Latest news with #natural
The Guardian
4 hours ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Is it true that … natural beauty products are always gentler on skin?
'Natural' has become a buzzword,' says Dr Rosalind Simpson, a consultant dermatologist and associate professor at the University of Nottingham. And when it's on the label of beauty products, sellers often charge more. 'There's a trend where people assume that synthetically derived ingredients are harmful, and that if something's labelled 'natural' it must be safer or better for your skin,' she says. But that's often a misconception. For starters, not everything labelled 'natural' is entirely sourced from nature. 'I came across a crude study that looked at 100 skincare products on Amazon marketed as natural. Only 42% truly were,' Simpson adds. In fact, most 'natural' skincare products contained at least two synthetic ingredients. Beyond this, just because something is sourced from natural ingredients doesn't mean it's gentle on every skin type. Though plant-based, ingredients including fragrances and essential oils such as cinnamon, tea tree, peppermint and linalool can cause irritation for some people. Lanolin, a moisturising agent derived from sheep's wool, is another common allergen. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion Some synthetic ingredients, such as certain scents and colourings, can be just as irritating, but that isn't always the case. 'Some are scientifically developed to be more gentle on the skin and to have a reduced chance of causing potential reactions,' says Simpson. Her bottom line? Not all natural products are 'good', and not all synthetic ones are 'bad'. It's about finding what works for you. 'Go with what your skin tolerates and what fits your budget.' If you have sensitive skin, she recommends looking for products with the lowest number of ingredients. And if you suspect you have had a reaction to a product – even months after you started using it – it's always smart to take a break so you can see whether it is to blame.
The Guardian
20 hours ago
- Health
- The Guardian
Is it true that … natural beauty products are always gentler on skin?
'Natural' has become a buzzword,' says Dr Rosalind Simpson, a consultant dermatologist and associate professor at the University of Nottingham. And when it's on the label of beauty products, sellers often charge more. 'There's a trend where people assume that synthetically derived ingredients are harmful, and that if something's labelled 'natural' it must be safer or better for your skin,' she says. But that's often a misconception. For starters, not everything labelled 'natural' is entirely sourced from nature. 'I came across a crude study that looked at 100 skincare products on Amazon marketed as natural. Only 42% truly were,' Simpson adds. In fact, most 'natural' skincare products contained at least two synthetic ingredients. Beyond this, just because something is sourced from natural ingredients doesn't mean it's gentle on every skin type. Though plant-based, ingredients including fragrances and essential oils such as cinnamon, tea tree, peppermint and linalool can cause irritation for some people. Lanolin, a moisturising agent derived from sheep's wool, is another common allergen. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion Some synthetic ingredients, such as certain scents and colourings, can be just as irritating, but that isn't always the case. 'Some are scientifically developed to be more gentle on the skin and to have a reduced chance of causing potential reactions,' says Simpson. Her bottom line? Not all natural products are 'good', and not all synthetic ones are 'bad'. It's about finding what works for you. 'Go with what your skin tolerates and what fits your budget.' If you have sensitive skin, she recommends looking for products with the lowest number of ingredients. And if you suspect you have had a reaction to a product – even months after you started using it – it's always smart to take a break so you can see whether it is to blame.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Applications for New Mexico Young Ambassadors program due by August 15
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – High schoolers have one more month to apply for a leadership position to help the governor with her goal of keeping New Mexico clean and natural. Kids entering their junior or senior year of high school can spend the school year helping their community stay litter-free. Curbside debris pickup available in Lincoln County Selected ambassadors will help organize projects and work with other peers on a statewide project. They will earn a $3,000 participation stipend upon completion. Only two applicants will be selected from each of the 6 designated areas. Applications close August 15 Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
CTV News
15-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
24-hour health food convenience store to open in Ottawa's ByWard Market
People looking for a healthy option as the sun rises will soon have a new spot in Ottawa's ByWard Market. Montreal-based KaleMart24 will be opening its doors on William Street on July 23, offering all-natural and local products for 24-hours, seven-days a week. 'We're not like a classic convenience store, and we're not like a grab-and-go restaurant,' Sam Saoudi, founder and CEO of KaleMart24, told CTV News Ottawa. 'We offer all the classic categories of a convenience store, alcohol, chocolate, chips, gums, all that, but it's natural brands with no preservatives, no additives and no chemicals in the products. Saoudi says he had the idea for the business while in engineering school and realized there was a gap in offerings for quick, healthy products at his local Montreal depanneur. The franchise opened two stores in Montreal in March 2024 and a third in September 2024. Along with its ByWard Market location, a store will be opening in Gatineau's Hull sector as soon as Monday. Saoudi plans to open more franchises in Toronto and Kitchener. 'We've had an overwhelming response,' he said. KaleMart24's website shows a variety of options from bowls, salads, smoothies, acai bowls, wraps and sandwiches. Grab-and-go classics like coffee, tea and pastries are also on offer. Saoudi says he wanted to open the first Ottawa location in the market because of the amount of traffic in the area from locals and tourists, despite growing concerns over social disorder in the area. 'We wanted to showcase the brand in Ottawa in a very high food traffic location to make people discover the brand and see what we're doing,' he said. 'Ottawa is a great market. We have a lot of franchisees that are very interested in the area and I think bringing more great stores and great opportunities in this city would help lower that bad reputation that certain streets in Ottawa have.' The ByWard Market area has been without a 24-hour establishment since the closure of the notorious Rideau Street McDonald's in 2023. The Elgin Street Diner and Kettlemans Bagels also offer all-day, all-night service.
