AENS on New Straits Times a mainstream Malaysian Newspaper

Last weekend was a busy weekend for AENS.  Portabello market was packed with tourist and many were skincare conscious middle aged women and professionals. That is half our battle fought; people are educated and concerned with what goes onto their skin.
We received overwhelming interest and are very proud with how well we did given our first public appearance :)

Thanks so much to everyone who helped spread the word. Also a big thanks to K.Zaharah for the lovely article you wrote on AENS here during the Y.E.S Bazaar.

Please email us at asiaessentials@gmail.com for orders and/or enquiries

Have a nice day!

Love,
AENS

We'll be at Portabello Market this coming weekend!!

You'll never know till you've tried it! Yups! Feel the difference and make a difference. Pamper yourself and know that you're worth it!

Date: 3rd & 4th of April (Saturday and Sunday)

Time: 8.30am - 6pm

Venue: Past the bridge at 'Portabello Green' and turn left. We're along one of the fashion stalls. 

 Can't wait to see you there!!!

Refreshing Rose Water Toner

This Sunday (21st March), visit Y.E.S Bazaar at Harrow Road’s Stowe Centre to experience a wide range of Asian products. Asia Essential Skincare officially introduces its products to the UK market. Amongst the range is Rosewater Refreshing Toner. Gentle enough to be used every day, the use of Rosewater in cosmetics dates as far back as the Romans, but in more recent years it has been used to great success in skin toners ensuring complete removal of impurities from the skin.

This toner freshens and tones up the skin, preparing a clean surface for the application of make-up. It also restores the acid or alkali balance of the skin, because it is pH balanced. Toners are designed to penetrate pores, refresh and cool your skin while clearing away excess oil, impurities and dead skin cells that were not removed with your cleanser. Achieve excellent results by combining with Asia Essential Skincare’s Sweet Orange Daily Cleanser.

Many manufacturers label their products containing rose essence but it could be synthetic. Synthetic rose ingredients have no therapeutic value at all. Therefore, it is important to look for rose water that contains only pure genuine natural rose oil such as ours. The natural rose water is also used to treat acne and skin irritation.

Tenderising Rose Hand Cream

The physical effects of the ageing process are not just limited to the face – the hands are a great giveaway too! Asia Essentials Skincare introduces the Tenderising Rose Hand Cream that's rich in cocoa butter. This lovely cream gives softness, provides nourishment, protection and hydration to dry hands. Ingredients in this product include sweet almond oil, thistle oil, olive oil, glycerine and rose natural. Thistle oil is a dry and thin substance, containing essential fatty acids (Omega 3 and 6). Found in several anti-ageing and rejuvenating body products, it clears congested skin and reduces large pores. Botanically referred to as olea europaea, Olive oil provides health benefits for people suffering from arthritis, heart disease, inflammation and hydration. The product has an excellently long shelf life, and can be stored without refrigerating for up to one year. Apply the cream to clean hands and massage around the nails until it is completely absorbed.

 Tenderising Rose Hand Cream (60ml)

RRP at GBP10.50

Sweet Caramel Lip Balm, luscious on lips and can't live without

If you are after a good alternative to the petroleum based lip products readily available in most cosmetic stores, Asia Essentials Skincare’s Sweet Caramel Lip Balm is a charming solution that will leave your lips feeling luscious, soft and moist. Containing sweet almond oil, beeswax and cocoa butter, this lip balm is a wonderful emollient. Beeswax is one of nature’s most wonderful ingredients, yet also arguably one of its most misunderstood and vilified. It is an excellent thickening agent, emulsifier and humectants (helps retain moisture). Contrary to popular belief, properly used beeswax will not promote the formation of acne or pimples. Cocoa butter is excellent when used on dry skin and wrinkles. Regular use of this product will soften and help prevent chapped or dry lips.

Argan Oil 50ml Special Y.E.S Promotion

The oh-so-popular Argan Oil can be purchased at London’s Y.E.S Bazaar on Sunday 21st March. Come along and purchase two bottles of Argan Oil and get a third absolutely FREE!!!! Moroccon Argan Oil is produced from the kernels of the argan tree, and is valued for its nutritive, cosmetic and numerous medicinal properties. The lightweight oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, so possesses excellent moisturising and healing properties. Don’t miss out...

£17 for 1 bottle (50ml)

or 

PROMOTION £34 for 3 bottles (50ml)

works out to be £11 per bottle!!

Hydrating Anti-Wrinkle Night Moisturiser with Argan Oil

Many people think that combating the ageing process is a battle best fought with expensive and / or synthetic products containing nerve demobilisers like Botox (otherwise known as botulinum toxin type A). At Asia Essentials skincare, we believe that the best way to contest natural ageing is to use natural skin products. 

