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The Hidden Secret to Clearer Skin

Hey beautiful, in this series, we will embark on a journey beneath the surface of the skin to uncover a hidden secret to achieving that soft, clear and radiant complexion – your gut health.

Ever wondered why some days your skin looks dull or breaks out, seemingly without reason? The answer might lie within your digestive system. It turns out, the health of your gut plays a significant role in determining the health of your skin.

The gut-skin connection: A brief overview

Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the Microbiome. When your gut is balanced and happy, it reflects positively on your complexion.

Inflammation Control: A balanced gut helps control inflammation, preventing it from wrecking havoc on your skin. Less inflammation means fewer redness, breakouts and all other skin issues.

Nutrient Absorption: Nutrients absorbed in the gut contribute to the health and vitality of your skin cells, a well nourished skin cell is a happy and resilient one that will stay youthful longer. 
Balanced Microbiome: The right balance of good bacteria in your gut can contribute to a balanced and healthy complexion. An imbalance may lead to skin issues, sensitivity, acne and aging, etc..

In this series, we will figure out how to fix it and make your gut stronger for healthier skin. Things like gut friendly foods rich in probiotics like yogurt, sauerkraut and bone broth will feed the good bacteria and give you a clear gut. You also have to stay hydrated, water is crucial for digestion and overall skin health, keep your gut happy by staying well hydrated. And also managing stress, chronic stress can disrupt the balance of your gut microbiota, incorporate stress management practices, like meditation, or yoga into your routine and sleeping well will also help clean your gut.

Remember, skincare isn’t just about what you put on your face; it’s about what you put in your body too. So, let’s give your gut, some love and watch your skin glow from the inside out! 

Myth Busting Monday

Myth: The more products, the better results. 

Bust: Using too many products, can overwhelm the skin and lead to irritation and buildup. A simple, consistent routine using the right ingredients for your skin is always more effective. 

Myth: Expensive products are always better.

Bust: The effectiveness of skincare products depends on their ingredients, not necessarily their price tag. Affordable products with the right ingredients for the right skin issues in the right formulation will give you the best results. 

Understanding Sensitive Skin, Causes & Triggers

If your skin sometimes feels like a diva with a long list of demands, welcome to the sensitive skin club. Having sensitive skin does not need to feel like a full-time job. You are not alone, almost everyone has some kind of sensitivity which can be due to many root causes. I am here to decode the causes and triggers for a better understanding and navigating your skin care products, and diet. Let’s get into it sooth seeking queens!

Sensitive skin requires special attention and even the slightest ingredients or diet change will trigger redness, irritation, itching, or discomfort. Sensitive skin is a common condition, its causes can be a mix of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Reactions will differ from one person to the next, so you are very unique in finding your path through sensitivity, and I’m here to help!

Common Causes

Skin Barrier Dysfunction: The outermost layer of your skin, known as the stratum corneum, acts as a barrier that protects against external irritants and allergens. In individuals with sensitive skin, this barrier may be compromised, allowing irritants to penetrate more easily. A weakened skin barrier can result from genetic factors, environmental exposures, or improper skincare practices.

Microbiome Imbalance: The skin is home to a diverse community of microorganisms known as the microbiome. Disruptions in the balance of this microbiome can influence skin health. Studies suggest that alterations in the skin microbiome may contribute to the development of sensitive skin.

Immune System Reactivity: Sensitive skin is often associated with an overactive immune response. Skin cells release inflammatory mediators in response to irritants or allergens, leading to redness, itching, and discomfort. Individuals with sensitive skin may have a heightened immune reaction, making their skin more reactive to certain triggers.

 

Common Triggers 

Fragrances and Allergens: Your favorite scented lotion might be the culprit. Fragrances and allergens in skincare and beauty products can provoke sensitivity, leading to redness, burning sensation and itching. Go for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic products to minimize the risk of irritation

Harsh Ingredients: Watch out for ingredients like alcohol, retinoids, or certain acids. While they work wonders for some, they might be a bit too much for sensitive skin to handle. Before slathering a new product all over your face, patch test it on a small area to ensure your skin gives it a thumbs up.

Overwashing: As much as cleanliness is essential, overwashing can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it vulnerable and irritated. Opt for gentle cleansers and resist the urge to scrub vigorously. Adapt your skincare routine to the seasons, and don’t exfoliate that often.

