So, you’ve heard me say before that you have the skin you’ve inherited until about 30, and then  you have the skin you deserve after that. Which means, beautiful skin doesn’t happen naturally (just like the body!). So, what are the top 5 things to guarantee a great complexion?

1.) Find an esthetician that you can visit at least seasonally. Facials are a real boost to the health of the skin and a good way to get professional feedback on how your skin is doing and what it needs more or less of. Your esthetician will also get you hooked up with the best products to use for your skin.  Remember: Your skin is always changing, so what you use should change as well. There are seasonal changes that all skin types experience, and personal changes and stressors that are unique to you. Even if your skin is so problematic that you need a doctors help, that’s no excuse to neglect caring for it at home.

2.) Use great products even if this is a low priority or you have limited resources, there are some key product that really are a must. Let me tell you about a few of my secret weapons:

Facial sunscreen – USE THIS DAILY! In other words, don’t let UV Radiation hit your face without protection (UVA penetrates glass), and keep some in your purse (pocket) for prolonged exposure. In case you’re wondering, the numbers on the bottle don’t mean much; the use of them is unregulated. What does mean something is “full spectrum coverage.” Zinc Oxide is the key ingredient for achieving that.  Not to give you a science lesson, but Zinc Oxide is what lifeguards used to wear before they developed a clear formula.  (Remember that thick white stuff that covered their t-zones?) It’s an important ingredient because it is natural. You don’t have to get it full strength (bit much) but try to get a sunscreen with Zinc Oxide as an active ingredient.

Moisturizer with Sodium Hyaluronate - Sodium Hyaluronate is a polysaccharide  found in the extracellular matrix of our connective tissue.  It is a tissue lubricant that holds over 100 times it’s weight in water.  (Ok. That was REALLY a science lesson.) As we age, this ingrediant needs to be supplemented. Bottom line? Don’t use a moisturizer without Sodium Hyaluronate as one of the top ingredients. The product I recommend is Advance by Serum from DermaQuest. It contains  40% Hyaluronic Acid. Don’t worry!  It doesn’t act like an acid (burn), it is called an acid because of its molecular size and thus, its ability to penetrate the surface of the skin.

Use a foundation everyday – Before mineral makeup came on the scene I could not get my staff (at the Spa in MN), to put makeup on women after a facial, because they didn’t want to “clog the pores”. Mineral makeup doesn’t clog pores, but not all mineral makeup is created equal. I  carry Youngblood Mineral Makeup,which also has an SPF value.  Some of the minerals reflect UV, some absorb it. When wearing mineral makeup, getting a good match is key. Using it daily is also important because the enviroment stresses the skin and mineral makeup soothes and protects it. It calms redness, conceals “spots”, and evens skin tone. It is also not a comedigenic (acne feeding) makeup.

Note: Get a small concealer brush to apply minerals under and on top of the eye area before using shadow. It adds extra  UV protection and conceals redness and dark circles.

So now that you know about some great products to care for your skin, what are the remaining three ways to guarantee a great complexion?

3.) Eat right

4.) Exercise

5.) Drink plenty of water

See you at the spa!

Photo courtesy of Google Images.

Natural Handcrafted Soap announces the launch of a new skin gift set care package consisting of two best selling soaps. The Rich lavender jasmine soap for mothers and the Light goat’s milk with coconut for Baby sensitive skin or babies and children. And for fathers the Lemongrass Soap. Rich moisturizer body and face soap has a luxurious .Every bar begins with a high percentage of cold pressed olive oil to which we add organic coconut, palm and castor, avocado, brazilian nut, almond and hazelnut , tea tree, and copaiba oils for a rich creamy lather that nourishes as it moisturizes. Next we add botanicals, butters, and cleansing earth clays for their exceptional skin care benefits. Finally, we scent our fragrant soaps with only pure essential oils extracted from plants It’s enhanced with powerhouse antioxidant vitamins from grapefruit, carrot, cucumber and avocado to nurture and protect the skin. Rich Moisturizer helps maintain beautiful radiant skin and repairs extra dry skin. Natural plant extracts and organic oils smooth away dull rough skin surfaces. Fresh grassy-citrus scent with an Earthy undertone is refreshing, stimulating and soothing. Lemongrass (Cymbopogen citratus) is a grass in the same family as citronella. Most people recognize its lemony scent and flavor from experiencing those delicious spicy hot Thai soups. Our Lemongrass soap is hand made from a blend of olive, coconut vegetable, palm oils. We use an imported lemongrass essential oil from Thailand to scent this soap, we also add dried lemongrass for a mild exfoliant. Lemongrass soap is sure to become one of your favorites. Wonderful for all skin types, especially oily skin. Locally grown organic lemongrass leaves are added to this refreshing soap. Made with mostly olive oil and hand selected Thai lemongrass essential oil and enhanced with dried Thai lemongrass and cocoa butter.

Ways to keep your skin hydrated

Water Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. Water helps to hydrate the skin and remove toxins from the system. I drink more than 7 litres of water daily

Vitamin A Consume plenty of Vitamin A! Vitamin A helps to prevent your skin from becoming dry and scaly. It is also essential in the cell renewal process and promotes growth of new skin. Vegetables such as spinach and broccoli are rich in Vitamin A.

