Pumpkins carved, squashes and autumnal vegetables consumed, Halloween has come around once again. Whilst halloween often mean we consume copious quantities of chocolate, the amount of sugar is definitely not forgiving on the skin. Soveral has put together a list of ‘scary’ skin facts surrounding sugar consumption.

1. Wrinkles:

Sugar essentially attacks the healthy and supple collagen in your skin. This is responsible for keeping skin wrinkle free.

2. Dehydrated skin:

As sugar ‘eats’ the collagen in skin on a cellular level, this can lead to it looking dehydrated and dull-looking.

3. Acne:

Whilst sugar has been proven to enhance the effects of ageing, it can also promote conditions such as acne.

Whilst the occasional sugary treat or drink should be enjoyed, especially on Halloween, it is important to remember to reflect upon balance in order to look after our skin.

Volcanoes do more for the planet than what we give them credit for. We all know that they are responsible for forming the continents and providing us with solid ground to live on. What most people do not know is that they also give us a particular clay that has powerful healing properties. This clay has its origin from deep within the earth.

As volcanic ash settles on the ground, it ages and when comes into contact with water from rainfall, it forms a very special clay, Bentonite Clay. The reaction of water with the volcanic ash keeps the mineral content intact, making it rich in calcium, magnesium, silica, sodium, copper, iron and potassium.

Bentonite Clay’s healing and purifying properties are unmatched by none of the other clays naturally found on the planet. Its level of purity
depends on where the Volcano Ash settles and how it is then dried up into a powder. Soveral’s bentonite clay comes from the purest of places left on the planet directly to be used in our Transformative Mask, Volcano Ash.

Today is national porridge day. Oats are wonderful, containing an abundance of natural goodness whilst being great value for money. They are a British staple. They can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. However, porridge can be made from a variety of grains including quinoa, bulgur wheat and brown rice.

We love warming and autumnal aromatics such as ginger and cinnamon, which is why we have decided to make this recipe from Sheer Luxe using brown rice.

Serves 2
Ingredients
1 cup cooked short-grain brown rice
1 cup milk (your choice – I like a combination of rice and coconut milk)
1 cinnamon stick
1 thin slice of fresh ginger
1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped or 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla paste
1 teaspoon ground flaxseed/ linseed (optional)
a little honey, to serve
Cooking Method
1. COMBINE brown rice, milk, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla in a pot.
2. HEAT gently and simmer for 10 minutes, adding a little extra milk if necessary. Your porridge should be creamy.
3. SERVE alone or topped with flaxseed, stewed fruits, honey and extra hot milk.