At Per Purr, the feedback we hear most often about our products is “they smell so good!” We hear that a lot. We receive emails. Our customers tell us. Our partners mention it. The delivery man who picks up our packages every day tells us.
We get it: it’s your favorite thing about Per Purr, it’s what stands out, and we are super proud of this! But do you want to know what’s behind all this?
We use essential oils not just because they smell amazing, but also to promote healthy responses in the body. Essential oils can be found everywhere these days - that’s due to their infinite number of practical uses, and because of increased consumption of natural cosmetics. But they should be used with caution, safely, and always following professional guidelines, which we’ll explain below.
Essential oils are volatile compounds extracted from aromatic plants (leaves, flowers, stems, bark and roots) through distillation or pressure processes.
Essential oils can penetrate through smell or be absorbed through the skin’s surface – they do not reach the bloodstream. Once an essential oil is present, the olfactory system (through smell) or the circulatory system (through the skin) is stimulated. They then send signals to the limbic system that act directly on regions associated with emotions and vital processes.
Essential oils act very fast when inhaled. Once the scent reaches the nasal cavity, it is absorbed and triggers a stimulus of the olfactory nerves. How someone reacts to one scent or another has to do with our smell memory, something that is developed throughout our lives.
Aromatherapy is a natural method based on the activity of biochemical molecules contained in essential oils, used to provoke various responses in the body, such as stimulating or mitigating the function of cells in an organ or the nervous system, to achieve a sense of balance or equilibrium.
Aromatherapy uses essential oils extracted from aromatic plants to restore balance and harmony to the body and mind for the benefit of our health and beauty. Some of essential oils’ most praised properties include:
To reap these benefits, quality natural essential oils must be used that are actually extracted from plants and not from a synthetic essence. There are many synthetic essential oils on the market that smell nice but don’t actually have these properties. It is also important that essential oils be extracted naturally (by pressure distillation), without the use of solvents or chemical processes that can alter their properties.
Aromatherapy and Per Purr products:
“Home spa shower effect”: intense moisture shampoo and conditioner, the salt exfoliant.
“Professional massage”: Relax and Sporty oils
“Romantic bath”, even if just for one: Floral-Cure bath salts
Velvety-soft skin: Our moisturizer!
We receive many messages by email, chat, what’s app and on social media every day. Some with questions about our products, and many with general beauty questions. We thought it might be helpful to share some of the most frequently asked beauty questions.
FALSE! This is not actually true, it’s more of an optical illusion. Remember, each hair stems from a single hair follicle. So if you pull out a gray hair or it falls out, it can only be replaced by a hair that comes from the same follicle, not from others around it.
No, no, and NO!
The amount of foam depends on the amount of surfactant used in the formula. Manufacturers sometimes look to foam to create a sensory experience for the customer, but that doesn't mean higher quality or better cleansing.
FALSE! The only product that has proven effective on stretch marks is retinoic acid, since it is capable of generating new collagen, which is what stretch marks need to improve. In fact, they say that stretch mark creams currently on the market have not been proven to provide a greater benefit than regular moisturizer, but they do maintain and even increase the elasticity of your skin, reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
FALSE! Not necessarily, although it is recommended to use a daily use shampoo with less detergent, when your hair needs it, so as not to dry it out. What does damage your hair is using a blow dryer or other hot tools on a daily basis.
FALSE! Once they have split, they can’t be fixed. They're broken, they can't be repaired or closed because the hair cuticle is already damaged. The best treatment? Get regular trims to keep your hair healthy.
FALSE! Hair is made up of keratin, it doesn't regenerate like skin, so it can't get used to anything. If you notice that your shampoo or conditioner doesn't work anymore, it could be because your hair has changed and may be drier, for example, due to external agents, coloring, the time of year, etc.
Depending on the ingredients in the shampoo you use, you may notice this. Most shampoos and treatments have mineral silicones. Over months of use, hair loses its shine and volume. Try a shampoo that does not contain mineral silicones – ideally pick one with plant silicone and plant and essential oils.
Using our shampoos you will notice the difference immediately after the first wash – your hair will be much shinier and flexible. That effect is not lost if you use them on a daily basis.
NO! Let's put this question to rest once and for all. Hair is always thicker at the root than at the ends. When you use a razor, you cut the hair almost at the base, where it is thicker. So when the hair grows, it grows back from the base and feels thicker.
Try removing your hair with tweezers or wax; you’ll see how it grows back just the same, so shaving doesn't change anything.
