Deep Pore Cleansing Mask

by Kelly from Primally Inspired
 If you notice deep pores on your face, you will love love love this deep pore cleansing mask recipe. While you will notice a reduction in the appearance of your pores almost immediately, there are also other powerful benefits from using this mask that every skin type can benefit from!

 

The raw apple cider vinegar in the mask restores your skin’s natural pH, which is amazing for all skin types.  If your skin’s pH is out of balance, then you will most likely break out, or your pores will get clogged or your skin might get itchy and dry. But when your skin’s pH is in balance, your skin will be at the perfect place of not too dry and not too oily. That is skin heaven and the apple cider vinegar in this deep pore cleansing mask helps us get there  

*Important note – make sure you get apple cider vinegar with “the mother.” The bottle should also say RAW apple cider vinegar.  I use THIS kind, which can easily be found at most grocery and health food stores. 
The healing clay (sometimes called green or bentonite clay) in this deep pore cleansing mask recipe is made up of minerals from the earth. It removes impurities from under the skin, giving you one of the best deep cleanings you can get! It also promotes circulation which helps with healthy cell turnover.
I personally use THIS healing clay. THIS is another option from a great company, too!

  

So as you can see, this deep pore cleansing mask packs a powerful punch! Use it one to two times a week (if you have acne prone skin, you can use it up to 3 times a week) and in two to three weeks, sometimes sooner, you’ll notice far less breakouts, smoother, more even skin and a huge reduction in the appearance of your pores.  It’s easy, it’s very inexpensive and it will seriously give you one of the best facials you can get. Your skin will love you for it!

Deep Pore Cleansing Mask Recipe:

Makes enough for 1 mask. Once the ingredients are mixed together, you must apply it right away.

 

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons healing clay (I use THIS)
2 teaspoons raw apple cider vinegar (I use THIS)
Optional: 3 drops of essential oil (not necessary, but I sometimes use it for an added punch!)

 

Essential Oil Suggestions:

Lavender for normal or sensitive skin (My favorite! I use THIS one)
Tea tree for acne prone or oily skin
Sandalwood for dry skin
Frankincense for aging or mature skin 

 

Directions:

Mix the clay with the apple cider vinegar until it forms a smooth paste.  Add any essential oils if you are using them and mix again.  It’s best to use a non-metal bowl and utensil. The clay works so well at pulling toxins, that it can actually pull the metal out of your dishes. 

Apply the mask to your face, avoiding eyes, nostrils and mouth. Let it dry and harden on your skin for 10 minutes. Leave on for no longer than 15 minutes.  Rinse with warm water and apply moisturizer. I love to use Argan oil (I use THIS Argan Oil) as my moisturizer. You can read more about why I use Argan Oil in my blogpost HERE.

You will feel a tight, pulling sensation while the mask is on your face. Once you rinse it off, your face may look flushed because of the extra blood flow to your face. This is normal (and a sign that it worked well!). The redness will subside in a few minutes, up to an hour, and you’ll be left with beautiful, glowing skin.

How often should you apply this deep pore cleansing mask?

Once or twice a week. If you have very oily or acne prone skin, use it three times a week.
I’ve been using this deep pore cleansing mask faithfully once a week for the past couple of years. Don’t tell him I told you, but my husband also loves using this mask. I usually mix up enough for both of us so we look ridiculous together. But we both are at skin heaven (you know, that wonderful place that’s not too dry, not too oily and no breakouts) because of it! If you give this mask a try, keep me posted on your results – I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Beautiful Skin and Hair

16 Adult Acne Myths, Busted

 

Pimple problems

by Kiera Aaron
If you've ever had a pimple, you know how frustrating it can be to find a solution (and if you've never had a pimple, congratulations: you're the luckiest person alive). An overwhelming number of acne products are available (all making the same promise of clear skin), and yet, the harder you try to zap your zits, the more red and painful they can become. In order to truly banish blemishes, you'll need to distinguish the difference between the old wives' tales and tested truths. That's where we come in. Read on to learn how you can eliminate acne once and for all.

