Holistic skin care is in high demand—again!
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Holistic skin care is in high demand—again!
The concept of holistic skin care isn’t new; it has been around for millennia. Consider the Egyptians, who used plants and honey to beautify the skin. In addition to plant-based products, today’s holistic skin care philosophy includes treating the entire body, sometimes from the inside out.
I was first introduced to the concept of holistic skin in 2006 and the opening of an organic day spa with my business partner, Shelley Birnbaum. Birnbaum is a master esthetician who is classically trained to consider all aspects of the body and its impact on the skin, particularly the face. She crafted a line of organic skin care products, which included soothing solutions to calm the skin and products for mature skin.
Birnbaum also suggested supplements to treat the skin from the inside out—a true testament to holistic skin care. I still take my burdock root all these years later, which is noted to clean the blood and improve the complexion’s appearance.
Fast-forward almost two decades: Holistic skin care is in full swing and in high demand, reflecting the increased demand for wellness experiences. Holistic skin care offers an alternative to conventional approaches, appealing to those seeking a more natural approach to beauty and wellness.
What Does Holistic Mean?
Holistic skin encompasses care of the entire body, noting that diet, sleep, exercise and stress management are crucial for healthy skin. The mindset is that a balanced lifestyle will reflect in the complexion.
In addition, there is a growing area of interest: Proponents of holistic skin care believe a healthy gut microbiome contributes to overall skin health.
I reached out to Ella Cressman, a dedicated and seasoned licensed esthetician, certified organic skin care formulator and accomplished international educator with a proven track record of elevating the esthetics industry. She owns Ella Cress Skincare and is the perfect expert to discuss holistic skin care.
“For years, the word ‘holistic’ somehow became synonymous with ‘natural.’ The practice of holistic skin care inferred a natural approach, which wasn't necessarily synonymous with results," explains Cressman. “Though we knew lack of sleep took a toll on one's complexion, we didn't quite connect skin health in the fight against aging or other skin concerns."
Related: 4 Holistic Sleep Treatments at Shangri-La Resorts
Back then, spa pros approached many problems in a singular way. “Acne? Kill oil with salicylic acid and bacteria with benzoyl peroxide. Age spots? Eliminate them with lactic acid and retinol, then remember the sunscreen. Wrinkles? Glycolic acid and advanced modalities were the only things that could straighten them out,” says Cressman.
“Now, we understand the correlation between health and how the function of all of the body's systems influences the skin,” she continues. “Pimples can surface in response to a digestive disorder. Hyperpigmentation can be connected to hormone imbalances or some medications. Crow’s feet, marionette lines and lackluster skin can result from diet choices, not drinking enough water, or a mineral deficiency.”
Holistic Skin Care Practices
Cressman emphasizes the importance of in-depth consultations, which are essential for creating effective solutions. “More than just reviewing a form, the discoveries found while considering the whole picture—lifestyle, routines, exercise, mental health, sleep patterns, problem histories, age, environmental factors and so on—significantly influence protocol options. Considering how all the pieces affect each other is a genuinely holistic approach to skin care,” she says. “By adopting a holistic process with each client and creating customized solutions, we can achieve lasting results in a shorter time frame. Who doesn't want that?”
I also spoke with Nora McGarraugh, a licensed esthetician (17 years) and massage therapist (9 years). She is the owner and sole therapist of Accent Beauty in Denver.
“Holistic skin care is the practice of combining whole-body homeostasis with topical remedies to promote healthy skin,” explains McGarraugh. “When your body and mind are in balance, your skin will follow suit.”
Related: The Power of Mushrooms for Holistic Beauty and Wellness
McGarraugh notes that her esthetics training 17 years ago was relatively basic: cleanse, exfoliation, extractions, nourishment, protection. “The thought of the body internally projecting abnormalities on the skin was not even in the study,” she recalls. “I realized the correlation between body and skin when I healed my digestive system and finished school. So often, we do not realize what impedes the production of healthy skin. It could be allergies and limitations the body has in processing, then presents in the form of acne and other imbalances in the skin.”
In her practice, McGarraugh engages clients in a dialogue about their skin concerns. In this way, she’s able to not only nail down possible lifestyle factors, but also guide clients toward the best solutions. “We talk about lifestyle, eating habits, stress and topical treatments that they have been prescribed. Often, the problem lies within one of these categories,” she says.
I think McGarraugh sums it up best: "Holistic skin care is practicing a lifestyle that will enhance the body and spirit, ultimately making the skin glow. I’m here to help my clients create a sustainable, practical regimen that feeds their souls. My goal is for them to love the skin they’re in.”
That is holistic care and, honestly, wellness at its finest!
Sherrie Tennessee has spent more than 16 years in the spa industry, having held positions as a massage therapist, spa owner, speaker, educator and author. She is currently the education director of SpaSOS, a spa and wellness education and consulting firm.
