Whenever there are natural alternatives to life’s problems, I’m on it. So when I found out that there was a “3 step” protocol to dealing with acne*, I jumped to discover more details. Where better to learn about Botáni Australia than from interviewing founder and naturopath Barbara Filokostas?
As founder of the brand, she has made it a priority to adhere to sustainable practices. She also incorporates her deep knowledge of plants and their interactions with each other. In the world of natural skincare—where a new brand seems to crop up overnight—this is sometimes, unfortunately, a rare occurrence.
Barbara’s answers are extremely compelling. Thanks to A-PURE, the US destination for Botáni products, for setting up this enlightening interview and for providing me with products to test.
1) What inspired you to create natural and organic products?
As a naturopath and herbalist with a clinical practice based in Melbourne, Australia, I noticed my clients presented with three major skin issues: acne, fungal infections and dehydrated skin.
As young children of Greek heritage, when my brother and I fell sick, we could always rely on Greek remedies from my grandmother, who was a herbalist and healer from Northern Greece. Like most similar with a Greek heritage, I have always had a connection to olives and olive oil from the time I was a young girl.
Witnessing the physical and psychological effects of modern day living on my client’s skin and the need to treat and address growing skin sensitivities, I began to understand how ingredients from nature could restore balance and overall skin health, and the growing need for alternative natural skin care.
Fascinated by the radiance of my grandmother’s skin, who had few wrinkles even in their 70s, I knew there was a magic within the olive that was greater than simple olive oil. I explored the chemistry of the ‘humble’ olive and discovered a key constituent of olive oil, Olive Squalene—and that reveals the magic I’ve always known.
Using a holistic approach to skin health and guided by a key principle of Hippocratic medicine (vis medicatrix naturae—healing powers of nature), I founded Botáni in 1994.
2) What are your signature ingredients in the products geared to acneic skin?
3) What is your skincare philosophy?
4) What is your background in skin/formulations?
5) Why are more and more people turning to natural alternatives?
6) Do you agree with the term “alternative” when it comes to a holistic approach to wellness?
7) Aside from topical solutions, as a naturopath, what other protocol do you recommend to resolve acne? (I was referred to the company’s manual for this answer).
An integral facet of the Botáni philosophy is not just selling a skin care product, but educating our clients in a holistic approach to life, in order for them to attain good health.Our skin reflects our internal state.The following points represent the keys, as perceived by Botáni, to the maintenance of skin health:
- Water: Drink at least 6-8 glasses per day to keep the skin hydrated and to minimise wrinkling.
- Proper cleansing is vital: Gently cleanse the skin twice daily. Cleanser should be applied with a minimal, circular motion and rinsed with tepid water.
- Nutrition for skin health: Nutrients, especially the antioxidants, Biotin, Folic Acid and Zinc, consumed through the diet assist the skin structure and function, albeit systemically. Eat plenty of fresh, enzyme rich fruits and vegetables, such as avocados, papayas, bananas, mangos and sprouts.
- Good circulation: To improve blood supply and enzymatic activity, several effective methods can be used, including regular exercise, facial massage, avoiding smoking and alcohol.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure: For the purposes of ongoing skin protection, it is important to avoid the sun, where possible. From a cosmetic perspective, excess sun exposure can over time, result in decreased flexibility and elasticity, together with increased skin dryness, and premature ageing within the skin’s dermal layer, due to the fact that the ability of collagen and elastin to protect the skin, is reduced. Avoidance of the potential to develop skin cancer is extremely important.
- Adequate sleep: Get sufficient rest. Your face shows the first signs of fatigue and stress.
- Maintain a positive attitude: Particularly with the acne condition, a self – conscious body image will usually exacerbate the condition and cause emotional disturbance. Deep relaxation or meditation techniques may be beneficial to readjust the mental aspect.
You can find out more about Botáni from their website or connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. You can find Botáni products in the US and Canada at A-PURE.
Have you tried their products yet? If so, please share in the comments.
*If you’re the blogger who wrote about them originally, please let me know! I’d love to give you credit for finding this outstanding line.
** Excuse the formatting issues with this post. Grrr….Decided to publish anyway because I can’t figure them out.
I have acneic skin so this brand really interests me as well. What beautiful philosophies and ideals. I love supporting brands who really put effort into their process and sustainability.
Nice interview! and interesting to discover this aussie beauty brand! x
Water. Sleep. Food. They’re on to something! I’m concentrating on this more lately (vs. finding a miracle cream / oil / serum — I have so many that are beautiful and work well but I switch up too often!). I cannot wait to share the results of my current experiment that is based in water, sleep and food!
xoxo