At the Stowe Centre’s YES Bazaar on Sunday 21st March, you can purchase  our Hydrating Anti-Wrinkle Night Moisturiser enriched with Argan Oil. Argan Oil,  rich in essential fatty acids is considered an effective anti-aging oil due to properties such as the high levels of Vitamin E /tocopherols (anti-oxidants that help neutralise free radical damage, which is important for skin exposed to polluted Western environments) and saponins (skin-softening agents). Besides cooling and soothing inflammation, it is also reputed to help reduce wrinkles by restoring the skin`s hydro-lipid layer. 

Our Night Cream contains Remodelling Intense which is Formulated in France and based on active ingredients that has been proven to restructure, firm and smooth the face and body.  We also used  Hyaluronic Acid to give the skin its volume and fullness. Bottom line is, our Night Cream is packed with natural goodness and you'll have to have one of this with you at all times.

Only small portions of such an exquisite product are needed to see substantial change over an extended period.

Our Sweet Orange Daily Cleanser leaves a soft, fresh and soothing feel to your skin

Asia Essentials Skincare introduces its Sweet Orange Daily Cleanser. Containing sweet almond oil, that will help to improve complexion and soften skin. Other ingredients include castor oil and glycerine, the former being a naturally rich anti-oxidant possessing strong healing and softening properties and the latter is highly “hygroscopic” (meaning it absorbs water from the air). This is a beautiful product to use on your skin daily.

Love the feeling on your skin

Sweet Orange Daily Cleanser (15ml)

Asia Essentials skincare participating in London YES BAZAAR

 

Asia Essentials Skincare is making its way to the UK; London in particular for one day only. On Sunday 21st March, we will be at the YES Bazaar at the Stowe Centre near Royal Oak tube station. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience all things Malaysian, but most importantly, it is great time to come along, try and buy some incredible skincare products. We will be presenting a wide range of natural skincare at Booth 8 from 12 – 5pm, so place it in your diaries now.

Remember that Asia Essentials Skincare products use natural ingredients that are sustainably sourced, fairtrade and organic whenever possible.

Read this!

February 8, 2010

"By now, everyone has heard that it’s in one’s best interest to eat as organically as possible and to avoid toxic cleaning products in the home to reduce the risk of illness and disease. But what about the personal care products you use each day? Are you reading those product labels as carefully as food labels, and if so, do you really know what those ingredients are or what they do?

The average person uses nine cosmetic products each day, from lotions and soaps to deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, skincare, makeup, hairspray and perfume-with roughly 120 chemicals spread among them.

But whether you hardly use anything or if you’re a product junkie like me, chances are you’re putting something on your body. Our skin is our body’s largest organ and chemicals absorbed into the skin can definitely affect us. A one-time use of a small amount of a certain chemical may not do noticeable harm, but the cumulative effect of using harmful ingredients over months and years can really have a negative impact on our bodies and our health.

Here are 12 ingredients to avoid, courtesy of The National Geographic’s Green Guide:

1. Antibacterials–Overuse of antibacterials can prevent them from effectively fighting disease-causing germs like E. coli and Salmonella enterica. Triclosan, widely used in soaps, toothpastes and deodorants, has been detected in breast milk, and one recent study found that it interferes with testosterone activity in cells. Numerous studies have found that washing with regular soap and warm water is just as effective at killing germs.

2. Coal Tar–Coal tar is a known human carcinogen used as an active ingredient in dandruff shampoos and anti-itch creams. Coal-tar-based dyes such as FD&C Blue 1, used in toothpastes, and FD&C Green 3, used in mouthwash, have been found to be carcinogenic in animal studies when injected under skin.

3. Diethanolamine (DEA)–DEA is a possible hormone disruptor, has shown limited evidence of carcinogenicity and depletes the body of choline needed for fetal brain development. DEA can also show up as a contaminant in products containing related chemicals, such as cocamide DEA.

4. 1,4-Dioxane–1,4-Dioxane is a known animal carcinogen and a possible human carcinogen that can appear as a contaminant in products containing sodium laureth sulfate and ingredients that include the terms “PEG,” “-xynol,” “ceteareth,” “oleth” and most other ethoxylated “eth” ingredients. The FDA monitors products for the contaminant but has not yet recommended an exposure limit. Manufacturers can remove dioxane through a process called vacuum stripping, but a small amount usually remains. A 2007 survey by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that most children’s bath products contain 10 parts per million or less, but an earlier 2001 survey by the FDA found levels in excess of 85 parts per million.

5. Formaldehyde–Formaldehyde has a long list of adverse health effects, including immune-system toxicity, respiratory irritation and cancer in humans. Yet it still turns up in baby bath soap, nail polish, eyelash adhesive and hair dyes as a contaminant or break-down product of diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea and quaternium compounds.

6. Fragrance–The catchall term “fragrance” may mask phthalates, which act as endocrine disruptors and may cause obesity and reproductive and developmental harm. Avoid phthalates by selecting essential-oil fragrances instead.