Watch the video: How to Get Rid of Blemishes

Myth: Your diet has nothing to do with acne

"Two landmark but flawed studies conducted in the '60s and '70s found that chocolate was not associated with acne," says Jennifer Burris, doctorate candidate at New York University, and author of a Journal of the Academy of Nutrition review on diet and acne. "These studies were so popular that people concluded diet had nothing to do with acne and stopped researching the topic for the next 40 years." Today, researchers are finding that there is indeed a connection between food and acne. Example: Burris and her team looked at the diets of more than 200 people and found that those who ate more sugary foods, dairy products, and unhealthy fats, as well as less fish, were more likely to have moderate to severe acne.

Myth: If you suffer from acne, you should never eat chocolate

Even though there's a connection between diet and acne, it's not exactly fair to throw chocolate under the bus. "Essentially any food with a high glycemic index can increase blood cortisol levels and worsen acne," says Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine. (That includes sweets, breads, and pastas.) "Refined carbs cause your insulin levels to spike, which leads to increased sebum production and clogged pores."

The good news: You can still have chocolate! "The problem isn't the cocoa itself, it's the sugar and dairy that's added," says Marguerite Germain, MD, dermatologist in Charleston, SC, who suggests eating dark chocolate with a cocoa content 70% or higher. "The higher the percentage of cocoa, the lower the glycemic index."

Myth: Acne is a teenager problem

It's not a given that you'll grow out of acne. In fact, a survey of more than 1,000 adults published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that 50% of women between 20 and 29 years old, 35% of women between 30 and 39 years old, and 26% of women between 40 and 49 reported having acne. (Note: Adult acne is more common in women than men.) You can blame the same surge of hormones you experienced as a teen: "Your estrogen increases at your first period and peri-menopause," says Dr. Gohara. "The hormone causes an increase in oil production, which ultimately causes bacterial inflammation and pimples." That's why it's common for women to have acne as teenagers and again later in life.

Myth: Makeup makes acne worse

It's true that some products can clog your pores and ultimately cause pimples, but the right makeup can actually improve acne. Dr. Gohara suggests powder-based mineral foundations with ingredients like silica, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. "Powder foundations absorb oils that would otherwise be clogging your pores," she says. If you prefer a liquid foundation, make sure it's non-comedogenic. "That means the product hasn't been found to promote acne per the cosmetics company's standards," explains Dr. Gohara.

Myth: Sunscreen clogs your pores

First, a little sunscreen 101. There are two categories of sunscreen: chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV light (common ingredients: oxybenzone and avobenzone) and physical sunscreens, which reflect UV rays (common ingredients: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide). While some chemical sunscreens can irritate the skin, causing inflammation and breakouts, physical sunscreens might actually help. "Zinc oxide, a common active ingredient in physical sunscreens, may kill acne-causing bacteria," says Dr. Germain. Look for the ingredient on your sunscreen label—no more SPF excuses!

Myth: Stronger products are better products

If you've spent more than 30 seconds looking at acne products in your drugstore, you know that benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid rule the ingredient labels—and with good reason. The best acne treatments do two things: unclog pores and kill bacteria. These ingredients are often recommended because benzoyl peroxide blasts bacteria and salicylic acid unclogs your pores, tackling both problems.

Still, there's no need to go overboard, especially when it comes to benzoyl peroxide. A review published in Expert Opinion Pharmacotherapy found no difference between products that are 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and ones that are 10%—except that stronger products may be more irritating.

Myth: Toothpaste can heal a zit

"Toothpaste has baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, menthol, essential oils, and triclosan, which, yes, can dry pimples out," says Dr. Gohara. "But it's not made for your skin, so it can cause irritation and rashes." This means you could essentially be trading one problem for another. Instead, try a spot treatment that contains benzoyl peroxide. It's made specifically for your skin—and won't leave your face smelling like spearmint.

Myth: The sun makes acne better

Here's the deal: Exposure to sunlight may reduce inflammation in your body, and since acne is an inflammatory process, you may see less of it initially, explains Dr. Germain. But hold on to your sun hats: Over time, the sun breaks down your skin's collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm, tight, and young-looking. "When collagen breaks down, your pores have less support around them, and they flop open," says Dr. Germain. "This can create blackheads, some of which may be present for life." Plus, sun damage makes it more difficult for the skin to repair itself, so it increases your risk of acne scars, Dr. Germain adds. Let's not forget skin cancer: "In terms of carcinogens, ultraviolet light is right up there with cigarettes," says Dr. Gohara. You wouldn't smoke to minimize a pimple, would you?

