Nano-particles in sunscreen have been much discussed and debated in the last few years. It is time to talk about safe sunscreen now. The top measure that anyone can take against anti-aging and skin damage is to wear a sunscreen as often as possible when you are out and about. UVA rays are present from morning to evening and come through even glass and clouds.  
 
Besides the importance of wearing a sunscreen, we should also question if the sunscreen we are using is safe. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide based sunscreen appear to be the industry norm; they provide sheer sun protection and do not leave a white tint on skin. But scientific research has shown that nano-particles are toxic to human tissue and cells, resulting in increased oxidation stress, free radical damage, inflammation, DNA mutation and even cell death.   
 
Many industry experts have argued that nano-particles cannot get past the epidermal barrier. But studies conducted extensively in Australia and New Zealand indicated that our body is not equipped to handle nano-particles as they are so small, they can infiltrate our system and be found at elevated levels in the blood.  The human body is also unable to break down titanium dioxide, so can you imagine what our body do with it when it enters our system?  The most disturbing report last year in Queensland shed new light of the toxic effect of titanium dioxide as it linked nano-particles with brain damage in fish and a dying marine life.
 
So if we play by the "rules", we would be wise to assume that non-nano minerals are safer than zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Until further studies advise otherwise, the current best alternative is to opt for sunscreen made with non-nano zinc oxide. The minerals in non-nano zinc oxide are too large to be absorbed and gets washed off at the end of the day.
 
We have started a trial run of our first chemical-free sunscreen (SPF 35) with a blend of non-nano zinc oxide, carrot seed oil, Monoi infused coconut oil, organic shea butter, beeswax and natural vitamin E. It is non-greasy, reef friendly and water resistant up to 90 minutes.
 
*Please email info@en-vie.com for pre-order.

​Hello readers, friends and customers. The blog has been a little quiet over the last 2 weeks as I was away in France and had just returned, albeit down with a nasty flu. As a brand new year begins, we are putting forth new plans and developing new products and fragrances. In short, there is significant progress on all fronts and we are excited to share the following news:
 
1. Our inaugural workshop will commence after Chinese New Year with a different theme every fortnight. Due to space constraint, we are only able to accept maximum 4 participants every session and we plan to organise 2 sessions per week. Registration details will be available later in the month.

2. As per your request, we have stocked up some lovely new soap this month. These however not part of our standard range and will be available on a while stock lasts basis. There are 4 new scents to choose from - Ginger & Lime, Brazilian Rosewood, Frankincense &  Myrrh and Cloves & Anise.
 
3. We have also created a premium Organic Body Wash, blended expertly with organic aloe vera, skin loving oils and ingredients high in anti-oxidants. They will be available in 3 lovely fragrances - Lavender Lemongrass, Chamomile & Neroli and Rose & White Tea.
 
4. Looking for natural sun protection? We have created a few jars of Chemical-Free Sunscreen SPF 35 by request and are happy to share some samples with those of you who are looking for sunscreen free of fragrance, titanium dioxide and mineral oils.
 
5. Spring clean and usher in an auspicious lunar new year with our Aroma Home Range - Multi-purpose Organic Liquid Soap, 100% Natural Room & Pillow Mist and our best selling Home Reed Diffuser. Check out our seasonal fragrances later in the month.