Wellbeing Journal
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FACE OILS
Face oils have been around forever, but the buzz has been building over the past few years - and for good reason: a good face oil can be a complexion game-changer (we swear by them at Jurlique HQ). A couple of drops of a high-performance oil can hydrate, smooth and soften your skin (hello fewer lines and wrinkles), and make it more resilient – not to mention give you an enviable glow. Here’s what to look for in a face oil, and how to use it for the most radiant results.What are face oils?Face oils are concentrated skin care products that contain botanical extracts, vitamins and minerals. They come in an array of varieties, from individual oils that tend to focus on one skin care concern, to blends that contain several oils and treat multiple concerns. All face oils use a carrier oil as a base, such as Safflower Oil in our face oil range, which ‘carries’ the ingredients onto the skin and stops the essential oils from evaporating.The benefits of using face oilsFace oils are nourishing and moisturising, supplementing the oil your skin already produces. They’re also hydrophobic, meaning they help to improve the skin’s natural barrier to seal in moisture. High-quality plants oils are rich in fatty acids to help restore moisture to the skin and plant-based antioxidants to fight against environmental aggressors. Contrary to popular belief, face oils work for all skin types. With dry skin, a face oil will absorb into the skin and lock in moisture, while oily skin will benefit too, with the right face oil regulating and balancing the skin.How to use a face oilFace oils can be used on their own, but we like to use them in addition to our regular moisturiser. After cleansing, misting and applying your Activating Water Essence and serum, mix two drops of oil into your moisturiser. Warm between fingertips and gently press onto your face, neck and décolletage every morning and night to achieve soft, smooth and radiant-looking skin (use a jade roller to massage the product into the face).How to choose a face oilNot all oils are created equal – look for natural, high-quality plant-based oils that will nourish the skin and won’t clog your pores, rather than synthetic and mineral oils that are comedogenic (meaning they tend to cause blackheads by blocking the pores of the skin). Face oils target different skin care concerns, so choose a face oil depending on what you need most.All skin typesRecommended oil: Jurlique Skin Balancing Face Oil. With Rose Hip, Safflower, Macadamia and Avocado Oils, this hero product nourishes and balances the skin, and addresses signs of uneven skin tone too.Dull, tired and ageing skinRecommended oil: Jurlique Herbal Recovery Antioxidant Face Oil. This blend is full of antioxidant-rich botanical oils (Grapeseed, Avocado and Rose Hip) that revitalise the complexion, and helps minimise first signs of ageing and protect against environmental aggressors.Mature skinRecommended oil: Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Firming Face Oil. This oil contains Blackcurrant Seed Oil which deeply hydrates and helps firm and smooth skin, and Rock Samphire extract which, thanks to its ability to help firm the skin and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, has been nicknamed the “Retinol of the sea”.Good face oils hydrate, soften and revitalise the skin while protecting it from environmental aggressors – the perfect way to amplify your skin care ritual. Jurlique face oils are made up of pure, plant-based oils to nourish skin. Find one that suits your skin type here.
