We recently had the chance to interview Liz Earle, one half of the amazing duo behind Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare.Liz herself has an amazing background in the beauty industry. A former beauty editor, author of over 30 books and TV presenter, she's a well-known and respected authority as well as a specialist in botanical ingredients, natural health and well being.
Definitely impressive and gorgeous...I mean did you see the picture of her above?
We were thrilled that she took some time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions for us and give us a little more insight into some of her favorite products.
Enjoy...
What makes your Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser so unique and can all skin types use it?
Interestingly when my business partner; Kim Buckland and I first developed the award-winning Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser neither of us thought the other would like it, as we have such opposite skin types. I suffer from dry eczema prone skin, while Kim has oily problem skin, so when we both got great results from the same cleanser we knew that we had discovered something special. Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser works for all skin types, revealing visible results on normal, dry, sensitive and oily skins, helping to take the guesswork out of choosing a skin type specific cleanser. The creamy, plant-oil rich formulation works with the pure muslin cloth provided to purify, soothe and refresh the skin by swiftly removing dead skin cells, environmental pollution and all traces of make-up, instantly revealing fresher, smoother skin.
Why should we go natural with our skincare...what are the benefits?
Our whole philosophy is to create the very best, most effective, safest skincare that we can. To this end, we use high levels of ‘naturally active’ ingredients, such as natural-source vitamin E, borage oil (naturally rich in skin-strengthening GLA), plus purifying and fragrant genuine essential oils. Many years spent researching the more than 30 books that I have written convince me that these natural ingredients are the most potent within the skin. For example, natural sourced vitamin E is close to 3 times more potent than the synthetic variety which is why we use such a lot of the pure, natural type throughout the entire Naturally Active Skincare range. Pure, high-quality natural ingredients are much more expensive than their synthetic counterparts, but the results are beyond compare.
I believe in working with the natural world where possible, not fighting against it. Our skin is a complex, living organ and the very best results come from treating it holistically, with naturally skin-compatible ingredients. As a company, we have only ever used plant oils in our range, preferring to harness the goodness of naturally vitamin-rich plant oils instead of petrochemically derived mineral oils. Plant oils are closest in structure to the skin’s own natural oils and give far better results than synthetic copies which never quite work as well. Furthermore, plant oils are also more sustainable to produce and it is for these reasons that our new Superskin Moisturizer is packed full of potent plant oils.
Some of the most potent skincare ingredients are found in nature, including antioxidant vitamins, anti-bacterial essential oils and anti-inflammatory herbs. Many plant oils are also a rich natural source of essential fatty acids, such as GLA found in evening primrose and borage seed oils, and the omega 3 and 6 EFAs found in cranberry seed extract.
The word ‘natural’ is often over-used in the beauty world and is pretty meaningless really. Natural does not always mean ‘good’ as some of the most poisonous substances on earth (cyanide, arsenic) are natural!
Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare is much more than just a ‘natural’ brand. Our company policy is to source the best ingredients. This means that we take each ingredient individually and investigate the best source. We take many factors into account (such as the country where it is grown, availability and sustainability) as this allows us to find the best sources. We try, wherever possible, to work with small growers and they may not always be part of a certification scheme. We will buy organically grown ingredients from suppliers without certification as long as we have a close relationship with them and are satisfied that they conform to our requirements. We are not driven by the desire simply to be a ‘natural’ range, but the best range.
When should you start a skincare routine (ideally)?
I would recommend starting a skincare routine before the onset of adolescence as teenage years are a time of change – and this is especially true for your skin.
To give skin the best start the basic products needed are a cleanser, toner and daytime moisturizer. Thorough cleansing is essential, a minute’s massage with a creamy cleanser wiped off with a clean muslin cloth or flannel, wrung out in warm water, is all you need. Choose a simple range that you enjoy and stick with it – chopping and changing may provoke your skin. My advice is always to treat angry, inflamed skin with great care, using calming and soothing ingredients such as natural clays, manuka honey and propolis.
Okay...I've got a nasty pimple (or two or three) what's the best way to make it (or them) disappear quickly?
Although tempting to squeeze, spots should be left alone to heal as squeezing can result in painful infection, scars and cross contamination. Twice daily cleansing with a gentle but thorough cleanser, such as Cleanse & Polish will help dislodge daily grime and make up and remove excess oil. Clay-based face masks also work to draw out pimples when applied topically over the affected area. Our Deep Cleansing Mask is a highly concentrated clay mask which helps to eliminate impurities and excess oil, leaving skin balanced, calm and clear. A dab of pure essential oil, such as lavender, can also be particularly healing, either on its own or when combined with vitamin E (squeezed from a capsule).
What are your Top 5 beauty must-haves?
1. Superskin Moisturizer
This rich, luxurious and fragrance-free botanical super cream is fast becoming my ultimate beauty must have. Containing high levels of skin-strengthening GLA and rich in omega-3, Superskin Moisturizer helps prevent moisture loss and improve skin elasticity, leaving my skin visibly smoothed, plumped and replenished. The plant-based formula really does create ‘super skin’ thanks to the antioxidants, rosehip oil and cranberry seed oil. I absolutely always double-check I have at least one jar in my wash bag when travelling - I will not leave home without it!
2. Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser
Our iconic, British beauty essential is the foundation of fabulous skin. Adored by supermodels, make-up artists, beauty connoisseurs and mere mortals alike, this affordable, fuss-free pampering daily treat produces outstanding results for all skins. Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser contains skin-soothing cocoa butter and brightening eucalyptus, and effortlessly cleanses away dead skin cells, environmental pollution and all traces of make up, leaving my skin soft, clean, and radiant.
3.Good food
It’s no surprise that the skin, our largest organ, responds to what we eat. So, keeping it nourished is a must if we want radiant glowing skin – and the good news is that the whole body benefits too. Good food gives us the building blocks for great skin. Food has been a focus for me for many years. I’ve written about it, campaigned for meaningful food labeling and taken a public stand against genetic modification of our basic foods - I am passionate about eating well and the benefits great food has on the skin. Some of the best skin feeders are nuts and seeds, pure salad oils, green leaves and fresh fruits and vegetables.
4. Exercise
Exercise is every bit as important for the skin as good food and a great skincare routine. It increases blood flow, which delivers skin building nutrients and oxygen supplies to the epidermis. The benefits – pink cheeks, sparkling eyes and a radiant glow – are instantly visible. I’m not talking about spending hours in the gym (unless you’ve the time and inclination), but I find that by simply doing enough physical activity to leave me slightly out of breath every day really works to leave my skin glowing and my well-being restored.
5. Me Time
For me, time is the new luxury. I find making a little ‘me time’ at the end of each day a great de-stressing treat. This can be as simple as mixing together a facial massage oil, such as apricot kernel oil, with a calming essential oil such as lavender, and massaging gently into my skin. Simple facial massage that you can perform on yourself at home is not only a great top up between regular professional facials to help combat a dull complexion, but also relieves stresses and strains, leaving both you and your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Warm a few drops of facial oil between your hands cupping them over your nose and face (not touching skin), take 3 deep breaths and inhale your oil to de-stress and calm before massaging into your skin. My favorite facial oil is Superskin Concentrate. This super intense aromatic blend of 100% pure plant oils is a rich, restoring treat for all skin types, with softening argan and organic rosehip oils, soothing neroli, lavender and chamomile essential oils plus protective natural source vitamin E. Taking some time for yourself doesn’t cost the earth and can make all the difference to both your skin and your psyche.
For more information on Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare, or to make a purchase, head on over to us.lizearle.com.
Jennifer and Christine
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