Water water everywhere nor any drop to drink...

WATER

Come on. You know this one. None of us drink enough of the pure stuff. You have to drink more: it is great for the skin and the intestines, and if you drink enough water you will lose weight, almost without trying. The best way I have found, is to set a timer. (I use a kitchen one but you might be savvy enough to do this on your telephone.) Set it for every hour and at the top of the hour drink a small glass. I have been guilty of thinking at the end of the day, “Oh, I’m dehydrated” and then knocking back a pint (water, not beer!). This is not the way forward. Regular drinking, and not swigging, but sipping, is the answer. A timer is dead cheap and really makes a difference to me.

Best start to the day is hot water with a squeeze of lemon juice in it. This alkalises the body and kick-starts the liver, and as we all know, life depends on the liver.

So here’s a way to increase your intake:

You need:

A kitchen timer or telephone

A tap

A glass!!

Lemons

Drink a glass full, and then set your timer to go off in an hour, at which point you have another glass. [Rinse and repeat.]

It may be better not to drink with meals, as it can interfere with the digestive process, so while you are preparing meals is a good time to have a glass of water, though, and half an hour afterwards is fine. If you set a timer, you won’t forget!

Try and cut down on tea and coffee, and try herb teas instead. Pukka and Yogi both make some really great ones, and you can also use herbs from the garden to make up your own blend. During the summer, I make a blend up of whatever is in the garden at that time, and I always give my clients a cup after a treatment. If you treat yourself to a glass teapot that you only use for herb teas., it makes it more special and also means you have enough to share!

You can also “eat” water: salads like celery, cucumber and lettuce are all high in water and it’s an easy way to get more nutrients.

Putting the “I” into exercise

You might think this is a bit off topic for a skin care email, but bear with me, because it is relevant.

     Sometimes the world seems to be divided into gym bunnies and couch potatoes, although really most of us fall in the middle, and if you are a gym bunny, STOP READING NOW. This is not for you.

     Maybe it’s just me, but when I hear the word exercise, I want to hide behind the sofa, or on it, but if you asked me to go for a walk, I‘d be quite keen, as long as it isn’t raining, of course.  I just don’t want to think about having to walk 10,000 steps each day, or I start counting, lose count and give up. Yes, I know I could buy a pedometer, but I don’t want one, thank you.

     Children seem to keep active, though, (or the ones not plugged into electronic kit do) and maybe that’s because they have movement, not exercise. They get to hop, skip and jump about which is way more fun, and what I advocate. Why should they have all the fun? Hopscotch, anyone?

Skipping is completely exhausting. 

     If you’re a boxer, you can do it for ever, it seems, but after about a minute, I’m shattered, but that’s ok because there is this thing called HIIT (high intensity interval training) which means that you have to work as hard as you can for a short amount of time. I can do that fine, I just get bored after too long, so it suits me perfectly.

Hula hooping is great fun, far too good for those ungrateful children. 

     It’s good for your waistline as it firms the abs. You do have to do both directions, though, or you might get lopsided. Argos do a fab one, much better than the children’s ones; if you think you can’t hoop, try one of these. Best to use it outside, though, as it is quite weighty. And don't drop it on your ankles as you can get quite spectacular bruises. I speak from experience.

Jumping on a trampoline or for adults a rebounder is a total hoot 

     This is lots of fun, and recommended by NASA, no less, for returning astronauts. Apparently 10 minutes bouncing is equivalent to 30 minutes jogging, also much better for your knees, and your pelvic floor. Oh and your skin! Yes! Result!!

So why am I discussing movement?

Because it is vital for the health of your skin as well as the rest of it that you keep moving.  

     Movement increases circulation, which nourishes the cells, and also encourages the flow of lymph. The lymph system, unlike the circulatory system, does not have a pump (heart), so it works alongside the flow of blood. This is why you can get puffy eyes when you awake in the morning (especially if you slather on night cream. But you don’t, do you?)

     We have become a sedentary species, and the best exercised part of most people is the thumb – all that texting. So get moving for the sake of your skin as well as the rest of you.

I’m off to have a hoop now! Ta ra!

Goody bags

Have you noticed how sophisticated children’s parties have become? 

