What you can do with sea buckthorn?

One of the many advantages of being very often on the road in Germany, especially in places off the beaten path, is to get in touch with local realities and discover many handmade traditional products. Germany is traditionally the place where the rich natural flora was skilfully used as the basis for a century based knowledge for both medical and cosmetic benefits. The homeopathy, was invented here, in the South of the country, blessed with a diverse nature.

Although I am extremely reserved when it comes to using 'natural' substitutes for serious medical treatments, I might have some respect for the beauty products using exclusively natural ingredients.

During my trip to Ludwigslust a couple of weeks ago I was introduced to the variety of products based on sea buckthorn, or sanddorn in German. The yellowish-orange small berries - out of which there are at least 8 separate species -  are growing up in the mountains or costal areas, usually the ones with cold temperatures, and are a valuable natural commodity in this part of Germany, Mecklenburg Vorpommern. Its Latin name is hippophae rhamnoides, meaning the tree that makes the horse shine, a reference probably to the rich Omega content - 3, 6, 9 and 9. 

Its use is extremely diverse, from fizz, oil and vinegar (with a pinch of rosemary, if possible) to soap and handcreams or shampoos. The strong Omega concentration helps the products made of sea buckthorn to smoothen the skin, offering a wellbeing feeling. 

The wonders of argan oil

Source: mindbodygreen.com

There are probably few natural products that I trust as much as the argan oil. Especially after the changes taking place with my skin and hair after pregnancy, this wonderful oil helped me to successfully go over many difficult issues.

Moroccan tradition for shining hair and skin

Extracted from the kernels of the argan tree from Morocco, the oil is rich in nutrients, especially fatty acids and vitamin E, which are a real blessing for the hair and skin. Used regularly, it soften the skin and brings a natural boost to the body. Against the name reputation, it is not greasy and also not irritating, helping even people with sensitive skin as mine to use it without significant problems. Although you can find it as part of various cosmetic products, it is the best when undiluted and unmixed.

Used as a hair conditioner, it makes the hair soft and silkier and shiner. Also, it can treat split ends and can work as an efficient styling agent, taming the hair frizz. 

The rich content in Vitamin E helps to increase the skin elasticity and operates efficiently against damaged, irritated skin. It is also often used as an anti-aging product, the regular application of argan oil or creams based on it fighting efficiently against the wrinkles. Forget about dried hands and feet, 

My experience

I was told repeatedly about the greatness about the argan oil by a friend fascinated about Northen African cultures. At the beginning, I took it like a simple cultural stereotype. After I bought some Balea products based on Argan oil, for the hair and hands protection, things changed for the good for my skin, till becoming addictive. 

Especially after the pregnancy, argan oil helped me to bring back the glow on my hair which suffered seriously after the birth. Although during the nine months the hair was always shining and happy looking, shortly after my baby was delivered to the world, it started to look very tired and regardless of the shampoo used, it kept being very dry. A bit desperate, I remember about the argan oil and purchased from the Rossmann next door a Swiss-o-Par conditioner. A very cheap investment for a great result as immediately after I washed my hair I was able to see the result: glowing hair with a healthy look. Should I add how easy is to feel self confident again with just one touch of the mask?

Another success of the argan oil to my body was to restore the velvet touch of my hands after I returned from the hospital with the baby. During my stay there I constantly used some very strong disinfectant based on pure alcohol which almost destroyed my skin. For weeks after my hands were dried and only the Balea Sheabutter and Argan Oil helped me to be back to normality. It also helped my nails to a healthy and good looking aspect, a problem I was fighting unsuccessfully for a very long time. 

Right now, I do not need no additional consulting to know that sometimes all I need in my beauty life is a healthy drop of argan oil. 

A visit in the world of Dr. Hauschka

my samples

The collaboration with Dr. Hauschka was one of the simplest in my short experience as a blogger. I applied on the website for some samples and the package arrived at my door a couple of weeks later. The package included samples of: a handcream - that is really addictive, as it solves all my problems caused by the long winter -, a face rosecream - very good influence on my skin, even though at the first sight it looks fattier that I am used to in terms of creams, a body Arnica oil - the smell may be discouraging but it makes the body looks like silk - and a lavender body moisturing.

Arnica Oil is recommended for anyone that like the relaxation feeling after hours of intensive training or sauna. It has also jojoba oil and some lemon accents. It is fresh and brings the necessary hydration to a tired skin. The same contribution is brought by the rose cream, that makes the face looks fresh and happy. 

The only think that discouraged me was the unusual smell for me, but in fact it is a guarantee that the products used are natural and do not have additives and other perfumes that may attract you with something else than quality. 

The products distributed by Dr. Hauschka cover many categories: cleaning milks, daily care - eye, face, lips - night products - especially creams, but also products recommended for intensive care, regeneration and weekly treatment, masks, after sun lotions, hair care as well as makeup. Both men and women can benefit of the advantages of using the products

No skin types

Dr. Hauschka is an appreciated brand situated in the South of Germany, close to the sources of natural wellness of the Jura area. It is present all over the German space - in Austria and Switzerland - but appreciated over the world. Recently, my friends from London asked me to find out for them some products for various types of sensitive skin. However, the products are not designed for specific types of skin, the main aim of the product is to reestablish the harmony between the skin and the rest of the body. Each product is based on natural products, from controlled areas. The process of production is over viewed by doctors and specialists.   

The company was created initially in 1935 by Dr. Rudolf Hauschka, a Viennaise chemist passionate about anthroposophy. Haunted by the national-socialists, he delayed the establishment of the business till late at the beginning of the 1960s, when he was able to set up his idea together with his future wife, Elisabeth Sigmund, an expert in cosmetics. The first products were launched in 1967. 

Return to simplicity: the bedouin beauty secrets

This is the pill of beauty and wellness for the day, from the Desert Daughter:
Beauty secrets from Israel’s Desert Daughter-17-Jan-2013