Skin is like soil

Both are home to rich microbiomes calling for a diversity of nutrients. Too often stripped of life force and depleted by modern practices. Working directly with stewards who employ regenerative practices allows us to offer unparalleled support to soil and skin.

The skin is a diagnostic tool. It communicates the inner workings of our bodies. Through it we see systemic heat, digestive, hormonal and nervous system imbalances. Not only is it a mirror of our inner world, it’s also a mirror of our outer world – a reflection of the soil, the skin of the Earth. Both skin and soil have three layers and a protective top layer. Each is home to a rich microbiome, and each exchanges nutrients and gasses with the outside world.

Beyond the striking similarities of structure and function, we see that modern skin care treatments reflect the practices of modern agriculture. Current commonly accepted agricultural practices take little consideration of the long-term health of the soil. Mono-cropping, pesticides, and overworking of fields leaves the soil stripped of its nutrients and life force. In a similar manner, overuse of invasive skin care treatments, exfoliants, and prescription medications leave the skin overworked, stripped, and sterilize.

Today there is a resurgence of farmers respecting the Earth, working to nourish the soil, and support the harmony and complexity of the microbiome. By bringing a diversity of nutrients to the skin in the form of oils, hydrosols, butters and clay, we too are realigning ourselves – our skin and bodies – with the rhythms of the earth.

The Carltons — multi-generational farmers planting flower and herbs along the Columbia River Valley in Washington State.

Simply, here’s how the skin works: sweat glands and sebaceous glands work together to produce a thin coating of lipids (oil) and perspiration (water) – called the acid mantle. The acid mantle is the skin’s protective barrier against disease. When the delicate balance of acidity and alkalinity that makes up the acid mantle is disrupted, the skin’s ability to protect is weakened. Help restore the natural balance of the skin by turning to the oils and waters of the plant kingdom.

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  • Oil and water ritual

    Skin health and beauty can only exist with a strong and resilient hydrolipid barrier. The skin’s hydrolipid barrier is a delicate and slightly acidic layer of lipids (oils) and perspiration (waters) that the skin creates to protect itself, regulate moisture levels and detoxify. While many modern skin treatments strip and dissolve this barrier, our Oil &Water Ritual mimics and nurtures it.

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  • Clay is life

    Clay is one of the most universal materials known to humans. Throughout history and around the world, people have developed the art of forming clay from earth and water to make ceramics or pottery. Out of all of humanity’s handicrafts, pottery is the oldest – even writing, the very method of communication which created a foundation for human development, came after the first clay pots.”

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  • Into the soul of the plant

    A deeper look at HydroSouls

    If you’re anything like us, you probably go through a lot of HydroSoul, especially during the Summer months. Irritated, red, sensitive and congested skin becomes calmer, softer and more luminous when you incorporate HydroSoul into your daily skin care protocol.

Oil Water Clay & Shea