Herbalist’s Guide to Skin Health: Anatomy, Pathology, Beauty, Assessment & Remedies

Holistic - Comprehensive - Practical

Learn how the skin reflects inner health, tackle common conditions, and master natural solutions for beauty and wellness. Perfect for practitioners and enthusiasts alike.
Professional Library does not include live classes. 
 

Help Your Skin Say “Healthy”

The skin is our first line of defense and our barrier against the world. It is intimately connected to temperature and water regulation, which determine overall health. The skin works in harmony with the channels of elimination and detoxification. It is the ambassador of the inner body and we want to keep it—and allied structures (scalp, hair, nails)—in grand health. The skin is also a carrier of messages and symptoms to and from the body that we want to be able to read with attention and skill. Skin and hair care constitute a massive market in natural and herbal products and an area for the practitioner to develop skill and abilities that are in great demand. Lotions, salves, and balms are always popular. 
Class 1: Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin
The skin is constructed in three basic layers which arise during fetal development. These are the epidermis (outer), mesoderm (middle) and endoderm (inner). The epidermis forms the protective, outer layer; and is composed of skin die off. The mesoderm (dermis) is comprised of connective tissue, capillary bed, nerves, and lymphatic drainage. It is important in the opening and closing of the pores and circulation for temperature control (thermoregulation). The endoderm (hypodermis) consists of the fatty padding under the skin, in which the sebaceous glands are anchored, providing the oily secretion on the skin surface. It is also comprised of the follicles and hairs.

Class 2: Skin Diseases and Conditions
In this class we will move on to pathology of the skin. Skin conditions typically arise from imbalances mentioned in the first class: too much or too little water or oil, capillary blood stagnation or other problems, water catching in the layers of the skin (rashes, itching), etc. Dryness is a frequent cause of eczema, but dampness also can be a factor. Skin fungus and impetigo is almost always a damp condition. Psoriasis is complex and an underlying model of pathology and therapy is still incomplete. Aging of the skin usually moves in the direction of lack of water and oil, but wrinkling is due in addition to breakdown of the polymers and connective tissue of the extracellular matrix below the skin. As a bacterial infection, cellulitis is not without hope of improvement. What would you guess is the problem with acne? When the sebum gets clogged in the skin pores, inflammation and swelling occur. Is this a problem of too much or too little oil? Or poor processing of oils in the liver? We’ll answer these questions and more in the class, even including remedies for scar tissue from acne and other causes.

Class 3: Beauty of the Skin
Healthy skin is beautiful skin and a healthy body is reflected in the skin. The luster and tone of the skin is dependent on such factors as the condition of the liver, lymphatic movement, and skin blood supply. We’ll discuss beauty tips, essential oils, nutrition, and herbs that help keep the skin glowing and healthy. The class will cover different skin types and how aging affects skin. Cleansing and a regular skin routine are often needed to promote a lovely complexion. This class is being taught by Phyllis D. Light, MA and Tara Baklund (Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism Director of Operations) who will share their beauty routines, their unique skin challenges, and their changing skin journeys that are common to many.

Class 4: Evaluation from the Hair, Nails, Skin, Complexion
This class will discuss evaluation from the skin but will also include looking at the hair, nails, and complexion (not facial shape). The tone of the skin, any lumps or bumps, the color of the skin and complexion are all signs for the internal workings of the body. The nails add an extra dimension to assessment. Changes to the skin and complexion can happen very quickly, often within a few days. Changes to the luster and health of the hair can also happen fairly quickly, though changes to the hair follicle is based on a cyclic process. Changes to the nails happen very slowly - over about 6 months. This makes nails an excellent tool to look at for long-term health issues.
Where:
We use the online webinar service, Zoom. Webinar links are sent to enrolled students 1 day, and 1 hour prior to class. See the simple instruction on how to attend on our HELP page.

Within 2 business days after class, we will send information on how to access the class recording. 

What is the class like?
Classes are held online in a webinar format. Students will view and hear only the teachers and hosts and can participate in the online chat and Q&A.
Class Dates: 
  • Class #1: Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin
    Tuesday Jan 7th 7-9pm US Central (Chicago)
  • Class #2: Skin Diseases and Conditions
    Tuesday Jan 14th 7-9pm US Central (Chicago)
  • Class #3: Beauty of the Skin
    Thursday Jan 23rd 7-9pm US Central (Chicago)
  • Class #4: Evaluation from the Hair, Nails, Skin, Complexion
    Tuesday Jan 28th, 7-9pm US Central (Chicago)

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This course will be added to the Library and Library + A-Z 6 months from the last, live, online class date.
Each class will be available within the Professional Library within 2 business days of the class.

Includes

Live Online Class and Recording ONLY
  • live, online class
  • Q&A during live webinar
  • 1 year access to the class recording
 & documents

This is for you if you...

want lasting, holistic solutions to challenges with skin, hair and nails.
want to understand what your skin, hair and nails are really saying about your health.
are a health enthusiast or practitioner looking to enhance your holistic skills regarding the integumentary system.

Upon completion, you will...

understand the anatomy and physiology of the skin, hair, and nails and their connection to overall health.
be able to evaluate health through skin, hair, nails, and complexion with confidence.
be able to aid aging skin, acne and other common conditions of the integumentary system for yourself and others through nutrition, herbs, and self-care routines.

Teachers

Matthew Wood, MS

Matthew Wood has been a practicing herbalist for over forty years. He is an internationally known teacher and author with more than ten books to his credit. Matthew has an MSc in herbal medicine from the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine (accredited, U. of Wales). He lives in the Midwest. 

Phyllis D. Light, MA 

As 4th generation herbalist, Phyllis started with lessons from her grandmother who taught from her Creek/Cherokee heritage. Phyllis has studied and worked with herbs, foods, and other healing techniques for 30+ years. She is the author of Southern Folk Medicine and co-author of Traditional Western Herbalism Pulse Evaluation.

Certificate Included

sample certificate of completion

  • How to Get a Certificate

    • Complete course materials
    • Pass the test with a grade of 70% or better
    • Save or print your certificate!


    Available with subscription and individual course purchases.

  • Accreditation hours

    This course is a total of TBD accredited hours

    *Please check with your accrediting agency whether they will accept accredited hours or certificates from the Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism
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Herbalist’s Guide to Skin Health: Anatomy, Pathology, Beauty, Assessment & Remedies

Learn skin anatomy, solve common issues, and boost beauty with natural solutions.
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