Natural Skin Superstar, Aloe Vera!

Aloe vera is a plant with thick, fleshy leaves. Inside, it contains a clear, transparent gel. This gel contains many active compounds, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids. Of course, these compounds have healing properties for the skin. Benefits include:

• Healing burns

Aloe vera is famous for its ability to heal burns, including minor burns and sunburns. The gel from this plant provides a cooling and soothing effect. This can certainly reduce pain and speed up the healing process. For those of you who are fighting inflamed acne or skin inflammation, you can really use this ingredient because it also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can accelerate skin tissue repair.

• Moisturize the skin

One of the biggest benefits of aloe vera is its ability to moisturize the skin. Aloe vera gel is easily absorbed by the skin, making it ideal for both dry and oily skin types. Regular use of aloe vera can help keep skin moisturized, especially after bathing or sunbathing.

As a bonus point, aloe vera skincare products usually don’t leave a sticky and uncomfortable feeling! However, if you have very dry skin, you may want to supplement your skincare with other moisturizing products.

• Overcoming acne

Experiencing stubborn acne? This natural ingredient has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce acne. Especially if the type of acne is inflammatory such as pustules and nodules. Using aloe vera on acne-prone skin can reduce symptoms of redness and swelling. Miraculous isn’t it?

Health Benefits

It’s certainly not just for skin health! Aloe vera is an important component for maintaining internal health. First, digestive health. Regular consumption of aloe vera in the form of juice or supplements can benefit the digestive system. This natural ingredient can help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and improve gut health! Some studies have also shown that aloe vera can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that can cause gastric ulcers.

In addition, we can also maintain oral health with this ingredient. Aloe vera products in the form of toothpaste and mouthwash can reduce plaque and inflammation of the gums. Not only that, aloe vera is effective for treating oral problems such as mouth ulcers and irritation due to the use of braces. Wow, that’s so great! Are Sereni-Trees interested in trying it out?

Usage Tips and Side Effects

Looking at the positive benefits of this natural ingredient, there are 2 ways it can be used. Examples are topical and internal use:

• Topical Usage

To get the benefits of aloe vera, we can use it by rubbing it with skincare products made from this natural ingredient. But if we use it directly from the plant, simply cut the aloe vera leaves and take the gel. This gel can be directly applied to problematic skin, such as burns, irritation, or acne. Pst, you can even apply it to your hair!

• Internal Usage

For consumption, we can add aloe vera gel to smoothies or make aloe vera juice by mixing the gel with water or other fruit juices. Make sure to consume aloe vera in reasonable amounts as overuse can cause side effects such as diarrhea.

Everything should be used in moderation, not too much or too little. While aloe vera is generally safe, there are some side effects that we should be aware of. Topical use of aloe vera can cause skin irritation in some people, especially those who are allergic to plants from the onion family, such as garlic or onion. It’s best to do a patch test or consult a dermatologist beforehand!

Not only that, we must also use aloe vera internally with caution. Aloe vera contains compounds that act as laxatives and can cause diarrhea and dehydration if consumed in large quantities. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under the age of 12 should avoid consuming aloe vera without consulting a doctor.

Plant your own Aloe Vera!

Lazy to buy skincare products? Relax, aloe vera is a plant that is quite easy to take care of, it is not difficult to take care of at home. This plant needs about six to eight hours of sunlight per day and only needs to be watered when the soil is completely dry. Aloe vera is also very suitable for us to grow in pots, so it can grow both indoors and outdoors, depending on the climate. It can enhance the look of our homes too!

If you already have your own aloe vera plant, you can harvest the leaves for fresh gel. To do this, select a thick leaf from the outside of the plant, cut it close to the base, and then extract the gel. This fresh aloe vera gel can usually be used directly or stored in the refrigerator for a few days. It’s so easy, isn’t it? Let’s plant aloe vera plants at home!

Alternative Natural Materials

Are you allergic or not compatible with aloe vera? You can try some natural ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter. These two natural ingredients can moisturize the skin, have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties. You can find bodycare products containing these two natural ingredients in Serenitree body wash and body lotion! 

