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Wild Herbs – 3 Superfoods From Nature

Written by Sabine Häberlein on . Posted in Health & Beauty.

Collecting wild herbs is not only fun and an activity in the great outdoors, it also benefits our health. Nutritionist and herb expert Sabine Häberlein explains how to recognize them and what they can do. Wild herbs are in season right now in spring. May in particular brings us a rich selection of wild herbs. It is the time of fresh spring greenery, new beginnings, growth and renewal. The wild herbs that are now growing so fast we can almost watch them reflect this energy. Here I introduce you to the three top representatives with three benefits: they’re widely available, you can easily recognize them and they support you if you want to lose weight. 🌱 Goutweed is a true superfood. It contains lots of vitamin C, iron and potassium and is particularly good for detoxifying the body. Its taste is reminiscent of parsley. Use it fresh in salads or process it into delicious soups or pesto. 🌱 Stinging nettle is another wild plant that is often dismissed as a weed. However, it is a real health booster as it contains lots of iron, vitamin C and E. Use it in soups, salads or as a tea. I pick up a fresh nettle leaf every day. It protects me from iron deficiency. 🌱 The dandelion is not only a beautiful flower, but also a medicinal herb. It contains lots of potassium, vitamin C and bitter substances that stimulate the metabolism and digestion. The leaves add a spicy note to salads. The petals with their bright yellow color are not only a pretty decoration for various dishes. They also provide valuable ingredients that stimulate the metabolism and digestion. The leaves add a spicy note to salads. The wonderful world of plants Have you ever wondered what’s growing in the meadow on your walks? Do you want to know which of these wild herbs are edible and which you should stay away from? Are you interested in which plants have healing powers? In these days, we are used to buying our food in the supermarket.  But there is another way. Nature offers a wide range of plants that can enrich our diet. Of course, it is not possible for us all to become self-sufficient. But every now and then a pesto made from garlic rocket or a wild herb salad can complement our food really well. Not only do these dishes taste delicious, they also provide a concentrated load of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals – far more than cultivated plants can.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Model skin for everyone with “The Model Mask” from MGM Models

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

„Model skin for Everyone“ is the motto of the new skincare range from Germany’s largest model agency MGM Models. With 1,500 models, it is also one of Europe’s leading agencies in the industry. Well-known top models such as Kate Upton and Chrissy Teigen started their careers here. Last fall, the luxury skincare brand MGM Cosmetics launched a total of three skincare lines. The twelve Modelskin products are divided into different age groups: Everyday 16-25 years, Advanced 25-40 years and Supreme 35- 60 years. This covers the different skin needs of all ages – from extremely young skin, which requires a lower lipid content, to more mature skin with anti-ageing requirements. “The topic of skin health has been with me my entire career as a model agent, because models can’t have bad skin. I was always on the lookout for good skincare and ultimately developed it myself. Our high professional standards for healthy and beautiful skin are fulfilled in this particularly effective skincare range,” says Marco Sinervo, CEO von MGM Models. Medical expertise But where does the head of a modeling agency get the expertise for skin care? Of course, the products were developed after many years of research in a renowned German laboratory. But more importantly, the medical expert behind MGM Cosmetics is the renowned Hamburg dermatologist Dr. Anna Brandenburg. She confirms: “MGM Cosmetics is a very effective and well-founded skincare concept with highly effective ingredients of the purest quality. The different needs of the skin can be optimally taken into account by the different series and bring the maximum effect for the user. The product range is clear and easy to use and contains everything you need for healthy skin. The topic of SPF is also well solved by the UV protection.” Model skin with “The Model Mask“ It is the highlight of the Skincare line. It was originally developed for models as a beauty booster before photo shoots and fashion shows. It has a pore-refining effect and reduces redness, puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles. As a result, the mask immediately ensures visibly smoother and firmer skin and a youthful, vital and fresh complexion. What’s inside? Aloe vera, zinc oxide, vitamin E, multimolecular hyaluronic acid, Spilanthes paracress extract, vitamin C, Syn-Ake, amino acids (proline, arginine, alanine), argan oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, rutin. Syn-Ake is often referred to as a natural Botox alternative. The synthetic active ingredient was developed by Swiss researchers and won the Swiss Technology Award in 2006.… weiterlesen

