Those new to the biodynamic skin care brand Dr Hauschka often ask us why they don't have a night cream. It's a good question and one Dr Hauschka have a very good answer for.

According to the skin care experts at Dr Hauschka (which by the way is one of the oldest and trusted companies in the world when it comes to looking after our skin!) say that night creams ‘stifle the skin's processes making it sluggish, lethargic and dependent'. Basically they believe that a thick, heavy cream used in the evening can have more of a negative effect than positive. Our skin needs time to regenerate itself, to do what it was evolved to do naturally and freely. Fatty night creams clog the pores and do not allow the skin to breathe during sleep when the body's natural metabolic functions are at their regenerating best.

For those who can't imagine not putting a night cream on in the evening or need some time to get used to the idea, Dr Hauschka has an alternative. The Facial Toner, Rythmic Night Conditioner, Rythmic Conditioner Sensitive, Clarifying Toner, Regenerating Serum and Intensive Treatments 04 and 05 are their night care. These toners, as all good toners should, strengthen and support the skin's natural restorative processes.

So why then use a moisturiser at all? Day creams protect the skin acting as an extra layer to outside pollutants and increase moisture levels to rehydrate the skin in the morning.

A distant relation of the apple and pear, the golden yellow quince is a fascinating fruit that has been eaten by fabled greats like goddesses Aphrodite and Atlanta. It was written in ancient Greek texts that Greek brides would nibble a little of this quaint fruit to sweeten her kiss so that her first encounter with her groom would not be ‘disagreeable or unpleasant'.

An excellent source of Vitamin C quince cannot be eaten raw for it is too bitter. When cooked however it is becomes a deliciously sweet and aromatic flavour. From exotic Moroccan dishes to a buttery apple pie or tarty marmalade the quince is a versatile ingredient to add a quirky lift to almost any dish. However it has been said that ‘it is the only fruit that can be cooked simply and still result in a mouthful as complex as a great wine', so it is best to find a good, simple recipe for it. Quince is also use to make membrillo or quince paste which is a wonderful accompaniment to cheese.

From a health perspective, research has shown that quince is rich in potassium, dietary fibre and anti-viral properties. When regularly consumed it aids digestion and lowers cholesterol.

It is also a rich source of antioxidants, which help the body to fight free radicals thus lowering the risk of cancer. The high antioxidant content (and gorgeous sweet aroma) is why this golden fruit is found in some organic beauty products. The Dr.Hauschka Quince Day Cream for example protects the skin and acts as a kind of anti-stress layer against environmental pollutants your face is bombarded with daily. Their Quince Body Moisturiser is lovely to apply too.

The Soil Association's idea of a good week is to pack as many organic goodies and fun as possible into seven days. But that's near right impossible in this booming industry so I guess they thought it's best to make a fortnight - keep us full to the brim with wholesome delights for a little longer.

Organic Fortnight is THE time for people who are passionate about all the great things organic has to offer show their love through hosting events and generally raising awareness about why it's the best choice for our planet, our animals and our own health. Shops, schools, cafes, farms - you name it the passionate organic-ites will be involved in some way shape or form.

So it is a little way off yet but now's our chance to get organised and get involved. The Soil Association has some great ideas about how you and I can create our own buzz around organic to encourage others - hosting an organic crunch dinner for example. But if you fancy encouraging more than just your close circle of friends and family to reach a wider audience the Soil Association can help you out there too. They have a good guide on how to attract local media to cover your event and thereby attract potential organic-ites to come along. Click here for a copy.

The more of us that share our organic ideals the more impact Organic Fortnight will have in helping others to realise the benefits of this great movement.

Organic Fortnight will run from the 8th to the 20th of September this year. For more info on how to get involved click here.