Valentine's Day is a great time to shown your skin the love it deserves.

Valentine's Day is a day of expressing love for those you appreciate in your life - but while you’re at it take this time to pamper yourself and show your skin some love too. Here are a few tips that will make you feel confident and help you glow from head-to-toe.

Start off with a clean slate by giving your skin a thorough cleansing. Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. This will prepare your skin to better absorb any products you use afterwards and ensure that you're not clogging your pores.

Next, it’s time to exfoliate! Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and reveals a brighter, smoother complexion. This Hibiscus Mask & Scrub is a great 2-in-1 product that was designed to both exfoliate and nourish the skin. You can either gently massage into your skin and rinse or, if you have a little extra time, leave it on for 10-15 minutes to give your skin a more potent dose of antioxidants and vitamins to combat environmental stresses. Suitable for all skin types, your skin will feel softer, smoother, and look more radiant.

Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and reveals a brighter, smoother complexion.

After your mask, it's time to apply your other favorite skin care products. This includes serum and moisturizer. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, using these products can help target these problem areas. Look for a serum with a blend of antioxidants, plant extracts, and essential oils, which are said to help improve the appearance of the skin. After applying a few drops, follow up with a hydrating moisturizer. This is especially important for those of us with drier skin.

Show your body some love too. Your skin care doesn't need to stop at your face. Give yourself a full-body treatment and show it the love it deserves. Finish up your day of self care by applying a delicate body lotion that will leave you feeling soft and hydrated. Pay special attention to areas like your elbows, knees, and heels, which tend to be drier.

Life gets busy, making it hard to take care of your skin on a daily basis but Valentine's Day is a great time to show your skin some extra love and attention. By cleansing, exfoliating, hydrating, and using the right products for your skin type and concerns, you can achieve a glowing, healthy complexion. With these tips, you'll be ready to celebrate Valentine's Day feeling confident and beautiful.

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Stress Relieving Skin Care

In an ever-growing world of clean skin care products, trendy ingredients have been appearing everywhere, such as essential oils and extracts. First, is this something you even need in a product? Second, how do you know if lavender oil or lavender extract is right for you? It mostly comes down to understanding their differences. Let's take a slightly deeper dive into the benefits that each one offers.

Essential Oils vs Extracts 

One of the main differences between essential oils and extracts is that oils are highly concentrated, while extracts are more diluted. Why? Because these plant-based products are created in two very different ways. 

Essential oils are made from the aromatic parts of a plant, which are simply the parts that contain volatile oils. In order to collect these oils, the plant generally undergoes a complex steam distillation process.  

While this process is no easy task, it does release the plant’s oils in their purest form. As a result, the oil maintains more of the plant’s antibacterial and antiviral properties - which is a huge plus! This is also the reason that essential oils tend to have a much stronger aroma than extracts.  

Extracts produce a more watered-down version of a plant's elements, and they’re also much easier to create. Think of the process as similar to soaking your tea in hot water.  

Plants can be turned into extracts by soaking them in anything from water or glycerine to alcohol, allowing them to release their properties into the surrounding liquid. This creates a sort of infusion that isn’t quite as strong as what you’d get from a pure essential oil. 

So which should you choose? Well, there are pros of each:

The Pros of Oils

As mentioned, oils tend to be very concentrated and contain important natural properties of a plant in their purest form. That's why you'll find antioxidant-rich oils such as grapeseed, cranberry seed, and thyme oils in products like facial serums. Another benefit of oils, when it comes to skin care, is that a little goes a long way. Often, just a few drops are more than enough to cover your whole face.

The Pros of Extracts

While extracts may not be quite as strong as oils, by being less potent they tend to be a great choice for sensitive skin while still providing plenty of benefits. Our Facial Cleanser, for example, uses extracts like sugar cane, white willow bark, and citrus peel to exfoliate your skin without causing irritation. 

If you’re the type of person who wants the best of both worlds or you have trouble deciding, just take a look at our Facial Moisturizer. Its expertly blended with both essential oils, like pomegranate seed oil, as well as extracts, such as olive oil extract. This combination allows you to experience both types (oils and extracts) while still getting a slew of skin-loving benefits.