Vitamin E Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is well-known for its high antioxidant potentials. Vitamin E can be found in many types of food. Olives, nuts and vegetable oils such as corn oil, peanut oil and sunflower oil are wonderful sources of Vitamin E. One of nature’s best sources is from the tiny wheat germ. To ensure a healthy dose of Vitamin E in your diet, include loads of leafy vegetables and fish. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Vitamin E also benefits the skin most as a skin conditioner, soothing rough and dry skin and protecting our skin cells through its antioxidant properties.

Do not smoke or drink Cigarettes and alcohol dehydrate the skin.

Moisturize Dry skin can cause wrinkles to form. Use gentle cleansers and always apply moisturizer after cleansing your face. Select a suitable moisturizer that not only hydrates your skin but also prevent signs of ageing.

Sleep Lack of sleep can dry up your skin. Get at least 8 hours of sleep daily to keep your skin healthy.

Sunscreen Always apply a good sunscreen!

Lock up your moisture today ♥

Additional Links

Healthy Skin: Dry Skin? 

Healthy Skin: Radiance

Healthy Skin

Skin Care Regime

Our skin is exposed to damaging environmental stresses, pollutants and free radicals on a daily basis which cause dehydration and pre-mature skin ageing. Skin becomes dry and uncomfortable with a sense of tightness.

What is your current skin condition?

Two or more ticks to the above symptoms describe your current skin condition?

Fret not! I’ll be updating on ways to keep your skin hydrated this coming Friday

Additional Links

Healthy Skin: Radiance

Healthy Skin

Skin Care Regime

Always listen to your skin and change your products to reflect its condition.

Hormonal or seasonal changes are the most common reasons why our skin changes. I recently went from freezing cold NYC to humid and sticky Thailand my skin went totally crazy on me. It was sensitive, oily, and I developed this rash on my cheeks and chin not to mention a few pimples here and there too! Yuk! So I switched from an oil based cleanser to a light organic cream cleanser to prevent irritation and give me a gentle cleanse.

When the skin is going through change it is always safe to not over do it, like applying a peel or using anything too abrasive on it for fear of further damage and irritation to the skin.  Gently treat it and give it time to get back on track before you begin your regular treatments again.

I love to steam my skin at home with some hot water in a bowl and essential oils (depending on my mood) with a towel over my head.  This really helps to detox and loosen the dead skin cells, do this for about 5mins and then follow with a gentle cleanse. Then do it again. I usually follow with a gentle exfoliation; this is the key to smooth, even, radiant looking skin. For best results use some form of mild exfoliant daily as well. Best to do this at night before bed so that you can load up with serums, anti-oxidant laden creams overnight moisture masks etc that your skin will just soak up.

You will feel the difference in the morning

When choosing sun protection, higher is always better. For the most effective coverage, choose SPF 20 and above. If possible, give your SPF a boost in the morning by using an antioxidant rich product with it. If you’re worried about the oily effect of sunscreens opt for a mineral powder with sunscreen in it.

And of course try and fit in a facial at least once a month, not just because it’s good for your skin, but because they are relaxing…and a girls gotta indulge!

Entering into the next decade in a better shape does not have to be more difficult than you have imagined. All you need to do is adopt an age-proof anti-ageing philosophy that has an anti-ageing effect for your cellular rejuvenation.  This philosophy will aid you to look vibrant, youthful, healthy and cheerful.  Read more here.

Feel that your skin is lackluster and short of its usual glow? Overworked, extra hours, air conditioning and stress? Vitamin C is a fantastic natural antioxidant known for its ability to kick-start your skin’s dull, lacklustre engine. It helps to protect your skin against environmental aggression and is definitely needed for a healthy body. As an ingredient, Vitamin C is also able to neutralize free radicals that attack your skin cells which cause harm.

Five Benefits of using Vitamin C

Antioxidant Protection Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against free radical damage caused by sun, pollution and cigarette smoke which damage the structure and appearance of the skin.

Enhance Radiance Vitamin C helps to refresh the skin and promotes skin radiance and smoothness.

Evens Skin Tone Vitamin C evens out skin tone and appearance.

Boost Collagen Production Vitamin C encourages the production of collagen in the skin which gives skin its smooth, firm and healthy looking appearance.

Improves Skin Elasticity Overexposure to the sun causes long term damage to the skin, resulting in a loss of elasticity and wrinkling. Vitamin C is crucial to the synthesis of various components necessary for the assembly of elastic fibres. Vitamin C helps build and maintain the skin’s structure, helping it to protect itself from within.

With Vitamin C, smooth, firm and healthy glowing skin will be the permanent change you’re seeking to find in your life giving that extra radiant boost you need for your skin

Additional Links

Healthy Skin

Skin Care Regime

• For particularly rough dry areas such as feet, knees & elbows slather on some lotion or body oil before you go to bed, when you wake up they will feel a whole lot better.
• Drink half your weight in ounces of water every day. For example, if you weigh 140 lbs, you should drink 70 ounces of water every day, this will keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
• Take a daily multivitamin to help your skin fight off damage and wrinkles.
• Gentle, ph balanced,soap free body wash is best for your skin,

Read the complete article free at http://sanojjose79.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-to-get-baby-soft-skin.html

We have been talking a lot about pH, and how a healthy internal pH (neutral being 7.0 and slightly alkaline being above that) affects the whole body, including the beauty of our skin.  Start at this article to catch up.

