Wellbeing Journal
JURLIQUE BUSH REGENERATION
At Jurlique, caring for our Earth and giving back to our land more than we take from it is at the heart of what we do. For us, this is working to the cycles of nature at our biodynamic* farm and ongoing efforts like our tree-planting initiatives. Right now, we are preparing to grow 2,000 seedlings that we will help rejuvenate the Cudlee Creek area after the devastating bushfires of 2019/2020 burnt through 23,000 hectares. "We cannot turn back time, but we can grow trees, rewild our gardens, and help restore our ecosystems." BIODIVERSITY AND NATURAL WATERWAYS Understanding how ecosystems provide crucial services such as pollination, seed dispersal, climate regulation, and water purification is all the more reason to ensure we protect our land and natural waterways. Biodiversity importantly boosts ecosystems where a healthy ecosystem may better withstand and recover from a variety of disasters. And in the case of bushfires, biodiversity is not only under threat but a critical part of response, recovery and regeneration. Bushland regeneration is key. In particular, watercourses in the fire scar are vital in protecting native fish that take refuge in permanent water pools over summer. Aside from water, one of the most important things native fish require is layers of vegetation growing alongside and in watercourses and permanent water pools – home to their food source, insects. Consequently, biodiversity efforts focus on providing a range of sedge and rush species for regeneration with shade from trees also important to keep water cool in summer and minimise evaporation. BUSHFIRES AND COMMUNITY From September 2019 to March 2020, devastating bushfires swept through Australia. Land, wildlife, homes and livelihoods were destroyed with communities left heartbroken. Only 38km from our Jurlique Farm, Cudlee Creek, in the Adelaide Hills, was declared an emergency disaster area with fires burning through 23,000 hectares and destroying hundreds of homes and buildings. Ever since, we vowed to nurture tree seedlings on our Jurlique Farm for planting at Cudlee Creek – helping to rejuvenate the affected area. SEEDINGS IN THE SPOTLIGHT This year, we’re growing seedlings for Trees for Life and Landscape SA’s winter 2022 plant giveaway for properties affected by the Cudlee Creek fire. Trees for Life, a South Australia-based not for profit organisation work to restore and protect South Australian landscapes. They have researched and collected seeds from the most badly affected plants, enabling us to nurture seedlings from the tree species that have been most impacted by the fires. Our Jurlique farm is currently preparing to grow 2,000 seedlings of River Red Gum, Tassel Sedge and Common Rush species as part of a special planting day. In February 2022, our dedicated Jurlique farm staff will take to planting the various seed species firmly into their recycled pots. And while in previous years we’ve been able to share the day with the surrounding community, we’re determined to continue our bush regeneration efforts even during a pandemic. Our Jurlique farm will be taking precious care of our seedlings over the coming months when they’ll finally be returned back to nature, to the community and ecosystems that once lost so much. But we’re not alone in restoring ecosystems. Join with friends, family, and community in planting trees, hosting local clean-ups, starting composting and making conscious choices that support the environment and honour our ecosystems. *Certified biodynamic by the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia. Jurlique’s products and farm are not certified by or affiliated with Demeter® USA or Demeter International.
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THE BENEFITS OF AVOCADO OIL IN SKIN CARE
Avocado has long been the darling of superfoods, thanks to it being high in healthy fats, potassium, fibre, vitamins and other nutrients. It’s part of the reason avocado toast has become the millennial breakfast of choice and why the ingredient has been popping up in new incarnations in cafes and restaurants the world over. But did you know Avocado Oil has lots of benefits for your skin too? Yep, applying Avocado Oil onto your skin is just as beneficial as eating the fruit – here’s why.What is Avocado Oil?Avocado Oil is exactly what it says on the tin: oil derived from an avocado. It’s a natural by-product that comes from the pressed pulp of the avocado and is often used in cooking, like olive oil, as well as skin care products.What are the benefits of Avocado Oil for skin?This nourishing plant oil is rich in essential fatty acids that hydrate and soften the skin and protect it from moisture loss and dehydration. It also helps rebalance and comfort delicate skin. The oil is high in vitamins A, B, C, D and E, as well minerals such as iron, magnesium, copper and potassium. Together, these properties help to regenerate the skin, keep it hydrated, work to fight free radicals and promote collagen production. Avocado Oil also minimises inflammation and can calm dry, itchy skin, making it a great ingredient for dry, sensitive or problematic skin.Bottle of Jurlique Skin Balancing Face Oil next to Amethyst stone and two green leaves How to use Avocado Oil for your skinAvocado Oil can be used on your skin in its purest form (look for an oil that is organic, unrefined and cold pressed to reap the most benefits) but it’s also used as a key ingredient in