Why Your Face Loves Plants

How Botanical Skincare Protects Against EMF Stress

We now live in a global electromagnetic cloud. Cell antennas radiating 5G, 4G, and 3G technology are being mounted on every rooftop, streetlight, trashcan, utility pole, and bus stop we pass by.

Small cells - meaning cell towers with transmitting antennas close to the ground - are what allow our 5G “smart devices” to function. The FCC estimates that more than 800,000 new small cells will be installed across the USA, and millions worldwide.

We may enjoy the convenience of our robotic vacuums, smart video doorbells and thermostats, but our skin could be paying the price!

I am always talking about how much I love shungite for EMF protection, but we need more than one tool in our tool bag. There is no magic bullet.

This article explores how you can optimize your skin’s natural defenses against these damaging frequencies with plant-based skincare that contains botanical powerhouses such as sea buckthorn, tamanu, and raspberry seed oil.

But before we dive into those, let’s take a closer look at how our skin functions, and how the latest 5G millimeter wave technology can throw a wrench into your skin’s innate biological processes.

Your Skin: Detox Organ & EMF Defense

The skin is our largest organ and first-line defense against environmental assaults. It is the one thing that stands between the body’s delicate inner machinery and this electromagnetic soup that we can’t escape.

Your skin is a living, breathing barrier that needs as much attention as your liver, kidneys and brain.

Besides being a barrier, the skin is a major detox organ with as vital a role in eliminating waste as your liver and GI tract. It excretes waste through sweat and sebum, renews itself daily, and is the first line of defense against physical, chemical, and now electromagnetic stressors.

The skin’s natural lipid barrier, antioxidant systems, and cellular detox processes form a biological shield against these toxic assaults. Supporting those systems with nutrient-rich botanical oils and extracts boosts skin detoxification and reduces oxidative stress — effectively fortifying your body’s outermost defenses.

While the beauty industry markets endless “anti-aging” miracles, true skin vitality comes down to something simpler — nourishment and cleansing. The skin thrives on nutrients, antioxidants, and plant compounds that protect, renew, and fortify its natural biology. Just as our bodies depend on whole foods, our skin depends on bioavailable micronutrients for optimal health and resilience to 5G and other exposures.

5G & Oxidative Stress in the Skin

5G is anything but skin-friendly. This latest wireless technology has amplified concerns about potential damage to the skin and eyes. 5G uses millimeter waves that pose special risks to these organs due to their shorter wavelength and higher frequency.

Millimeter waves have shallower penetration than earlier technologies - think of their getting “trapped” in the skin.

When you are near a millimeter wave-emitting device, your skin and eyes are directly exposed. A large fraction of this radiation is absorbed into your skin’s dermal and epidermal layers. It is thought by some experts that the skin’s sweat ducts may also act as helical antennas, further amplifying absorption. (Foroughimehr et al., 2024)

Depending on level of exposure, this radiation may result in high numbers of free radicals, leading to oxidative stress. It’s well established that oxidative stress can damage human cells, which increases the risk of cancer. (Mehdizadeh and Mortazevi, 2019)

Many continue to poo-poo the risks of 5G, but I believe these risks are real and it’s just too soon for us to be seeing the evidence - you know, cigarettes all over again. However, evidence may be beginning to show.

In 2024, the world’s first study measuring human health manifestations of 5G exposure was published by Swedish researchers. They found that 5G greatly increases RF radiation exposure, and that health problems occur almost immediately after 5G is switched on near people’s homes. One of the most commonly reported symptoms was “burning skin on hands and arms.” (Hardell and Nilsson, 2024)

For a broader overview of the biological effects of wireless technology, this 2021 publication presents a very in-depth exploration of the overall effects of manmade electromagnetic fields and health consequences. (Schuermann and Mevissem, 2021)

Let’s shift our focus now toward what your skin needs to be happy and healthy!

Essential Nutrients for Radiant, Resilient Skin

Your skin requires some basic nutrients to maintain optimal structure, function and appearance.

The basic structures of the skin are the epidermis (outer layer) and the dermis (inner layer). The outermost part of the epidermis is a protective layer called the stratum corneum.

How do you know if your skin is healthy? It’s pretty easy - just take a look!

Unlike our internal organs, the skin is pretty good at telling us how it’s faring. If it’s smooth, glowing, hydrated, has good color, then you can be pretty sure it’s getting what it needs. On the other hand, if your skin dry or scaly, pale, dull, saggy or wrinkling, then it may be telling you it’s stressed and in need of a little more love.

One of the nice things about the skin is that it responds well to topical applications. In general, lipid-soluble molecules can easily penetrate the epidermis and often into the dermis. Of course, diet is also important but topical application may be a more efficient, targeted method for supplying nutrients to the skin, especially the epidermis which has a special affinity for oils. (Linus Pauling Institute, Skin Health; Januszewski et al., 2023)

The following are some of the most important nutritional requirements for your skin.