Read more10 SUPERFOODS FOR YOUR HAIR, SKIN AND NAILS
Superfoods: not just a buzzword conjuring up images of Gwyneth Paltrow. They have a high nutritional density, which means they provide more nutrients per gram than conventional foods, and they typically contain high amounts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. We know we should be eating them for various health benefits, but did you know that incorporating these nutrient-dense foods into your diet can give you visible results? Yup, superfoods can contain omega-3 fatty acids, omega-9 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, E, B and D, as well as zinc and glutamine, which all help to look after your hair, skin and nails. What Is the Best Diet for Skin and Hair? We asked the team at healthy, plant-based meal delivery service Soulara for a bit of expertise, and they gave us their top 10 superfoods to start incorporating into your diet. What Foods Are Good For Hair, Skin, and Nails? If you're curious about what helps hair, skin and nails grow, below are tasty foods that can give you that healthy boost you're looking for: CHIA SEEDS Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and protect the. Sprinkle seeds onto soup or add to smoothies for an easy, every day way to incorporate them into your daily diet. KALE Vitamin A is good for hair growth – it helps the glands to produce sebum, which moisturises the scalp and keeps your hair looking healthy. Kale is our go-to superfood for vitamin A – add a handful to salads, lentil dal or risotto. ALMONDS Almonds are rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports collagen production and provides anti-inflammatory benefits for the body. Keep a bag on your desk at work to snack on throughout the day (a healthy alternative to the chocolate drawer). CARROTS Packed with vitamin A and vitamin C, carrots support your hair, skin and nails. Try roasting them and topping with chia and pumpkin seeds to use as a side dish. SWEET POTATOES Like carrots, sweet potatoes are great sources of vitamins A and C. They’re delicious baked and loaded with roasted veg or cut into wedges and oven-baked. PUMPKIN SEEDS Rich in iron, magnesium, potassium, biotin and omega-3 fatty acids…pumpkin seeds certainly pack a punch for such a small food, plus biotin is great for improving hair and nail growth. Use them to sprinkle on salads, soups, or in oats. For more superfood recipe ideas, head to Soulara’s website. What fruits are good for skin and hair? Fruits good for hair and skin include: AVOCADOS Not just a millennial favourite, avocados are rich in omega-9 fatty acids for keeping the top layer of your skin hydrated. They’re also a good source of vitamin E, making it a great food for healthy hair. Aside from the usual avo on toast, add slices to salad or use to create fresh guacamole. BLUEBERRIES Blueberries are high in vitamin A which helps to clear up acne as well as moderate oil levels in skin. Mix a handful into oats and a plant-based milk and leave overnight for a delicious way to perk up your morning oats. GOJI BERRIES An all-rounder, goji berries contain iron, zinc and copper which are all great for radiant skin, hair and nails. Try sprinkling onto your morning oats. LEMONS High levels of vitamin C in lemons work to neutralise free radicals and help the body in producing collagen for firmer-looking skin. Start your day with a slice of lemon in hot water, or squeeze lemon juice onto your avocado. What are the best vitamins for hair and nail growth? We all know vitamin C is the MVP for skincare, but have you ever wondered what vitamins are best for hair and nails? Biotin, aka vitamin B7, is touted as a superfood for hair and nails. It's responsible for keratin production, the building block of your hair and nails. You can find biotin in foods like organ meats, eggs, nuts, seeds, fish and sweet potatoes. If you're dealing with brittle nails or split ends, selenium (a mineral, not a vitamin) is also a key player in keratin production. Selenium is present in Brazil nuts, seafood, meat, poultry and organ meats. Best products for glowing skin and hair Once you've established the best diet for skin and hair, trust our nature-infused products to bring out your inner glow. Our hardworking formulations harness the power of natural botanicals to nourish your face, hands, body, hair, lips and eyes. Start your beauty routine with a mild cleanser, hydrating moisturiser and sunscreen. If you want that next-level glow, consider incorporating our potent serums, mists, exfoliators and face oils into your regimen. Remember, what's good for the skin will often be good for strong nails and hair too! FAQs What foods are best for skin, nails and hair? Fatty fish, like salmon, can give your skin a healthy glow due to its high omega-3 fatty acids content and anti-inflammatory benefits. Avocado is another great option, as it is rich in vitamins A, C and E, all of which support collagen formation and overall skin health. If you prefer plant-based alternatives, chia seeds are a fantastic source of omega-3s, and blueberries, which are high in vitamin A and antioxidants, are good for hair and nails. What is a superfood for skin and hair? Super foods for glowing skin and hair include avocados, chia seeds, berries, lemons, kale, almonds, carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkin seeds. What is good for nails and hair? If you want stronger hair and nails, you need a power combo of nutrients, good habits and the right products. Hydration is key to the vitality of your hair, nails and skin — so drink those 6-9 glasses religiously. Complement your water intake with a balanced diet rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals. Think leafy greens, fruits, nuts, seeds and fatty fish. For your hair, ease up on heat styling and opt for gentle, nourishing hair products. For your nails, keep them clean and moisturised, and steer clear of harsh treatments that could weaken them. What vitamin am I lacking if my nails are weak? If your nails are prone to brittleness, splitting or breakage, it could be a sign your body lacks biotin, iron, vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium or zinc. What foods stop facial hair growth in females? Excessive facial hair can be frustrating and may even affect a woman's confidence. To naturally manage this issue, consider incorporating foods high in magnesium, zinc and copper, such as soybeans and whole grains. Boost your intake of vitamin B6 from sources like avocados and salmon, along with vitamin A from papaya and leafy greens. Antioxidant-rich fruits like berries and vegetables can also help maintain hormone balance.
