If you’re into skin care, you’ve probably been hearing a lot about holistic skin care lately. Although the concept has been around for a while, it’s really taken off in recent years. That said, not everyone knows what it is or how to practice it. That’s why, in this article, we’re going to talk about what holistic skin care is, the benefits of holistic skin care, and how to practice it. We’ll also talk a bit about some skin care products you can use in your holistic skin care routine.
IN A NUTSHELL
Main Takeaways: Holistic skin care is about taking every possible measure to ensure great skin — from increasing your water consumption to creating a great skin care routine.
Good to Know: Although holistic skin care is about taking care of your skin in many different ways, the basis of holistic skin care is a great skin care routine.
Recommended Products: Starter Set.
What Is Holistic Skin Care?
When most of us think of skin care, we think of our skin care products and maybe our skin care routines. While important, our daily routine is just one part of what it takes to maintain exceptionally healthy skin. For skin that is healthy inside and out, you need to think of your skin care in holistic terms. It’s important to think about all the factors that affect your skin–either positively or negatively–and not just what you put on it topically. This includes what you consume, the environment you live in, and the health of your mind and whole body. This big picture thinking is truly the way to keep your skin as healthy and vibrant as possible.
Now that you know what holistic skin care is, read on to find out some ways to practice it!
Benefits of Holistic Skin Care and How to Practice It
Now that you know what holistic skin care is, let’s talk a bit about what the benefits are and how you might go about practicing it.
Get a Great Skincare Routine Going
Even though holistic skin care is about treating your skin in many different ways, it starts with a great skin care routine. The key is to find products that are gentle on the skin and devoid of toxins, so you’re not ingesting a bunch of unnecessary junk. At Fleur & Bee, we make products that are completely free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicones, GMOs, artificial fragrances, gluten, dyes and 1,300 other potentially harmful ingredients. On top of that, all our formulas are 100% vegan, and we're a Leaping Bunny™ certified, cruelty-free brand.
Take a Look at the Foods You’re Eating
There’s a good reason teenagers are more prone to acne and other skin issues than adults. Yes, their hormones are in overdrive, but they also have a tendency to eat a lot of unhealthy foods. Foods that are greasy, high in fat, or dehydrating, can really show on your skin, making it too dry or too oily. Remember that your skin is an organ of elimination- good goes in, good comes out. Bad goes in, bad comes out. Foods that cause inflammation like sugary drinks and dairy have a tendency to trigger break outs.
When you keep your diet balanced and healthy, it shows on your skin. Foods like salmon, berries, and leafy greens will keep your skin looking young and glowy – think of that the next time you’re tempted to reach for a candy bar or a grilled cheese sandwich!
Assess Your Environment
From being around strong air conditioning to living in an urban area cursed with pollution, your environment has a lot to do with how your skin behaves. If you find that your skin always feels dry or won’t improve no matter how well you treat it, think about whether or not your surroundings might be causing it. If you think that’s the case, try to incorporate antioxidants that help fight environmental stressors that harm skin.
Manage Stress
It really is amazing how stress affects our bodies. From causing weight gain or weight loss, to triggering headaches or even chest pain, going through a stressful time can really take a toll on our bodies, and our skin is no exception. If your skin just isn’t behaving the way it should, consider whether stress might be affecting your skin health. Consider engaging in a stress-reducing activity like meditation, a nice bubble bath, or even just taking a walk with friends. We bet you’ll find your skin starts to calm down when you are able to consistently relieve the stress in your life.
Get More Sleep
We realize this is sometimes easier said than done, but sleep really affects how our skin looks. From big bags under your eyes to a general lackluster appearance, your skin can be a big indicator of how well you are — or are not — sleeping. If you can, try to cut out all caffeine, turn off your phone or computer at least two hours before going to bed, or take a nap during the day. Some things can only be improved with the right amount of sleep!
Look at Your Meds
It’s not just birth control pills that can mess with your skin. Side effects and negative reactions to medications can be quite common, and if you can’t figure out why your skin won’t stop breaking out, ask your doctor if any of the medications you’re on could be the problem.
Increase Your Water Consumption
Next to a magic pill, this is just about the easiest, quickest way to get your skin looking its absolute best. Although the recommended daily water intake is at least 64 ounces of water a day, for most of us, that’s not entirely realistic. Of course, in this case, more is better but even if you just substitute a cup or two of coffee each day for a glass of water, that’s a great start. If you can, try to work your way up to more- and before long, we bet you’ll notice that a change in your skin for the better.
Exercise
The health benefits to exercise aren’t just about losing weight or toning up. Exercise can drastically improve the look of your skin. Aside from the fact that it helps reduce stress (which, in and of itself will help your skin), exercise promotes collagen production which in turn, keeps your skin looking youthful. Even if you hate exercising, just a half an hour or so a couple of times a week can help improve the look of your skin.
Watch Your Time in the Sun
We cannot stress this enough–if you really want to age your skin quickly, spend time in the sun. It’ll dry it out and cause age spots and wrinkles. If you avoid the sun, however, and wear sunscreen regularly, you are protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Remember that sun exposure doesn’t just mean sunbathing. It’s easy to get too much sun just by taking a long hike or bicycle ride, or even during your long commute in the car, so make sure you’re always protecting your skin from the sun and taking necessary precautions.
Talk to Your Doctor
Before you start any kind of major life change that involves your health (and your skin qualifies), schedule a quick appointment with your doctor. They can look at your medications, recommend vitamins and supplements, and go over anything you think may be causing issues with your skin, including things we might not have discussed here.
Hopefully this gets you started on a great holistic skin care routine. It’s truly the best way to bring your skin from good to great!
