Wellbeing Journal
THE POWER OF PLANTS
Indoor plants have been used to decorate homes and heal people since 1,000 B.C. China. Their benefits have since been recognised by the science community, proving household plants as essential indoor companions in urban dwellings. We adorn our Jurlique offices with these all-natural air purifiers, for they improve the air quality while reducing the stress levels of those working amongst them. Read on for all of the reasons to bring more greenery into your home or workspace.They pay their wayIn 1989, NASA conducted a study looking at the benefits of houseplants, naming it the NASA Clean Air Study. It found that having one plant per nine square metres of your home or office will remove toxic airborne agents, such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. Garden Mums, Spider Plants and Dracaena are the top performing pollutant removers. Plants such as orchids, succulents, snake plants and bromeliads also absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen all through the night (unlike most other varieties that only do this during the day time), making them the perfect bedroom companions.They are visually beautifulPlants are an easy way to enhance your loungeroom or workspace. By adorning your windowsills with succulents, draping macramé hangers from curtain rails or bringing a big and bold potted fiddle leaf fig, you’ll make a huge difference to the look and feel of your space. Get your hands dirty by simply taking a cutting from a friend’s plant and propagating your own from scratch; you’ll feel a true sense of achievement as it flourishes.They reduce stressThe art of shinrin yoku, or forest therapy, was first invented in Japan and is predicated on the idea of visiting or looking at nature as a means to calm, rejuvenate and restore the mind. Studies have found that plants bestow positive changes in the brain’s electrical activity, relieving muscle tension and calming heart activity. Bring a piece of the forest into your living room with your very own bonsai tree.They bring the outdoors, inAs more people move to be closer to big cities, they inevitably have less exposure to Nature, which means they come into contact with a less diverse microbiota. This refers to the community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in your gut and on your skin, and which is essential to fighting off disease. Keeping a herb garden will encourage you to have direct contact with plant life, while also offering a constant supply of fresh basil, thyme and mint.Jurlique’s Tree Planting Day At Jurlique we love our plants indoors and out. Every year since 2012, Jurlique staff have been planting native trees at our farm in South Australia. The trees improve our carbon footprint, enhance the area’s biodiversity, and offer protection for our organically grown botanicals. Learn more here.
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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SERUMS
When it comes to skincare, serums cause the most confusion. What do they do? And where do they fit into your skincare routine? Surely, it’s one skin care step too far? The short answer is: serums are packed with potent ingredients to boost the health, hydration and vibrancy of your skin - so if you don’t swear by a serum yet, it’s time to start. Here’s our fool proof guide to face serums.What is a serum, exactly?Savvy skin care is all about layering, choosing products that complement each other in each step of your skin care ritual. Face serums are lightweight (but potent) formulas designed to provide your skin with extra hydration as well as target specific skin care concerns, such as fine lines or dullness. They’re formulated with high concentrations of active ingredients (higher than your traditional moisturiser) so only a few drops are needed to get the full benefits. Think of it as your essential skin care problem solver and complexion booster, all wrapped up into one.How do serums differ from moisturisers?Moisturisers are rich and creamy, creating a protective barrier on top of your skin to prevent any moisture from escaping while locking in the benefits of the previous products you’ve used in your ritual. While serums can contain moisturising ingredients (like Rosehip Oil in the Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Daily Moisture Balancing Serum), they have a thin consistency and don’t lock in moisture like creams and lotions do.How to use serumsSkin care products are applied thinnest to thickest, so use after cleansing, toning, and applying our Activating Water Essence (which activates skin’s ability to retain moisture). Gently press 1-2 pumps of serum over your face, neck