The New Age Of Beauty

Crystals, Cannabis And Lunar Cycles – Everyone’s Favourite Hippy Hobbies Have Found Their Way Into Our Beauty Rituals. And This Time We’re Sold

- Lisa Oxenham

1 Ace a natural face-lift

‘We’re all looking for that magical remedy to reverse the signs of ageing. The reality is, you can eat as much avocado on toast as you like, but if you’re stressed, it will show on your face,’ explains Katie Brindle, a Chinese medicine physician and the founder of the Hayo’u Method, a self-treatment aimed at minimising stress. ‘When you’re anxious, your body activates a stress response and diverts blood away from the skin and into your muscles. Impaired circulation means less oxygen and vital nutrients passing into your skin, so your face tenses, you look strained and you age faster.’ Katie has perfected a technique using a jade tool that’s proven to draw blood to the face. Studies show that certified jade stones radiate infrared rays that penetrate tissues, muscles and bones to oxygenate the blood. Press and stroke your jade tool across your forehead, cheekbones, lips, throat and jawline. The flush means you’re drawing circulation to the skin.

2 Hit a new high

The latest beauty craze is to infuse everything from shower gels to face serums with cannabidiol (CBD) – a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis. ‘The body produces its own cannabinoids [anti-inflammatory chemicals] and has cannabinoid receptors. When you apply products with CBD to the skin, you can activate them,’ says US physician Dr Nicholas Perricone. A study by Germany’s Lübeck University also found CBD could improve acne-prone skin by regulating sebum production.

3 Embrace crystals