BEAUTY THAT'S SKIN DEEP
NATURE’S BOUNTY HOSTS THE FINEST IN SKIN CARE. CAMMIE CANNELLA ROUNDS UP THE MOST EXOTIC OF THEM ALL.
If eyes are the windows of the soul, then the skin is definitely health’s mirror. Having great skin comes from a healthy diet, adequate sleep, regular exercise, appropriate skin care and sun protection. Naturally, the amount of time and care that each person will choose to invest in varies based on the needs of each unique skin as well as individual lifestyles.
A growing concern for our Kiehls’ customers is enlarged open pores that make the skin sensitive and prone to acne. Our solution came all the way from Marajo Island in the Brazilian Amazon. Here, we discovered that the magnificent local macaws and parrots take flight to the “clay licks” (clay deposits on cliffs) to feast. This clay forms a vital part of their diet owing to its detoxifying properties that cleanse the birds after consuming potentially toxic berries en route. The star ingredient—amazonian white clay—purifies and detoxifies skin while shrinking the appearance of enlarged pores. The island’s sweltering average temperature of 27oc creates the ideal consistency for the clay. Combined with oatmeal and aloe vera, an entire collection was devised called the Rare Earth poreminimising collection and another titled, the Rare Earth deep pore cleansing masque especially for those living in tropical countries.
For hundreds of years, Açaí, an antioxidant rich berry, has been a traditional food for the native people of the Brazil, who enjoy it in ice cream, mixed with granola, or as a juice. Known throughout the country for its superior health benefits, the wonder fruit grows on palm trees in the northern part of Brazil. Açaí contains a higher concentration of antioxidants compared to other berries, such as red grapes, pomegranates and even apples. For centuries, civilisations globally have consumed antioxidant-rich ingredients in their diet to nullify the incessant damage caused by free radicals that lead to the decay of healthy skin cells. We even endorse the topical application of antioxidants to one’s skin to protect and reverse some of the unavoidable damage caused by these free radical molecules that take their toll on the skin.
While on antioxidants, we should mention that one of the most easily found, as well as powerful, antioxidants anywhere is pure Vitamin C. There are plenty of natural sources of Vitamin C such as orange peels and other citrus fruits and within ingredients readily available in nature. More than two decades of scientific research have yielded the unparalleled advantages of topical vitamin C, such as photo-protection from ultraviolet radiation, DNA repair of damaged and cancerous skin cells as well as stimulation of collagen synthesis and the regulation of melanin production. Applying Vitamin C on a regular basis can dramatically enhance skin clarity and radiance in addition to an improvement in skin functions.
In nature, we also chanced upon the Calendula flower— originating from the Latin kalendae, meaning, “the first day of the month.” This exceptional ingredient turned out to be a soothing and refreshing toner. Derived from the Marigold flower, we sprinkled it into an alcohol-free formula to gently tone oily and acne-prone skin.
With the onslaught of puberty, begin a basic skincare regimen to guard your mirror of health. It’s essential that you customise skincare routines to season, skin type, or specific personal needs. Well begun, as they say, is half done. The author has served as Vice President of Global Education & Customer Relations for Kiehl’s Since 1851 for more than 17 years.