Tested for You: 3 Retinol Products for Face

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

Retinol has long been considered state-of-the-art in anti-aging skin care. There is hardly a skincare series today that does not include a retinol product. Why? Because it is a substance that has been well researched due to its decades-long use in acne therapy, and exerts many positive effects on the skin: Reduces the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles. Retinol helps reduce skin blemishes, resulting in clear, smooth and even skin. It also optimizes the skin microbiome by blocking unwanted bacteria. Acne scars and hyperpigmentation lose their conspicuousness. Last but not least, retinol also improves moisture balance, making the complexion plumper and more radiant. In the meantime, however, there are so many new retinol products on the market that it is hard to know which one to choose. It is not only a question of quality, but also of the wallet. Therefore, I decided to test three products from different price categories: Luxury: „The Retinol Serum with TFC8“ from Augustinus Bader Professor Augustinus Bader now has a whole range of products on the market. The latest addition is a retinol serum into which the research physician has again incorporated his patented TFC8 complex. To this he combines pure, therapeutic retinol – which is known to gently but effectively accelerate cell renewal. The redness that otherwise so often occurs is absent here. The formula is complemented by a microbiome mix that supports a healthy skin microbiome, and Marine Ectoine acts as a deep moisturizer. A zinc complex helps regulate sebum production, while Japanese knotweed extract tracks skin enzyme activity for cleaner, smoother skin as well. “Together, the formula optimizes the body’s natural ability to repair itself for skin that is measurably refined and renewed, without discomfort or redness,” says Professor Bader. The formulation of the light serum is so gentle that you can use the product in the morning and evening. Always apply naturally on cleansed skin and also spread on neck and décolleté. The milky yellowish color is not a defect in the product, but typical of vitamin A. Vitamin A, by the way, is the generic term for a group of fat-soluble substances to which retinol also belongs. The dispenser in the typical Bader blue-bronze design is not only visually appealing and very high quality. The serum is also very economical, which may somewhat compensate for the high price. „The Retinol Serum with TFC8“ from Augustinus Bader, 30ml, US$ 350 Mid-priced: “Red” by Doctor Mi!… weiterlesen

Tested for you: 8-Day Cure “OliPhenolia C” with oranges from Fattoria La Vialla

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

The “OliPhenolia Bitter” from Fattoria La Vialla has become a regular ritual for me. 3-4 times a year I do a 16-day cure with the liquid dietary supplement. My skin thanks me as well as my immune system. In the meantime, I have gotten used to the bitter taste of the brown liquid. Now OliPhenolia has got competition from In house and in yellow with a big “C”. OliPhenolia with Vitamin C The basis for “OliPhenolia C” is still the olive water extract, which is produced during olive pressing. The supposed waste product is particularly rich in polyphenols, including hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and oleocanthal. These three phenols, for example, are said to be highly active and demonstrably enhance the healing effect of fibroblasts. These are the cells that play a critical role in repairing damaged skin from injury. “We found that fibroblasts migrate when exposed to the phenolic compounds. This means that they move to close the gap caused by the wound, which favors their healing action,” confirms Lucía Melguizo-Rodríguez, a scientist at the University of Granada. Oranges from Sicily The “C” owes the new Oliphenolia Sicilian oranges (70%). They are a natural source of potassium for a healthy nervous system and normal muscle function. Especially rich in vitamin C, they strengthen the immune system. But vitamin C has many other positive effects on our organism: it promotes collagen formation, which is important for the functioning of blood vessels, bones, cartilage, gums, skin and teeth, and increases the absorption of iron. In addition, it reduces symptoms of fatigue. First stir, then eat However, the yellow concentrate takes a little getting used to. In the small jar is only a little liquid with a semi-solid core from the whole oranges (Citrus sinensis), because the peel of the orange contains three times as much vitamin C as the pulp and juice and four times as much fiber. Those who like to eat “marmalade”, that is the typical English orange marmalade, will be pleased. Tastes so similar. Before you can consume the “OliPhenolia C”, you have to stir it up with a small spoon, but carefully so that none of the liquid spills out. Then you can eat it spoon by spoon. Personally, I’ve never liked orange marmalade, and when I first tried “OliPhenolia C” I immediately made a face accordingly. But the benefits of vitamin C motivated me to stick with it. And what can I say: In the meantime, I have become accustomed to the taste and the small jar is emptied quickly.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: „Super C Dark Circle Brightening Eye Serum” from StriVectin