However, eating an alkaline diet does not mean sacrificing the treats we love. Here is one recipe that I whipped this morning, while I was looking for the comfort of my childhood favorite– chocolate pudding.

So creamy. I chose raw carob because it is a caffeine free and more alkaline-forming food than cocoa.

Save Your Skin Carob Pudding Recipe: “pH estimate is bolded”

• Meat of 1 young thai coconut (aprx 1/2 cup)    (slightly alkaline-forming)
• 1/2 ripe avocado  (moderately alkaline-forming)
• 5 tbsp of warm water  (N/A)
• 7 drops of Vanilla NuNaturals NuStevia (you may use more for extra sweetness) (According to the books I am utilizing, it explains that Stevia is (moderately alkaline-forming) but that is brand dependent.  Sugar, on the other hand, is listed as being extremely acid-forming and artificial sweeteners– even worse!!!).  So once again, I vote Stevia!
• 1 squirt agave nectar (optional)  (N/A –but probably slightly acid-forming)
• 1 tbsp and 1 tsp carob powder  (slightly alkaline-forming)
• 1 pinch sea salt (slightly alkaline-forming)

*These pH estimates were taken from the book entitled “Alkalize or Die” by Dr. Theodore A. Baroody.  In the book, Baroody assigns pH values to each food.  Considering it would be hard for us to depict the pH value of our organic/non-organic/etc. avocado, I made it simpler by correlating the given pH numbers assigned by the Dr. to their level of acidity/alkalinity.

The above recipe seems relatively alkaline-forming*.  Wouldn’t you agree?

Being that other chocolate flavored puddings contain artificial ingredients, pasteurized milks and creams, white sugar, and cocoa, which are all very acid-forming… the above Carob pudding wins by a landslide.  Even if you choose to add raw cocoa over the raw carob powder.

“Alkalize or Die” is quite interesting.  I would not walk away from it accepting all of the pH estimates as “absolute,”  but the information is right on, in theory-  and I guarantee that you would notice a difference in your overall health, if you followed his food pH guide.  Another book I use often is entitled “Home Test pH Kit” by Deborah Page Johnson, BFA.  Her book comes with litmus paper which lets you actually test your own pH.  Her findings are very similar to the findings of Dr. Baroody AND! You can see the results of your alkalinity or acidity on the paper. Pretty cool stuff, eh?

In addition, young thai coconuts and avocados are a wonderful source of digestible* fat.  ”Good” fats, like these (that are raw and not processed), are great for the body and skin.  They are extremely nourishing, which is why both ingredients are often present in natural facial creams and face washes.  *Even though this pudding is technically high in fat, when eaten in the right combination (see My Philosophy), you should not have any trouble digesting it.

Do you make any special foods or natural remedies/nourishment for your skin?

This little guy could be yours! Thanks to the amazing folks at NuNaturals!!

Remember!!!!  Don’t forget about the contest that ends on Monday the 11th at Midnight, for your chance to win Vanilla NuStevia by NuNaturals.  See contest rules here!!

What creative recipe would you make if you won?

Knowing what your skin type is and what to apply on is important ~ Skin Care Regime.

What’s also equally important is what you put into it. In life, compromises are an easy way out but it should not be the case for your skin. There’s no doubting that the skin is the largest organ of the human body. Its main function is to protect our organs and also the first to show our health level and the effects of the environment and the sun. You need to know how to have a good nutritional defense plan to nourish your skin from the inside. Everybody needs a little nudge sometimes. Even your skin!

I will be introducing some nutritional tips to keep your skin healthy over the next couple of weeks

The average American consumes over 100 pounds of “white sugar” a year…

This amount does not include the amount of artificial sweeteners (like aspartame, saccharin and acesilfame-K) that are chemically processed and used to sweeten popular diet foods and soda pops. Particularly, sucralose (brand name, Splenda)– is produced by the chlorination of sugar.   Yum, chlorinated sugar. Not quite!

As discussed in the article, pH and The Secret to Beautiful Skin, Beautiful skin starts on the inside.  “Your pH and thus, your diet, is reflected in the health and overall appearance of your skin.”

If you remember from a previous article discussing acid and alkaline forming foods, White Sugar is HIGHLY ACID-FORMING. Even though, society tells us that “diet” and artificial sweeteners are better for dieters, or the “health conscious,” this is far from the case.  In fact, studies have show that these calorie-free alternative may be even more debilitating and just as, if not more, acid-forming than sugar itself.  YIKES!

Remember, we want to eat alkaline forming foods for a healthy body, and thus healthy glowing skin– sugar and artificial sweeteners are not part of this equation.

The good news!  There is an alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners called Stevia*.  Stevia is a more pH-friendly (in fact, it can be alkaline-forming), non-caloric, “sweetleaf” or herb.  I love cooking with Stevia, and concocting creative beverages and sweet treats with it.  It is my favorite, “not-so-secret” ingredient and you are bound to find it in almost every one of my recipes.

the most amazing vanilla sweetener on the market

Delicious!

