumps can happen to women and men and sometimes at the most inconvenient of times.  This skin condition is known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, it appears as small red bumps, irritated redness at the hair follicle, discoloration or infection.

So Why does this happen?

An Ingrown Hair happens when the end of the hair shaft is cut or pulled out and as it grows back, curls into the same hair follicle and results in an inflammatory response (redness, itchiness, and/or raised infected area).

The curled hair is trapped, the hair creates a foreign body reaction in the hair follicle, causes inflammation in the follicle and results in a bump.  Ingrown hairs most commonly occur in women’s bikini line.

Razor bumps are also an infected hair follicle and come from the end of the hair shaft that after being shaved, is cut in such a way that again the end of the hair is sharpened and as it continues to grow it curls into another nearby hair follicle.

Razor bumps can happen to men, ingrown hairs often occur in their beard area and neck. The problem for women appears in the armpits, the bikini line and the legs.

How to fix it:

• Dry Body brush regularly. Build up of dead skin cells in the pores and on the surface of the skin can cause ingrown hairs and razor bumps.  Continually sloughing off that dry, hard surface skin will ensure your hair follicles have a better chance to break through the skin, the pores are open and clean to allow the hair follicle to pass through.
• Use a separate brush for your bikini line and neck& head. 
• Use a plant bristle dry brush especially made for the bikini or face.
• Spray tea tree on the brush after each use to ensure to kill any bacteria as a lot of dead skin cells are brushed off when dry body brushing. Keeping your brush clean will ensure you do not pass bacteria back onto your skin next time you brush and will prolong the brush life.
• Wash the brush once a week with tea tree soap and leave to dry in the sun or well ventilated area.
• Ensure the brush is completely dry before using again.
• Damp bathrooms can cause mildew in plant bristle brushes, if you notice any mildew on the ends of your brush bristle do not use, this will cause skin irritations.
• When shaving use a Jojoba oil or Coconut oil instead of shaving cream.  These oils are natural, anti-bacterial, very hydrating and make the shaving so easy and smooth, your skin will look amazing afterwards.
• After the shave ensure you use a good organic moisturiser that won’t clog the skin.  This will keep the skin soft and supple so the hair can break through easily.
• If you are dry brushing face because of razor bumps, ensure to use a hydration mask or oil at least once a week to really hydrate skin, as well as daily use of an organic moisturiser. Brush against the direction of hair growth to really open the hair follicle and exfoliate the build up of dead skin.

Ingrown Hair bumps can be easily managed with regular Dry Body Brushing, plus being a natural remedy that will save your skin & body from being exposed to harsh chemical solutions.   Eliminate Ingrown Hairs, Razor Bumps, Folliculitis and Scars in an all natural way.

Happy Brushing!

Jodie Smith

OCTOBER PROMOTION: Receive a Dry Body brush worth $35 with every order over $40 until the end of October.  Simply write in the comments box: Free Coco Brush.  and I will include it in your order.  ($40 does not include freight)Start collecting Christmas presents now!  Few Days Left.

www.bodecare.com

Dry Brushing Face for Skin Rejuvenation

“The vitality of internal organs, working properly, transcends your skin and brings radiance to your face.”  Dry brushing your face with soft plant bristle can rejuvenate tired, dull skin.

The first layer of the skin, the one you see, is called the epidermis. The epidermis is composed of several layers of cells; the outermost of them is made of dead skin cells called the horny layer.  Experiments with human cell cultures show normal cells stop dividing when they touch their neighbours.  Consequently, to speed up the process of the reproduction of new cells, dead cells must be removed.  That is why regular exfoliation can make the world of difference.

Exfoliation is one of the most important parts of a beauty regimen.  Exfoliation rejuvenates skin when dead skin cells are removed, energizes your skin and improves circulation.  All of these combined result in a better looking complexion.

