Lifestyle Mirror

Last week, we met with Aveda’s Helga Hefner, who explained the skincare philosophies behind Ayurvedic medicine. We learned that skin issues on different parts of the face are indicators of other problems, whether it be psychological, emotional, or physical.

Kristin Petrovich, founder of Själ Skincare, started her brand with eastern wisdom in mind. “Eastern medicine combined with western biotechnology creates a balance which appealed to us on a very universal level,” she explained. Inspired by ancient teachings, Petrovich culled ingredients like blue sapphire from the Kashmir region (“known for calming and clearing”), lotus oil (“to soften the skin”), and Echinacea (“known to help fight acne and wrinkles”) for her line.

So when Soli Davis, Själ’s resident facialist, meets with clients, she does so with eastern practices in mind. Much of the treatment focuses on balancing the “third eye,” on the forehead. “The third eye has to do with intuition and extrasensory perception,” Davis explained. “And in medicine, it’s actually the externalization of the pituitary gland, which controls all your hormones. If you secrete certain hormones, you’ll age more quickly. That’s why it’s important to balance all of the chakras.”

The forehead, specifically, can become a hotbed of acne and irritation. “A lot of people break out right in the middle of the forehead. Nowhere else but right there,” she laughed. That’s likely because, our experts point out, our third eye responds immediately to stress. Pesky bumps, zits, fine lines, and wrinkles can all be linked to stress.

“The Tibet House did a study on yogis and yoga’s effect on the lifespan,” Petrovich said. “And let’s face it: If you’re in good shape, your skin is in good shape, too. The pituitary gland helps to stimulate melatonin [production], which de-stresses.”

If you don’t have the time (or patience) for yoga, Davis recommends concentrating on your breathing for a few minutes each day. “We also place a tumbled amethyst right on the third eye during this process. People who aren’t even into stones realize it’s a tranquilizer,” Petrovich added.

And if you’d like less of a voodoo approach, Själ’s Kashmir Saphir Mask stimulates the pituitary gland and connects mind to body with blue sapphire, and gently exfoliates and calms with chamomile and lavender. It’s perfect for a relaxing experience, especially when followed up with the Mineral Kalia Tonic or September’s upcoming Saphir Anti-Aging Oil.

Meanwhile, for that pesky zit, Petrovich and Davis recommend the brand’s deep pore cleanser (for obvious reasons) with the Cela Intuitif cream.
—Phillip Picardi (@pfpicardi)