We were honoured to help Radhika understand the perfect skincare addition for her zodiac and to introduce her to the wonderful team at Salon C Stellar, the fabulous creation of Andrea Pfeffer. Full article below:
By Radhika Sanghani for the Daily Mail
When it comes to skincare, I’m always ready to try new things. As someone who successfully banished the adult acne of my late 20s with years of expensive facials, I know the power of finding the right treatment for you.
And what could be more personalised than a facial informed not only by the latest scientific advances but also by my character and resulting lifestyle choices?
Enter the ‘Astro Facial’ – apparently the world’s first ‘fusion of skin health and astrology’. The idea is to treat skin concerns triggered by your star sign character traits (you can find out which skincare ingredients are best for your sign in the skincare horoscopes within this article).
As far-fetched as it might sound, it’s all about tapping into the skin-brain connection – something that is backed up by neuroscience. Known as ‘neurocosmetics’, this is where effects in the brain, such as stress, show up on the skin.
So, will tapping into my Taurean traits – from a tendency to brood, to a love for luxury – sort out my rosacea and occasional breakouts once and for all?
Astrology-inspired skincare has its roots in the U.S., but a 75-minute treatment costing £220 is on offer at London’s Salon C. Stellar, brainchild of skincare expert Andrea Pfeffer, who describes it as a place ‘where ancient wisdom meets modern science’.
The salon uses products from the Children of Earth Skincare range: 12 facial oils – one for each zodiac sign – ranging from an anti-inflammatory, confidence-boosting oil for empathetic Aquariuses to a soothing, antimicrobial oil for driven Capricorns, costing £55 each.
Before my appointment, I fill in the detailed pre-consultation form, providing not only my date of birth but the time and place, so that my facialist can work out my astrological chart.
When I arrive, a personalised ‘Taurus’ sheet is all laid out on the lilac bed waiting for me.
It turns out that what we think of as our star signs are actually our ‘sun signs’, i.e. where the Earth was in relation to the sun at the moment of our birth; ‘moon signs’ are where the moon was. Conveniently, both of mine were in Taurus.
‘Your moon sign is your calming, feminine sign,’ explains facialist Stephanie Alvarez. ‘And that’s the energy we want to tap into today.’
Stephanie starts by massaging a flower-based cleanser onto my face, telling me to breathe, meditate and focus on the ‘qualities associated with my moon sign’. I close my eyes and try to connect with the Taurean energy of feeling grounded, and also sensuality and pleasure.
Even when she uses an LED light therapy device on my skin to increase collagen, she puts headphones over my ears so I can follow an astrology-specific guided meditation. It’s so soothing that I nod off.
The facialist uses an LED light therapy device on Radhika's skin to increase collagen
But the best part is the luxuriously long facial massage, using my specific Taurus zodiac oil. It contains apricot kernel and raspberry seed, plus rosemary oil to stimulate concentration and alertness, whilst combating overthinking (a major issue for Tauruses, apparently) and ylang ylang to relieve stress and depression.
When I leave the facial, my skin is glowing. Friends compliment me all day, wanting to know why my complexion looks so dewy and bright.
The proof is in the upkeep. I get to keep my £55 bottle of zodiac oil, which Arabella von Nesselrode-Reichenstein, founder of Children of Earth Skincare, encourages me to use daily, as well as a Virgo oil (another £55) for my ‘rising’ sign – the planetary influence that was rising at the time of my birth, something that can be discovered through free astrology websites.
Radhika's friends kept complimenting her glowing complexion following the Astro Facial
‘Your sun sign is your essence and overarching personality, so you can use that oil when you’re starting your day,’ she explains. ‘Your rising is your outer identity, the person you show to everyone else, so that can be quite useful before a meeting or a presentation. And your moon sign is your emotions and inner processes, so that oil can be good to use before bed.’
I try out my Virgo and Taurus oils each morning and night, massaging them into my skin before taking six deep breaths – in for seven seconds, exhaling for nine. At first, it feels annoying to have yet another addition to my routine, but I soon find myself looking forward to my moment of luxury.
As for my skin, it also feels plumper and more relaxed. The rosacea seems to have calmed down a little and I haven’t had a breakout since my facial. I have no idea whether it’s because of the anti-inflammatory mushrooms in the oils, or because I’m using my Taurus and Virgo energy to give my brain the specific de-stressors it needs. Whether it’s down to astrology, or simply more ‘me time’, it seems to be working.
