September 2018 Apprentice Circle Discussion

Analyzing the Skin
Our method of analysis categorizes skin conditions by examining how the skin is functioning. 
When it is not performing all of its functions well, we look at the symptoms in order to determine which of our Supportive Skincare Pathways/Integrative Therapies will be the most direct route to meeting those needs through transitional use of our Functional Skin Care, giving the body the appropriate reflective messages and holding space for the body to respond with beautiful results.

Our method does not use “typing” as the main form of skin analysis. Not only do we believe that it doesn’t matter in regards to “getting the basic needs of skin care and self care met”, but we have also noticed that it perpetuates two polarizing and damaging beliefs. 

These beliefs (which we here at Brooklyn Herborium don’t subscribe to) are: “Your skin is your skin because you were born with a certain thing and therefore nothing you do can change that.” And yet, at the same time: “When your skin is a certain way, you can (and should) control how it is acting so that it won’t do that.” This is not our method. 

Instead we ask: Is the skin functional or dysfunctional?

• If it is not functioning well, what need is not being met? How can we get that need met in order to make it function better? 
• In addition, we give the body subtle messages the encourage it to respond by "stepping up" it's own innate ability to heal.
• We allow room for authentic self-care: when the body takes are of itself!

Simple instructions on how and why to use the Moisture Duo:
“Typically, a moisturizer is an oil/water emulsion that needs binders, emulsifiers and preservatives to stay in that form. We keep the oil and water separate so that there is no need for a preservative and we can emulsify them on the spot using the pressure of spraying the Mineral Mist into the oil.”

• Mist a few pumps of each Mineral Mist over them to determine (by smell!) which one is the right one for them at this moment. “You know, your nose knows!”
• Put three drops of Nourish & Replenish Oil directly into the palm of their hand.  Count: 1. 2. 3.
• Spray the appropriate amount of pumps directly into the oil.  Count: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. (“6 because you are dehydrated-you would switch to 5 after about 3 weeks”)
• “Now, rub your hands together and you will have created a moisturizer that is just right for you, right now.”
• If they don’t want to put it onto their face, they can rub it into their neck or hands.

The Making of a Moisture Duo

Why is Nourish and Replenish so awesome?
We have clients whom have been using this oil of over 15 years and can rightfully claim to look longer now than when they started.

A good balance of TYPES of Oils Large molecules, fatty acids, and messages (vitamins)

1. Large molecule lipids/esters wax
2. Fatty acids (omegas alpha lipoid acid)
3. ​Teaching/allowing the skin to produce ceremides (rather than trying to provide them topically)
4. Ratio Fibbonacci = beauty

Prebiotic oils and “biome managers”
Stable: does not oxidize on the skin
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Why is a Mineral Mist better than just a Hydrosol?
A hydrosol is a raw ingredient, not a finished, formulated product. It is an overt amount of plant “messages” that ends up confusing the skin after some time. When you properly formulate a Mineral Mist, the body uses the minerals  to make sense of the messages that are contained in the hydrosol portion.


Double Cleansing
Purpose of Double Cleansing: For optimal vibrancy, the skin needs more than just one type of cleansing. Using a botanical-based cleanser dissolved into hot water allows the water soluble actions of the plant’s constituents to be utilized by the skin in a way that oil cleansing alone cannot.