Today’s search for health and beauty is often akin to an odyssey. Unconsidered habits, daily time pressure and an oversupply of products have significantly diverted man away from his actual path – a lifestyle close to nature. One that can actually deliver all the things promised by the food and cosmetics industry. Everywhere you read, you hear about a resilient organism all the way to smooth, wrinkle-free skin. This sounds enticing. However, the body can only be vital and beautiful if healthy nutrition and long-term care go hand in hand.

Those who turn their gaze inwards immediately know which foods on their own menu are agreeable. When it comes to cosmetics, this is a bit more difficult. Products based on softeners and other additives often feign a hair and skin state that does not actually exist. For example, some standard creams clog pores and cover the skin like a film. On the outside, this gives the impression of softness, but the reality of the situation becomes clear the next time you shower. The skin suffers beneath the supposedly treated surface. Instead of disposing of such products, a lot of people react in the opposite manner. Hoping for regeneration, they use even more – a vicious cycle that can have serious consequences. The skin can no longer breathe and waste products are no longer sufficiently secreted.

The true appearance increasingly deteriorates: The skin becomes drier and more wrinkled. And this is despite the fact that the road to healthy care has actually been paved for a long time: Body care products made from natural ingredients support the metabolism of the skin and thus not only contribute to natural beauty, but also to health on a long-term basis.

What can I put into my body?

Damaging substances enter our bodies both through the skin and by means of the food we ingest. Deposited in the connective tissue, chemical additives from foodstuffs and care products put a strain on the body. It is therefore important to know what one should eat and how to care for oneself. Natural agents help the body to reach an equilibrium. And what is good for the body also affects the psyche. Therefore, scrutiny pays off by ensuring that the body only gets the things it can actually benefit from. This rules out a lot of convenience products the food and beverages industry has to offer. The general rule is that fresh things are good things.

A simple question serves as an orientation aid in the supermarket: Which products would exist without the food industry? The remaining products are in most cases healthy or at least justifiable. Based on the example of potato chips, this means that industrially produced chips cannot be recommended. Because these chips are often just potato powder that has been pressed into slices, loaded with flavor enhancers and then fried in cheap oil, they are not part of a balanced diet. If, on the other hand, one dries fresh potato slices in the oven, sprinkles them with high-quality vegetable oil and uses natural flavourings, then chips can definitely support a healthy diet.

Copyright by Sam Scott Schiavo

In cosmetics, the same principle applies. When they remain unaltered, natural ingredients can realize the full potential of their powerful effects. Old household remedies in particular have proven their worth over Feuchtigkeitsvergenerations – as cosmetics and as a remedy for physical ailments. However, those wishing to do their body some good do not necessarily have to scour the woods for herbs. High-quality natural cosmetics products have harnessed the positive effects of natural ingredients and now significantly stand out from mass products. They guarantee the use of high-quality ingredients and compliance with strict manufacturing criteria, such as the lack of softeners. In order to make an individually balanced choice, one must know what the skin requires for optimal care as well as which properties the various plants have. Biological wheat germ oil and top-quality aloe vera, for example, highlight the tremendous power contained in natural substances.

We want wavy manes, but no stubble on the skin. Because nothing feels better than a smooth body. It has always been a symbol for youth and eroticism and simply feels better.

WOW – so smooth!

Ancient Arabic features no less than 33 metaphors to describe hair on the head – from “darkness” and “net” to “night,” and right up to “raven.” A groomed, full head of hair has always been seen as both aesthetic and erotic in men and women. The remaining body hair, on the other hand, has always been seen as an annoying nuisance, to be dealt with by whatever means and techniques necessary. A hairless body signalled diligent care, while those who let hair grow on their body were viewed as sloppy and soiled. Even works as early as the “Ars amatoria,” written by the Roman poet Ovid, supplied instructions on how to correctly care for the female body – shaving was a “must.”

Over the course of time, women have especially refined their rituals on how to remove unwanted body hair – on the legs, in the armpits, but also in the pubic area. In the hammams, for example, an abundance of hair removal creams and salves were used, including “Halawa” – a mixture of lemon juice, water and sugar, which similar to removing hair by means of waxing, was ripped off the skin and removed the hair with its root. This method, which was known as “sugaring” and was handed down over centuries, still causes tears to spring in the eyes of men and women today. Just imagine people wincing in the ancient bath houses from the same pain as today in modern hair removal studios. And this act of torture always had the same goal: to be beautiful and desirable. But such endeavors are not for every type of skin.

