Skin – our natural armor and the largest organ in the body.
Latin name: Cutis
Your skin is not just a “wrapper” – it’s an intelligent, multilayered protective system. It can weigh up to 4 kg and cover around 2 m² of your body. It performs 7 vital functions, from temperature regulation and detoxification to sensory perception. Caring for it is not just about looks – it also supports your immunity, hormones, and even your mood.
What’s Your Skin Made Of – Layer by Layer?
Understanding skin structure is key to caring for it properly. Think of it as architectural brilliance:
- Epidermis – the outermost layer, with keratinocytes and melanocytes, forms a protective barrier and gives skin its tone.
- Dermis – the action center: contains collagen, elastin, blood vessels, sweat glands, and nerves.
- Subcutis – the fatty layer: insulation, shock absorption, and energy storage.
🔬 Fun Fact: You shed about 18 kg of dead skin cells in your lifetime – and no diet required!
Why Does Your Skin Reflect What’s Inside You?
Your skin is a mirror of your gut, hormones, and stress levels. Breakouts, dryness, or dullness often stem from your diet and microbiome – not your cream.
Top internal allies for skin health:
- Vitamin C (rosehip, acerola)
- Vitamin A (carrot, pumpkin, evening primrose oil)
- Omega-3 (flaxseed, hemp oil, fatty fish)
- Zinc and selenium (pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts)
- Adaptogens (ashwagandha, amla, reishi)
Tip: A green smoothie with parsley and apple is a fast-track to glowing skin.
Are Your Emotions Written on Your Face?
Skin reacts to stress like a finely tuned radar. Cortisol can trigger sebum imbalance, inflammation, and barrier damage. That’s why meditation, deep breathing, sleep, and laughter are just as important as skincare!
Which Herbs and Spices Truly Love Your Skin?
Nature gives more than any luxury cream. Meet your green allies:
- Chamomile – calming, ideal for baths and toners
- Calendula – regenerative, speeds up healing
- Nettle – purifying from the inside
- Turmeric – brightening and antibacterial
- Witch hazel – tones and soothes
- Sage – regulates perspiration
- Lavender – relaxes skin and nerves
✨ Did you know? Drinking nettle tea for 3 weeks can visibly improve acne-prone skin.
How Should You Cleanse Your Face – Without Overdoing It?
Forget harsh scrubbing. Skin loves rhythm and gentleness.
- Morning: gentle foam or hydrosol
- Evening: double cleanse (oil + mild gel)
- Exfoliation: once per week max
DIY Enzyme Scrub:
1 tbsp oat flakes + 1 tbsp yogurt. Massage for 2 minutes, rinse.
Which Face Masks Can Brighten Your Skin in 10 Minutes?
- Turmeric + honey + yogurt – antibacterial and glowing
- Egg white + lemon – tightens pores and brightens
- Yeast + milk + olive oil – regulates oil, great for oily skin
Apply masks 2× a week, and rotate ingredients – skin loves variety!
Which Oils and Creams Truly Nourish Your Skin?
- Jojoba oil – balances sebum
- Rosehip oil – anti-aging, high in vitamin C and natural retinol
- Hemp oil – calms inflammation and acne
- Urea cream – hydrates and smooths
- Retinol (at night!) – reduces wrinkles and evens texture
💡 Tip: Hemp oil + vitamin E = overnight skin rehab.
Can a Bath Replace a Trip to the Spa?
Yes! A few ingredients = luxurious self-care at home:
- Chamomile infusion – soothing and relaxing
- Flaxseed gel – coats and hydrates the skin
- Milk + honey – smooths and nourishes deeply
Bonus: Add lavender and silence for 5 minutes = instant nervous system reset.
Does Your Skin Have a Circadian Rhythm – and How to Support It?
- Morning – antioxidant serum + SPF protection
- Evening – cleanse + actives (retinol, oils)
- Night – rich creams and deep cell repair
Stick to a consistent skincare schedule and healthy sleep – your skin will show the difference.
Is the Sun Your Enemy or the Best Dermatologist?
While UV rays can age skin prematurely, moderate exposure (10–15 mins daily without sunscreen) helps produce vitamin D, essential for bone health, immunity, and mood.
The key is balance: don’t fear the sun – use smart protection.
Which Ingredients Should You Avoid in Your Cosmetics?
Time to read those INCI labels. These are the big no-nos:
- Parabens (e.g. methylparaben) – may disrupt hormones
- SLS/SLES – harsh detergents that damage your skin barrier
- Phthalates – linked to hormonal disruption
- Formaldehyde – known allergen and irritant
- Fragrance/Parfum – hides dozens of synthetic chemicals
- Mineral oils – clog pores and offer zero nutrition
Choose short, natural ingredient lists with botanical actives.
How to Make Your Own Body Balm at Home?
Nourishing Body Balm Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 50 ml coconut oil
- 30 ml shea butter
- 10 ml sweet almond oil
- a few drops of vitamin E
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
Melt oils over a water bath, stir together, pour into a glass jar. Store in fridge for up to 3 months.
How to Make Natural Sunscreen?
DIY SPF ~30 Cream:
- 20 g shea butter
- 15 g raspberry seed oil (natural SPF)
- 10 g non-nano zinc oxide
- a few drops carrot seed oil
Note: Natural sunscreens are helpful, but shade and hats matter too!
How to Make After-Sun Gel or Lotion?
Aloe Cooling Gel:
- 50 ml aloe vera gel
- 1 tsp jojoba oil
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
Soothing Milk:
- 100 ml oat milk (or calendula tea)
- 1 tbsp borage oil
- 1 tsp honey
Calms, cools, hydrates. Your sun-kissed skin will thank you.
Expert Add-On: Can You Nourish Your Skin Through Your Plate?
Absolutely! Collagen doesn’t build itself. You need:
- Vitamin C and zinc (for synthesis)
- Silica (from nettle or horsetail)
- Sufficient protein intake
Eat: bone broth, root veggies, leafy greens, seeds, nuts, flax. Your skin will thank you long before your mirror does.
What’s Next?
Tomorrow we dive into natural care for acne-prone skin – no harsh chemicals, just wisdom from plants and proven remedies.
What about you? Do you have a skincare ritual? Which herbs or oils work best for you?
