I’ve been a fan of the Nourish London skin range for a long time now. I love all of the products I’ve tried, they’ve really made a difference to my skin. Some previous posts here and here.. My most recent try is the Kale Anti-Ageing Handcream and it is a winner. My hands are usually a mess, thanks to constant washing for one reason or another, but this cream has saved them. Even during our recent cold spell, my hands didn’t suffer like they usually would have.
Last month I went to the Fresh and Fit Fest at the Hoxton, and listened to Nourish’s founder, Dr Pauline Hili, take part in a Soil Association panel discussion about organic beauty. She really was quite fascinating, and her knowledge was incredible. I then went onto a demonstration of Nourish making their Argan Skin Renew Moisturiser, which again was so interesting and I learnt so much.
I am so chuffed that Pauline has answered some questions for the blog, it’s amazing to be able to share some of her wisdom.
What does organic mean to you?
To me, organic refers to a lifestyle which supports and uses products and ingredients that are grown, harvested and distributed with organic principles at the core; avoiding unnecessary pesticides and grown with sustainable principles.
Why is organic beauty important?
Organic beauty is important because the skin is not an inert organ, and a lot of what is put on the skin is absorbed. It gives people who want to lead an organic lifestyle a choice. Also using organic raw materials supports organic farmers.
Do you think that the plant world has everything we need for healthy skin? What are your favourite ingredients and why?
The plant world can provide everything we need for healthy skin. That’s why Nourish is 100% vegan.
My favourite ingredients are those that work hard alongside the skin’s natural metabolic processes, to protect the skin and make it healthier.
My top three ingredients are –
Kale – this can help stop particulate matter from air pollution, sticking to the skin and causing local inflammation. It is a super skin detox.
Rose of Jericho – this is one of the most water efficient plants on the planet and helps the skin to retain moisture.
Foxberry for its skin brightening and tone balancing activity.
There are so many products on the market now, how can we choose something that is right for our skin – how do we know what it actually needs?
Be courageous and experiment with products and regimes to find the best one for you. Every skin type should include a product containing vitamin C and B vitamins for the production of healthy collagen, and a facial oil to provide omega fats that the skin cannot make for itself.
How can we understand our skin better?
We can understand our skin better by having the courage to not stay stuck in a skin type and observing the changes in our skin in response to different situations. The skin is a great meter for our health and we should pay more attention to changes that arise.
What is the most important step in our skincare regime?
Cleansing and exfoliating with a non-abrasive exfoliator daily are the most important steps in a skin care regime. Unless we remove the dirt and debris from skin daily, they will cause local inflammation and cause the production of free radicals which damage the skin.
What beauty product should every woman own – is there a key product that every woman could benefit from?
A facial oil to protect the lipid layer.
What beauty product couldn’t you live without?
Argan Skin Rescue – it’s a perfect blend of preventative and protective active ingredients.
What is the best piece of beauty advice that you were given and by whom?
Eat well, sleep well and live in your own spirit. My mum.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to switch their beauty regime to an organic one?
Start the change over by adding a really good organic facial oil to your regime.
Whenever trying any new product, conventional or organic always patch test.
What would be your top 5 ingredients to avoid?
Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Silicones, EDTA, DEA
Thank you so much Pauline for your amazing answers. They really are so informative and helpful.
If you haven’t tried anything from Nourish, I’d highly recommend them. You can be sure that all the ingredients are good for you, and for the environment. I think the price point is brilliant too, with serums starting at £22 which is definite value for money.
Will you be making any tweaks to your skin regimes? Have you any of you tried Nourish range – what are your favourites?
