What is your current beauty and wellness routine like? Your hair and skin look amazing: how do you take care of them? What are your recommendations, especially since there's a tendency to define menopause/peri-menopause with hair thinning, saggy skin, etc.?

 

You’d think that as a skincare founder and formulator, I’d go overboard with products, but I keep it simple. I created Vered Organic Botanicals precisely to simplify beauty routines. Some products I use daily, while others just weekly. It depends on how my skin feels and what my current needs are.

From personal experience (you can read more about it here) I realized that if you heal your body internally, you will heal your skin externally. Both are connected. Your skin does not just « appear » healthy, it truly becomes healthy. There lies the difference.

 

Nutrition also plays a significant role. By nutrition, I am not only referring to food but also to the company you keep, your hobbies, and your thoughts.

Supplementing is an individual process, so the key is trying to decode your personal needs, to learn to listen to your body and mind. If needed, little detox sessions a few times a year. Maintaining some form of movement daily, be it walking, doing breath work, meditating, or weight training. We are all drawn to different kinds of activities and movements, and I firmly believe that you'll get the most benefits and results from sticking to what your soul really craves. There's no "universal blueprint", the journey towards health and wellness is personal and individual so stop comparing yourself to others and look into your own path and abilities.

 

In terms of beauty and wellness habits, here’s what I do:

 

In the morning: I splash my face with cold water to boost circulation, then I wipe my face with a few pumps of the herb-infused toner to cleanse impurities accumulated from the night before, followed by a couple of spritzes of our latest Flowers & Herb Garden Mist to awake my senses; its uplifting aroma acts as an instant mood-booster, plus keeping the skin damp aids with better product absorption. To brighten and refresh my eye zone, I use my Essential eye treatment oil which comes in a roll-on, perfect to decongest and soothe. All my products were formulated to work synergistically, so if I want the ultimate moisture kick, I mix the Vitality velvet rich face cream with the Vitality face treatment oil and one pump of the herb-infused toner into the palm of my hands. Before proceeding to massaging, I inhale deeply the aroma of this conconction. I cannot stress enough the impact of the limbic system on our overall health and beauty: this is why my products come with authentic natural scents. Nothing artificial. I explain it in this post (here). When you inhale pure scents with aromatherapeutic benefits, you can snap out of a fight-or-flight mode and relieve tensions that you carry, sometimes even unknowingly.

This moment for me, is the most indulging one of the day, those couple of minutes where I mindfully focus on applying my products and nurturing my skin feel divine and spa-like. I am surrounded by delightful scents that nourish my senses and the soft and silky textures of the products on contact with my skin seal this sensory experience.

In the shower, my go-to is the Citrus silky body wash, with its stimulating and fresh scent. I can't use anything else, I used to struggle to find a body wash that would feel soft and nourishing, without any stickiness. Most were also overly stripping and disrupt the skin's natural balance. Citrus silky body wash is nourishing yet deeply cleanses the skin. It's packed with ingredients naturally high in vitamin C, such as yuzu and pink grapefruit. I've had such great feedback from both men and women, so it's one of those products that everyone can use in the shower.
While my skin is still damp post-shower, I apply my body oils. I will rotate between Signature Scent (rose, jasmine, and amber notes) and Orange Sauvage (neroli and zesty notes) depending on my mood that day. But I never skip oiling my body after showering, because I feel amazing after cocooning my skin and senses with those oils. They also absorb seamlessly because I am obsessed with textures and the oiling experience has to remain exquisite.

 

In the evening: I use the herbal balancing oil cleanser to wash off makeup. I follow up with the herb-infused toner to remove any cleanser leftover and balance my skin pH. This toner is one of my most versatile products in the collection because it works as a cleanser, as a toner, and even as a hydrating booster which can be mixed with the face oil or cream. Don't be dissuaded by the grape alcohol in it, it is formulated in a way that it has absolutely zero drying effect. It also contains naturally-occurring vitamins, minerals, and it soothes inflammation. Thanks to its high content in Hibiscus, it's packed with antioxidants and AHAs, while Horsetail extract is rich in collagen-producing silica.

Then I repeat what I do in the AM by mixing Vitality Velvet riche cream, Vitality face treatment oil, and the herb-infused toner, but this time, I do Gua Sha for 10 minutes to release all the tensions accumulated during the day and give myself a little lifting/sculpting boost. It feels so good on the skin and I feel refreshed every time.

 

A few times a week (1-3 times depending on how my skin feels) I exfoliate with Le Chocolat citrus foaming face scrub and I apply the decadent Cacao Vanilla beauty mask for extra nutrition and promote skin cell renewal. The delectable cocoa-vanilla scent makes it delightfully indulgent.

 

I stay away from artificial fragrances like the plague (read why here) and only use my artisanal perfumes. I formulated them to provide true well-being benefits (see what each does here). So depending on what I need - something that revives my mood, something that grounds me, something that gives me a boost of confidence etc.- I'll apply Signature Scent, Deep Citron, Divinité, Blue Violet, or even Sacred love oil. I can use them any time of the day, and I alternate roll-on and mist. I always keep a roll-on in my bag to apply on pulse points if I am on the go throughout the day.

 

In terms of health/wellness habits, I do all sorts of things:

 

I take specific supplements daily. Those are the ones needed based on my personal health history:

I take vitamin D3 with K2, B complex, and B12 separately, probiotics and prebiotics, and trace minerals (a combination of potassium, magnesium, and sodium) from Celtic salt.