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Aromatherapy For Glowing Skin

Have you ever noticed how your acne, eczema and other complexion issues flare up when you’re stressed? It’s no coincidence - it’s science! It’s been shown that external stressors can have an adverse effect on not only your skin but also your mental well-being. That’s why it’s important to schedule some relaxation time! Here are some ideas to help you unwind while taking care of your skin - it’s the only kind of multitasking we recommend.   

Wash Your Stress Away Each Evening

Mindfulness can be a powerful ally in reducing your stress levels, and adding this simple relaxing skin care routine each night can help. As you wash your face, imagine all the stress you've collected during the day washing away as well. Certain scented soaps can really help your mind and body get into a relaxed state.

Give Yourself a Soothing Facial Massage

Who doesn’t love a good massage? We get it though, you can’t always hit the spa every time you’re feeling stressed - that’s where an at-home facial massage comes in. Each night during your skin care routine, as you apply serum, take your time massaging the oils into your skin. Concentrate on areas where you tend to carry the most stress - for most people it’s their temples and jaw muscles.

Rejuvenate With a Facial Mask

Continue your at-home spa activities with a luxurious facial mask. Not only will your skin reap the deep cleansing benefits, but you'll have an excuse to take 10-15 minutes and relax your mind as the mask does its magic. For bonus relaxation points, consider streaming a free guided meditation, or even some soothing music. 

Glow From the Inside Out

When you've got a lot going on, it's more important than ever to help your body work smarter. Ensuring that you get the nutrients you need will go a long way in preventing fatigue and other factors that can wreak havoc on your skin. And if you don't have time to cook yourself a delicious healthy meal each day, supplements can be a quick and easy way to keep your skin hydrated and smooth. Consider working a daily multivitamin into your regimen or replacing sugary sports drinks with a minerals and antioxidant-rich drink mix.

Each day brings plenty of little opportunities to help reduce stress while maintaining your skin. Yes, it may be tempting to believe that serenity requires a week-long yoga retreat, you now know that relaxation can be found right at home - and all it takes is your favorite skincare product and a willing set of hands. 

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Decoding The Skin Microbiome

Have you ever wondered what our ancestors  used as skin care? It’s safe to assume that Mona Lisa didn’t achieve that killer complexion by using our favorite serum.  

These days, the market is flooded with products to choose from, but before fancy ingredients came into play, cultures around the world have looked to aromatherapy to promote both mental and physical well-being.

Aromatherapy involves the inhalation or application of essential oils - derived from aromatic plants - each of which offer their own unique set of benefits. Essential oils even earned a stellar review from the father of modern medicine himself. 2,500 years ago, Hippocrates once claimed that “the key to good health rests on having a daily aromatic bath and scented massage.” 

Sounds great except who has time for a nightly soak or money for a daily massage? For a more practical approach try our Charcoal & Sea Salt Soap, which combines essential tea tree and neem oils with the power of naturally activated charcoal and Dead Sea salt.

Tea tree oil is packed with natural antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that make it a one-stop-shop for the skin. It’s one of the few ingredients that boasts the ability to help both dry and oily skin alike. It can also aid in the treatment of skin irritations and acne.  

Neem oil also brings plenty to the table with a powerful combination of fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that soothe the skin and help to promote collagen growth.  

The aroma from the essential oils themselves can have a profound effect on mental well-being. Such is the case with essential lemon oil, which studies have shown can help fight depression, all while clearing skin and reducing inflammation. 

The same can be said for essential geranium oil, which smells so amazing that it's commonly used in perfume. But don’t be fooled by its delicate floral scent, because this one essential oil is loaded with skin care benefits. Studies have shown that the natural properties of geranium oil make it a great choice for fighting  acne, skin irritation, and other skin infections.

Impressed? We were too.

That’s why we made sure to include both essential lemon and geranium oils in the list of natural ingredients that make up our soothing Body Lotion. 

