Listening to the needs of the public, Aura Kritis has created an innovative formula with spectacular results for the reduction of freckles.

However, in order to get the maximum benefits from this dynamic product, it is necessary to apply it according to instructions based on scientific data.

At Aura Kritis we are interested in the consumer receiving the maximum benefits from the high quality natural cosmetics we produce.

For this reason, we have listed simply and clearly everything you need to know about caring for skin prone to breakouts.

What are the blotches?

The spots are areas on the skin with a more intense colour tone, usually brown. They may vary in terms of colour intensity and shape, which is not always circular.

The most common sites are the face, neck, décolleté and hands, i.e. areas exposed to sunlight.

Why do freckles form on the skin?

Our skin contains many different cells in its structure, important for its proper functioning. Within these, there is a special category of cells that regulates the secretion of melanin.

Melanocytes are dendritic cells, i.e. they have some protrusions like "tentacles".

These cells are very special. While most cells "suffer" when exposed to UV radiation (such as solar radiation) and oxidative stress, melanocytes are like "superheroes": they can absorb UV radiation and survive significant genotoxic stress.

The melanocytes produce certain substances, like small granules. These granules contain melanin and are known as melanosomes. They are produced by the melanocytes and are channelled into neighbouring keratinocytes, which are the ones that create the outer appearance of the skin.

In keratinocytes, they secrete melanin, the substance responsible for the colour of our skin. It is also thanks to melanin that we tan when we go out in the sun.

But why do we get freckles?

UV radiation can cause disturbances in the normal functioning of melanocytes.

It can cause oxidative factors to build up in the skin, which in turn cause internal inflammation. These lead to fluctuations in the number, size, composition and distribution of melanosomes.

As a consequence, some of the "tentacles" that are closer to the epidermis produce more melanosomes and therefore more melanin than normal.

The result is visible to the naked eye: the freckles.

Can I reduce the freckles?

There are substances that have an effect of reducing the amount of melanin produced, through a variety of biochemical pathways.

For example, some substances inhibit the action of the enzyme "tyrosinase", which catalyses the reaction of melanin production.

Already since ancient times, materials from nature had been identified with the ability to give a bright and uniform tone to the skin.

With the knowledge of modern science and taking into account the traditional practices of Cretan Nature, Aura Kritis has created a new, innovative formula that acts specifically on the cause of the cause of the spots.

The "Discoloration Reduction" face cream is a combination of natural ingredients and modern active ingredients with proven effectiveness in reducing spots and blemishes.

How to protect myself from freckles in the summer?

During the summer months, the sunlight becomes more intense.

The day lasts longer, the sun is higher in the sky and the Earth is tilted more towards the sun. As a result, we are exposed to more intense ultraviolet radiation.

This radiation is the main cause of the appearance of freckles.

How can we protect ourselves from getting new papules, but also from increasing the intensity of those already present?

1. Avoid direct exposure to the sun.

It is advisable to protect our skin from direct exposure to the sun. A hat, umbrella and protective clothing are the strongest allies on the beach.

2. Sunscreen

Even when we don't go swimming, we need to wear sunscreen. In the car, in the city, on the way to work, the same sun that we encounter at the sea is shining on our skin.

3. Vitamin C serum

A super antioxidant serum will suppress the oxidizing factors that can lead to the formation of freckles. We recommend the Shine & Protection with Vitamin C triple strength serum with soothing Aloe Vera and antioxidant Grapefruit for skincare. Always apply in combination with sunscreen.

4. Stop using products for freckles

Anti-discolouration products work by targeting the causes of melanin production. In this way, unwanted melanin that creates the blemishes on the skin is reduced.

But, at the same time, the levels of "good melanin" are also reduced.

It is the substance that protects us from the harmful effects of the sun. Without it, the cells are exposed to dangerous damage and thus to the formation of new discolorations.

Therefore, if we apply discolouration reduction products during the summer months, the intensity of the spots is reduced, but on the other hand, our skin becomes more vulnerable to the formation of new spots.