some skin care products – including some at Jurlique:Skin Balancing Face Oil: Our bestselling Skin Balancing Face Oil deeply nourishes and balances the skin, protecting it from moisture loss. Avocado Oil is combined with Rose Hip, Safflower and Macadamia Oils to provide intense nourishment to the skin. Use it on its own after your serum or mix a couple of drops into your moisturiser for extra hydration.Herbal Recovery Antioxidant Face Oil: This blend of antioxidant-rich botanical oils revitalises the complexion, minimises the first signs of ageing and protects against environmental aggressors. Grapeseed Oil reduces fine lines, Avocado Oil nurtures the skin, while Rosehip Oil is rich in essential fatty acids and is known for its restorative properties.Moisture Replenishing Day Cream: This rich and luxurious moisturising cream has been a cult favourite among Jurlique customers for decades – and with good reason. It delivers lasting hydration to leave dry skin feeling soft and comfortable and helps protect skin from environmental aggressors.Balancing Day Care Cream: Light in texture but rich in hydrating benefits, this cream is designed to smooth skin and improve elasticity. It's enriched with plant-based oils including Rose Hip, Avocado and Jojoba Seed Oils, as well as nourishing Shea Butter, to provide intense and long-lasting moisture that keeps skin soft and supple. This cream also helps with sensitivity.Avocado Oil is also found in our body lotions, such as Softening Body Lotion Rose and Calming Body Lotion Lavender. Together with botanicals grown on our biodynamic* Jurlique Farm, Avocado Oil in the lotions leaves skin feeling soft and looking radiant.Intrigued about our other oils? Read our guide to everything you need to know about face oils.
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BOTANICALS FOR SOFTER SKIN
Many complexion concerns focus on the skin’s visible appearance: lines, wrinkles, redness, pigmentation and dullness. It makes sense – these are, of course, the qualities we’re most likely to notice when looking in the mirror. But equal attention should be given to the way your skin feels. Is it rough, tight or dehydrated? Let’s see how you can overcome both.Achieving skin that feels soft, hydrated and well-balanced takes commitment and regular use of the right botanical ingredients. That’s the true wonder of the Rose – this gorgeous flower craves six hours of sun per day and yet boasts delicately soft petals with unique hydrating properties.One of our favourite Rose varieties grown on the Jurlique farm in South Australia is Rosa gallica. Not only does it have the most sublime scent, it’s also known for its superior hydrating properties, capable of restoring the skin and leaving it feeling soft and supple.While Rose is gentle enough for most skin types, those with very sensitive skin can benefit even more from soothing botanicals, like our farm-grown Calendula. This botanical is rich in antioxidants and oleanolic acid, which helps to calm the complexion and soothe even the most sensitive skin. It’s also ideal for skin that reacts to environmental aggressors.For skin that’s very dry or dehydrated, a botanical oil, such as Rose Hip or Safflower, is full of essential fatty acids to deeply nourish. They provide immediate relief from dehydration and over time, help restore balance to the skin so that it feels softer and looks smoother. Once sub-par skin will finally feel satisfied – as will that face in the mirror.Where to find these botanicals…Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Lotion contains Rosa gallica extract to hydrate and soften skinhttp://www.jurlique.com.au/rose-moisturising-lotionCalendula Redness Rescue Soothing Moisturising Cream deeply hydrates and soothes skinhttp://www.jurlique.com.au/calendula-redness-rescue-soothing-moisturising-creamSkin Balancing Face Oil is enriched with nourishing Rose Hip and Safflower oilshttp://www.jurlique.com.au/skin-balancing-face-oil-new
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THE POWER OF PLANTS
Indoor plants have been used to decorate homes and heal people since 1,000 B.C. China. Their benefits have since been recognised by the science community, proving household plants as essential indoor companions in urban dwellings. We adorn our Jurlique offices with these all-natural air purifiers, for they improve the air quality while reducing the stress levels of those working amongst them. Read on for all of the reasons to bring more greenery into your home or workspace.They pay their wayIn 1989, NASA conducted a study looking at the benefits of houseplants, naming it the NASA Clean Air Study. It found that having one plant per nine square metres of your home or office will remove toxic airborne agents, such as benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. Garden Mums, Spider Plants and Dracaena are the top performing pollutant removers. Plants such as orchids, succulents, snake plants and bromeliads also absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen all through the night (unlike most other varieties that only do this during the day time), making them the perfect bedroom companions.They are visually beautifulPlants are an easy way to enhance your loungeroom or workspace. By adorning your windowsills with succulents, draping macramé hangers from curtain rails or bringing a big and bold potted fiddle leaf fig, you’ll make a huge difference to the look and feel of your space. Get your