Myth: Blackheads are dirt in your pores

"Blackheads have nothing to do with dirt," says Dr. Germain. Skin cell turnover is a natural process that pushes oil and debris out of your pores, keeping them clean. When that doesn't happen fast enough, your pores collect a backlog of oil, skin debris, and protein. Dirt is not part of the equation. That's why derms suggest a retinoid to help reduce blackheads. "The vitamin A derivative increases the turnover of skin cells, keeping pores clear," says Dr. Germain. Ask your dermatologist about a prescription for tretinoin topical (brand name: Retin-A), or pick up an over-the-counter cream with retinol on the label.

Myth: Breakouts mean you don't wash your face enough

Wouldn't it be great if pimples washed away at the end of the day like foundation? "Over-washing can actually exacerbate the problem," says Dr. Gohara. When you wash too much, you strip your skin of its natural oils. This makes your skin dehydrated, so it overcompensates by producing more oil, which can clog pores and make breakouts worse.
Dr. Gohara suggests using a benzoyl peroxide wash in the morning, followed by a salicylic acid toner, and lightweight moisturizer. At night, wash with a gentle cleanser (avoid ones with exfoliating beads or sodium lauryl sulfate, which can be irritating), and follow with a cream that has retinol. No need to use benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid again.

Myth: Moisturizers cause acne

It seems counterintuitive to slap moisturizer over oily pores, but this goes back to Dr. Gohara's over-washing point: dehydrated skin produces more pore-clogging oil than hydrated skin. So if you apply a lightweight moisturizer (not a heavy cream) every day, your skin won't need to take hydration into its own (oily) hands.

Myth: Chlorine improves acne

It might seem like swimming dries up your pimples, but it presents a similar problem as toothpaste. "Chlorine can dry out pimples, but it can also irritate your skin, causing more breakouts in the long-run," says Dr. Gohara. Be sure to rinse off when you're done swimming, and use an oil-free lotion to offset any dryness.

Myth: Popping makes pimples go away

Hands off! "A whitehead can heal within three days if you leave it alone, but it could take months if you pop it," says Dr. Germain. "Plus, popping causes trauma to the skin, which can lead to inflammation or infection." We know it's hard to resist popping a particularly ripe whitehead, but instead of squeezing and scraping, use an overnight spot treatment of benzoyl peroxide.

Myth: Treat body acne as you would face acne

"Topical products aren't absorbed as well by your body as they are by your face," says Dr. Germain. That's because the follicles on your body—which deliver acne-fighting ingredients deep into your skin—are further apart from each other than they are on your face. Even the best bacteria-blasting products may not do the trick, so talk to your derm about antibiotics and watch your diet.

Myth: Hair products have nothing to do with acne

Quite the contrary. In fact, there's a term for this exact problem. It's called "pomade acne," and it happens when the oils from your hair products continuously make contact with your face. (Thanks a lot, side bangs.) The clear-skin solution: "Avoid products with petroleum jelly, and choose water-based products over oil-based ones," says Dr. Germain. 

Myth: Stress can't cause acne

The pimple that surfaced just in time for your wedding day probably wasn't an unfortunate coincidence. "Stress creates a hormonal imbalance in the body, which can lead to acne," says Dr. Germain. According to research conducted by the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, stressed out teenagers are 23% more likely to have severe acne. Researchers suspect stress-induced inflammation may also play a role, affecting men and women of all ages.

Don't worry, you don't need to quit your hectic job or wait until your kids go to college to feel zen. Just one 90-minute yoga class can significantly reduce stress, according to a study published in The Journal of Nursing Research. We suggest these Yoga Poses For Anxiety, Pain, and More.


6 Foods for Beautiful Skin and Hair

Want to glow from within? You can start by eating the right foods. In this Cooking Light video, Holley Grainger, RD, talks about the 6 best foods for shiny hair and healthy, glowing skin.

6 Foods for Beautiful Skin and Hair: click to Watch 

Breakouts

What Your Skin Breakouts Are Telling You

By Claudia Colombo

The face is like a mirror of the body and mind. Issues showing up on your face can be indicative of much deeper issues. As the seasons change, you may notice dry or red patches, blotchiness, or breakouts on your skin.