Even with the use of sunscreen, it is difficult to stay 100% protected.

Many sunscreens with chemical filters lose their effectiveness after some time and therefore it is recommended to renew the sunscreen frequently. However, how can we be sure if the sunscreen's activity has ended at 30 minutes (yes, it's possible) at 1 hour, 2 or 3?

What is wiser to do in the summer?

The best practice regarding skin care with freckle reducing agents in the summer is to stop using them during the months with higher sunlight intensity.

Depending on the geographical area of the user, this intensity varies.

For example, Crete, with its geographical position south of the European continent and adjacent to Africa, receives strong radiation from the sun from the end of May until the end of September.

For this period of time, it is recommended to stop using the Dyschromia Reduction Face Cream for optimal results.

It can be used again from autumn, to give it its dynamic, beneficial action.

It all started with a vision: To offer pure, natural products that would effectively provide solutions to main daily skin concerns.

Utilizing beneficial herbs and plants of Cretan flora and combining the scientific expertise gained throughout my University studies, both in Greece and abroad, on Chemistry & Pharmacy, I started to build this noble dream.

With a range of just 5 products, Aura Kritis was launched in December 2020.

What followed is difficult to describe.

Without any advertising, but only by word of mouth, the news spread rapidly:

"Try these natural cosmetics, they are good!"

"I saw results on my acne where all other products had failed!"

"This facial oil is magic, everyone tells me my skin glows!"

My happiness for this warm response to the natural cosmetics that I developed with so much love and dedication was, as you can understand, enormous!

Through social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) a network of two-way communication soon was developed: it is amazing to share moments of creation from Aura Kritis Laboratory but most importantly, I really enjoy the interaction with you!

It is really helpful to explore your points of view, to discuss about new products and especially, to listen to your feedback that help us improve every day, leading to an even better skincare experience! Aura Kritis is not a faceless cosmetics company; it's your community for scientific skincare tips and creating unique formulations that are missing from the market!

Thanks to this unique active network that we created all together, on the 10th of February 2025, we received two special awards!

GOLD award for the best Aesthetic E-Shop in Greece! Fast shipments, personalized beauty advice from Scientific Expert, little gifts of gratitude in every shipment and most importantly, your love and appreciation, put us on top!

I really, can't find enough words to express my gratitude!

And it doesn't end there.

Many years of study, research on the natural ingredients of Crete and analysis of their beneficial properties, led us to the creation of natural cosmetics that stand out for their natural composition, safety and effectiveness, winning the SILVER award in the Natural Cosmetics category!

The Aesthetic Awards is an institution that highlights and rewards significant advances in aesthetics and beauty, in terms of services and products.

The Aesthetic Awards 2025 Ceremony took place on Monday, February the 10th, at the Radisson Blu Park Hotel, with more than 200 high-ranking business executives, representatives of Institutions, Universities, Professionals as well as representatives of the Press, that all together they created a unique atmosphere!

Thank you for sharing this dream with us.

We commit to continue creating pure, natural cosmetics of high quality and effectiveness, to promote the irresistible beauty of a healthy glowing skin!

Follow us on this journey!

Let's see together, how to improve their appearance... of course!

How are black spots formed?

Our skin has pores, some small and invisible to the eye and others large in diameter, quite enlarged.

When their contents are darkened, they take on a less elegant appearance.

Why is this happening?

First of all, we must emphasize that it is normal for our skin to have pores. They are the medium for the exchange of substances between the different layers of the skin. So we have to accept and love them.

So, substances such as sebum, sweat and skin lipids and other substances end up in these pores, creating an oily mixture.

When this mixture comes into contact with atmospheric oxygen, it oxidises and therefore takes on a dark colour.

This is why the black spots appear.

How to get rid of blackheads?

1. The first step is cleaning.

But without exaggeration! Cleansing is recommended to be done only once a day, to avoid deregulation of the skin barrier isorpores.