hands dirty by simply taking a cutting from a friend’s plant and propagating your own from scratch; you’ll feel a true sense of achievement as it flourishes.They reduce stressThe art of shinrin yoku, or forest therapy, was first invented in Japan and is predicated on the idea of visiting or looking at nature as a means to calm, rejuvenate and restore the mind. Studies have found that plants bestow positive changes in the brain’s electrical activity, relieving muscle tension and calming heart activity. Bring a piece of the forest into your living room with your very own bonsai tree.They bring the outdoors, inAs more people move to be closer to big cities, they inevitably have less exposure to Nature, which means they come into contact with a less diverse microbiota. This refers to the community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in your gut and on your skin, and which is essential to fighting off disease. Keeping a herb garden will encourage you to have direct contact with plant life, while also offering a constant supply of fresh basil, thyme and mint.Jurlique’s Tree Planting Day At Jurlique we love our plants indoors and out. Every year since 2012, Jurlique staff have been planting native trees at our farm in South Australia. The trees improve our carbon footprint, enhance the area’s biodiversity, and offer protection for our organically grown botanicals. Learn more here.
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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SERUMS
When it comes to skincare, serums cause the most confusion. What do they do? And where do they fit into your skincare routine? Surely, it’s one skin care step too far? The short answer is: serums are packed with potent ingredients to boost the health, hydration and vibrancy of your skin - so if you don’t swear by a serum yet, it’s time to start. Here’s our fool proof guide to face serums.What is a serum, exactly?Savvy skin care is all about layering, choosing products that complement each other in each step of your skin care ritual. Face serums are lightweight (but potent) formulas designed to provide your skin with extra hydration as well as target specific skin care concerns, such as fine lines or dullness. They’re formulated with high concentrations of active ingredients (higher than your traditional moisturiser) so only a few drops are needed to get the full benefits. Think of it as your essential skin care problem solver and complexion booster, all wrapped up into one.How do serums differ from moisturisers?Moisturisers are rich and creamy, creating a protective barrier on top of your skin to prevent any moisture from escaping while locking in the benefits of the previous products you’ve used in your ritual. While serums can contain moisturising ingredients (like Rosehip Oil in the Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Daily Moisture Balancing Serum), they have a thin consistency and don’t lock in moisture like creams and lotions do.How to use serumsSkin care products are applied thinnest to thickest, so use after cleansing, toning, and applying our Activating Water Essence (which activates skin’s ability to retain moisture). Gently press 1-2 pumps of serum over your face, neck and décolletage and leave to sink in before applying your eye cream and moisturiser.Which serum is right for you?The best way to choose is to think of your biggest skin care concern and pick a serum that targets it best – or, have a few that you can switch up. Is your skin more dehydrated than usual? Use a hydrating serum. Long-haul flight left you feeling a bit dull and lacklustre? Reach for your face brightening serum. And if you’re not sure what your biggest skin concern is, read our guide to understanding your skin type.Dryness and deydrationRecommended serum: Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Daily Moisture Balancing Serum. With Marshmallow Root Extract that draws precious moisture to the skin and Rosehip Oil for long-lasting hydration, this is our best face serum for dry skin.Dullness and first signs of ageingRecommended serum: Jurlique Herbal Recovery Signature Serum. One of our hero products, this contains Red Clover Flower Extract, which is scientifically proven to enhance the hydrating role of Hyaluronic Acid, and to visibly smooth lines and wrinkles.Lines and loss of firmnessRecommended serum: Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Firming and Tightening Serum. This serum contains Beech Tree Bud extract, known to improve skin firmness and help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.Deep lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticityRecommended serum: Jurlique Nutri-Define Superior Retexturising Facial Serum. Containing fatty acids derived from plant oils that hydrate and improve the skin’s barrier function, and Oat Kernel Extract to soften and calm the skin, this silky serum addresses multiple signs of ageing.Sensitivity and irritationRecommended serum: Jurlique Calendula Redness Rescue Restorative Treatment Serum, containing Calendula, Chamomile and Echinacea Extracts to soothe and rebalance the skin.Discolouration and sun damageRecommended serum: Jurlique Purely White Skin Brightening Essence. Containing brightening botanicals such as Kakadu Plum and African Birch, this is our best serum for pigmentation.The ultimate complexion booster, serums are an essential step in every skincare routine. Shop our range to find one that suits your skin.