When I was little, we went to a friend’s house, and ate sandwiches, followed by jelly and ice cream. We played a few games, like musical chairs*, and then we went home, with some cake in a napkin. Now, they seem to take a gang of chums to a theme park/leisure centre/Venice and come back with a party bag full of vouchers and expensive stuff they don’t need. One of my daughters once came home with a Barbie in her party bag!  (She was delirious, I wasn’t!) It seems a bit unfair, really; why don’t we have parties like that when we grow up? Though, actually, I quite fancy playing musical chairs!

Well, I can’t organise a party for adults every month, (or maybe I could - there’s an idea!) but I thought a party bag might be fun, because why should the small fry have all the larks? So, I am starting a Goody bag scheme. There are many schemes like this available now, which send out all sorts of cosmetic testers, but mine will be solely Dr Hauschka, and will always include a full size product, as well as testers, so it will be excellent value for money!

What’s in it for you?

• A nice surprise each month to look forward to! 
• A great opportunity to try new products at a reasonable rate; in fact, the value of the contents of the bag will exceed the cost you pay. 
• You might even discover a new favourite.

What’s in it for me?

It helps me to have regular orders, as well as giving me the opportunity to introduce you to new products, and sharing ideas about how to use them. Every month’s bag will be different and there is no need to sign up to direct debit: if you decide a bag is not to your taste, then you just don’t order it.

How it will work

I will let you know what to expect in the next month’s bag, and you can decide if you would like to try it. If so, you pay online before the 26^th of the month, and you will receive the next month’s bag. It will cost just £21 for local bags which are collected - either from me or from Stroud, and £26 for posted bags. So, less than £5 a week, for a monthly treat!

The first bag will have a lemon theme

Perfect for this time of year: it will contain my favourite body oil – Lemon/Lemongrass and an information leaflet all about the various uses, as well as testers for you to try.

Remember, there’s no compulsion to sign up, it’s supposed to be fun!

Please email me if you would like to order May's bag:

jane@theorganicbeautician.com

*If we were really lucky we played Snapdragon? Ever tried it? Burning raisins in brandy! Excellent fun (- except for H&S people, I suppose).

The Skincredible Journey

The SkinCredible Journey.
Experience your best skin ever in just 30 days!

Your skin is not just a covering for your muscles and bones; it also plays a major part in your health and well-being, as well as impacting on your confidence and how you feel in your everyday life, both personal and business.

So many of us seem to wage a war on our skin: we nuke it with lasers and acid peels, scarify it with micro-blades and pointed rollers and scrub at it as if it were made of concrete. We rarely stop to consider whether it likes or even benefits this treatment. I am seeing a much greater incidence of adult acne and especially rosacea nowadays and I believe it is because we are so rough with our outer mantle. In my experience as a skin care professional, the majority of women, once they gain a deeper understanding of the structure and function of the skin, begin to treat it - and themselves - with more love, respect and kindness. Learning to care for your skin, to treat it with love and kindness, can have a major impact on other areas of your life.

Why should you invest in your skin?
If your skin looks good, you will feel more confident and can be more outgoing and sociable. Conversely, if your skin looks blemished, flushed or wrinkled, you might feel embarrassed or self-conscious about it and become more withdrawn and less gregarious. If you neglect it, perhaps you should consider what you spend on your hair, your bags or shoes! Your skin is way more valuable than these, and far less easy to replace!

Watch your complexion glow
Luckily, it is possible for almost everyone to have gorgeous, glowing, radiant skin, and if you would like to discover this secret for yourself, why not sign up to the Skincredible Journey? 

I created the Skincredible Journey as an affordable way for people to learn how best to attain and then maintain their best ever skin. 

The Skincredible Journey is a month-long hands-on coaching programme of skin care and nutritional advice which, if followed properly will give you a radiant complexion and a slimmer figure! 

Caution! You may lose some weight!
By being part of a small, exclusive group, you can learn how and why to care for your skin as well as the best foods to keep it looking and feeling healthy. Of course, our skin is a mirror of our own health, and the food that feeds your skin will be great for your general health too, so many people find that they also lose some weight when they follow my Skinfoods eating plan.

As part of the Skincredible journey, you will receive an incredible kitbag of Dr Hauschka products, including a month's worth of the magic potion that is Renewing Night Conditioner, as well as instructions, advice and an invitation to the practical Radiant Skin Session, where you can also see and try for yourself the 24 carat Gold I use in the Cleopatra facial.