CONTEST (and free giveaway):

I have tried many brands of Stevia and have been loyal to NuNaturals amazing NuStevia products for years (they are hands down the best tasting stevia products on the market). Guess what!? The amazing folks at NuNaturals brand have very generously offered to award four (4) of my readers: one (1) Free box of their NuStevia™ 50 packet boxes, plus one(1) Free bottle of their NEW Alcohol Free Vanilla Stevia Liquid, 2 oz. Size ($21 value). How fun!! I am sure that you will absolutely love their products and they have no funny aftertaste like other Stevia products I have tasted.

Contest Criteria: It’s easy!

1.  Leave a comment with a creative or favorite recipe that you would like to make with your very own NuStevia products.  It can be an experimental recipe!  The Vanilla Liquid stevia is my personal favorite!

2.  The contest starts now, and will end at Midnight on Monday the 11th. I will choose my four (4) favorite recipes on Tuesday morning!  I will contact you first and then NuNaturals will send your prize directly to you!

Check out some of my recipes where I use stevia…  this Sweet Guacamole has been a hit.

even guests who swore they hated avocado loved this one!

SO… the challenge is on!  What would you make?

*Update:  I feel I must point out, while Stevia is a better choice than sugar and artificial sweeteners, in addition to being acceptable for diabetics, I do think the closer we can get to enjoying “basic” foods, supplied entirely by nature, is always better (i.e. using sweeteners like agave, dates and raw honey)… That being said, I do still use Vanilla NuStevia myself, and  use powdered NuStevia when cooking and in creating recipes for family and friends.  I recommend NuNaturals powdered NuStevia to everyone  using sugar and for those individuals looking for a “calorie-free” alternative to artificial sweeteners.  Powdered NuStevia includes maltodextrin, a food grade carbohydrate derived from grain.  I have found it to be easily digestible, in using it over the years.

Detoxifying Herbs Part #1

Beautiful skin starts from within and radiates outward.

As I have discussed in the article entitled, pH and the Secret to Beautiful Skin, the skin is the body’s largest organ.  It is also the way in which the liver and kidneys remove toxins from our body.  Better through the skin than suffer from liver damage, yes?

The best thing we can do for our body and skin, is– of course, to enjoy a healthy diet (see My Philosophy) and not drink.  I come from a family of foodies, and thus have grown up around wine.  I am not ashamed to admit that, at twenty-three, I have grown to appreciate fine wine.

That being said.  Liquor (of all shapes and sizes) hurts the liver (amongst other things) and the thus, the liver undoubtedly has to work overtime to a) stay healthy and b) remove the toxins from the body.

Natural Herbs can be wonderful to help aid the liver in the removal of toxins by strengthening the liver’s cells.  Strong cells means stronger liver.  It is not a cure or replacement for not drinking.

milk thistle.

Two of the herbs I will briefly mention today, are Milk Thistle and Dandelion.

Milk Thistle is one of my favorite “detoxifying” herbs.  It offers protection to the liver by protecting the liver cells from toxic damage.

Dandelion (and no, I am not talking about those little guys that pop up in your front lawn) helps to detoxify the liver by aiding it in its ability to increase bile flow.  Bile is one of the ways the liver works to eliminate toxins.

There are many brands out there.  I have always liked Nature’s Way.

Dandelion.

Milk Thistle.

Have you ever used a supplement to improve your health?  If so… what?

Disclaimer:  Always talk to your doctor before supplementing or changing anything in your diet.

The skin is our body’s largest organ. The skin has many responsibilities.  One of them is to act as a backup organ for the liver and kidneys.

Freshly pressed cucumber juice is a wonderfully nourishing drink for your skin. If you can, juice an organic cucumber with ginger and lemon, in the AM.

After a night of overindulgence, have you ever woken up to find that you:

• Feel and look “puffy“?
• Have a new blemish?
• Are sporting dark raccoon eyes? (And not from your makeup…)
• You are not smelling like a bed of roses?

Beautiful skin starts on the inside.

Your pH and thus, your diet, is reflected in the health and overall appearance of your skin. When the toxic load, and/or acid buildup, is too much for the kidneys and liver to manage, it looks to the skin to get rid it of the toxins.

Problem skin is your body's way of warning you that something is not right...

Why does it do this?  Without jumping into a lengthy discussion about the body’s organs, imagine that your body has a special team working overtime to rid the body of toxins (acid buildup, from your night out, or a poor diet, etc).  The captains of this “toxin removal team” are the kidneys and liver.  The goal of this team is to get rid of the acid buildup before it can affect the vital organs, including themselves (i.e. heart, brain, pancreas, lungs, liver, kidneys).  When their is too much acid buildup for the kidneys and liver, they will send the toxins to the skin– hence your breakout and dark circles, instead of letting it affect the more vital organs.  I.e.  It is your body’s defense mechanism because what is worse: Acne or Kidney Failure?

Stayed tuned to as I uncover more secrets to beautiful skin…

What is your go-to skin care regimen, to prevent and treat, moody skin?

Were you naughty or nice to your skin this christmas?!

With the new year approaching set some skin care resolutions for healthier skin!