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WHY AIR QUALITY MATTERS IN YOUR SKIN CARE
The ability to scientifically measure and study the impact of pollution might be relatively new, but we’ve always had a belief that air quality is one of the crucial factors in producing pure, effective skin care. It’s one of the reasons our founders moved across the globe to settle in the rolling Adelaide Hills of South Australia.How pollution affects skin (and skin care)For many decades, there was one clear environmental culprit capable of wreaking havoc on our complexions; this was, of course, the sun’s UV rays. More recently, another offender has come along: the air itself. Unlike the sun, however, air pollution gives no early warning signs.Separate studies have found that air pollution can have a significant impact on the skin, leading to the premature appearance of visible signs of ageing, such as fine lines and pigmentation.But there’s another side to this story that’s far less known: what’s the impact of air pollution on the botanical ingredients grown specifically for skin care?The quality of air that surrounds plants plays a huge role in determining just how robust and healthy those plants may be. According to a report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), air pollution can cause damage to soil quality, which “in turn, penetrates into the plant structure and impairs its ability to develop”. As a result, botanicals may turn yellow, develop spots or die completely.The purity of South AustraliaAdelaide, as one of Australia’s smaller cities, has benefited from relatively low levels of pollution – seven times lower than that in Shanghai, and more than one-third of the levels in Seoul, according to data compiled by the World Health Organization.For this reason, we made South Australia our home base. In this unspoiled environment, which our founders refer to as “the purest place on Earth”, we grow all our botanical ingredients, including hydrating Rose, which goes on to become our antioxidant-rich Rosewater Balancing Mist. Thanks to the clean-air conditions in which the Rose is grown, the resulting mist restores your skin and instils an unmistakable glow.Our home is a particular point of pride for Jurlique, for the growing conditions found here are what enable us to grow botanicals far more powerful than any other. What is pure and grown in Nature can only deliver radiant, glowing skin. It’s as simple as that.
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JOURNEY TO THE JAR: THE STORY OF OUR YARROW
In Greek mythology, the herb Yarrow was considered so powerful it was believed to bestow immortality on those who bathed in its waters. According to legend, Achilles was one such hero, having been dipped in the Yarrow-laced water of the river Styx by his mother when he was a baby. Alas, a spot was missed – his so-called Achilles heel – which would prove to be his fatal weakness in battle. Yarrow’s Latin name – Achillea millefolium – still hints at this legendary association.We’ve grown Yarrow on the Jurlique farm for many years and its ability to promote smoother, firmer skin makes it a star ingredient in many of our natural-based products, including our iconic Herbal Recovery range. Here’s a look at the journey this plant undergoes, as it progresses from seed to skin care.Breeding more seedsWe’ve recently increased the volume of Yarrow that’s planted on the farm, and to do this, our first step is always to collect the seeds from our existing plants. We then propagate the seeds in the hothouse on the farm.Room to growYarrow is a perennial plant that’s strong, resilient and grows very quickly. We like to give it plenty of room to grow, otherwise it can “choke” itself. As with all the botanicals on our organic farm, Yarrow grows without the use of synthetic pesticides or insecticides.Carefully hand-pickedWe have a dedicated team that picks each and every botanical by hand. Harvesting of the Yarrow takes place in the springtime, and only occurs when the flowers are at their peak. This maximises the potency of their active ingredients, which help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for smoother skin and a more youthful appearance.Drying for a continuous supplyThe Yarrow’s flowers are laid flat on large racks and placed in our heated drying cupboards; it typically takes around five or six days for them to dry completely. The dried plants can be stored for up to three years without compromising their natural, skin-enhancing properties, so we always have enough on hand to ensure a continuous supply of the best quality extracts.Extraction beginsWe follow our exclusive extraction method, to capture as many vital nutrients from our botanicals as possible. This proprietary process captures the pure, potent and active essential nutrients and minerals from the plants. The Yarrow extract is then transported to our nearby Natural Beauty Plant. It’s here that this beautiful botanical becomes a key component in your favourite products like our radiance-restoring Herbal Recovery Signature Serum.
