www.justusskincare.com Upon arrival, we were asked to share why we came. I listened to others vulnerably share their stories and purpose and expressed my desire to release the uncharacteristic anger I was feeling inside. Three days were spent in earth’s elements focusing on the power of the breath to heal, the magic of our desert’s mineral-rich waters, our natural landscape, and simple, yet impactful lessons from those who walked these lands before us. Our day at Wind Walkers Medicine Wheel ranch in Joshua Tree spoke to my soul most deeply. This carefully constructed escape honored much of the Native American lifestyle with thoughtful artifacts throughout, open teepees in which to rest, a winding trail honoring spirit animals and a large ceremonial medicine wheel. The extraordinary property was built using natural materials and is the labor of love for builder and caretaker Abe Daniels of Cherokee descent. The sacred space has been blessed by the Cherokee, Navajo, Blackfoot, To’hono Odahem and Aztec Nations. As I walked barefoot across the land, the peace I felt was beyond words. I learned of my spirit animal and a Native American tradition that states when you encounter a four-legged or winged one, it is not that you were able to see them, but rather that they choose you so you may discover what they do in their lives that might be missing in yours. I see them differently today. As someone who practices meditation, I often pause to remind myself to “be here now.” But, I cannot remember the last time I spent multiple days simply living in the moment, open to all the sights, sounds, lessons, experiences and emotions that were presented to me. Our day at Wind Walkers concluded with a peaceful sound bath in the medicine wheel. As we gently rose from our yoga mats, my new friend Summer handed me a peace sign bracelet she had made. She remembered the unsettled feelings I expressed upon arrival and wanted me to have it. When she handed me the treasured gift, however, those feelings were so far removed that I hardly remembered saying them. All I felt in that moment was light, love and gratitude. It was then I realized how transformational this retreat had been for me. And I knew it wouldn’t be my last. Lauren Del Sarto is founder and publisher of Desert Health and can be reached at Lauren@DesertHealthNews.com. “Skin barrier” is a term the beauty industry has been pushing on us this year. Evidently, if we don’t protect our skin barrier, we will be in big trouble. But what exactly is it and is it something we actually need to be concerned about? Believe it or not, in this case, big beauty isn’t totally blowing smoke. You may not have given it a second thought, but if you’ve moved to the desert as an adult, your skin may feel a tad less comfortable than it does in more humid climates. That is your skin barrier telling you that if you don’t change your daily routine, you could be on your way to looking like a sea turtle. Scientifically, the skin barrier is the outermost layer of your skin. Its job is to keep moisture in, keep irritants out and help your skin recover from daily stress. It achieves this through a balanced mix of natural oils, proteins and other compounds. When it’s worn thin, dryness, tightness and irritation show up—about as welcome as a coyote in your backyard. Our desert climate is especially challenging for the skin barrier as low humidity speeds up the loss of moisture from the skin. Intense sun can damage the proteins that keep the barrier strong. Wind and dust can create tiny irritations. And even indoor air conditioning robs skin of hydration. It’s a constant test for that outer layer. To help your skin stay hydrated, use creams, balms or facial oils that contain nourishing ingredients. Misting your skin with hydrating sprays—especially those containing glycerin, a reliable humectant that draws moisture in—even in dry air—can give your barrier a boost throughout the day. Certain natural oils and butters are packed with helpful fatty acids and antioxidants that repair and reinforce this barrier. Pracaxi oil smooths and conditions, murumuru butter locks in moisture, cupuacu butter acts like a sponge holding in water, and Brazil nut oil delivers calming selenium and linoleic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a popular hydrator, but in very dry desert air, it can sometimes pull moisture from deeper skin layers instead of the environment, potentially making dryness worse—unless it’s paired with an oil or cream to seal in that moisture. Daily habits matter. Choose a gentle cleanser and avoid scrubbing. Wear sunscreen to protect against UV damage. Avoid long, hot showers that strip away natural oils. Use a humidifier indoors during the driest months and give skin a break from strong exfoliants when it feels sensitive. In the desert, your skin barrier is your first and best defense—a protective coat you can nurture every day to keep skin comfortable, hydrated and resilient through every season. It’s probably the only coat you really need in this climate. Brook Dougherty of Indio is the co-founder of JustUs Skincare and welcomes your questions. She can be reached at (310) 266.7171 or brook@justusskincare.com. For more information, visit www.justusskincare.com. www.DesertHealthNews.com September/October 2025 Natural Options The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 8 The skin barrier's job is to keep moisture in. Journaling my thoughts inside the Windwalker teepee Back home, appreciating the peace found inside and out. Retreat attendees connect after the medicine wheel sound bath. www.humineral.com We are made of minerals. Replenishing is good. Minerals and water are necessities. Minerals are responsible for every biological process in the body. Quality Humic/ Fulvic Acid Mineral food supplementation to help repair and replenish. Add me to your water, coffee, juice or smoothie! www.humineral.com 818.400.7657 | info@humineral.com Coming Home Continued from page 1 www.takotaalchemy.com Discover Reiki Sessions • Readings • Retreats Intuitive Life Coaching Call or Text (619) 726-0408 TakotaAlchemy.com Practice located at Live Well Clinic 78900 Ave. 47, #102 • La Quinta Your Inner Power CINDY DOUGLAS Certified Reiki Master/ Life Coach Protecting Our Skin Barrier What every desert dweller needs to know By Brook Dougherty
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