What is Holistic Skincare?
Holistic skincare means approaching the skin as a whole; from both the inside and out. The underlying philosophy is that these parts are connected and interdependent – balance, and thus health can only be achieved if all the parts are working properly.
It acknowledges that our environment and inner imbalances (physical, emotional, mental) can have serious consequences for our health, thus we need to take everything into account if we would like to restore that balance.
Why Holistic Skincare?
There are many factors – both internal and external – that affect the skins condition and influence how it looks and feels. So, when treating a skin condition or inflammation we recommend looking at external skin care and optimising internal health and well being. The status and look of skin depend on many factors – from ingredients we use, through our lifestyle choices (diet, exercise) and the environmental stressors we meet, to our emotional and mental well-being.
Holistic Skincare – The Main Elements to Address
The Right Skincare
When treating the skin; we highly recommend choosing the right ingredients and products for YOUR skin. Researching the ingredients, the brand and how the ingredients are delivered into the skin as opposed to simply sitting on the surface.
Having a step by step routine that includes effective cleansing, active serums, hydration and SPF protection. Start with the basics to begin with; overloading the skin in one hit will not accelerate the results. If anything starting with too many active ingredients in one go can be more detrimental to the skin.
Skincare is so important but only part of the equation.
Diet
A diet focused on nutrients, vitamins, fiber, antioxidants and healthy fats can be beneficial to your skin health. Foods high in sugar, salt, caffeine, alcohol and processed can be more detrimental to the health of your skin. Overall, promoting healthy skin with diet is all about adopting good nutritional habits.
But it’s important to note – it’s all about the balance. A very restrictive diet can also be very harmful and result in very serious health and skin conditions. Focus on the good nutrients, try to make healthy choices most of the time, but do not deprive yourself totally of the things you enjoy, be it a glass of wine or a slice of chocolate cake. Moderation is the key.
Sleep
Beauty sleep is a real thing!! As we sleep our skin cells continue to work and are in regenerating and renewal mode. During the day skin cells are in defense mode, working to protect themselves from UV exposure and free radical damage. At night, the external stresses are minimised and levels of the stress hormone cortisol fall during sleep, which gives your skin a chance to focus on repairing.
Exercise
Exercise is all round great for your overall health. Exercise benefits specifically for the skin include:
- ease stress
- release feel-good hormones, like endorphins
- improves circulation and blood flow, which is vital for carrying away waste products and transporting oxygen and nutrients to skin cells.
- promotes better sleep
Same with diet; balance is key here. Over-exercising can be more detrimental long term.
Mental Well Being
Stress can really show up on our skin. We have witness this ourselves and with our clients; that a dramatic life event can turn a healthy, glowing skin into one that suddenly as irritation and inflammation within days.
However, tackling stress is no easy task and a lot easier said than done in most cases. Even small steps can help minimise this such as bubble, 15 minutes meditation, breathing techniques, exercise, or activities that counterbalance the stress effects so something to take your mind off it and makes you happy.
Health and Hormones
Health and hormones play a huge part in the look and look of our skin. These areas are the hardest to control as if you are suffering with a health condition or hormonal imbalance then sometimes there is simply nothing that can be done to amend this. The best advice we can give in this scenario is research. Know your own health and hormones inside out; what helps, what triggers make it worse and trying your best to understand your own body, It may also be worth looking at supplementation to help boost your body’s nutrient supply.
So in short, there are many factors that effect own skin. Therefore, trying to treat the skin with skincare alone is only one avenue to explore. To optimise results and the health of your skin; all aspects of your life should be considered. And with all aspects, knowing that moderation and balance is key.