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From 100 to zero: Detox Crash Course at the SHA Wellness Clinic in Albir, Spain

Written by Corinna von Bassewitz on . Posted in Health & Beauty, living.

If, like me, you live a more or less hedonistic lifestyle – the odd glass of wine, the occasional poultry or steak, three espressos a day – anxiety sets in: Three full days of detox, no alcohol, no caffeine, no sugar, no salt, no animal products. Why a piece of land overlooking Benidorm seems the perfect place for a health clinic is baffling. The dystopian skyline of the towering apartment blocks on the Costa Blanca did not deter owner Alfredo Bataller when he built and opened the clinic in 2008. Since then, the 92 elegant suites, 11 family-friendly villas of the SHa Residences (children are not admitted to the SHA) and over 60,000 square meters of wellness space are almost always occupied throughout the year. The design of the snow-white hotel is bold, and it adds a chic touch to the medical core: a rooftop infinity pool, next to it the chic SHAmadi restaurant, an aqua lab (pools with turbo jets that blow through the body, a waterfall that loosens rock-hard neck muscles), a hair salon, a tea lounge with oxygen bar, a lecture room that serves as a cinema in the evening, cooking classes. Alfredo Bataller, who treated his own health problems with a diet and lifestyle change propagated by the Japanese nutritionist Michio Kushi, built the SHA to encourage his guests to become managers of their own health. Kushi’s name still stands for the most restrictive of the three low-calorie diets based on Mediterranean cuisine and Japanese nutrition. What sets the SHA Wellness Clinic apart is that its principles are rooted not only in the Japanese-Mediterranean fusion diet – which advocates eating whole grains, vegetables, soy protein, seafood and seaweed and avoiding meat and dairy – but in an approach that combines cutting-edge Western science with ancient Oriental therapies. Most participants come for the weight loss, but the sleep recovery and tobacco control programs are also popular. The stress management program to combat burnout is also in demand. Like other clinics, SHA treats people with a mix of Eastern and Western philosophies. I did this crash course in wellness because I wanted to test whether I could sustain such a program, i.e. come down from 100 to zero. Spoiler: I could. Day 1: 9.40 h – General Medical Consultation. Measure blood pressure, palpate liver, kidney, abdomen, determine weight and height. My BMI is perfect, which means no super strict diet.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: BB Cream „Super BB au Ginseng“ from Erborian

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

The BB cream of the Korean brand promises a complexion like “photoshopped”. Sounds promising. In general, I find the concept of the Asian care label extremely interesting. It makes use of the herbs of the Orient, and the purely natural active ingredients are obtained in traditional processes. In the new BB cream, ginseng is the main active ingredient. More precisely, white ginseng and fermented ginseng flowers in one formula. Ginseng, the Asian miracle roottische Wunderwurzel Ginseng has a long tradition in Chinese medicine. The root has been used for thousands of years to strengthen the body’s defenses. Responsible for the effect are the ginsenosides, which are said to have blood sugar-lowering properties, among other things. It is known as a proven tonic to strengthen the immune system, is said to fight fatigue, help against fatigue and prevent a cold. But also as far as the skin is concerned, ginseng is considered a real miracle weapon for a younger appearance due to its moisturizing and nourishing properties. It stimulates the general skin functions and is even said to have a firming effect by boosting the collagen production. BB Cream – half skincare, half makeup “Super BB au Ginseng is half skincare, half makeup. I apply a small amount of BB in the middle of the face after my serum and blend it outwards. The product is so nourishing that I can do without the day cream. And the look is just super. In fact, “Super BB” evens out the complexion and covers small blemishes like pigmentation spots and redness. Skin feels well hydrated all day and is protected from UV damage with SPF 20 (100% mineral sun filters). To visibly reduce impurities such as pimples, pores and blackheads, the formula has been enriched with Niacinamide. The vitamin B3 or niacin is known as a powerful active ingredient for clear skin. What I particularly like is the very pleasant, light texture. It does not “weigh down” the skin like foundation sometimes do, but leaves a natural, velvety finish. You could almost say that the “Super BB” has a baby skin effect. I also appreciate that there is a 15 ml version to try. „Super BB au Ginseng“ from Erborian, 40 ml, 51,50 US$… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Bronzing Collection „Sunshine Memories“ from Artdeco

