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Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Cynergy TK


What is Cynergy TK?

Cynergy TK is a functional keratin, developed in the last few years by New Zealand scientists. 

Background
Here in New Zealand, we are always trying to find new ways to use our sheep products, as sheep farming is an important export earner for our tiny nation.

Scientists already knew that sheep wool contained Keratin, an important building block of human skin, nails and hair.  Keratin has a high sulphur content and contains amino acids important for the structural role of Keratin.  And Keratin has a function in cell healing, such as when skin is wounded.

Scientists also knew that, formerly, when keratin was extracted from animal by-products, the extraction process effectively killed the keratin, rendering it useless.  But a group of New Zealand scientists found a way to gently remove keratin proteins from sheep wool so that its natural properties remained intact.  And they called it Functional Keratin.

Why does our skin wrinkle as we age?
Underneath our skin surface is a thicker layer called the dermis.  The dermis is mostly made up of collagen fibres, woven like a mesh with elastin and other proteins.  As we age, the collagen and elastin fibres become looser and less elastic.  So without that plump layer under the skin, our outer skin, the epidermis, begins to sag and wrinkle.

What causes the dermis to break down?
The main threat to the health of our skin is the sun.  Sun damage will cause the dermis to age.  Free radicals also contribute to aging of the skin.

Can adding a Collagen Skin Cream help?
No.  Collagen cannot be absorbed through the skin.

Can Cynergy TK Keratin help?
Yes!  Cynergy TK stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, and it also stimulates the increased production of skin cells.  More collagen and elastin means plumper skin and fewer wrinkles.

Cynergy TK Keratin is actually a group of keratin proteins, each with its own benefits.  Some make skin stronger, others hold the skin together. 

Cynergy TK also contains zinc and copper protein complexes, both very important for skin healing and regeneration.  So much so, that the keratin in Cynergy TK has been successfully trialed in chronic wound treatment.

Cynergy TK improves skin elasticity and moisture retention
The proteins in Cynergy TK have been shown to significantly improve skin elasticity and moisture retention. 

Cynergy TK calms inflamed and sensitive skin, and brightens skin
Cynergy TK inhibits prostaglandin E2 production up to 70%, a biochemical process that leads to redness and inflammation of the skin.  It also stimulates the body's natural antioxidant activity, to help skin look bright, clear and smooth, and to fight off pollution.

Cynergy TK is sustainably produced
Cynergy TK is produced from pure New Zealand sheep wool.  The animal does not have to be killed or harmed to remove the wool, and shearing is necessary for sheep so that they do not become overheated in summer.  The sheep are raised in the clean, green natural surroundings of New Zealand, free from any disease issues.

Where can I buy Cynergy TK products?
You can purchase Cynergy TK products from http://www.shopenzed.com/ , a New Zealand gift store based in New Zealand.  Cynergy TK Day Cream, Night Cream, Eye Cream, Lip Balm, and Hand & Body Cream are produced by Pure Source Skincare, right here in New Zealand.

Is Cynergy TK expensive?
No!  Despite claims to the contrary, Cynergy TK is not expensive.  Pure Source aim to produce affordable skincare products using New Zealand ingredients.  They don't have huge advertising budgets, they don't employ movie stars to front their products, they just get on with the job of producing good skincare.

Is there a Cynergy TK product for nails?
Yes there is!  It is called Prosina.  Prosina is high in cysteine, which when combined with the keratin in your nails, increases their strength.

Prosina is also a natural moisturiser and barrier cream, increasing the moisture content in your hands and nails, reducing brittleness and protecting your skin from pollutants such as detergents, sunlight and wind. 

Prosina is the important component of Wild Ferns Lanolin Hand & Body Creme.



Tuesday, April 27, 2010

How to tie sliding adjustable knots for Maori Necklaces

I've just posted info on Instructables.com about how to tie a sliding adjustable knot for Maori Necklaces and Pendants. Rather than repeat it all here, you can view it over at Instructables.

How to tie sliding adjustable knots for Maori Necklaces - More DIY How To Projects

Taiaha - Maori Weapon

 


The Taiaha, a traditional Maori weapon, is a popular collectors item and New Zealand gift.

Parts of the Taiaha:
The taiaha was usually made of a hardwood, roughly 1.5m long.

  1. Striking blade (rau) - the lower end of the taiaha, a thin, flattish blade.
  2. Shaft - usually somewhat oval in shape, where the taiaha was held
  3. Top end - consisting of a head (upoko) carved on both sides, with a tongue (arero) protruding defiantly from the mouth. Usually the eyes of the upoko were made from NZ paua (abalone) shell. On ceremonial taiaha, below the head was decorated with feathers or dog hair.

Whilst the Taiaha looks like a spear, it was not usually used in that manner. Instead, the taiaha was a striking weapon. Most of the time the taiaha was held with the blade uppermost, and the tongue (arero) pointing down. The tongue end might be used to jab at the opponent's stomach or face, but only so that they could then reverse arms and strike the top of the opponent's head with the blade ( rau). A skilled warrior could smash his opponent's skull with the blade of his taiaha.

We have several different taiaha for sale, including one with a greenstone jade tongue. A video of that taiaha shows you the different sections of the taiaha.