Soft and smooth

Wet shaving is still the most skin-friendly method for hair removal. It does entail having to make use of the razor more often in order to obtain that silky skin feeling, but on the other hand, correct handling with a “solid tool” and high-quality shaving care products allows you to deal with far less redness, inflammation and ingrown hair than alternative methods such as waxing or plucking.

However, there are a few things that need to be kept in mind to achieve optimal results: Hair should not be longer than about a third of an inch as it will not stand up otherwise and will be difficult to shave off. Especially sensitive areas such as the armpits or the pubic area require taught skin in order to be shaved completely and safely. Furthermore, the blade should only be guided against the growth direction of hair in areas where the skin is not sensitive. The regular final touch should be achieved by means of peeling. It removes shed flakes of skin and avoids ingrown hairs.

If you follow these hints and tips, you will be astounded at how soon the skin returns to youthful suppleness. At this point, it is best to let someone else stroke it and one thing is bound to happen: the “wow – how smooth!“ effect, and maybe even a little bit more…

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Which skincare products are particularly suitable for sensitive skin after shaving?

After shaving, sensitive skin is often irritated and needs soothing skincare products to prevent redness and tightness.

Recommended are alcohol-free products, as they do not further dry out the skin. Products with natural ingredients such as chamomile extract and aloe vera have anti-inflammatory properties and support skin regeneration.

Light, fragrance-free moisturizers help maintain the natural skin barrier and prevent razor burn.

• How can you prevent ingrown hairs after shaving?

To prevent ingrown hairs after shaving, you should follow a few simple skincare tips:

– Use a gentle exfoliator before shaving to remove dead skin cells and expose the hair tips.

– Use a sharp razor blade so the hairs are cut cleanly.

–  Always shave in the direction of hair growth to reduce skin irritation.

– Apply a soothing, antibacterial skincare product after shaving.

• How often should you change your razor blade for optimal results?

For a close and gentle shave, the razor blade should be replaced regularly. After each use, rinse the blade thoroughly and store it dry to avoid bacterial growth. If you notice the blade pulling, becoming dull or causing more frequent skin irritation, it’s bet to change it sooner.

Looking at a drop of water, you are essentially looking at yourself. A human being is made up of roughly two thirds water. No human, no individual organism on this world could have ever developed without water. This knowledge has existed for a long time, even before we were able to put it down in writing. Water was already venerated in antiquity as the source of all existence.

The German philosopher Hegel dubbed it the element of the selfless opposite: “Water’s existence is being-for-others… its determination is to be the thing that is not yet special and it has therefore been called ‘the mother of all special things’ from an early age onwards.” Across civilizations, most of which assumed that life had started in the oceans, an abundance of creation myths have been developed. In their different versions, they all depicted water as the mirror of the universe and subsequently found their continuation in the world religions. The first book of Moses, for example, states: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”

In the Japanese creation myth, a gigantic carp awakens from its slumber and thrashes around so violently that it creates a tidal wave, causing the Japanese islands to surface on the face of the earth. The Indian god Vishnu, on the other hand, shapes the earth while resting on a snake gliding through the cosmic waters.

Ancient water myths

Starting in antiquity, several water gods were venerated. Some were benign, others evil. They were all, however, omnipotent. Like Okeanos, for example, the origin of all gods and simultaneously the river flowing around the world, or Poseidon, the god of the ocean. The most alluring of the classic goddesses relating to water is Aphrodite or Venus, her Roman counterpart. According to the myth, she was born of the semen of sea foam and blood and rose out of a scallop on Cyprus. She was so beautiful that the seasons of the year came and were bedazzled by the sight of her. As the goddess of love and beauty the “foam-born” inspired numerous artists. This led to the creation of some of the greatest masterpieces in art history, such as the Greek antique statue “Venus of Milo,” Botticelli’s painting “Birth of Venus” or Titian’s work of art “Venus of Urbino.”

People also believed in water nymphs who reigned over streams, springs and grottoes, in sea nymphs who saved mariners and shipwrecked sailors, but also in sea monsters and mermaids – seductive and irresistible creatures – who robbed men of their senses with their demonic attraction and at times cost them their lives. They embodied both the life-threatening and life-giving aspect of water. However, the veneration of water found its expression not only in mythology, but also in cultural rituals.

In order to produce rain, people carried out mystic ceremonies, in the course of which rain dances were performed to exhaustion. Sacrifices were made or processions held with songs of invocation. One washed away “evil” with holy water and subjected the spirit to a spiritual cleansing, also mirrored by the washing of the dead in all cultures. And last but not least, the ritual of baptism symbolizes a bond with God for believers.

