If you’ve spent years suffering from all sorts of skin conditions – from acne to eczema – then it’s time to start rewilding your skin. Not sure what that means? Read on!
You may have heard the term ‘rewilding’ used in a wildlife conservation context before, but perhaps not when talking about one’s skin? Well, just like a rainforest or an ocean reef, your skin holds an ecosystem with natural microbes forming a complex ecology in delicate balance.
According to Esse skincare founder, Trevor Steyn, when this natural balance is disrupted with harmful, chemical-laden skin products, the ecosystem is damaged, leading to problematic skin. He offers a few suggestions for bringing back the microbial balance so that the skin protects itself naturally.
- Makeup-free days: With remote and hybrid working more commonplace, there is a lot more opportunity to avoid wearing makeup on certain days. The less makeup worn, the less cleansing is needed – which is really good news for the skin’s microbiome. Without disruption from makeup and the resulting cleansing, the skin will begin to rewild.
2. Don’t over-cleanse: While cleaning is important, it is certainly possible to over-cleanse the skin. The skin works hard to produce valuable oils – something it has done for 2 million years. By over-cleaning with products twice a day, the skin is stripped of these oils, washing away the protection they provide. A simple splash on the face with lukewarm water every morning is ideal.
3. Avoid sugar: It’s a harsh truth, but sugar is detrimental to one’s health – and this includes skin health. Sugar breaks down the collagen and elastin that gives the skin its structure and firmness.
4. Get outdoors: We have become far too disconnected from the natural world, despite it being incredibly beneficial for mental and physical well-being. The natural world is thriving with good microbes that interact with the skin in a healthy way. Get out in the wild and rewild the skin while lowering stress levels and improving one’s mood.
5. Enjoy some sun: Try to spend at least 15 minutes of your outdoor time without sunscreen. Vitamin D is incredibly beneficial to one’s health, including skin health (don’t go over 15 minutes and risk sunburn, as this will cause more harm than good).
6. Get active: Everyone needs to exercise. It’s good for physical and mental well-being – and your skin! Sweating releases built-up toxins, while the increased heart rate increases blood flow throughout the body, resulting in healthier skin.
7. Include omegas: Omega 3s and Omega 6s (found in fresh fish, eggs, and seeds) are important for good skin health. These quality oils are used by the skin to support barrier function and the microbiome. When one is low on omega stocks, the skin health is going to suffer.
8. Check your skincare products: Check the ingredients. Any products that aren’t organic, natural and microbiome-friendly should be removed from the skincare regime.
Details: Esse Skincare: www.esseskincare.com