TIP: For those who always use a razor, assume that your hair will always grow back thick. Also, with this type of hair removal, your hair grows much faster than when it's pulled out at the root. There are some options, such as hair removal creams (for legs, bikini area, armpits, etc.), which dissolve the base of the hair. Your hair does not grow back as fast as it does when you use a razor, or as slow as traditional waxing/honey.
If you don't like waxing, you don’t feel like making an appointment to have your hair removed, etc., there are a lot of electric hair removal devices that are very practical, fast, and do not leave traces of wax on your skin. Plus there is always the option of laser hair removal, which removes hair forever, in a few sessions.
YEAP! It’s a fact that pulling out your hairs from the roots for years makes them more fragile every day, and therefore thinner and weaker. But it's not only that; with age, due to a hormonal issue, your hairs become weaker and thinner over time. Your hair may even stop growing back in certain areas.
TIP: This process affects the whole body! Be careful not to pluck your eyebrows too much, and don't overdo it by looking for the perfect shape. Too much tweezing can cause them to stop being thick in the long term.
YES... The more you remove your cuticles, the more they grow back, and it will be more noticeable, that's why you have the impression that there's always too much cuticle and it grows very fast. It's true that the less we remove it, the less it grows. The cuticle is a type of protection for your nails. If your body notices that this protection is missing, it quickly replaces it. If it is intact, the body does not need to produce as much skin. Cuticles grow to a point and then stop. It is important to moisturize and care for your cuticles. Obviously, some grow more than others, depending on the person, just like hair.
TIP: If you don't have time to do your nails, or between manicures, spend some time moisturizing your cuticles. You can use either specific nail and cuticle products or any hand moisturizer. If you’re more into natural products like we are, apply a few drops of plant oil, such as argan or macadamia, mainly in winter.
Moisturized cuticles always give a neater appearance.
Chocolate isn't just delicious, it's also very good for your skin.
Theobroma cacao (or “food of the gods” – we couldn’t agree more!) is a plant native to the Amazon, which has been in existence for thousands of years.
There are ever more studies that point to the benefits of chocolate, including one published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics which indicates that topical omega-3s can reduce UV sensitivity (signs of photoaging) in skin cells (1). Research suggests that there’s a possibility that skin care products rich in omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids may actually improve the skin’s appearance (2).
Cacao is the ingredient per excellence in all chocolate products, and a very complex foodstuff nutritionally rich in minerals, antioxidants and vasoactive compounds.
Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician who’s considered the father of medicine, said:
The idea that chocolate can serve quite literally as “medicine” has already been taken up in scientific literature (3).
Cocoa butter, the natural oil derived from cacao beans, contains omega-3 fatty acids which provide the skin with a healthy dose of soothing rejuvenation, as well as antioxidant effects (2). And there’s a great deal of evidence pointing to the health benefits of regularly eating dark chocolate.
It’s nothing more than a myth that chocolate causes acne. However, while it doesn’t cause acne, chocolate is still full of high-calorie, high-fat ingredients. These days, there’s more attention being paid to the link between diet and developing acne.
Acne is a complex skin problem and breakouts can come and go for no real reason. But there’s strong evidence which connects acne with a Western diet, rich in calories, fats, and refined carbohydrates. Fast food – like hamburgers, fried chicken, hot dogs, french fries, and soft drinks – can increase the risk of acne. The high sugar and fat content can boost sebum production, a determining factor in the development of acne.
Food is far from the most likely culprit when it comes to acne. The real causes of acne are the accumulation of dead skin cells inside your pores and the skin’s overproduction of oil (sebum), combined with excess bacteria.
Hormones also play an important role in acne breakouts. That's why acne is so common during puberty and at that time of the month for people who menstruate, meaning your chocolate consumption ends up coinciding with your breakout! Predisposition to acne is also hereditary. So, if your parents had acne, you'll probably have it too.
At Per Purr we have Fresh Soap, a refreshing soap ideal for all skin types, made with plenty of cocoa butter mixed with chopped mint leaves and three essential oils: peppermint, lemongrass and basil.
Studies:
¨1¨ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15979259/
¨2¨ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4696435/
¨3¨. Franco OH. Bonneux L. de Laet C. Peeters A. Steyerberg EW. Mackenbach JP. The Polymeal: a more natural, safer, and probably tastier (than the Polypill) strategy to reduce cardiovascular disease by more than 75% BMJ. 2004;329:1447–1450. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Your hands get dry (or rather, they suffer) from the harsh cold. This yearly seasonal problem is even worse this year since everyone is washing our hands more often and using antibacterial gel, which further damages the skin.
If, in addition to dryness, your skin is red or shows more serious and bothersome signs, the skin on your hands will need more than hydration. The nutrition offered by natural body oils is a better option. We strongly emphasize that body oils be natural because they are what really help to repair the skin’s lipid barrier. They repair the damages caused to the skin and reduce oxidative stress.