⚛️ Vitamin C: The Collagen Architect

Vitamin C it is indispensable for synthesizing collagen, the structural protein that keeps skin firm and youthful. This is why healthy skin contains high levels of it! Without vitamin C, collagen fibers weaken leading to fine lines and sagging.

Topical vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals while brightening skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. Research confirms that topical delivery significantly boosts the skin’s vitamin C levels, enhancing collagen formation and helping protect against oxidative stress.

⚛️ Vitamin E: The Lipid Guardian

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant normally provided to the skin through the sebum. It protects against oxidative damage and reinforces the barrier that locks in moisture. It’s especially effective at counteracting photoaging and inflammation caused by UV exposure.

Many cold-pressed oils — such as marula, argan, and raspberry seed — are naturally rich in tocopherols, the active forms of vitamin E. This makes them ideal for soothing dryness, calming irritation, and maintaining elasticity.

⚛️ Vitamin A: The Cellular Regenerator

Vitamin A regulates cell turnover, promoting smoother texture and balanced tone. The term “retinoids” refers to vitamin A and the various compounds derived from it. Topical retinol has been shown to increase collagen production and reduce fine wrinkles in mature skin. Carotenoid-rich plant oils such as rosehip, buriti, and sea buckthorn are effective natural retinol alternatives to the synthetic version, without the associated skin irritation.

⚛️ Antioxidants & Anti-Inflammatories

Oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation drive premature aging. Botanicals counteract this through polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids that neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation. Natural plant oils applied to the skin have been shown to restore the skin barrier and support its repair, helping skin recover from ongoing environmental stressors. (Lin et al., 2018)

⚛️ Essential Fatty Acids & Barrier Strength

The stratum corneum depends on lipids to retain hydration and block irritants. Natural botanical oils provide these essential fatty acids — particularly linoleic and linolenic acids — that restore softness and strengthen the barrier. A healthy lipid barrier reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), prevents inflammation, and supports the skin’s self-repair and detoxification mechanisms, which are foundational for both anti-aging and a healthy glowing complexion.

⚛️ Minerals & Enzymes

Minerals - especially zinc and selenium - help protect skin from radiation, assist with free radical scavenging, and support wound healing. Minerals are also components in various enzymes that function within the skin.

Pitch Those Poisonous Skincare Products

Despite sophisticated marketing, most mass produced “skincare” products rely heavily on synthetic chemicals that can overwhelm or disrupt your skin’s natural functions.

The list of chemicals is a long one, but here are a few of the whoppers: parabens, phthalates, triclosan, salicylates, terpenes, aldehydes, benzene, toluene, styrene, and aluminum-based salts. Artificial stabilizers, silicones, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives can further irritate the skin and disturb its microbiome.

All of these chemicals are basically considered pollutants by your body - which then has to try to detoxify from them. Two of those chemicals are worth mentioning: parabens and phthalates. Steer clear of them both!

⚠️ Parabens & Preservatives

Parabens — including ethyl-, methyl-, propyl-, and butylparaben — are widely used as preservatives. These compounds are known endocrine disruptors that mimic estrogen and disrupt hormonal balance. Parabens are associated with problems such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, increased oxidative stress, and even shorter life expectancy.

Women have higher paraben exposure than men due to the number of personal care products they tend to use. A 2022 meta-analysis associated this higher paraben exposure with increased mortality risk, which underscores the importance of minimizing daily chemical loads from these products. (Hendryx and Luo, 2022)

⚠️ Phthalates & Fragrances

Synthetic fragrances often contain phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals linked to allergic reactions and reproductive toxicity. Many studies show that most perfumes, even in small amounts, can cause neurological disorders in the fetus of pregnant mothers. Studies show that fragranced products emit more than 100 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which pose serious threats to human health. (Kazemi et al., 2022)

If you want to learn what’s really in your personal care products, look them up in EWG’s Skin Deep database.

Why Plant-Based Oils Outperform Chemicals

Just as we choose clean food to avoid toxic additives, our skin benefits from clean formulations that nourish instead of burden. What you put on your skin should not add to your body’s stress!

Natural botanical skincare with cold-pressed oils offers the following advantages:

• Biocompatibility | Mimic the structure of skin’s natural lipids allowing for better absorption and less irritation

• Nutrient Density | Unrefined oils retain vitamins, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that refined or synthetic ingredients lack

• Synergy | Phytochemicals in natural oils work together synergistically to amplify antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

• Integrity | Natural products contain no parabens, petrochemicals, or synthetic fragrances, thereby reducing the body’s toxic load

• Sustainability | Ethically sourced natural products support both environmental and skin health

Natural plant-based extracts also provide excellent support for the skin in its efforts to protect you from the effects of wireless radiation, as well as other toxic exposures. Antioxidant protection from vitamin E, polyphenols, and carotenoids help neutralize oxidative stress created by exposure to unnatural electromagnetic radiation.