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

I love Italy. That’s why I was immediately drawn to the bronzing collection – because of its packaging in cobalt blue and brown. It reminds me of the wonderful ceramic and terracotta objects from the Italian town of Ostuni in Puglia. Ostuni is also known as “Città Bianca” – the white city in Italy. All the houses except the churches are whitewashed. In the narrow streets, spanned by many arches, with their often confusing interlocking houses with many outside staircases, one feels a touch of the Orient. Bronzing all year The bronzing collection includes everything you need for a radiant summer complexion. I was particularly enthusiastic about the design bronzer “Ceramic Work of Art”, which is composed of three different colors. Therefore, it is ideal to use at any time of year and for every complexion individually. The shades can be used individually or together. The best way, of course, is with a thick brush. The rather subtle pearl pigments contained in the powder reflect the light, giving the skin a natural glow. What often bothers me about bronzing powders is the darkening during the day. Here, the color remains as you applied it in the morning. Velvety and long-lasting. Vitamin E has an additional nourishing effect and prevents an unpleasant feeling of dryness. Shimmer made to measure If you just want a touch of freshness on the cheeks, use the vegan “Bronzing Blush”, also three colors with a slight shimmer. And then there is the Glow Bronzer, bronzing powder and highlighter in one. The high content of mineral mica pigments provides a pleasant glow. All powders are free of mineral oil, parabens and perfume. For the complete look in the make-up bag, there is also a vegan volume mascara in a limited design with a ceramic look. Bronzing-Kollektion „Sunshine Memories“ from Artdeco, from 23 Euro… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Concealer „Soft Matte Complete“ from Nars

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

Concealers are indispensable for me for an even complexion, because I do not use any foundation. Maybe that’s why I’m particularly picky about color and texture. The color must not only fit under the eyes to cover shadows, but also compensate for redness on the cheeks and – if necessary – cover a small pimple. The texture must not be too creamy, because otherwise it will “run” much too quickly. If it is too dry, it is not only difficult to blend, but also unnecessarily emphasizes small lines and wrinkles. Concealer in a jar The new, oil-free “Soft Matte Complete” concealer fulfills both conditions. It comes in a small pot and not in a container with applicator like his colleagues from the “Nars” collection. Rightly so, because I find that here one can better dose the amount that’s needed. At the applicator remains despite wiping off usually still much too much hanging. The color “Biscuit” fits perfectly for my skin and all the coverage requirements that I put on him. I personally like to work with a brush when applying concealer. When I asked at the brand people about this, I get an answer that surprised me: “François Nars, our Founder and Creative Director recommends applying with your finger, so there is no special brush to go with this concealer.”bt es keinen speziellen Pinsel zu dem Concealer.“ “Customize your coverage. Make it yours.” (François Nars) Yep. So I try it with my finger. In fact, it works better than I thought. First, I warm the product with my fingertips and work it into the skin under my eyes with light pressure movements. In places with enlarged pores or imperfections, I dab it on. The opacity can be perfectly tuned to each little problem. Blur with instant effect The “Soft Matte Complete Concealer” is for me the perfect soft focus with instant effect. I’ll read up on how it works: An “Optimal Diffusion Powder” is responsible for this, which maximizes light diffusion with specially developed, round powder particles. Uneven structures immediately appear softer and smoother, while at the same time pigment spots, redness and blemishes can be covered. The result lasts all day. And nourishing substances such as peptides, hyaluronic acid and a cocktail of the skin vitamins A, C and E are also included, so the concealer does not cause any feeling of dryness on the treated areas. „Soft Matte Complete Concealer“ from Nars, 0,21 Oz, 30 US$… weiterlesen