Sensitive skin might need a bit of extra care, but once you understand its quirks, achieving happy, healthy skin becomes a breeze. Listen to what your skin is telling you, treat it with kindness, and soon you’ll be on your way to a complexion that’s as calm and content as can be. You’ve now got the keys to unlock the secrets of sensitive skin. Navigate with care, choose your skincare allies wisely, and revel in the beauty of a complexion that glows from within.

*** Message me to order any of these products ***

5 Delicious Snacks for Healthy Skin

Healthy skin is not a trend, it is definitely a way of life. In the pursuit of healthy, radiant skin many of us spend time and money on skin care products, superficially driven, but the key always lies on our plate and our lifestyles for our healthiest skin era. A well balanced diet will provide essential nutrients needed for glowing healthy skin that will also benefit your over all body. A lifestyle that is health conscious, and nutritious will delay aging and save you money. I will be dishing out a sweet guide to five delicious foods that work wonders for your skin and for your taste buds. 

Dark chocolate 

Mhm, my favorite healthy skin food to snack on. High quality dark chocolate with simple ingredients,(yes, read the label) is high in antioxidants, and flavonoids. It will protect your skin from damage and give you youthful skin, but remember to eat in moderation.

Sweet Potatoes 

Indulged yourself in this tasty and hearty sweet treat. They are loaded with beta-carotene (that’s the good stuff that turns into vitamin A). Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, promoting cell turnover and radiance. Let your skin savor the sweetness in the main dish. 

Yogurt 

Yogurt had to make the list for its diverse sweet uses and your guts new BFF. Probiotics live in yogurt promoting a  clean and clear gut, for a clean and clear skin. Yes, the connection is that strong. You can add yogurt to anything or add anything to yogurt like honey to make it sweet.

Colorful Fruits 

Berries, citrus fruits or watermelon and much much more are beyond rich with antioxidants (don’t let anyone fool you into thinking they are high in sugar, they are but your body needs that sugar and everything that comes with it). They are nature’s sweet skincare, and you can’t eat enough of them.

Nuts & Seeds

Crunch away for a skin loving boost. Nuts and seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and zinc. They are essential for the structure and protection against aging. They contribute to skin elasticity and ward off pesky premature lines. So crunch away in moderation.

Add these tasty and delicious treats into and onto your diet for healthier skin. Just look at all these enticing pic of skin foods, makes you want to indulge and savor every bite. Of course you need consistency and alterations for a few weeks to see the difference in your skin. But, don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through it, let me know and I will be your support and mentor. Enjoy!

The Connection Between Your Bedding and Breakouts

Hey Glowing Goddess, do you ever wake up with a new pimple or two that came out of nowhere? So, managing acne is a full time job and you have to focus on all the little details in your life, your bedding is one of them. Your sheets and what you’re sleeping on plays a major role on how clear you keep your skin, and ensuring that the products you use are not going to waste. Let me explain how they are connected. 

How often do you wash your sheets, and what do you use when you wash them? Dirty bedding could be the cause of many of your breakouts, or keeping your skin from clearing up. What most people don’t know also, is that the detergent plays a huge role on this issue as well, if you have acne prone skin then scented detergent could cause your acne, or increase your breakouts. Here’s why:

When you are asleep, throughout the night you naturally shed dead skin cells, sweat, oil, and makeup or dirt from the day if you don’t cleanse your skin the right way. Bacterial growth, dead skin cells and oils from your skin will accumulate over time, and seep back onto and into your skin when you lay on it for a full night sleep, leading to breakouts or increased inflammation. Dirty pillowcases will clog your pores, with all that build up of dead skin cells, oil and dirt laying along with friction it makes it easy for your pores to become inflamed and  irritated.

 

These Products Will Help!

Silk Bedding

Linen Bedding

Hypoallergenic Detergent

Cleanser

Allergens and dust mites will also accumulate on dirty sheets, that will only increase the chances of inflammation. Inflamed skin is a key factor in the development of acne. For people that have sensitive acne prone skin, being exposed to these allergens and dust mites can lead to skin reactions like redness and itching, resulting in breakouts. Scented Laundry detergents can also be detrimental for your skin, the detergent is too harsh. Opt for a hypoallergenic detergent to avoid irritation and redness, scents can also trigger inflammation and tear down your skin barrier. Washing your sheets and maintaining the cleanliness of your space will help eliminate this form of acne flareups. 