In conclusion, everything in excess is not necessarily good. So make sure to do your research first and be consistent in your daily skincare routine, Sereni-Trees! Hope this article helps!

The post Get to know the benefits of Aloe Vera for skin & health! appeared first on Serenitree Indonesia.

Different Skincare Ingredients

Both smell natural, but why are they different? We can draw a straight line from the ingredients. A brand can be considered natural skincare if 50% of its ingredients come from natural ingredients and 10% from certified organic (non-harsh chemical) ingredients. As for vegan skincare, this type of skincare is also made from natural ingredients but without animal ingredients or 100% vegan!

However, we can’t just take a brand’s “claims” at face value. Even if it’s “natural” or “vegan”, it’s important to check the ingredient label to avoid harsh chemicals (such as parabens, phthalates, SLS). Because we need to remember, natural ingredients are NOT always free from chemicals! Psst, another tip for reading labels, generally natural ingredients will be located at the top of the label with scientific / Latin language while synthetic ingredients are located below.

Another important note, the more natural ingredients in a product, the longer the shelf life of the skincare will be (not as long as synthetic skincare). The logic is like food that has minimal preservatives, it will definitely spoil faster than those with high preservatives, right? So, make sure that besides the label, pay attention to the expiry date on the skincare product bottle before buying!

Explanation of Natural Ingredients in Skincare

Natural skincare ingredients have a broader meaning. Not necessarily derived from nature, natural ingredients have 4 types of classification, namely: 

• Pure natural ingredients: 100% natural, these ingredients still retain the shape and structure of the components. During processing without chemical reactions or processes. Examples include Olive Oil and Shea Butter.
• Natural delivered: This ingredient has undergone chemical reactions such as fermentation or hydrolysis (addition of emulsifiers to preserve the natural ingredients).
• Natural identical: This material undergoes a synthetic manufacturing process in a laboratory. Examples include Citric Acid. 
• Natural synthetics identical: Opposite of natural identical, synthetic molecules are made similar to natural chemicals such as glycol, but using natural ingredients such as sugarcane or corn extract as the base.

Turns out it’s not that simple after all! In addition, the source of natural ingredients is also divided into 4 groups, namely from plants, animals, minerals and marine. As consumers, it is very important for us to research the origin of the ingredients, but don’t forget that the manufacturing process is no less important! The best natural content is without eliminating the natural properties of the ingredients and does not harm users and the environment.

This is why it’s important to choose natural ingredients that have been laboratory tested to ensure they are safe and harmless from the formulation or manufacturing method. This will help skincare formulators learn about the properties of natural ingredients and reactions between ingredients.

Even though it is natural, it must have standardization and accountability! Therefore, we must be smart in choosing before using a product or choosing a brand.

Does “Natural” and “Vegan” Skincare Mean Cruelty Free?

This is often a misconception in the skincare world too! Skincare labeled natural or vegan is not necessarily cruelty free or free from animal testing. Because of the diverse world of skincare, there are labels from trusted organizations such as Leaping Bunny, Ecocert or Vegan Society. Their function is to “guarantee” that a skincare brand fulfills their claims. These certifications and labels are not easy to get, which is why they are so trusted in the skincare world!

Cruelty free itself means that a brand does not “torture” animals during the product manufacturing process. Examples include no animal testing or the use of animal-derived raw materials.

With that explanation, we can conclude that if a skincare product is made from natural or vegan will be guaranteed cruelty free if it already has that label. So, we should not be easily fooled and really make sure before buying a product, is it in accordance with our needs and desires? It is not uncommon for skincare brands to just “grab” a label without actually being certified. There’s nothing wrong with being careful, Sereni-Trees!

Serenitree Bodycare, Natural or Vegan Skincare?

Serenitree is a natural skincare brand that currently focuses on a range of bodycare. Confused about choosing a trusted local natural brand? We could be the answer! We are already BPOM verified, is labeled with No animal testing, No harsh chemicals, No added fragrance, No parabens, No synthetics coloring, No phthalates, and No SLS. 

In addition, Serenitree has the Clean formulation label. The meaning of this label means that all the ingredients contained in all products and the manufacturing process have been tested to be safe for users or the environment (not always natural, the point is safe). Therefore, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, people with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema, and children above 3/6 years old can safely use our products. 