Read moreWHAT IS BIODYNAMIC FARMING…AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
At Jurlique, the ingredients that go into our skin care products aren’t your average ingredients. We use healthy, powerful plants that are carefully chosen for their skin-benefitting properties – and they’re all grown on our biodynamic* farm in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills. We believe biodynamic* practices enable us to grow the purest, best quality herbs which are hand harvested at a time when they’re full of life and vitality. These herbs are then utilised to make extracts that form the basis of Jurlique products, meaning you get the best from each ingredient we use. And it’s not just your skin. We believe by following biodynamic farming techniques, we’re harnessing all the positive, living energies from Nature, as well as farming in the most sustainable way possible. The plants and herbs we grow are nutritional for the skin, enriching for the soul and good for the planet. WHAT IS BIODYNAMIC FARMING? Biodynamics is an all-encompassing approach to farming and uses the sun, moon, stars and planets of Earth to bring about balance and healing, treating the farm as a living organism – one that’s self-contained and self-sustainable. Biodynamic principles were first introduced by Austrian philosopher Rudolph Steiner in 1924. Interested in spirituality as well as social and education reform, Steiner founded anthroposophy – an educational, therapeutic, and creative system which seeks to use mainly natural means to optimise physical and mental health and wellbeing. In the early 1920s he was invited to host a week-long lecture series for European farmers who had witnessed a drop in their soil fertility and, concerned about the future of agriculture, sought help to improve their land. Steiner argued that this decrease in soil health was the result of synthetic pesticides, which were first introduced during the industrialisation period. Although these synthetic pesticides treated the plant and at first yielded impressive results, they caused the health of the soil (and later, crops) to plummet. Steiner told these farmers that the soil must be looked after through using herbal remedies and encouraged them to look to the cosmos before planting and harvesting crops. THE BIODYNAMIC CALENDAR Unlike conventional farming, biodynamic farming is guided by a specially-created biodynamic (or astro) calendar. This calendar is based on the moon/planet positioning and – a bit like your horoscope – indicates what work should be undertaken when. The calendar shows when to plant, cultivate or harvest various crops based on both the phase of the moon and the zodiacal constellation the moon is passing through, and depending on whether the crop is the root, leaf, flower, or fruit (or seed) of the plant. All these constellations have different energies: air, water, fire and earth. When the moon passes over Aries, Leo and Sagittarius (the fire signs) the days are warm, influencing fruit and seed formation. Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn (the earth signs) promote root growth, as the root is drawn into the soil. Gemini, Libra and Aquarius (the air signs) favour development of flowers, substance and colour through the moon’s influence over the air, and when the moon passes through Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces (the water signs), it promotes vegetative growth because of its influence over water. It’s an age-old, yet pioneering, principle that goes back much further than Steiner’s time. It’s a hark back to centuries gone by, when synthetic pesticides didn’t exist, and the only reliable calendar was the moon and stars. HOW DOES BIODYNAMIC DIFFER FROM ORGANIC? An organic system grows plants that are nutritionally good for your body, but a biodynamic system takes it one step further. Biodynamics treats the land holistically and follows the belief that astrological influences affect phases of planting and harvest, which is where the biodynamic calendar comes in. Organic farming is defined by its use of organic fertilisers. Biodynamic also adheres to these principles but while organic permits imported fertilisers, biodynamic requires that a farm produce its own fertility as much as possible through the rotation of crops, with no outside inputs. It also enriches the soil through using ‘biodynamic preparations’, which are placed in the farm environment to encourage the plants to be spiritually good for the body and have the highest vital life force energy when harvested. WHAT ARE BIODYNAMIC PREPARATIONS? When Steiner established his biodynamic principles, he came up with nine ‘preparations’, which are made from herbs, mineral sources and animal manures, with each preparation designed to address certain plant health concerns. Turned into field sprays and compost, it is these preparations that aid fertilisation – rather than synthetic, chemical-driven fertilisers you’d typically find in conventional farming. These preparations are used on the farm to harness, activate and enhance the energy of nature into the whole farming system. THE BENEFITS OF BIODYNAMIC FARMING The benefits of biodynamic* farming are endless. Firstly, it’s ecologically and environmentally sustainable as essentially, the farm looks after itself in one full circle – and nothing harmful goes into the Earth. By ensuring the soil is healthy, we protect the local environment and produce high-quality crops. By being guided by the moon, biodynamic* farming allows the crops grown to be the best that they can be. Just like the moon has an influence on tides, it also influences moisture in soil. As the moon approaches our farm, it pulls moisture up to the surface of the soil where it can be best utilised by crops and helps with planting seedlings. As the moon moves away from the Earth’s surface, root crops can benefit from the lower water level into the soil. This, in turn, helps seeds germinate, speeds plant growth rates, and produces more abundant harvests. You may see our products all over the world, but our biodynamic* farm is our heartland and we’ve stayed true to our artisanal roots. We will always put more back into the earth than we take out of it. *Certified biodynamic by the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia. Jurlique’s products and farm are not certified of affiliated with Demeter® USA or Demeter International.
