Natural colorants and fluid hot process soap method experience.

A few days ago, I finally got around to using a botanical and a clay as colorants for my soap! I also experimented with the fluid hot process soap method.

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Natural colorants

In this soap, I made my normal soap recipe using the hot process soap method. I left half of the soap without colorant.

The other half I split and used spinach powder and rose kaolin clay as colorants. I used 1 tsp./lb dispersed in carrier oil, then another tsp. because it didn't get dark enough.

I was hesitant to add any more since I didn't know how it would turn out. Then I did a hanger swirl and topped with ground rosehips. Now that I know it dries lighter, I think I will try and go darker in the next batch.

Fluid hot process method experiment

I had been wanting to try the fluid hot process soap method so that I could be more creative with my soaps. 

Most fluid hot process recipes include an ingredient called sodium lactate and yogurt to make the soap pourable.

But I would prefer not use sodium lactate due it's chemical sounding name. And I omitted yogurt because it's not vegan friendly. I could probably try plant-based yogurt but generally they are more expensive. So I left both out and I replaced with coconut milk and agave nectar.

I decided to use the recipe from Lovin Soap Studio as a guide. I used my normal recipe and incorporated the following suggestions:  adding sugar (agave syrup), maybe extra water, using plastic wrap on the lid and minimal to no stirring during the cook. 

While I am pleased with the results, the soap has a caramel color, which is from adding the milk and sugar while the soap was too hot. I prefer a creamy white soap so that the colors are more distinct.

Next time, I will eliminate the milk and sugar and just use extra water. When I mixed the colorants with water and added to the soap, I noticed the soap got more fluid.

I chose to name this soap, Happy Soul, because the scent blend makes me feel happy in my soul. It's an earthy, unisex blend of patchouli, cinnamon, lemongrass and lavender. You're gonna love it!

My eczema skincare journey: how I use borage oil, vitamin d and omega 3 supplements to improve my skin

Eczema can be a frustrating and sometimes painful skin condition to deal with. As someone who struggles with eczema, I know all too well the frustration of trying to find the right skincare routine to manage it. In this blog post, I want to share my own eczema skincare journey and how I'm have found some success using borage oil, vitamin D, and omega-3 supplements.

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First, a little background: eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by dry, itchy, and sometimes painful patches of skin. While the exact cause of eczema is not known, it is believed to be related to an overactive immune response. As a result, managing eczema often involves calming and soothing the skin, reducing inflammation, and supporting the immune system.

Borage oil is an ingredient that has been particularly helpful for me in managing my eczema symptoms. It is extracted from the seeds of the borage plant and is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory properties. I take borage oil supplements daily and I have found that it helps to reduce the intense itching and dryness that often accompanies my eczema flare-ups.

Vitamin D is another essential nutrient that has been getting a lot of attention lately, both for its immune-supportive properties and its potential benefits for skin health. While vitamin D is produced naturally in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight, many people may not be getting enough through sun exposure alone. I take a daily vitamin D supplement to support my immune system and overall health, and I have noticed that it also seems to help keep my skin looking and feeling healthy.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, which makes them another potentially useful tool in managing eczema symptoms. I take an omega-3 supplement daily, and I try to incorporate omega-3-rich foods like fatty fish and flaxseeds into my diet as much as possible. I have found that this helps to reduce inflammation throughout my body, including in my skin.

In addition to these supplements, I have also found that certain lifestyle changes can help to improve my eczema symptoms. For example, I only use the gentle soaps and I make sure to moisturize daily. I also try to minimize stress through activities like going to the beach and getting lots of sleep, as stress can be a trigger for eczema flare-ups.

While everyone's skin and eczema symptoms are unique, I hope my own skincare journey can offer some inspiration and insights for others with eczema. By using borage oil, vitamin D, and omega-3 supplements in combination with other healthy lifestyle practices, I have been able to more effectively manage my eczema symptoms and achieve healthier, happier skin.

Thanks you for stopping by :)