As an holistic esthetician, I actually believe in a holistic approach to health especially when it comes to skincare. However, many people use this term in a wrong way and others used it for a catchy sales marketing term to let customers buy more of their products. If you ever came across a holistic skin care that is luxurious (and pricey), organic, natural, free-from-everything skin care products – just forget it.
There is more than one term for holistic skincare. It is a very comprehensive approach to health and balance that has nothing to do with buying only natural products.
The Holistic (Whole-Istic) Approach
Technology offers new and effective solutions in medicine, health, or cosmetics. According to a study, natural ingredients have been used traditionally for millennia and their application in topical creams, lotions, and preparations within the traditional medicines and healing traditions of many cultures has been observed.
Over the last 20 years, clinical and laboratory studies have identified the benefits of an array of natural ingredients for skincare. That’s why I strongly agree that a holistic approach is essential to our overall being.
The underlying philosophy is that health can only be achieved if all the parts are working well. It means looking for causes and not just treating symptoms. We should all aspire to improve our overall wellbeing because holistic practitioners think that avoiding diseases is a bare minimum.
Western approach to medicine should not be exclusive to a holistic approach. How does this approach relate to skincare? A holistic approach means that putting on an expensive moisturizer is not enough. Only the outer layer of the skin is treated. The overall health of our skin is dependent on so much more than that. It needs to be treated from the inside as well.
Elements Of A Holistic Skin Care Routine
Use The Right Ingredients To Nourish Your Skin
Get familiar with your own skin. You can learn how to decode an ingredient list. Skincare is a long-term game and is meant to nurture the skin, not treated it in a frantic, campaign-like way. Spot-healers won’t heal the underlying causes of the skin problems.
Aging is not reversed by anything in a day. The barrier function of the skin is very important. Only a few anti-aging ingredients have been proven to work. Establish a fixed skincare routine and give it the care it deserves.
What We Eat Is Important
When it comes to skincare, how we eat is just as important as what we put on our skin. The more balanced your diet is, the more it will show on your face. The topic of how food affects our skin is a fascinating one that would probably need a dedicated post.
A study has linked dairy to acne, so test whether it affects your skin and try to limit your intake accordingly.
- Foods that spike the blood sugar level, like sugar, white bread, pasta, processed food, white pastries, soda, cookies are not very healthy options. It is best to eat whole grains, vegetables, beans, and nuts to maintain a balanced blood sugar level.
- Even though fiber is non-digestible, it plays a vital role in health. It contributes to gut health by feeding the vital bacteria that live within us, which can help balance blood sugar levels, and aid digestion. It is important to note that fiber-rich foods include beans, lentils, chia seeds, and whole wheat pasta.
- Try to get your vitamins from natural sources, not pills or supplements. The state with the highest amount of vitamins is the one that consumes a lot of raw vegetables and fruit.
- Free radicals wreak havoc on healthy cells, so they must be taken care of. Vegetables, fruit, and nuts are antioxidant-rich food.
- Caffeine! It does have positive health benefits and can help increase the cortisol level, though its effects are not the same for everyone.
- You look puffy and bloated when you eat very salty foods.
- Inflammation can be increased by adding a big sugar dose to alcohol. A lot of alcohol consumption will cause redness and broken capillaries.
Everything is in moderation. It is important to note that it is all about balance. A very restrictive diet can cause serious health and skin conditions. Don’t deprive yourself completely of the things you enjoy, be it a glass of wine or a slice of cake, but try to make healthy choices most of the time.
Water
Drinking water is the most overused statement. I had to conclude that water really is a magical thing and cannot be left out of a good skincare routine.
Exercise
Exercise improves circulation and blood flow — and it’s good at doing that. Water carries away the waste products and transports oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. Not only that, it promotes better sleep, which helps our skin to bring back its glow.
Exercise can help ease stress and release feel-good hormones, like endorphins that regulate the bad stress hormone cortisol.
Sun Exposure and Pollutants from the Environment
Do yourself a favor — always wear SPF when you go out.
Pollution in the city is a factor in premature skin aging. Prepare with the right defense and be safe.
More Time To Yourself: Pampering
Some people make fun of the fact that facial masks are recommended for self-care. They are an important part of self-care as well as a holistic approach to skincare. Blood circulation is increased by massage. Targeted skin treatments give you a bigger dose of vital ingredients.
It is possible to clear and smooth your skin with essential oils. You give permission to your body and mind to RELAX when you treat yourself. We have established how important it is to de-stress. Relaxing activities can reduce anxiety, relax tense muscles, lead to better sleep, reduce inflammation, and release feel-good hormones.
What is happening on the inside is often shown on the outside. You should learn to read the signs of your body and skin. I think they should only be used as part of a holistic skincare approach.
If your skin is dehydrated, increase your water intake. If you have dull skin, it is a good idea to take a look at your diet and make sure you have enough vitamins and minerals. If you have any of the above, you should consult book a consultation with an expert.
Don’t be ashamed of your smile lines. They are proof of a life well lived.