The skin is our largest organ, working magically to protect us and decipher the various environmental inputs that it comes in contact with.  We put it through the wringer with exposure to all that is good and bad out there. Sometimes our skincare routine can be our only time with ourselves and our intentional time with someone we love. A great body butter with healthy ingredients and elevating aroma can be shared as a sensitive way to express affection and/or desire, increasing your awareness in love and care for yourself and others.

As we churn through days packed with duty and speed, our attention is pulled in thousands of directions, zooming us in on all that’s required to maintain our lifestyles, care for loved ones, and multi-task to extremes. It’s easy to miss red flags and cues our bodies send to alert us to issues that may trigger illness on a physical or mental level.   

Implications of deprivation and treatment

One trend observed in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic has been what’s known as touch starvation or deprivation. In its extremity this state can lead to depression, anxiety, and increases in the stress hormone cortisol. The biological need especially apparent with baby development immediately from birth continues throughout life and is often placed at level with other basic needs like food, water, and air. 

Besides the well researched effects of touch on the thriving of newborns and infants, some studies have shown that touch can have beneficial effects on elderly people with Alzheimer’s. Studies have shown that touch strategies have profound effects on children with behavioral and trauma challenges. Even the smallest gestures of touch from friends, family, or partners reach deeper into our well-being than we might imagine.

The benefits of social touch

Stress Reduction: Touch triggers the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone." Oxytocin helps to reduce stress and anxiety levels, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation.

Improved Immune Function: Research suggests that regularly experiencing touch can boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which help fight off infections and illnesses.

Enhanced Emotional Bonding: Touch plays a fundamental role in building and maintaining emotional connections between individuals. It fosters feelings of trust, empathy, and intimacy, strengthening relationships.

Pain Relief: Gentle touch can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced by the body. This can help alleviate physical discomfort and reduce perception of pain.

Improved Mental Health: Touch has been shown to improve mood and decrease feelings of loneliness and depression. It provides a sense of comfort and reassurance, promoting overall psychological well-being.

Reduced Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Engaging in comforting touch can lead to a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure, promoting cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of heart-related conditions.

Enhanced Communication: Touch can convey a wide range of emotions and intentions, often serving as a nonverbal form of communication in ways that words alone cannot.

Stimulation of the Nervous System: Human touch activates pressure receptors under the skin, sending signals to the brain that can promote relaxation and decrease stress responses. It also helps regulate the nervous system, promoting overall balance and well-being.

Improved Sleep Quality: Gentle touch has been shown to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. It can help individuals fall asleep faster and experience deeper, more restorative sleep.

Promotion of Growth and Development: Human touch is essential for the healthy development of infants and children. Skin-to-skin contact, in particular, has been shown to promote bonding between parents and babies, regulate body temperature, and support early cognitive and emotional development.

Social touch is a fundamental aspect of human experience with physical, emotional, and psychological benefits. Incorporating regular, positive touch into daily life can lead to improved well-being and stronger interpersonal connections. It holds power to bind and break connections and have profound effects on feelings of safety, and well-being. It is our first sense to develop, the first form of communication we can access, and the means with which we learn and develop our sense of self.  

Truly healthy skincare reaches beyond the skin, working to improve levels of wellness and connection. Touch and skincare go hand in hand as we work to stay in tune with ourselves and one another in the currents of a post pandemic, individualized trending society.

All hearts and flowers aside this Valentine’s Day, the gift of time, touch, and loving attention to yourself and to another, can start with the simple beauty of a caress.

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At Ellovi we believe skin health is deeply connected to overall health and well-being. Our mission is to offer wellness using pure ingredients with safe and transparent methods. Self care is not just a luxury and it cannot wait. We’re here to remind you to invest in your health from head to toe, inside and out. 

Team Ellovi 🌺

A Brief History of Aromatherapy

The term Aromatherapy was coined by French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosee in 1928, modernizing and expanding on the deeply rooted venerated practice dating back to 3500 BC. An integral part of ancient sensual and health routines, aromas of essential oils have long been used as powerful triggers of physical response and sense memory. 

Aromatherapy has been practiced in ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, Rome, India, and China. Its almost mystical reach has survived through time, lending weight to nature’s healing power, practicality, and accessibility.

Aside from the legend of Cleopatra, ancient Egyptians were known to create oil combinations to support or induce states of meditation, war, and love. Studied by monks, philosophers, and great thinkers throughout cultures and ages, this time-tested study of nature remains a worthwhile quest for seekers of emotional and physical wellness.

Unlocking the Psychology

Inhaling essential oils stimulates the limbic system which is the part of the brain were moods and emotions are centered. Strong associations are created by way of scent, which, when combined with touch, sets a stage for relaxation, stress relief, and romantic connection, all gems that been known about the effects of aromatherapy. 

Often we find that the keys to unlocking emotional and sensual connection lie in the barriers we constantly work through within ourselves on a daily basis. Stress, pain, sleep issues and other similar struggles tend to poison the well of wellness, interrupting our ability to stay in tune with our bodies and those of our loved ones.  Aromatherapy nourishes an environment in which we can refocus on sensation, in effect, reducing the noise.

Aromatherapy as Part of Daily Life

In the spirit of February, the month to celebrate love, reigniting a connection to self and to others by way of sense memory and mental health care, is the best gift that could be given. We've heard time and time again that refilling personal wellness coffers often increases the ability and agility of that expression to those we care for.