Read more8 WAYS TO LIVE MORE SUSTAINABLY
It’s no secret that we’re in the middle of a climate crisis but with the likes of Greta Thunberg and other climate activists advocating more sustainable living, our collective eco-consciousness is also greater than ever. And living a more sustainable life is easier than you think – with just a little effort and a few small changes, you can create an eco-friendly home and help do your bit for the environment. Here are eight simple ways to go green at home. 1. CONSERVE ENERGY This is an easy one to do, and all it requires is a change in habit. Our top energy conservation tips include turning off lights and appliances whenever you’re not using them, hanging your clothes to dry rather than using a tumble dryer, and reducing your use of air conditioning. 2. EAT LOCAL Importing food may offer more variety but it also means greater air travel and therefore, greater air pollution. Eat locally-sourced produce when you can – it hasn’t travelled as far, plus it supports local farmers and producers. 3. BE WATER-WISE Droughts happen all over the world and are especially frequent in hotter climates. Save water by installing water-efficient showerheads, taking shorter showers and waiting until you have a full load of washing before using the washing machine. If you have plants or a garden, collect rainwater to water them, rather than using a tap. 4. SAY NO TO SINGLE-USE PLASTIC According to WWF, the average Australian uses 130kg of plastic a year – and up to 130,000 tonnes of plastic makes its way into our waterways and oceans. Ditch disposable and single-use plastics such as straws, cutlery, bags and bottles and swap them for reusable alternatives. Once you get in the habit, you’ll soon be reducing your plastic use in no time. 5. USE REUSABLE CLOTHS We’re all guilty of using paper towels and cotton pads in the home but after one use, they go straight in the bin. Switch to reusable household cloths instead and use reusable pads or muslin cloths to remove your make up, washing them whenever you need to. 6. RECYCLE Paper, glass and metal can all be recycled so rather than sending your used goods straight to your waste bin, put them in the recycling instead (if you’re unsure and want to know what packaging is recyclable, check with your local council). Most Jurlique packaging is recyclable and we’ve partnered with TerraCycle to make it easy - when your product is finished, simply drop it off at a participating boutique, or send it for free via Australia Post. Find out more here. 7. USE ESSENTIAL OILS TO CLEAN Typically, cleaning products can be toxic and harmful to the environment. Not only are essential oils great for diffusing and creating a peaceful atmosphere at home but they’re a great chemical-free alternative for cleaning, too. Lavender Oil can be used to freshen up clothes and bed linen, too. Rather than using a scented fabric softener, add a teaspoon to the wash for fresh, naturally scented fabrics. 8. GROW YOUR OWN HERBS Herbs are easy to grow (and maintain) at home, even if you don’t have a garden. Start off with planting pre-potted herbs for ease and make sure you keep them somewhere that has drainage (if not, they’ll drown), like a window box with a reservoir at the bottom. Water them every day and keep them well trimmed. If you’re new to growing, woody herbs like thyme, rosemary and sage are more resilient than others so generally last longer and survive hot and cold locations well. TAKE A MOMENT TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER
Read moreHOW TO GET RID OF TIRED-LOOKING EYES
