“Holistic beauty” has become a major trend in the cosmetics and wellness industries. But what does holistic skincare actually entail? Do we need ten different products, facial massages, and dietary supplements? Or, is it much simpler? To find out, we spoke with PHARMOS NATUR, a natural cosmetics brand, and the Arboris Spa at My Arbor, where a holistic approach is integral to their concept.
So, what exactly is holistic skincare?
The word “holistic” comes from the Greek “holos,” which means “whole” or “complete.” In the context of skincare, it means viewing the skin as part of a whole person and taking external influences into account.
PHARMOS NATUR Green Luxury describes it this way:
“For us, holistic skin care means, first and foremost, not viewing the skin in isolation. It is part of who we are and is connected to our lifestyle, our daily habits, diet, stress, rest, and our personal well-being.”
PHARMOS NATUR
So, holistic skincare doesn’t necessarily mean using more products or taking more steps. On the contrary, it’s about taking a closer look. What does my skin need right now? How should I care for it? How am I doing overall?
Touch plays a major role
To understand PHARMOS’s approach—and, by extension, holistic skin care—it’s worth taking a look at its history.
In the early 1980s, Margot Esser, the founder, was involved in a serious accident in the United States. She was admitted to a naturopathic clinic with second- and third-degree burns. There, therapists treated her burns with fresh aloe vera leaves over an extended period of time.
This experience would later have a profound impact on PHARMOS NATUR. However, it went beyond the aloe vera. Margot also valued the gentle, mindful touches of the therapists and the overall atmosphere. These elements inspired her holistic approach to care, reflected today in the brand’s three pillars: Holistic Beauty, Holistic Food, and Holistic Treatments.
How holistic skin care feels like at a spa
Before we discuss how you can take a holistic approach to your skincare routine, we asked the experts for their advice. Since 2020, The Spa Arboris at My Arbor has partnered with PHARMOS NATUR, choosing this brand precisely because of its holistic approach and deep connection to plants.
The My Arbor, a true tree hotel, is located above Brixen and nestled in a wooded landscape (“arbor” is the Latin word for “tree”). Due to its stilted design, you’ll enjoy a stay right in the treetops. In fact, the entire hotel concept—including the Arboris Spa—is inspired by the surrounding flora.
“Our entire spa concept is based on the properties of various plants and native trees—larch, Swiss stone pine, mountain pine, and spruce. We see aloe vera as the perfect complement. PHARMOS NATUR’s philosophy is a natural fit for our approach.”
My Arbor
The treatments combine skincare, touch, and relaxation. And guests are encouraged to experience their time at the spa as a mindful escape. “It’s not just about cosmetics in the traditional sense,” says My Arbor host Alexandra Huber.
INFO: Aloe vera instead of aqua?
Have you noticed? Almost every cream or serum in your bathroom has “Aqua” (water) listed first on the INCI list. Water makes up the largest portion of many products. PHARMOS NATUR is different: Instead of “Aqua,” the base is fresh aloe vera plant juice. This means that the carrier liquid itself delivers vitamins, minerals, and other active ingredients to the skin.
Spa ritual with fresh aloe vera leaf
The connection to aloe vera is particularly evident in the “LOVE MY AGE FACE AND BODY RITUAL” at My Arbor.
The treatment lasts 110 minutes. It includes a body scrub, back massage, facial, body massage, and warming body wrap, among other things. The highlight is the application of a fresh aloe vera leaf directly to the skin, just as Margot Esser experienced at the naturopathic clinic. “The feedback from our guests has been consistently positive. They especially appreciate seeing a difference in their skin immediately after the treatment. Their skin appears firmer, deeply nourished, and velvety,” reports Alexandra Huber.
Holistic skincare and natural cosmetics go hand in hand
Anyone taking a holistic approach to skincare will inevitably ask: What are my products actually made of, and where do the ingredients come from?”
