The skin care industry has come a long way over the years. We've perfected our cleansers, creams and serums with the amazing help of science. But why not go the extra mile? Our skin is our bodies largest organ and is directly affected by what we eat, our mood and our overall lifestyle. So keeping this in mind, I've chosen a few holistic skin care practices to incorporate with your favourite products.
Facial massage
Did you know your face tells a story? Different areas of your face show what is happening in your body. During a facial, I take this in consideration and use different products, tools and massage techniques that can bring on a deep state of relaxation, promote lymphatic drainage, increase circulation, relieve muscle pain and enhance your skins health.
I also encourage all my clients to massage their skin at home using a few of these techniques:
Pressure points: Massaging a specific pressure point can help relieve tension in the area. for example, you can massage the temples to help with headaches and migraines. Press on the pressure point between your eyebrows to help with insomnia or apply pressure on either side of the nose to help with stomach issues.
Scrapping massage: This is done after applying your favourite serum, you then apply pressure and gently glide your hand or a tool (Guasha is recommended) from the middle of your face working your way out. The benefits of this technique is to awaken the skin, thus increasing lymphatic drainage and blood circulation performing a detox on the skin and giving it a nice glow!
Massage face lift: A very easy and effective technique that can be done at any step of your skin care routine. When applying a product, always start from the chin and massage upwards to the forehead using circular motions with your fingertips. You will feel your skin tingle and plump up every time!
Adding Crystals to your skin care
Your mood can sometimes affect your skin. Which is why adding crystals to your skin care routine can help calm the spirit and in return, help the healing process. In addition to enhancing your mood, some crystals can calm inflammation, detoxify and give a plumping effect.
Here are a few of my favourite ways to add crystals to my routine:
Guasha: I love using this tool with my favourite serum, The scraping technique that is used during a Guasha treatment promotes lymphatic drainage, boosts collagen production and increases blood flow. Leaving your skin with a healthy glow.
Infusions: Place your favourite (not water soluble) crystal in a steamer, carrier oil or warm water, let the healing benefits infuse into the liquid of choice. You can then use the water or oil to cleanse your skin, make a face mask or serum. You and your skin will feel its energizing effects in return.
Pressure Point wand: Crystal wands are a great addition to a pressure point massage. Choose a Crystal that will compliment the pressure point that you wish to work on. For example, if you're working on a stress reflex, try working with a Shungite wand, the grounding energy of the stone will help release the stagnant energy in the stress point.
Tea/ Infusions
What we put in our bodies directly affects our skin. A great way to keep our bodies and skin hydrated is drinking herbal, organic teas. This ensures we ingest a sufficient amount of water and allows us to add healing benefits based on the herb we choose to infuse our teas with. Not only can you drink these teas, you can also add the infusions to your face masks and serums by simply using the teas as a substitute to water.
Here are some herbs I like to use for teas and infusions:
Chamomile: Chamomile leaf has a powerful anti inflammatory and calming properties. Great for anyone who suffers from rosacea, acne, or generally have reactive skin.
Green tea: Since it has great detoxifying and rejuvenating properties, I suggest green tea if you’re in need of an anti stresser or, use it in a face mask if you suffer from acne.
Turmeric: If your skins complexion or Pigmentation is a concern, Turmeric is the tea for you! Its powerful antioxidants and anti inflammatory properties help reduce scaring, calm symptoms of psoriasis and sun damage.
I'd like to encourage you to try one or all of these techniques at home in addition to your skin care routine. And if you're still not sure which one to choose, visit your local Holistic spa to receive your estheticians expert advice!