Making Natural Skin Care

Working with herbs and essential oils is inspirational
It helps focus your inner chi and radiate positively on those around you. In 2004 I started distilling herbs for their essential oils - the spirit (phenols) of the plant, for both their fragrance and bio-available medicinal properties. This period was during the commercialisation many synthetics in the skin care industry.
   
I persisted in creating natural skin care from botanical sources. By 2019 commercial companies were turning towards natural botanicals and reducing nano particles, petroleum derived and some synthetic ingredients. Likewise, scientific research into botanicals has taken off and proven the nutraceutical benefits of many of the herbs used in Skyezone products.

For me, formulating skin care using green chemistry
(no hazardous substances used or created in the process)
is a way for me to pass on my energies and botanical benefits to my customers.
It also keeps our plants pesticide free for our bees.

This is the journey of my urban herbal adventure, reflecting 25 years of development to this point. Behind the scenes of this special range of skin care, is a whole world of research, plant cultivation, processing and development. Right here in suburban Kensington Park, Adelaide South Australia.
Perhaps it's something you'd like to do too?

Inspiration to start making my own products came from my mother Phyllis, who passed at 97 years on August 3, 2023. Her qualifications in teaching: English, Science & Latin, combined beautifully with her love of botany. At "Phyll's Pharm" in Strathalbyn, until into her 80s, she used to enjoy making medicinal brews for the family and local community.

We all enjoy being inspired ( thanks Mum) and fortunately we can pass on these skills.

Nature's Botanical Pantry

 Your dream: First grow the herbs you wish to use in your skin care. The soil, sun and climate will dictate what's possible, then it's up to your energy and the time you can spend to cultivate them. Look ahead. While the plants grow & your compost matures, your brains will learn to absorb, research and collate knowledge into decisions and actions. Record and date everything!

So you have a product in mind. Who will use it and how will it be applied? What container, if any, does it need? What's it shelf life? Which herbs provide the medicinal qualities you seek? Have they been researched? 
You can you find out at PubMed, an online repository of biomedical research.

Equipment: Gather your tools for measuring, weighing, storage. i.e.:
jewellery scales, Pyrex glass jugs, sterilising jar, measuring spoons. Avoid any utensils made of plastic which could come in contact with essential oils. Use only glass or stainless steel as some essential oils will literally dissolve plastic and contaminate your batch. 

Formula: Research with books, library and online to decide which methods and ingredients you wish to use. Practise, Test and test again! There is a wealth of knowledge and with your own ingenuity, you might create the next best thing!

Skyezone Natural Skin Care products continue to develop thanks to the enthusiasm of our customers. 
This is me, about to distil 10Ltr of clary sage, harvested from my herb verges in Kensington Park South Australia