What is holistic skincare?

Skincare is a topic that means many different things to different people. Our skin is the first thing people see and its condition can make us feel beautiful and vibrant, but if we suffer from skin issues it also has the power to negatively affect how we feel.    

Skincare is not a ‘one size fits all’ kind of topic. It comes down to more than simply using products. That’s why at Nunaïa we  take a 'whole-istic' lifestyle approach that considers not only skin care but also environmental factors, lifestyle, diet and hormones.  

So, what does holistic skincare actually mean?

Holistic skincare means taking into account all aspects that relate to your skin, and acknowledging them as a whole, rather than unrelated areas. With skincare, one area of your life can definitely impact another and have a direct link to what shows up on the surface.

Holistic skincare shines a light on what goes on inside your body (including your mind) as well as outside of your body. If you want beautiful, healthy glowing skin, focus on what you’re eating, what you’re thinking (mental health), your lifestyle (being active but not burning yourself out) and a good skincare routine and products.

How to look after your skin

Nunaïa Founder Nicola Connolly suggests the following skincare routine to keep your skin healthy and happy:

• Cleanse regularly (morning and night) to promote healthy skin and remove excess oils, dirt and bacteria.
• Cleanse properly by being gentle with your skin and taking enough time to lift dirt from your face. Do a double cleanse at the end of the day if you’ve wearing makeup or sunscreen. Cleansing balms are especially useful for this.
• Protect your skin barrier by moisturising properly. In the morning apply a serum to clean skin followed by a hydrating day cream and then a full spectrum spf. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen regularly if you’re outside
• In the evening use a serum like our Nourishing Radiance Serum to target specific skin concerns and if you suffer from very dry or dehydrated skin follow with a night cream. 

Botanicals are extremely beneficial to the skin due to their natural potency in minerals and antioxidants. Essential oils in the correct concentrations can help relax and reduce stress with their calming and soothing aroma-therapeutic properties. The power of plants to heal and nourish our skin is truly amazing. This is why we choose to use whole plant, certified organic superfood ingredients in all our products.

Diet

This is something that you’ve probably heard before… Although diet can be a complex subject that is personal to the individual, a good goal is to try and consume wholefoods, fresh fruit and vegetables and eat organic where you can. It’s all about gut health, as this has a direct impact on the condition of your skin. Inflammation is your worst enemy, so avoid salty and sugary processed foods that cause inflammation.

Switch your white bread, pasta and rice for brown or wholegrain. Cut down on processed and refined sugars found in cakes, biscuits and even your favourite ready meals. These foods will increase your blood sugar levels which has a detrimental impact on the skin, causing breakouts and even the deterioration of collagen.

Antioxidants are imperative to holistic skincare. They help your body to function normally and in turn this leads to healthy looking skin. Antioxidants are your body’s defence against inflammation and free radicals and they regenerate cells and boost your immune system. Antioxidants will also stimulate your body’s collagen production, which will give your skin a more full and plump appearance. Antioxidants can be found in different nuts, fruits (especially berries) and green leafy vegetables.

Stress

Stress has a direct impact on the way that our skin behaves. That’s why it is so important to look after your mental health and wellbeing and invest in self-care as a part of your day.

Excessive stress will negatively impact how all of your body functions and those effects can surface on your skin. The stress hormone, cortisol can degrade collagen levels in the body and give your skin a much older-looking appearance. People who suffer from stress can also experience rashes, spots, hives and worsened conditions of eczema and psoriasis.

It’s crucial to find positive ways of managing stress and pressure. This could take the form of exercise, meditation, reading, or maybe having a quiet time of reflection while burning a candle and enjoying a cup of herbal tea.

We believe that skincare is a self-care ritual and we are passionate about helping you bring little moments of connection into your day. We have built beautiful self-care rituals into all of our products. You’ll be amazed at the difference you’ll feel by taking a few moments of undisturbed peace to nourish your skin and soul at the end of your day.

Learn more about our holistic skincare rituals here.

Click here to build your own holistic skincare ritual.

Written by Danielle Corbert