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Your haven in the heart of Avondale. Rosehill Gardens Lifestyle and Retirement Village is meticulously designed to cater to the needs of independent retirees seeking community engagement, security and social connections.
With its exquisitely maintained gardens and lush greenery, Rosehill … View moreYour haven in the heart of Avondale. Rosehill Gardens Lifestyle and Retirement Village is meticulously designed to cater to the needs of independent retirees seeking community engagement, security and social connections.
With its exquisitely maintained gardens and lush greenery, Rosehill Village offers a welcoming ambiance that feels like home. Call Lisa on 027 273 5197 or email village@rosehillgardens.co.nz for a viewing at 23 Elm Street, Avondale.
The charm of natural remedies is undeniable, especially when it comes to skincare. From honey masks to coffee scrubs, DIY concoctions flood social media, promising quick fixes for everything from wrinkles to hyperpigmentation. But before you squeeze that lemon onto your face based on the latest … View moreThe charm of natural remedies is undeniable, especially when it comes to skincare. From honey masks to coffee scrubs, DIY concoctions flood social media, promising quick fixes for everything from wrinkles to hyperpigmentation. But before you squeeze that lemon onto your face based on the latest TikTok "hack," hold on! As a pharmacist who has dedicated years to formulating gentle yet effective skincare, I'm here to burst the citrus bubble and explain why lemons are a bad idea for treating skin spots.
Lemon on your face is not such a good idea.
The Acidic Truth, what you don’t know can harm you
Let's start with the science. Lemons are undeniably rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant praised for its brightening properties. However, the key ingredient responsible for that "magic" is citric acid, a potent alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). While AHAs can indeed exfoliate dead skin cells, revealing a seemingly brighter complexion, the harsh reality is that lemon juice is far too acidic for your delicate facial skin.
Imagine this: your skin's natural pH sits around a healthy 5.5, slightly acidic but leaning towards neutral. Lemon juice, on the other hand, boasts a pH of 2-3, making it incredibly acidic and comparable to vinegar! Applying this directly to your face disrupts your skin's natural barrier, potentially leading to:
Inflammation and irritation: Redness, burning, and stinging are common reactions, especially for sensitive skin.
Increased sun sensitivity: AHAs make your skin more susceptible to sun damage, potentially worsening hyperpigmentation instead of lightening it.
Uneven skin tone: Over-exfoliation, inflammation, and increased sun sensitivity can lead to patchy, uneven skin tone, the opposite of the desired effect. Yup! It can make things worse!
pH2 is 1000 times more acidic than pH5, it’s a logarithmic scale
Beyond the Burn: The Long-Term Damage
The harm doesn't stop at immediate reactions. Frequent use of lemon juice can weaken your skin's barrier, making it more vulnerable to environmental damage, infections, and premature aging. It's essentially trading short-term perceived brightness for long-term skin woes.
The Temptation of the Algorithm: Why We Fall for the "Hacks"
So, why do these questionable practices gain traction online? The answer lies in a complex mix of factors:
Appeal to natural remedies: The belief that "natural" equals safe and effective is very strong.
Influencer trust: We often see flawless, filtered complexions on our screens, leading us to believe the methods used are foolproof, regardless of their potential harm.
Cherry-picking results: Social media thrives on showcasing successes, rarely highlighting negative experiences or potential dangers.
The Power of Informed Choices: Seek Expertise, Not Likes
It's important to remember that quick fixes rarely deliver lasting results, and especially when it comes to your skin, caution is paramount. Be weary before trying any DIY trend, especially on your face!
Remember, your skin is your largest organ, deserving of care and respect. Don't fall victim to online trends that prioritize likes over lasting results. Choose the informed path, treat your skin with gentleness and respect, and use lemons for lemonade - the healthy way, not on your face.
Use your Lemons wisely, drink them!
We're looking for delicious carrot recipes to feature in NZ Gardener's April issue. Send your family's favourite ways to eat this easy-to-grow vege crop to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz by February 25, 2024. Every published recipe wins a copy of the April issue of NZ Gardener.
I'm heading towards 21 years of doing Massage! I remember how nervous I was when I started in the Blue Mountains Katoomba. Massage is not the easiest thing to learn, especially when you have dyslexia! My first course was Aromatherapy, it was a year-long, and couldn't believe I was … View moreI'm heading towards 21 years of doing Massage! I remember how nervous I was when I started in the Blue Mountains Katoomba. Massage is not the easiest thing to learn, especially when you have dyslexia! My first course was Aromatherapy, it was a year-long, and couldn't believe I was committing to a full year at the time lol.
I found what I loved.
Later on, while working full-time and studying part-time I continued on to finish my Level 6 Qualification (known as Remedial Massage) I then was able to do a whole raft of cool courses of my choice when I was qualified, things that really interested me like Kahuna, Ayurvedic Yoga Massage, Reflexology, Polarity, and more!
I did this while having home school students in my house, AND working 5 shifts a week at a 5 5-star resort in the Blue Mountains, an International Tourist zone in NSW. Beautiful place!