7. Lead and mercury–Neurotoxic lead may appear in products as a naturally occurring contaminant of hydrated silica, one of the ingredients in toothpaste, and lead acetate is found in some brands of men’s hair dye. Brain-damaging mercury, found in the preservative thimerosol, is used in some mascaras.

8. Nanoparticles–Nanoparticles, which may penetrate the skin and damage brain cells, are appearing in an increasing number of cosmetics and sunscreens. Most problematic are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles, used in sunscreens to make them transparent. When possible, look for sunscreens containing particles of these ingredients larger than 100 nanometers. You’ll most likely need to call companies to confirm sizes, but a few manufacturers have started advertising their lack of nanoparticle-sized ingredients on labels.

9. Parabens–(methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, isobutyl-) Parabens, which have weak estrogenic effects, are common preservatives that appear in a wide array of toiletries. A study found that butyl paraben damaged sperm formation in the testes of mice, and a relative, sodium methylparaben, is banned in cosmetics by the E.U. Parabens break down in the body into p-hydroxybenzoic acid, which has estrogenic activity in human breast-cancer cell cultures.

10. Petroleum Distillates–Possible human carcinogens, petroleum distillates are prohibited or restricted for use in cosmetics in the E.U. but are found in several U.S. brands of mascara, foot-odor powder and other products. Look out for the terms “petroleum” or “liquid paraffin.”

11. P-Phenylenediamine–Commonly found in hair dyes, this chemical can damage the nervous system, cause lung irritation and cause severe allergic reactions. It’s also listed as 1,4-Benzenediamine, p-Phenyldiamine and 4-Phenylenediamine.

12. Hydroquinone–Found in skin lighteners and facial moisturizers, hydroquinone is neurotoxic and allergenic, and there’s limited evidence that it may cause cancer in lab animals. It may also appear as an impurity not listed on ingredients labels.

So start reading those labels, and be aware that brands that advertise themselves as “natura,l” “botanical,” and even “organic” have been known to include some of these. If you see any of the listed ingredients, toss it — your body and health is at stake! If you’re not sure, go to http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php, and you can search for a specific product, ingredient or company. Kind of brings a whole new meaning to drop-dead gorgeous, doesn’t it?"

Source: anewscafe.com by Sarah MaHannah

Link: Here

Ingredients to always avoid

2-BROMO-2-NITROPROPANE-1,3-DIOL (or Bronopol)
Allergen that forms cancer-causing chemicals

BHA
Causes skin depigmentation

DMDM HYDANTOIN
Allergen that forms cancer-causing chemicals

OXYBENZONE
Allergen; damages cells and DNA with free radicals

TRICLOSAN
May disrupt growth hormones from the thyroid

BORIC ACID and SODIUM BORATE
Unsafe for infants according to industry experts

DIBUTYL PHTHALATE, TOLUENE
Found in nail polish, hormone disruption , cancer concerns 


Product tip
BABY POWDER: Don't use powders. Lung damage results when babies inhale the cloud of tiny particles released during application.


Source: cosmeticdatabase.com

Safety Guide to Children's Personal Care Products

TOP 4 TIPS:
1. Use fewer products and use them less frequently

2. Don't trust the claims. Check ingredients.

3. Buy fragrance-free products

4. Visit cosmeticsdatabase.com

Did you know: Effect of Mineral Oils on the skin

The effect of applying paraffin oil and Vaseline the the skin is that they create a thin membrane on the surface of the skin, blocking the pores, which then more easily become enlarged and allow blackheads to form. They prevent the secretion of sweat and obstruct the skin's own production of fat. The skin cannot absorb pure paraffin or Vaseline, except through emulsification, which tricks the skin into absorbing it. Because these substances are completely foreign to our bodies they can cause tumours in connective tissue.

These mineral oils are used primarily for their softening and protective effects. But to what extent? With regard to their protective qualities, it becomes more problematic as mineral oil based products clog the pores by 40-60% *Imagine having half your body wrapped in clingfilm* that's how regular use of skincare products containing mineral oil affects your skin. You cannot just wash the mineral based product off your skin easily because it fills your pores in the manner of plastic particles. *imagine trying to wash off mineral based PAINT from your hands with just soap and water... doesn't come off easily... usually takes several washes to be rid of it*

Mineral oil based products can offer useful protection against water and certain chemicals, but when used over a long period of time, they often produce the opposite effects, namely the skin becomes dry and lifeless and wholly dependent on the oils *notice petrochemical-based lip balms, irony is most people have dry lips because of using these products. Its a never-ending cycle and people who moisturise their lips with petrochemical-based lip balms have been misled in my view.

Source: The Aromantic Guide to unlocking the powerful health & rejuvenation benefits of vegetable oils by Kolbjorn Borseth