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Skincare inspired by the Holy Bible

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Grape: Abundance, Renewal, and Joy

Grape: Abundance, Renewal, and Joy

The grapevine is a living symbol of God’s generosity. In the Holy Scriptures, grapes and wine signify abundance, joy, and communion with God. Christ calls Himself the “True Vine” (John 15:1), reminding us that just as branches draw life from the vine, so too do we draw life from Him. Grapes are also offered in the Church as part of feasts and blessings, symbolizing thanksgiving for God’s provision.

In skincare, it is the grapeseed extract that holds some of the most powerful gifts. Rich in oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs)- some of the strongest natural antioxidants - it helps protect skin from oxidative stress, pollution, and premature aging. Grapeseed extract also supports collagen and elastin, keeping skin firm and resilient. For those struggling with redness or inflammation, its anti-inflammatory properties bring calm and balance. It’s like a  shield for the skin, strengthening it against the wear of daily life.

DIY Grape Moisturizer:

Grapeseed oil can be used on its own as a light moisturizer or blended with aloe vera gel for a refreshing, calming skin treatment. It’s especially good for oily or combination skin since it hydrates without clogging pores. You can find grapeseed oil at many grocery stores.

Fruit into Wine

Spiritually, grapes remind me of how joy and renewal flow from God. Every time I use grape-based ingredients in my formulations, I think of Christ’s first miracle at Cana, where He turned water into wine. It was an act of joy, abundance, and blessing - and I love that the same fruit finds its way into skincare as a source of renewal and strength.

 

Product Inspirations:

  • Blessed Rest Night Cream: made with a powerful blend of antioxidants, including grapeseed extract for a refreshed and renewed complexion in the morning.

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A Moment of Clarity: Understanding the Truth About Preservatives

Shire Journal – by Erika MacDougall

A Moment of Clarity: Understanding the Truth About Preservatives

Recently, I came across a headline from an online women’s health magazine that made my heart skip a beat: “Do your cosmetics contain cancer-causing formaldehyde?” It’s easy to see why sensationalist language like this can provoke fear - it’s designed to grab attention at the expense of accuracy. But as someone who carefully formulates skincare, I wanted to pause, reflect, and share the real story about preservatives like Liquid Germall Plus and why fear-mongering around them is dangerous. What Is Formaldehyde, Really?Formaldehyde is a natural substance. Every living organism produces it, including our own bodies - it’s in every breath we exhale. It’s also present in everyday foods: fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, and even beverages like coffee and wine. At room temperature, it is a colorless, flammable gas with a strong odor, but the trace amounts released by preservatives in cosmetics are far from harmful. Why It’s in SkincareYou won’t find formaldehyde gas or formalin in your cosmetics. What you do find are formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, like Liquid Germall Plus or Diazolidinyl Urea. These ingredients release an infinitesimal amount of formaldehyde - chemically identical to the formaldehyde our bodies naturally produce. Their purpose is simple: they protect water-based products from bacteria, mold, and fungus, keeping your skincare safe to use day after day. The Science of SafetyRegulatory bodies including the FDA, EPA, OSHA, and European agencies strictly limit formaldehyde in personal care products. The maximum allowed concentration is 0.2% (2000ppm), and anything above 0.05% must be labeled. Experts, chemists, doctors, and experienced skincare formulators all agree: at these super low concentrations, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are safe, effective, and essential for preventing contamination. In fact, the amount of formaldehyde released while using a typical moisturizer is roughly the same as what you would find in a medium-sized apple or pear. Formaldehyde is often listed as a Group 1 carcinogen, alongside things like alcohol, processed meats, and sunshine. Yet it’s important to understand the context: studies showing cancer risk involved high occupational exposures, such as in embalmers and pathologists. There is no evidence that the minute quantities released in skincare cause cancer. It is the dose that makes the substance toxic - not the mere presence of it. The Danger of Fear-MongeringWhen sensational headlines dominate, people may avoid safe, effective preservatives. The real risk comes from using unpreserved or poorly preserved products that can grow harmful bacteria - far more dangerous than the controlled trace amounts of formaldehyde in products like ours. Fear without context can lead to poor choices, not safety. Why “Natural” Alternatives Aren’t Always BetterYou may have seen preservatives marketed as “natural” or “clean,” but many of these alternatives are not as effective. Some require industrial equipment or specialized conditions to work safely, making them impractical for small-batch, handmade skincare. Others haven’t been thoroughly tested long-term, so we simply don’t know how they behave over months of storage or repeated use on the skin. Choosing these alternatives can actually compromise safety and product stability, whereas preservatives like Liquid Germall Plus are well-studied, proven, and reliable. Faith, Wisdom, and CareAs a Christian, I see skincare as part of caring for the body God has given us - a small act of stewardship and thanksgiving. Choosing products formulated with proper preservatives is not a compromise; it’s a way to honor God’s creation, protecting your skin while embracing natural ingredients. Let’s not allow fear to override wisdom. Instead, let’s rejoice in knowledge, discernment, and the small but powerful blessings of safe, effective skincare.  

