Celebrating a legend: Dr. Hauschka

A skincare brand that has no exfoliants or night creams in its stable, but still gets incredible results? That'll be Dr. Hauschka, one of the world's most famous organic brands that has loyal followers all over the world despite its refusal to follow trends. It's fans talk about it with an almost cult-like reverence, and after over ten years in the business of writing about beauty it's a brand that I never stop hearing about as one of the best in its field.
For more than 40 years the company has grown and harvested over 150 biodynamic plants in their gardens, which can be found in a fairytale-like setting in Southern Germany. Complex rhythmical processing and attention to the biorhythms of nature result in potent plants that yield incredible essences, which are then formulated into the products that end up on our shelves. It's a range that has been designed to activate the skin's natural healing process and address the underlying cause of problems rather than simply masking the symptoms, and its loyal celebrity fans include Elle Macpherson, Julia Roberts, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Naomi Watts -women who know their skin and are celebrated for it.
Janet Southern is the New Zealand face of the brand, and has been with the company for over ten years. She is as passionate as it gets about the great work that their products do, not to mention a wealth of information about how to achieve - and hold on to - a skincare regime that actually works for your skin. The first thing I ask her is about this “no night cream” business - what is the thinking behind that? The manufacture of expensive night creams and serums is how many a brand makes its bread and butter! “While you sleep your skin is actually hard at work regenerating itself, balancing oil production and expelling impurities,” she explains, “but the constant application of night creams interferes with these important tasks, and over time skin becomes less able to care for itself.” She adds that layering on moisturiser 24 hours a day sends a signal to sebaceous glands to cut down on moisture production, resulting in even drier skin that becomes dependent on moisturising products just to appear “normal.” Hardly the ideal situation, but one that keeps many women out of pocket as they burn through one pot of gold after another.
“It is best to be taught properly how to use the range as a lot of its efficacy is down to the rituals involved with applying the product,” says Janet, who recommends a trip to a registered Hauschka spa for a thorough consultation before you buy. “So much of what makes it work is about technique,” she adds, “and getting your head around a different way of thinking about your skin.” Another example of the brand's unique approach is the presence of no harsh exfoliants in the range “that will disrupt the skin's protective outer layer or the pH of the skin. Our products leave the skin feeling comfortable after cleansing, and don't give you that tight feeling that so many people immediately assume is a good thing.” It's all about removing excess dirt, oil and makeup without disturbing the skin's natural line of defence. Soaps, scrubs and exfoliants can strip your face of this natural protection, resulting in dry, irritated skin and premature signs of ageing.
”Our rituals are really healthy for your soul too,” she says, “it's like a little bit of 'me' time that can only do you good.”