Skin Rewilding: Bringing Your Skin Back to Its Natural State

WSGN’s Top Trends for 2023 and Beyond lists skin rewilding as one of 13 most important megatrends! For those of you who don’t remember, or for those of you who are simply new here, skin rewilding has been a central topic for us here at Pure Culture. It encompasses everything we have been teaching since the beginning: your microbiome is the key to good skin.

Recently, Cosmetics Business released an article entitled “Skin rewilding” is the antidote to modern skin problems in 2023. So, to get you up to speed to all this, we are here to give you a full run-down of what skin rewilding is, what its benefits are, and how exactly to do it. 

What is skin rewilding?

For decades, we have been led to believe that the “cleaner” the face, the better the skin. Well, that is not completely true. Yes, clean skin in its most general sense, is good but when clean begins to be synonymous with “free of any living microbes,” that is where we put our foot down. Contrary to popular belief, not all bacteria are bad. Junk that old mindset that made you believe that you need to strip away all the little creatures on your face. Most of them are actually trying to help you! 

That is where skin rewilding comes in. Skin rewilding is a growing movement that involves reconnecting with nature by abandoning modern beauty standards and embracing the natural state of our skin. The idea behind skin rewilding is to let go of the societal pressures to constantly maintain a flawless, blemish-free, squeaky-clean appearance and instead focus on cultivating a healthy and diverse skin microbiome.

How to rewild your skin 

So, how exactly you can rewild your skin in the most sustainable and realistic ways? What we hope to achieve here is to adopt this into our lifestyle rather than just have it as a one-time-big-time event. 

You know how the saying goes - you are what you eat! Whatever we put into our bodies is almost guaranteed to be reflected on the outside. Eating microbiome-boosting foods such as whole grains, bananas, greens, garlic, soybeans and yogurt (only to name a few). These are foods that contain pre and probiotics that help your gut’s microbiome thrive. And in return, your skin will do so as well. 

 Instead of using a dozen different products every day, simplify your routine to just a few gentle, natural products. Opt for products that are free of harsh chemicals and fragrances, and try to avoid anything that strips your skin of its natural oils.

Going back to the age-old myth that the more you wash the better your skin - we are here to tell you that, that is indeed not true. Instead of irrationally washing whenever you feel slightly dirty, try limiting the amount of times you wash a day. If you strip your skin of all the good bacteria that already comes naturally, you are doing yourself a disservice. 

The great outdoors is not only good for our mental health but also our physical health. It mimics the way in which we have evolved and so, restores the natural microbiome on our skin. Make an effort to spend more time outdoors, whether it’s going for a hike, practicing yoga outside, or simply taking a walk in nature. Exposing your skin to the elements can help build resilience and strengthen your skin’s natural barrier.

Let go of the need for perfection and embrace the natural state of your skin. This means accepting imperfections like scars, stretch marks, and wrinkles as a natural part of the aging process.

Start with microbiome-friendly skincare with pre and postbiotics, which are key to a healthier microbiome. We have talked about this a lot before, but just in case you need a reminder – prebiotics are the food source of good bacteria, and postbiotics are the byproducts of the good bacteria that make your skin look and feel great! The two together make magic!

Next, stay away from harsh chemicals that will deplete your skin barrier such as drying alcohols, sufates, and synthetic fragrances. In our efforts to educate about natural skincare in the Philippines, we have published a comprehensive list of ingredients you want to avoid when trying to rewild your skin (click here to download our Heck No! Ingredient list). 

Why rewild? 

We know that isn’t enough for conscious consumers like you to just follow the bandwagon. So here is a list of all the benefits that you will get from starting your rewilding journey:

1. Healthier skin microbiome: By reducing the use of harsh skincare products and allowing your skin to regulate its own oil production, you can improve the health and diversity of your skin microbiome. This can lead to a reduction in skin issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

2. Reduced exposure to harmful chemicals: Many skincare products contain harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances that can irritate and damage the skin. By simplifying your skincare routine and using natural, gentle products, you can reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals.

3. Greater sense of connection with nature: Spending more time outdoors and allowing your skin to be exposed to the elements can help you develop a deeper connection with nature. This can lead to a greater sense of peace and well-being.

4. Improved skin texture and elasticity: By letting go of the constant need to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize, you can allow your skin to naturally regulate its own moisture levels. This can lead to improved skin texture, elasticity, and a more youthful appearance.

5. Reduced environmental impact: By using fewer skincare products and opting for natural, eco-friendly options, you can reduce your environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable world.

Overall, skin rewilding offers a range of benefits for both your skin and your overall well-being. By embracing the natural state of your skin and connecting with the natural world, you can cultivate a healthier, safer, and more balanced approach to skincare.