Holistic skin & body care
Taking care of our skin on the outside is only a fraction of the picture. We often spend our money on products and treatments for skin clearing or anti-aging, but our efforts are pointless if we don’t properly nourish our skin from within.
“How we gonna win if we ain’t right within?” -Lauryn Hill
Skin is an organ, our largest one in fact, and what we eat and drink directly effects our skin. Our skin turns over new cells roughly every 6 weeks, so your food choices will snitch on you. Specific herbs and foods are directly correlated and have powerful healing & nourishing properties to help with getting clear, ageless skin.
Walnuts & flaxseeds are high in ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) which is the plant form of Omega 3s. Omega 3s keep moisture locked in the upper layers of skin, keeping our skin soft and hydrated.
Avocados, nuts, seeds, & spinach are excellent sources of Vitamin E. Vitamin E is packed with antioxidants, which are compounds that fight free radicals in our body, combatting the aging process.
Kiwi’s, berries, bell peppers, and leafy greens are great sources of Vitamin C. Vitamin C plays an important role in collagen production. Collagen is a protein that keeps the elasticity in our skin and gives us a youthful look.
For the past 3 years, I have trusted my skincare needs to Tierra Goes Green. All of her products are handmade and deliver on their promise of glowing skin. (www.tierragoesgreen.com)
I also exfoliate 2-3 times a week with Acure Brightening Facial Scrub and at night I use their Eye Contour Gel to keep dark circles at bay.
Our skin is supposed to eliminate toxins but it can become overwhelmed when other elimination organs (bowels, kidneys, lungs) are not functioning well. This can cause acne and other skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, & dandruff.
Since we’re on the subject of toxin elimination, let’s move onto the subject of deodorant. Conventional deodorants are filled with harmful chemicals that have been rumored to cause skin issues and breast cancer. Listen, we are supposed to sweat. That is not only how our body regulates its internal temperature, but it’s also another channel by which toxins are eliminated from our body. If you use an anti-perspirant, and prevent your body from doing what it is naturally designed to do, “where are those toxins going?” So, let your body sweat. What we don’t like and can be embarrassing, is odor. It’s 2019 and there are a plethora of natural deodorants on the market now. I have tried and tested more than I care to count. Some left me funky & some burned my skin. (www. Schmidt’s.com)
I currently am using lime juice! Yes, you read that right. I squeeze lime juice into a spray bottle and it keeps me fresh ALL DAY LONG. Now, if you’re not quite comfortable with the juices and berries approach, Lume is a great alternative and one that I have personally used. It glides on and it doesn’t burn or discolor my skin. If you want to give it a try, use this discount code https://lumedeodorant.com/?rfsn=3102355.9506d2&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=3102355.9506d2
(www.lumedeodorant.com)
Oral care is often neglected and not taken serious until we have an unbearable tooth ache. A persons smile is one of the first things we notice when we encounter one another. To keep your smile ideal, you cannot skip out on brushing and flossing. Have you ever read the ingredients and the warning labels on traditional toothpaste? Not only can you not pronounce most of the words, but it comes with a poison control warning. Why are we putting something in our mouths, that the FDA warns that if it is swallowed to call Poison Control? That doesn’t make you stop and think, “what is in this toothpaste?” For that reason and the big debate about fluoride (feel free to do your own research), I made the switch to natural oral care. I’ve used some natural toothpaste that come in the familiar tube, but I have found that Garner’s Garden is by far, the best oral care regimen I have ever been on. It directs you to swish and gargle an OxyPulling component for 30 seconds before you brush. The powerful combination of oxygen & charcoal seeks, destroys, & absorbs bacteria that causes oral disease and bad breath. Next, you mix the tooth powder and mouthwash to make a “paste” and brush for the recommended 2 minutes, twice a day. You should definitely give this product a try. (www.garnersgarden.com)
We can’t talk about skin care and not mention bath soaps. There are many choices on today’s market and I’ve tried several, but Dr. Bonner’s bar soap is my go to. It doesn’t dry my skin out and since I’m not a fan of smells, I like that it doesn’t smell like a flower shop. (www.drbronner.com)
saved the dreaded topic of women’s menstration for last, but it definitely isn’t the least. Once a month, the female species is burdened with this natural cycle of life. Since there’s not much we can do about it, short of medical interventions, may I suggest some natural remedies to make these 3-7 days as pleasant as possible?
STOP USING SANITARY SUPPLIES THAT SMELL LIKE FLOWERS!!!!
Look, I understand that society has put this narrative out there that our vaginas smell like fish, especially during this time of the month, but covering it up with scented products is just putting a bandaid on a gunshot wound and it is introducing unnecessary chemicals into your vagina. Menstrual blood should not have a smell and if yours does, wash your vagina and go see your doctor. I’ve read different perspectives on whether soap should be used in the vaginal area. Some say, yes, others say, no. Listen, it is hot, sticky, and dark down there; all elements for a nice little bacterial science project. Wash that thang with soap (feminine wash) and water!!! Remember, what you eat secretes through your pores, and may be the culprit of some odors. I made the switch to organic products because I no longer wanted to introduce my most precious body part to chemicals and these products have cut down on flow time and cramps. I also am a fan of vaginal steams. My go to menstrual products are from HoneyPot and Love Begins With L. Check out these two amazing companies.
(www.thehoneypotco.com)
(www.thisisl.com)
If you’ve read this article up until now, thank you for your undivided attention. These are things that I wish someone had told me years ago. These products are only my suggestions and what has worked for me for the last few years. As always, do your own research, DRINK LOTS OF WATER, and happy holistic living!