SO, HOW SHOULD YOU TAILOR YOUR SKINCARE ACCORDING TO YOUR STAR SIGN?
By Arabella von Nesselrode-Reichenstein, founder of Children of Earth Skincare
Aries
Most skincare issues for an Aries can be triggered by things like over-exertion and possible anger. So, the best thing for an Aries is to keep calm, using relaxing oils like lavender flower, which also help sensitive and acne-prone skin, as well as a balancing frankincense oil, which is anti-inflammatory and can also restore collagen. To cool down that Aries fire, peppermint oil is a great option as it naturally cools and soothes the skin.
Taurus
Most of their skincare problems can come down to over-indulging or excessive comfort-seeking, as well as a tendency to overthink. The best thing for a Taurus is to try to stop brooding on their problems, as this can exacerbate existing conditions, so rosemary oil, which helps boost concentration, is perfect. Patchouli will help maintain skin elasticity, prevent UV damage and ground the earthy Taurus mind, while ylang ylang helps relieve stress symptoms.
Gemini
Geminis have a tendency to be restless and occasionally nervous, which could lead to becoming run-down and burnt-out – all of which isn’t great for the skin. So, try anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ginger oil, which can ease facial muscle tension; grapefruit oil, which addresses stress on a cellular level; and bergamot oil to boost the skin’s collagen and reduce cortisol.
Cancer
High emotions are common for Cancers and can lead to a lessening of vitality in the skin. It’s important to try to stay calm, using things like rosemary oil to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. Chamomile oil has anti-inflammatory effects on tired skin, and is also neuroprotective, helping to safeguard the nervous system.
Leo
Skin issues for Leos can be traced back to over-exertion and getting too fired up. It’s important for them to try to ground themselves, using things like rose oil to help both their skin and minds relax, as well as cool their skin temperature and blood flow. Raspberry seed oil can help repair skin cells and stop the skin from losing its natural moisture.
Virgo
For Virgos, most skin problems can come down to an imbalance of the gut microbiome, which can lead to excess acid – something normally triggered by anxiety and worrying. Petitgrain oil is a powerful antioxidant that can balance the skin microbiome and barrier, while anti-ageing lemon oil reduces stress. Frankincense can help restore collagen and help balance emotions.
Libra
When Libras are out of balance, it can lead to nervous exhaustion, all of which has an impact on the skin. Anti-ageing geranium oil can help with the brain’s stress response, while black pepper oil encourages collagen production and apricot kernel oil can boost overall skin health and harmonise the skin barrier.
Scorpio
For Scorpios, over-analysis of situations can lead to tired, stressed-out skin, while nurturing their sensual personalities will have the opposite effect. Libido-boosting rose oil can help, as can oxytocin-boosting clary sage to reduce blood pressure. Add lavender oil to keep dry skin moisturised.
Sagittarius
Often, skin issues for Sagittariuses come down to problems caused by too much restlessness, so healing tea tree oil is recommended. Its anti-skin cancer properties make it perfect for an adventurous, outdoorsy Sagittarius. Meanwhile, cordyceps mushroom will help to reduce stress from UVB sun damage and inhibit ageing in the cells.
Capricorn
Typically, skin concerns for Capricorns can be triggered by inner tensions and worry, born from a tendency to impose self-limiting beliefs. Bergamot oil helps by reducing anxiety and cortisol, whilst boosting the skin’s collagen levels. Green mandarin oil is an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory extract which can also help build inner strength.
Aquarius
The individual nature of an Aquarius means they can be susceptible to anxiety, so it’s important for them to lean into their self-confidence. Neroli oil is clinically proven to reduce anxiety and is a powerful antioxidant glow-giver for skin, while coriander oil is a natural antidepressant, as well as being anti-ageing and collagen-boosting.
Pisces
This is a naturally dreamy, contemplative sign, but when a Pisces is too in their heads, it can lead to an imbalance in the skin. Frankincense helps provide a sense of stability and balance, as well as regulating cortisol and restoring collagen, while raspberry seed oil can help soften the skin and reduce irritations such as itching, swelling and redness.
