Beauty Essentials for a Hypochondriac

Healthy Skin

As a beauty enthusiast, it’s not all that surprising that I’ve suffered from perioral dermatitis twice—a classic case of over-skincare that can result from testing lots of new products. Normally, the strict rule is: a “zero-skincare regimen”—meaning no skincare products or makeup for 6 weeks. Feeling a bit rebellious, however, I simply used Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Face Cream—and nothing else. And WOW, it actually helped keep the perioral dermatitis in check. My theory? The highly regenerative purslane and valuable antioxidants in the formula provide the skin with comprehensive protection against cellular aging and strengthen the sensitive cell membrane against free radical attacks by boosting the activity of the “fountain of youth” enzyme, telomerase. I can’t think of any other explanation for this healing effect. Ever since then, I’ve been enthusiastically recommending this formula to everyone.

One blood test, please…

There are two types of people: those who never go to the doctor out of fear—even when things seem serious. And those who’d rather go to the doctor one more time to have everything checked out. I belong to the second group. Why do I act this way? Because it puts my mind at ease to know: “There’s nothing wrong. You’re healthy.” And aside from standard preventive care (which I get more often than usual!), at least one complete blood count is on my doctor’s agenda every year. After all, I want to know: Am I lacking any nutrients or vitamins? Does my body have everything it needs? The result is almost always the same: my magnesium and vitamin D levels are at the lower end of the normal range.

Vitamin D is far more than just a “bone vitamin.” Among other things, it contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth, normal muscle function, and normal immune system function. Unlike most vitamins, the body produces the majority—about 80 to 90 percent—of it on its own through exposure to sunlight. Nevertheless, according to large-scale surveys such as the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults, more than 60 percent of the population does not have an adequate supply of vitamin D. So it’s hardly surprising that supplementation can be beneficial for many people.

I’ve come to find sprays more convenient than capsules. The vegan direct spray from foondiert delivers 25 μg (1,000 IU) of plant-based vitamin D3 with just one spray—the daily intake recommended by the German Nutrition Society (DGE). Packaged in protective MIRON® violet glass, the quality of this light-sensitive ingredient is optimally preserved.

Good Night Ritual

Fortunately, I don’t suffer from sleep disorders—but I still know how valuable a relaxing evening routine can be. In addition to a sleep tea, my skincare routine, and a Harry Potter audiobook, the Deep Sleep Pillow Spray with essential oils of lavender, vetiver, and chamomile has been part of my routine for over a year: Two to three sprays on my pillow and comforter create a little safe space for me before I fall asleep. And by the way, this isn’t a coincidence or just a psychological effect: The brain associates recurring evening rituals with bedtime, which promotes melatonin release and activates the parasympathetic nervous system—the perfect conditions for winding down and falling asleep. I highly recommend it—I’ve already finished my fifth bottle.

Made for me: The Apothecary Spray

The other day at the Niche Beauty office: I’m standing in our break room and opening the cutlery drawer—not with my hand, of course, but with a kitchen towel. Touching public doorknobs or handles without washing my hands immediately afterward? Unthinkable for me. And then there’s the package delivery person: Every now and then, I’m supposed to sign with my finger on their little signature pad. Ugh, it takes a lot of effort for me every single time. While others just put their finger on it, I can practically see Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, noroviruses, and rhinoviruses happily running rampant in there. Those little beasts.

That’s exactly why I take Saint Charles’s pharmacy spray with me everywhere I go. A few sprays—and my conscience is much more at ease. Even better: thanks to over 70% organic alcohol and organic essential oils, the formula smells pleasantly fresh instead of like a hospital. I like to call it: hygiene, next level.

Must-Do

My biggest hypochondriac trigger? Skin cancer. Of course, I go for regular skin cancer screenings, keep a close eye on every new mole, and have already had several moles removed as a precaution. Overcautious? Maybe. It just makes me feel good. A positive side effect: Daily sunscreen use is considered the most effective measure against light-induced skin aging and age spots—and I’d just as soon do without both as I would without wrinkles.

Science also backs up that this routine is worth it: In the Australian Nambour Study, which included more than 900 participants, people who used broad-spectrum sunscreen daily showed 24 percent fewer signs of photoaging after 4.5 years than the control group.

That’s why applying SPF every morning is a given for me—regardless of the weather. After all, in Hamburg, rain might be forecast in the morning, only for the sun to come out by noon. The COOLA Dew Good Illuminating Serum SPF 30 combines reliable UV protection with the benefits of a hydrating serum: Aloe vera and probiotics nourish the skin; the silky texture absorbs quickly, provides a gentle soft-focus effect, and is perfect as a base under makeup. Keep in mind: Sometimes self-care is quite unspectacular—it’s simply remembering to apply sunscreen. My dad knows this all too well.