Last but not least, our products are also labeled with extracted natural ingredients. This means that the natural ingredients in the skincare have undergone an extraction process from natural sources such as plants or fruits. Of course, these natural extracts have been specially processed to isolate active compounds that are beneficial to the skin. 

Sounds very effective and safe doesn’t it? In conclusion, choosing skincare doesn’t always have to be “organic”, “natural” or “vegan”. It all comes down to your needs, skin condition and preferences. Pay attention to the ingredients and the manufacturing process first, natural ingredients and synthetic ingredients are not always harmful or good. That’s why it’s important to do a patch test or consult your skin type with a professional. Don’t change and carelessly choose skincare and experience bad side effects later. Be a smart skincare user, Sereni-Trees! Hope this article is useful!

The post This is the difference between vegan and natural skincare! appeared first on Serenitree Indonesia.

Don’t get misinformed, let’s take a closer look at the differences from several aspects so that we can choose which one is suitable for us!

Difference between Natural and Organic Skincare

Although it is considered safer for the skin in general, there are some differences between natural and organic skincare regarding: Sourcing of ingredients, use of chemicals, certifications & standards, environmental benefits, price, and availability of product range.

Natural skincare uses natural ingredients from plants or other natural sources without synthetic chemicals or harmful additives. Plant extracts, essential oils, honey, and seeds are examples of natural ingredients that we often find in natural skincare. 

The advantage of natural skincare is its freedom from harmful chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, sulfates and synthetic colors. These ingredients are the masterminds of the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions! In addition, natural skincare is also more environmentally friendly as the ingredients are biodegradable. But it is possible that natural skincare contains a certain percentage of chemicals (which are not harmful).

Meanwhile, organic skincare uses ingredients that we get from natural sources without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic chemical fertilizers. Organic skincare products must meet strict certification standards (FDA). According to the United States Department of Agriculture, if a beauty product carries the ‘USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Organic’ label, it indicates that the product contains at least 95 percent organic ingredients.

This of course means that organic products have much lower levels of synthetic chemicals than natural skincare. In addition, organic farming also supports overall plant and soil health. Nonetheless, organic skincare may tend to be more expensive due to the higher production costs associated with organic farming.

The point is, organic skincare is definitely natural, but natural skincare is not necessarily organic!

Which one is safer?

In general, both organic and natural skincare tend to be safer when compared to skincare products that contain harmful synthetic chemicals. Both types of skincare tend to contain natural ingredients or ingredients derived from natural sources that are more friendly to the skin.

But we shouldn’t forget that the safety of skincare products also depends on the specific formulation, the quality of the ingredients, and how they are professionally tested. Therefore, while organic and natural skincare offer a more natural option, it’s important to check product labels, read ingredient lists, and do your research on specific brands or manufacturers.

Also, not all skin reacts the same way to all natural ingredients. Some people may have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients, even if they are natural or organic.

So, in conclusion, despite the differences, these two types of skincare are each relatively safe, Sereni-Trees!

What are the disadvantages of both types of skincare?

Nothing is perfect in this world! Of course there are always pluses and minuses of a skincare product.

Although the risk is small, natural skincare does not guarantee that everyone will fit in and not develop allergies. Some people have sensitivities to certain concentrations of natural ingredients. This is why it’s important to understand your skin type and condition first!

This also applies to organic skincare! Apart from not being able to guarantee allergy risk for all individuals, this type of skincare tends to be more expensive and has limited availability. So, it might be harder to find than natural skincare.

Again, we can conclude which type of skincare is best in terms of benefits, health and budget according to each of us! Most importantly, don’t make the wrong choice!

Recommended Natural Skincare Options, Serenitree

After knowing the differences and benefits, are you interested in trying Sereni-Trees? One of the products you can try could be from Serenitree Bodycare!

The brand focuses on natural skincare that is environmentally friendly and safe for the health of its users. The origin of Serenitree began with co-founder Sandra Djajadisastra’s concern for sustainability. Together with other co-founders, she founded an organization called Kertabumi Recycling Center (2017) or MSME recycling as a follow-up to the waste collected in the waste bank. That’s where this natural skincare brand started!

