Natural, holistic skincare

Weleda was founded over ninety years ago by Rudolph Steiner & Dr Ita Wegman and is based on a philosophy called Anthroposophy. Put simply this means ‘an understanding of man’ and of our link with nature - hence our mission ‘to work in harmony with nature and the human being’ It is what makes us unique and it is the key to our formulations which specifically promote and sustain our health and wellbeing. 2 About Us

This anthroposophic approach is unique to ‘holistic’ skincare We share these roots with Dr Hauschka and Jurlique We research a ‘lead plant’ using anthroposophic and conventional scientific methods: We agree the ‘lead plant’ based on holistic efficacy on the physical body, the soul and the spirit. The ‘lead plant’ focuses on the needs of a person either biographically (age) or symptomatically (a symptom) We consider every aspect of the plant when identifying its benefit to the body Once a lead plant is identified, a range of products are created and we begin the work with farmers to grow the amount we will need. A product can take between 5-10 years to develop before launch. 3 Our Approach

4 the ageing process -Beneath the outer layer of the skin there is a network of protein fibres: Elastin – give the skin elasticity Collagen – give the skin its strength -While this network is strong, the skin will appear youthful and firm. -As the fibres harden and fragment the skin begins to lose its elasticity and show the visible signs of ageing. -Sunlight and toxins from pollution cause free radicals which attack and weaken the elastin and collagen in our skin and accelerate the ageing process.

5 Holistic skincare the skin is the largest organ of the body and has many jobs to do skincare can help or inhibit the skins natural functions therapeutic - works on the mind and spirit as well as physically contains fresh, natural plant ingredients rich in skin caring nutrients helps to improve the function of the skin rather than purely masking the problem – longer term benefit natural plant ingredients have an affinity with the skin

Natural ingredients plant ingredients are rich in nutrients which help the skin to function here are a few… Anti-oxidants which neutralise free radicals & slow down the ageing process (vitamins A, C & E, carotenoids & flavonoids are all anti-oxidants). Essential fatty acids help to supplement the skins natural protective layer (sebum), sealing in moisture. They are anti-inflammatory (calming) and are essential for the regeneration of the skin. These are widely recognised for their benefit to the skin and cannot compare to cheaper, synthetic versions. Many natural ingredients are too complex to synthesize. They contain a number of skin caring nutrients which work in synergy to benefit the skin.

Weleda skincare our formulations are simple, the secret to their effectiveness lies in the quality, freshness, and balance of the ingredients Lipids (oils, fats & waxes) Plant Oils (contain glycerine, four essential fatty acids & skin caring vitamins e.g.Vitamin E) Fats (e.g shea butter, cocoa butter) Waxes (e.g lanolin, beeswax) contain one essential fatty acid Active plant extracts – Lead plant e.g. Iris, Birch - rich in skin caring nutrients. Fragrance (essential oils) - help to stimulate or calm the senses. Auxiliary ingredients natural emulsifiers & extracting agents are used in Weleda products in synthetic products the % of auxiliary ingredients is much higher (due to preservatives)

Oils AlmondSesameJojobaParaffin Feeling Origin Benefit driest Plant. Affinity with the skin. Warming power of the sun. Cold oil. From Crude Oil. Seals in moisture. Suffocates skin. greasylightestrichest Intensely moisturising Well tolerated. Moisturising & protecting. Quickly absorbed. Warming. Boosts circulation. Moisturising.

Oil in water (O/W) and Water in oil (W/O) Skincare = Emulsions Definition: an emulsion is a finely balanced mix of liquids which do not mix with one another.

Emulsion Properties O/W emulsionW/O emulsion O/W and W/O products from Weleda O/W: Pomegranate Firming Day/Night Cream, lotions, etc. W/O: Calendula Nappy Change Cream, Skin food Fatty proportion high (retains moisture) Emulsion rather unstable Fairly insensitive to microbes Technological expense high Not easily washed away with water Watery proportion high (provides moisture) Emulsion stable Sensitive to microbes Technological expense low Washed away easily with water