We know that oil is not absorbed as quickly as cream, but it is what our skin needs in these kinds of circumstances. Chamomile, lavender, almond and calendula essential oils are especially beneficial. They are known for their soothing, relaxing, repairing and anti-inflammatory effects and are the basis of our Relax body oil.
As for its use, we don’t want to generalize, since that depends on the type of skin and the needs of each person. For your hands, feel free to use a small amount of moisturizer after washing, since it counters the effects of continual use of soap and antibacterial gel. Shea Butter, present in our Natural Moisturizing Cream, makes your hands softer.
If you don't have any moisturizer at home, and you need to hydrate your hands, like when they are red, natural body oil is a good substitute for cream. If you don't have body oil either, you can look for alternatives in some of the products we almost always have in our kitchen, such as virgin coconut oil or olive oil. A mask of full-fat natural yogurt for 30 minutes can also help.
By gently massaging the palms of our hands using the opposite thumb and stretching our fingers, we relieve any tension generated throughout the day, as well as promoting proper circulation. We must remember that our hands are one of the parts of our bodies that we use the most throughout the day, yet sometimes we forget the importance of caring for them.
Hydrating our hands before going to sleep is very important because, as we do with our nightly face routine, we are making sure that while we sleep, our skin isn’t exposed to other external agents present during the day, such as pollution, heating or air conditioning, and the hydration is more effective. Don't forget to massage your cuticles as well, because hydrated cuticles prevent the entry of fungus and bacteria.
It goes without saying that it is best to avoid direct exposure of our skin and hands to more aggressive products such as industrial cleaning detergents or similar products.
Don’t forget about exfoliation – an extra step for caring for your hands. Even though our Per Purr Salts Selection Exfoliant contains sweet almond and exotic verbena oils, exfoliation should always be gentle. Avoid exfoliating any areas of your skin that appear to be inflamed.
We would like to emphasize the benefit of salt baths for our hands. Just as massages are good for our hands, soaking them in warm water with salts and essential oils is very good for relaxing the hand muscles. If you like floral smells, I definitely recommend our Floral-Cure salts.
Have you heard about the benefits of bath salts? At Per Purr, we’ll give you some very useful ideas to get to know and use a product that will benefit your daily routine.
You've probably already taken a super relaxing bath with your Natural or Herbal Per Purr shower gel. But what if you add a little more? Bath salts have been used since ancient times. With a high content of magnesium, calcium and minerals, they were used to treat several bone, joint and skin problems.
When you add them to your bath water, the steam from the water will release the smells of the salts, causing a stimulating or relaxing effect (depending on the aroma).
At Per Purr, you can find a wide range of original bath salts for your daily routine:
Start off autumn invigorated and choose your favorite salts from our Autumn Essentials.
On one summer day, a friend took an industrial brand deodorant spray out of her bag and used it. As I hadn't used this type of deodorant for years, the smell disgusted me. I couldn't ignore it, it was so unpleasant. She then opened a bottle of hair mask and ran it through the ends of her hair. Another strange, sweet, artificial smell invaded the room.
I asked her to let me read the label on the mask and was surprised by the amount of harmful ingredients in the product. How was it possible that this friend, who takes such good care of her diet, health and body, could use this type of product?
No, it's not nonsense, nor am I being radical. I am a demanding person when it comes to what I use on my skin and in my hair.
I explained that the mask had dyes, silicones and petroleum by-products. She was shocked: "What? That's disgusting! What do I do now? I want to start using natural products.”
A new world opened up for her. I sent her articles explaining the damage that many ingredients in everyday products can cause. I explained to her that the exfoliant she so enthusiastically and proudly showed me contained plastic microbeads that can contaminate the oceans and be ingested by fish. I recommended that she use exfoliants made of sugar or salts, such as the Per Purr exfoliant or even exfoliant recipes using coffee.
I explained to her that it was a gradual change for me, especially because it takes time to find an ideal natural shampoo for your hair, a facial cream that suits your taste and, most importantly, your wallet.
My advice is to start by changing 3 everyday products: soap, deodorant and toothpaste. These products are easy to find in their natural versions, and making those adjustments is already a significant change. After adapting to these products, I recommend trying plant-based oils and/or clays.
I'm a big fan of coconut oil, for example, which can be used as a makeup remover, moisturizer, aftershave, and can even be used in a natural deodorant recipe. Clay can be used as a face mask or exfoliant. At Per Purr, we have developed a clay shampoo that is incredible!
