I’m so thrilled Weleda is now available in South Africa.
For those unfamiliar with this iconic brand; Weleda was founded in Switzerland in 1921 by Dr. Rudolph Steiner, a philosopher & scientist, and Dr. Ita Wegman – one of the first female doctors. Both believed people are part of nature, so they carefully developed formulas that worked with the body’s rhythms to awaken skin’s natural functions. Weleda believe that when we are in balance, our energy, vitality and beauty shine.
Weleda uses natural ingredients that are sourced sustainably, and their products contain no synthetic, GMO or artificial additives. No mineral oils, silicones or petroleum derivatives are used. 81% of all plant ingredients used by the brand are organic.
In 2018 Weleda obtained the ‘Sourcing with Respect” certification form the Union for Ethical Bio Trade for responsible sourcing of natural and raw materials.
I was sent a few products from the brand’s Skin Food line to try. Skin Food is considered a universal saviour for very dry skin on the body, face, elbows, hands and feet. Skin Food was designed in 1926 with the aim of creating a formula that’s close to our own natural skin oil to treat dry and rough skin. With extracts of wild pansy, calendula and chamomile in a rich, thick base of oils and beeswax, Skin Food is a perfect multitasker.
Weleda Skin Food R220 (30ml) – BUY
For years I’ve read about this iconic little tube of skin salve. It can be used on dry lips, on very dry or rough patches of skin on heels, elbows, hands and even on the face. This is a favourite of makeup artists who tend to use it as a primer (specifically for very dry areas) or highlighter (gives a dewy skin look).
The formula works by supporting the skin’s protective barrier, thanks to its 48% fat content. The lipids in the formula increase moisturisation, resulting in reduced skin tightness and itchiness. While it’s not developed for those with eczema, it can be used to soothe eczema prone skin.
Even though this balm is super nourishing, it sinks into the skin pretty quickly, immediately offering relief.
This is the kind of product you want in your handbag. I can see it also being a travel essential – perfect to nourish lips, cuticles and any other areas of the skin that are feeling super dry.
Two sizes are available: 30 & 75ml.
Weleda Skin Food Light R220 – BUY
This is a lighter version of the Skin Food and has a fat content of 31%.
It’s suitable for use on both face and body. Think of it as a long, cool drink of immediate moisture for dry skin. It combines organic sunflower oil with skin-calming pansy, chamomile and calendula. I like that it absorbs quickly, leaving skin silky smooth and hydrated. Again, you can use it on any areas of the body or face that are feeling dry.
You can use it a few different ways:
Use as a hand cream by applying some of the formula to the tops of the hands.
Use as a face cream (day and/or night) to hydrate dry skin.
Use as an overnight treatment mask if your skin is feeling particularly dry and parched. I plan on using it this way on my next long-haul flight.
Use as an eye cream.
Two sizes are available: 30 & 75ml.
Weleda Skin Food Body Butter R550 for a 150ml Tub (BUY)
I love a nourishing body butter and this one did not disappoint. Packaged in a sturdy dark glass jar, the Weleda Skin Food Body Butter has a unique combination of botanical extracts. There’s pansy, calendula and chamomile to help soothe dry skin, while organic shea and cocoa butter intensely nourish. Unlike the other Skin Food formulas, the Body Butter does not contain Lanolin or beeswax so is Vegan friendly.
I really liked the fluffy, whipped texture of this super rich, but fast absorbing body butter and found it hydrated my (very dry) skin immediately. It has an all-natural fragrance that lingers with notes of sweet orange and aromatic lavender, but it’s not overpowering at all.
Weleda Skin Food Lip Balm R240 (BUY)
If your lips feel really dry and chapped, try this. It contains a 97% fat content as well as Lanolin and beeswax. You can also use this over lipstick to give to boost shine. My daughter who is a surf coach (so she spends hours in the water & sun) uses it as a barrier cream to prevent her lips from drying out. It is also suitable for those who are intolerant to gluten. It’s a lovely nourishing formula I highly recommend.
PSSST….
You may have noticed the bottle of Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil in my pictures. The brand kindly sent me a bottle to try. The reason I asked is that for 20 years I’ve only read rave reviews on this oil from international beauty editors, models & celebrities. I’ve been using it for 3 weeks (in conjunction with the Birch Body Scrub, which the brand also sent to me) and I’m impressed. While nothing applied topically is going to get rid of cellulite, I can see a visible improvement in tone & texture on my bottom & thighs. The formula is made entirely of plants and is completely natural. It contains extracts of organically grown young birch leaves, rosemary and butcher’s broom. These ingredients – combined with massage – activates the skin’s renewal process. This is a brilliant oil, and if you’re keen to try it, leave me a comment below telling me this so we can motivate Weleda SA to include this spectacular product in their line-up.
You can follow the Weleda brand on Instagram HERE, on Facebook HERE or check out their website HERE
