Since our skin is deeply connected to our emotional well-being and hormonal balance, expecting products to do all the work is unrealistic. Topical products do have a function, but they need to be supported by an overall healthier lifestyle.

This is why I am sharing with you a guide on how to achieve glowing skin that incorporates stress-reducing and hormone-balancing herbs in your wellness routine. As a professional herbalist, these are my trusted tips to elevate your health. 

 

The VOB protocol for luminous skin:

On a topical level, some of our products are certified glow-getters and operate as mini facials to prevent lackluster and dull skin.

1. A non-stripping cleanser/toner

Our herb-infused toner doubles as a cleanser and serves as a perfect prep for the next steps.

It helps restore a healthy pH to inflamed and unbalanced skin, leaving it feeling fresh, clean, and lightly hydrated. Thanks to the Hibiscus flower, the toner provides a boost of Vit. C and AHAs (responsible in removing dead skin cells), both being key to getting a glowing complexion. 

2. A stimulating face oil 

One of our best-sellers, Vitality Face Treatment is specifically acting as a potent skin cocktail. Packed with antioxidants including raw vanilla bean and organic coffee bean CO2 extract. The latter increases blood flow for a boosted complexion whereas the former adresses fine lines and age spots. Our star ingredient in our range, namely rose otto, refines the skin texture for a more youthful look. We actually use 3 different types of roses to maximize the benefits. Vitality will make the skin smoother, brighter, and more supple. On the sensory level, the warm aroma will uplift your mood and stimulate the limbic system (read our post on the limbic system here).

3. A silky eye oil

The Essential Eye Treatment oil was created to combat fatigue, target fine lines, and de-puff the eyes. It’s a powerhouse of antioxidants, collagen, and elastin-boosting herbal extracts, including rosehip, pumpkin, carrot seed oil, fennel, horsetail, marshmallow root, and raw vanilla bean. The synergistic blend contributes to preventing water retention and repairing tissue due to collagen loss, hence the appearance of fine lines on this delicate surface.

Once applied, it absorbs seamlessly onto the skin whilst leaving a subtle gloss on the surface. The eye area looks instantly nourished and brighter. It can also be applied around the lips and anywhere that needs extra hydration. To this day, it remains one of our most popular and most featured product. 

4. A weekly cacao-bursting face mask treatment 

Cacao Vanilla beauty mask is a deep revitalizing and repairing mask that hydrates, stimulates, and gently exfoliates. After 10-15 minutes, you’ll see a rose and fresh complexion as the result of the micro-circulation. Anything that promotes skin cell renewal is crucial for bright, glowy skin.

Cocoa powder, tamanu, sandalwood, and marshmallow root are just a few ingredients of this super blend that enhances skin brightness and helps fight against premature aging and sun damage.

We often hear about the link between great skin and gut health, but we’ve got to be more specific and focus on the two organs that play a pivotal part in the appearance of our skin. The liver, kidneys, and skin are all elimination organs. The liver’s function is to filter blood coming from the digestive tract, removing toxins and waste products from the bowels and kidneys. It also stores key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, and B12. When the liver happens to be congested with an excess of toxins building up, it will have an impact on the skin as signs of inflammation may appear as acne, spots, dullness, premature lines, itchiness, eczema, and more.

A sluggish liver will affect the digestive system, certain hormones, and in extenso, the skin. If the liver is no longer able to get rid of toxins, other organs such as the kidneys and skin will have to take over. Kidneys regulate the content of the blood by controlling water volume and removing waste from the blood, returning the cleansed blood to the body. Skin and nail changes in the presence of kidney disease are commonly encountered. Studies have shown that when there’s inflammation due to liver and kidney issues, it exacerbates skin dryness. 

Most of the ingredients and herbs mentioned also cleanse the blood and contribute to removing excess toxins from the system, reducing a build-up, thus paving the way for clearer and brighter skin. 

Select the ones that are adapted to your profile and needs, preferably wild-harvested and/or organic. Be it in tinctures, herbal teas, or supplements, this is up to your personal preferences. 

For the liver: milk thistle, dandelion, artichoke, broccoli yellow duck, NAC.

For the kidney: Nettle seeds, parsley, dandelion root, horsetail, burdock, marshmallow root, uva ursi, and red clover. Cordyceps mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, blueberries, cranberries, grapefruit.

 

Focus on proper hydration.

It goes beyond the "drink more water" stance: when it comes to improving hydration, you must add electrolytes. The budget-friendly and easy way to do so is to mix pure water with a pinch of salt and a touch of honey. Personally, Celtic sea salt is my favorite.

 

Let the sunshine in. 

Spending more time in nature (look into the science behind earthing/grounding), respecting our circadian rhythm (research shows that sleeping from 10 pm to 6 am gives the best results in terms of productivity and vitality), and spending more time outside soaking up natural vitamin D will do wonders to the body and mind. Just like essential oils, sunshine has been obsessively demonized yet we must showcase nuance as sensible sun exposure regulates Vit. D levels, which in turn contributes to keeping hormone levels balanced along with a myriad of other health benefits. Not to mention that phone and computer screens, as well as artificial lights, come with their fair amount of issues. Blue light emitted by our phones, tablets, and computer generate free radicals and break down collagen, leading overtime to skin discoloration, inflammation, and a weakened skin surface.

 

Last but not least: do more of what brings you joy.

Spend more time around people (and pets) you love, dance, laugh, etc. Look into what brings you inner joy and peace and incorporate that into your life. Keeping those energies high plays a fundamental role in healing our nervous system and reducing our stress level, which in turn, will also have a significant impact on our skin.