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

Even the presentation of the dark circle brightener against Panda bear eyes is refreshingly out of the ordinary compared to the usual white or pastel tubes in which eye creams are usually packaged. The gel serum against dark shadows is in a pink, handy pen-shaped dispenser. It promises to lighten all types of stubborn dark circles. Differences in dark circles under the eyes To do this, you need to know: Not all dark circles are the same. Dark circles under the eyes are one of the most difficult beauty problems to treat. However, they are also the most common. But how do the dark shadows under the eyes actually form? They depend on aging and lifestyle, such as stress and exhaustion, but they can also be genetic. There are several shades of color. Eye circles can look blue-purple, but they can also have a brown tint. Both forms can be counteracted with vitamin C, which not only visibly lightens the skin, but also tightens it. An enlightening idea I use the refreshing gel serum now seht more than two months. You can’t expect quick results with any product, no matter how good and promising it is. In the morning and evening, I apply a pump on the area under the eyes – more is not needed, because the texture is very productive. The gel is not only easy to spread, but leaves a pleasant feeling of freshness on the skin, especially now in summer. Always spread from the inner corner of the eye outwards and do not tug at the skin! I am very satisfied with the result. The dark shadows under the eyes are lightened, so I also need much less concealer than before. I also find that the skin has become firmer especially at the corners of the eyes and the fine lines less. Overall, the look looks more awake when I look in the mirror in the morning. What’s inside? In addition to the stabilized form of vitamin C (aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate), the gel serum contains various active plant substances. Among them guava leaf extract from the Jeju Islands in South Corea. It is combined with antioxidant-containing ferments to make vitamin C even more effective. In addition, a mixture of Arabian jasmine, hawthorn flowers and purifying flavonoids strengthens thin, delicate skin of the lower eye region and visibly brightens it. In addition to the stabilized form of vitamin C (aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate), the gel serum contains various active plant substances.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Foundation „Sérum Teinté“ from Typology

Written by Margit Hiebl on . Posted in #me.

To be honest, I use almost no foundation. Almost none means: Only partially where the skin is not so perfect or small veins show through, so left and right next to the wings of the nose or on the chin. Since I don’t work with complete coverage, it’s also important to me to have a foundation that’s not too opaque so I can blend it well on my face. At the same time, I want a natural glow. Tinted moisturizer has never been an option for me because with it, the complexion appears often to shiny and the color looks patchy. But what about “tinted serum,” a new makeup category that’s making a splash right now? I’ve been testing such an hybrid product from Typology for the past three weeks. The young French cosmetics brand has been around in Germany since September. It competes as a vegan, B Corp certified brand. The packaging is made of recyclable glass, plastic or aluminum. The formulas are simple and reduced – selection criteria for the extracts is that they come from sustainable farms and are obtained gently. On the tinted serum: The product blurb promises a silicone-free, non-clogging tinted serum for light coverage and a natural finish. About the handling: I usually apply foundation with a brush, as I find it blends more naturally that way. And you also need less product than with a sponge, for example. I have tried both with the tinted serum – and find out: it is best applied with the fingers. One to two drops are enough for me. And if I need a little more coverage, layering is an option: I apply the product once, wait a bit, and then put some more over it again. Sure it only covers lightly as a tinted serum, but it’s enough for me. If not, I work with a concealer after. About the consistency: The serum resembles a liquid foundation. It is super easy to apply and is productive. You can wear it with or without a skincare product, depending on your skin needs. It is noticeably moisturizing – thanks to aloe vera and squalane. Together with vitamin C, this also provides glow. Although I have rather dry skin, I can well imagine wearing it in the summer without a moisturizing layer underneath or only with my sunscreen. Apropos: since I tested the product on a hiking vacation in the mountains, I first applied cream and my factor 50 sunscreen fluid.… weiterlesen

Dietary Supplements: Covid Increased the Use

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in Health & Beauty.

