Imagine yourself attending a health certification course and you do not know a single person in attendance. You scan the room to decide where to sit and notice a pair of kind eyes. That was my experience as I made my way to find a place to sit near her. Soon I was striking up conversations with Clarissa Lieberman.
What a lovely soul (and glowing skin!). I am impressed by her commitment to bettering skincare products while managing the demands of her energetic twins. She always asked how I was doing (and meant it) and had a positive word of encouragement.
That is the heart of “your skin from within” founder, so please check out Ellie Reid. I carried one of her roll-ons in my travel bag on long plane rides as a quick go-to for aromatherapy which calmed my nerves. I am grateful for Clarissa and hope you take the time to learn more about her story and try her products.
Living Full Circle Excerpt, by Clarissa Lieberman
I am an early riser and always try to wake up before my young twins in order to practice my daily rituals. If I am not running around after them, I’m working on my skincare business, running, cycling, taking a yoga class, or cooking. I am always on the lookout for natural ways to enhance my skin-care brand. It’s not just about what is applied to the skin on the outside but about loving your skin from the inside out, too.
I believe in a holistic approach to glowing skin, given that balance emerges from the beautiful connection of our body, mind, and soul. My discipline of a daily routine brings significant balance to my life. I go to bed at 10:00 p.m. and get up at 6:00 a.m. Nidra, which is the physiological state of rest, meaning sleep, is a priority, as I know that eight hours of sleep helps my skin look its best. It enhances ojas, the connector of mind, body, and soul, bringing balance in its purest form.
Getting up earlier than my twins is definitely a test of my dedication. I find myself creeping into the bathroom before they are awake. I drink a lot of water every day, which helps me maintain clear skin, but I recently switched to warm water between meals, as drinking with food can interrupt the digestive fire, compromising optimal digestion. My Pitta digestion (Pitta is a dosha type that is often fiery) can become very acidic when I’m out of balance, leading to inflammation that shows up on my skin.
My skin rituals have always been important, something I learned by observing my mother, but what became really important is using toxin-free, plant-derived skin-care regimens.
Abhyanga facial massage is one of the most important rituals for me, given the dry condition of my skin, but also to help eliminate toxins, naturally firm and lift the skin, and stimulate the blood flow to the skin surface.
I practice the ritual at least twice a week (see Glowing Skin, by Clarissa Lieberman in Living Full Circle, pg 162). All of this knowledge encourages me to show up every day, no matter what is happening in my life.
Taking care of my body is how I can best show up as my best self for my family. Learning to be in a relationship with Ayurveda [can become] a love affair—a relationship that changes over time as you grow and learn more about yourself and what balances your mind, body, and soul every day.
Ancient Ritual, by Clarissa Lieberman
- Mix 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder with 1 tablespoon of chickpea flour.
- Make a paste by adding almond oil, water, or milk, depending on your skin type:
- If your skin is dry, add 1 teaspoon of almond oil, followed by a little water until the consistency desired is achieved.
- If your skin is sensitive, add only milk.
- If your skin is oily, add only water.
- Apply the paste onto individual body parts or all over your body.
- Relax for 15–20 minutes until the paste fully dries.
To read more spotlights about the remarkable contributors to Living Full Circle, click here.