Just like essential oils, herbs (be it in teas or tinctures) play a significant role in my life and I take them daily. I am a trained herbalist (my story here). Currently, I take Nettle seeds and leaves, which are so mineralizing and have multiple health benefits. I also take my homemade combination drink with Cayenne pepper and turmeric, for inflammation and good artery health. Focusing on heart health is essential for women going through menopause. I am a big fan of milk thistle to cleanse the liver and tudca for liver and gallbladder support. I take pine needles and hibiscus for vitamin C and overall immune health.

For further peri/menopause assistance, Evening primrose is great. Black Cohosh is best for hot flashes, along with red clover, licorice and sage. Saffron, hops, passionflower, valerian, lemon balm, St-John's Wort help with anxiety, depression and irritability. Maca royal for libido.

 

Every couple of months, I do more in-depth treatments, such as colon cleanses, and parasite cleanses (the latter is really something I think is beneficial for most people). I have been doing coffee enemas to raise my glutathione levels, but this is not something for everyone, and with enemas, it's crucial to replenish the body with lots of minerals such as 24 oz of green juice. But in my case, enemas have been one of the most beneficial tools to heal from chronic Lyme.

 

Taking care of mental health is equally important, and to maintain a positive mindset and clarity, I take a walk by the ocean almost every evening. It never fails to ground me.

Since movement is also excellent for mental and physical health, I do some weight-lifting, vibration plate, and trampoline jumps. This is amazing for the lymphatic system and it keeps the circulation going. I am also fond of qi-gong, prayers, mantras and guided meditations. I sleep on a grounding bedsheet.

 

I know it may sound like a lot, but those habits did not pop up overnight, it’s been a journey and after overcoming multiple health issues, I do not take my health for granted. It is truly the greatest gift and blessing.

 

 

 

 

What would be the biggest misconception people have about women over 50?

 

I can tell you what I find amazing when women mature. Women over 50 may have a few more wrinkles, but the wisdom, peace, and self-love that organically comes with aging is priceless.

The realization that you know who you are, accept your qualities and flaws, and become confident to live your life authentically. You care less about people's opinions, for the experience you've gained becomes a better guide. Whether you're single or in a relationship, you are satisfied with the way things are. After 50, it's the energy rather than the company that matters. You no longer care to please but to surround yourself with people you align with. You can also be fine on your own. You navigate and explore the world, with or without people. I look around me and I see my fellow gals over 50 thriving. Time to get rid of those clichés of women looking dull and sad once they hit 50. Mature women, who are embracing vibrant aging, are magnetic. Truly. Less gullible, less prone to be manipulated or mistreated. You learn to set better boundaries and you are fully aware of what brings you joy.

The experience and wisdom that come with being 50+ turn out to be valuable assets, and they make us desirable actually. I find that there’s nothing sexier than a woman fulfilled, healthy, enjoying herself, and independent. On the blog, I have started a series where I want to honor women of all ages embracing their natural beauty, and Ryan Haddon was our first guest (click here to read). 

 

 

What is one beauty tip you wish everyone knew?

 

I don't have one tip because it’s never a "singular" thing. I have a holistic vision, so for me, everything is connected and matters. One tip is not going to make a difference, it’s a series of good habits, both physical and mental ones, that will make you bloom.

 

Throughout the years, has your approach to beauty changed, if yes in what ways?

 

Surprisingly, it did not, because you could say I was born this way. Since I was a teenager, I have been interested in natural beauty, wholesome food, and conscious lifestyle. What has evolved though, is my relationship with people, because I used to be around what we call today « toxic people », unaware of the impact they can have on our overall health. Now, I stay away from drama and confrontations. Relationships should not feel burdening or tense, but uplifting. Surrounding yourself with the right people ends up making a difference, including on your physical appearance: you glow when you’re loved, supported, and considered.

 

What are your thoughts on plastic surgery and what impact natural/artisanal beauty has had on you?

 

It’s something I have not chosen to do personally. I am not fond of how fillers and Botox look on. As you know, they are called « neurotoxins » so obviously, this is not very encouraging, and in that sense, it feels like you're injecting yourself with foreign elements that can add some kind of toxicity to your system.

Also, if someone rejects me because I look my age or have a few more wrinkles, it tells me everything I need to know about that person, as it won't align with my philosophy. I am utterly satisfied and fulfilled with my botanical skincare routine. My skin has no breakouts and when I stick to my routine, it is plump, glowing, and super soft.

 

 

Who's your biggest role model in terms of vibrant aging?

 

As cliché as it sounds, this is the truth: my mom is my role model. She eats healthy, exercises every day, and, at the age of 83, never had Botox or a facelift. She has overcome so many challenges, both personal and health-related, yet she's aging gracefully and looks better than some of my 55-year-old friends who are filled with cosmetic procedures.

 

In what ways can essential oils and herbalism assist women after 40 and throughout the decades?

 

I don't know how to function without the assistance of herbs and essential oils, as I'm taking them both internally and externally to heal my body from one of the worst chronic diseases; if I hadn't studied herbalism and aromatherapy, I wouldn't even be here today to tell my story. When every doctor in the US failed to diagnose Lyme and come up with proper solutions, it was the power of herbs and essential oils that restored my health both physically and emotionally.

I adore them, they are agents of magic; from personal experience, I recommend everyone to find which ones will assist them best on their journey. I try to help through my skincare line since I use those healing modalities in my formulas. If you're curious about essential oils, don't hesitate to look into the in-depth post I wrote on EOs (here). The "EO-free" skincare trend resorts to a lot of fear-mongering, but I wanted to restore some sanity through that post.