Skin Health
LET’S TALK ABOUT SKIN
Some days I contemplate the backs of my hands with their lines and spots and recall the late 1900s, being a dewy 20-something living in Honolulu, applying sunscreen maybe once a week, spending all free time at the beach and I think, “Yep. Life well lived”. In those days I used to go to the fancy cosmetic counters at Neiman Marcus and spend ridiculous amounts of money on under eye creams and creams for “fine lines” and all that stuff and I love that young woman and all the work she did to get me where I am today....but my skincare today is wildly different. It’s not so much focused on a moment’s anxiety about erasing time, but more about making my skin feel good- elastic, nourished, warm, strong. I want my skin to be strong because it’s my physical boundary against environmental toxins and my interface for the numerous delights of living in the modern world. These days my skin care is mainly centered on herbs infused into oils, occasionally mixed with honey, sometimes vinegar. So, pretty much salad dressing. Want to know more? Read on...
HYDRATION
Is the single best thing you can do for your skin to develop a daily habit of drinking water? Yep.
I know- SO BORING.
INSIDE OUT AND OUTSIDE IN
Skin’s epithelial cells are very similar inside the body as out. Not coincidentally skin health and integrity is very much tied to digestive health. The lining of the gut is basically specialized skin that breaks down and absorbs the food we eat. So when I’m rubbing cheap scented lotion on my body I almost can’t help but wonder “would I eat this?” Because that’s what I’m asking my skin to do; to take in this topical preparation and incorporate it into my cells so that they repair physical injury (wounds) or increase their hydration. As an aside- digestive issues often exhibit themselves as skin rashes and dryness; even eczema and psoriasis have links to digestive health. Herbs like plantain, calendula, and oats are often used in herb-centered preparations for skin soothing and they are appropriate and beneficial to take internally too.
Would you rub it on your body? Would you eat it?
And don’t forget that the “would I eat this” question works both ways. Maybe next time you’re eating something delicious ask yourself- “would I rub this on my body?”. Your answer might at least make you think of your food in a different way. Since I’ve really taken this two-way question to heart my skin care routine has changed a lot. I pretty much use only cold pressed oils, honey, organic apple cider vinegar, and herbs for my skin. Remember how I go on and on about how we are all in a state of chronic nervous system disruption? Skin is directly linked to the body’s nervous system. Regularly feeding it herb infused oils gives me another layer of soothing protection.
I also want to put in a gentle suggestion for using animal fats on the skin- for simplicity this can mean finding a goat’s milk or lanolin based soap. Humans have been rubbing animal fat on their skin forEVER and it is only in incredibly recent human history that we have turned to other avenues for skin protection and soothing. For me, creating modern versions of ingrained, truly human practices can both reconnect me with ancestral lineage and also take good care of my skin.
Okay, that’s all for now. Thank you for your time and energy. I hope you’ve found something of value here. Remember that herbs love it when you encounter them a little every day. They modify their actions based on what your body needs.
I wish you good health and happiness.
May the highest good be served.
May all beings be free from suffering.
Jenny
The information in this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any health condition. You are responsible for researching and verifying information before relying on it. Please consult your medical care provider if you have a known medical condition or if you are pregnant or nursing.
Herbal medicine is vast and complex and must be used responsibly. Herbs are generally safe and effective but they can interact with common medications. People react differently to different herbs. You are responsible for and in charge of your own health.
Reach out anytime.