Specifically, best practice is to cleanse the face in the evening, with a mild cleanser that does not dry the skin

2. The second step is antioxidant protection.

As noted above, the pores get their dark colour from the oxidation of the natural mixture on contact with atmospheric oxygen.

By protecting them from oxidation, we prevent the formation of black spots.

For this purpose it is recommended to use antioxidant vitamin C serum every morning.

We recommend the Shine & Protection facial serum from juicy grapefruit & aloe vera, with a complex of 3 forms of stabilized vitamin C!

Incorporate these two products into your daily skincare routine and say goodbye to blackheads!

With so many choices of skincare products, it's hard to formulate a skincare routine.

In order to bring out the most beautiful appearance of the skin, it is recommended to start by satisfying its basic needs!

So, what are the essential cosmetics for a glowing complexion that reflects beauty and health?

Hydration

We hear it often and maybe we take it for granted, but the most important step for beautiful skin, firm and fresh, is hydration!

The dermis is a layer of skin underneath the epidermis.

Structural proteins, such as elastin and collagen, are found in the dermis. Among this network of proteins, there is a gel-like substance, which has a huge amount of water.

When our skin becomes dehydrated, the structural proteins are put under more stress, resulting in a loss of consistency that visually appears as fine lines and wrinkles on the outside of the skin.

Therefore, the first and necessary step in anti-aging, but also in maintaining skin health, is hydration.

If you want a moisturizer that offers the skin the necessary hydration without weighing it down and leaving a feeling of greasiness, then we recommend Best Seller Velvet Moisturizing Face Cream.

Made from organic olive oil from Crete, regenerating almond oil and hyaluronic acid, it replenishes the skin's moisture levels and gives it incredible softness.

Cleaning

Cleansing the face can lead to the emergence of brighter and clearer skin, or... the complete opposite!

Among the keratinocytes of the skin, there are lipids that act as our defenders!

They prevent water evaporation, maintain skin consistency and help in the movement of substances in the skin. At the same time, they protect against microbial invasion.

Frequent cleansing disturbs the balance of the skin barrier.

Very aggressive cleaners, while they clean well, remove along with the dirt and lipid defenders.

As a result, "gaps" are created that leave the skin exposed to external invasions.

For this reason, we seek a gentle cleansing that respects the skin.

Also, ideally, facial cleansing should be done only once a day, to allow our skin to produce the substances necessary for its proper functioning, such as sebum & sweat, which are building blocks of the skin's acid mantle.

"When should I do the facial cleansing? Morning or evening?"

In the morning it is recommended to rinse the face with plain water and then rinse the face with evening use the cleanser to remove the day's dirt, sunscreen and any make-up.

At Aura Kritis, knowing the need for gentle cleansing of the skin, we developed the unique formula that you will find in Natural Green Facial Soap.

It is a traditional method olive oil soap, produced by the cold saponification method.

This method allows the moisturizing glycerin to be retained inside the soap, so that it cleanses purely without drying the skin.

At the same time, it contains green clay, which has adsorbent properties for extra cleansing action, while at the same time it helps regulate oiliness.

Sunscreen

"Why does our skin age?"

Through scientific research it has been shown that the most important aging factor is... the sun!

Solar radiation is extremely strong.

So strong that it has the power to alter the structure of molecules and create highly reactive substances, called "free radicals".

Free radicals initiate reactions that can lead to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, inflammation and the breakdown of important structural components of the skin.

As a consequence of the above, fine lines and wrinkles appear on the skin.

In order to protect ourselves as much as possible from the harmful effects of solar radiation, it is recommended to use a sunscreen product daily, even during the winter months.

In fact, according to the instructions of each product, it is not enough to apply it only in the morning, but frequent renewal is required.

Aura Kritis is conducting research to develop the ideal formula for sun protection that will provide high coverage, with safe filters and comfortable application.

Unfortunately the formula is still in development, but we hope that we will soon be able to provide a natural solution to this important skin need!

When our goal is beautiful and flawless skin, we are happy to take the time and care to take care of it!