Do you have dry, dark or puffy eyes? You’re not alone. The skin surrounding our eyes are seriously thin, so tired-looking eyes can be caused by more than a lack of sleep. If you are looking less-than-fresh, it could be because of genetics, ageing, allergies, diet, sun damage, or too much screen time. To brighten up the eye area and hide the signs of fatigue, take on these expert tips. APPLY A SPECIALISED EYE CREAMEye creams are formulated for different skin care concerns, so choose one that suits your needs most. Our eye creams are packed full of potent, plant-based ingredients from the Jurlique Farm to minimise the symptoms of tired-looking eyes. PUFFINESS AND DARK CIRCLESWe recommend: Jurlique Herbal Recovery Signature Eye Cream. Silk Tree extract in this deeply nourishing product addresses common signs of fatigue – it’s our best eye cream for tired, puffy eyes. DEHYDRATION AND FINE LINESWe recommend: Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Firming Eye Cream. Rich in plant-based antioxidants, this eye gel soothes and hydrates the skin, diminishing signs of dehydration and fine lines, packed with Green Coffee extract and Ascorbyl Glucoside, this eye cream helps address loss of dehydration, as well as reduce visible lines and wrinkles. DEEP WRINKLES AND SIGNS OF AGEINGWe recommend: Jurlique Nutri-Define Eye Contour Balm. A rich and highly concentrated anti-ageing balm, this product is designed to improve the appearance of deep lines, crow’s feet and dark circles around the eyes. DISCOLOURATION AND DARK CIRCLESWe recommend: Jurlique Purely White Skin Brightening Eye Correcting Cream. This is a high-performance eye cream, packed with our exclusive plant-based and Vitamin C-rich VitaBrightKX complex to even skin tone and discolouration. It also reduces the appearance of dark circles, puffiness and dehydration. REFRESH YOUR EYES WITH EYE DROPSWe’re all guilty of spending too much time in front of screens and digital devices, and when we do we strain our eyes and blink less. This can cause our eyes to become bloodshot and dry, making the eye area look tired. To balance this, try and look away from digital screens every 20 minutes and close your eyes, and use lubricating eye drops as needed. REDUCE PUFFINESSThere’s a reason our favourite chick flicks all have scenes of the main characters sporting cucumber slices on their eyes when face masking. The coolness of the slices relieves puffiness and can give the eye area a real hydration boost. Don’t have any cucumber to hand? Place two metal spoons in the fridge overnight and use the rounded side to massage your eye area – the coolness will help firm up swollen skin and the massage will help with lymphatic drainage. SWITCH UP YOUR DIETIt’s not just what we put on our faces, but what we eat can have a knock-on effect on our appearance too. For foods that brighten your eyes, look for those rich in vitamin C (oranges, broccoli, kale and strawberries), which can help with the appearance of dark circles and under eye bags. Antioxidant-rich foods (leafy greens, blueberries and eggs) help to give the skin surrounding the eye area a healthy glow, while yellow and orange veggies reduce the appearance of eye discolouration. And what to avoid? You knew it was coming - alcohol and salt can lead to swelling and puffiness under the eyes, so try and cut down on your intake. Don’t just leave it to make up and super-charged concealers – deal with your tired-looking eyes by adding an eye cream to your skin care ritual. Discover our range of eye creams to suit every skin concern here.