Blemishes on your face don't pop up randomly, they can reveal a disharmony in the body that gives you clues to what is going on internally. 

Particular areas of the face relate to certain organs, and each organ carries carries a connection to one of the body systems. Whether it's acne, rosacea, eczema, or hypersensitivity, most skin disorders have one thing in common: inflammation. 

Usually, distress in one organ or area of the body triggers inflammation somewhere else in the body but becomes most apparent in the skin. For example, congestion in your face (such as white-spots, or hard, granular-like bumps under the skin) or blotchy areas can be an indication of too much dairy or sugar in the diet. Redness could be a sign of stomach acidity caused by not enough digestive enzymes and an inappropriate diet.

The degree of acidity significantly affects the body's own ability to prevent illness, disease, and premature aging. A delicate balancing act occurs in our bodies at all times, known as our PH balance. 

If our PH balance gets too acidic, we are more prone to illness. The acidity prompts the immune system to respond negatively, creating more of a workload for our body to protect itself. Highly acidic food, smoking, hormonal imbalance, and a high-glycemic diet are the biggest offenders. These stressors cause a free radical cascade fueling inflammation internally and depleting our mineral reserves to neutralize the acid. 

In addition, glycation (a metabolic process where sugar molecules bond to proteins and DNA causing premature and wrinkles) becomes apparent from too much sugar or high glycemic foods. Inflammation and glycation are two related reactions that impact the body's natural state of balance and appearance of the skin. 

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If you want, smooth and radiant skin, here are some tips to follow: 

1. Combine food strategically. 

Smart strategies can cool down the excessive fire and inflammation in the skin and body. For example eat fruit on its own, and avoid protein with starch. Acid present in protein, which is made up of amino acids, blocks the action of an important salivary enzyme necessary for proper starch digestion and can result in gas and bloating. 

Because vegetables contain water and fiber (important for optimal digestion), combining either animal protein or grains with vegetables is best.

2. Eliminate refined sugar and wheat. 

These increase inflammation and an acidic environment in the body. Cutting back on sugar and wheat will support the organs of elimination and in turn will increase your energy and skin clarity. 

If you've already cut out all refined sugar, continue to monitor your body when you eat even a minimal amount of natural sugar. Sometimes even fruit sugar will generate acne, because it feeds inflammation. 

 

3. Incorporate fermented foods into your diet. 

These foods are full of beneficial bacteria and probiotics that help support the body beyond digestion, reduce inflammation and keep yeast overgrowth and pathogenic microbes in check that can trigger breakouts. They are very potent detoxifiers, capable of drawing out a wide range of toxins and heavy metals. If you have poor digestion, it's' important to start incorporating these foods into the diet slowly to ensure the gut has proper time to heal and cleanse the body and the skin. 

I recommend eating about a quarter to a half a cup of fermented vegetables, or cultured food such as raw yoghurt, per day. Kombucha, a fermented drink, is another great addition. The greater the variety of fermented and cultured foods you include in your diet, the better, as each food will inoculate your gut with a variety of different microorganisms.

4. Eat good fats. 

Increasing your Omega-3 fatty acids (EFAs) helps the body produce prostaglandins, hormones that reduce inflammation. EFAs are responsible for skin repair, moisture content, and overall flexibility, but because the body cannot produce its own EFAs, they must be obtained through the diet. 

The best places to find omega-3 fats include cold-water fish, organic coconut oil, krill oil, walnuts, Brazil nuts, chia seeds, flaxseed and sea vegetables. 

5. Manage your stress. 

When we experience stress the body activates the “fight or flight” response, which triggers stress hormones thereby slowing the digestive process and compromising your digestion. Most of us are in a “fight or flight” mode all day, which starts the minute our alarm goes off, starting the days rushing around to get ready for work, check email, get the kids off to school, etc.. and most likely skipping breakfast in the process. This rushed behavior is stressful and shuts down our digestion increasing acidity and more inflammation in the body.

To effectively combat stress, we need to activate the body's natural relaxation response and bring the nervous system back into balance. Fitting in and finding the relaxation technique that's best for you can help. 

Activities like yoga, meditation and more exercise reduce everyday stress and boost your energy and mood. I recommend natural therapies like Acupuncture or Kinesiology to identify and correct imbalances. Kinesiology addresses the communication and connection between all systems and enables you to clear the blocks or barriers so you can accomplish your goals, tap into your inner resources and feel your best while providing tangible results for your health.