Until now, Serenitree has 3 types of bodycare line such as Body Wash, Body Lotion, and Hand Cream. The 3 are also complete with 2 variants namely “brightening” and soothing”. Without SLS, Parabens, and other harmful synthetic chemicals, all products are safe for pregnant women, sensitive skin, and children aged 3 years and above.

Interesting, right? You can really check our website for more product information!

Invest in your skin and the environment now!

Investing in both skin health and the environment is crucial as it is associated with huge benefits for long-term well-being and sustainability!

First of all, skin health is an important aspect of overall health. The skin is the largest organ in the body and serves as the first barrier against various pathogenic agents and harmful environmental factors. By taking good care of the skin early on, we can prevent potential skin problems and keep the skin free from various dermatological issues.

In addition, investing in skin health also brings aesthetic and confidence-boosting benefits. Healthy and well-maintained skin tends to look younger and more radiant. This will indirectly improve our self-confidence and quality of life! 

On the other hand, investing in the environment is key to ensuring that we have a healthy and sustainable planet for future generations. Choosing natural and organic skincare products can reduce the negative impact on the environment as organic farming supports the overall health of plants and soil. Furthermore, the use of natural ingredients that can biodegrade more easily also helps reduce the burden of environmental waste.

By investing in our skin and environmental health early on, we are contributing to the effort to create a lifestyle that is balanced between personal well-being and environmental sustainability. The small steps we take now can have a huge impact on our health, the environment, and society as a whole in the future!

The post Is natural skincare the same as organic skincare? appeared first on Serenitree Indonesia.

What is Traditional Skincare?

Traditional skincare refers to body and facial care practices that have existed for centuries in Asian cultures. Unlike modern skincare that uses chemicals and advanced technology, traditional skincare relies on natural ingredients such as plants, spices and traditional herbs. The basic principle is to achieve skin beauty and health naturally, without harmful side effects. Until now, there are still many types of ancient skincare that are still trusted and used! It could be because of its extraordinary benefits.

Natural skincare or traditional skincare does have significant benefits for skin health. Some of the main benefits include:

• Safe Natural Ingredients

The natural ingredients used in traditional skincare are generally safe for the skin and do not contain harsh chemicals that can cause irritation or allergic reactions.

• High in Nutrients and Antioxidants

Natural ingredients such as herbs, plant extracts, and natural oils are rich in nutrients and antioxidants that can provide the moisture, protection, and nourishment needed by the skin.

• Reduced Risk of Side Effects

Traditional skincare generally does not have significant side effects like modern skincare that contains certain chemicals. This makes it a safer choice for the long term.

• Nature Preservation

Traditional skincare tends to respect nature and its sustainability. The use of natural ingredients helps reduce the negative impact on the environment, preserving natural resources.

With the benefits it offers, it’s no wonder that many people are turning to traditional skincare. Are you the type who still uses old skincare or full modern skincare?

Traditional Skincare Ingredients & Techniques

Of course, each country has its own unique skincare traditions. However, Asia also has a rich culture and tradition in traditional skincare. Usually, these treatments go hand in hand with philosophies, the use of herbs, and heritage.

The most common natural ingredients we can find are as follows:

• Turmeric: Has anti-inflammatory properties and helps brighten the skin.
• Aloe Vera: Moisturises the skin and helps heal acne.
• Green Tea: Rich in antioxidants that help fight the signs of ageing.
• Coconut Oil: Provides natural moisture and protects skin from dryness.
• Chamomile Flower: Soothes the skin and reduces redness.
• Gingseng: Improves blood circulation and nourishes the skin.
• Cherry Blossom: Brightens the skin and gives a refreshing effect.
• Pomegranate Seeds: Rich in antioxidants and nutrients that are good for skin health.

These are just a few, originally there were so many natural ingredients that provide great benefits for our skin and health! It turns out that natural options are very diverse! As for the techniques themselves, some of them include:

• Facial Massage

Facial massage techniques such as Gua Sha and Facial Tapping to increase blood circulation, improve skin elasticity, and relieve tension.