A new survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the Samueli Foundation found that 29 percent of Americans are taking more supplements compared with before the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing the nationwide percentage of supplement-takers to 76 percent. While America has always been a pioneer when it comes to taking nutritional supplements, the European population has been hesitant. But according to the latest surveys recently published by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), the pandemic has also boosted consumption here: Instead of the 180,200 tons of supplements from 2020, almost 11 percent more were produced this year in Germany alone. According to the “Statista Global Consumer Survey”, only 30 percent of Germans do not take any dietary supplements today. Preventive intake In Corona times, the fear of illness has increased – to the advantage of the manufacturers of pills, powders, shots and other nutricosmetics. While many companies were in dire straits, they benefited from increased consumer interest. Werner Baumann, head of the Bayer Group, confirmed that the demand “for certain nutritional supplements that support health is currently three to five times as high as usual”.Similar in the USA: The results showed that nearly two-thirds of those who increased supplement use (65%) cited a desire to enhance their overall immunity (57%) or protection from COVID-19 (36%) as reasons for the spike. Other reasons for the increase included taking control of their own health (42%), improving sleep (41%), and improving their mental health (34%). The survey also found that vitamins/minerals are the most commonly consumed supplement category, consistent with the previous surveys.  Once a customer, always a customer. Supplement users are loyal. Most buy again and again. Often there is a not inconsiderable psychological effect behind it. Because if you take the products for a while, you quickly get a guilty conscience when you stop using them. You wonder what would have happened if you hadn’t taken it. Would you be less healthy then? So we continue to swallow. The effect you think you can feel with supplements, like firmer nails or stronger hair, is often not really there, but you just feel better with it. After all, the placebo effect, which definitely brings verifiable results, is a not unknown phenomenon. Do I even need nutritional supplements? You shouldn’t rely on advertising alone, what the pills can do for you. If you think you need a dietary supplement or want to try a certain product, you should at least talk to a specialist beforehand about whether it also fits your personal health profile.… weiterlesen

Facial: Skin Care At Its Best!

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in Cream.

For me, skin care with the right products is essential. It’s part of my daily rituals like brushing my teeth. But as consistently and lovingly as you take care of your skin at home, the beautician can achieve even more. This has just been shown to me again visibly and noticeably with a very special facial. According to a survey done by Statista only 11 percent of German women see regularly once a month a beautician, 52 percent never. American women are a bit better. 23 percent have a facial on a regular base. The “refusers” do not even know what they are missing. I experience it first hand every month. Although I use the same „Doctor Mi!“ products at home that the beautician uses at Dr. Miriam Rehbein, it makes a hell of a difference. My skin is even and has the desired glow. Beautician Marietta is also very happy with what she sees. “Your skin is beautiful,” she says. When I asked skeptical whether something could be improved at all, she replied that something could always be achieved. To anticipate the result: Marietta was right. My skin has a very special glow after the 1.5 hour facial, the contours are tighter, even the corners of the mouth are slightly raised. And the positive effect intensifies in the days after. But one after another. Cherry stone peel and supersonic speed My facial starts with cleaning. There’s not much to get off because I never wear make-up, then the peeling with the crushed cherry stone peel follows. I do this regularly at home because it gives a lot of glow. After that she eliminates blackheads, but there’s not much to find either. „Tone.S“ is used for disinfection, because the two percent salicylic acid, an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid, wipes the last of the fat particles from the skin and improves the absorption of active ingredients. This is followed by the Obagi glow peel. Beverly Hills doc Zein Obagi became known for his azure blue peel, which combines three acids. The glow or radiance peel with salicylic acid is visually less spectacular than the blue texture, but it tingles on the skin. It also works in depth, forms new collagen and repairs, minimizes pores. The JetPeel that comes after that sends a chill down my spine every time. A water-gas mixture hits the skin from small nozzles with supersonic speed and over 700 kilometers per hour.… weiterlesen

Product Choice: Is Expensive Always the Best?

