It's that time of year again; time for tank tops, shorts and showing your skin. Are you ready? Every year women (and men) spend millions of dollars on creams and lotions that are toxic and harmful to their bodies. Your skin serves roles other than just protection. It serves to regulate temperature, provide sensation, control evaporation, storage of fats, synthesis of vitamin D and absorption. That's right, your skin absorbs everything that you put on it. That's why it's so important to not put anything on your skin that you wouldn't put in your mouth. Ingredients like propolyene glycol (used in anti-freeze), parabens (known to cause allergic reactions and rashes) and diethanolamine (causes cancer in lab animals) can easily be avoided by purchasing natural, organic products or making your own with ingredients right from your pantry. I recommend brands like Desert Essence that you can get inexpensively at Swanson Vitamins.
One of the best ingredients that you can include in homemade alternatives is sugar or honey. Honey encourages the body to produce hyaluronic acid, a compound that mixes with collagen in the skin helping to keep it plump and moist. When honey is used on wounds it helps to prevent scarring by increasing hyaluronic acid and improving the wound healing process. It's also anti-microbial, serving to help prevent and treat acne. The best kind of honey to get is raw Manuka honey. It has a long history of being used for its phenomenal healing qualities. If you can't get Manuka honey you should still use raw honey. Processed honey that is heated to high temperatures is void of all of its minerals, enzymes, probiotics and other healing properties. The following recipes will leave your skin healthy and glowing and your mind guilt-free.
Honey Facial Cleanser
1/4 c. honey
1/4 c. water
2 T. liquid soap.
Gently mix all ingredients. Do not beat mixture as this can cause foaming. Massage small amount onto moist skin. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.
Honey Toner
1 T. honey
2 T. witch hazel
1 T. rose water or distilled water
1 tsp. lemon juice
Pour all ingredients into a bottle. Shake to combine. Apply small amount with cotton ball after cleansing and before moisturizing (may feel slightly tacky, this disappears after solution dries).
Exfoliating Sugar Body Scrub
1 c. raw sugar
1/4 c. coconut oil
2 T. almond oil or other light oil
Melt coconut oil and mix with sugar and almond oil. Do not mix if oil is hot as this may melt your sugar. Stir occasionally as mixture cools to ensure even distribution of sugar. Massage generous amount into skin while standing in shower. Rinse thoroughly. Do not follow with soap, allow oil to remain on skin. Mixture keeps for 1-2 months.
Treating the skin from the inside out is an essential part of any skin care routine. Whether you're treating a skin condition, preventing aging or just looking to maintain your healthy glow eating the right foods can make all the difference. The most important area of the diet to address when treating your skin is the fats. Eating plenty of healthy fats and avoiding bad fats like those found in red meat and dairy can be all you need to improve your skin. Fats from red meat and dairy contain arachidonic acid, a compound that is known to increase inflammation. Inflammation in your skin can cause puffiness and block off pores causing acne. You really are what you eat. Fats from red meat and dairy are generally thick and sticky. When this fat reaches your pores it can block them and lead to blackheads and more acne. Below is a list of foods that should be the main source of fats in your diet.
One of the best ingredients that you can include in homemade alternatives is sugar or honey. Honey encourages the body to produce hyaluronic acid, a compound that mixes with collagen in the skin helping to keep it plump and moist. When honey is used on wounds it helps to prevent scarring by increasing hyaluronic acid and improving the wound healing process. It's also anti-microbial, serving to help prevent and treat acne. The best kind of honey to get is raw Manuka honey. It has a long history of being used for its phenomenal healing qualities. If you can't get Manuka honey you should still use raw honey. Processed honey that is heated to high temperatures is void of all of its minerals, enzymes, probiotics and other healing properties. The following recipes will leave your skin healthy and glowing and your mind guilt-free.
Honey Facial Cleanser
1/4 c. honey
1/4 c. water
2 T. liquid soap.
Gently mix all ingredients. Do not beat mixture as this can cause foaming. Massage small amount onto moist skin. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.
Honey Toner
1 T. honey
2 T. witch hazel
1 T. rose water or distilled water
1 tsp. lemon juice
Pour all ingredients into a bottle. Shake to combine. Apply small amount with cotton ball after cleansing and before moisturizing (may feel slightly tacky, this disappears after solution dries).
Exfoliating Sugar Body Scrub
1 c. raw sugar
1/4 c. coconut oil
2 T. almond oil or other light oil
Melt coconut oil and mix with sugar and almond oil. Do not mix if oil is hot as this may melt your sugar. Stir occasionally as mixture cools to ensure even distribution of sugar. Massage generous amount into skin while standing in shower. Rinse thoroughly. Do not follow with soap, allow oil to remain on skin. Mixture keeps for 1-2 months.
