Bare Body Beautiful: The Organic Pharmacy

How would you feel if you had to walk down the beach naked? While some might barely batter a pretty eyelash, I hazard a guess that many more would pay good money not to! From talking to friends of varying body shapes it appears that most feel at their best in a nice outfit, with a spot of make-up and a few good accessories.

With spring here, and summer sure to arrive in a blink, I thought it high time to call on the beauty and wellbeing experts to find out what we could be doing to boost our body confidence in time for the beach. Of course, much of it should come from the mind, but my experience is that those little bits we do for inside and out really make quite a difference.

This, the first of four special posts, features an interview with Margo Marrone, co-founder of The Organic Pharmacy; an industry leading brand that takes a holistic approach to health and beauty. Margo’s training as a homeopathic pharmacist has assisted in the creation of some truly outstanding products, resulting in an enviable celebrity following.

What makes the spring the best time to detox?

Spring is a natural time for renewal – birds, lambs, trees and flowers all renew themselves in spring. We are preconditioned by nature to spring clean ourselves and our homes. The ritual cleanse during the spring equinox (which usually falls on the 20th or 21st March) is part of the celebration of new life, marked in many cultures. The warmer weather also allows the body the most comfortable and deep cleanse, while the young leaves and shoots are full of nutrients lacking in the winter.

When do you feel your most body confident?

When I wear clothes that suit my body shape and make me feel good, and when I have taken care of my body: detoxing (which has given me a flatter tummy), skin brushing, scrubbing and moisturising every day.

How long before a holiday should you start body prepping? / What would you advise as the best basic regime?

I start prepping at the end of February. In the winter we tend to hide behind clothes, tights and coats so skin often becomes dry and dehydrated. One of my favourite things is a skin brush; I recommend 5 minutes of skin brushing each morning, using a few drops of Detox Cellulite Body Oil (with juniper, rosemary and grapefruit) to boost circulation. I then scrub all over with Seaweed Body Scrub (with lemon and eucalyptus) to nourish and cleanse.

From Mid March, I continue the skin brushing but switch to a slimming scrub, Resculpting Body Scrub, which I follow with Resculpting Body Gel to help reduce the fat cells. The longer you have had cellulite the longer it takes to fix it, so a good 3 months of care is needed.

After the spring Equinox I also do a full detox which gets rid of any bad habits I’ve picked up over the winter and helps me to shed a few pounds and flatten the tummy (I’m always grateful for that!).

How can you best boost your immunity for long-haul flights/exotic travel?

Over the years I’ve had to travel a fair bit on long-haul flights and have picked up on a few essentials. I always use the Superantioxidant Capsules; taking 3 before the flight, 3 during and 3 after. I know it sounds a lot, but during any flight, particularly long-haul, we are exposed to so much radiation and little air, leading to free radical damage, which requires high doses of antioxidants (in the short-term) to protect our cells and immune system.

I had become quite paranoid about catching things on flights and whilst at one point I used organic hand sanitisers and wipes, I soon realised that if my immune system is knackered no amount of disinfecting will help! So, I now dose up on a mixture of herbs including astragalus, cats claw, thyme, elderberry and plantain (the Immune Tonic) to help the body fight against bacteria and viruses.

What’s your personal beach look?

I love bright colours on the beach and like to experiment with gold, silver, blue, green, yellow, fuchsia and really bright coral polishes.

I choose comfortable but bright kaftans and big bracelets, my favourite at the moment is by Chan Luu. I also wear thin gold or sliver chains – Pomegranate do some lovely ones that look great when layered.

It’s also important to wear a wide brimmed hat for extra sun protection.

Who’s your beach body icon?

It has to be Salma Hayek, she has a full healthy figure, with no bones showing, and is gorgeous – as close to perfect as anyone can be!

What are the most common body hang-ups your clients come to you with? Are there any common solutions?

Cellulite is very common, as well as bloating, excess weight around the tummy and eczema/dry skin patches.

For Cellulite the aim is to boost circulation, reduce the size of fat cells and remove the toxins that are stored in fat cells as they are released. There are 4 stages in cellulite: stages 1 & 2 can be treated really easily over a period of 4-8 weeks and stage 3 around 6 months. Stage 4 is difficult to treat but it’s usually not until a person is into their 60s/70s that it gets to this stage.

Daily skin brushing is essential, I recommend the Detox Cellulite Body Oil followed by the Resculpting Body Gel. The gel contains chilli, fig, flax, green coffee, guarana and other ingredients that help reduce fat cells, tone and firm and boost circulation. Internally, I recommend the Detox Capsules to help mop up any toxins released.

The Detox Capsules are also recommended for Bloating, as they help clear the gases and toxins in the gut. I also suggest the Daily Probiotics to help balance the good flora in the gut.

For Eczema and general dry skin patches it’s important to nourish both inside and out: a rich therapeutic body cream is essential, I advise the Ultra Dry Skin Cream (with tamanu, neem, rose hip and evening primrose) to nourish and soothe. I also recommend a tablespoon of our Omega 3, 6, 7 & 9 (with pomegranate and sea buckthorn), which particularly supports all mucous membranes and is also great for helping to keep the skin supple in the sun.

Where’s your dream holiday or beach location?

I recently went to Capella Pedregal Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and I have to say it was as close to perfection as could be, with its incredible views, unbelievable food and an amazing spa.

Although, my favourite place so far is the Amalfi coast with Positano and Capri being the most fantastic. The views, the food, the shopping and the atmosphere are all magical.

With thanks to Margo Marrone & The Organic Pharmacy

This has to be the dream scrub for anyone who, like me, suffers from sluggish circulation. You can buff away your body concerns with this invigorating concoction of chilli, green coffee extract, peppermint and sweet orange.

Although not self-heating, the ingredients combine to create a zesty warmth when massaged on. The fragrance is quite menthol and delightfully therapeutic. The beads are small and the texture gel-like, making it very comfortable to use.

I’ve been applying this the recommended thrice weekly; gently dry scrubbing before hopping in the shower, massaging damp and rinsing away.

The circulation boosting results are instant, and it is satisfying to know that there are added body benefits through continued use. For those looking for the ultimate firming and toning results I would recommend using this in collaboration with the Resculpting Gel, however it can certainly be incorporated into your current regime.

A fantastic purchase to kick-start your own beach body prepping!

£49.96 for 200ml – www.theorganicpharmacy.com

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