Alcohol makes you age faster

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

Birthdays, Christmas, the master’s degree – whenever there is a party in our culture, alcohol is part of it. And when people are sitting together in such a cozy atmosphere, they often like to drink a little too much. Who thinks about his skin in such moments? But the fact is that it takes a month for the skin to recover from a single night of drinking. “For the body, alcohol is a toxic substance,” confirms English nutritionist Lorna Driver-Davies. It tries to break it down again as quickly as possible with the help of its main detoxification organ, the liver. During this process, the liver metabolizes alcohol into an even more toxic substance called acetaldehyde. To make this less harmful, nutrients, minerals and antioxidants are called upon.“ Elsewhere in the body, precisely these building substances are then missing, which play an important role when it comes to cell renewal, for example, and slowing down the aging process, preventing pimples and binding moisture. However, because our skin is not a vital organ, our organism first of all prefers to break down alcohol and not to supply the skin. Too much alcohol is quickly reached. It’s hard to believe, but at 26.4 grams of pure alcohol, a glass of champagne or sparkling wine already exceeds the recommended daily amount of 20 grams for women (30 grams for men). And with a glass it is not done mostly. Who goes out intensively, brings it in the week well and gladly on 8 to 10 cocktails, that are in each case at least 33 grams of pure alcohol. This also leaves its mark on the skin. Alcohol weakens our immune system Just like nicotine, regular alcohol consumption causes the skin to age prematurely. It also promotes a number of skin diseases and causes pimples because it stimulates the sebaceous glands. Blackheads inflame more easily because alcohol weakens the immune system. Binge drinking has been shown to hinder the immune system for up to 24 hours. Certain proteins, so-called cytokines, which are involved in the defense against infections, are slowed down. As a result, we become more susceptible to infections. Germs and viruses can penetrate the organism unhindered. For example, acne and fungal infections develop. The supply of nutrients no longer functions smoothly. The lack of vitamins has visible consequences for the skin: Vitamin B deficiency causes it to become cracked and flaky, and too little vitamin C weakens the connective tissue and the tissue becomes flabby.… weiterlesen

The Sunny Power Plant: the Sea Buckthorn

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

Wild herbs are very sparse at the moment. Often they are still hiding under the snow. That’s why our oecotrophologist and plant expert Sabine Häberlein has chosen sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) for this month, a plant that brings sunshine into the day through its color alone. But not only that, it is downright indispensable, especially at this time of year, as it strengthens our immune system.stem stärkt. Strong immune system thanks to the fruits Responsible for this are the high contents of vitamins C and E. Sea buckthorn berries contain between 200 mg and 1000 mg of vitamin C per 100 g of fruit, depending on the altitude. The daily requirement for adult women is 95 mg of vitamin C. Men need 110 mg of it per day. 100 g of fruit also cover the daily requirement of vitamin E. Concentrated healing power In addition, the orange berries are rich in B vitamins and thus promote concentration. The contents of provitamin A and flavanoids are also quite respectable. They reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular diseases, have an anti-inflammatory effect and protect cells. The oil produced from the seeds has wound-healing properties. It protects the skin from the sun and helps with sunburn. Kernel oil also has an anti-aging effect on the skin. Culinary delights The raw berries are extremely sour. When boiled down, they can tolerate a little sweetness. You can process them into juice, fruit spread, jelly, liqueur or desserts. They also taste good in muesli and in cakes or pies. The taste of sea buckthorn goes well with vegetable, tofu and meat dishes. A tasty tea can be brewed from fresh or dried sea buckthorn berries. However, the sea buckthorn has one drawback: the harvest is not so easy. Long pointed thorns defend the fruit and sometimes injure anyone who wants to get their hands on the orange berries. I prefer to make things easy for myself and buy either dried berries or, even better, an unsweetened juice from the health food store. This whole fruit juice is characterized by the fact that the whole fruits are ground and you thus benefit from the entire spectrum of ingredients. Recipe: Hot sea buckthorn drink Put 1 tablespoon of unsweetened sea buckthorn whole fruit juice in a glass and mix it with hot water (60 °C). If you find the taste too sour, sweeten the drink with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of honey.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Body Lotion „Better Aging“ from Natalie’s Cosmetic