Here’s a few examples:
-I will take my makeup off before bed…
-I will wear sunscreen DAILY!!!
-I will look for benefical ingredients for my skin…
-I will get plenty of sleep and drink plenty of water…

Anyway you get the idea…have a merry christmas EVERYONE!

RIGHT LOTIONS FOR YOUR SKIN

This is essential to ensure that perfect glow. Just know your skin type and match it with the right lotion. You can never go wrong with that. Bath lotions are the ones that are supposed to use right after bath. This is the type of lotion you need to apply if you stayed in the tap too long that wrinkles are showing in your finger and toes. These lotions replace the essential ails that are normally wasted off every time you take your bath plus, it also helps in maintaining the skin’s moisture. This is exactly how a bath lotion for dry skin works.

                                EFFECTIVE SKIN CARE TIPS

                                     Lotions For Skin Care

A number of breakthrough lotions are been released in the market. There are different variant of bath lotions for dry skin, oily skin, normal skin, and there is also what is called milk bath skin lotion that every one can use to maximize that nourishing effect. Choosing the right lotion for your skin has always not been easy for some, though for some it has been their nature. Well, if choosing the right lotion for your skin is a problem to you, don’t worry, the sites here will show you how to do that fast right here and now.

              DIFFERENT TYPES OF LOTIONS AVAILABLE     SKIN 

                               BATH LOTIONS

Bath lotions are lotions that are supposed to use right after bath.

                                          MILK BATH

These are the formulas that are supposed to be added to your regular tub water during baths. You are supposed to soak in it for a while so that your skin absorbs the goodness that milk can bring. Milk bath is made popular by Cleopatra-the Egyptian princess who became famous for her beautiful skin. Try it and see, you’ll never go wrong.

                                           BODY LOTION

Body lotions are the ones you are supposed to apply to all over your body for that instant moisturized effect. Most body lotions come in different scents and colors to fit your mood. It may also come with sunscreen and ultraviolet rays protection

                                          MILK LOTIONS

. These lotions are tested in dermatological laboratories and are suitable for chocolate skin such as the baby’s. This types of lotions usually not contains harsh chemicals of fragrances that could irritate sensitive skin.This is the best skin lotion that your body requires. This will add beauty and shine back to you best bath.It contains soothing shea butter and vitamine E  that will penetrate deep for softer,smooter skin.Enjoy the comfort of natural lotion whenever you desire.

                                         HAND LOTIONS

Because the hand is the part of the body usually moved and does all the work, it is very prone dryness and dehydration. Hand lotions provides instant relief for the hands, because the skin absorbs this tune of lotion easily. This is a very basic skin care lotion

I LOVE bananas!  Whether making tasty strawberry-banana smoothies or eating a fresh peeled banana when I’m in a hurry.  Bananas are a great source of potassium, vitamins a, b, c, e  and  have great health benefits for your body.  But this Southeast Asia native fruit also has benefits for your skin too!

Acne skin gets easily irritated and bananas have no known ingredients that cause irritation, so it is ideal for sensitive skin.  So here’s what you can do: Mash up a banana and apply it to your face as a mask for 20 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water.  Potassium in bananas help kill bacteria in acne blemishes and aids in healing them at a faster rate.  Vitamin B from bananas can calm irritation and even skin tone.

Aging skin may become dry with signs of wrinkles and age spots, which can benefit from this super-fruit as well.  Vitamin A in bananas will help restore natural oil for the dry areas while Vitamin E can repair damaged skin and fade age spots.  Vitamin C restores cell function and prevents oxidation which will prevent future fine lines and wrinkles.  For an anti-aging mask, mash up a banana and mix in some honey with it.  The honey will help firm the skin while the banana will make skin functional, soft and smooth.

Why Eat a Raw Food Diet?

If you’re reading this article, you may be wondering about the benefits of a raw food diet, right? Well, the benefits of eating more raw foods are numerous and once you understand them you’ll probably wonder why you haven’t eaten more raw in the past. You’ll also think twice about eating dead cooked foods ever again.

Raw Foods Give You More Energy

I don’t think I know of a single person who eats at least 80% raw foods who doesn’t enjoy far more energy than the average person. I know that when I transitioned away from eating a diet made up of breads, dairy, and cooked foods, and adopted more of a raw foods diet, my energy went through the roof. And I’m not talking about the quick surge you would get from an espresso but rather long-lasting energy that enables you to do more with less.

For instance, eating raw will allow you to sleep less and have far more energy than you ever thought possible. When I’m eating at least 80% raw, I can easily function on just 4-5 hours of sleep. I literally bounce out of bed and don’t require any naps throughout the day. Oh yeah, did I mention that I workout every single day as well? Sometimes, even twice!

Energizing Enzymes

There are several reasons why a raw food diet will give you more energy. First, raw foods are rich in food enzymes. Enzymes are required for every single reaction in the body. Unfortunately, our bodies only have a finite number of these enzymes, so when we run out, we run out of life! To add to this, when you heat foods above 118 degrees fahrenheit, you destroy the food enzymes that are naturally present in all raw foods. Therefore, if you eat a predominantly cooked foods diet, you’re not getting enough food enzymes, which means that your body will have to produce and use more of its own to digest and metabolize your foods.