Listening to your body and what it is telling you is crucial to manage acne. Watch out for when your breakouts happen, what part of your cycle, if you eat something new, try new product, spray a new perfume, wear a new shit, whenever you introduce something new in your life and you get a skin reaction, limit it and avoid it for best results. This post is for informational basis only, and you should consult with your doctor about any skin concerns you may have. 

Breakouts Caused By Shampoo

Shampoo is an essential personal care product for most people. It helps us keep our hair clean and healthy. However, did you know that shampoo can cause breakouts? Yes, you read that right! Shampoo could be the culprit behind your acne, pimples, and other skin issues. In this blog post, we will discuss how shampoo could cause your breakouts and what you can do to prevent them. Acne can occur on various parts of the body, and the location of your breakouts can give you a clue about the underlying causes. Here are some of the most common places where people break out due to shampoo:

 

  1. Hairline

One of the most common areas where shampoo can cause breakouts is the hairline. Shampoo residue and hair products can accumulate in this area and clog pores, leading to pimples and acne. To prevent breakouts in this area, be sure to rinse your hairline thoroughly after shampooing.

  1. Forehead

The forehead is another area that can be prone to breakouts caused by shampoo. This can happen if you use hair products that contain oils, such as hair pomades or styling gels. The oils can transfer from your hair to your forehead, clogging pores and causing acne. To prevent this, avoid using oily hair products or make sure to wash your forehead thoroughly after using them.

  1. Back

If you have long hair, shampoo residue can run down your back while showering and cause breakouts. The combination of sweat, oil, and shampoo residue can clog pores and lead to acne on your back. To prevent breakouts on your back, try tying up your hair while rinsing shampoo and using a gentle cleanser to wash your back after shampooing.

  1. Chest and shoulders

If you have acne on your chest and shoulders, it could be due to shampoo residue from your hair. When you shower, shampoo can run down your body and accumulate on your chest and shoulders, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. To prevent this, make sure to rinse your body thoroughly after shampooing and avoid using hair products that contain harsh chemicals or fragrances.

In conclusion, shampoo can cause breakouts on various parts of the body, including the hairline, forehead, back, chest, and shoulders. By understanding where your breakouts are occurring, you can take steps to prevent them and keep your skin healthy and clear.

7 Best Ingredients For Acne

Acne can be a stubborn skin condition that affects people of all ages, but what if we told you that there are seven ingredients that can help alleviate symptoms and prevent future breakouts? From natural antiseptics to powerful exfoliants, these ingredients are the best of the best when it comes to fighting acne. Read on to discover the top seven ingredients that can transform your skin and help you achieve a clearer complexion.

1. Salicylic Acid: Salicylic acid is a type of beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates dead skin cells and unclogs pores, making it an effective treatment for acne. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce redness and swelling.

Exfoliant | $34

2. Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medication that kills acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation, and helps to unclog pores. It is available in varying strengths and can be used in combination with other acne treatments.

Cleanser | $30

3. Retinoids: Retinoids are a type of vitamin A derivative that can help to reduce acne by regulating skin cell turnover and unclogging pores. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce redness and swelling.

Serum | $69

4. Azelaic Acid: Azelaic acid is a topical medication that can be used to treat acne, as well as other skin conditions such as rosacea and hyperpigmentation. It works by killing acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation.

Spot Treatment | $30

5. Clay Masks: Clay masks can help to draw out impurities and excess oil from the skin, making them an effective treatment for acne-prone skin. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce redness and swelling.

Mask | $42

6. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that can be used to treat acne. It has antimicrobial properties that help to kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation.

Oil | $12 

7. Alpha Hydroxy Acids: Alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid, can help to exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores, making them an effective treatment for acne-prone skin. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce redness and swelling.

Peel | $42

In conclusion, incorporating the right ingredients into your skincare routine can make a significant difference in managing acne-prone skin. The seven ingredients mentioned in this post – salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, retinoids, clay masks, alpha hydroxy acids, and azelaic acid have been shown to effectively reduce acne symptoms and prevent future breakouts. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Consulting with a dermatologist is always recommended before starting a new skincare regimen. With the right ingredients and guidance from a skincare professional, achieving clear and healthy-looking skin is within reach.