6) Repair with antioxidants.

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and quench minor inflammation by sacrificing their own life as a replacement for missing electrons around the cells. Antioxidants also stop the cascade of destructive damage, since free radicals are inescapable, we must have a constant supply of antioxidant nutrients to keep our skin cells healthy. 

In addition, antioxidants may actually encourage our cells’ “fix-it” enzymes to repair damage. Our cells have a wonderful ability to heal themselves, but this mechanism works less efficiently as we get older. They also provide histamine regulation. Consider ingesting and using the following antioxidants topically adding a volume of antioxidant support.

•  L-Ascorbic Acid – (Vitamin C). The most effective form is in pure crystals. It increases new collagen and increases the skin’s ability to heal.
• L-Superoxide Dismutase- One of four major skin antioxidants, crucial for disarming the most dangerous free-radical and superoxide radical.
• Coenzyme Q-10 (found naturally in our cells but decreases after age 20)
• Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA; found in plant and animal sources)
• Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE; found in fish)
• Carotenoids (phytonutrients found in the red, yellow and orange flesh of plant leaves, flowers and fruit)

7. Supplement With Adaptogens. 

They are effective herbal tonics that can help handle stress by restoring the body’s homeostasis when undergoing stress, which means they have the ability to balance and stabilize the body’s systems (cardiovascular system, nervous system, endocrine system, musculature, lymphatic system, etc.) 

They also possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the most widely regarded adaptogens you should consider are: Ashwagandha, Asian ginseng, Cordyceps, Guduchi Holy Basil, Licorice, Reishi, Rhodiola, and Schisandra.

Is Your Deodorant toxic?

Clear and Healthy Skin

How to Have Clear and Healthy Skin, by Dr. Ben Kim

By: Dr. Ben Kim

This article is one Dr. Ben Kim wrote on natural principles of skin care. 

Before we take a close look at how to use principles of natural skin care to promote clear and healthy skin, please consider the following facts about your skin:

• You lose millions of dead skin cells every day - about 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells are sloughed off of your body every minute. Over the course of your life, you will shed about 40 pounds (18 kilograms) of dead skin.
  
• Your body is constantly generating new skin cells to replace the ones that you shed off. In fact, the top layer of your skin, called your epidermis - is fully replaced about once every 30 days.
  
• Your skin accounts for as much as 15 percent of your entire body weight.
  
• Every day, about 2.5 million sweat glands in your skin secrete about 2 cups of sweat.
  

Anatomy of Your Skin

Make no mistake about it: your skin is a complex organ, one that consists of three layers that are optimally organized to protect you against disease and injury. These layers are called your epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, and they're described below.

Epidermis
The uppermost layer of your skin - the one that is in contact with the air - is called your epidermis. Your epidermis is actually composed of five different layers. The bottommost layer of your epidermis is called the basal layer, and as your basal layer produces new skin cells, they move up toward the surface, where they are eventually sloughed off as dead skin.
Your epidermis houses cells called melanocytes that produce melanin, which provides some protection against ultraviolet rays, and also partly determines the color of your skin.

Dermis
Below your epidermis lies a thicker layer called your dermis. In contrast to your epidermis, which is constantly replacing itself, your dermis remains pretty much the same throughout your life. Your dermis houses a number of structures, the most prominent ones being:

• Blood vessels, which allow delivery of nutrients to your skin cells, removal of waste products, and transportation of specialized cells of your immune system whenever they are needed to combat an infection.
  
• Lymphatic vessels, which provide a transportation network for immune-related cells, and also balance the distribution of fluids throughout your body.
  
• Nerve endings, which allow you to sense pain, temperature changes, and different pressures and textures through your skin.
  
• Hair follicles, which are the roots of the hairs that exist throughout your scalp and skin, except on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet.
  
• Sebaceous glands, which produce and secrete sebum, an oily substance that helps to protect you against infection and helps to make your skin water resistant.
  
• Sweat glands, which produce and secrete sweat.
  
• Collagen, which is a protein that gives your skin strength and flexibility.
  
• Elastin, which is a protein that gives your skin the ability to return to its original shape whenever it is manipulated.
  