The right care brings the body into harmony with the soul. The first thing we notice in this context is healthy skin. The undisputed recipe for success: harnessing the wide range of effects offered by nature, which, combined in natural cosmetic products, ensures lasting well-being.

The Power of Nature

Today, the quest for health and beauty often resembles an odyssey. Unreflective habits, daily time pressure, and an overabundance of products have led people far away from their true path—a lifestyle close to nature that could provide everything the food and cosmetics industries promise. From a resilient body to smooth, wrinkle-free skin—you read about it everywhere. It sounds tempting. But the body can only be vital and beautiful when healthy nutrition and sustainable care go hand in hand.

Anyone who listens to their body knows immediately which foods are compatible with their own diet. In cosmetics, however, it is a bit more complicated. Where plasticizers and other additives are used, the skin and hair are often given an illusion of a state that, in fact, does not exist. Some conventional creams clog the pores and form a film over the skin. On the surface, this creates the impression of smoothness, but the next shower quickly reveals the truth. Under the supposedly well-cared-for exterior, the skin suffers. Instead of discarding such products, many people respond the wrong way. Hoping for regeneration, they use even more of them—a vicious cycle with consequences. The skin cannot breathe, and toxins can no longer be properly eliminated. The real appearance worsens more and more: the skin becomes drier and develops more wrinkles.

Yet the path to healthy skincare has long been paved: products made from natural ingredients support the metabolism and thus contribute not only to natural beauty but also sustainably to overall health.

What is allowed into my body?

Harmful substances enter our bodies both through the skin and through our diet. Once deposited in the connective tissue, the chemical additives from food and personal care products place a burden on the body. This is why it is so important to know what you eat and what you use for skincare. Natural active ingredients help the body regain balance, and what benefits the body physically also has a positive impact on the mind. For this reason, every careful look is worthwhile to ensure that you only give your body what it can truly benefit from. This automatically excludes many processed products of the food industry. Because the rule is: What is good is what is fresh.

A simple question can guide you when shopping: Which products would exist if the food industry didn’t? The selection that remains is usually healthy or at least acceptable. Take potato chips as an example: industrially manufactured chips are not recommended. Often made from potato powder, pressed into slices with added flavor enhancers, and fried in cheap oil, they have no place in a balanced diet. However, if you dry slices of fresh potatoes in the oven, drizzle them with high-quality vegetable oil, and season them with natural spices, chips can absolutely be part of a healthy diet.

Want more skincare tips, exclusive offers and product news?

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is meant by natural cosmetics?

Natural cosmetics refer to skincare products that are primarily made from natural raw materials. They largely avoid synthetic preservatives, artificial fragrances, silicones and parabens.

• What advantages does natural skincare offer compared to conventional products?

Natural skincare has numerous advantages. Products made from natural cosmetics contain skin-friendly ingredients that are often better tolerated and sustainably strengthen the skin barrier. They avoid problematic substances that can irritate or burden the skin over time. Plant-based active ingredients provide valuable antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids that keep the complexion healthy and radiant. In addition, natural cosmetics place great value on sustainability and environmentally friendly production.

• How can I recognize high-quality natural cosmetic products?

You can recognize high-quality natural cosmetics by certification seals, transparent ingredient declarations and a high proportion of organically grown raw materials.

Look for terms on the packaging such as certified natural cosmetics, cruelty-free or Codex B33.

• How does stress affect the skin?

Stress has a proven negative impact on skin health. During psychological strain, the body releases increased amounts of cortisol, which weakens the acid mantle and makes the skin more susceptible to inflammation, redness and impurities. Stress can also increase sebum production, leading to breakouts. Furthermore, cell regeneration slows down, causing the skin to appear tired and dull. Natural cosmetics with soothing plant extracts can help relax stressed skin and restore its balance.

• Can skin aging be prevented naturally?

Yes! Skin aging can be slowed down by a combination of natural skincare, a healthy diet and a mindful lifestyle.

Plant oils such as argan oil, roseship seed oil and evening primrose oil can contain essential fatty acids that keep the skin supple and protect it from moisture loss.

Antioxidants from green tea, vitamins E and C neutralize free radicals and counteract premature skin aging. Regular sun protection, sufficient sleep, plenty of water and a varied, healthy diet support the skin’s natural regeneration and help prevent wrinkles and loss of elasticity in a natural way.