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in Cream.

That is the question if you buy a cosmetic or skincare article. But does this calculation actually work? Luxury products are elegant, noble, recognizable. With the packaging alone, I express that I spoil myself and can afford it. In contrast, cheaper products usually come with a simpler presentation. But even if the eye is less attracted, does that mean you have to accept less quality when it comes to the content? Cosmetics companies invest millions in research – and later also in advertising – and these have to be amortized somehow. Often the consumer pays an overpriced price for patented formulas or in-house developments of innovative or rare ingredients. But there is almost always a lack of scientific evidence that these are actually more effective and worth their price. And you also have to be clear about this: There is no such thing as a unique active ingredient that keeps the skin young and healthy. Rather, there are countless substances that can affect the skin’s metabolism. Product choice: natural versus synthetic Whether a brand relies on high-tech molecules from the laboratory or on plant substances from nature is primarily a question of image and the target group of buyers. Because a self-confessed user of natural cosmetics will never let chemicals on his skin. Nevertheless, a quick note on the term “natural”: Such substances are not necessarily better than the synthetic alternatives that are produced in a laboratory, or even differ from them “Of course is a classic marketing word,” says Benjamin Knight Fuchs, pharmacist and founder of the US skincare Truth Treatment Systems. “For a chemist, there is nothing natural. The body doesn’t differentiate between natural and synthetic, it’s all about the molecular structure. When I take vitamin C (from nature) or make it in my laboratory, it’s the same molecule. I look on the ingredients to see if the body recognizes them.” Usually several ingredients are necessary for a product to work anyway. The minimalism trend with fewer ingredients, which is particularly recommended for sensitive skin, does not necessarily suit every skin type. Also in terms of the concentration of an ingredient. It is more likely that an expensive cream will contain a higher proportion of it. If a big player brings a new active ingredient onto the beauty market, which is then referred to in advertising as “revolutionizing the skincare market”, its path to the cream pots is mapped out.… weiterlesen

Six Beauty Questions about Skin that Affect many Women

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in Cream.

As a research doctor in cosmetic dermatology with a Skincare Center in Rotterdam and her own skin care line, Dr. Jetske Ultee has the right answer to every beauty question. Her background: studied medicine at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Then assistant doctor and researcher in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with a doctorate in 2010. Here, Dr. Ultee insightful answers to beauty questions that interest a lot of women: Beauty question: Can lemon juice really help to lighten pigment spots? Dr. Ultee: You should be careful with self-treatment tips such as citric acid bleaching. This dries out the skin quickly. Citrus extracts can also cause unsightly stains in combination with sunlight. You can even get blisters or burns. So I advise against it. Here’s what you can do to reduce pigment spots:CREAM UV PROTECTION AND WEAR A HATFew of us have pigment spots on our buttocks. After all, it doesn’t get that much sun. If you want to prevent pigment spots, you need to protect yourself from the sun. Put some good sunscreen on, stay in the shade, and wear a hat on hot days. And it’s really never too late to start using sun protection. Treating the pigment spots, however, makes little sense if nothing is done at the same time to prevent them from worsening.CHECK THE CONTENTS OF YOUR MAKE-UP CASE AND MEDICINE CABINETIf you are affected by pigment spots, take a critical look at the ingredients of your cosmetic products. In particular, fragrances and plant extracts or oils such as citrus, orange, bergamot, mandarin, grapefruit, lavender and rosemary can promote the development of pigment spots. It is also essential to take a look in the medicine cabinet, because medicines can also cause unsightly stains in combination with sunlight. Taking these tips to heart is important for everyone, whether you have pigment spots or not. Beauty question: What types of pigment spots are there and can they be treated to disapear? It is important to find out what kind of stains the person actually has. We doctors differentiate:Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – This type of pigmentation is caused by small injuries to the skin. These can be insect bites, abrasions and acne, for example. In people who are susceptible to this, it can also be caused by irritation after peelings, wax treatments or aggressive cosmetic products. These unsightly pigment spots usually fade by themselves. This process can, however, be supported with soothing substances and antioxidants such as liquorice root, niacinamide, vitamin C or azelaic acid.… weiterlesen