These four elements are revealed in the energy of our skin on a cellular level (known as Skin Energetics in herbalism), which is the cellular life force that keeps cell turnover effective. Fire is representative of the energetics of heat and dryness that appear in skin that is red, hot, sensitive, or itchy. Water is representative in the energetics of dampness, with skin that appears damp, shiny, or oily with visible pores. Earth is representative in the energetics of coldness (lack of heat) that appears in skin that is pale and has blue or dark circles under the eyes. And, Air is representative of heat and dryness, with skin that appears to lack luster and feels tight, dry, or flakey. 

Once we understand energetics on a cellular level, we can use what nature provides to bring balance back to our bodies. For Example, with skin that is dry, we understand that it lacks moisture, therefore we can introduce moistening herbs and plant derivatives to bring life, luster, and elasticity back to the skin. 

I’ve personally struggled with my skin for as long as I can remember. And, once I immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager, my skin troubles seemed to worsen. Whether it was the food or the chemicals found in common personal products, my skin would break out into rashes and bumps every day. My skin was frequently inflamed, in pain, and itchy. I sought professional help and used prescription ointments and creams, which didn't seem to work, and once I started researching the ingredients in those prescription creams and all of my everyday products, I had an awakening! "This is why my skin is suffering, there was almost nothing natural in these products" I realized. I found out that most personal products were filled with harmful chemicals, toxicants, and carcinogens.  

By 2014 I had begun my vegan journey and ventured into the world of herbal skin care and started making my own vegan and cruelty-free personal care products using high-quality and ethically sourced herbal ingredients and finally found a relief for my skin. I found it. The answer was here all along. In nature, I found what my skin needed. Just high quality and natural oils, butters, extracts, plant proteins, and herbal tinctures. I’ve never looked back since. I kept studying and learning. I researched and researched and researched, and obtained diplomas and certifications in cosmetic chemistry and herbalism and my friends and family started purchasing my skin foods in large numbers. 

By 2020 I graduated with two bachelor's degrees and was set to continue my education and career path while keeping my natural skin line as a side hustle, but like many working-class folks around the world, my life changed dramatically. My family and I suffered financially and I realized that I wasn’t able to continue with what I had planned out for my life. I fell into a deep depression and the only thing that kept me going was the lessons I learned from nature. I realized that nature is resilient and despite all the struggles, life finds a way. I realized that I was resilient too and the strength and life force that I needed was inside me all along. I decided that I had to invest in myself. I worked tireless jobs to invest in ingredients to build up my inventory and the demand for the products kept increasing. I realized that I could do this full-time because people see the value of healing from nature. So, I want to share with you the skin secrets that have changed my life for the better. This humbling experience is what I’ve learned from embracing the beautiful healers found in nature.