The more energy your body needs to divert towards digestion, the less energy you will have for other activities. You will feel more lethargic and tired as your body is trying to breakdown “dead” foods and figure out what to do with them.

So, the food enzymes inherent in raw foods are a big reason for boosting your body’s energy. They are the spark plugs and are intricately related to the next property that make raw foods so energy-boosting.

Life Force

When raw foods are left intact, they are also known as living foods. They are called “living” because they carry an incredible amount of life force.

Now, since every living being has an aura or energy field illuminating from their body, which foods do you think would enhance yours? High energy raw foods or cooked foods that dead? I think we both know the answer.

As I like to say, “eat alive and you will thrive”.

Weight Loss and Beautiful Skin

The other highly sought-after quality of a raw foods diet is its ability to help you lose weight and beautify your skin. Almost all raw foodists have reported losing weight they could never lose. At the same time, they notice an instant improvement in their skin. They look younger and have a natural glow that comes about because of the “living” nature of raw foods, their abundance of enzymes, and of course the plethora of nutrients that are ingested when eating more fruits and vegetables.

You will find it easier to lose weight on a raw food diet because your getting more nutrients and, therefore, your body won’t crave “dead” foods. Second, the enzymes help to breakdown the foods you are eating and excess energy and fat stores in your body. Third, raw foods are water-rich, which helps you feel more satiated, as well as hydrated.

Many of these reasons also help us explain why living foods make you look younger and beautify your skin. Enzymes, life force, water, and high quality nutrients all play a role in natural skin care.

We could talk about the benefits of a raw food diet for hours but the only to truly understand them is to experience them for yourself. So why not take action today and enjoy the health, the body, and the vitality that you deserve!

About the Author

Yuri Elkaim is one of the world’s leading holistic nutrition and health experts. If you want to lose weight and live your healthiest and most energetic life ever, then you can learn more about his raw food diet book, Eating for Energy and get started with a FREE 6-part Energy Secrets e-course by visiting EatingforEnergy.ca today.

I hate when I  get a pimple, it’s one of the most annoying, confidence-busting things in the world. It makes me

Fake beautiful skin with foundation and concealer.

self conscious and instantly brings me down. What makes it worse is that I can’t figure out how to hide the little sucker, well, not until now.

Here are the easy steps

1. Wash your face with warm water, not hot, that will only irritate the pimple.
2. Rub heated extra virgin olive oil in to your skin for a few minutes
3. Wash off the extra virgin olive oil and dab (not scrub!) your face dry with a clean towl or paper towl.
4. Next take some oil free moisteriser and apply it ont the blemish.
5. Cover the blemish in oil free foundation.
6. After apply concealer with a pointed brush. If you don’t have one apply with a clean finger tip.
7. Keep applying foundation and concealer until the blemish is covered. Remember, try not to over apply, chances are no one else notices except for you.

So if you don’t have beautiful clear skin, fake it with a little foundation.

Rooibos Beauty Bar

As tea-drinkers know, just the smell of a well-prepared cup can be instantly soothing.  Now, with the Rooibos Beauty Bar by Lypossage, you can experience that delicious, calming scent in your everyday beauty regimen.

Made with Rooibos Tea, the Rooibos Beauty Bar has similar characteristics to that of Green Tea.  Rooibos is a red tea which contains antioxidants and skin-smoothing agents.  Additionally, this beauty bar contains milk and honey for a natural exfoliating element.  Royal Jelly is added as a super-hydrating agent that is full of skin-enhancing Vitamin E.

All these ingredients blend together  in the Rooibos Beauty Bar to create a hydrating soap that will leave your skin clean without drying it out.

To order your own Rooibos Beauty Bar, visit the online Lypossage store by clicking HERE.

Sugar Polish

Exfoliation is an important part of any beauty care regimen; yet many people are unfamiliar with the fact that natural sugar is a great exfoliant–sloughing dead skin without stinging.   Lypossage®’s Sugar Polish utilizes sugar’s exfoliating capabilities to leave skin feeling smooth and silky.  Just a small handful is enough to revitalize your skin.

In addition to the sugar, this polish contains green tea & Ginkgo Biloba for antioxidants and bioflavanoids; comfrey, calendula, and cucumber as soothing emollients; and St. John’s Wort, Sage, & Rosemary, which aid in healthy circulation.  Moreover, the Sugar Polish comes in four scents!  Choose from relaxing Lavender, invigorating Eucalyptus/Mint, delectable Raspberry Creme, or light Sugared Grapefruit.  Pair with your other favorite Lypossage® bodycare products (i.e. bath bon bons, cleansing milk, etc.), and create your own themed spa day!

Lypossage®’s Sugar Polish is a wonderful addition to any skin care routine, and can be used in the shower after shaving, or as a foot/leg scrub for pedicures, and a hand/arm scrub in manicure treatments.

To order your own Sugar Polish, please visit the Lypossage® website.  CLICK HERE.

I received a couple of emails regarding my skin. I’m flattered Thank you for taking the time to write those wonderful compliments! And also to those who requested an entry on my daily skin care regime. I wouldn’t say this is a fool proof method but it works for me. I will also share the various skin care products I use for those who are interested

Understanding the basics of a good skin care regime will not only improve the overall appearance of your skin but it will eradicate common skin concerns such as breakouts, dehydration, dryness, dull and uneven skin tone. Everyone has different skin textures/types. Invest in products that will work for you.

