HOW TO GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR ECOLOGY SKINCARE

Ecology Moisturisers

The Trick to applying the Ecology Skincare Moisturisers

A little goes a long way!
We get a lot of comments on how beautifully rich our Ecology Creams are

…the trick to applying them, is to:

  • Use only a small amount – a little goes a very long way
  • Warm it between your fingers or palms first – the moisturising creams will melt nicely when you rub them between your fingers or palms (so don’t skip this step!)
  • Pat lightly onto the whole area you want to moisturise, then gently massage in
  • Your cream will absorb easily into your skin and skin should not feel greasy after moisturising. If it does – you are using too much. Try using less and patting it onto your skin before massaging in
  • Can be used on your whole body including face, hands and feet – anywhere that needs moisturising

Other important info:

  • Store in a cool, dry place. Ideally below 30°C and out of direct sunlight.
  • For external use only. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
  • Ecology Creams are preservative free because they are anhydrous formulations (meaning there is no water in them). Keep them water-free by ensuring your fingers are clean and dry when applying cream and by replacing the lid tightly after use.
  • Ecology Creams are highly concentrated, with no filler ingredients, so only a small amount is needed.
  • The creams will melt nicely when you rub them between your fingers or palms (so don’t skip this step!) and they will absorb easily into your skin.
  • Your skin should not feel greasy. If it does, you are using too much.
  • Consistency will change with temperature. Creams will become harder in cool climates and very soft in warmer climates.
  • For maximum nutrient density, use within 6 months of opening

Wishing you silky smooth skin! Crystal xox

20-sec Video

3-min Video

Ecology Konjac Sponges

Directions for Use:

  • Soak the Konjac Sponge in warm water to expand the fibres, press it until soft and gently squeeze out excess water.
  • Using sponge, gently massage face in circular motions to cleanse and gently remove dead skin cells.
  • Rinse thoroughly after use and press it with two hands to gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring).
  • Hang the sponge in a cool, well-ventilated place to air dry between uses.
  • The Sponge is designed to cleanse with water only, but you can choose to use a small amount of cleanser with it.
  • Replace your sponge every 6-8 weeks.

Caring for your Ecology Konjac Sponge:

  • Do not wring your sponge out as this will cause it to break down faster.
  • Try not to leave your sponge hanging in the shower as the dampness will cause it to break down faster. (I hang mine on a 3M hook on the outside of my shower)
  • You can recycle your sponge by planting it in the ground to biodegrade naturally or putting it in your compost.

Makeup Removal Cloths

Directions for Use:

  • Machine wash before use
  • Simply soak the Makeup Removal Cloth under running water and wring it out
  • Beginning with the short pile side, use upward and outward circular strokes to loosen and remove makeup, being especially gentle around the delicate eye area
  • Continue with the longer pile side to finish cleansing and until all traces of make-up and mascara are gone
  • Take care not to rub too hard!
  • For heavier make-up, you may need to hold the wet cloth against your skin for several seconds before wiping away
  • While your skin is still damp, moisturise with your favourite Ecology Day & Night Cream

After Use:

  • Rinse your Microfibre Makeup Removal Cloth under hot water after use
  • You can use a little bit of natural soap or castile soap on the cloth to help remove any stubborn make-up or gunk, gently rub the fibres against themselves to help remove any make-up
  • Rinse and squeeeeeeze the cloth hard to remove as much water as possible. Then squeeze again
  • Hang your Microfibre Cloth up by the tag to dry out
  • Change your cloth every 2-3 days
  • Microfibre Cloth can be washed in the washing machine using enviro laundry powder or detergent and hung up to dry

Shampoo Bars

Directions for Use:

  • Wet your hair thoroughly with warm water.
  • Moisten the bar and then rub it directly through your hair from scalp to ends, working up a thick lather with the pads of your fingers
    (do not use your fingernails)
    OR Wet your hands with warm water and lather up by rubbing the bar between your hands.
  • Work the lather from your hands into your hair using the pads of your fingers (not your fingernails), massaging the scalp and hair roots and cleaning outward towards the ends.
  • Rinse thoroughly with warm water until all of the shampoo lather is removed.
  • Follow with a conditioner bar – rub the conditioner bar lightly in wet hands (it will not lather) and run hands through hair. Rinse well

The downside to switching to a natural soap shampoo bar is you may experience gummy sticky hair. It takes time to remove the silicone and plastics coating your hair & scalp and to re-balance its natural oil production.

