Beauty in Balance
Charlene Florian, Kerstin Florian's daughter and vice president of corporate creative development, offers insight on sustainable beauty.
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| Embrace Beauty Health Find Kerstin Florian :: Products and treatments are available at four- and five-star spas worldwide, and the full line is available online. :: kerstinflorian.com |
I spent a good portion of my young adult years suffering for beauty. Whether it was squeezing my feet into the wrong pair of black peep-toe velvet pumps, obsessively calorie-counting for the sake of my waistline or wearing seductive fragrances that caused my skin to break into a rash, I did it. Not to say wearing cute shoes, watching what you eat and smelling nice are bad things – but it’s all about balance.
Balance is what Lake Forest-based Kerstin Florian is about, and may be part of what has helped keep the European-inspired skin care and spa line thriving since the brand was founded in Laguna Beach in 1978. Based on a philosophy of well-being spanning the body, mind and earth, the company’s more recent efforts include an even bigger push in the area of sustainability: using more natural and organic ingredients; formulating new, paraben-free products; using recyclable glass and plastic jars and bottles; using soy ink on printed boxes and other printed materials; and supporting organizations for clean water, to name some.
Founder Kerstin Florian’s daughter, Charlene, of Corona del Mar, grew up with this concept of holistic beauty. And now, as vice president of corporate creative development, she continues the brand’s evolution alongside her mom. Charlene took some time to answer our questions about beauty and sustainability.
What is your beauty background?
I had the opportunity to travel with Kerstin to spas all over the world growing up, so from an early age I’ve been groomed into the world of health, well-being and spa. Kerstin has always been a passionate researcher of natural resources and herbal ingredients. She would take me along on her research trips, for example, to France to study algae and thalassotherapy, Hungary to study minerals and the effects of bathing in natural spring water, and Switzerland to participate in her meetings with some of the finest chemists in the industry… I’ve taken over 500 hours of massage courses, aromatherapy, Kneipp therapy, skin care ingredients classes, nutrition courses, raw food classes, and I’ve been practicing yoga for over 20 years. Nature and vitality inspire me.
Given your mom’s business, did you grow up playing with beauty products?
I grew up with an appreciation for beauty. I had typical teenage skin challenges so through that experience, I learned how to properly care for my skin. I love makeup, but I have to say that makeup to me is a finishing touch. I’m most intrigued by true beauty from how we think, what we choose to eat, how we care for our skin with natural ingredients, exercise, etc. I have a more spiritual approach to beauty.
How are your products green?
Born in Scandinavia, Kerstin has always been inspired by nature and energy. We are committed to a long-term strategy for sustainability. We are using pure, natural resources, mineral salts, sea salts, wild-crafted and organic essential oils, marine algae, and wild-crafted mud. We manufacture using specific guidelines for our ingredients.
Marine ingredients are big for Kerstin Florian. Why?
We love marine technology. The research behind it is incredible. There are 25,000 known varieties of algae. We use several: Laminaria digitata, Fucus vesiculosus, Spirulina pretensis [which contains 63% protein, a full spectrum of vitamins and is rich in chlorophyll], and Palmaria palmata are just a few. We continue to do a lot of research on marine ingredients.
What are some tips for making wiser choices in terms of the environment and health?
Beauty and health is a personal commitment that should be effortless. I believe it starts with the food that we eat, the lifestyle choices we make and how we choose to think. Take a look at your current commitment and simply upgrade your choices, slowly and at a pace that is comfortable. Maybe eat more vegetables. If you are eating a lot of vegetables, maybe eat organic... If we can all take baby steps towards healthier choices and a healthier way of living, our world will change. These upgrades are happening on all levels all of the time. That’s world progress.