It’s important not to make a radical change, and instead switch to buying natural products gradually. Try out different products and options. One suggestion is to try the mini samples that many brands offer: at Per Purr, you can buy a sample pack with all the Per Purr products so you can try out each one.
When we start using natural cosmetics, I think we understand our bodies better. Much of our skin is just a reflection of what we eat and use. When you swap your shampoos, conditioners and masks for natural ones, you’ll discover what your hair really looks like.
Keep in mind that when cosmetics are replaced by natural alternatives, the effects may not be immediately clear. Each person’s skin/hair/body reacts differently, and there’s no way to predict this when we don’t know the characteristics of that person. So, be patient!
High-quality raw materials and natural active ingredients are more expensive than synthetic ones.
In fact, you end up saving. For me, I tend to see long-lasting results with natural cosmetics, and I see this as an advantage. For example, I wash my hair less often if the shampoo is natural and of superior quality. When I use Per Purr's shower gel, I don't have to use a body moisturizer every day.
I'm sure many of you don't know this, but the composition of natural cosmetics makes them versatile.
Per Purr's natural soaps can be used on both the body and face. Our conditioners can also be used as a hair treatment mask or a leave-in conditioner. Per Purr's orange and ginger facial oil has an anti-wrinkle, anti-acne and toning effect. In other words, over time you’ll discover how to enjoy the versatility of each product.
Once we realize how getting back to the natural world positively affects different aspects of our lives – our health, our wallets and the environment – we can see that it’s not a trend, it’s a matter of urgency. When we see the boost we get from this process of transition, we can’t put a price on that.
After reading the article by Catarina Alves on the 'Ellas Hablan' (‘Women Talk’) website, we wanted to share all aspects of the "witch hunt" against ingredients prohibited in modern cosmetics with you. We are fascinated by this topic, and decided to discuss and explain it in a simple and understandable way. If you want to take a look at the original post (in Spanish), click here.
The increase in demand for paraben-free cosmetics indicates that people nowadays have more knowledge and pay more attention to health. However, few people know exactly why they want to avoid these ingredients. The general established idea is that they are bad for us, but why are they bad?
We will tell you all about parabens, their bad reputation and the reasons why many experts warn of the risk of searching for alternatives in brands that attempt to take advantage of this marketing frenzy.
Parabens are a compound consisting of acid and alcohol derived from p-hydroxybenzoic acid. There are several types of parabens according to their composition, and the most commonly used forms in the cosmetics industry are methylparaben, propyl parahydroxybenzoate and butylparaben. Despite their complicated scientific names, these compounds are nothing more than preservatives.
They are commonly found in personal care products such as soaps, moisturizers and deodorants, and can also be included in many makeup products.
Due to their composition based on acids and alcohol, parabens prevent the growth and spread of bacteria, microbes and mold in these products – which is very important if we consider the fact that they are usually stored in humid environments (such as the bathroom) and often are exposed to germs through direct contact with the skin of our hands. Their purpose is simply to increase the lifespan of these products and retain their properties and qualities for longer.
Despite their widespread use in the cosmetics industry, today, parabens have fallen out of favor as a result of several scientific studies that have raised questions regarding their safety.
In 2004, traces of parabens were discovered in breast cancer patients. Although it was not proven whether these were the cause, the first doubts were raised against their use.
The European Union declared in 2008 that parabens ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate and methylparaben were safe, but also recognized that further studies were required into the possible side effects caused by propyl parahydroxybenzoate and butylparaben use. In 2015, the EU introduced a regulation to reduce the amounts and use of propyl parahydroxybenzoate and butylparaben in cosmetics products, such as moisturizers, intended for children under the age of 3.
The general conclusion of all studies on parabens is that yes, they may have contraindications and further detailed studies are necessary, particularly regarding their possible role in the development of cancer. However, they are also some of the most controlled preservatives in the cosmetics industry and researchers warn of the danger of using their bad reputation as a marketing strategy.
Although researchers are in favor of safer and more natural alternatives, they fear that brands will start using the paraben-free label to attract more consumers, exchanging them for other less-researched types of preservatives with possibly more harmful consequences for the body.
The use of paraben-free cosmetics is a matter of personal preference.
If you do not mind using cosmetic products with parabens, experts recommend avoiding those with propyl parahydroxybenzoate and butylparaben and to opt for ethyl paraben and methylparaben, since the latter are better-researched in terms of their consequences and are considered as safe parabens.
How to tell if cosmetics contain parabens:
Paraben-free cosmetics usually declare this by either using a logo or with a small phrase on their labels. However, no legislation obliges them to indicate this on their labels.