We didn’t stop there. We’ve combined a selection of all the most trusted aromatherapy products throughout history into one powerful Facial Serum that’s enough to make a convert out of even the most skeptic skincare aficionado. It contains natural ingredients like myrrh, which was literally worth its weight in gold among the ancient Egyptians. Due to its powerful healing and protective properties, myrrh earned a spot in the annals of skin care history among a variety of ancient civilizations. Also included are essential oils such as may chang, carrot seed, clary sage, thyme, and more.

We invite you to try one of our skin care products and reap all the historical benefits of aromatherapy.  And don’t be surprised when you end up with healthier, glowing skin from these naturally occurring, stand out ingredients.

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Get Your Skin Ready For Summer: Part 1

Feed Your Skin From The Inside Out

You already know that hydration is important when it comes to taking care of your skin for the summer. Here are some additional tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing through the season.

Eat Well

When we think of hydrating our skin from within, we usually think of water, but you can also hydrate the skin with foods that have a high water content, such as cucumbers, watermelon, lettuce, celery, tomatoes, and apples to name a few. Oranges also have a high water content and contain a large amount of natural vitamin C, which also helps to brighten a dull winter complexion. 

Summer is also the time to indulge in the colorful, antioxidant-rich produce that are often in abundance during this time of year. Blueberries, raspberries, peaches, and plums are loaded with antioxidants that aid the body in protecting itself from cell-damaging free radicals (like those from the sun). Be sure to load up at the farmer’s market whenever you have the chance. 

Eating well has a direct impact on the health of our skin, so nutritionists and dermatologists also make a point to include essential fats in their moisturizing arsenal, as they are another way to keep the skin soft and elastic from within. Eating oily fish, such as salmon 2-3 times a week and adding a serving of seeds or nuts to your daily snack is a great way to start - flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts are all high in good fats to feed your skin. And if you can’t seem to get enough through your diet, you can always supplement with our ultra concentrated and pure Omega 3 Fish Oil. 

A glowing summer complexion doesn’t just start with what you should be eating more of, but also what you might want to cut from your diet - or at least eat less of. Skin congestion and breakouts can be caused by too much dairy, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods, and although we aren’t into drastic measures - like telling you to ditch your daily coffee or Friday night pizza altogether, in this case, less really is more - a more radiant complexion.

Exfoliate Your Face + Body For An All-Over Glow

In the warm summer months skin can naturally produce more oil. While more oil for some may not be cause for concern, for others, it can mean excess build up in the pores that can also lead to breakouts. On top of that, our bodies naturally sweat more to help regulate our body temperature. While both of these bodily functions are totally normal and healthy, they can be the perfect acne-causing storm. A gentle enzyme-packed exfoliator can be your summer skin’s best friend to help keep pores clear and skin bright. Opt for a naturally-occuring AHA rich mask like the Hibiscus Mask & Scrub. Not only is it formulated with natural enzymes from pumpkin pulp and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) from berries, but it’s also extremely high in antioxidants - the skin-loving, free-radical fighting components that help protect cells from damage caused by the sun (and other environmental pollutants).  

In addition, daily body brushing using a natural bristle brush is not only a great way to exfoliate the dead skin from your body, but it also stimulates your lymphatic system and circulation, which improves the overall condition of your skin and also helps decrease cellulite. The sooner you add this to your routine, the quicker you will see a difference before baring your skin at the beach.

You don’t have to stay indoors to protect your skin from the sun! As long as you’re incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you’ll be able to embrace the long, sunny days this season all while keeping your skin healthy and glowing. 

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Why You Should Always Remove Your Makeup

The joy and anticipation of Memorial Day usually peaks in high school, when classrooms make way for trips to the beach and backyard pool parties, but just because you’re all grown up doesn’t mean you can’t get psyched for summer!

Now you can drive yourself to the beach, lounge by your own pool, or explore your favorite hiking spot in the warm weather- you just need to make sure your skin is ready too! The higher temperature and stronger ultraviolet rays mean that your skin is more susceptible to damage, which means more wrinkles, age spots, and sunburn so prepping your skin before the BBQs start is the best way to be sun smart. 

Here are some great tips to keep your skin glowing through Labor Day and beyond!