and décolletage and leave to sink in before applying your eye cream and moisturiser.Which serum is right for you?The best way to choose is to think of your biggest skin care concern and pick a serum that targets it best – or, have a few that you can switch up. Is your skin more dehydrated than usual? Use a hydrating serum. Long-haul flight left you feeling a bit dull and lacklustre? Reach for your face brightening serum. And if you’re not sure what your biggest skin concern is, read our guide to understanding your skin type.Dryness and deydrationRecommended serum: Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Daily Moisture Balancing Serum. With Marshmallow Root Extract that draws precious moisture to the skin and Rosehip Oil for long-lasting hydration, this is our best face serum for dry skin.Dullness and first signs of ageingRecommended serum: Jurlique Herbal Recovery Signature Serum. One of our hero products, this contains Red Clover Flower Extract, which is scientifically proven to enhance the hydrating role of Hyaluronic Acid, and to visibly smooth lines and wrinkles.Lines and loss of firmnessRecommended serum: Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Firming and Tightening Serum. This serum contains Beech Tree Bud extract, known to improve skin firmness and help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.Deep lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticityRecommended serum: Jurlique Nutri-Define Superior Retexturising Facial Serum. Containing fatty acids derived from plant oils that hydrate and improve the skin’s barrier function, and Oat Kernel Extract to soften and calm the skin, this silky serum addresses multiple signs of ageing.Sensitivity and irritationRecommended serum: Jurlique Calendula Redness Rescue Restorative Treatment Serum, containing Calendula, Chamomile and Echinacea Extracts to soothe and rebalance the skin.Discolouration and sun damageRecommended serum: Jurlique Purely White Skin Brightening Essence. Containing brightening botanicals such as Kakadu Plum and African Birch, this is our best serum for pigmentation.The ultimate complexion booster, serums are an essential step in every skincare routine. Shop our range to find one that suits your skin.
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WHY AIR QUALITY MATTERS IN YOUR SKIN CARE
The ability to scientifically measure and study the impact of pollution might be relatively new, but we’ve always had a belief that air quality is one of the crucial factors in producing pure, effective skin care. It’s one of the reasons our founders moved across the globe to settle in the rolling Adelaide Hills of South Australia.How pollution affects skin (and skin care)For many decades, there was one clear environmental culprit capable of wreaking havoc on our complexions; this was, of course, the sun’s UV rays. More recently, another offender has come along: the air itself. Unlike the sun, however, air pollution gives no early warning signs.Separate studies have found that air pollution can have a significant impact on the skin, leading to the premature appearance of visible signs of ageing, such as fine lines and pigmentation.But there’s another side to this story that’s far less known: what’s the impact of air pollution on the botanical ingredients grown specifically for skin care?The quality of air that surrounds plants plays a huge role in determining just how robust and healthy those plants may be. According to a report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), air pollution can cause damage to soil quality, which “in turn, penetrates into the plant structure and impairs its ability to develop”. As a result, botanicals may turn yellow, develop spots or die completely.The purity of South AustraliaAdelaide, as one of Australia’s smaller cities, has benefited from relatively low levels of pollution – seven times lower than that in Shanghai, and more than one-third of the levels in Seoul, according to data compiled by the World Health Organization.For this reason, we made South Australia our home base. In this unspoiled environment, which our founders refer to as “the purest place on Earth”, we grow all our botanical ingredients, including hydrating Rose, which goes on to become our antioxidant-rich Rosewater Balancing Mist. Thanks to the clean-air conditions in which the Rose is grown, the resulting mist restores your skin and instils an unmistakable glow.Our home is a particular point of pride for Jurlique, for the growing conditions found here are what enable us to grow botanicals far more powerful than any other. What is pure and grown in Nature can only deliver radiant, glowing skin. It’s as simple as that.