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

Dr. Natalie Lindner‘s Munich-based Doctor Brand specializes in body care products. That’s quite an advantage over the “we-can-do-everything” brands. “I’ve been a self-proclaimed skincare junkie since I was 15 and have always strived to create a body care brand that matches the high standards of facial care companies,” says the physician. Environmentally conscious and consumer-friendly Natalie’s products are free from parabens, PEGs, mineral oil, sodium lauryl sulfates (aggressive surfactants), silicones, colorants, fillers, allergens and substances of animal origin. To best protect the environment, it uses R-PET & FSC certified recycled paper for its packaging and recycled HDPE for its bottles. It sources all ingredients from Germany and makes a point of ensuring that they are evidence-based and that their efficacy has been proven through studies. Body lotions for every need The portfolio includes five body lotions for “Hydration”, “Better Aging”, “Glow”, “Smooth” for ingrown hairs and “Purity” for blemishes. I chose the “Better Aging” body lotion because it is supposed to fight several signs of aging at once, such as wrinkles, loss of elasticity and hyperpigmentation. In addition to the anti-aging vitamins A, C, E, it contains moisturizing active ingredients such as multi-molecular hyaluronic acid and squalane, nourishing organic shea butter and cell-renewing substances such as glycolic acid and bakuchiol, the plant-based alternative to retinol. Care mission fulfilled The consistency of the body lotion is pleasant, neither too liquid nor too creamy. It spreads well and is absorbed quickly. You can dress immediately without fear of stains on the fabric. In fact, the skin, especially my dry shins and upper arms, feels smoother after the first application. Well, of course, glycolic acid and retinol remove the dead skin cells. And with that, I’m already very satisfied when the skin looks and feels smoother. In addition, “Better Aging” is also supposed to improve wrinkles, scars and stretch marks on the body. However, I can not serve with that… „Better Aging Body Lotion“ from Natalie’s Cosmetic, 300 ml, 179 Euro… weiterlesen

Tested for you: “Hair Serum” from Doctor Duve Medical Skin Care

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

The “Hair Serum” that I present today is not a new product. But for me for years the best proven helper for beautiful, strong hair. Especially in winter, I always apply the hair serum cure over two to three months. Hair loss is not an issue for me and should never become one. I simply want to prevent it. However, I notice that in the cold season my hair is simply laxer and collapses faster. A clear sign that the roots can use a booster. Non-greasy hair serum In the morning and evening I distribute two to three pipette strokes in the hair and gently massage the hair serum with my fingertips in circular motions. Works perfectly in both wet and dry hair, because the watery liquid is not greasy.The fact that the hair visibly and noticeably grows back more vital and also stronger, is due to the better supply of the scalp by the contained Growth Factors, key ingredient of the Doctor Duve product line. Caffeine additionally stimulates the activity of the hair roots. A proven combination of urea, organic acids such as lactic acid, glycine, niacinamide and fructose ensures permanent moisturization of the scalp. As a result, the hair roots are anchored again stronger, remain healthy and active longer. Strengthening for hair and nails If I have the feeling that I would like to do something more for my hair, I also swallow two of the “Hair & Nail Booster” capsules from the Doctor Duve line every day. They strengthen the hair and the nails at the same time. “Unlike conventional monoextract preparations, they contain a triplet of different millet extracts. This triplet impresses with its excellent quality and consistent concentration. Furthermore, millet is particularly rich in silica and linoleic acid,” explains Dr. Stefan Duve, dermatologist in Munich.Other “goodies” in the capsules include sufficient vitamins, trace elements, and structural minerals and proteins, which play an important role in strengthening hair and nails. Doctor Duve Medical Skin Care: „Hair Serum“, 30 ml, 70 € , „Hair & Nail Booster“, 60 Kapseln, 40 €… weiterlesen

7 Tips Against Winter Depression: This Is What You Can Do

Written by Martin Kuerten on . Posted in Health & Beauty.

