In my many years of practicing skincare, I’ve learned that it is not enough to treat your skin from the outside only; you have to nurture it from the inside as well. In recent years I’ve been in a transformational process and struggled to see how my skincare practice fit into my expansion of holistic wellness. Viewing them as two separate elements from an occupational perspective left me feeling that I had to pull back from one practice to create time to support my passion in another. Little did I know that once again, the universe was at work demonstrating how following its lead, listening to its nudges, and trusting can open us to fantastic synchronicity in life, guiding us along our journey.
I’ve always loved esthetics and the beauty industry. I am a self-admitted recovering beauty product junky. What I didn’t appreciate about the industry was the heavy emphasis on product marketing and outer beauty. What esthetician school and training were missing for me was the broader concept of skin health from a holistic, whole-body approach. Okay, so yes, I am hard-headed, and on some level, I guess I needed to learn the hard way how skincare and holistic wellness completely support each other, blending in the most integrated way. Following the solid nudge for not abandoning skincare, moving into my growth and expansion, and creating the boundaries necessary for my personal balance finally led me to embrace skincare from a whole new perspective. We think we’re in charge, but it’s only later that we learn there’s just junk ( growth opportunities ) that we have to go through to become even better at being us. I am finally arriving at a place where I believe my background perfectly blends my work as an esthetician and holistic wellness coach, bringing together two of my passions.
Okay, enough about me, let’s talk skin; what are the basics of holistic skincare? Ever wonder why you break out before an important meeting or that time of the month? Have you ever considered that poor gut health could be driving your skin sensitivities? How do stress and sluggish system or electromagnetic toxin create inflammation? Now that we’ve discovered the truth that the skin is a reflection of all that’s going on inside, we can look at the essence of holistic skincare, factoring in recommendations beyond just applying yummy serums and moisturizers.
Stress In small amounts can be necessary even helpful when it’s related to a positive event. Negative stress can take its toll on the body, our health, and our skin. It can lead to acne flare-ups, rosacea, rashes, psoriasis, even hair loss. Stress impacts our immunity and can trigger problems in the skin, and is one of the most significant contributors to disease. We all know that life doesn’t come without stress, but we can learn ways to regulate life’s stressors better.
Feeding Your Machine We all know that we are what we eat. Supporting a healthy gut is pivotal for healthy skin. Food allergies and imbalances in the digestive system can lead to whole-body inflammation and sensitive skin. We support gut health and its microbiome (beneficial bacteria) with pre and probiotics, fiber, and protein and limit our intake of conventional dairy, sugar, processed foods, trans fats, and alcohol. Adding food rich in antioxidants and getting vitamins from their natural sources like raw veggies and fruit are essential for taking good care of the gut, body, and skin.
Beauty Sleep Are you getting good rest? When we sleep, our body’s in rest and restore mode; it’s working hard to regenerate as the system shuts down for a period of time, just like your computer in sleep mode. A lack of proper restoration can lead to more inflammation and further worsen acne, eczema, psoriasis, and premature aging. Saggy skin and dark circles can be a result of higher levels of cortisol and stress hormones brought about by a lack of good rest.
Get It Moving Yep, here it is again ya, got to get moving. Exercise supports the immune system, stimulates the lymphatic system removing toxins. Strengthening tissue supports elastin and collagen. Movement also reduces stress and anxiety, which helps us sleep better, offering the necessary restoration.
Self Care A little self-love speaks very loud and clear to the body’s cells. Taking time to bring about balance by doing things that feed the soul allows us to connect with the core of who we are and our experience of life. Regular self-check-in for the ease and flow of life is essential to maintaining healthy stress levels.
The Skin Microbiome Bringing balance by nurturing the skin’s microbiome is where product ingredients and skincare routine comes into play. Try to avoid known irritants and harsh products like parabens and synthetics that are stripping and harmful while utilizing nourishing ingredients to help repair and support skin conditions and premature aging. Establish a daily routine for your skin to give it the care it deserves.
Do you see a theme? It all flows together with stress and anxiety as a lingering culprit to unhealthy skin. We can’t stop the hands of time and the aging of our skin. Still, we can take a good look at the bigger picture, become more aware of the root cause of skin imbalances, and find support for healthier skin. A holistic health approach simply means looking at and considering how to treat the whole. Your skin is a reflection of everything going on inside of your body. As a holistic esthetician and coach, I encourage you to consider all factors impacting the body’s energy flow for creating a sustainable skincare routine.
Healthy skin is an inside job reflecting on the outside.
I look forward to supporting you and your goal of wellness.
Keep Shining,
XO Donna
