Beauty from the Earth

By Lisa Berry

In our recent survey, HGJ readers requested more articles on natural beauty. In response to this suggestion, we are pleased to introduce a new column, hosted by Lisa Berry, the President of Ravenwood. Her Michigan-based company creates bath, body and botanical care products utilizing original formulations from plant extracts, botanical herbs, and pure essential oils. In her own words, “I came to Ravenwood aromatherapy after spending summers in the wilderness and backwoods of Canada. I spent my days learning how to wild craft and make natural medicines. My mission in life is to help educate others on how to be the best they can be using the natural approach.”

Q. Why is it so important to look to the earth for skin care?

In an age where people seem to be so focused on beauty and looking perfect, we tend to forget that it all starts from the inside, with what we eat and how we feel about ourselves. Watching television I’ve seen a lot of quick fixes (Botox and the like) go badly. Why do people go to such extremes when they can get everything they need to look beautiful right in their kitchen or garden? Antioxidants, trace minerals and nutrients are there at the tip of our fingers, waiting to be utilized.
For example, women have been using Olive oil on their skin and hair since the Pharaoh’s time. Here is a product that has withstood the test of time. Olive oil is one of the best moisturizers and can be used for massage oil bases, soaps, salves, creams, hot oil treatments for the hair—the list is endless. Also, here is an oil that does not use or exploit animals.

Oatmeal is another example. It is not only healthy for you, but helps irritated skin. Our skin is the largest organ of elimination. Why would we want to feed our skin with toxins and harmful impurities? Preservatives are not needed for most natural products when certain key ingredients are added, such as Vitamin E and C.

Medicated lotions and ointments for skin eruptions can contain steroids and hormones. Healing salves containing essential oils and herbs are much safer and just as effective, and even out the skin tone. Black walnut salve is a great product for eczema and has been used in some cases of herpes. Calendula is an all round healing salve, from cold sores to cuts, and Arnica is well known for healing bruises.

Natural skin care products deliver results and are soothing to the skin. They actually improve the skin’s function, care for the skin and support the natural regeneration process.

Consumers are becoming more aware of their body’s reactions to the chemicals added to products—ones that are even considered acceptable by the FDA. As the consumer becomes more educated about skin care products, we can expect the market to begin to be dictated by the demand for natural ingredients.

Thankfully, today’s consumer is becoming more educated on what they are putting on their bodies. In years prior, the consumer was content and accepted what was being offered over the counter; now the choices are endless. Mother Nature has the ability to create superior benefits for our skin. By using natural products, it puts our lives back in harmony with the earth.

Visit www.ravenwoodspa.com for more information
on natural care products, aromatherapy products,
or becoming a Ravenwood consultant. 1-800-777-5021