The days are getting shorter, the light is getting less, life is retreating indoors again: In the cold season, many people suffer from winter depression. But you don’t have to give in to it without a fight – with a few tips and tricks, you can help yourself get a grip on approaching winter depression. How winter depression actually develops? Winter depression is mainly caused by the lack of light. In the cold months, we usually get much less sunlight than in the warm season. This leads to listlessness and fatigue. We tend to curl up at home and move less in the fresh air. 7 tips sagainst winter blues But you can beat the winter depression – or the winter blues. With a few simple tips and tricks. You can find out what they are in the following. Tip 1: Fill up with enough light Admittedly, this tip sounds a bit ironic, since it is precisely the lack of light that is the most common trigger for winter depression. For this reason, you should make sure that you get as much light as you can. Go outside at least once a day.Even when the sun is not shining, the lighting conditions outside are still more advantageous than in any indoor spaces. Why? Even when the sky is cloudy, natural daylight is three to four times more powerful than artificial lighting and can therefore literally brighten your mood. Tip 2: Get enough exercise When it’s cold outside and warm inside, we find it even harder to motivate ourselves to exercise regularly. Yet exercise is a proven remedy for negative thoughts and depressive moods. Walks in the snow, sledding or jogging are not only healthy for the body, but – especially in winter – also for the mind. Overcome your inner pig dog and you will see that a little activity will do you good. Tip 3: Pay attention to a healthy diet A healthy and balanced diet gives you new energy and promotes your well-being – an important factor in the fight against the winter blues. Foods containing iron in particular can counteract tiredness and fatigue. They include walnuts, flaxseeds, blueberries, red meat, beet, grapes, lentils, etc. Also, do not neglect enough fluids and hydration. Vitamin C not only strengthens the immune system, it can also reduce inner restlessness and anxiety. This valuable vitamin is found in citrus fruits, broccoli and peppers, for example Tip 4: Create beautiful moments In addition to exercise and a healthy diet, don’t forget to indulge yourself now and then.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: „Ultra Light Sun Block SPF 50+“ from Team Dr. Joseph

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

About this Sun Block I was particularly excited, because I simply love the products from Team Dr. Joseph. Since 1986, they have been a successful symbiosis of high-tech and nature. Here, technological know-how is combined with highly effective, natural raw materials. And the people behind them are simply likeable. I got to know and appreciate the founder Dr. Joseph Franz and his sons myself in South Tyrol. UV protection without whitening effect It was therefore a special pleasure to try out the new product, a sunscreen for summer and winter, myself. Especially with UV protection with factor 50+ I am very critical. Mostly I am bothered by the well-known whitening effect of mineral UV filters (“inorganic” or “physical filters”). These are usually mineral white pigments (e.g. zinc or titanium), which lie on the skin like small mirrors and reflect the UV light. In addition, many of these products feel heavy and pappy already when applied. In this respect, the “Ultra Light Sun Block” with SPF 50+ has positively surprised me. The cream comes delicately liquid from the dispenser, is light, absorbs super quickly and does not whiten the surface. The skin neither feels dry nor shines unpleasantly. Because biotechnological hyaluronic acid provides intense moisture, it can smooth wrinkles and fine lines. Also protects from Blue Light You can tell that the product is not a “quick fix”. Four years of intensive research and development have gone into the innovative combination of different sun filters. It offers broadband protection against UVA and UVB rays and also protects against the harmful effects of artificial light (HEV rays). High Energy Visible – i.e. high-energy visible light – often referred to as Blue Light, is what we consume every day via cell phone, tablet or computer. But these are by no means all the high-tech natural goodies that are contained in the light Sun Block: Wild carrot can prevent premature skin aging, has a firming effect, protects cells, soothes and is rich in vitamins. Just like tocopherol (natural vitamin E), sea buckthorn is considered an effective antioxidant, which also supports collagen production and thus has a smoothing effect. Also a radical scavenger, even with anti-blue-light effect, is butterfly bush. Allantoin and mallow soothe and smooth the skin, making it supple. It is best to apply the UV protection over the day cream to the face, neck and décolleté all year round, as required. Always allow the day cream to absorb well first.… weiterlesen