If the formula contains parabens, they should be listed in the product ingredients list. Search the list for names like:
In Per Purr, we use another preservative (derived from coconut oil). This choice is NOT because we hate parabens, but because it is a high-quality raw material, which in addition to preserving our products, also provides them with extra soothing properties for skin and hair.
If you don't like to travel in the winter, after reading this post you might change your mind. Apart from visiting museums or having something hot in a cozy café, what else is there to do on a trip to Germany in the wintertime?
The truth is that it doesn’t matter when, Germany always has beautiful places to visit and explore anytime of year. Not to mention that the Germans have a special interest in issues that are also very important to us: health and well-being.
With that in mind, we selected tips from two of our favorite German cities, so you can discover the best they have to offer and decide what your next destination will be this winter!
Treat your body and soul well in Berlin
If there is something you must do in Berlin, it is spend a day at the Vabali spa. This "oasis" of well-being is a gift to yourself in every way. The place transports you directly to Bali, inviting you to a well-deserved rest in the heart of Berlin.
The spa has two floors and has approximately 20,000 square meters, offering everything you can imagine for a day of well-being: heated pools, jacuzzis, saunas, massages and treatments, rooms with fireplaces, as well as a restaurant with great food at fair prices.
If you are a plant lover like us and if you like cozy places to have breakfast or enjoy a flavorful tea, we recommend the House of Small Wonder restaurant and café. Directly from Williamsburg, New York to Berlin.
With a spectacular atmosphere and great decor, its culinary concept has numerous Japanese influences: homemade food with organic and local ingredients. Homemade bread, croissants and freshly baked cakes are freshly made throughout the day.
In wintertime in Germany, it is very important to plan where you’re going and how long you will be walking outside on the streets. For this reason, the Markthalle Neun is a good option, it’s an indoor market you can stroll through, offering many options of local gastronomy and shelter from the cold weather.
The market has a special concept: "eat and buy in a different way." Suppliers are local producers who know the history behind their products. An artisanal bakery, a small brewery, typical German cake kiosks and a wide variety of Turkish, Arabic, Greek, and Italian cuisine.
In addition, the market offers space for projects that address issues relating to nutrition, agriculture, biodiversity and the environment.
Healthy Fast Food + Day Spa in Munich
Munich is full of good surprises. One of them is the exclusive day spa in the center of the city: Organic Luxury, a place well-worth the visit, where you can even find Per Purr products among other niche brands.
Focused on sensory and wellness experiences, both in the treatments and in the products offered in the store, Organic Luxury shows that taking care of yourself with high-quality products, combined with the desire to use products without synthetic additives, is no longer a luxury, but part of the routine of many people also concerned about what they’re using on the skin.
There is nothing better than warm soups and broths in the winter, and Germany is the ideal place to have delicious soups. We recommend Urban Soup: a super authentic place they like to call “Healthy Fast Food” in Munich.
All soups are made with high-quality regional and organic products, and they also offer take-out, ideal for those who are travelling and do not want to waste time. And what we like: the soups are served in recyclable jars that you can return there or reuse them yourself.
We also would like to recommend a visit to the beauty center Cremebar Beauty & Wellness, a space with a pleasant atmosphere that offers facial and body treatments, as well as advice from their team of experts.
Cremebar also has an online cosmetics shop where you can find Per Purr products in Munich.
Enjoy these tips, and don't forget to take a Per Purr travel kit with you on your next trip!
The most common feedback we hear about our products at PerPurr is “they smell so good!” We hear that a lot. We receive emails. Our customers tell us. Our partners say it. The delivery man who picks up our packages every day comments on it...
We get the message: it’s your favorite part about Per Purr, the first thing that jumps out at you, and we are super proud of this! Want to know why smell memory is so strong?
Our sense of smell plays an active role in our lives. It alerts us of danger, it evokes memories and emotions. It seduces us... In fact, we can distinguish among a billion different aromatic notes. Wow!
You could say that an aroma is worth a thousand words. Aromas precede us, define us, and change us: fragrances are part of who we are, they tell our personal history. They are an emotional connection, memories associated with a specific moment, and can set off an emotional blast from the past.
The only undeniable fact is that as humans, we like to relieve the nice moments in life.
Unfortunately, life is not just full of good memories. A smell associated with a bad experience is usually immediately rejected - that’s how strong our brain’s reaction is.
Whenever we create a product, we try to make it evoke a sensation.
Like being in a dense, dewy forest.
A sunny Saturday morning.
A dessert.
The smell of citrus after the rain.
Moments that evoke happiness, this is what our ‘5 minute reset shower’, philosophy is based on. All you need is 5 minutes under the water with aromas that have the power to energize you, to reset your mood or unload a day’s stress. Are you in?