Taking the ancient Egyptians practice further, we can create a personal experience with combinations of oils connecting us more closely to our bodies in a world of overstimulation.  A steady hand through time remains a worthy guide back to self, keeping us in step with nature and one another.

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At Ellovi we believe skin health is deeply connected to overall health and well-being. Our mission is to offer wellness using pure ingredients with safe and transparent methods. Self care is not just a luxury and it cannot wait. We’re here to remind you to invest in your health from head to toe, inside and out. 

Team Ellovi 🌺

Since the resurgence of interest in natural, clean skin care products, curiosity has grown with educated consumers seeking the best and purest options available. Favorites like shea butter, coconut oil, and cocoa butter are common ingredients sought after for their nutrient-rich properties. 

There are a few lesser known but thoroughly time-tested hero ingredients ripe with powerful, effective, and gentle healing. As with many legendary skin care practices, knowledge about the wide ranging benefits of using mango butter and olive oil has waxed and waned over the years but is now coming back to the forefront as part of the clean beauty movement.

Mango Butter and Olive Oil Uses Over Time:

🥭 Mangoes are native to South Asia where indigenous communities have long used them in  traditional skin care routines for soothing dry and irritated skin and to promote overall skin health. 

🫒 Olive oil use dates back to ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt in public baths, in cosmetics, ointments, perfumes, and much more. 

🫒 Medieval Europeans considered olive oil a beauty treatment for the upper class. 

🫒 Grown in plenty across the Mediterranean, olives have been and continue to be an essential ingredient for health, both internally and externally.  

Benefits of Mango Butter:

🥭 Moisturization: Mango butter is highly emollient, meaning it can provide deep moisturization to the skin, keeping it soft and hydrated, particularly beneficial for individuals with dry or sensitive skin. Mango butter is lightweight, making it a versatile option for various skin types, including those with sensitive or oily skin.

 🥭 Rich in Antioxidants: Mango butter contains antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants play a crucial role in maintaining skin health and preventing premature aging.

🥭 Skin Repair: The presence of fatty acids in mango butter, such as oleic acid and stearic acid, can contribute to skin repair and regeneration, leaving skin soft and supple. This makes it useful for addressing skin issues such as scars, stretch marks, and fine lines.

 🥭 Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Mango butter has anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe irritated skin and alleviate symptoms of skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.

 🥭 UV Protection: While not a substitute for dedicated sunscreen, mango butter contains a small amount of natural sun protection. It may provide some defense against harmful UV rays, although it is not sufficient on its own for sun protection.

🥭 Collagen Production: Mango butter is believed to stimulate collagen production in the skin. Collagen is a protein that helps maintain the skin's elasticity and firmness, contributing to a more youthful appearance.

 🥭 Improves Skin Tone and Texture: Regular use of mango butter may help improve skin tone and texture, resulting in a smoother and more even appearance.

 🥭 Hair Care: Mango butter is often used in hair products to moisturize and nourish the hair, reduce frizz, and promote a healthy scalp.

 🥭 Non-Comedogenic: Mango butter is non-comedogenic, meaning it is unlikely to clog pores. This makes it suitable for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin.

Benefits of Olive Oil:

🫒 Moisturization: Olive oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fats and squalene, which provide deep hydration to the skin. It helps in preventing moisture loss, making the skin soft and supple.

 🫒 Antioxidant Protection: Olive oil contains antioxidants, such as vitamin E and polyphenols, that help protect the skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage. This can contribute to maintaining a youthful and healthy complexion.

 🫒 Anti-Inflammatory Properties: The presence of polyphenols in olive oil may have anti-inflammatory effects, making it beneficial for soothing irritated or inflamed skin. It may ease symptoms of dryness and itching in conditions like eczema and dermatitis.  

 🫒 Wound Healing: Olive oil has been traditionally used for wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It may aid in the recovery process and reduce the appearance of scars.

 🫒 Anti-Aging Effects: Regular application of olive oil may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The antioxidants in olive oil can support collagen production and protect the skin from premature aging.

 🫒 Sunburn Relief: Olive oil can provide relief from sunburn when applied topically. Its moisturizing properties help soothe the skin, and the antioxidants may contribute to repairing sun-damaged cells.

 🫒 Makeup Remover: Olive oil can serve as an effective and natural makeup remover. It helps dissolve makeup, including waterproof products, without causing irritation to the skin.

 🫒Exfoliation: When mixed with natural exfoliants like sugar or coffee grounds, olive oil can be used as a gentle exfoliator. It helps remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth and refreshed.

 🫒 Cuticle Care: Applying olive oil to the cuticles can help soften them, making it easier to push back or trim the cuticles. This promotes healthier nails and prevents hangnails.

Natural treasures like these work magic on many levels and, as we know, beauty is not just skin deep. Beauty and health are a lifelong pursuit with knowledge as the main key for thriving. Looking back across time informs clean skin care seekers toward improvement and purity in approaches to health and well-being. We are here for it.

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At Ellovi we believe skin health is deeply connected to overall health and well-being. Our mission is to offer wellness using pure ingredients with safe and transparent methods. Self care is not just a luxury and it cannot wait. We’re here to remind you to invest in your health from head to toe, inside and out. 

Team Ellovi 🌺