Rachel McArthur on Healing from the Inside Out and the Power of Holistic Skin Health

True skin health begins long before we reach for a product. In the third instalment of Hinton Magazine’s four part interview series, skincare expert Rachel McArthur explores the deeper connection between the mind, body and skin. Her approach, grounded in both science and spirituality, focuses on healing from within, recognising that the skin often mirrors what the body and spirit are trying to express. Through breathwork, mindful skincare and daily rituals, Rachel encourages a slower and more conscious approach to beauty. Her philosophy is simple yet profound, when we nurture balance within, the skin reflects it back.

How would you explain the idea of healing the skin from within to someone new to this approach?

Healing the skin from within embodies a thorough, well rounded approach to skincare. This includes identifying root causes and underlying issues that contribute to the issues that one sees on the skin topically. When you begin to understand that everything is connected and healing comes from a mind, body and skin approach, benefits are so much more achievable and last. 

What role do breathwork and bodywork play in supporting the skin’s recovery?

Bodywork and breathwork truly impact the nervous system, the circulatory system and the lymph to detoxify your system. These methods create a more grounded and balanced physical and mental state and will put you more in touch with what’s actually going on inside. This awareness creates notable benefits that give you more lasting results. 

How do lifestyle choices such as diet or sleep affect the skin in ways that topical products cannot?

The body doesn’t lie. When you aren’t taking care of yourself, it will eventually show up on your skin or in your body. This is where disease starts. 

Which holistic practices do you recommend people integrate into their everyday routines for healthier skin?

On a daily basis, wash your face! Never go to sleep with makeup on. Seeking out a knowledgeable Esthetician or skin expert to invest in a product routine that is right for your skin and own unique skin type. This includes a balanced cleanser, serum and moisturizer at the very minimum. Proper exfoliation and hydration regularly is very important. 

Do you believe true skin health requires a balance of science and spirituality?

I do. Personally what you think, feel and focus on impacts what you do and how you see yourself. If this isn’t in alignment, often there is an underlying stress that activates the nervous system which sets off an alert in the system that keeps your skin and / or body in a fight or flight response. With that, conditions, ailments and disease find their way in. 

How do you ensure clients understand that progress takes time and is not just about surface results?

I spend a lot of time explaining this but also work slowly with my clients with small wins so they can begin to see the impact both physically and topically when aligned and focused on the right things. 

Can you share a moment where a client experienced a breakthrough from combining holistic and medical practices?

I had a client who unfortunately lost her son tragically. She began having a lot of pain in her hip, knee and had a rash that she had never had before. When I sat with her to explain how her body/skin were responding to her circumstance, she didn’t believe it at first so we started with small daily changes to her diet, a nighttime routine and skincare routine that were quite simple but purposeful. Instead of being angry at her body for the flare ups, she began to speak love, peace and gratitude into herself while doing the simple skin and body protocols. Rather quickly her symptoms shifted. Our body/skin is a map of what’s going on if we just listen, acknowledge and shift behavior. 

What is the simplest change someone can make today that would have a noticeable impact on their skin?

Cleansing with intention every day and night followed by a good moisturizer. Allow that few minutes that it takes to take a few deep breaths, calm your spirit and give gratitude to the skin beneath your fingertips. It’s a privilege to be alive and this is a perfect moment to give thanks. 

In Rachel McArthur on Healing from the Inside Out and the Power of Holistic Skin Health, Rachel shares how a truly balanced approach to skincare blends science with self awareness. She explains how practices such as breathwork, bodywork and intentional cleansing can calm the nervous system and support the skin’s natural recovery. By understanding that lifestyle, emotions and environment are all part of the same story, Rachel helps clients achieve results that last far beyond the surface. Her insights remind us that skincare is not just a routine but an act of gratitude, a daily opportunity to connect, heal and honour the body we live in.