Q
Can you tell us a little bit about the ‘lightbulb moment’ that led to the birth of Aurelia Probiotic Skincare?
A
My inspiration to launch Aurelia Probiotic Skincare came from insights I gathered from working in pharmaceuticals. I was consulting on a treatment for patients diagnosed with chronic plaque psoriasis and came across probiotics. It was through this work that I realised the impact and importance that skin and its condition can have on every aspect of your life and how intrinsically linked self-esteem and skin health were. I had always been passionate about skincare and, having discovered how the power of probiotics can balance the skin’s inflammatory response, I set about creating a scientifically proven skincare range for all skin types that would focus on radiance, glow and age prevention.
Q
What makes Aurelia Probiotic Skincare different to other luxury skincare lines on the market?
A
One of the biggest differences between us and other luxury brands out there is that we fuse scientifically-proven age preventative technology with nourishing, natural botanical ingredients all while maintaining a strict free from ingredients policy. For me, the ingredients we don’t use are as important as the high quality technology and botanicals you will find in our products. I’m passionate about delivering high tech skincare that maintains the skin’s natural balance without the need for cheap filler or foaming agents.
Q
Can you tell us more about how you source some of your more exotic ingredients?
A
While researching ingredients for the brand I flew out to Lake Malawi to visit communities growing and harvesting stunning botanicals like Baobab and Kigelia Africana. I knew I wanted vitamin-rich ingredients full of essential fatty acids, and these are perfect for nourishing and protecting the skin, while offering essential fatty acids that help to firm, tone and moisturise. I love using exotic and unusual botanicals, many of which are sourced on the ground by my formulations team.
Q
We know how important probiotics are within the diet, but what are the benefits of them within skincare?
A
When utilised effectively in skincare they can help prevent accelerated skin ageing, working in the most unique and powerful way. Aurelia Probiotic Skincare’s technology uses immune modulatory glycoproteins from bifido bacteria to generate targeted responses within the skin. Probiotics work on cytokines to stabilise the skin’s defence system. They do this by maintaining balance (homeostasis) within the adaptive immune system ensuring the skin is optimally responsive looking radiant and healthy with a luminous glow.
Q
Have you seen a dramatic change in your own skin since creating and using the Aurelia Probiotic Skincare range?
A
Before I launched Aurelia I was starting to see dryness, fine lines and an overall lack of radiance in my skin. It’s one of the reasons why I wanted to start a brand so I wanted a range that would tackle all of these using powerful science and natural ingredients. Since using the products I can honestly say my skin has improved so much! It’s much more radiant and smooth while it’s no longer dehydrated. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever had skin so good!
Q
We absolutely love the signature scents that you have throughout the range! What’s the story behind them?
A
I’ve always been a huge fan of essential oils, aromatherapy and fragrance, and even took courses in aromatherapy and distillation to learn more about the science behind my favourite fragrances! In skincare, scent in a product has a profound effect on the experience for the customer, so choosing the right natural blends was a huge priority for me. Part of our philosophy is a strict ingredients policy which means we never use synthetic fragrnace. It took a lot of tries before I was happy with the finished blends, and one I’m particularly proud of is the neroli, lavender, rose and mandarin fragrance in the Cell Repair Night Oil, Cell Revitalise Night Moisturiser and Firm & Revitalise Dry Body Oil.
Q
The Refine & Polish Miracle Balm is a new hero of ours! What are the different ways you can use it?
A
This is one of my absolute favourite products! It works in two effective ways; try it as an instant exfoliator by massaging the balm into dry skin. The natural rice bran beads give you a gentle scrub action without scratching or causing sensitivity. The second method is to apply as normal to dry, clean skin but after massaging, leave it as an enzyme mask. The sugar cane and maple derived enzymes work to gently dislodge dead skin cells on the surface, tighten and unclog pores and reveal incredibly smooth, soft skin. To remove the balm all you do is add a few drops of water. You’ll see the texture change to a lightweight milk as the product emulsifies, rinsing completely clean without stripping the skin.
Q
Who would you say the typical Aurelia Probiotic Skincare lover is?
A
Anyone who is passionate about looking after their skin! We have a huge variety of customers, from early twenties to late seventies, women (and men!) are loving the natural yet effective products for the results they’re getting but also for the beautiful textures and fragrances.
Q
In a short two years the range and your reach has grown so much. What do you see for the future?
A
I’m currently working on some exciting new additions to the line which will be available next year. I’m finding it hard to keep it a secret though as I think people are going to love them! We’ve also got some gorgeous new retailers on the horizon!