 
 

How Do Your Pores Cause Acne

Acne breakouts can be frustrating and embarrassing for a lot of people. while the causes of acne are complex and multi-factorial, one major contributor is the buildup of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria in the pores of the skin. Lets explore how this buildup occurs and why it leads to acne breakouts.

Our skin has millions of tiny pores, which are openings in the skin through which oil, sweat, and dead skin cells can escape. These pores are connected to sebaceous glands, which produce sebum, an oily substance that helps to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. When the sebaceous glands produce too much sebum, or when dead skin cells accumulate in the pores, the pores can become clogged. Clogged pores create the perfect environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive. The bacteria, which are naturally present on the skin, feed on the sebum and dead skin cells that have accumulated in the pores. As the bacteria multiply, they can trigger an inflammatory response in the skin, leading to redness, swelling, and the formation of pimples.

Types of Acne

One common type of acne that occurs due to clogged pores is called comedonal acne. This type of acne is characterized by the presence of blackheads and whiteheads, which form when the pores become blocked with oil and dead skin cells. Blackheads are open comedones, which means that the pore is open to the air and the sebum inside the pore has oxidized, creating a dark color. Whiteheads, on the other hand, are closed comedones, which means that the pore is closed and the sebum inside the pore has not oxidized, creating a white or flesh-colored bump on the skin. 

In addition to comedonal acne, clogged pores can also lead to inflammatory acne, which is characterized by the presence of red, swollen pimples that may be painful to the touch. Inflammatory acne occurs when the bacteria in the clogged pores trigger an immune response in the skin, leading to inflammation and the formation of pus-filled leasions.

Prevention

So, how can you prevent buildup in pores and reduce your risk of acne breakouts? The key is to keep your skin clean and exfoliated. Cleansing your skin twice a day with a gentle cleanser can help to remove excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells that can clog pores. Exfoliating once or twice a week can also help to slough off dead skin cells and prevent them from accumulating in the pores.

It’s also important to avoid using harsh or abrasive products on your skin, as these can irritate the skin and make acne worse. look for products that are labeled “non-comedogenic,” which means that they are less likely to clog pores.

Cleanser

Scrub

Serum

Mask

In conclusion, the buildup of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria in the pores of the skin is a major contributor to acne breakouts. by keeping your skin clean and exfoliated, you can help to prevent this buildup and reduce your risk of acne. If you are struggling with acne, its’ always a good idea to consult with a professional, who can help you develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your skin type and individual needs. 

2 Things To Avoid Cheek Acne

Different acne triggers, will influence different parts of your face to breakout, face mapping. There is some truth to that, but it’s not all black or white for everyone. So many things will play a role in how much, how soon, how inflamed, etc. your breakouts will be, as well as the place. For active acne and acne prone skin, oily skin, or if you want to completely avoid any breakouts it is best to identify your body’s triggers and avoid them. They could happen with as little as one cause, or a few things together that causes your acne in that specific area. For your cheek area, these 2 things could potentially cause your pimples to pop up. 

Bronzer / Blush

So typically makeup itself does not cause breakouts, and applying heavy makeup could help protect your skin from extrinsic damage. Think of it as another form of skincare, because it does create that barrier on your skin, so it’s not all bad. But the most crucial part, is cleansing at night and not leaving any makeup residue to avoid clogging your pores. 

Ethylhexyl Palmitate is an ingredient that makes the skin smooth and gives it that silky touch, it is often used in bronzers and blushes. This ingredient is a known pore clogger and known to cause or increase acne (even little white heads) on cheeks. For acne prone skin and oily skin, or if you see a lot of breakouts on your cheeks, completely avoid this ingredient and opt for a mineral acne safe makeup, bronzer or blush. 

 

Blush & Rose 

Recommends

Bronzer

Brush Cleaning Mat

Blush

Brush Cleanser

Makeup Brushes

Makeup brushes harbor a lot of bacteria that only increases with time, and when that bacteria gets on your skin and into your pores it will stir up a breakout concoction. Having clean brushes is essential to clear skin purely for that reason. Deep cleaning makeup brushes every couple of weeks could save your skin from any acne and prevent future ones from forming.