What Comes to Mind When You Think of Elements?

Do you picture the periodic table from high school Chemistry? Or maybe elements remind you of herbalism, traditional medicine, or even Ayurveda?

Credit: Smithsonian Magazine

In the natural world, elements are the foundation of everything. From the earth crusts and trees to our own bodies, and even abstract concepts like freedom and nourishment—everything is made up of elements and reflects their unique qualities. But when it comes to natural beauty, few people talk about elements, despite their profound influence, especially for those of us who embrace DIY natural skincare.

In this post, we’ll explore the basics of elements in relation to skin and body care, helping you connect more deeply with your body and find inspiration in what Mother Nature has been offering all along.

The Story of Elements

If you’re familiar with natural healing or herbalism, you might have encountered the story of the elements. According to ancient traditions, before our planet formed, there was only empty space—Ether. Movement in this space created Air, which then transformed into Fire. As Fire cooled, it became Water, which eventually condensed into Earth. Together, these elements formed our world.

Credit: chemicals.co.uk

In Ayurvedic philosophy, this isn’t just the story of the universe (macrocosm); it’s also the story of our bodies (microcosm). We’re each made up of approximately 72% water, 12% earth, 6% air, 4% fire, and the rest is ether. Each element influences various structures within our bodies.

• Earth: Found in solid structures like bones, teeth, nails, and muscles.
• Water: Present in bodily fluids such as saliva, blood, and sweat.
• Fire: Governs body heat, hunger, thirst, and skin complexion.
• Air: Facilitates movement, expansion, and contraction within the body.
• Ether: The space within and between cells, as well as cavities like the sinuses.

Beyond the physical, these elements also embody energetic qualities that influence everything around us.

• Earth: Stability, grounding, and density.
• Water: Nourishment, cooling, and calmness.
• Fire: Heat, transformation, and drive.
• Air: Movement, lightness, and nimbleness.
• Ether: Emptiness, freedom, and mental clarity.

Tapping into Nature’s Wisdom

I first learned about these concepts in Nutrition School, but it wasn’t until I was on our farm, preparing potting soil with P’Kamphol, that I began to truly understand them. We mixed sand, wet soil, bamboo-root soil, and chicken manure to prepare the perfect potting mix. P’Kamphol tested the mix by making a fist with the soil in his hand; it needed to be compact yet soft enough for roots to grow.

P’Kamphol Testing Soil

I realized that although each type of soil contains Earth, they each express different elemental qualities. Preparing soil became a metaphor for balancing elements, which I now apply to skincare.

• Wet, sticky soil: Reflects the presence of Water and Earth elements.
• Chicken manure: Brings Fire and Earth Elements with its nutrients and natural microbes from chicken intestines.
• Sand: Contributes Air, creating space in between each soil particles crucial for ventilation.
• Bamboo soil: Adds nourishing organic matter and space for roots to grow.
• Ether: Is present in the movement and space between each soil particle.

When all the elements are balanced, the soil becomes the perfect ground for seeds to sprout. Similarly, our skin thrives when all its elements are in harmony.

Exploring Your Skin’s Elements

Geographical Landscape

Our skin reflects these elements, too. Understanding how they manifest can help us tailor our skincare routines for balance and harmony.

• Dry Skin: Dominated by the Air element, often rough and scaly, like a desert. To rebalance, the Water element (moisture) is essential.
• Oily Skin: Rich in Water, with a texture similar to mud. This can lead to clogged pores. To rebalance, add Air for lightness.
• Combination Skin: A mix of dry and oily areas, like a diverse landscape. Address each area specifically to maintain balance.
• Normal Skin: Balanced elements, soft and smooth with neither dryness nor excess oil.

Rebalancing Your Skin’s Elements

To determine your skin type and balance the elements, consider how each one influences your routine. For example:

• Dry Skin: Add water with hydrating ingredients. Opt for moisture-rich creams that retain water and counteract Air’s dryness.
• Oily Skin: Lighten up with airy, water-absorbing products. Clay masks are great for this, as they absorb excess oil and add structure.
• Combination Skin: Treat each area individually, adding moisture where needed and airy products where it’s too oily.

Remember, each element affects the others. For instance, Water combined with Air can dry your skin out quickly—just like how sweat cools on a breezy day. Rebalancing takes time and may involve some experimentation as you get to know your skin’s needs in different seasons and life stages.

If you’re unsure where to start, try our Discover Your Elemental Skin Type questionnaire. It will help you understand your skin’s unique needs and how to harmonize your beauty routine according to Mother Nature.

Embrace the journey as you explore and reconnect with Mother Nature. By tapping into the wisdom of the elements, you’re choosing a path of self-discovery and natural beauty.

Want to know more about this journey and reconnect with Nature’s Elements? Sign up for our monthly newsletter on natural living and feel free to let me know if you have any questions—I’m here to help!