I recently watched with great discomfort videos of women peeling off, what can only be described as, an entire crust of burnt skin from their face to reveal a red and blotchy inner skin layer. This chemical peel technique, now trending, involves the application of toxic chemical solutions to the skin in a controlled manner that produce controlled tissue death resulting in a superficial wound. Through the body’s natural healing process, the tissue damage is repaired, leaving a charred crust and underneath it possibly younger looking skin. But a process so severe does come with possible side effects. My question to all this is, why? Unless there is a deep reason to undergo such harsh treatments, why would we volunteer to inflict such trauma to our face? Because, it promises youthful skin, that’s why.
We women have been told that harsh chemicals and toxins are our only option to preserve beauty, rather than natural, plant-based skincare, a balanced diet, managing stress and prioritizing our well-being. I am here to tell you that you have options, effective options, healthy options, long term and safe options and it’s in the form of gentle skincare!
What is gentle skincare?
Gentle skincare is an approach and routine that prioritizes the use of mild, non-aggressive products and practices to cleanse, hydrate, and protect the skin. The over arching goal of gentle skincare is to maintain and improve skin health.
These are the 5 things you need to know before you start your gentle skincare journey.
1. Respect Your Skin's Natural Balance: Our skin is a delicate ecosystem with trillions of microscopic organisms, and it thrives when we treat it with kindness. Our skin microbiome creates a smart, protective shield that is constantly making decisions about what is allowed to enter the skin and what is not. When healthy, it traps moisture in, and keeps irritants and potential pathogens out, and our skin is protected against inflammation and infection. So, choose a skincare ritual that focuses on improving skin health, not instant results.
2. Understand your skin: In Ayurveda we view the skin as a reflection of one's internal balance or the harmony of the mind, the body, and the spirit. Ayurvedic skincare principles are based on the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha— representing the different combinations of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) within the body. Each dosha has distinct characteristics, and an imbalance can manifest in various skin issues. For example, Vata-dominant individuals tend to have dry, sensitive skin, while Pitta types may be more prone to inflammation and acne and lastly Kapha individuals often deal with oiliness and congestion. However, it’s important to keep in mind that doshas change over time and due to location change, diet, and mental well-being. So, take the time to know the characteristics of your skin or ask an expert.
3. Choose your skincare ingredients wisely: You don’t need to be a skintellectual, but it is important to understand what ingredients are in your skincare. Choosing natural skincare is definitely the first step, then knowing what ingredients work for you. Read the ingredients list, every natural skincare brand provides details of their ingredients, take the time to read them and ask the brand if you have questions. They should be able to offer suggestions and advice, so do not hesitate to take advantage of the concierge services they offer.
4. Avoid (drying) alcohol, harsh exfoliants and chemicals on your skin: Our adult skin usually has a slightly acidic PH of 5.5 to offer skin protection. Cleansers and exfoliants that alter the natural PH, or strip oils and are highly abrasive, create dryness, inflammation, infections and even sensitivity. Simplify your skincare, choose gentle cleansers, makeup removers and exfoliants and invest in better quality skincare, remember, less is more when it comes to gentle skincare.
5. Know about the Gut Skin Axis: Our gut health is vitally important for good skin health. So, cutting down on processed foods, eating a balanced diet and having a healthy digestive system can reduce dryness, acne, rosacea, inflammation, and pigmentation. Know that a healthy gut can do more for your skin than any topical treatment in the market.
Finally, gentle skincare not only focuses on skin health, but also self-love, and self-care through the daily ritual of skincare; and for those who ask, at what age should you begin gentle skincare? The answer is, right now. Because healthy skin is beautiful at every age.
