Your skin. Do you remember? I can’t tell you how many times I ask this question in a given week. I remember learning this fact in junior high school science, as well as how much of our household dust is actually dead human skin cells. Gross? Maybe, but it is what it is and it is part of a natural process in repairing, healing and regenerating, not just our skin, but our entire body. The process of healing and renewal takes place during sleep, when we are in our rest and repair mode…..the parasympathetic nervous system. The integumentary system is the body’s outermost layer, composed of skin, hair, nails, and glands.  It acts as a protective barrier against infection, injury, and sunlight, also regulating body temperature and enabling sensory perception. 

I’ve been doing skin care for over two decades and I have always opted for a more holistic approach to my own skin care and, as well, in working with clients and guests. I always encourage my clients, at the very minimum to keep their skin healthy, cleansing and moisturizing morning and night, exfoliating regularly (as appropriate for your specific skin) and daily SPF, but also giving an opt out to skip one and if we do, making sure it is the morning and to at least apply SPF. In addition to external/topical care, I stress the importance of internal care as well, including hydration, nutrition and lifestyle in overall skin health. I liken skin care to working out and eating right for optimal health – as in, the more you do for you skin, internally and externally, the healthier the potential.

After two decades of seeing and treating ALL TYPES of skin and skin CONDITIONS (which is a whole other topic that confuses many people) the bottom line is the healthier the lifestyle as a whole, the healthier the skin. I was taught and always believe your skin is often a sign of what is going on internally in your body, including hormone fluxuations, chemical/nutritional imbalances, poor skin hygiene and/or techniques, your internal state of mind, your gut health, and a plethora of other external and internal factors.

Our bodies are miraculous biological entities made up of all sorts of cells, bacteria, microbiota, constantly renewing and repairing themselves – we are in a constant state of mitosis. Our cells develop from the substances (nutrients….or not) in your diet and your chemical make-up – the endless hormonal and chemical reactions that occur with your given lifestyle. Physiology fascinates me and I can geek out on it endlessly. I remind my clients that old saying “you are what you eat” is so deadly accurate physiologically, and not just “eat” but consume, as in your environment and energy created from your lifestyle. We’ve known it….but do we pay attention to it? Everything we eat and drink, in addition to every thought, every stressor, every breath has the potential to affect your skin…..and ultimately your overall health and well being. Holistic. Synergy.

The challenge is to pay attention.

Namaste, Cindy