Read more9 STEPS TO BECOMING THE HEALTHIEST VERSION OF YOURSELF
Health is holistic. It’s about finding balance, looking after your mind, body and soul, and looking beyond the superficial stuff to treat yourself with love and respect. From health and exercise tips to our go-to healthy mental health habits, here are our tips on becoming the healthiest version of yourself. MOVE EVERY DAYWe all know that exercise is good for us. It helps to keep your heart and skin healthy, can reduce the risk of disease and boosts your endorphins and energy, so it can be a real mood lifter. The great thing about exercise is you don’t need to overdo it to reap the benefits – just 30 minutes a day of walking, yoga or more high-intensity exercise like strength training or spinning will be enough.Woman practising yoga next to green plants EAT WELLBeing healthy doesn’t mean dieting or cutting out any food groups. Fuel your body with wholefoods and enjoy all the macronutrients – carbs are our body’s chief source of energy (go for brown rice and quinoa), protein (which you’ll find in eggs, almonds and broccoli) helps with energy, brain function and muscle repair, and healthy fats (avocados, cheese and nuts are all good sources) keep us feeling fuller for longer. GET 20 MINUTES OF SUNSHINE A DAYVitamin D is a natural serotonin (or ‘happy hormone’) booster. Try to get outside for at least 20 minutes a day for your daily sun exposure, whether that’s walking to work or getting off the bus early, going for a walk around the block during lunch or joining an outdoor exercise class. BE MORE MINDFULWith technology an almost-unnoticeable reality of our everyday lives, we can get sucked into being on our phones at any free moment. Try to live in the present as much as possible, which means putting your phone out of sight while you’re with family or friends (social media and emails can wait). If you’re in need of a refresher, spritz on a face mist. Close your eyes, spray our Lavender Hydrating Mist over your face and breathe deeply. MAKE SLEEP A PRIORITYWe all know how much better we feel after a good night’s sleep – energised, clear-headed and ready to tackle the day. Aim to get eight hours’ of sleep a night and establish a nighttime routine to get your mind ready for bed. Switch your tech devices off at least one hour before you go to sleep (leave them in another room if you can so you’re not tempted to reach for them in the middle of the night) and diffuse an oil like our Tranquil Blend Essential Oil in your bedroom to create a relaxing atmosphere. Bed next to pile of books and plants ADD SELF-CARE RITUALS TO YOUR DAYWe live in a fast-paced, demanding world, so it’s important to set aside at least 10 minutes a day for yourself. Try different forms of self-care to find what works for you as a relaxing ritual – this could be going for a short walk, a yoga class, meditation or soaking in the bath. Take your self-care one step further by creating your own spa day at home or book in for a treatment at one of our spas.Health can mean different things to different people but you’re the healthiest version of yourself when you’re happy, grounded and well-rested. Shop our range of aromatherapy and natural-based skin care products to calm the mind and soothe the soul.
Read moreUSING OUR EXCLUSIVE BIO-INTRINSIC™ METHOD TO CRAFT UNIQUE SKIN CARE
At Jurlique, we take a slightly spiritual and holistic approach to creating our skin care products. It all starts on our biodynamic* farm in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills – a place chosen as the purest place on Earth thanks to its unpolluted air and optimum climate. It’s an approach to farming that uses the sun, moon, stars and planets to bring about balance and healing, treating the farm as a living organism – one that’s self-contained and self-sustainable. Through biodynamic farming, we can sustainably produce healthy, powerful plants that harness, activate and enhance the energy of Nature; we then extract this using our exclusive Bio-Intrinsic™ method. These extracts allow us to utilise the power of these plant in our products and, we believe, create the best possible formulations for your skin. 0:00 WHAT IS OUR BIO-INTRINSIC™ METHOD? Our exclusive Bio-Intrinsic™ method is an alchemistic process that involves three stages, where all the powerful ingredients from plants and herbs are extracted and the essence and life force of the plant is captured. This method is a modern interpretation of the ancient ‘Spagyric’ process thought to have been originally invented by the Renaissance Physician and Alchemist Paracelsus in the 15th century. ‘Spagyric’ derives from the Greek words 'spao' and 'ageiro', roughly translating to ‘separate’ and ‘combine’. Sometimes called plant alchemy, this process involves separating the three basic principles of a plant (essential oils, organic liquid extract and mineral salts), then reuniting them to create a form more potent than the original plant. Within alchemy this was considered a more spiritual and holistic way of creating plant-based medicines, with the belief that the plant’s essential oils are the plant’s soul, the percolated liquid is the plant’s mind and the mineral salts are the plant’s body. Jurlique co-founder Jurgen Klein took these principles and through taking advantage of modern science and equipment, modified it to create a method unique to Jurlique. It’s a process that’s been a part of Jurlique since we began in 1985 and we continue to use it today. THE THREE-STEP BIO-INTRINSIC™ PROCESS This isn’t a quick fix, done in a large laboratory. It can take up to a week for a plant to go through the three steps of Bio-Intrinsic™ extraction and the whole process is all done by hand by just two people at our Farm. Step 1: Purification The first stage of the process is Purification, which involves steam distillation - steaming our dried herbs to gently lift and release their delicate essential oils, nutrients and liquids. Step 2: Intensification This stage involves percolation (the process of a liquid slowly passing through a filter). The wet herb and condensate from the distillation are combined with a liquid solvent mixture, which is then circulated through the herb bed for a period of one to two days. Out comes a percolated liquid made up of the plants’ compounds. Step 3: Ashing The final stage of the extraction involves drying the plant material used in step two and burning it to an ash to capture their bare trace minerals and salts that are so important in our products. We then mix the raw ash with water and natural citric acid heated to 80°C and stir it for an hour to allow the water to absorb the minerals and salts. We pass it through a very fine filter and out comes a clear liquid we call ash extract. The extracts from all three steps are then combined. THE BENEFITS OF THE BIO-INTRINSIC™ METHOD At Jurlique, we believe that the whole plant is always greater than the sum of its parts. Through the Bio-Intrinsic™ method, all parts of the plant (mind, body and soul) are reunited, and the active ingredients and antioxidants are delivered to the skin. These extracts create a final product of magnified intensity, powerful enough to enhance the beauty and healthy look of the skin. *Certified biodynamic by the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia. Jurlique’s products and farm are not certified of affiliated with Demeter® USA or Demeter International.
Read moreEVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ANTI-AGEING SKIN CARE
It’s never too early to start taking care of your skin. Whether you’re in the prevention-is-better-than-cure stage or your skin is ready for a helping hand, it’s worth adding anti-ageing products to your ritual. Think of them as skin care saviours, made to soften and smooth your skin, leaving it more supple. Our experts explain the process and give us their anti-ageing beauty secrets – from the best anti-ageing products to use, to daily anti-ageing lifestyle tips. HOW DOES SKIN AGE?It’s no secret that the appearance and texture of skin changes over time. It’s a natural process that begins in your mid-20s, when our collagen and elastin production declines, but environmental aggressors such as stress, pollution, dehydration, poor diet and lack of sleep can accelerate it. And, of course, there’s sun exposure, which is one of (if not the) greatest cause of premature ageing. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING ANTI-AGEING SKIN CARE?While we’re all for embracing natural beauty at any age, anti-ageing skin care products can help combat the signs of ageing and keep your skin feeling soft and supple and looking heathy. These specially-formulated products work to stimulate collagen production (skin’s natural filler) and restore elastin, which gives skin its flexibility. Anti-ageing products also deliver antioxidants, such as vitamins A and C, to the skin, which help to protect it from environmental stressors. They also contain Glycolic acid – a natural acid which helps to resurface and regenerate skin, improving its tone and texture. Jurlique Herbal Recovery skin care next to gold rings on table CHOOSING AN ANTI-AGEING SKIN CARE RITUAL THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOUUse targeted, active products that address the signs of ageing, like lines, wrinkles, dehydration and a loss of firmness and definition. When it comes to an anti-ageing routine, serum and eye creams are vital additions. But we need different anti-ageing products at different stages of our lives – someone in their late 20s witnessing their first signs of ageing will need products that have different formulas and benefits to someone in their late 50s who has advanced signs of ageing, so choose your ritual carefully. FIRST SIGNS OF AGEINGThe first signs of ageing are typically dullness, dryness, fatigue and fine lines, which start to appear in your late 20s and 30s. We recommend using our Herbal Recovery skin care range at this stage, which is packed with Viola Tricolor, Yarrow and Cedar Bud extracts to help hydrate skin and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. VISIBLE AND ADVANCED SIGNS OF AGEINGIt’s in our 40s that we tend to see fine lines, loss of elasticity, irregular texture and uneven skin tone, and our 50s when deep-set wrinkles, age spots and discolouration start to appear. At this stage, we recommend using our Nutri-Define range. Containing active ingredients such as Horseradish Root and Peppermint Leaf extracts, Nutri-Define effectively targets advanced signs of ageing such as sagging skin, deep lines and wrinkles. No matter what your anti-ageing skin care ritual, always remember to apply your skin care to your neck and décolletage and exfoliate a couple of times a week to refine and repair skin. Jurlique Nutri-Define range next to flowers on table DON’T FORGET YOUR HANDSLike the skin on our face, our hands are one of the first places to show signs of ageing and need extra care than the skin on our body. Air conditioning, extreme weather conditions, pollutants and sun exposure can affect the look and feel of skin on the hands, so apply a rich and nourishing hand creams regularly throughout the day. BE DILIGENT WITH SPFSun has damaging effects on the skin so it’s essential to use an SPF every day, even in winter or when it’s overcast. At Jurlique, we’re yet to find a sunscreen formula that we’re happy with so while we wait, choose your favourite to end your skin care ritual with. Wear sunglasses and a hat to avoid squinting, which can cause crow’s feet and lines to form. Of course, anti-ageing isn’t just about skin care but your lifestyle, too. Cutting down on sugar, getting eight hours’ of sleep a night, eating anti-ageing foods (those rich in omega-3s) and drinking at least 2L of water a day all help to keep the ageing process at bay. Shop our Herbal Recovery range and Nutri-Define range for our natural-based anti-ageing skin care products.