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THREE LITTLE KNOWN SECRETS FOR RADIANT SKIN
Radiant, glowing skin begins long before you step into your bathroom and reach for your skin care favourites. In fact, luminous skin starts where you might not expect: on the farm. When the environment in which plants are grown is pristine, it follows that the resulting skin care, and importantly your skin, will benefit the most.At Jurlique, we grow and nurture all our botanicals in the pure, idyllic South Australian hills. This is the basis of our seed-to-skin philosophy, where the seed’s health ultimately results in your skin looking bright and glowing. If radiance has long eluded you, opt for natural based products whose ingredients are grown in the following conditions:1 Air purityChoosing natural ingredients is an important consideration, but not all naturals are created equal; they must be nurtured in the right environment to capture their most active nutrients and essences. This process begins with the very air that surrounds them. Smog and pollution are not only detrimental to our skin, they can also compromise the quality of fledgling botanicals [hyperlink to article titled Why Air Quality Matters in Your Skin Care]. This is one reason why we chose the purest place on earth to establish our farm in South Australia, an area of rolling hills revered for its clean, fresh air.2 Soil qualityLike two halves of the same universe, the purity of air is mirrored by the quality of the soil, and vice versa. A depleted soil is unable to yield the powerful botanicals needed to transform skin radiance. Our Jurlique farm is certified organic and benefits from a rich compost derived from the plants on the property. We take extra care to nourish and protect the entire ecosystem of the farm. Some of the land available is used for planting, while the rest is dedicated to maintaining natural flora and fauna. Creating this special environment and planting and harvesting according to the seasons allows our botanicals to reach maximum glow-giving power.3 No synthetic pesticidesWe believe that maintaining a pure environment means not compromising crops with the use of synthetic pesticides and insecticides. Instead, we use companion farming to help plants work together to protect and nurture one another. For example, the bright orange flowers of a Calendula bush attract beneficial insects which kill aphids and other predatory insects, so we plant these next to our Roses as protection. The botanicals, therefore, remain safe without the use of harmful chemicals. This matters because what we use (or don’t use) on the farm ends up affecting your skin.Now you knowDue to Jurlique’s commitment to clean air, healthy soil, and organic pest control, our products make it possible for you to experience radiant, glowing skin. If you’re curious to see what our skin care can do for you, begin with our much-loved Activating Water Essence, whose active ingredients hydrate, condition and revitalise your skin. That’s Nature’s promise.
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HOW TO REBALANCE YOUR ENERGY NATURALLY
How to Rebalance Your Energy NaturallyModern workers complain of the mid-afternoon slump. All of a sudden, it feels as if all the energy has drained out of you. Some call it brain fog, others refer to it as plain old exhaustion. Rather than reach for a quick fix, the wiser option is to implement naturally energy-boosting habits you can maintain long-term. Your precarious balancing act ends here.Aid your digestionAn unhealthy gut can have huge health implications for the rest of the body – energy levels included. Apple cider vinegar is an alkalising liquid that can help with digestion, especially for those who don’t produce enough hydrochloric acid in their stomachs. Opt for the unfiltered organic variety, and drink it diluted in water about 15 minutes before meals.Step away from the white breadWhile they can provide your body with energy, foods heavy in carbohydrates will, for the most part, leave you feeling sluggish. The main culprit? Simple carbs, like those found in sugary drinks, white bread, and pasta, which burn through your body quickly. Stick to wholegrain, low-glycaemic carbohydrates that take longer to digest. Nuts, legumes, sweet potatoes, oats, and brown rice will all provide your body a steady supply of energy, helping you avoid the crash-and-burn effect.Break a sweatIf you’ve ever gotten your sweat on, you’d know the incredible clarity that comes from a flood of endorphins hitting your system. Exercise gives your cells more energy to burn, circulating oxygen around the body and releasing epinephrine and norepinephrine (stress hormones) that in modest amounts that make you feel energised. Even a brisk walk on your break can help.Have another glass of waterFeeling fatigued is one of the first signs that your body is short on fluids. The recommended daily amount of water is 2 litres per day, but be sure to drink slowly and keep it at room temperature, so it is easily ingested and absorbed by your body.School yourself in essential oilsStudies have found that inhaling essential oils under stressful conditions can lead to noticeable positive neurological responses, as fragrance compounds directly affect the brain. When it comes to improving energy levels, essential oils with citrus properties are great for boosting energy and motivation – we love a few drops of our Revitalising Blend Essential Oil, which can be used in a vaporiser for the office. If you don’t have a diffuser handy, try a spritz of our Revitalising Blend Aromatherapy Mist, close your eyes and spray mist above your head, and deeply inhale the Orange, Bergamot, Lemon and Lavender blend to awaken the senses.