• Traditional Mask

Traditional masks such as alginate masks, herbal powder masks, and mud masks nourish the skin, reduce inflammation, and cleanse the pores.

• Herbal Compress

Herbal compresses use a cloth filled with herbs in a warm water bath or certain solutions. We place this compress on the face to provide a relaxing and refreshing effect.

• Foot Soak

Foot soaks with natural ingredients such as salt, flowers, or herbs help in overall body relaxation and also affect skin health.

Some of these techniques you may already know, such as gua sha or mud masks. As evidenced by their current popularity, the effectiveness of traditional skincare is good!

Famous Asian Beauty Rituals

Now it’s time for us to discuss 3 traditional skincare routines that originated in Asia! Those who are curious can really try some of these steps and treatments:

1. Korea’s 10-Step Skincare Ritual

Korean skincare is famous for its detailed steps, including cleansing, exfoliation, toner, essence, serum, sheet mask, and more.

2. Japanese Onsen Rituals

Onsen are natural hot springs in Japan that can provide skin health benefits. Japanese people often visit onsen for relaxation and skincare. For those who are visiting the cherry blossom country, this is a must-try!

3. Traditional Balinese Massage Ritual

Traditional Balinese massage utilises the island’s signature massage techniques that help release tension and improve blood circulation, having a positive effect on skin health and beauty.

In addition to maintaining healthy skin, the body and mind become more relaxed. For those who have not had the opportunity to experience these treatments, you can make traditional skin care at home with natural ingredients. Serenitree spills some easy techniques:

1. Turmeric and Honey Mask

• Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1 teaspoon of pure honey.
• Apply this mixture to the face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water. Regular use can brighten the skin and give it a natural glow!

2. Green Tea Toner

• Brew green tea with hot water and leave to cool.
• Use a cotton ball to apply green tea toner to your face after your cleansing routine.

Let’s try these two simple natural skincare creations! If you’re curious, Serenitree x Kertabumi also often organises natural workshops, stay tuned so you don’t miss the news.

Differences between Traditional and Modern Skincare

While both provide positive benefits to the skin, traditional and modern skincare differ in three ways. The first is the ingredients and manufacturing technology. We can’t deny that today’s skincare uses advanced technology and lab-made/chemical ingredients, in contrast to traditional treatments that are simpler and made from natural ingredients.

Next comes the treatment approach. Modern skincare generally focuses on treating specific skin problems. Traditional skincare, on the other hand, takes a more holistic approach that involves balancing the body and mind. It can be seen from the types of techniques and functions of the natural ingredients themselves!

The last one is post-treatment side effects. Although not all, modern skincare is more prone to adverse effects such as irritation or allergic reactions. On the other hand, natural skincare is generally safer and does not cause significant side effects.

But that doesn’t mean we can carelessly use natural skincare! To choose the right product, consider the following points:

• Choose Quality Natural Ingredients

Ensure that the product contains high-quality natural ingredients and no harmful additives. Always check the ingredient label!

• Adjust to Skin Type

Pay attention to your skin type and choose products that are suitable for dry, oily, sensitive or combination skin.

• Pay Attention to Packaging and Storage

Ensure that the product is packed and stored as directed to maintain its safety and quality.

It’s so easy, right? We just need to be a little careful so we can take care of our skin safely and minimise the risks!

Does Traditional Skincare Still Matter?

Traditional skincare has proven a strong and positive influence on today’s skincare world. So of course, we don’t need to doubt their effectiveness. Nowadays, many modern brands collaborate with traditional and natural components in their products, such as Serenitree! 

Therefore, instead of choosing which one is the best, we can use both according to our needs. Most importantly, we should be smart buyers and always think about our health rather than instant results!

The post Traditional Skincare: Natural Asian Skincare Secrets appeared first on Serenitree Indonesia.

Let’s take a look at the characteristics of these two skincare!

Body Lotion VS Body Butter

• Body Lotion

Some of you must have tried Serenitree’s body lotion. Made from natural ingredients, our lotion has 2 variants: brightening and calming. When using it, what is the texture and characteristics like?