If you have makeup on, always use a makeup remover before cleansing.

Cleanse The first step towards healthy great looking skin begins with cleansing. I’m using L’Oréal Pure Zone Deep Purifying Gel Wash. It deeply cleanses my skin to eliminate impurities, excess oil and dead skin cells. Choose a gentle cleanser that won’t irritate or strip your skin of its natural oils.

Tone Toning helps remove any residue or dirt. It is also great for restoring the natural PH level of your skin, preparing your skin for hydration. I love Placen10. It rapidly replenishes and restores elasticity to the skin but most of the time, I tend to skip this step.

Moisturize, Moisturize and Moisturize! Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. I drink bucket loads of water everyday I use a hydrating sérum such as Chanel Hydramax Active Sérum twice a day after cleansing and/or toning. This beautiful ultra lightweight, super hydrating formula locks in the moisture and maintains my skin’s hydration. Chanel is rather expensive but the final results will definitely wow you.

Sunblock Sunblock is a MUST! Get into the habit of wearing a sunscreen every day. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Waterlight SPF 50+ facial sunblock is a beautiful lightweight lotion which protects my skin from harmful rays. It doubles up as a makeup base too!

Exfoliate Without the gentle sloughing off action, no moisturizer or treatment will get down to the right layer of your skin. I scrub my face once a month (I’m lazy) with St. Ives Gentle Apricot Scrub to gently exfoliate, revealing smooth and radiant skin.

Masks I love hydrating masks as it helps to replace moisture. I tend to use whatever masks I have on hand once every three days.

Follow these simple tips along with a healthy diet and you are on your way to beautiful healthy skin! I have to emphasize again, drink loads of water

Vitamin A (Retinol)
Certain topical vitamin A formulations improve the sign of photo-aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, collagen production and skin texture. Learn more.

Vitamin C (L-absorbic acid)
If properly formulated, vitamin C has been known to restore and strengthen the skin barrier.  It also improves the appearance of sun damaged skin and has a positive effect on hyperpigmentation. Learn more.

Vitamin D (the Sunshine Vitamin)
Sunlight is the best and only natural source of Vitamin D that is absorbed through the skin. It helps the body utilize calcium and build strong bones and teeth. Also researchers found this vitamin helps inhibit the growth of certain types of cancer and their spread.

Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol)
Skin absorbs and maintains levels of topical vitamin E, which prolongs benefits between applications.  Reduces free radicals when skin is exposed to UVA rays and other sources of skin stress. Learn more.

Possibly, there are millions of people all over the world who will do anything just to have a blemish-free and smooth skin. Practically everyone is dreaming of a flawless and porcelain-like complexion. In this era, people are more judgmental and tend to take notice first on one’s physical appearance. Being the most visible organ, it is easy to spot any blotch on the skin. It may be painful and sad to assimilate that usually, a person’s worth is oftentimes equated to how he or she looks physically. Therefore, acne, blemishes or any skin discoloration can be awkward for somebody who has it.

How does a perfectly beautiful skin is attained? Remember that magic potions are not applicable when it comes to skin care. Neither is a genie around to help you. Most people acquire beautiful skin with the use of expensive skin products, pricey treatments and maintenance. While there are those who take comfort on make-ups to shield their skin imperfections. You can do well without any of these. In time, you will be most comfortable in your own skin, that is, if you do not feel like it yet. The following paragraphs will further convey some tips for you to follow.

What is the use of skin vitamins if they are just around and not in your hands to take? A fair and beautiful skin is indication of a good health. Summon the aid of these crucial vitamins to provide you with the proper supplements and nutrition vital to your skin’s health. Nutrient deficiency is one major health concern of the society at present. People are more into junk foods. It is about time you start to re-assess your diet and your health. Give yourself some time to look back on your diet. Are they nutritious? Are you eating what you are supposed to eat?

Know the necessary nutrients you should fill your body with. Vitamin A helps your body repairs any damaged cells and tissues and it also moisturizes your skin, delaying the aging process. This vitamin can be derived from food sources such as eggs, broccoli, milk, butter, cheese, fish oils, carrots, and spinach. Vitamin A supplements may also be incorporated in your diet but utmost caution is needed since this type of vitamin is fat-soluble. Any excess amount may be stored in the liver and this is highly dangerous. Overly high level of vitamin A is hazardous to your health.

Another vitamins, B and C are similarly essential to improving your skin condition and health. Vitamin B improves your skin tone and blood circulation. Cereals, brown bread, yogurt, yeast, wheat germ, and leafy vegetables supply this vitamin. Like the vitamin A, supplements can be taken in vitamin B form and any excess is not a problem since this is water-soluble and therefore, can just be easily flushed out from the body.

Vitamin C functions in maintaining the adequate collagen level. Collagen is a form of protein accountable for skin healing. This vitamin is responsible for the skin’s luster and glow, and keeps your skin firm and smooth. Citrus fruits are the best sources of vitamin C, together with blackcurrants, strawberries, cabbage, potatoes, broccoli, and sprouts. Like the other vitamins, supplements must also be taken to meet with what is required of you daily.

