Awakening Beauty the Dr. Hauschka Way

Based on products developed in the 1960s by Austrian chemist Rudolf Hauschka and aesthetician Elisabeth Sigmund, the Dr. Hauschka skin-care line has been used by Hollywood makeup artists to care for the complexions of such trendsetters as Cate Blanchette, Jennifer Aniston and Madonna. The line incorporates plant ingredients extracted by a method that Hauschka claimed retained their most vital life energies. West Kurz, now president of Dr. Hauschka Skin Care Inc., offers readers a month-long, 12-step regimen to restore health and beauty based on Hauschka's belief that restoring life energies provides optimum health. West Kurz shows readers how to structure their lives and choose healing strategies according to their own natural rhythms. Her plan consists of foods, herbs, essential oils, exercise, meditation and beauty products that readers can use to combat stress, environmental pollution and the effects of aging. She provides menus and recipes and describes proper skin-care methods and solutions for rosacea, acne and other conditions. West Kurz actively promotes the Dr. Hauschka line, but also includes instructions for simple at-home treatments using oatmeal, almond butter, apple cider vinegar, herbs and other inexpensive items. While her practical, creative suggestions are rejuvenating, readers will find most refreshing Hauschka's vision of respect and love, first for the self and then for others and the planet. (May)