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate….And Then Hydrate Some More

Hot weather and sun exposure are the leading cause of skin dehydration, so keeping your skin full of moisture is of utmost importance, whether it’s topical or from the inside out. Drinking water throughout the day is the easiest and most effective way to keep hydrated - you can even set a reminder on your phone to drink a few ounces every hour. During the hotter months, you’ll want to drink at least the daily recommended amount of H2O, which according to The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, an adequate daily fluid intake is about 15.5 cups of fluids a day for men and about 11.5 cups of fluids a day for women - depending on your height and weight. 

If water just doesn’t excite you, our Minerals and Antioxidants is the perfect way to disguise your H2O with either a cherry or tropical twist. It only takes a second to shake up in your to-go bottle and we even have individual servings that you can pop in your beach bag. Not only will this all natural formula keep you hydrated, it also helps protect your skin from free radicals with its blend of 11 nutrient-rich super fruits like acai, cranberry, goji, maqui and pomegranate. It’s free from added sugar, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, and the coconut water is full of electrolytes, which need to be replenished after a day in the sun.  

If you’re living in a dry climate, skin will most likely see the effects of this dry heat in a more obvious way. Signs of dehydrated skin look like fine lines, dullness and flaking. To avoid this, keep skin damp with water after washing and apply a light facial oil or moisturizer to lock in all of the beautiful moisture you’re feeding your skin. 

Want even more tips on how to prepare your skin for the summer heat? Check out part 2!

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Why You Should Always Remove Your Makeup

There’s no doubt about it - choosing the right skincare can be tricky. More than tricky - overwhelming! Throughout the past decade, more and more clean skincare brands have emerged with countless new “green” and “eco-friendly” products on the market. Why? That’s all thanks to smart consumers like you who are demanding better quality, clean ingredients and better results. 

You might often find yourself asking, where do I even begin? In order to wade through the masses, we suggest narrowing your search to natural skincare. Unfortunately, with the rise in popularity of “natural skincare,” the definition of what constitutes natural often seems to be up for debate. As we discuss natural skincare throughout this post, what we mean is; safe for your body, safe for the planet, and plant-based or naturally derived ingredients. Although, here at Life’s Abundance, we like to take that commitment even further by committing to sustainably-sourced ingredients, too. 

Why choose natural skincare?

Consider the possibility that what you’re putting onto your skin could very well be absorbed by skin and enter your body. In a sense, skin is seen like a sponge - absorbing much of what we lather, rub, massage, or spray onto it. Although, it’s important to distinguish that what is actually absorbed by skin depends on the molecular size of individual ingredients in a particular product as well as the overall health of the skin barrier (our skin’s outermost protective layer).

What does ‘natural’ mean?

Sadly, not very much. Because this isn’t a term regulated by the FDA, natural can mean very different things from company to company and person to person. To some, natural may just mean synthetically derived ingredients from “natural” sources, sulfate or phthalate free but to others, it can be organic, whole-plant, vegan, etc. 

So, how can you differentiate between “natural” skincare claims? Read your labels - you are your own best researcher. Look for latin names on the ingredient list, check for high-quality ingredients, and research the brand’s environmental mission when deciphering which brand or product is best for you. 

How can I start switching to a natural skincare routine?

Our best advice is to start slow. Rather than tossing out all of your current skincare and buying new, pick the one step in your routine where you’d like to start. Is it your cleanser or moisturizer? Identify which product is leaving you wanting more or potentially irritating your skin.

Cleansers can be a great place to start because it’s a product that you’ll be using 1-2 times everyday, as opposed to a treatment mask or exfoliating scrub. Spend one to two full weeks using this new product consistently in your routine and then assess the state of things. Look for obvious signs of an adverse reaction like increased dryness, redness, irritation, congestion of blackheads. If these aforementioned side effects are non existent, you’ve found the right option!

We recommend our Facial Cleanser, a creamy, makeup-removing, and moisturizing option for dry, sensitive or balanced skin state. If you’re on the oiler, acne-prone spectrum, the Charcoal & Sea Salt Soap is an excellent, natural bar soap that feeds skin essential nutrients while fighting off harmful bacteria.