If we use enough body lotion, this skincare will absorb faster and feel lighter. Slightly more fluid in texture than body butter, this skincare is perfect for morning and night use. But one note, those with very dry skin should apply the lotion repeatedly to lock in maximum moisture.

• Body Butter

The function of body butter is not much different from lotion, which is to provide hydration, protect the skin and make our skin more moisturized. However, body butter has a heavier and thicker texture than lotion because it tends to contain more oil than lotion. As the name implies, it’s “buttery”, like butter! Such a texture will certainly take longer to absorb. This is why this type of skincare is often used at night, when you’re done with your activities. 

This product is suitable for those who have very dry skin. Especially if Serenitree squad lives in a cold/extreme weather area, we would recommend choosing this type of moisturizer.

Actually, body lotion and body butter are not too different, it’s just that the texture has its own characteristics. For those of you with normal to dry skin, it is enough to use lotion, but for dryness above average, we recommend combining lotion and body butter!

Which one do you prefer, Serenitree squad?

Tips for Proper Use of Body Butter

Every skincare product will work optimally if we use it correctly. Previously, we have given tips on using lotion from Serenitree, you can read it here. Today, we will recommend some tips that you can follow! Make sure to:

• Avoid using body butter if you have oily skin. Why? Body butter itself already contains a high level of oil. Hence this product will be more suitable for those with dry skin. 
• Use the product on dry and clean skin. Wet or dirty skin will cause free particles to stick directly to your skin. As a result, you’ll end up itching!
• Check out the suitable usage time. Generally, we use body butter effectively: After shower, before bed, after activities, and in cool room conditions (not hot and causing sweat). As Serenitree mentioned earlier, the texture of body butter is quite heavy! So, it’s not as casual as using lotion.
• Wait for the product to fully absorb before dressing. Otherwise, you’ll be uncomfortable as it will leave wet marks on your clothes!
• Take a sufficient amount of product first. If it’s not enough, add more slowly. Using too much will cause it to take longer to absorb.
• Focus on the dry areas of your skin if you’re not too comfortable with the texture of body butter, like your heels or elbows. Other areas you can combine with lotion.

Those are some Serenitree-style tips for using body butter. Serenitree squad, have you ever tried natural skincare butter from the Kertabumi x Serenitree workshop? Stay tuned for the latest workshop or product launch info!

Which one suits your skin?

So are the two products different? The answer is yes! In terms of characteristics and texture, there are significant differences. Even the packaging is different, generally the body lotion container is a bottle/tube and the body butter is a pot/jar according to its texture. There is nothing better between the two. You just have to choose which one suits your skin needs!

Normal, dry, oily or combination skin: Use body lotion regularly morning and night. You can combine with body butter on drier areas.

Very dry skin: Use body butter every night. For those with oily skin avoid using this skincare as it can cause breakouts due to excess oil!

For maximum results, Serenitree Squad, don’t forget to use it regularly and follow Serenitree’s tips. Also make it a habit to research your skin needs before choosing skincare!

Keep your skin moisturized with positive habits

Aside from taking care of our bodies, we still need to take care of our skin from within! How do you do that? It’s so easy! For example, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising and sleeping regularly, and maintaining mental health. There are also steps that we should follow in taking care of our skin on a daily basis such as:

• First, make sure to drink enough water every day. Water keeps our skin moisturized and hydrated from within. If your body is dehydrated, your skin will be dry! 
• Secondly, avoid bathing in water that is too hot or too long. This can strip the skin of the natural oils that we need to keep the skin moisturized. 
• Third, use a gentle, chemical-free soap to cleanse your skin. You can try Serenitree body wash, it’s natural and gentle on the skin! 
• Lastly, avoid exfoliating too often either chemically or physically. We recommend exfoliating at least once a week. Also try not to rub the skin with a towel after bathing, dry it with a patting motion and use a soft towel.

In conclusion, we must balance all aspects and positive habits in our lives to get a healthy body and skin. Using skincare alone is not enough, even if it is, it will definitely not be optimal without other supporting factors. So, we wish Serenitree Squad good health. Serenitree is always there to support all your skincare needs!

Hope this article helps, see you next time!

The post Body Lotion VS Body Butter, What’s the Difference? appeared first on Serenitree Indonesia.