Why I Started Vital Acre Skincare

Living a detoxified, natural lifestyle goes beyond choosing organic groceries or skipping that second glass of wine. It’s also about being intentional with what we put on our bodies every single day.

Hi, I’m Brooke—naturopathic doctor, urban farmer, formulator, and founder of Vital Acre Urban Farm skincare. I live with my husband and our little menagerie of cats, chickens, ducks, and turkeys on our half-acre farmstead where we grow food, cultivate herbs, and create skincare that’s as close to nature as it gets.

My whole life, I’ve been guided by the principle of Vis Medicatrix Naturae—the healing power of nature. I became a naturopathic doctor because I wanted to understand how to support the body’s ability to heal, using tools like food, herbs, homeopathy and lifestyle. But I’ve come to realize that learning from nature isn’t a destination—it’s a lifelong journey.

In 2020, like many people, our pace of life slowed. My husband and I finally had the time to plant the garden we’d dreamed about for years. What started as a modest 10x20 patch quickly turned into a full-blown mini-farm: every inch of our property bursting with vegetables, edible perennials, and medicinal herbs.

Until then, my training had focused on internal healing—using fats, nutrients, and herbs inside the body. I purchased most of my herbs from trusted nutraceutical companies. But once I started growing my own, I was drawn to the idea of crafting my own remedies—touching the plants, watching them grow, infusing their essence with intention and care.
Then I turned 40.

Suddenly my feed was flooded with every anti-aging product imaginable. Creams, serums, patches, devices—most of them claiming to be “natural.” Curious (and a little skeptical), I started digging into ingredient lists… and quickly realized that even products marketed as “clean” were full of synthetic preservatives, fillers, and lab-made extracts.
So, I started making my own.

Soap was the gateway. From there I dove into the world of botanical oils, pasture-raised tallow, herbal infusions, and essential oils—researching how they nourish the skin from the outside in. It felt a lot like cooking: blending ingredients, creating recipes, and watching them transform into something beautiful and healing.

As a doctor and a formulator, my goal is simple: create truly natural, effective, and safe skincare using real, whole ingredients—many of them grown right here on our farm. Our skin is the body’s largest organ and first line of defense. It deserves the same kind of care we give our diet: nutrient-dense, clean, and balanced.

That’s why Vital Acre products are made with infused farm-grown herbs, organic cold-pressed oils, and tallow from regeneratively raised, grass-fed cows. They’re free from synthetic preservatives, dyes, fragrances, and harsh additives. Just real ingredients that your skin recognizes and knows what to do with.

Of course, “natural” doesn’t always mean “safe” for everyone. Each of us is unique, and even gentle herbs like calendula or chamomile can cause sensitivity in some people. That’s why I approach every product with deep respect for both the power and nuance of nature. Please test any new product on a small area first, and consult with your doctor if you have questions about specific ingredients.

Vital Acre Skincare was born out of curiosity, passion, and the desire to nourish skin with the same love and integrity I bring to the food I grow and the medicine I practice. I’m honored to share it with you.

With Gratitude — Brooke