Water is essentially important in keeping that healthy glow on your skin. It aids in cleansing your body, as well as your skin, eliminating impurities. Aside from this, being stress-free enhances that alluring skin. You must avoid being stressed out as much as you can. Unwind if you feel the need to release some tensions and pressures. Stress has some way of deteriorating your skin’s natural softness and glimmer. It does nothing but leaves your skin looking dry, aged, and wrinkled. It is likewise best to protect your skin from the harsh elements of the environment like the sun, wind, pollution and other detrimental factors. You must do your best to shield yourself from all these in order for you to sport that beautiful skin everyone dream of having.

Article contributed by Ms. Valerie Nobile 

Unless you are stranded on an island without any hope of being rescued, it’s okay not to care about wrinkles or age lines, age spots, and the many other skin ailments your face will encounter as a result of aging.

But for women living in the 21^st century, it is perfectly okay to have a healthy obsession to looking your best, feeling your best, and pursuing beautiful healthy skin for the rest of your life.

It is great to be living in the times where great skin can be had in an instant, where instant wrinkle removers are merely a jar or tube away.

Don’t get me wrong, I have always believed that beautiful skin starts from within – what we put in our bodies…good nutrition, vitamins and supplements, lots of liquids (specifically water) however, our skin also benefits greatly on what we do outside of it as well.

Now to attain beautiful youthful skin is really not that complicated. Most of us already know that smoking, lack of sleep, too much alcohol, poor nutrition, lack of exercise and vitamins and supplements will put is on the fast lane to aging.

Therefore, the reverse is also true. A good diet rich in vegetables, fruits, fish, lean meats plus lots of liquids coupled with vitamins and supplements and moderate exercise will form the foundation to a healthy youthful skin.

Once you have your foundation, then you can tackle healing and caring for your skin by using a quality skin product that contains specific ingredients which are beneficial to your skin.  Ingredients such as Alpha-Lipoic acid, Vitamin-C, DMAE, Cynergy-TK, Hyaluronic acid, Co-Enzyme Q10 and many more.  Such ingredients have been proven to help skin become softer, smoother, healthier and younger-looking.

Our body is a thing of wonder. Give it the proper tools it will build you beautiful skin you can enjoy for the rest of your life and one that rivals that of legendary Cleopatra’s.

As I said, winning the battle in maintaining youthful, healthy skin is not complicated. A little common sense goes a long way. Build your foundation first then use proven quality skin product and you would have beautiful wrinkle free skin that people will envy.

Good skin is something everyone would like to have. But more often, the key to good skin is misconceived and hence a lot of people waste their valuable time on redundant remedies for improving skin. Also it is often taken for granted that good skin comes with the application of cosmetics and other such creams over the skin. The cosmetics might make the skin look beautiful instantly, but will never help to retain the charm.

The only effective solution for good skin is healthy food. A balanced diet can keep a person healthy and thus make them look healthy with a beautiful skin. Some common skin problems are acne, pimples, cold sores, dryness, oily skin, rashes etc. All these are simple and small problems on the skin which could be cured with proper intake of diet. Without understanding this, a lot of people worry a lot applying numerous creams and other cleansers.

Dairy products like milk and yoghurt have vitamin A, which is very essential for skin. The consumption of milk and yoghurt helps exfoliate and soothe the skin leaving it smooth and soft. The ‘live’ bacteria in the milk and yoghurt prevents intestinal problems since it is rich in vitamin A and acidophilus

Apart from the dairy products like milk and yoghurt, excessive intake of fruits and vegetables that have high water quantity helps in retaining the moisture of the skin and keeps the skin glowing. Fruits like acai berries, blue berries, black berries and strawberries have rich antioxidants that terminate harmful cells and protect the skin from cancer causing cells.

Salmon, walnuts, canola oil and the berries contain essential fatty acids and results in a healthy and beautiful skin. The omega 3 and omega 6 are essential fatty acids that are found in a variety of oils, nuts and seeds. They are unsaturated fatty acids with healthy components which could do a lot of good if included in the daily diet.

Along with fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, lentils and legumes are to be included in the regular diet as these food sources are rich in proteins and fiber. These foods are also rich in photochemical substances that prevent diseases like heart stroke, cancers and diabetes. More often, the internal health indicates the external features and the vice versa. Whole-wheat products and cereals contain mineral selenium which is rich in vitamins and helps fight many diseases like cancer and also retains the health of the skin. This also keeps skin younger and fresh.

Always it is important to eat foods that contain high quality oils. This keeps the skin well lubricated and leaving the skin soft and shiny. The oils that are tagged as cold pressed, expeller processed, extra virgin are usually the best ones to choose. However, more than two table spoons a day is not a good idea.

Beverages like green tea exhibit extraordinary properties that are beneficial for the skin as well as other body organs. The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea help in burning out the excess fat and keep the skin tender and healthy. Drinking green tea also prevents a variety of cancers including the skin cancer. Also, drinking a lot of water everyday keeps skin free from intoxicants and leaves the skin feeling clean and clear.

Only healthy food equals good skin. All the external treatments are just temporary and will not last long. Healthy food takes care of your external beauty as well as your internal health.

Disclaimer: This article is already sent for other publication