While I was there I got so much further training, in Facials, Pamper Packages, and Hot Stone Massage it led me to do a new course in Beauty! For a year I was working and studying 7 days a week! I was then and still am so passionate about massage.
21 years on, still using touch to help others, but now also qualified as an Acupuncturist!
Photo: Lilianfel's, Blue Mountains Resort owned by Orient Express Chain.
Tuesday 5 March, 2pm
Hosted at The Trusts Arena, Genesis Lounge
65-67 Central Park Drive, Henderson
Join us at an exclusive Ryman event featuring the legendary Frankie Stevens.
One of Aotearoa's most renowned performers, Frankie has worked with greats like Olivia Newton-John, and now… View moreTuesday 5 March, 2pm
Hosted at The Trusts Arena, Genesis Lounge
65-67 Central Park Drive, Henderson
Join us at an exclusive Ryman event featuring the legendary Frankie Stevens.
One of Aotearoa's most renowned performers, Frankie has worked with greats like Olivia Newton-John, and now it’s your chance to experience his captivating stories and timeless melodies.
The entertainment will be followed by complimentary refreshments, so don't miss this opportunity to attend the event and learn more about our village.
RSVP is essential. We look forward to seeing you there
It could be our wonderful staff. Our vibrant communities. Our amazing amenities. Or just the peace of mind that our guaranteed fixed base weekly fee* brings. There are so many reasons to choose the Ryman lifestyle. We’d love to add one more reason to your list - $15,000 back for a limited time*.
… View moreIt could be our wonderful staff. Our vibrant communities. Our amazing amenities. Or just the peace of mind that our guaranteed fixed base weekly fee* brings. There are so many reasons to choose the Ryman lifestyle. We’d love to add one more reason to your list - $15,000 back for a limited time*.
If you sign up to one of our new home offers, you’ll get a $15,000 credit on settlement*.
There’s truly never been a better time to choose Ryman.
*Terms and conditions apply.
More info: beautyfields.co.nz...
A cream is also available
This soap treats pigmentation. It can be used for skin lightening, skin bleaching, or as a skin whitening treatment. This soap is gentler and safer than other bleach soaps for skin such as Kojic soap and the like. All Natural, handmade … View moreMore info: beautyfields.co.nz...
A cream is also available
This soap treats pigmentation. It can be used for skin lightening, skin bleaching, or as a skin whitening treatment. This soap is gentler and safer than other bleach soaps for skin such as Kojic soap and the like. All Natural, handmade in NZ. For body and face – Normal to oily skin.
Treat your skin with the best that nature offers to ensure a radiant clear complexion and brighter-looking skin. Enriched with natural skin-lightening herbs this soap is one of a kind.
Calendula – Ancient Egyptians used Calendula to rejuvenate their skin. Bathing in calendula infusion was thought to give one a healthy glow.
Parsley – Rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants/ Vitamin C is clinically proven to reduce skin pigmentation.
Directions: Use daily as a regular soap for the face and body. Leave it on for a minute or two before rinsing. Apply moisturizer if needed.
Size: 90gr/3.3Oz. All Vegan.
Not tested on animals.
Hey neighbours! How has your power been treating you lately? Any sparks or stumbles in the past year?
Share the woes and let's brighten each other's day!
Embracing the shades of pastel. Soft shades are on trend this summer!!! Find your favorite pastel shades at Red Cross Henderson
Come visit us at:
435 Great North Rd, Henderson
(09) 8351152
Have you tried the local honey that West Auckland has on offer? My honeybee hives have produced a tasty range of honey varieties from the forests of West Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges and from the rural farmlands on the outskirts of town. They all have different tastes, textures, and colors, giving… View moreHave you tried the local honey that West Auckland has on offer? My honeybee hives have produced a tasty range of honey varieties from the forests of West Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges and from the rural farmlands on the outskirts of town. They all have different tastes, textures, and colors, giving a real range of what West Auckland’s flora has on offer!
The four local varieties I have available cab be purchased as a discounted bundle of 4x 500g pots for $40. This includes:
• Silver-Award Winning (2022) Waitakere Forest Honey
• Rewarewa Blend Honey
• Kanuka Honey
• Rural West Auckland Blend.
Order online or get in touch. Pickups are from Massey, or orders can be couriered to you with Post Haste.
donbuckhoney.co.nz...
The Pet Life.
It’s the life you share with your pet, and the life they share with you. We believe the pet life’s a life worth protecting.
Which is why we are dedicated to helping pets live longer, healthier and happier lives every day.
We’re proudly born and bred in New Zealand, and … View moreThe Pet Life.
It’s the life you share with your pet, and the life they share with you. We believe the pet life’s a life worth protecting.
Which is why we are dedicated to helping pets live longer, healthier and happier lives every day.
We’re proudly born and bred in New Zealand, and are equally proud to partner with the NZ Veterinary Association and Pet Refuge. Just two ways we’re there to support the Pet Life community.
Protect the Pet Life.
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