Hypodermis (Subcutaneous tissues)
Below your dermis is a layer that consists mainly of fat, and is called your hypodermis or subcutaneous layer. Your hypodermis isn't technically a part of your skin, but it's essential to anchoring your skin to the tissues that lie below your epidermis and dermis - these deeper tissues are usually your muscles, and sometimes your bones.

Together, the three layers described above form skin that varies in thickness throughout your body. Your skin is thinnest above your eyelids, and is thickest on the heels of your feet and palms of your hands. 

How Your Skin Keeps You Healthy

Being the largest organ in your body, your skin plays a number of critical roles in keeping you healthy, the most important ones being:

1. Physical barrier for protection - the most important function of your skin is to prevent harmful microorganisms from entering your blood. Your skin accomplishes this through three main features:
   
   • The way in which its cells are tightly organized.
   • Regular production of sebum.
   • The presence of large colonies of friendly bacteria that produce a number of substances that destroy unfriendly organisms - this is why using anti-bacterial soap is a bad idea.
2. Regulator of body fluids and temperature - your skin helps to regulate body fluid balance, pH balance, and your core temperature by manipulating its blood supply and sweat production.
   
3. Channel for elimination of waste products - through your sweat glands, your skin eliminates waste materials like urea, toxic metals, and excess lactic acid that is created by overworked muscles.
   
4. Physical protection and detection of dangerous stimuli - your skin provides a layer of cushion for the rest of your body, protecting it against injury. Your skin also allows you to sense danger (hot temperatures, sharp objects, too much pressure, etc.) through sensory receptors that are located throughout your body - mainly in your hands, feet, and lips.
   
   

Natural Skin Care Tips - How to Keep Your Skin Clear and Healthy

Be Gentle When You Wash and Scrub Your Skin

Many people are led to believe that aggressive scrubbing of their skin with a rough towel can help remove waste material and toxins from their skin. Abrasive scrubbing does not promote healthy skin; in the vast majority of cases, it actually worsens skin tone and health because it leads to damage of one or more structures in the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.

Your skin is well designed to cleanse itself from the inside out if your diet and lifestyle are health-promoting. Be gentle when you wash your skin, and pat-dry with a soft towel.

Do Not Use Anti-Bacterial Soap

Millions of friendly bacteria live on your skin; these bacteria take up room and resources, making it difficult for unfriendly bacteria to establish colonies on your skin. Friendly bacteria in your skin also produce various substances, including fatty acids, peroxides, and bacteriocins that protect you against unfriendly bacteria.

Regular use of anti-bacterial soap can diminish the strength and quantity of friendly colonies of bacteria in your skin, increasing your risk of experiencing infections, including acne.

Minimize Use of Soap and Hot Water

Regular use of hot water and almost all types of soap can dry out your sebaceous glands, causing your skin to become dry and unhealthy. Healthy skin requires regular sebum production to promote resistance against water and microbes.

A natural soap and water should be used only when necessary to remove any chemicals, grease, gas, and oil that you are exposed to. On days when your skin hasn't been exposed to any of the substances mentioned above, consider washing your skin with lukewarm or cool water only; this is, after all, the way that people washed themselves for most of human history.

In the winter, it's best to minimize the length of your showers and baths, and to use lukewarm water rather than hot water. Repeated use of hot water showers and baths can cause your skin to become dry and unhealthy.

Minimize Exposure to Furnace Heat

When you're living in dry furnace heat during colder months, your skin regularly loses water content, which can cause chronic dryness and itchiness. To combat this type of skin dryness, consider taking the following steps:

1. Turn down the heat. Wear warm clothes and slippers to stay warm. Less exposure to dry furnace heat results in less water loss from your skin, which results in healthier skin.
   
2. Hydrate your skin by taking lukewarm baths, and moisturizing as soon as you get out of the tub while your skin is in a hydrated state. Use the most natural moisturizer that you have access to - virgin coconut oil works well for most people.
   Take a lukewarm bath or shower only when necessary for cleansing. If you don't need to bathe or shower every day, then don't; your skin will be healthier for it.
   

