When life gives you lemons, make margaritas – Our #MAKINGITFORQLD Story
“Something very beautiful happens to people when their world has fallen apart: a humility, a nobility, a higher intelligence emerges at just the point when our knees hit the floor.” Marianne Williamson
A few months ago, when the you know what hit the proverbial fan, the future looked very bleak for many Aussie businesses and their employees. As we know now the challenges were about to get extreme and in some cases seemingly impossible to overcome. For Brazilian Beauty and our sisters at ASI, the closure of 21 clinics across 4 states was a devastating blow for hundreds of staff and thousands of customers.
This family run, Brisbane based company has grown from very humble beginnings to now becoming one of Australia’s most recognisable and best loved beauty franchises. It’s the heart and soul of CEO, Francesca Webster, who is the epitome of the very thing Brazilian Beauty promotes - “believe in beautiful”.
Hard working and driven, Francesca is not one to shy away from a challenge. Her passion for the community and its people is evident by her contributions and involvement in charitable events such as ‘Dancing CEO’s’; which supports Women’s Legal Services to provide free legal and welfare help to Queensland women and kids at risk of domestic violence.
So, it was no surprise to me that, when faced with the monumental pressures that covid-19 has brought upon business across Australia, Francesca and her team would not crumble. Instead, a new socially responsible initiative was created; a seemingly pie-in-the-face reply to everything covid-19 was attempting to undermine: our health, our livelihoods and our community spirit.
Formulated and produced in Brisbane as part of the Australian Skin Institute product catalogue, the ASI Everyday Hand Sanitiser is made from Australian sourced ingredients and environmentally friendly packaging. Containing 70% commercial grade Alcohol Denat, it’s powerful enough to protect against covid-19 and, being a liquid formula instead of a gel, is ideal for use on hands and surfaces such as phones, works stations, tools and equipment.
However, the most exciting aspect of this product is its thoughtful consideration to its interaction with the skin. The clever cats at ASI have included Aloe Vera, Lemongrass Oil and Eucalyptus Oil into the formulation making this hand sanitiser simultaneously powerful while gentle on the skin and the senses.
Aloe Vera
The use of Aloe Vera buffers irritation and dryness caused by the constant use of many other commercial hand sanitisers and it’s actually naturally antibacterial. Aloe Vera is also a rich source of antioxidants and may help reduce skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis.
Rich in Vitamin C, E and Beta Carotene (converts to Vitamin A), you can see why Aloe Vera is the perfect all rounder to include in a product that will be frequently used on the hands.
Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass has long been used in traditional medicine for its ability to relieve pain, stomach problems and fevers. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti fungal properties makes it a popular oral remedy however, it’s the beautiful citrus scent of Lemongrass Oil which is known for its ability to assist in the relief of stress, anxiety and depression. Perfectly apt right now don’t you think?
Interestingly, research from 2010 also found that Lemongrass Oil was effective against a variety of drug resistant bacteria, including those that cause skin infections and pneumonia. If you want to learn more- check out the link (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1995764510601290)
Eucalyptus Oil
You can’t get any more Australian than Eucalyptus Oil. This Aussie favourite has, for many years, been used to suppress coughs and colds (think Vick’s Vapour Rub). The Australian Aborigines used Eucalyptus leaves to treat wounds and prevent infection and even now it’s oil is still used in skincare products to fight inflammation and promote healing.
If you would like to support Australian Made and the #MakingItForQLD initiative then head on over to the Australian Skin Institute website to order your ASI hand sanitiser or Anti-Bac Cleansing Shower Gel. www.australianskininstitute.com.au
