After 100 years, the recipe still hasn’t changed.
After 100 years, this iconic green tube still uses the same original formula of organic sunflower seed oil, lanolin and beeswax, with the signature Phyto-Infusion blend of wild pansy, chamomile and calendula. There have been so many different uses and tips that I've heard about over the years, so here is a round-up of the 15 most popular uses for the OG Weleda Skin Food.
1. A dewy makeup primer
Makeup artists use this one to prime the skin, and I've noticed this too. When I've had my makeup done for TV or photoshoots, they press a small amount into my skin before they add the foundation, and it does make the skin look beautiful and dewy, and the makeup does last all day.
2. A treat for dry elbows and knees
Our elbows and knees have hardly any oil glands, which is why they get so rough, and why body lotion disappears so quickly there. But the lanolin and beeswax in this make it stay put and really lock the moisture in.
3. An overnight face treatment
Because this is so thick and creamy it makes a great night cream. Just smooth some onto your face before bed and by morning the skin feels so soft and nourished. This is also a great tip for travelling because you don't need to pack an extra night cream.
4. Keep the skin hydrated on planes
Speaking of travelling, the cabin air on planes really dries out our skin. Whenever I'm on a plane, as soon as I'm in my seat I pull out this tube and add a thick layer to my face and hands.
5. A natural highlighter
This is my favourite way to use it, I add a small amount onto the tops of the cheekbones on top of my makeup, even after I've added a powder, and when the light catches it, it lifts my whole face. I even filmed a demo of this that you can watch on the product page.
6. A rich hand cream
This is what I mostly use it for every day, you cannot find a better hand cream.
7. A cuticle treatment
While I'm rubbing this into my hands I always make sure I massage it into my cuticles and nails.
8. Tame frizz and fix eyebrows
Warm a tiny amount between your fingers, press it into the ends of your hair to smooth frizz, then use whatever's left to shape and set your brows.
9. A layer against wind and cold
Add a thin layer around the nose area before you head out in winter to protect the skin from the cold wind. It's really great for snow trips too!
10. A heel and foot balm
I love this old cotton socks trick: slather a very generous layer onto your heels before bed, pop on a pair of cotton socks, and by morning your heels will be nice and soft.
11. The best back-up lip balm
You can use this cream as a lip balm too. Weleda do also have 2 dedicated lip balms, the Skin Food Lip Balm in a tube and the Skin Food Lip Stick, but this is a good back-up if you're like me and keep losing your lip balms.
12. A super hydrating face mask
Apply a thick layer all over your face, leave it for 10-15 minutes, then tissue off or massage in any excess.
13. A DIY tinted moisturiser
Mix a small amount with your foundation on the back of your hand and it turns a full coverage foundation into a sheer, dewy tinted moisturiser. This is also a great trick for making any foundation that's too dark a few shades lighter.
14. A barrier for hair colour and fake tan
Hairdressers still use petroleum jelly for this and it drives me crazy! Just add a layer of this along the hairline and ears instead and it will stop the hair dye from staining the skin. It works as a barrier for fake tan too, add a thin layer on knees, ankles and elbows so the dry spots don't grab extra colour.
15. Slugging
Slugging is when you use a thick cream to seal in your whole skincare routine overnight. I've seen so many examples using petroleum jelly for this and it makes me want to scream, just use Skin Food!
Want to know more? I’ve written a full guide to the Weleda Skin Food face range. And after more than a decade selling Weleda, here are the ten things I’ve always loved about the brand.
About the Author ~ Irene Falcone
Irene Falcone is a clean beauty writer and co-host of a wellness podcast. She has spent more than 15 years reading the back of beauty labels, and is a Telstra Business Women's Awards winner and a judge for the Clean + Conscious Awards.
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