Minimize Use of Makeup, Perfumes, Colognes, Shaving Cream, and Other Personal Care Products and Cosmetics that Contain Toxic Chemicals

When your skin is bare, just as it is intended to be, it stands its best chance of receiving nourishment, getting cleared of waste products, breathing with your environment, and cleansing from the inside out. This is why children tend to have clear and healthy skin - they don't regularly burden their skin cells with personal care products and cosmetics that many adults are conditioned to use daily.

Ironically, people who regularly burden their skin cells with a number of unnecessary personal care and cosmetic products to look "better" for society tend to look "worse" for society at a much earlier age than those who don't bother with such products. And using such products year after year further increases dependence on them to maintain a public outer shell that is emotionally acceptable to the user.

The truth - and let it be heard loud and clear - is this: the less stuff you put on your skin, the healthier and more beautiful it will be in the short and long term.

Eat Plenty of Water-Rich Foods

Healthy skin requires strong and steady blood flow, as your blood circulation brings your skin cells nourishment, and clears away waste products that your skin cells are constantly generating.

Eating water-rich foods - mainly fresh vegetables and fruits - is essential to experiencing strong and steady blood flow, as the naturally occuring water, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients found in these foods all promote optimal blood circulation to your skin and throughout your body.

Dark green vegetables are arguably the single best food group for promoting healthy skin via healthy blood flow, as no other food group can match the water content and pound-for-pound nutrient density of dark green vegetables. This is why I regularly recommend shooting for one head of romaine lettuce every day. And if you can't hit this target, then consider including a pure green food powder mixed with healthy liquids in your diet.

Eat Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Flavonoids

Both groups of nutrients are strongly associated with healthy blood vessels, which are essential to experiencing optimal blood flow to and from your skin cells.

Healthy foods that are naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Dark green leafy vegetables
• Raw walnuts
• Wild salmon
• Fresh or dried seaweed
• Freshly ground flax seeds
• Freshly ground hemp seeds
• Free-range eggs

Healthy foods that are naturally rich in flavonoids include:

• Lettuce
• Acerola cherries
• Citrus fruits
• Cabbage
• Kale
• Spinach
• Goji beries
• Asparagus
• Lima beans
• Kidney beans
• Raw cacao

Ensure Adequate Intake of Foods that are Rich in Vitamin A, Carotenoids, and Healthy Fats

Vitamin A is arguably the single most important micronutrient for healthy skin, as it is needed to maintain the integrity and function of your skin cells.

If your overall health is good and you regularly eat foods that are abundant in healthy fats, then chances are good that your body is effectively synthesizing vitamin A from carotenoids found in dark green, yellow, and orange vegetables like spinach, carrots, and sweet potatoes.

If you have any doubt about your body's ability to synthesize vitamin A from carotenoids, you can eat foods that contain actual vitamin A, such as organic eggs. 

If You Have an Autoimmune-Related Skin Challenge, Decrease or Eliminate Your Intake of Dairy and Flesh Meats

Autoimmune-related skin conditions like psoriasis and vitiligo can be triggered and fueled by a number of different factors, but in almost all cases, these progressive conditions can be improved or at least halted by eating a vegetable-centered diet. It's impossible to know with certainty why this is, but it's likely that in people who are genetically predisposed to developing autoimmune illness, regular consumption of animal protein is a trigger for antigen-antibody-complex-induced inflammation.

For my comprehensive guidelines on how to address these and other autoimmune-related health challenges, view: Root Causes of Autoimmune Illness

Ingredients to Avoid

Ingredients to avoid for skin products

I personally am not a distributor of Essante products, but if I were to chooses business to get involved with this would be it. However I have included this video in the blog for the information shared before the introduction to their products. So, "asante Essante" for the brief expose on the dangers of chemicals in our products:p (swahilli for "thank you Essante").  If i was richer I would love to try all their products! But companies that offer a home business tend to be way too expensive because their distributors earn a commission (and even the discount prices are steep). So although the products seem to be top notch, all organic and chemical free guaranteed, they're out of my budget!

If you want to truly nourish your skin without harming it or your body, then you basically want to stay away from any cosmetic, acne or skincare product that contains Propylene Glycol, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or any type of Parabens in it (for a start). These are harmful to the body and your health. In women some of these mimic estrogen and 18 out of 20 women who had breast cancer or tumors were found to have parabens in their breast tissue. These things are not natural or safe so recommend that you stay away from them. There are plenty of natural alternative cosmetic and acne skincare products.