• Balancing Act

    November 29th, 2011

    When I first started Elemental Herbology it was all about passion for beautiful skincare and authentic spa treatments but it is amazing how quickly running a rapidly growing business can completely take over. For me so much of my day is now about operations, finances and logistics as it is about product development, branding and marketing. The strange thing is I actually love both sides of the business. I think it helps to keep my left and right side of my brain in balance. Sad to say, there is nothing like a good spreadsheet! There is something so satisfying in making our figures and sums work from which I get a wonderful sense of achievement. Signing off a new product after months and often years of work is always so incredibly satisfying and I feel very lucky that I can balance both the creative and analytical sides of the process to be a part of every inch of our development from start to finish. Unfortunately, all the excitement and amazing highs of running a skincare brand can also contrast with an incredibly demanding schedule and some pretty high stress. However, that is when I find the sensory nature of our products really comes into play. Something as simple as an evening cleanse with Purify and Soothe Cleansing Balm and steaming my face with a hot cloth while soaking in a warm bath infused with our Detox Bath Oil can totally transport me away from the dramas of my day and make me feel balanced again.

    I am avid believer in home facials – performing once a week a good exfoliation, followed by a detox mask and hydration and repair mask really is one of the pillars of healthy skin – which is why I was so delighted to launch our Weekend Facial this month. We have been receiving some fab press for this little kit which contains everything you need for a home facial once a week. They have been selling like hot cakes and I am thrilled our customers will now be taking time out to help their skin find its natural rhythm. Trust me – it will be your secret weapon through autumn and winter.

    Finally, my tip for autumn. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) this is the season in which dryness related symptoms become prevalent, so it is key that the foods we eat nourishes dryness. TCM also believes that autumn correlates with the Lung which dominates the skin and excessive dry air and wind can cause an itchy throat, chapped lips and rough flaky skin. While using products such as Cell Plumping facial Moisturiser and Wind and Cold therapy will go a long way, eating foods that nourish dryness is also key. Such foods include pumpkin, nuts, seeds, soya, pear, honey and dairy products. It is also a Chinese tradition to start to eat porridge in autumn and continue throughout winter as it keeps your ‘middle jiao’ or digestive centre warm and healthy.

    Kristy

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