Vitality Box | If You Wouldn’t Eat It, Why Put It on Your Skin?

Skincare as a Path to Vitality, Radiance, and Inner-Outer Harmony

Crossing the Hilary Bridge, Everest Region

Our skin is the largest organ of the body. It breathes, it absorbs, and it mirrors the vitality flowing through us. What we put on our skin doesn’t stay on the surface—it becomes part of us. It enters our bloodstream, influences our hormones, and affects our mental and emotional well-being.

During my recent Everest Base Camp trek, I stayed dedicated to my clean skincare ritual. Even at high altitudes where conditions were extreme, the commitment to using products I trusted was non-negotiable. I carried with me:

• Herveda Botanicals (Nepal) — crafted with Himalayan herbs and Ayurvedic wisdom

• Ziji Skin (Mumbai) — I am Radiance Facial Oil, botanical therapy

• Forest Essentials (India) — time-tested Ayurvedic formulations rooted in nature

  
  

These weren’t just skincare items—they were companions in my self-care journey. When your skin is stressed from wind, cold, and elevation, what you apply becomes even more essential. I’ve always believed: If I wouldn’t eat it, I don’t put it on my skin.

🌱 Why It Matters: The Hidden Dangers in Commercial Skincare

Many commercial products are loaded with:

• Synthetic fragrances — often made from petroleum byproducts and linked to hormonal imbalances, allergies, and migraines

• Parabens and phthalates — known endocrine disruptors

• SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) — harsh on the skin barrier, causes irritation and dryness

• Petroleum derivatives — clog pores and burden the body with toxins

These ingredients aren’t always listed transparently. The skin may look hydrated temporarily, but long-term use can deplete the body’s vitality.

Clean Skincare = Radiance and Resilience

Vitality isn’t just about diet or movement. It’s also about what we apply to our bodies—especially daily. When you feed your skin plant-based, food-grade, lovingly formulated products, your whole being responds.

Your radiance isn’t just skin deep. It reflects the choices you make moment to moment.

🧴 A Quick Note on Sunscreen Above 5000m

The day before we began our trek, I was strongly advised to use SPF 50 or higher. My trusted Forest Essentials SPF 30 wasn’t going to suffice, I was told. With little time, I picked up Neutrogena SPF 50—it was the only option available. I used it sparingly above 4000m, but the artificial fragrance was so strong I knew I’d never use it outside of emergency use. I wouldn't put it in my mouth—so I knew it wasn't aligned with the rest of my clean ritual. It’s a reminder that not all "dermatologist-approved" products are created equal.

My Fav Clean Skincare Brands

If you’re looking to upgrade your skincare to align with your values of vitality, health, and clean living, here are a few of my favorite local, small-batch brands:

• Herveda Botanicals – Nepal

• Ziji Skin – Mumbai, India

• Forest Essentials – India

• Blue Pearl – Bali

• Bali Radiance – Bali

  
  

Clean skincare isn't a trend—it’s a quiet revolution. One choice at a time.