As appeared on Page 52 of Cary Living – November/December 2021

Your skin is a reflection of all that’s going on inside, including your diet, stress level and hormones. Ever wondered why you’re breaking out before a big meeting, after eating too much dairy, or during your period? It’s important to look at the bigger picture to understand the root cause of skin imbalances.

When we’re stressed, our bodies produce cortisol, which interacts with the circulatory, nervous and immune systems. It can trigger skin-related problems like acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. While stress may be an inevitable part of our busy lives, we can change how we adapt to it. Herbal teas and remedies that include adaptogenic herbs like Ginseng and Schisandra Berry, which build immunity  and energy reserves, and nervine herbs like Chamomile  and Passionflower, sedative herbs that help relax the  body and mind, can help the body adapt to stress  and relax the nervous system.

What you eat also plays a pivotal role in supporting skin health. Imbalances in the digestive system can lead to inflammation and sensitive skin. To support a healthy gut and skin, it’s important to consume foods with phytonutrients and antioxidants—probiotics  that help reduce inflammation in the body.

Like the gut, the skin has its own microbiome— a complex ecosystem of bacteria that serves as the foundation for healthy skin. A balanced skin  microbiome is critical in protecting your skin from acne, irritation, and premature aging. Even if you have a solid skin care routine, you can still be prone to skin issues because other factors like environmental damage, your skin’s pH level, the  amount of oil in your skin and hydration all impact  the skin microbiome.

Since every microbiome is different, there’s no perfect formula to keeping it balanced as it typically varies with location, age, and gender. Nurturing your skin microbiome helps lay the foundation for healthy skin. This is where ingredients come into play.  Avoiding known irritants and choosing nourishing ingredients helps to support and repair the skin barrier, preventing imbalances like acne, rosacea, and premature aging. Look for skin care products that combine proven botanicals with clean cosmeceuticals to nourish the skin while delivering results for radiant, healthy skin.