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FIVE FRESH TIPS FOR NATURAL GLOW
Evolve your routine and restore your signature radiance. A few rethinks can have incredible impact.1 Eat your waterEight tall glasses a day isn’t always easy to commit to? Try the facialists’ favourite hydration-boosting trick: eat your H2-glow.Fruits and vegetables like cucumber, tomato, celery, capsicums, melon and carrots brim with cell-plumping water plus a solid serve of the antioxidant vitamins that recharge glow. Researchers say the Nature-perfected dose of magnesium, potassium and sodium inside watermelon can rehydrate more effectively than water or a sports drink.2 Make with the massageGently pressing, rolling or massaging in serums, lotions and creams is the easiest anti-ageing move you can make. You’ll not only jumpstart circulation to shift puffiness and tighten contours, you’ll assist penetration, allowing each step in your ritual to do its work before the next. Press and smooth eye creams in from the inner corners toward your temple; sweep face care from centre point upward and out.3 Glow with the flowWe bet you’re shallow breathing right now. When we feel under fire, stress or even just busy (when do we not?), switching into short, fast ‘chest-breathing’ mode is a reflex. The oxygen dip shows up in ‘stressed’, dull complexion. Take a beat and focus. Deep, saturating ‘abdominal breathing’ lifts reviving oxygen uptake and powers the lymphatic system to detoxify skin.4 Work the night shiftYour skin works hardest when you’re asleep. This is when the body and mind recovers and refreshes for the challenges ahead. It’s the same with your skin. Overnight is the perfect time to give skin the vital nutrients, moisture and care it needs.5 Upgrade to effortlessImproving your skin isn’t always about doing more. It’s about optimised formulas that deliver what your skin needs now, more effectively. Jurlique has remastered our iconic anti-ageing Herbal Recovery range to radically improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and skin dullness in one advanced ritual. It’s transformative skincare, simplified.
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DISCOVER NEW HERBAL RECOVERY
What causes skin to change with age?The natural process of ageing changes the appearance and texture of skin over time. Influenced by a variety of factors — from internal ones such as genetics, to environmental factors such as sun and diet — the effects are different for each and every one of us.While many signs of skin ageing aren’t visible until we reach our 30s or 40s, the process actually begins as early as our 20s. This is when the body gradually starts lessening its production of collagen and elastin, both responsible for skin strength, elasticity and youthfulness.As we evolve with age, so too should your skin care ritual.Finding a regime that’s unique to your skin type and lifestyle can radically promote more youthful-looking skin and restore your skin’s natural, signature glow.The completely remastered Herbal Recovery rangeCreated over 20 years ago, our first Herbal Recovery product defied expectations, delivering superior visible results from pure and natural ingredients from the Jurlique Farm.Now one of our most iconic ranges has been completely remastered, for our latest breakthrough in age-defying effectiveness.The new Herbal Recovery range has been meticulously developed as a complete ritual, to help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and skin dullness, and restore your skin’s natural, signature glow.Every aspect of the new range has been remastered to embody the latest in age defying skin care. From a new enhanced formulation and fragrance to a luxurious texture, and iconic packaging.Evolving what’s possible in ageless beauty. Again.
