Annemarie Lindner was born and raised in Leipzig, Germany, near Berlin. As Europe was about to enter into World War II and Annemarie into adolescence, she developed a skin condition that has plagued teenagers for generations: acne.
Search for a Cure
Annemarie began what would become a decade-long search for a solution to her problem. Remedy after remedy was tried by Annemarie, with repeated visits to doctors and dermatologists, but to no avail. She had been told by professionals that the condition would most likely clear up with hormonal changes as she matured. However, it persisted even after she married and began raising a family of her own. Near desperation, she allowed doctors to employ ever more radical procedures, even suffering through chemical peels and burns, with additional scarring in the process.
Relief
Then, at 26, Annemarie found relief. She was referred to an esthetician who believed in natural remedies and who began treating Annemarie with the direct application of herbal extracts on the skin. Miraculously, her skin began to clear. Inspired by the success of the herbal treatments, and convinced that she could help others who had suffered as she had, Annemarie enrolled in cosmetology school, and began exhaustive research into the effects of herbs on human skin. She learned of specific unique beneficial effects that different herbs had on various skin problems. This early research formed the basis of Annemarie's natural approach to skincare. The rest of her life has been devoted to refining this knowledge. She has been a pioneer in understanding the synergistic effect herbs have in combination, and learned how to achieve the delicate balance of ingredients for optimal benefits for various skin types.
Her First Successful Company
In 1947, Annemarie opened a skin care clinic in occupied East Germany, and in 1951 began manufacturing her skin care products. By 1958 the business was so successful that it had attracted the attention of the East German government. There was strong pressure to nationalize. Unwilling to compromise standards of quality and integrity, which this move would have mandated, Annemarie fled with her family to the West in a daring and difficult escape. Despite its suddenness and hardship, the move prove fortunate. Annemarie was introduced to Hermann Borner, the leading manufacturer of fine herbal remedy pharmaceuticals. He had been searching for someone to help him develop a line of natural skin care products made with only the finest natural ingredients, with the strictest quality control standards.
A Beautiful Site
This was the beginning of the Borlind Company as it exists today. The site chosen for the new firm was Calw-Altburg, at the northern edge of the Black Forest, a region noted for its abundant supply of extremely soft, unchlorinated natural spring water - which Annemarie and Hermann knew was essential to the overall quality of the products. Annemarie Borlind products are now one of the world's leading natural skin care lines - distributed and enjoyed in over 30 countries.
