5 Surprising Facts About Your Skin (And Why They Matter)

Did you know that your skin isn’t just a passive barrier? It’s an active participant in your overall health!

Your skin is your largest organ, yet most of us don’t think twice about what we put on it.

As a certified aromatherapist, I’ve spent over a decade researching the effects of skincare ingredients on the human body. The ingredients we put on our skin don’t just stay at the surface level. Once absorbed and circulating through the body, topical ingredients can impact everything from detoxification to hormone balance.

Let’s dive into some interesting facts that might just change how you approach your daily skincare routine.

5 science-backed facts about your skin

🧠 1. Your liver, kidneys & lymphatic system help detox what your skin absorbs.

It’s not just about what you eat — your skin can absorb ingredients that make their way into your bloodstream and ultimately into your detox pathways. That means harsh or synthetic ingredients may create extra work for your body’s natural filtration systems.(a) Contrariwise! If you use all-natural products like The Great Omni Oil, you can support your lymphatic system, which provides oxygen, protein, and nutrients to your cells, while sweeping out damaged and cancerous cells, bacteria, and viruses!

a) Source: Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org)

⏱️ 2. Some chemicals enter your bloodstream in just 26 seconds.

When you apply something to your skin, especially in areas with thinner skin (like your face or underarms), certain ingredients can be detected in your bloodstream in less than a minute.(b) Surprising, right? This is your sign to ditch those aluminum deodorants! Eeek!

b) Source: Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics

🌸 3. “Fragrance” can legally hide over 3,000 undisclosed chemicals.

That tiny word on your label, “fragrance”, doesn’t just mean a nice scent. It’s a protected umbrella term that can contain thousands of synthetic chemicals, many of which are linked to skin irritation, allergies, and hormone disruption.(c)

No wonder walking through the perfume section of a department store gives me an instant headache. :/

c) Source: Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

🧬 4. Your skin has its own microbiome — just like your gut.

Your skin hosts billions of beneficial microbes that help protect against harmful bacteria and regulate inflammation. So when we use harsh or stripping products, we’re not just affecting the surface — we’re disrupting an entire ecosystem.(d)

Here's the cool part: your belly and your skin are both working overtime to keep you balanced, protected, and inflammation-free. That’s why I love supporting both — inside and out — with soothing, plant-based blends like Tranquil Tummy. 🍊🌿 This blend was made to combat bloating, gas, nausea, and digestion; and it’s also incredibly gentle on skin. So, it is nourishing and comforting to both microbiomes when you’re tummy is feeling off.

d) Source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology

🧪 5. Some skincare ingredients can mimic or disrupt your hormones.

Certain synthetic chemicals used in skincare — like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrance compounds — are known as endocrine disruptors. These ingredients can mimic estrogen, block hormone receptors, or interfere with hormone production and metabolism. Over time, chronic exposure may impact reproductive health, mood, metabolism, and more.(e)...Okay, that’s the not-so-great news. But here’s the good news! Many plant-based ingredients, including certain essential oils, support the endocrine system when used with care.

For example:

• Clary Sage essential oil is often used to support hormone balance — particularly during the menstrual cycle or menopause. It’s known for its deeply calming therapeutic properties and may help ease tension, pain, and emotional swings linked to hormonal shifts.

• Geranium has traditionally been used to support adrenal and hormonal function.

• And oils like Sweet Orange and Lavender are both credited for their ability to reduce stress — which supports cortisol regulation (your primary stress hormone).

What we put on our bodies can be part of our healing. When we use plant-based blends with intention, we’re supporting deeper balance.

e) Source: Environmental Working Group, Endocrine Society, and studies published in Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology and Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism

💛 Why it matters:

At Topsy Blends, I handcraft each product with ingredients your skin can actually recognize — plant-based, non-toxic, and designed to support your body’s natural processes, not interfere with them. Because, I truly believe that nature knows best.

When we respect our skin, we support our entire well-being.

Want to shop consciously crafted skincare? Explore the full collection here!