my skin philosophy
(think of this as a blog post)
Every day, our bodies absorb the stresses and strains of modern life. Each experience is recorded in the tissues, often manifesting in the health of our skin and overall sense of well-being. Our skin is essentially the nervous system turned inside out, both derived from the same tissue when we were embryos.
This connection is why supporting the nervous system and providing somatic support have both been central to my facials. While somatic support focuses on addressing physical and emotional stagnation in the body, nervous system support aims to enhance overall well-being and resilience. Together, they form the foundation of my holistic approach to skincare.
Stress and tension patterns in the face, scalp, and neck can block the natural flow that promotes health and radiance. And unprocessed/unacknowledged emotions that are stored in the tissues create stagnation of flow, and precede this tension. These patterns can age our skin, sometimes causing us to feel unrecognizable to ourselves. When we release (or prevent) these blockages through somatic and/or embodied connection, we age beautifully and gracefully.
The somatic training I received is rooted in Yin energy—feminine and receptive. It’s about the practitioner (and ideally the client) Allowing rather than Doing, which can feel foreign in a culture that prioritizes action. Though Yin is our natural state, we’re taught that change only happens through constant doing. This isn’t true. Real health comes from balancing Yin and Yang. In our Yang-driven world, Yin’s energy is a much-needed remedy to restore that balance and reconnect with ourselves.
For me, skincare is about flow, not “flaws.” It’s connective, not corrective. This is achieved through mindful face massage, ancient Chinese somatic philosophy, applied hydrotherapy, and organic whole-plant skincare—all designed with your nervous system in mind.
Our lifestyle, the foundation of it all, is key. We aim to age vibrantly, not stagnantly, and this only happens when we support life-giving flow in and on our skin-body.
*Our skin is alive, and lifeless chemicals cannot give life back to our skin.
I work exclusively with organic, high-vibrational, skin-nourishing products, intuitively crafted by highly educated herbalists. These artisans meticulously source from small, organic family farmers they have deep relationships with. You can feel this connection as the plant medicine is applied to your skin. I am honored to partner with these talented herbalists, offering you their skillfully handcrafted creations while supporting integrity-driven farmers, many based here in California.
These whole-plant creations are powerful allies in supporting healthy skin aging. Just as the vitality of the food we eat nourishes our bodies, the vitality of the products we apply to our skin supports its essential functions. These high-vibe plants are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and a wealth of nutrients that promote skin flow, repair the skin barrier, feed the microbiome, and support collagen and elastin production. The result is truly vibrant skin nourishment.
"Ayurvedic wisdom holds that providing the skin with the purest nourishment possible not only allows for total self-correction of the skin, but also has profound healing effect on the entire person."
- *Dr. Pratima Raichur (also "our skin is alive...." quote)