Naturally: Favourites from the ethically-sourced Aurelia Probiotic Skincare range

When Londoner Claire Vero noticed changes in her skin in her late 20s, she decided it was time to make "a serious change" to her skincare routine. Unable to find a brand that offered exactly what she wanted, she then decided to start her own line, as you do.

Combining her interest in natural, ethically sourced ingredients and her experience as the former marketing director in dermatology for pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, Vero launched Aurelia Probiotic Skincare in 2013.

The range combines organic botanical ingredients with probiotics, or “good bacteria”, which are said to help protect the skin from premature ageing by stabilising the skin’s defence system and controlling levels of inflammation.

Two years and several awards later, Vero, now 33, continues to expand the range.

“More and more women are questioning the ingredients in their skincare products and are driven towards natural skincare, but will not give up on performance and results,” she says. “This is a trend that is really increasing and why the latest natural innovative skincare lines that comprise both science and nature are doing well.”

The products in the range are suitable for sensitive skin and have been dermatologically tested.

They are free from synthetic fragrances and colours, parabens, mineral oils, silicones, sulphates, phthalates, propylene glycol, genetically modified organisms, polyethylene glycol (PEG), triethanolamine (TEA) and diethanolamine (DEA). The

[ Aurelia website ]

has a full ingredient list for each product.

Aurelia does not test on animals, all products are suitable for vegetarians, and the packaging is recyclable. Most products come in amber glass bottles, which means they are protected from sun damage and chemicals found in plastic.

When it comes to her own skincare regime, Vero is a stickler for properly applying products and using a good cleanser.

“Make sure you apply all your products with care, ensuring that you take time to massage your skin deeply to stimulate collagen, improve lymphatic drainage and the vitality of your skin,” she says.

“I talk a lot about the importance of cleansing the skin because fresh, clean skin absorbs products more effectively, and is much more likely to look glowing and dewy. Cleansing is the first fundamental step for any skincare routine, and should be taken seriously!

“A creamy, calming cleanser, free from mineral oil, is best for all skin types as it won’t strip the skin or leave any greasy residue. This will keep the skin balanced.”

Her favourites in the Aurelia range include the Miracle Cleanser (€45), Cell Revitalise Day Moisturiser (€56) and the Cell Repair Night Oil (€60).

I recently started using the Miracle Cleanser and Cell Revitalise Day Moisturiser, both of which I love. You massage this creamy cleanser into dry skin to remove makeup and grime before wiping it off with warm water and the muslin cloth that comes with it. This combination leaves the skin feeling exfoliated, hydrated and smooth.

The lightly whipped day moisturiser is nourishing enough for my slightly dry patches of skin and is a good base for makeup.

Essential oils give both these products lovely mild scents, and both these products give me a face that doesn’t stop feeling hydrated and smooth. The line is expensive, but a little goes a long way.

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare is available in SpaceNK

kharris@irishtimes.com