Most people report positive results after just 1 – 2 washes.
However, 3 – 4 washes or more may be required to fully remove the silicone build up from commercial shampoos.

During this time your hair may feel and look different.
We call this FUNKY hair – the transition time as your hair gets used to a natural soap shampoo instead of a detergent. AND, it has to be said, some people’s hair just does not like shampoo bars, but that is rare…

There are several common factors that can hinder great results, either individually or in combination with each other.
These problems are answered in other questions but can include:

  • Residue from the synthetic polymers/silicone that commercial shampoos leave in your hair
  • Hard water
  • Not rinsing properly or not using an acidulated/clarifying rinse after use
  • Not using the right bar for your hair
  • Poor shampooing technique
  • You haven’t allowed enough time for the detox and adjustment phase

Your hair and scalp will take time to “detox” and adjust.

Commercial detergent shampoos contain synthetic silicones that make the hair feel slippery and “nice”, but are derived from plastic petroleum derived polymers.

These gel-like substances coat the hair and scalp.
In addition, SLS (Sodium Laureth Sulfate, a synthetic foaming agent) also strips away your natural protective conditioning oils (sebum) causing your scalp and hair to become dry.
Your dry scalp now tries to compensate by producing more of its natural oil. Excess oil production escalates to compensate for the harsh shampoo and the vicious cycle begins….

By breaking this cycle with a gentle natural SOAP shampoo bar (not detergent) you will no longer have those chemicals stripping away the natural oils and drying out the hair and scalp.

But it will take time for your scalp to re-balance its natural oil production.
This usually happens quickly, but it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks and for some even longer.

BE PATIENT and you will be rewarded with healthier hair and scalp. Because shampoo bar soaps do not strip hair in the same way as detergent based shampoos, you may notice your freshly washed wet hair feels quite different to what you may be accustomed to: squeaky, with a slightly rough feel if the cuticle is sticking up.

This is perfectly normal, and the Tasmanian Apple Cider & Herb Conditioning Rinse or Apple Silk Clarifying Rinse can be used to smooth the cuticles flat and shiny again. You’ll love how your hair feels after it dries: much softer and shinier.

Remember with a natural Shampoo – IT’S ALL GOOD IN THE END!!!

Conditioner Bars

Directions for Use:

A little goes a LONG way…

  • Moisten the Conditioner Bar with warm water and work between your hands.
    (N.B. the Conditioner Bar DOES NOT lather)
    OR Rub the Conditioner Bar directly onto your wet hair, especially if you have thick and/or a lot of hair.
  • Run your hands through your wet hair to disperse the conditioner through the full length of your hair
    (TIP: If you have fine hair, use just a little bit at the ends) adding more conditioner as required until you feel your hair is lightly coated and is soft to the touch.
    (N.B. Do not use too much. This product is super concentrated so less is definitely more!)
  • Rinse well with warm water either immediately for light conditioning or leave for a few minutes for deep conditioning.

There are several common factors that can hinder great results, either individually or in combination with each other. These problems are answered in other questions but can include:

  • Residue from the synthetic polymers/silicone that commercial shampoos leave in your hair
  • Hard water
  • Not rinsing properly or not using an acidulated/clarifying rinse after use
  • Not using the right bar for your hair
  • Poor shampooing technique
  • You haven’t allowed enough time for the detox and adjustment phase

Apple Silk Clarifying Rinse

Directions for Use:

  • Mix ¼ teaspoon of the Apple Silk Clarifying Rinse with 2 litres of warm water
  • Poor slowly over your head and work through the hair from scalp to ends
  • Rinse out with warm water (optional)

Use as a last rinse after a conditioner bar in exactly the same way as the Tasmanian Apple Cider & Herb Conditioning Rinse in the “How To” video