Natural cosmetics aren’t necessarily more effective than conventional ones. At least, studies haven’t been able to prove that. However, many conventional products may involve animal testing, low-wage labor, and environmental pollution (at production sites). Now, imagine rubbing all that on yourself.
On that note, consider products made with 100% natural ingredients from pesticide-free fields, produced by Fair Trade workers who can afford housing and education for their children. Products made with love, expertise, responsibility, and quality.
Holistic beauty appeals to people who are open to concepts like karma, energy, and vibes. However, you don’t have to be spiritual to prefer natural cosmetics. Natural cosmetics generally have a smaller environmental footprint than conventional cosmetics because they don’t contain petroleum, microplastics, or other harmful substances. Many natural cosmetics brands also take care to minimize their carbon footprint during production and packaging.
Here’s how you can take a holistic approach to skincare at home
After all, it’s not possible to undergo an 110-minute treatment every day. First relief: You don’t need to follow ten steps, nor do you need to hire a spa employee. PHARMOS NATUR believes the idea that holistic care must be time-consuming is a misconception.
“Taking a few minutes each morning and evening to care for your skin consciously, choosing products that suit its current needs, and massaging them in mindfully rather than applying them quickly changes the way we experience skincare.”
PHARMOS NATUR
Skincare as a small daily ritual
Perhaps the most valuable idea from our conversation with PHARMOS NATUR can be implemented without introducing any new products: Take a few extra minutes. “It’s not just what you apply that matters, but also how,” explains PHARMOS NATUR.
The foundation of a holistic skincare routine is gentle, thorough cleansing. This can be followed by a toner, oil serum, and cream. “People often focus on the cream and forget how important the preparation really is,” says PHARMOS. They’ve put together an example of what a mindful morning routine might look like.
Example: Your mindful skincare morning routine in four steps
#1 Cleansing
Begin with a gentle cleanse that suits your skin type. For example, apply cleansing cream to dry skin with dry or damp hands. Massage it in with circular motions, then rinse with lukewarm water.
#2 Toner
The toner comes next. Depending on the product, apply a few drops directly to your hands and gently spread or pat it onto your face, neck, and décolletage. This way, you won’t need a cotton pad. The Harmonizing Tonic from PHARMOS NATUR also doesn’t require a cotton pad. Simply spray it on and press it into your skin with the palms of your hands.
3. Serum or facial oil
While the toner absorbs into your skin, take a moment to enjoy the sensation of touch: Place a few drops of oil serum in your hands, rub your palms together, and slowly spread the product over your skin. Instead of rushing through this step, treat yourself to a mini facial massage.
4. Moisturizer—and sunscreen in the morning
Finally, apply a day cream that suits your skin type. If the cream does not contain sunscreen, you will also need to apply sunscreen during the day (if you wear makeup, sunscreen is likely already included in your foundation).
And in the evening? Your 4-step routine
In the evening, repeat the first three steps, then apply a night cream for the fourth step. While day creams are designed to provide quick-absorbing protection and hydration, night creams are richer and help the skin regenerate.
Tip: Online skin analysis from PHARMOS NATUR
If you’re not sure what cleansing or skincare routine is right for your skin, you can seek advice from a cosmetologist who is knowledgeable about holistic beauty and natural cosmetics. Alternatively, you can take a free skin analysis on the PHARMOS NATUR website.
Skincare as a micro habit
You can think of this simple skincare routine as a “micro habit.” In just a few minutes a day (e.g., three minutes in the morning and three minutes at night), you can achieve great results.
However, to take a holistic approach, this routine shouldn’t be rigid—you should also pay attention to your skin’s needs. Is it time for exfoliation? Do my chosen products still work for my skin? Do I need more sleep? Should I eat healthier or cut back on sugar? Or do I simply need a vacation at a wellness hotel?
By the way: You don’t have to buy five new products right away to start a new routine. For example, if you’re happy with your cleanser, you can invest in a moisturizer. Most importantly, consciously choose products that suit you and give greater importance to the act of applying them.en.
This blog was made possible thanks to the support of PHARMOS NATUR.
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