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When it comes to skincare, I’m always willing to try new things. As someone who successfully cleared adult acne in my late 20s with years of expensive facials, I know the power of finding the right treatment for you.
And what could be more personalized than a facial treatment based not only on the latest scientific advances but also on my character and the resulting lifestyle?
Introducing the “Astro Facial,” apparently the world’s first “fusion of skin health and astrology.” The idea is to treat skin problems caused by the character traits of your zodiac sign (you can find out which skincare ingredients are best for your sign in the skincare horoscopes included in this article).
C. Stellar salon in London uses products from the Children of Earth Skincare range. Radhika enjoyed the Taurus zodiac oil massage
As far-fetched as it may seem, it’s all about harnessing the connection between the skin and the brain, something that is backed by neuroscience. It’s a technique known as “neurocosmetics,” in which the effects of the brain, such as stress, are reflected in the skin.
So will harnessing my Taurean traits (from a tendency toward melancholy to a love of luxury) solve my rosacea and occasional flare-ups once and for all?
Astrology-inspired skincare has its roots in the US, but a 75-minute treatment costing £220 is on offer at London’s Salon C. Stellar, the brainchild of skincare expert Andrea Pfeffer, who describes it as a place “where ancient wisdom meets modern science”.
The salon uses products from the Children of Earth skincare range – 12 facial oils, one for each zodiac sign, ranging from a confidence-boosting anti-inflammatory oil for empathetic Aquarians to a calming, antimicrobial oil for driven Capricorns, costing £55 each.
Before my appointment, I complete the detailed pre-consultation form, providing not only my date of birth but also the time and location, so that my facialist can draw up my astrological chart.
When I arrive, there’s a personalized sheet with the phrase ‘Taurus’ spread across the lilac flower bed waiting for me.
It turns out that what we think of as our zodiac signs are actually our “sun signs”—where the Earth was in relation to the Sun at the time of our birth; “moon signs” are where the Moon was. Conveniently, mine were in Taurus.
“Your moon sign is your feminine, calming sign,” explains esthetician Stephanie Alvarez. “And that’s the energy we want to tap into today.”
Stephanie begins by massaging my face with a floral-based cleanser and tells me to breathe, meditate, and focus on the “qualities associated with my moon sign.” I close my eyes and try to connect with the Taurean energy of feeling grounded, and also with sensuality and pleasure.
Even when she uses an LED light therapy device on my skin to boost collagen, she puts headphones on me so I can follow a specific guided meditation on astrology. It’s so relaxing that I fall asleep.
The facialist uses an LED light therapy device on Radhika’s skin to boost collagen.
But the highlight is the long facial massage, in which I use my Taurus-specific oil. It contains apricot and raspberry seeds, as well as rosemary oil to stimulate concentration and alertness, while combating overthinking (a major problem for Taurus, apparently) and ylang ylang to relieve stress and depression.
When I come out of the facial, my skin is radiant. My friends compliment me all day long and want to know why my complexion looks so radiant and luminous.
The proof is in the maintenance. I can keep my £55 bottle of zodiac oil, which Arabella von Nesselrode-Reichenstein, founder of Children of Earth Skincare, encourages me to use daily, as well as a Virgo oil (another £55) for my “rising” sign – the planetary influence that was rising at the time of my birth, something that can be discovered through free astrology websites.
Radhika’s friends kept praising her glowing complexion after the Astro Facial.
“Your sun sign is your essence and overall personality, so you can use that oil at the start of your day,” she explains. “Your ascendant is your outer identity, the person you present to others, so it can be very helpful before a meeting or a presentation. And your moon sign is your emotions and internal processes, so it can be good to use that oil before bed.”
I try my Virgo and Taurus oils every morning and night, massaging them into my skin before taking six deep breaths—inhaling for seven seconds and exhaling for nine. At first, it’s annoying to have yet another ingredient in my routine, but I soon find myself looking forward to my moment of luxury.
As for my skin, it also feels smoother and more relaxed. The rosacea seems to have calmed down a bit and I haven’t had any flare-ups since my facial. I have no idea if it’s because of the anti-inflammatory mushrooms in the oils or because I’m using my Taurus and Virgo energy to give my brain the specific de-stressors it needs. Whether it’s because of astrology or just having more time to myself, it seems to be working.
