A few words from our chosen experts on skin and body protection, nourishment and self-care during the darker days of November, why black grapes with seeds are beneficial and the colour you need on your nails is Rouge Noir by Chanel.
BLACK RAISINS
Black raisins are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that helps keep skin smooth and elastic.
Enjoy a few black muscat raisins with reeds and crunch the seeds before eating, the taste is delicious and the skin health benefits are most effective at this time of year.
Short manicured nails dipped in Rouge Noir is the colour of the season to decorate your hands. The colour goes well with pale winter skin.
IRMA: What cellular benefits can we expect in our skin appearance when we use marine ingredients for skin care?
MICHAELA HILTEBRANDT: Marine ingredients offer transformative cellular benefits for the skin, working in harmony with its natural processes. Algae extracts provide deep hydration, stimulate cell turnover, and brighten the complexion, while antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E protect against premature aging. These ingredients also calm inflammation, strengthen the skin’s barrier, and detoxify impurities. Marine peptides improve repair and firmness, leaving skin radiant and resilient. At GEZEITEN, we source sustainably from the French Atlantic coast, prioritizing innovative, clinically proven biotech ingredients that support biodiversity.
IRMA: As your skincare has been developed to follow and meet the natural rhythm of the skin, what are the differences between the day and the night cream. Are there any rules to follow in terms of effectiveness?
MICHAELA HILTEBRANDT: GEZEITEN Day and Night Creams are designed to align with the skin’s natural rhythms, ensuring optimal protection and repair. The Day Cream focuses on safeguarding the skin with antioxidants, natural UV filters, and pollution blockers, while enhancing resilience and reducing daily fatigue. Lightweight and hydrating, it strengthens the skin’s barrier to prevent damage. The Night Cream, with its richer texture, supports the skin’s nightly repair phase by nourishing deeply, promoting cell regeneration, and aiding collagen synthesis. Together, they restore balance, combat modern stressors, and maintain skin health and vitality.
IRMA: Your skin care line has only five products: two serums, two creams and ampoules, which makes skincare very easy. Why did you start with these five products? Is there more to come?
MICHAELA HILTEBRANDT: We launched with five “hero” products—a day and night serum, a day and night cream, and 7-Day Treatment Ampoules—to offer a simple yet highly effective skincare routine. Each product is intelligently formulated to address key skincare needs while supporting the skin’s barrier and microbiome. Recently, we added the ‘Liquid Skin’ creams, designed for younger or hypersensitive skin, complementing our Intensive Anti-Aging line for mature skin. Staying true to our philosophy of simplicity and performance, we’re now developing a cleansing range and an eye cream, continuously evolving to meet customer needs while maintaining efficiency.
IRMA: Your packaging is very unique, what was your idea behind it and tell us how it functions in a sustainable way.
MICHAELA HILTEBRANDT: At GEZEITEN, our packaging is designed to create a unique, multi-sensory experience. Reflecting the healing power of the sea and natural rhythms, we wanted to capture the raw beauty and softness of nature, while the minimalist symmetry adds balance and precision, symbolising strength and innovation. The result is an aesthetic that seems to come from an otherworldly nature. The design also reflects our commitment to a sustainable future, which is deeply rooted in our product development philosophy. We prioritise responsibly sourced ingredients and recyclable materials to ensure our products are both effective and environmentally responsible. Our award-winning, patented face cream packaging combines aesthetics with functionality and incorporates innovative, refillable solutions to encourage conscious consumption. This approach motivates consumers to reduce waste and make more sustainable choices.
IRMA: Why is it important to have a protective barrier, especially now, during the winter season?
DR. TIMM GOLÜKE: A protective barrier is even more important in winter as the cold air with its low humidity combined with the heating indoors can deplete the skin of valuable moisture, causing it to dry out, irritate and eventually crack. A well-functioning barrier retains moisture, protects against irritants and stops conditions such as eczema or dermatitis developing, so during the harsh winter months when a healthy barrier (or lack thereof) means the difference between dry, flaky skin and smooth, hydrated, resilient skin, having one is your best bet.
IRMA: Can the serum be used as a base before applying a daily moisturiser, or is the serum sufficient on its own?
DR. TIMM GOLÜKE: Yes, the Barrier Solution can be used as a base before your day cream.
For normal to oily skin, it’s often hydrating enough on its own.
For dry or dehydrated skin, it can be used under a moisturiser for extra hydration and protection.
Apply to clean skin, allow to absorb, then follow with your day cream and SPF if needed.
IRMA: How important is it to protect your skin in an urban environment and why?
DR. TIMM GOLÜKE: The deterioration of the urban environment with too much pollution, exposure to harmful UV rays and environmental damage makes it imperative to protect your skin. All of which can accelerate the aging process, dehydrate the skin and compromise the skin barrier. Protective skincare products, such as antioxidants and those that strengthen the skin’s barrier, work by counteracting free radicals, including disrupting their formation and damaging effects on skin cells, while resolving inflammation and leading to healthy and resilient skin. Basically, it creates a barrier that allows your skin to be balanced and resilient to the stressors of urban life.
IRMA: What is the key ingredient that makes this product work?
DR. TIMM GOLÜKE: The key ingredient in our Barrier Solution that enhances the action of the product is its Triple Ceramide Complex. This complex plays a crucial role in restoring and maintaining the skin’s natural barrier by helping to strengthen the skin’s lipid structure. It works in conjunction with other powerful ingredients such as Probiotics and Natural Moisturising Factors (NMF). Together, these ingredients work synergistically to strengthen the skin’s barrier, improve hydration and overall health.
IRMA: Why did you come up with a winter bodycare range? Tell us why it is important to take care of our body in the colder seasons when we cover up?
JOSEFIN LANDGARD: Skin care is essential all year round as our skin is our largest organ and needs constant care. In winter, the skin tends to be drier due to the colder weather and indoor heating, which can lead to irritation. Miracle Fluid keeps your skin ultra smooth and hydrated, which is something I personally enjoy all year round. It’s formulated to combat winter dryness and can also help reduce ingrown hairs and bumpy skin, which are not seasonal. Our Body Retinoil, on the other hand, is ideal for winter because it’s best used when you’re out of direct sunlight. It helps to firm and rejuvenate the skin, making it perfect for the colder months when your skin is mostly covered.
IRMA: Retinol works best with the new Miracle Fluid, how do they mix?
JOSEFIN LANDGARD: The Miracle Fluid contains lactobionic acid, a form of AHA, and The Body Retinoil contains HPR (hydroxypinacolone retinoate). We recommend that you avoid using them on the same areas at the same time. We recommend using The Miracle Fluid all over the body in the morning and The Body Retinoil on targeted areas before going to bed.
IRMA: Retinol is known for cell rejuvenation, can the product work at it’s best when wearing cloths over it? What is the best time to apply?
JOSEFIN LANDGARD: Absolutely, retinol is effective even when applied under clothing. It works to renew the skin as you go about your day or as you sleep, but it’s important to apply it when you’re not going to be exposed to sunlight because retinol can make the skin more sensitive. The best time to apply retinol is in the evening after a shower or before bed to allow it to absorb and work overnight.
IRMA: What manual techniques and practices do you recommend to tighten the skin?
JOSEFIN LANDGARD: Protect your skin from the sun and use good skin care, including retinol.