In the process of finding the best products to enhance our natural beauty, we often come across videos or other informative material, highlighting the use of numerous products for this purpose.

Is there a problem with using multiple products?

Let's look at the issue from the perspective of the cosmetic development scientist.

In order for a formula to be effective for the purpose it is created, it has some active ingredients, such as plant extracts, plant oils, essential oils, vitamins, etc.
In addition, in order to have the desired characteristics in terms of texture, resistance to microbial contamination and stability, there are other ingredients in the formula that, although they may be of natural origin, are not sought after for the intended effect.

With the use of many products, there is a cumulative build-up of these additional ingredients in the skin.

Imagine using 4 products where each one has preservatives to protect against microbial contamination. In this case, we would have overloaded our skin with four times the amount of preservatives, with the risk of neutralising the 'good' micro-organisms that live in our skin, which are essential to protect us from the 'bad' micro-organisms.

So what is the golden mean in terms of the number of grooming products?

Our skin has the answer.

By listening to her needs, it is possible to make the right choices for her care.

If hydration is needed, choose a moisturizing product.

In more complex situations, such as for example the treatment of discolouration, it is optimal to choose the smallest possible number of products.

But we should never apply more products than we really need.

At the same time, using fewer cosmetics is a more ecological attitude, since the generation of waste and the consumption of resources are significantly lower when using, for example, three products compared to ten.

In addition, this attitude is also a more economical practice, as we spend less money.

In short, "less is more" is a lifestyle with numerous benefits in terms of environmental protection, economy and most importantly, the health of our skin.

A herbal miracle for instant facial tightening results, in a bottle!

The Instant Firming Face Serum bases its anti-aging action on the extract of elixir, a plant known as "The plant of eternal youth".

Rich in antioxidants, it has the ability to protect the skin from free radicals, in order to promote an elastic and youthful skin.

At the same time, the Instant Firming Face Serum is enhanced with the natural polysaccharide "pullulani". Pululan has film-forming properties, extensively studied in scientific literature.

Therefore, it contributes to the formation of a transparent film on the surface of the skin that stretches, tightens and smoothes wrinkles within minutes!

The result is very natural: It leaves no residue and does not create a pulling sensation. On the contrary, in the points of interest, such as the fine lines between the eyebrows, for example, a "tingle" can be observed!

How will we get the maximum effect from the Instant Firming Facial Serum?

First of all, thanks to the extract of elichrysum, the serum has an anti-aging action that acts over time. So it is recommended to use it at least once a day.

Then, the Immediate Firming Face Serum is the "natural elixir" for any occasion we wish to give an immediate look of freshness and youthful vitality to our skin!

To obtain the maximum results of immediate firming, it is recommended that the serum be applied directly to clean skin. In this way, the active ingredients reach their target more easily, while at the same time, the polulan is free to unfold its film-forming abilities!

But what do we do when we want to use other products with the serum?
Let's look at each case individually.

Sunscreen

During the day, it is necessary to use a sunscreen product in order to protect ourselves from harmful solar radiation. Sunscreen is always applied on top of all skincare products to ensure optimal effectiveness.

Therefore, we apply it on top of the IV.

Thus, while we have good contact of the active substances of the serum with the skin and therefore strong anti-aging action, the formation of the astringent film is doubtful. Sunscreen products are usually of an oily nature. By applying the sunscreen over the serum there is a possibility that the firming effect of the serum may not be fully exploited.

Therefore, it is ideal to use the serum in the afternoon or evening hours, after sunset, so that it is not affected by the sunscreen. Apply it before your evening out for an impressive look!

Face cream

If you wish to apply the Immediate Firming Serum alongside the day cream, then the serum is applied after the cream.

In this way, we ensure that the application of the cream does not affect the formation of the tightening film and thus, we obtain better tightening results.

Makeup

The Instant Firming Facial Serum includes ingredients that stabilize makeup. Make-up can be applied normally over the serum.

Optimal use of the Direct Firming Facial Serum:

The best results from the use of this unique product are obtained when applied alone.