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More Than Skincare: Turning Self-Care in Prayer

Shire Journal – by Erika MacDougall

More Than Skincare: Turning Self-Care in Prayer

So often, skincare is treated as just another task on the to-do list. Cleanse, moisturize, move on. But I’ve learned, through both my years of formulating and my relationship with Christ, that caring for the body can become so much more - it can be prayerful, thankful, even sacred. Our bodies are not accidents. They are gifts, temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Every line, every freckle, every stretch mark tells a story of God’s faithfulness - of carrying children, of laughter, of hard work, of simply being alive. What a miracle! When we pause to care for our skin, we have the chance to remember that gift and to give thanks. Here’s how I invite you to approach your skincare routine differently: Begin with gratitude. As you wash your face, whisper a simple prayer: “Thank You, Lord, for the body You have given me.” Feel the water on your skin as a reminder of your baptism, washing away not just impurities, but the weight of the day. Notice the ingredients. Honey, olive oil, grape, wheat - these are not trendy extras; they are Biblical, timeless, and full of meaning. Think about how God uses the simplest gifts of creation to heal and restore. As you smooth these botanicals onto your skin, let them remind you of His mercy and provision. Use touch as a blessing. Instead of rushing through, slow down. Gently massage your moisturizer or facial oil into your skin with care, as if you are blessing yourself. This is not vanity - it is honoring the temple God entrusted to you. Rest in silence. Even if it’s just a minute, let your routine end in quiet. Breathe, pray, or simply sit with the awareness that you are loved by God, body and soul. I always cross myself and thank Him for all He blesses me with. Skincare can be one more place where faith meets daily life. It’s not about self-indulgence but about thanksgiving - caring for the temple with humility and love. When we choose products made from God’s creation, when we approach them with prayerful hearts, even the simplest routines become opportunities to glorify Him. My hope is that every jar and bottle you use from Shire Skincare carries this reminder: you are cared for, you are beloved, and your skin deserves the gentleness of God’s creation.

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Wheat: The Grain of Nourishment and Renewal

Shire Journal – by Erika MacDougall

Wheat: The Grain of Nourishment and Renewal

Wheat is one of the oldest symbols of life and sustenance. For centuries, it has been the staff of daily bread, feeding bodies and souls. In the Church, it holds a profound place of honor - used in prosphora, the bread offered at Divine Liturgy. Every grain carries within it the mystery of transformation: from seed to stalk, from flour to bread, from earthly food to heavenly communion. In skincare, wheat brings renewal and strength. Wheat is a natural source of ceramides and works as a protector against environmental stress. It helps repair the skin’s natural barrier, softens rough patches, and supports elasticity and firmness - especially helpful for sensitive or mature skin. The proteins and amino acids in wheat promote healthy cell regeneration, which is why I love to use wheat extracts in products that restore and strengthen.   Bread of Life Spiritually, wheat calls us back to the image of Christ as the Bread of Life. Just as wheat sustains the body, Christ sustains the soul. When I formulate with wheat-derived ingredients, I am reminded that skincare is more than skin deep - it can point us back to God’s providence and His care for us in every detail.   DIY Wheat Mask: Mix a teaspoon of finely ground wheat flour with a little honey and warm water or yogurt until it becomes a paste. Apply gently to the face for 5–10 minutes as a softening mask. This works great as a soothing treatment after sun exposure or when skin barrier becomes irritated.   Product Inspirations: Pumpkin Collagen Serum: formulated with wheat-derived ceramides to support a healthy barrier and plump skin Daily Calm Moisturizer: includes wheat protein to regenerate and balance stressed skin for a calm complexion

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Honey: Sweetness for Skin, Body, and Spirit