Dry facial brushes are very effective at exfoliation, increasing circulation and draining away lymph congestion around the nose and eyes, relieving stress around your temples.  The bristles have to be a soft plant bristle, like Jute.  Jute is a very fine plant bristle that is delicate enough for the skin around the eyes but still very stimulating to drain away puffiness.   The facial brush must not be harsh on facial skin, as it is can scratch and damage the skin.  Bristles like Boar’s hair, coconut plant, Tampico plant are not suitable for delicate skin. 

Most people dry body brush on their bodies but forget about the face.  Gentle manual facial brushing will speed up cell turnover, maximize oxygen intake, strengthen the skin’s inner structure and reverse the effects of aging.  The key is to use an organic moisturizing cream after brushing and to regularly use a Hydration Mask or Facial Oil 1-2 week to keep good hydration because the dry face brush exfoliates really well.

Directions:

How to Dry Brush the Face

+ Use gentle upward movement to lift the facial muscles and lightly curve  brush down to finish with a light brush stroke.  It is in an upside down U shape. Light pressure up and soft stroke down. Brush approximately 7 strokes per area.

+ Starting from left to right side of face, work your way up the face from chin, lips, cheeks, side of nose, up around the eye lid and forehead. 

+ Be careful never to stretch the skin. The first couple of months be extra gentle, the sensation should be pleasantly stimulating. 

+ Stop immediately if it doesn’t feel good or your skin has an allergic reaction. 

 How to Dry Brush Neck and Décolletage

+Starting on left side hold brush just above breast line and brush upward to collarbone. Working from mid to outer décolletage. Repeat this on the right side. Brushing approximately 7 strokes per area.

+From left side, at the back side, base of neck very lightly brush up to the jaw line and curve down to the collarbone, the point at which the head and neck drain into the lymph nodes. Repeat 7 times. Then starting at base of neck brush up to chin, cover the neck.  Repeat on right side.

+ At first the whole procedure should only take about a minute, gradually increase the time to a couple of minutes for a great massage to the face.

+Recommended to dry brush 1-2 per week to begin with until your skin gets use to dry brushing.

 A lot of skin is sloughed off when dry brushing the face and décolletage so it is essential to look after your skin with a good moisturiser and use a hydration mask or facial oil 1-2 week also.  You will notice an amazing improvement to your skin, increase skin tone, beautiful sheen and more hydrated.

 Happy Brushing!

 October Promotion: Receive the Coconut Body Brush worth $35 as a gift when you spend $40 or more on product.  Simply write in comments box: Free Coco Brush. 

Ends 31st October, the $40 does not include freight.

Regards

Jodie Smith

www.bodecare.com

As a naturopathic practitioner I could not underestimate the importance of having a well functioning lymphatic system, and body brushing is one of the best ways to improve it.

The lymphatic system is a very important organ that that is made up of a series of tubes that help to drain fluid from the tissues back into the blood stream.  The lymphatic system is also important to help with certain immune functions.

So what does skin brushing have to do with your lymphatic system?  Well the lymphatic system lays just under the skin so skin brushing helps the fluid to drain through the tubes and help to improve circulation to the lymph nodes which help them to function better.

So you can see that keeping your lymphatic system healthy is very important to keep your immune system healthy and to promote the removal of excess fluid in the tissue (e.g. fluid retention).

The great thing about “Bodecare” brushes is that skin brushing is one of the best ways to stimulate the lymphatic system but it is also imperative that you use brushes that are not full of chemicals.  Toxic chemicals which are found in some brushes can be absorbed through the skin straight into your delicate lymphatic systems which in turn are absorbed straight into the blood stream.

Sarah Franklin, Naturopathic Practitioner, R.N.Ba Nursing, Ad.Dip Naturopathy, Ad.Dip Acupuncture & Western Herbal Medicine & Nutrition,  Kirra, QLD.

 The Diagram below shows just how close the lymphatic vessel system is to the skin. So you can see how the simple action of brushing your skin can move lymph vessels and ultimately assist your immune system.

Happy Brushing!

Jodie Smith

www.bodecare.com