So, we recommend using it in the afternoon or evening, on clean skin, without makeup. After all, why hide our skin under make-up when it looks so beautiful thanks to Aura Kritis cosmetics?

A precious legacy of beauty

Today, scientific research has shown that olive oil has a nourishing, emollient and restorative effect.

Its pure composition is rich in oleic and linoleic acid, polyphenols and vitamins, which make it ideal for softening the skin, restoring the shine and elasticity of the skin.

Although they probably did not have the means for the scientific analysis of this precious oil in ancient times, the wisdom of those cultures had highlighted olive oil as an essential product in their rituals.

Linear A tablets show that Minoans had already developed the art of perfuming olive oil using a variety of herbs. Some of the aromatic plants found in these tablets were cumin, coriander, fennel, pistacia, mint and sesame.

Furthermore, in addition to perfuming the body with a variety of aromatic oils, they used olive oil as a means of cleansing.

The most dominant beauty standard in ancient years included not only beautiful skin, but also a fit body. Especially men, used to spend approximately 6 to 8 hours daily at the gym, followed by the ritual of public baths, which were of particular interest.

More specifically, after washing their bodies with warm water, they used to bath in pure olive oil, derived from specific flasks, called Aryballoi. These flasks have been found in various sizes during excavations and testify to this widespread tactic.

Consequently, the next step in this ancient beauty ritual was body cleansing by means of a special tool called strigil.

The word refers to a kind of scraper that was used to remove impurities from skin surface, captured by the olive oil.

Last but not least, massage was made to athletes’ tired limbs, of course using again olive oil.

In fact, a relevant scene is pictured in Homer’s Iliad, where Odysseus and Diomedes were bathing in olive oil before dinner:

“...they went into polished baths and bathed. But when the twain had bathed and anointed them richly with oil, they sate them down at supper...“
Homer Iliad 10 577

As it seems, olive oil was an important means of beautification during Minoan times, a practice that was adopted and developed in later ancient Greek times.

Interest captures the fact that, olive oil rituals were also appreciated by the Romans. A sentence most characteristic is this of Polios, when he was questioned from August about what may be the secret of longevity:

“Very few things”, he said, “almost nothing. Just drink some wine and be smeared with olive oil”...

AURA KRITIS CONTINUES THE TRADITION

The same olive trees, in whose shade the Minoan civilization was born and was the beginning of the later civilization of all Europe, still bear their fruit today in Aura Kritis.

By preserving the ancient tradition, with respect to the sacred olive tree and appreciation of each and every one of its fruits, Aura Kritis loves to create pure products for a complete natural treatment.

With Cretan organic olive oil and care, pure skin care products are prepared, which enclose some of the aura of the fertile Cretan soil, the indelible beauty of this great culture - some of the aura of Crete.

Aura Kritis is one of the few companies whose product packaging includes hand-painted botanical illustrations.

Ilianna Vrouvaki, Chemist, MSc Pharmacy and founder of Aura Kritis, explains the reasons why they chose this unique design.

Natural cosmetics that stand out

Each and every product created by Aura Kritis is based on extensive scientific study and numerous laboratory tests.

The main goal behind the design and development of Aura Kritis natural cosmetics is to provide solutions to the needs of the skin in a health-safe way.

Beneficial extracts of flowers and herbs, valuable vegetable oils, ingredients of high quality and efficiency are selected as raw materials.

Guided by exceptional know-how and expertise, the fine natural ingredients are combined in a way that ensures high efficacy, ease of application and safe composition.

The preference of the world and the continuous upward trend of Aura Kritis in the field of skin care, confirm the fact that their unique composition was intended:

"Aura Kritis natural cosmetics are unique."

How could we show respect for these unique formulas?

"Seeking to emphasize the specificity of our products, compared to those of mass industrial production, we chose to decorate the packaging of cosmetics with handmade works."

Painted on special paper with watercolors, the botanical illustrations evoke the vitality and freshness of the natural ingredients that give their beneficial properties to the skin.