Special offer for Early Birds
Sign up early and the Skincredible Journey will cost you less!
Early birds pay only £150 in two instalments, later sign-ups will pay the full cost of £175 Book your place at Jane@theorganicbeautician.com 
Places are limited.

My Hauschka Year 2015

Dr Hauschka
clay mask application

The beginning of the year is a good time to take stock of one’s health and skin, so during January and February I generally offer “Spring clean your skin” facials – an hour-long deep-cleansing treatment, with steam and clay mask application, and also discuss tips for eating well to maintain a great complexion. Skin is deep cleansed with a gentle steam and clay mask application.

During March, I promoted Dr Hauschka Facial Gymnastics – "keep fit" for the facial muscles. These can really make a tremendous difference to one’s looks, by smoothing fine lines, increasing the tautness of the facial contours and improving the complexion. Generally, three lessons are advised, though often clients like to come back for a refresher. I teach Facial Exercises both individually, and as a group session, and also via Skype. Contact me for further details: jane@theorganicbeautician.com or enlarge the picture for an easy to learn exercise.

On April 28^th, I attended a makeup training day in London with the amazing Karim Sattar, Dr Hauschka's make-up artist. Not only did I gain lots of brilliant tips, which I was able to put into practice recently, at a photoshoot I was involved in, but I was able to catch up with fellow Estheticians, which is always a great pleasure, as well as educational. Karim is an inspiration to us Dr Hauschka Estheticians, and an absolute mine of information and wisdom on make up and the Dr Hauschka products. He is also an ex Steiner-school pupil, like me!

Gardens at Wala, Germany

In May I was lucky enough to be one of a small party of British Estheticians to visit Wala, the HQ of Dr Hauschka, where the products are conceived and created. The gardens exude peace and tranquillity and the lectures were a fascinating insight into why specific plants are chosen as well as details about eco standards and fair trade projects. I was so happy to visit as it has been on my bucket list for years, and I also had the opportunity to oil my rusty German a little.

June was a busy month for facials and I also was asked to do treatments at a retreat for pregnant women. (www.retreatyourself.co.uk) The Dr Hauschka treatment is particularly wonderful during pregnancy: it is safe for mother and baby, as all the ingredients are pure and organic, and the soothing footbath is perfect for swollen feet and ankles. The peace and tranquillity engendered makes it a lovely mini break for tired pregnant women.

Every Dr Hauschka Treatment
starts with a footbath!

July saw an increase in bookings for the Foot Treatment, as clients got their toes ready for summer: feet fit for flip-flops! It is always a pleasure to pamper feet, as they work so hard for so little reward, that the difference after a treatment is quite marked; as one client said “It’s like walking on air now!” However, every Dr Hauschka Facial Treatment also starts with a footbath, to help the client relax, and to stimulate the circulation. In the Summer, this is refreshing and in the winter gives some much needed warmth and pampering 

Skin consultation via Skype

In August I did my first Skype consultation. This is brilliant for clients who want a personalised consultation and advice, but live too far away from an Esthetician.  I do Radiant Skin sessions via Skype, as well as consultations, so if you fancy booking one, please email me:

jane@theorganicbeautician.com I also teach Facial Exercises via Skype, though ideally the client comes for the first session to my salon, and the follow up sessions are Skyped!

September is #OrganicSeptember, according to the Soil Association, and for the last few years, I have offered free consultations, which include a practical cleansing session, and I also talk about Dr Hauschka's Organic skin care and make-up. This really raises awareness of the unique Dr Hauschka approach, and helps convert many people to organic skincare, so it’s great for the environment, too. In October I did the (Organic) make-up for an Artisan wedding shoot at the beautiful Owlpen Manor. Harriet, Stroud's Organic Hairdresser did the locks and I did the looks, so it was all organic, and I was able to use some of the cosmetic tips from the April Make-up day. I was also shot - Marie Antoinette style - to reflect the use of flowers in the products I use (not the amount of cake I suggest people eat!) The gorgeous dresses were created by COCOA COUTURE of Cheltenham, an exclusive couturière boutique.

November and December are generally busy with facials, as people naturally want to look their best during the festive season, and a good professional facial can not only help with giving the client radiant skin, but can be a much needed rest among the hustle and bustle that is prevalent at this time of year. A Dr Hauschka facial treatment is for life, though, not just for Christmas!

