Jennifer
I am constantly researching new ingredients, suppliers, growers, farmers and initiatives looking for the highest quality natural actives obtained and extracted with the utmost skill. A visit like the one I made to the Swiss Valais a few weeks ago is just the first step when considering a botanical for inclusion in a formulation.
Anyone who clambers up mountains can tell you just how incredible the plant life is. Alpine plants are generally considered to be those growing above the tree line and at this altitude have to contend with some of Mother Nature’s toughest assaults.
In their struggle, alpine plants have developed mechanisms to survive low temperatures, protect themselves against UV damage, hang on to water when it is in short supply or when the wind or sun conspire to steal it and most importantly ensure that their genes are carried forward. Tiny size, mound-forming, furry and/or succulent leaves are just a few of the adaptations alpines exhibit. Alpines produce extra flavonoids, phenolic acids and iridoids (potent chemistry that protects them against environmental assaults) and these can be extracted to make effective naturally active ingredients for skincare.
My hosts were alpine farmers who organically grow a range of native alpine plants with painstaking care. Each seedling is hand planted, weeded around, and nurtured before the flowers, leaves or roots are hand-picked…all in all a labour of back-breaking love. They were incredibly enthusiastic when welcoming us (as you can see from the six piece alpine horn ensemble). The income generated from selling their herbs for extracts enables these farmers to stay in the Alps working the land their families have been connected with for generations and hopefully for many more years to come.
6 piece alpine horn ensemble