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THREE LITTLE KNOWN SECRETS FOR RADIANT SKIN
Radiant, glowing skin begins long before you step into your bathroom and reach for your skin care favourites. In fact, luminous skin starts where you might not expect: on the farm. When the environment in which plants are grown is pristine, it follows that the resulting skin care, and importantly your skin, will benefit the most.At Jurlique, we grow and nurture all our botanicals in the pure, idyllic South Australian hills. This is the basis of our seed-to-skin philosophy, where the seed’s health ultimately results in your skin looking bright and glowing. If radiance has long eluded you, opt for natural based products whose ingredients are grown in the following conditions:1 Air purityChoosing natural ingredients is an important consideration, but not all naturals are created equal; they must be nurtured in the right environment to capture their most active nutrients and essences. This process begins with the very air that surrounds them. Smog and pollution are not only detrimental to our skin, they can also compromise the quality of fledgling botanicals [hyperlink to article titled Why Air Quality Matters in Your Skin Care]. This is one reason why we chose the purest place on earth to establish our farm in South Australia, an area of rolling hills revered for its clean, fresh air.2 Soil qualityLike two halves of the same universe, the purity of air is mirrored by the quality of the soil, and vice versa. A depleted soil is unable to yield the powerful botanicals needed to transform skin radiance. Our Jurlique farm is certified organic and benefits from a rich compost derived from the plants on the property. We take extra care to nourish and protect the entire ecosystem of the farm. Some of the land available is used for planting, while the rest is dedicated to maintaining natural flora and fauna. Creating this special environment and planting and harvesting according to the seasons allows our botanicals to reach maximum glow-giving power.3 No synthetic pesticidesWe believe that maintaining a pure environment means not compromising crops with the use of synthetic pesticides and insecticides. Instead, we use companion farming to help plants work together to protect and nurture one another. For example, the bright orange flowers of a Calendula bush attract beneficial insects which kill aphids and other predatory insects, so we plant these next to our Roses as protection. The botanicals, therefore, remain safe without the use of harmful chemicals. This matters because what we use (or don’t use) on the farm ends up affecting your skin.Now you knowDue to Jurlique’s commitment to clean air, healthy soil, and organic pest control, our products make it possible for you to experience radiant, glowing skin. If you’re curious to see what our skin care can do for you, begin with our much-loved Activating Water Essence, whose active ingredients hydrate, condition and revitalise your skin. That’s Nature’s promise.
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HOW TO REBALANCE YOUR ENERGY NATURALLY
How to Rebalance Your Energy NaturallyModern workers complain of the mid-afternoon slump. All of a sudden, it feels as if all the energy has drained out of you. Some call it brain fog, others refer to it as plain old exhaustion. Rather than reach for a quick fix, the wiser option is to implement naturally energy-boosting habits you can maintain long-term. Your precarious balancing act ends here.Aid your digestionAn unhealthy gut can have huge health implications for the rest of the body – energy levels included. Apple cider vinegar is an alkalising liquid that can help with digestion, especially for those who don’t produce enough hydrochloric acid in their stomachs. Opt for the unfiltered organic variety, and drink it diluted in water about 15 minutes before meals.Step away from the white breadWhile they can provide your body with energy, foods heavy in carbohydrates will, for the most part, leave you feeling sluggish. The main culprit? Simple carbs, like those found in sugary drinks, white bread, and pasta, which burn through your body quickly. Stick to wholegrain, low-glycaemic carbohydrates that take longer to digest. Nuts, legumes, sweet potatoes, oats, and brown rice will all provide your body a steady supply of energy, helping you avoid the crash-and-burn effect.Break a sweatIf you’ve ever gotten your sweat on, you’d know the incredible clarity that comes from a flood of endorphins hitting your system. Exercise gives your cells more energy to burn, circulating oxygen around the body and releasing epinephrine and norepinephrine (stress hormones) that in modest amounts that make you feel energised. Even a brisk walk on your break can help.Have another glass of waterFeeling fatigued is one of the first signs that your body is short on fluids. The recommended daily amount of water is 2 litres per day, but be sure to drink slowly and keep it at room temperature, so it is easily ingested and absorbed by your body.School yourself in essential oilsStudies have found that inhaling essential oils under stressful conditions can lead to noticeable positive neurological responses, as fragrance compounds directly affect the brain. When it comes to improving energy levels, essential oils with citrus properties are great for boosting energy and motivation – we love a few drops of our Revitalising Blend Essential Oil, which can be used in a vaporiser for the office. If you don’t have a diffuser handy, try a spritz of our Revitalising Blend Aromatherapy Mist, close your eyes and spray mist above your head, and deeply inhale the Orange, Bergamot, Lemon and Lavender blend to awaken the senses.
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