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HOW TO CLEANSE PROPERLY
Pollution, smoke, makeup, sunscreens, and the natural build-up of dead surface skin and sebum can make skin look and feel dry, dull and lifeless.That’s why cleansing correctly is your first step to naturally radiant skin. But research from the International Dermal Institute says most of us spend just 20 seconds doing so. And when you’re tired, it can be tempting to skip cleansing completely (we’ve all done it).But cleansing doesn’t have to be a chore. Here’s how to cleanse properly – and leave your skin looking pure, smooth and hydrated.1 Choose the right cleanserEveryone’s skin is different, so it’s important to find the cleanser that’s right for you. Things to consider include your skin type, how you prefer to cleanse, and whether you need to remove eye makeup.Need help? Take a look at our guide to choosing the right botanical cleanser.2 Use warm waterHot water will dry skin out too much, which is why you want to keep the temperature down as you cleanse.3 Start at the topUsing small circular motions, start cleansing at your forehead, and move down to your nose and out to your cheeks before finishing at your neck.4 Cool rinseAfter you’ve cleansed, rinse with cool water to refresh your skin, and prepare it for the next steps of your skin care ritual.5 And repeatIt’s important to cleanse every morning and night. Your morning cleanse will help remove excess oil that’s built up on your skin overnight, while your evening cleanse will wash away the makeup, sunscreen, pollution and other impurities your skin has been exposed to during the day.
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BEAUTY AND THE BEE
Beauty and the BeeEverybody knows bees as the tiny, industrious creatures that pollinate crops for human survival. Lesser known, perhaps, is how they help us in the beauty department. Our wild honey bees are key to growing the highly concentrated plants that make up our products. In fact, they’re one of the reasons Jurlique has maintained its status as the leader in natural, effective skin care for more than 25 years.Meet the keeperOur resident beekeeper, Pamela Cherry, has been tending to the bees on our organic farm in South Australia for more than 12 years. At present, there are seven hives on the farm, four of which descended from a prime swarm from 2017. “They are an integral part of our pure farming process, so we like to encourage their hard work,” says Pamela.Just as they do for more than half of Australia’s crops, bees are essential in pollinating and propagating the plants and flowers on our Jurlique farm. It’s their round-the-clock toil that promotes floral growth and sustains the vast volumes of concentrated botanicals on our farm, without which our cherished line of plant-based products would not exist.Once the plants and flowers have fully grown and their nutrients reached peak concentration, we carefully harvest them and extract the properties within. The resulting products are thus poised to deliver your most radiant skin.The busy work of beekeepingAt the beginning of bee season, which runs from December to February, Pamela’s job is to ensure that the bees are thriving. To open the hives, she needs a protective suit and uses a smoker and hive tool to diligently pry open the boxes.“Tending to each hive requires opening up and looking for a strong hive with many bees and a queen that is laying eggs well and checking that there is enough stored honey for them to eat. After establishing all is well, I clean the box of any excess honeycomb and ensure that the hive is free of pests and diseases,” she says.For their survival, bees need plants – whether in the form of flowering trees, shrubs, herbs, flowers or even weeds. “That’s what ensures them a constant supply of pollen and nectar, which is the source of the honey they eat and extract,” says Pamela, adding that something is generally flowering at any point of the year.Protecting our beesBees pollinating our plants forms a huge aspect of our natural product creation. “Being a no-waste and organic farm means we are responsible for caring for the whole farm as a unit. Each part we care for – be it the soil, water or bees – is creating a healthy vitality. The end result flows through to our products,” explains Pamela.This mentality extends to our pest-control methods too. “Whatever is used, we are very vigilant that no harm can come to our bees and all good bugs, such as lady birds and hover flies,” assures Pamela. “The good bugs help us control nutrient-sapping aphids and thrips on our roses and they play a very important role on the farm.” The result of organic pest-control practices such as this is more concentrated skin care that outperforms anything produced within the confines of a lab.The benefits of this organic method are undeniable: natural ingredients grown without the use of chemicals are richer in nutrients and antioxidants – and once harnessed by our team, these concentrated botanicals are what deliver the signature Jurlique glow.
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