Treating the skin from the inside out is an essential part of any skin care routine. Whether you're treating a skin condition, preventing aging or just looking to maintain your healthy glow eating the right foods can make all the difference. The most important area of the diet to address when treating your skin is the fats. Eating plenty of healthy fats and avoiding bad fats like those found in red meat and dairy can be all you need to improve your skin. Fats from red meat and dairy contain arachidonic acid, a compound that is known to increase inflammation. Inflammation in your skin can cause puffiness and block off pores causing acne. You really are what you eat. Fats from red meat and dairy are generally thick and sticky. When this fat reaches your pores it can block them and lead to blackheads and more acne. Below is a list of foods that should be the main source of fats in your diet.
1. Salmon - eat as sushi (raw is best) or bake at 325 degrees.
2. Raw nuts - walnuts are highest in healthy omega-3-fatty acids
3. Avocados
4. Olive oil - use on salad or don't heat above medium
5. Flaxseeds - grind and use in baked goods or sprinkle in salads.
When considering the health of your skin you cannot ignore digestion and gut health. If you think about it they are literally the same system, one is inside and the other is outside. If the gut isn't functioning properly to eliminate toxins the skin often has to take over to do this job. When toxins exit via our skin the result is acne, poor skin tone and rashes. So, diet plays a key role in keeping your skin healthy. Other foods that are excellent for your skin are:
1. Kale - helps the liver detoxify the whole body, reducing toxic burden on skin
2. Blueberries - super high in antioxidants
3. Citrus - high in vitamin C, an important precursor to collagen
4. Fermented foods - rich in probiotics to help maintain a healthy gut
5. Whole grains - high in B vitamins to help metabolize our food into energy and help reduce blood sugar problems which can lead to acne. These are also high in fiber to help keep your gut happy.
Here's my list of top supplements for radiant skin:
1. High quality multivitamin - at least twice a day
2. Evening Primrose Oil - 1,000 mg a day
3. Vitamin A - 20,000 IU a day
4. Probiotic - 1 capsule with breakfast and dinner
5. Vitamin C - 1,000 mg a day
6. Antioxidants - selenium, green tea extract, grape skin extract, among others
Last but not least is water. Above all else this is a must. Getting at least 64 oz a day will help to flush toxins out through the kidneys and bowels, again, reducing the toxic burden on the skin. Water also helps to hydrate the skin. Hydrated skin glows. Without enough water our skin looks sullen, dry, and just plain old. So, splurge on a really nice BPA-free water bottle and drink up!
If you're still having problems after implementing some of these tips you could have an underlying digestion problem, hormone imbalance or thyroid problem that needs to be addressed. Please feel free to contact me if you you need more comprehensive help.
2. Raw nuts - walnuts are highest in healthy omega-3-fatty acids
3. Avocados
4. Olive oil - use on salad or don't heat above medium
5. Flaxseeds - grind and use in baked goods or sprinkle in salads.
When considering the health of your skin you cannot ignore digestion and gut health. If you think about it they are literally the same system, one is inside and the other is outside. If the gut isn't functioning properly to eliminate toxins the skin often has to take over to do this job. When toxins exit via our skin the result is acne, poor skin tone and rashes. So, diet plays a key role in keeping your skin healthy. Other foods that are excellent for your skin are:
1. Kale - helps the liver detoxify the whole body, reducing toxic burden on skin
2. Blueberries - super high in antioxidants
3. Citrus - high in vitamin C, an important precursor to collagen
4. Fermented foods - rich in probiotics to help maintain a healthy gut
5. Whole grains - high in B vitamins to help metabolize our food into energy and help reduce blood sugar problems which can lead to acne. These are also high in fiber to help keep your gut happy.
Here's my list of top supplements for radiant skin:
1. High quality multivitamin - at least twice a day
2. Evening Primrose Oil - 1,000 mg a day
3. Vitamin A - 20,000 IU a day
4. Probiotic - 1 capsule with breakfast and dinner
5. Vitamin C - 1,000 mg a day
6. Antioxidants - selenium, green tea extract, grape skin extract, among others
Last but not least is water. Above all else this is a must. Getting at least 64 oz a day will help to flush toxins out through the kidneys and bowels, again, reducing the toxic burden on the skin. Water also helps to hydrate the skin. Hydrated skin glows. Without enough water our skin looks sullen, dry, and just plain old. So, splurge on a really nice BPA-free water bottle and drink up!
If you're still having problems after implementing some of these tips you could have an underlying digestion problem, hormone imbalance or thyroid problem that needs to be addressed. Please feel free to contact me if you you need more comprehensive help.
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