Our skin, the largest organ in our body, shields us daily from harmful substances in our environment and from pathogens attempting to invade our body. It also serves as an excellent indicator of whether your body is healthy or if it is out of balance or unwell.
This blog is dedicated to skin and how to care for it.
The skin consists of a top layer called the epidermis (dead skin cells), a middle layer called the dermis (sensory receptors, hair follicles, sweat glands), and a base layer known as the hypodermis or subcutaneous layer (connective fibrous tissue and adipose tissue). The hands and feet have an additional protective layer.
The base layer is composed of living cells and is where new skin is generated. As we age, the skin layers become thinner, and cell reproduction begins to slow down.
Wrinkles and loss of elasticity occur due to a decrease in collagen and elastin fibers in the dermal layer. If your skin cells become damaged (such as through scratches or cuts), healing takes longer.
Keeping your skin soft, supple, and hydrated is essential. Furthermore, consuming nutritious foods and maintaining your body's health will result in a glowing complexion.
To achieve healthy skin, we should:
Exfoliate to eliminate dead skin cells
Detoxify
Cleanse
Nourish your skin
Use toner
Moisturize
Pay attention to your skin's needs
Exfoliating at least once a week to remove dead skin is essential in your skincare routine. It removes a layer that could otherwise obstruct the cleansing, toning, nourishing, and moisturizing processes, thus improving the effectiveness of your skincare regimen. This process allows new healthy cells to surface, unclogs pores, and helps prevent blemishes and acne. It also stimulates collagen production and assists in reducing signs of ageing.
Using Jojoba beads in your cleanser is a great exfoliation technique, as they are gentle on your skin and environmentally friendly. Matcha exfoliates by unclogging pores and removing toxins and impurities. It can be combined with sugar to create a sugar scrub or used as a powder for a mask.
A mask is used to remove toxins from your skin by enhancing blood flow and circulation. Green and Pink clay are effective mask options. AHA powders (alpha hydroxy acids), as noted by Healthline, can "enhance collagen and blood flow, correct discoloration from scars and age spots, improve the appearance of surface lines and wrinkles, prevent acne breakouts, brighten your complexion, and increase product absorption." https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/alpha-hydroxy-acid
I recently attended a mini-course led by Bonita Barth from The Aromatherapist called Organic Skincare Making. She explained that we should approach nourishing our skin in the same way we nourish our bodies. I fully embraced this concept. Struggling with rosacea, I discovered that my blend containing Rosemary helped reduce the redness and inflammation on my face. However, if I indulged in an unhealthy snack, my skin would become red and inflamed again the next day. I decided to nourish my skin with raw honey—simply washing my face with a small amount of raw honey, followed by hydrosol toners, and then applying my blend made a significant difference. My complexion became even and healthy-looking. The best part was that my skin maintained this appearance the following day and even throughout the week. Adding Jojoba oil or olive oil infused with calendula to the honey would create a wonderful cleanser, though the olive oil might feel a bit heavy on your skin. https://www.thearomatherapist.com/
Toner
Hydrosols are excellent to use as toners because they refresh the skin, leaving it feeling revitalized. My favourite toners are the Orange Blossom hydrosol and the Rosa Bulgarian hydrosol. You can apply them individually or mix them together. The orange blossom is uplifting and excellent for hydrating your skin, as well as being beneficial for acne. Rose hydrosol acts as a gentle astringent and is also effective at hydrating your skin.
Moisturizers
There are numerous ingredients you can use for moisturizers. My favourites are Evening Primrose, Jojoba oil, and Rose Hip Seed oil. Evening Primrose is excellent for all skin types, inflamed skin, eczema, and psoriasis, providing a soothing effect. The recommended dermal dilution is 10 to 30%. Jojoba oil can be used undiluted at 100% and is an outstanding moisturizer as it feels light and resembles your skin's natural sebum. It is also beneficial for rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. Rosehip Seed oil, known as the queen of carrier oils, aids in repairing the skin and promotes skin regeneration. The suggested dilution is 10 to 30%.
For your moisturizer, you can add essential oils to these carrier oils; however, since the face is very sensitive, the dermal dilution should not exceed 1%. My favourite essential oils are Rosemary verbenone, Lavender Highland, and Geranium for various reasons. Rosemary is beneficial for rosacea and skin conditions due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for skin care. Lavender is very soothing and calming, great for skin infections like acne.
Geranium is antibacterial and acts as an astringent, making it excellent for many skin disorders. I love the scent of geranium.
The Skin Indicator
I'm sure many of you have experienced waking up with puffy skin, or noticing a rash on your leg or stomach, only to feel unwell a few days later. Personally, my skin has alerted me to a lung infection before I even realized I was ill. I know this because whenever I was developing bronchitis or pneumonia, an itchy rash would appear on my leg near my knee. Some of my clients have had similar experiences with yeast infections. My facial rosacea clearly indicates that I need to pay more attention to my diet. In my experience, lack of sleep and consuming a salty meal before bed can also lead to morning puffiness.
Stress can cause your skin to look dull and aged. Have you ever left a toxic relationship and noticed you suddenly look 10 years younger? Stress can definitely affect your body's overall health including the appearance of your skin.
In summary, adopting a comprehensive skincare regimen that effectively nourishes, hydrates, and moisturizes your skin is crucial for maintaining its overall health and vitality. A well-structured skincare routine should include products that are specifically formulated to address your skin type, whether it be oily, dry, combination, or sensitive. This involves not only cleansing the skin to remove impurities and excess oils. Moreover, hydration is essential; using a quality moisturizer can help to lock in moisture, ensuring your skin remains plump and youthful. Additionally, shielding your skin from harmful UV rays is vital to prevent premature ageing and reduce the risk of skin cancer. By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you can significantly enhance your skin's resilience and appearance, promoting a healthier, more radiant complexion over time.
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