Shire Journal – by Erika MacDougall

Honey: Sweetness for Skin, Body, and Spirit

Honey is one of those gifts from God that feels miraculous every time you taste it. Thick, golden, and fragrant, it has nourished humanity for millennia, not only as food but as medicine and skincare. In my formulations at Shire Skincare, honey is a cornerstone ingredient because it carries natural healing, gentle hydration, and a sense of sweetness that feels like God’s provision in tangible form. From a skincare perspective, honey is a natural humectant, which means it draws moisture into the skin and locks it in. It soothes irritation, calms inflammation, and supports the healing of minor wounds including acne. It’s perfect for sensitive, dry, or stressed skin - especially for mothers whose skin may feel tired or dull from the demands of... well, motherhood. Beyond skincare, raw honey supports digestion and provides gentle, natural energy, making it a holistic ingredient that benefits body, mind, and skin.   DIY Honey Mask: To use honey as a comforting and healing mask, apply a thin layer to your face for 10–15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. It’s a simple, gentle mask that hydrates and smooths without irritation. For a richer treatment, you can mix honey with a teaspoon of plain yogurt or oatmeal to create a nourishing, calming mask that also exfoliates gently. Honey can also be applied sparingly to dry patches on hands, elbows, or lips for targeted hydration.   Honey in God's Word Spiritually, honey is rich with symbolism in Scripture. The Promised Land is described as “flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8), a metaphor for God’s abundance, provision, and care for His people. Proverbs encourages us to enjoy honey, reminding us that God’s gifts are meant for delight and nourishment. I often reflect on honey when creating skincare, thinking about how its sweetness mirrors the sweetness of God’s blessings and the small acts of care we can offer ourselves and others each day. Honey teaches us that caring for our bodies can be both practical and devotional. It reminds us to notice the goodness in everyday gifts, to treat our bodies with gentleness, and to embrace the sweetness of life God provides. In every application, there is an invitation towards gratitude, reflection, and mindful self-care.   Product Inspirations: Milk & Honey Mask: Soothing, moisturizing, and perfect for sensitive or stressed skin. Sacred Nectar Serum: Combines honey, propolis and royal jelly with other healing botanicals to nourish skin and help prevent blemishes .

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Olive - A Gentle Mercy for Our Skin

Shire Journal – by Erika MacDougall

Olive - A Gentle Mercy for Our Skin

There is something quietly miraculous about olives. As I work with it in my formulations, I am struck by how deeply it connects to both the natural world and the wisdom of Scripture. In Greek, the word for olive oil - “elaion” - is the same word used for mercy, a reminder that this humble fruit carries within it both healing and kindness. I think about how mercy flows quietly into the lives of others, and how a simple drop of oil can soothe, restore, and protect. From a skincare perspective, olive oil is nothing short of miraculous. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, D, E, and K, providing deep moisture and protection. Its gentle yet restorative properties make it ideal for dry, sensitive, or tired skin, helping to rebuild and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. Every time I use it in a formulation, I see how something so simple can make such a profound difference - not just in appearance, but in the way skin feels, soft, nourished, and cared for. As a formulator, I'm so grateful that olives are turned into more than just olive oil. Shire Skincare uses olive-derived nourishing ingredients like squalane, unsaponifiables, olive leaf and hydrogenated olive oil that allow skin to soak up the vitamins found in olive without the heaviness of olive oil.   Olive in the Holy Bible When I reflect on the spiritual significance of olive oil, the parable of the Good Samaritan always comes to mind (Luke 10:30–37). The Samaritan took the time to pour oil on the wounds of the beaten man on the road, bringing both physical healing and compassionate care. Olive in skincare is a tangible reminder of that mercy - the act of extending care, whether to someone else or to ourselves. To rub olive oil onto your skin is, in a sense, to practice a small, daily mercy: nourishing your body and acknowledging that God’s creation provides what we need to heal and thrive!   Easy Olive Oil DIY I like to use olive oil in a very simple ritual at home. I take about a teaspoon into my hands, warm it slightly between my palms, and gently massage it into my face or body, letting the richness sink in. This feels so wonderful during the dry seasons. Sometimes I will leave it on overnight, letting it nourish my skin while I rest. There is something deeply grounding about this process. It slows me down, connects me to the centuries of tradition before me, and reminds me that self-care can be a form of reverence. In my formulations, olive is always paired thoughtfully with other natural, wholesome ingredients, but even on its own it holds power. It reminds me that the simplest things in God’s creation - an oil, a drop of water, a moment of stillness - carry profound beauty and purpose. Olive oil is more than an ingredient; it is a daily lesson in mercy, patience, and gratitude.   Product Inspirations: Calming Glow Facial Oil: A rich blend with olive squalane at its heart, perfect for restoring softness and radiance. Soothing Oil-Free Moisturizer: Lightweight hydration made with olive-derived ingredients, safe for everyday use.

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