Read more9 WAYS TO USE LESS PLASTIC
It’s no secret that we all consume a large amount of plastic – a lot of which is single-use. Although convenient and readily-available, this reliance on plastic is harmful to our land, plants and wildlife. A 2016 study found that 32% of the 78 million tons of plastic packaging produced every year goes into our oceans; the equivalent of pouring one rubbish truck of plastic into the ocean every minute. We can all do our bit to reduce the amount of plastic we use and throw away, just by changing a few habits - here are 9 easy tips to use less plastic. USE REUSABLE STRAWSDid you know that half a billion straws are used every day around the world? Refuse them altogether or swap disposable plastic for stainless steel or bamboo straws that can be washed and re-used instead. USE REUSABLE GROCERY BAGSApproximately one trillion single-use grocery bags are used around the globe every year (that’s almost two million every minute). Invest in sturdy, non-plastic bags to hold your shopping that you’ll use again and again. Lemons in string grocery bag TAKE YOUR OWN CONTAINERSDo you buy take-away lunch at work, university or when you’re out and about? Take your own stainless-steel container with you and ask them to use that instead of the disposable containers cafes tend to use. SAY NO TO DISPOSABLE COFFEE CUPSIt seems we’re a world obsessed with coffee – we use 16 billion disposable coffee cups each year. But they’re coated with plastic to laminate the inside, which means they can’t be recycled, plus they all come with plastic lids. Buy a reusable cup that you can keep in your bag or on your desk for whenever you need it. Reusable coffee cup next to pot of coffee BUY A REUSABLE BOTTLEPlastic bottles play a huge part in our overall plastic waste, with more than 480 billion plastic bottles sold worldwide in 2016. Cut down on your contribution by buying a reusable glass or stainless-steel bottle you can refill. USE BEESWAX FOOD WRAPSDo you use cling film to cover your leftovers? Once used, it goes straight to landfill. Beeswax wraps make a great alternative – they’re easily mouldable meaning you can use them on different bowls and jars and can be rinsed clean and used again. Good Housekeeping has a good DIY to make your own beeswax wraps. FIND YOUR NEAREST BULK FOOD STOREEver walk into a supermarket and feel overwhelmed by all the plastic packaging used to store food? Find a store that sells loose fruit and vegetables, or a bulk food store that allows you to take your own containers to stock up on dried goods like grains, pasta, nuts and seeds. CHOOSE PLASTIC-FREE CHEWING GUMSynthetic plastic is used to create chewing gum, which is what makes it so ‘chewy’. It’s also water-insoluble, making it difficult to break down – bad news for our environment (and bad news for those who use it on a regular basis). Try swapping to a plastic-free chewing gum to reduce your plastic waste. SWAP YOUR PLASTIC TOOTHBRUSHAccording to HuffPost UK, it can take hundreds of years for a plastic toothbrush to break down – so imagine how much plastic we’re adding to the environment if we all change our toothbrush every few months? Seek out an alternative, like a bamboo toothbrush, which takes around six months to fully compost. Two bamboo toothbrushes in glass jar At Jurlique, we’re committed to doing our bit for the environment too. Discover how by reading about our sustainability initiatives.
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