There are 12 zodiac signs: Radhika is Taurus, represented by the bull sign at the top left of the chart.
SO HOW SHOULD YOU ADAPT YOUR SKINCARE ACCORDING TO YOUR ZODIAC SIGN?
By Arabella von Nesselrode-Reichenstein, founder of Children of Earth Skincare
Aries
Most of an Aries’ skin problems can be brought on by things like overexertion and possible anger. Therefore, it’s best for an Aries to stay calm, using soothing oils like lavender flower, which also helps sensitive and acne-prone skin, as well as a balancing frankincense oil, which is anti-inflammatory and can also restore collagen. To calm the Aries fire, peppermint oil is a great choice, as it naturally cools and soothes the skin.
Taurus
Most skin problems can be traced back to overindulgence or excessive comfort-seeking, as well as a tendency to overthink. It is best for a Taurus to try to stop dwelling on their problems as this can aggravate existing conditions, so rosemary oil, which helps increase focus, is perfect. Patchouli will help maintain skin elasticity, prevent UV damage and give stability to the earthy mind of Taurus, while ylang ylang helps relieve symptoms of stress.
Gemini
Geminis tend to be restless and sometimes nervous, which can lead to tiredness and exhaustion, all of which are not good for the skin. So try ginger oil, which is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and can relieve facial muscle tension; grapefruit oil, which treats stress at a cellular level; and bergamot oil, to stimulate skin collagen and reduce cortisol.
Cancer
Intense emotions are common in Cancers and can lead to a decrease in vitality in the skin. It is important to try to stay calm, using things like rosemary oil to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. Chamomile oil has anti-inflammatory effects on tired skin and is also neuroprotective, helping to protect the nervous system.
Lion
Leo skin problems can be caused by overexertion and overexcitement. It is important for them to try and ground themselves, using things like rose oil to help both their skin and mind relax, as well as to cool down skin temperature and blood flow. Raspberry seed oil can help repair skin cells and prevent the skin from losing its natural moisture.
Virgo
For Virgos, most skin issues can be traced back to an imbalance in the gut microbiome, which can lead to excess acid, something that is typically triggered by anxiety and worry. Petitgrain oil is a powerful antioxidant that can balance the microbiome and skin barrier, while anti-aging lemon oil reduces stress. Frankincense can help restore collagen and balance emotions.
Pound
When Libras are out of balance, they can suffer from nervous exhaustion, which impacts the skin. Anti-aging geranium oil can help improve the brain’s response to stress, while black pepper oil stimulates collagen production and apricot kernel oil can improve overall skin health and harmonize the skin barrier.
Scorpion
For Scorpios, overanalyzing situations can lead to tiredness and stress on the skin, while nourishing their sensual personality will have the opposite effect. Rose oil, which increases libido, can help, as can clary sage, which increases oxytocin, to lower blood pressure. Add lavender oil to keep dry skin moisturized.
Sagittarius
Often, Sagittarius skin problems are due to issues caused by too much restlessness, so healing tea tree oil is recommended. Its anti-skin cancer properties make it perfect for an adventurous, outdoorsy Sagittarius. Meanwhile, cordyceps mushroom will help reduce stress caused by UVB sun damage and inhibit cell aging.
Capricorn
Typically, Capricorn skin problems can be caused by internal tensions and worries, born from a tendency to impose self-limiting beliefs. Bergamot oil helps reduce anxiety and cortisol, while increasing collagen levels in the skin. Green mandarin oil is an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory extract that can also help strengthen the inside.
Aquarium
The individual nature of an Aquarius means they can be susceptible to anxiety, so it’s important to lean into their self-confidence. Neroli oil has been clinically proven to reduce anxiety and is a powerful antioxidant that brightens the skin, while coriander oil is a natural antidepressant, as well as being anti-ageing and collagen-boosting.
Pisces
This is a naturally dreamy and contemplative sign, but when a Pisces is too wrapped up in their thoughts, it can lead to an imbalance in the skin. Frankincense helps to provide a sense of stability and balance, as well as regulating cortisol and restoring collagen, while raspberry seed oil can help to soften the skin and reduce irritations such as itchiness, swelling and redness.
