Rocio Sagrado: Mother Nature’s Skin Care

For Dewith and her husband, Juan, dedication to their customers’ well-being is evident in each of their handcrafted offerings that are both practical and luxurious. Everything is made in small batches and involves labor-intensive processes, from infusions to hydrosols—and this is where the magic lies. It is a painstaking process from plant to product, but Dewith wouldn’t have it any other way.

From multi-use, rich body butters for skin and hair to flower-steeped skin serums, aromatherapeutic perfumes to effective chemical-free tick repellents for the whole family (pets included), nature’s goodness goes into every drop.

“Working with the Earth’s gifts never ceases to amaze me and never ceases to teach me something,” marvels Dewith, crediting the efficacy of her skin care line to nature’s natural rhythms. “Mother Earth and her plants have such an exponential level of cosmic energy, power and synergy. This cosmic energy of the Earth, sun, moon, stars, etc., is continuously absorbed in the plants, flowers and herbs, which in turn goes into all our products.” 

Rocio Sagrado’s healing herbs are from  Dewith and her husband’s extensive garden at their winter home in Argentina and a smaller garden in Illinois. “Garden plants include calendula, rosemary, chocolate mint and white grapefruit," says Dewith, adding, “And from my sister-in-law next door we have bergamot. Others are from friends and gathered sustainably from the native woods nearby: roses, calendula, linden, burdock, eucalyptus, elderberry, ginger, turmeric, yarrow, chaparral and honey.” 

All Rocio Sagrado plants are from non-GMO, agroecological and/or organic sources, and all oils are unrefined, cold pressed and extra virgin. Dewith highlights that their products are celiac friendly; their butters and oils are vegan; and all inventory is devoid of chemicals, colors, synthetics and preservatives.

For troubled skin, their product line includes balms for stubborn rosacea, psoriasis and eczema, and herbal decongestants for allergy and sinus issues. Men also have a plethora to choose from, including moisturizing beard oils; balms for hard-working muscles and joints; and highly effective deodorant sprays with sage, linden and citrus. Shampoos, facial masks and deep facial honey cleansers are just a few items available at their farmers market stand and online.

Her favorite product is ÓleoFace Nourishing Hydrating Serum, “a super-concentrated, divinely potent, but gentle elixir” that deeply nourishes, rejuvenates and softens, Dewith says, adding that the nongreasy formula has anti-inflammatory properties with vitamins and omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids and “can be used for facial massage and to replace micellar water.”

Dewith explains that another product, Rosacea, is a reliable ally for inflamed rashes. “It not only alleviates the redness, but also helps prevent it, leaving your skin calm, soft, hydrated and restored. You use it in place of your facial moisturizer. It can be applied on the face, body, intimate parts and scalp,” she adds.

In a toxic and chaotic world, well-being is more than skin deep, and she believes that people are “finally realizing that nourishing a healthy body and mind involves not just what you eat but also what you do, what you absorb in your skin and absorb in your mind, and who you surround yourself with.” For Dewith, in all things, love is the answer, and self-love is key.

“I hope the world comes to understand this and the true meaning of self-love,” says Dewith. “When you truly love who you are, you do what you love and that makes you want to share your love and build community. Community is integrated self-love. Community builds peace.”

Rocio Sagrado is a positive example of love in action, one magical product at a time. Dewith inspires us all when she says, “I love what I do. This makes me happy. And it shows in our products.”

Find Rocio Sagrado products online at RocioSagrado.com and locally at the Woodstock Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Tuesdays; the Crystal Lake Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays; and the Ravinia Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays. 

Marlaina Donato is an author and artist. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.