Geeky Gadgets
15-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
iPhone Photography Trick: Instantly Improve Your Photos
Reflection photography offers a captivating way to add depth and creativity to your images, transforming ordinary scenes into visually compelling compositions. With your iPhone and a few practical techniques, you can explore the art of capturing reflections to create unique perspectives. The awesome video below from iPhone Photography School will help you identify reflective surfaces, optimize your camera settings, and experiment with creative approaches to elevate your photography skills. Watch this video on YouTube. Spotting Reflective Surfaces The foundation of reflective photography lies in recognizing reflective surfaces in your surroundings. These surfaces are abundant in both natural and urban environments, offering endless opportunities for creative compositions. By training your eye to notice them, you can uncover hidden photographic potential. Common reflective surfaces include: Water: Look for puddles, lakes, rivers, or even wet sand after rain. Look for puddles, lakes, rivers, or even wet sand after rain. Glass: Explore windows, glass walls, or smooth storefronts for intriguing reflections. Explore windows, glass walls, or smooth storefronts for intriguing reflections. Shiny objects: Polished cars, metallic surfaces, or even ice can serve as reflective canvases. Slowing down and observing your environment with a creative mindset is key. By paying attention to light, angles, and textures, you'll begin to see reflections in places you might have previously overlooked. Techniques to Capture Stunning Reflections Once you've identified a reflective surface, the way you position your iPhone and compose your shot plays a significant role in the final image. Here are some effective techniques to enhance your reflection photography: Use a low angle: Position your iPhone close to the reflective surface to create a mirror-like effect, making the reflection more vivid and immersive. Position your iPhone close to the reflective surface to create a mirror-like effect, making the reflection more vivid and immersive. Focus on symmetry: Symmetrical compositions are naturally pleasing to the eye and emphasize the harmony between the subject and its reflection. Symmetrical compositions are naturally pleasing to the eye and emphasize the harmony between the subject and its reflection. Blend reality and reflection: Experiment with positioning your subject within the reflection to create layered or surreal effects. For instance, capture a person walking through a puddle or a building mirrored in a car window. Urban environments, in particular, provide a wealth of reflective surfaces. From glass skyscrapers to rain-soaked streets, these settings encourage experimentation and creativity. Fine-Tuning Your Camera Settings To achieve professional-looking reflection photos, it's essential to adjust your iPhone's camera settings for optimal results. Here are some tips to get started: Lock focus and exposure: Tap and hold on your subject to lock focus and exposure. This ensures the camera doesn't inadvertently shift focus to the reflective surface itself. Tap and hold on your subject to lock focus and exposure. This ensures the camera doesn't inadvertently shift focus to the reflective surface itself. Adjust exposure: Use the on-screen slider to brighten or darken your image. Proper exposure enhances contrast and ensures your subject stands out against the reflection. Use the on-screen slider to brighten or darken your image. Proper exposure enhances contrast and ensures your subject stands out against the reflection. Use burst mode: For dynamic scenes, such as rippling water or moving subjects, burst mode captures multiple frames in quick succession, increasing your chances of getting the perfect shot. These adjustments allow you to take greater control of your images, helping you capture reflections with clarity and precision. Exploring Urban Reflection Photography Cities are a treasure trove for reflection photography, offering a mix of natural and man-made reflective surfaces. To make the most of urban settings, consider the following strategies: Keep it simple: Avoid visual clutter by positioning your subject against a clean background, such as a reflected sky or minimalist architectural lines. Avoid visual clutter by positioning your subject against a clean background, such as a reflected sky or minimalist architectural lines. Experiment with post-processing: Use editing tools to flip reflection images, creating surreal effects or introducing unexpected perspectives. Use editing tools to flip reflection images, creating surreal effects or introducing unexpected perspectives. Play with light: Reflections often appear more dramatic during golden hour or after rain, when surfaces are wet and light is softer. Urban environments encourage bold experimentation. Don't hesitate to explore unconventional angles, compositions, or lighting conditions to create striking images. Practical Tips for Success Reflection photography requires patience, creativity, and attention to detail. To improve your results, keep these practical tips in mind: Frame carefully: Pay attention to symmetry and eliminate distractions in the background that could detract from your composition. Pay attention to symmetry and eliminate distractions in the background that could detract from your composition. Be patient: Wait for the right moment, especially when photographing moving subjects or dynamic reflections, such as ripples in water. Wait for the right moment, especially when photographing moving subjects or dynamic reflections, such as ripples in water. Practice regularly: The more you practice, the better you'll become at spotting reflective surfaces and composing creative shots. With consistent practice, you'll develop an intuitive sense for capturing reflections, whether in serene natural settings or bustling cityscapes. Over time, your ability to see and photograph reflections will become second nature, allowing you to create images that stand out and tell compelling visual stories. Check out more relevant guides from our extensive collection on iPhone photography that you might find useful. Source & Image Credit: iPhone Photography School Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
