Interview with Inka Bihler from Dr.Hauschka Skin Care

Dr.Hauschka Skin Care is a holistic range of high quality products and treatments. Inspired by the work of Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), the range was developed in the 1960’s by Dr. Rudolf Hauschka, a medical chemist and Elisabeth Sigmund, a cosmetologist and nurse who conducted extensive research into healing plants. The Dr.Hauschka preparations are created from a deep understanding of the skin and an acknowledgement that it is a vital organ of our body, deserving the best care and consideration.

The preparations are specially formulated to encourage the skin to maintain or restore its natural balance rather than to simply alleviate symptoms. Using homeopathic principles, the products treat like with like, so by applying oil to an oily skin, the skin in turn produces less of its own and its condition normalises.

No synthetic preservatives, artificial fragrances or colours are used; the preparations are made from only the highest quality natural ingredients, including biodynamically grown medicinal herbs and plants.

WALA Heilmittel, the manufacturer of Dr.Hauschka Skin Care, achieves high quality by the interaction of tradition with modern state-of-the-art production processes. WALA first manufactured anthroposophical medicines, more than 60 years ago. The Dr.Hauschka Skin Care Range was developed 40 years ago, in part from the basis of the knowledge gained n the production of the medicines. Plants from WALA’s own biodynamic medicinal herb garden are processed by hand with care and deliberation and combined with raw materials of supreme quality to produce high-grade medicines and skin care products.

Organic Guide recently interviewed Inka Bihler, the spokesperson for Dr.Hauschka Skin Care at WALA Heilmittel GmbH.

Q: It wasn’t too long ago that natural skin care products were niche marketed to relatively small audiences. From an industry perspective, which factors have contributed most significantly to their newly increased levels of popularity?

A: A paradigm shift in thought is taking place towards a sustainable and healthy lifestyle. People are recognising that they cannot simply live their lives blindly and that products that originate from nature are more likely to be in harmony with the human body than those that are chemically derived. Environmental awareness has developed into a major trend. Now even famous movie stars drive hybrid cars or have solar panels on their roofs.

Q: Skin care and beauty practices seem to have evolved separately and distinctively in different regions of the world. To what extent are these characteristics considered during the development and introduction of Dr.Hauschka products?

A: In developing our products, we consider what is best for the skin. We don’t concern ourselves with trends, rather with the needs and desires of our customers. We develop products exclusively in accordance with our philosophy and the special Dr.Hauschka approach to skin care.

Q: With significant numbers of retailers across many countries, what are the vital organisational strategies which enable Dr. Hauschka to maintain its uniform consistency of quality and service?

A: All our products are manufactured here in Eckwälden, Germany, in accordance with the most stringent standards of quality. WALA Heilmittel GmbH is also a pharmaceuticals producer, and we apply the same stringent regulations to the production of our Dr.Hauschka Skin Care line. We also regularly test the quality of all raw materials used in our products. Only after meeting our demanding criteria for quality are the raw materials approved for processing. We have also implemented rigorous quality control throughout our entire production process. Only finished products in perfect order and condition ever reach the customer.

Our company also sets exacting standards for importers of our products. Only those fulfilling these strict conditions are allowed to distribute Dr.Hauschka Skin Care in their countries. The BDIH certification guidelines (link to) have established strict European standards for the natural cosmetic and skin care suppliers.

Q: In some instances, smaller manufacturers claim to be disadvantaged by the additional costs associated with compliance. Do they have a valid point?

A: The initiators of the BDIH certification process took care to ensure that smaller companies are not at a disadvantage. The same raw materials standards apply for everyone. The costs for using the BDIH symbol are calculated according to turnover. The costs of certification depend on the amount of time required to complete it. Of course the process takes longer for companies with many products than those with just a few. Many small companies in Germany take advantage of BDIH certification.

Q: Your organisation appears to pursue a philosophy which values the humanistic and spiritual components of resource management. Can you briefly describe some aspects of your production cycle which support fully nourished and vital agricultural systems?

A: The products manufactured, the Demeter-certified medicinal herb garden, the careful acquisition of raw materials, the support of biodynamic cultivation in various countries, the adoption of optimal and carbon-free energy policies (purchase of electricity generated by water power, use of solar energy, environmental management system, etc.), the design of the working environment - all these illustrate WALA’s holistic commitment to conservation and environmental protection. This does not merely mean involvement in individual, isolated projects. It means that we strive constantly and throughout the value-adding process for a respectful partnership with nature, a circumspect handling of natural resources, as the leitmotif of the company’s entire endeavours and activities.