I have also been preparing for the pop-up Salon I’m opening in the New Year, in COCOA COUTURE in Cheltenham, which I’m really looking forward to. It’s a beautiful room - Rococo style - in a fabulous location, nestled below COCOA’s beautiful silk wedding and ball gowns. Here’s a picture of some the creations, from the photoshoot in October. (I am on the far left at the end of the table. Despite the corset, or perhaps because of it, it was one of the most comfortable dresses I've ever had the pleasure to wear!) www.cocoacouture.co.uk 

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY CLIENTS AND READERS! 

See you in 2016!

Why should you have a facial?

There is simply no substitute for a professional facial treatment. 

After one, your skin will look clearer and cleaner, and will glow with health, you will gain a better understanding of how to care for your skin properly, and which products will optimise its health;you will also feel incredibly relaxed. Your circulation will be stimulated, which will give your complexion a lovely rosy glow, and your lymphatic system will be encouraged to help with internal cleansing, too, which can have a positive influence on the immune system. Good facials can even save you money, as you won’t need to cover your glowing skin with lots of makeup!

So why don’t more women “treat” themselves to this more regularly? It amazes me that women will spend a lot of money on a dress or shoes, or a hair do, but neglect their skin. Skin is so visible: hair can be tied back, clothes can be changed, but, unless you wear a burqa, your skin is always on show, and how it looks will impact either positively or adversely on your confidence, so investing in it is both logical and sensible.

Optimum facial treatment would be once a month, because our skin follows the lunar cycle, and the time it takes for a skin cell to travel from the basal layer of the epidermis, to the top layer – the stratum corneum, is approximately 28 days. However, every three months is another option, particularly if you are keen on the Dr Hauschka Classic Treatment which takes two hours; this enables the skin to have support at the change of seasons, and keeps it looking beautiful and feeling healthy. Some of my clients have a Classic facial every quarter and have a one hour treatment in the months in-between, whereas people with skin conditions such as Rosacea or acne are better off coming in more regularly, initially, until their skin improves.  

For more information, please contact jane@theorganicbeautician.com

Dr Hauschka's stance on animal testing.

I was asked today after a treatment about Dr Hauschka's stance on animal testing, and I was astonished!

I knew that Dr Hauschka didn't and don't test on animals, otherwise I would not be using the products on myself or clients, but when I came to look for the information about this, it was hard to find. When I visited the Gardens at Wala, in May this year,  where many of the medicinal plants are grown, we were again told that there is no animal testing, so I wonder why there is no statement on their packaging? 

Anyway, I tracked the information down on their website, and here it is: 

Statement on animal testing

Dr. Hauschka Cosmetics are manufactured at WALA Heilmittel GmbH. WALA Heilmittel’s experience of using natural substances to provide natural care through the biodynamic cultivation of medicinal plants extends back to 1935. The responsible and sustainable development of our products is something that has been at the core of Dr. Hauschka Cosmetics ever since the beginning, back in 1967. Today we are proud to continue to carry this philosophy forward.

Naturally, this means that no animal tests have ever been carried out either by or on behalf of Dr. Hauschka Cosmetics since our founding in 1967.

While Dr. Hauschka has always foregone animal testing, the EU Cosmetics Regulation represented a decisive step forward for animal welfare in the entire cosmetics industry: As a result, tests on animals for cosmetic products and the raw materials required to create them have been completely banned in the EU since 11 March 2013. This is a legally binding ban, i.e. all cosmetics manufacturers within the EU must comply with this legislation.

To produce Dr. Hauschka’s natural cosmetics, we rely on traditional raw materials of natural origin and the highest quality - raw materials which are also often used in the food industry. There is sufficient evidence to support the tolerability and effectiveness of the various plant extracts, oils or waxes we use.  Furthermore, we also commission independent institutes to perform dermatological testing of new cosmetic products on human volunteers prior to launch. These confirm the high tolerability of our products.

As a manufacturer of high-quality certified natural cosmetics, WALA Heilmittel GmbH is particularly committed to ethical responsibility. Within the scope of the biodynamic cultivation of medicinal plants and our controlled organic Demeter farming, we treat animals and our planet in a humane, sustainable and responsible manner.

In addition, the majority of Dr Hauschka products are also suitable for vegans! So I hope this clears that little conundrum up!