The Basics of a Holistic Skincare Routine

Truth: It takes more than applying serums and moisturizers to have healthy skin.

Ever wondered why you’re breaking out before a big meeting, after eating too much dairy, or during your period? Your skin is a reflection of all that’s going on inside, including your diet, stress level and hormones. Drawing from our founder’s knowledge as an herbalist, esthetician and aromatherapist, we look at the bigger picture to understand the root cause of skin imbalances, not just the symptoms. This is the essence of holistic skin care.

Factoring all of this into your skin care routine may seem overwhelming, so we’ve developed a roadmap of simple recommendations to address common concerns. 

What you eat plays a pivotal role in supporting skin health. Imbalances in the gut or digestive system can lead to inflammation and sensitive skin. To support a healthy gut, it’s important to consume foods with phytonutrients and antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation in the body. The basic rule is to fill your plate with mostly organic fresh vegetables and legumes (beans and peas), then add a smaller amount of whole grains (brown rice, amaranth, quinoa, or barley, not refined white flour or rice). If you’re not vegetarian, include a small portion (3 to 4 ounces) of clean protein like organic beef, free-range poultry, pastured pork, wild game, or oily fish such as wild salmon.

When we’re stressed, our bodies produce cortisol, which is a major contributor to many health problems in the body and the skin. Because cortisol interacts with the circulatory, nervous and immune systems, it can trigger skin-related problems like acne, eczema, hives, psoriasis and rosacea. While stress may be an inevitable part of our busy lives, we can change how we adapt to it. Herbal remedies like herbal teas and tinctures help the body adapt to stress and relax the nervous system. Adjust your daily rituals to incorporate Adaptogen herbs like Ginseng and Schisandra Berry, which build immunity and energy reserves, and Nervine herbs like Chamomile and Passionflower, sedative herbs that help relax the body and mind.

If all of these factors affect skin health, why do we focus so much on skin care? Nurturing your skin microbiome helps to lay the foundation for healthy skin. This is where ingredients come into play. Avoiding known irritants and choosing nourishing ingredients helps to support and repair the skin barrier, preventing imbalances like acne, rosacea and premature aging. Our formulas combine proven botanicals with clean cosmeceuticals to nourish the skin while delivering results, building a strong foundation for radiant skin.

Learn more about the SKIN MICROBIOME.