Q: Given that Dr. Hauschka products are connected to a longstanding holistic tradition, how does your organisation balance contemporary demands for innovation and new technologies?

A: As a pioneer of natural cosmetics, we look back on a long tradition in our company. The concepts of both WALA and Dr.Hauschka Skin Care are firmly founded in this tradition. But for instance to be able to process the large volumes of plants needed for our skin care products, we rely on modern equipment. This is something we can no longer carry out by hand.

Our company, however, remains strongly committed to organic growth – as nature intended, by using the very best raw materials it has to provide. We will never compromise when it comes to quality. We would rather produce fewer products than force our customers to purchase goods of inferior quality.

Q: There are relatively few skin care products which are genuinely organic and free from synthetic preservatives. How do you optimise the stability and shelf life of the natural ingredients within Dr.Hauschka products?

A: All products in the Dr.Hauschka Skin Care line are free of synthetic preservatives. We ensure the stability of our skin care products through:

Non-aqueous products such as Day Oil, Lip Care Stick, Lip Balm and the entire range of skin and massage oils do not require any preservatives, since bacteria and fungi need water to survive. Preservatives are likewise unnecessary in our ampoule-based products (Rhythmic Night Conditioner and Rhythmic Conditioner Sensitive), since they undergo heat sterilization.

Q: Can you explain the importance of lymphatic massage and other rhythmic procedures for establishing optimum health and resilience?

A: The tiny lymph capillaries are very important for the removal of fluid from the tissues. The lymphatic system primarily removes metabolic waste products, toxins, pathogens and superfluous tissue fluid. If the flow of the lymph is hampered, fluid can build up locally.

Via the skin, lymphatic stimulation has a harmonising and decongesting effect on the entire organism. Alternating between a gentle touch of the hands and two soft brushes, the Dr.Hauschka Natural Esthetician stimulates the flow of fluid in the connective tissue and the lymphatic system with calm, rhythmical movements. The organism relaxes and unwinds, the fluid flows harmoniously through the body, and oxygen and nutrients once again reach cells unhindered. The lymphatic fluid absorbs metabolic waste products from the intermediate tissues more easily and transports them rapidly to the lymph nodes, where they are rendered harmless. Conversely, the harmoniously flowing lymph carries antibodies produced by the body more rapidly to where they are needed to combat disease.

Q: At Organic Guide, we agree that healthy skin requires optimum nutrition which may be obtained through healthy dietary intake combined with an efficient digestion. Your organisation distributes a digestive tonic called Bitter Elixir. Can you briefly explain how this works?

A: As it is made up of selected amaroid-containing plants, WALA Bitter Elixir stimulates the metabolism and promotes digestion completely without alcohol and has a smooth, sweet taste. With their amaroid constituents, yellow gentian and wormwood have a direct effect on the stomach, gall bladder and pancreas. Calamus, which originally came from India and is also called “German Ginger”, is a reed that prefers to grow in slow-flowing or standing water. It regulates digestion and secretion in the stomach and is known as a medicinal plant to treat loss of appetite and various gastro-intestinal disorders. Due to its pungency, pepper aids digestion and gives the elixir a hint of spice. True ginger on the other hand helps to counteract nausea, as well as travel sickness.

Q: If the organisation were asked to select a single product to best represent it’s commitment to biodynamic principles, which one would be chosen?

A: Manufactured in harmony with nature, each and every product embodies the principles and philosophy of WALA. As an anthroposophic company, the use of raw materials from bio-dynamic cultivation is particularly important for WALA. Where this is not possible, organic products in accordance with EU standards are used. Only if none of these raw materials are available in suitable qualities or quantities are conventional materials purchased.

Rose Day Cream is the best known classic of the Dr.Hauschka Skin Care line and one of our most popular products. It offers optimal protection particularly for dry, sensitive skin and mature skin prone to premature aging, and supports the skin’s natural capacity for regeneration. Precious rose oil and extracts of rose petals and wild rose hips produced with the greatest care harmonise and strengthen the skin. Shea butter, rose petal wax and avocado extract prevent it from drying out. Rose Day Cream regulates the oil-moisture balance of the skin and harmonises the various skin functions.

Dr.Hauschka Rose Day Cream provides a preserving layer of protection for skin tending to blotchiness and broken capillaries. It combines the strength and the softness of the rose to care for the fine structure of the skin.

Organic Guide wishes to thank Inka Bihler and the entire Dr.Hauschka team for generously sharing their time and insights. To find out more about Dr.Hauschka and the company’s commitment to manufacturing skin care products of the highest standard, please visit Dr.Hauschka.

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Published on October 3rd, 2007.
Filed in sub-topic, People.