We all know that fruit and vegetables are packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and key to maintaining a healthy body and strong immune system – but it seems that these superfoods are also ingredients that many of us look for when choosing skincare products.

According to Globaldata which conducted a survey in over 40 countries with more than 29,000 respondents, findings showed that “natural” ingredients were considered the most appealing within the skincare and beauty category with vitamin C, vitamin E and fruit or vegetable extracts the most sought after.

Certified Organic by the Soil Association – Check out all of our certifications.

But we understand that for many consumers the word “natural” on labels can be confusing and misleading.

Here at Saira Skin, our advice to customers who are looking for skincare products that include high percentages of natural ingredients, is to look for the relevant certifications, such as Cosmos Natural, an international skincare and cosmetics standard with more than 200 brands on board, which requires 100% natural and derived-natural ingredients.

It is also worth bearing in mind that natural” and “organic” do not mean the same thing, for example using a “certified natural” facial cleanser is not the same as using a “certified organic” one. The difference is in the way the ingredients are grown and manufactured.

There are separate certifications for organic products – the Soil Association is the best known, and arguably most trusted certification board in the UK.

Saira Skin products are all certified organic by the Soil Association and Cosmos Organic, which means that every product contains at least 95% organic labelled ingredients, and the non-organic ingredients are non-toxic, biodegradable and carry a non-GM certificate.

As a brand, we are a part of the Soil Association and Cosmos Organic scheme, proudly displaying their logos of approval on our products and packaging. This gives our customers a peace of mind that the ingredients that they are putting on their skin contains high levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that they have been through a strict manufacturing process to receive the certification of quality and do not contain any parabens, petrochemicals, propylene glycol or other potentially harmful synthetics. All Soil Association-certified products are also cruelty-free and not tested on animals, another compelling reason to invest in Soil Association products.

Our skincare products are rich in fruit, nut, seed, plant and herb oils, providing the skin with the essential nourishment it needs to look and feel its best – but also, when you apply the luxurious products onto your skin, you can be confident that you have invested in a brand and range of products that are ethical, sustainable and care about the natural environment whilst keeping you looking beautiful.

So what is a girl supposed to do when she can’t get to her favourite spa because of lockdown? She creates her own spa at home of course, there is absolutely no reason to stop the “self care” and “me time” whilst self isolating.

And if you have been following our founder Saira Khan, you will see that she has been busy sharing her top homemade scrubs for the hands, feet and body, using cupboard ingredients like coconut and olive oil, sugar, turmeric, yogurt and essential oils.

Saira says, “when I was young, my mum used to show me how to use oils to exfoliate and hydrate the skin, all the things she used to do when she was a young girl growing up in the Himalayas. I’ve learnt a lot from her wisdom and particularly how to use different spices like turmeric in beauty rituals.”

So what do you need to create your very own luxurious spa at home?

Saira’s Top Tips:

1. Candles – to create the right atmosphere

2. Music – to help you relax

3. A fluffy cotton robe – to keep you warm and cosy

4. Luxurious skincare products – to awaken your senses and transform you skin. Check out Saira Skin: https://sairaskin.co.uk/ourshop/

5. Time – to unwind and indulge.

Saira says, ‘the treatment I miss the most is having a facial, for me this is the ultimate self care treatment and I miss my therapist so much. But, during lockdown, I’ve had to give myself a facial and have learnt so much from online tutorials. I’ve been using the Saira Skin Exfoliating Treatment Mask to remove the dead skin cells + brighten, soften and smooth the skin. After that, I used the Hydrating Facial Oil to massage my skin, starting at the centre of my face and gently moving outwards, helping to improve the lymphatic drainage, so reducing any puffiness whilst sculpting and toning the skin.”

For many of us it has been a very stressful few months with lockdown, self isolation, home schooling and no where to go. So there has never been a better time to pamper yourself in your own home made spa and relax those clenched jaws, frowning forehead and tired eyes.