We spoke with Warren Brander, President of Derma Wise Skin Care Ltd. Thera Wise is his (incredible) line of all-natural plant therapy ointments that use bio-active plant extracts to heal and restore our skin. Here are his thoughts on what’s so special about what’s in (and out) of his products, what we should all have in our medicine cabinet, and selling hemorrhoid cream.
You claim to be an environmentally conscious health professional. What is that?
To be honest I am not really sure exactly what that means however I think any health professional would be lacking to not have consideration for environmental health issues. My background is in Traditional Oriental Medicine which includes modalities like acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage and diet counseling with a focus/special interest in dermatology and internal medicine. Subsequent to this I studied cosmetic science and more particularly natural cosmetic formulation or ‘green chemistry’ as it is sometimes called. These mentioned practices seek healthier more balanced earth and body friendly solutions to common concerns that affect us all.
So many other healthy beauty products have beeswax in them. Why do you keep it out of your line?
The Thera Wise line of ointments are vegan friendly which excludes the use of animal or insect byproduct. Secondly the commercial production of beeswax and honey have some real concerns associated with them that many do not realize, I have touched on this issue in a recent blog post here.
Is it difficult to sell hemorrhoid cream?
Not at all, especially as Thera Wise HmR Natural Bio-Active Hemorrhoidal Ointment is our best seller. I am so used to it now that it is like discussing the weather! (not for us, but great for you, Warren!)
What is surprising is the prevalence of this condition particularly in North America. Apart from hemorrhoidal discomfort during pregnancy which is due to largely uncontrollable physiological changes, hemorrhoids should not be as common as it is if we could improve our diet and lifestyle. This is a condition that did not exist in some cultures around the world. If people would only eat better and exercise I would be out of a job!
People have been using Clearasil for generations. Can you zap as zit like they can? Why would someone choose your acne ointment over theirs?
There is a fundamental flaw in the traditional acne treatment methodology. Chemicals treatments (dermabrasion, chemical peels, benzoyl peroxide (BP), salicylic acid and corticosteroids) compromise the integrity of the skin’s natural defenses (eco flora/hydro-lipid layer of the epidermis). Benzoyl peroxide is a perfect example of a treatment setting one up for failure, it burns/dries out the skin giving the appearance of a reduction in the redness only to come back with a vengeance because the skin tissue is compromised and cannot overcome pathogenic bacteria naturally. On top of this all conventional acne treatments are petro-chemical based which for many reasons is counter intuitive to the successful treatment of skin inflammation. Our Ac+ Acne Ointment balances and enhances the immune function of the skin to overcome pathogenic bacteria naturally, by balancing the skins eco-flora with prebiotics and with plant based anti-inflammatory we can effectively manage an acne outbreak as well as treat it prophylactically.
What are three other things that should be stocked in everyone’s medicine cabinets?
Better than stocking your medicine cabinet, grow healing plants like rosemary, chamomile, lavender,burdock, sweet basil, elderberry, calendula, aloe, motherswort, lemon balm, st john’s wort and as many fruits, berries and leafy green veggies as you can. (hey Young Urban Farmers, can you help?)
To find out where to buy Thera Wise near you, check out their list of retailers. Follow them to find out what’s new @TheraWise, and like them on Facebook too.