Your skin barrier is strengthened by essential fatty acids that replenish lipid layers, improving hydration and structural integrity. And you receive natural anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits from the botanical oils, which calm irritation and help maintain your skin’s optimal bioelectrical balance, providing natural EMF protection for the skin.

Hey - check out this really cool African Baobab tree!

Botanical Superstars for EMF-Proof Skin

Here are some of my favorites! This list is not comprehensive.

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🌷 Argan Oil

Argania Spinosa; Morocco

High in linoleic acid (omega-6), oleic acid (omega-9), and vitamin E; restores elasticity and smoothness while protecting against oxidative stress; anti-inflammatory properties make it great for acne

🌷 Bakuchi Oil

Psoralea Corylifolia, India

A natural retinol alternative; very high EFA and antioxidants; supports collagen production and cell renewal without irritation; great antiaging benefits; reduces hyperpigmentation

🌷 Baobab Oil

Adansonia Digitata, South Africa

Packed with omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids plus vitamins C, A, D, E, K; revitalizes dull skin and improves elasticity; antiaging; reduces lines and wrinkles; soothes sensitive skin; antimicrobial, combats acne; cleansing

🌷 Buriti Oil

Maurita Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Brazil

Rich in beta-carotene (plant-based retinol) and vitamins A and E; protects against photoaging; restores elasticity; skin brightening; hydrating

🌷 Cupuacu Butter

Theobroma Grandiflorum, Brazil

A luxurious emollient high in EFAs omega-9 (oleic acid) and stearic acid; omega-3, palmitic acid, arachidic acid; phytosterols; flavonoids; hydrates deeply, enhances softness; vitamins C, E, A, B; calcium and selenium; anti-inflammatory

🌷 Elemi Resin

Canarium luzonicum; Africa, Philippines

This is not elemi essential oil but the full resin infused into an oil; traditionally used for skin healing; antiaging, anti-wrinkle; skin detox; anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, combats acne and calms irritation, increases cell turnover; improves moisture retention; smells heavenly; typically infused into jojoba oil or other carrier oil

🌷 Frankincense Resin

Boswellia Carterii and others; India, North Africa, Middle East

Potent anti-inflammatory due to the boswellic acids; hits two key inflammatory pathways; regulates cell turnover; reduces scarring; improves healing; improves skin tone and texture; antimicrobial, good for acne and blemishes; hydrating and soothing; typically infused into jojoba oil or other carrier oil

🌷 Marula Oil

Sclerocarya birrea, Namibia

Rich in oleic, palmitic, stearic, and myristic acids; rich in antioxidants and phytosterols; amino acids L-arginine and glutamic acid; vitamins C and E; softens and hydrates; reduces inflammation; excellent antiaging for dry or mature skin

🌷 Moringa Oil

Moringa Oleifera, South Africa, Kenya

Rich in antioxidants; rich in EFA; vitamins A and C; detoxifies; cleanses; soothes inflammation; beneficial for wrinkles and hyperpigmentation/dark spots; antimicrobial, helpful for acne

🌷 Pomegranate Seed Oil

Punica Granatum, Turkey

Contains punicic acid, a rare omega-5 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties

🌷 Raspberry Seed Oil

Rubus Idaeus, Various locations

Very high in vitamin E; loaded with tocopherols and polyphenols; excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits; ellagic acid for collagen and elastin production; natural UV protection

🌷 Rosehip Seed Oil

Rosa Canina, Various locations

Omega-3 and omega-6; high in carotenoids and trans-retinoic acid; vitamins A, C, D, E; intense hydration; promotes cell regeneration; collagen production and elasticity; reduces scarring; brightens the complexion

🌷 Squalane

Spain, often made from olives

A plant-derived lipid that mimics sebum; enhances moisture and smoothness, reducing TEWL; improves texture; evens tone; controls oil; reduces irritation

🌷 Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil

Hippophae Rhamnoides, Guatemala

Loaded with omega-7; superior antioxidants, 2.4 times the carotenoids of any other oil; vitamins B1, B2, B6, C; promotes skin barrier repair; anti-inflammatory

🌷 Tamanu Oil

Calophyllum Inophyllum, Vietnam

High in EFAs, antioxidants, polyphenols; traditionally used for wound healing; supports cell regeneration; reduces scarring; anti-inflammatory; antimicrobial, especially strong antifungal; fights acne; reduces hyperpigmentation

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In Essence: Your Skin’s Natural Intelligence

Your skin already knows what it loves — plants, minerals, and harmony with nature. When nourished with pure, living oils, it becomes stronger, more radiant, and beautifully resilient in our modern, electrified world.

Every product in the Shungite Queen Apothecary is created with that truth in mind — crafted from cold-pressed botanicals, whole resins, and natural antioxidants that restore the skin’s balance and intelligence.

If this message resonates with you, I invite you to explore my Apothecary offerings and subscribe below for future posts on natural skincare, EMF protection, and the timeless wisdom of plant medicine. Together, we can keep your skin — and spirit — grounded, nourished, and naturally luminous.