Each week, I will share three things on how to heal holistically. Drawing from my 28 years of experience as a practicing Naturopath, as well as what I am currently working on, exploring, and curious about. Make a pot of tea and give yourself the time and care you deserve.
HEALING: Considerations for when you are experiencing XYZ.
REVERENCE: A deep respect & attention to the things that truly impact healing.
EXPLORING: A journey into the deeper work, meeting the parts, wounds, and survival strategies that keep us small, stuck, and suffering with persistent symptoms & feelings.
THREE THINGS - HOW TO HOLISTICALLY HEAL - SKIN
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1. HEALING: Skin Care
How do you care for your skin? It's important to approach skincare in a way that supports the skin's natural processes and functions.
1. Protection: The skin acts as a barrier to protect the body from external factors such as harmful UV rays, bacteria, and other pathogens.
2. Sensation: The skin contains nerves that respond to touch, pressure, temperature, and pain, allowing us to sense our environment.
3. Temperature regulation: The skin helps to regulate body temperature through the process of sweating and the constriction or dilation of blood vessels near the surface of the skin.
4. Detoxification: The skin plays a role in detoxification through the sweat glands. These glands produce sweat, which contains toxins and other waste products that are eliminated through the skin. Additionally, the skin is able to detoxify through the sebum produced by sebaceous glands which can keep the skin moisturised and prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms.
5. Vitamin D production: The skin also plays a role in vitamin D synthesis. The skin contains a type of cholesterol that, when exposed to UV rays, is converted into vitamin D. This vitamin is essential for healthy bones and teeth, and also plays a role in the immune system.
6. Wound healing: The skin is also responsible for wound healing, through the process of cell proliferation and collagen production.
Caring for your skin goes beyond just using the right products, but also about the internal factors that can greatly impact your skin's health and appearance. Your overall well-being, including your mental, and physical health, can affect the way your skin functions, expresses itself, and heals.
Stress is one of the major factors that can negatively impact the health of your skin. When you experience stress, your body produces cortisol, a hormone that can cause inflammation and break down collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of ageing. Lack of sleep can also cause your skin to appear dull and tired, while getting enough rest can help your skin to repair and rejuvenate.
Your diet is also an important factor to consider when it comes to caring for your skin. Eating a diet that is high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can lead to inflammation in the body, which can manifest in the skin as acne, redness, and other skin problems. On the other hand, eating a diet that is rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grass fed protein, and healthy fats, can provide the nutrients and antioxidants that your skin needs to stay healthy and radiant.
Your mindset and emotional well-being can also have an impact on your skin's health. Negative thought patterns and emotions such as anxiety and depression can increase inflammation in the body, leading to skin problems. Practicing self-care and cultivating a positive mindset, on the other hand, can help to reduce stress and promote overall well-being, which can also benefit the health of your skin.
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2. REVERENCE: Au Naturel Skin
"Au naturel skin" means having natural or bare skin. It refers to a minimalist approach to skincare that focuses on using natural and non-toxic ingredients to promote healthy skin. The term "au naturel" is French for "in the natural state" and is often used in the context of beauty and fashion to describe a look that is natural and unadorned. This approach to skincare involves using gentle, plant-based ingredients that are free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, which can be harmful to the skin and the environment. The idea is to nourish and protect the skin with natural ingredients and avoid using products that could potentially cause irritation, inflammation, or other skin problems.
On the other hand, synthetic skin products can have varying effects on each of the skin's functions.
- Protection: Synthetic skin products containing harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. This can weaken the skin's barrier function and compromise its ability to protect against external factors such as UV rays, pollution, and bacteria. For example, some synthetic skin products like cleansers and toners contain alcohol, which can dry out the skin and cause inflammation, making it more vulnerable to environmental stressors.
- Sensation: Synthetic skin products that contain irritants like fragrances and preservatives can cause sensory reactions like itching, burning, and redness. This can interfere with the skin's ability to accurately sense touch, pressure, and temperature. For example, synthetic fragrances can cause skin allergies and irritation, leading to a loss of sensitivity in the skin.
- Temperature regulation: Synthetic skin products can affect the skin's ability to regulate temperature through sweating. For example, antiperspirants containing aluminium can block sweat glands, inhibiting the natural sweating process and leading to overheating and discomfort. Additionally, synthetic skin products can clog pores and prevent heat from escaping, leading to overheating and sweating.
- Detoxification: Synthetic skin products can disrupt the skin's natural detoxification processes. For example, some synthetic cleansers and exfoliators contain micro-beads, which are tiny plastic particles that can enter the body through the skin and cause damage to organs like the liver and kidneys. Additionally, synthetic skin products can contain hormone-disrupting chemicals that can interfere with the body's natural detoxification pathways.
- Vitamin D production: Synthetic skin products that contain SPF or block UV rays can interfere with the skin's ability to produce vitamin D. While it's important to protect the skin from harmful UV rays, it's also important to get enough exposure to the sun to maintain healthy vitamin D levels.
- Wound healing: Synthetic skin products can interfere with the skin's ability to heal wounds by disrupting the production of collagen and other essential components of the healing process. For example, some synthetic moisturiSers contain mineral oil, which can clog pores and prevent the skin from producing new cells and collagen to heal wounds. Additionally, synthetic skin products can contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin and slow down the healing process.
3. EXPLORING: Skin Pollution
When synthetic skin care products containing toxic chemicals are used and washed off, they can enter the water supply and pollute waterways. These chemicals can also have adverse effects on the aquatic life and ultimately end up affecting the food chain. This not only poses a threat to the ecosystem but also to the health of people and animals who rely on these water sources.
Moreover, the manufacturing process of synthetic skin care products can contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The chemicals used in these products are often derived from fossil fuels, and their production and transportation can result in the emission of harmful pollutants into the air.
In addition, the disposal of synthetic skincare products can also have a negative impact on the environment. When these products are not properly disposed of, they can end up in landfills and take years to break down, releasing harmful toxins into the soil and air.
The use of synthetic skincare products can also affect the local flora and fauna. When these products are used and washed off, they can enter the soil and affect the growth and health of plants. In turn, this can affect the animals that rely on these plants for food and shelter.
Finally, the impact of synthetic skin care products extends to the community at large. The production and use of these products can result in health problems for those working in the industry, as well as for consumers who use them. It is important to consider the impact of our skincare choices on the environment and society and opt for products that are sustainably and ethically sourced, packaged in eco-friendly materials, and contain natural, non-toxic ingredients.