After you’ve narrowed down what is working for you, you’re ready to address the next step in your routine that’s ready for a natural upgrade, like your moisturizer, serum or facial oil. 

What kind of results can I expect from a natural skincare routine?

The plant-based, naturally derived ingredients that make up each of natural skincare products work effectively over time to keep skin balanced, clear and healthy. On the flip side, many over the counter (OTC) brands promise quick results because they manipulate the skin unnaturally to function a certain way and achieve those promised results. These quick fixes may yield near-immediate results, but they are often at the expense of your skin’s barrier function, and more often than not, do not last in the long term. 

Tips to keep mind when shopping for natural skincare

1. Read your labels. Are the ingredient’s latin names listed? Are there whole plant ingredients you recognize? Any organic ingredients listed?
2. Start slowly. Introduce one product at a time and assess.
3. Be realistic. Long lasting results with natural ingredients can take time. Commit to your product for a minimum of two weeks to one month. Skin needs time to adjust from OTC ingredients.

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Tips For Waste Free Skin Care

If you’ve found yourself left with stubborn eye makeup or remnants of your perfect red lip after washing your face, it’s time to practice an effective face washing technique that will leave skin clean, refreshed and makeup free. Introducing (or re-introducing) the double cleanse. If you’ve been following our skin care insights along on the blog, chances are you’ve already discovered this skin-changing face washing technique by now. Double cleansing utilizes two separate products to cleanse the skin one after the other; one product might be a creamy or oil-based one, and the other a foaming, water-based cleanser, for instance. Learn how this cleansing duo can effectively break down makeup for fresh skin each night.

Remove your makeup nightly

Whether you’ve had a light layer of foundation or powder on during the day, or you’ve worn a bolder look at night, it’s equally important to thoroughly remove your makeup each and every day. But, are you washing your skin and still left feeling like your skin hasn’t been completely cleansed? Without the right products and face washing approach, oil buildup, SPFand makeup can stick around. The next time you wash your face, you can test the results of your current solo cleanse by washing as normal, patting dry and wiping skin thoroughly with a wet cotton round (spritz with your favorite facial toner or water until damp). If you notice any residue left behind on your cotton round, your makeup removing routine is ready for an upgrade.

What happens if I don’t remove my makeup before bed?

Not to sound alarmist, but your skin can suffer. Going to sleep with makeup still intact can introduce you to a whole slew of skin woes; from clogged pores that can lead to breakouts, dullness, irritation, dryness and more. Wash your skin at night and your skin will thank you in the morning.

Double Cleansing - the foundation of your makeup removing routine

Ready to commit to your skin and thoroughly remove your makeup? Let’s start from the beginning; consider your current skin type. Are you dry, dehydrated or oily? It matters. The first step of any makeup removing routine should be with an oil-based option that breaks down hard to remove pigments from products like eye shadow, blush and lipstick, while the second cleanser should be more tailored to your specific skin needs and focused on removing any remaining makeup residue.

For dry/dehydrated skin, the second cleanse should be aimed at restoring moisture and hydration, and for oily, restoring balance and keeping pores clear. If you’re using skin care products that are not formulated for your specific needs, you may end up causing further dryness and/or irritation. Use this simple guide below to help you determine the best makeup removing products for you!

Dry Skin:

Step One: a creamy, oil-based cleanser
Step Two: a honey-based cleanser

Oily Skin:

Step One: a creamy, oil-based cleanser
Step Two: a foaming or water-based cleanser

How to remove your makeup

Step one
For the first step of your nighttime makeup removing regimen, choose a creamy, oil-based cleanser to break down your makeup & any other buildup. Start by concentrating our creamy Facial Cleanser around the eye and lip areas, where more hard-to-remove makeup is concentrated, & then gently massage the rest of your face. This cleanser’s base of argan, apricot kernel, and hemp seed oils work collectively to break down and wash away buildup without stripping skin, while sugar cane and sugar maple extract gently exfoliate to help keep pores clear. Rinse with water or remove with a warm face cloth. You can leave skin damp, no need to pat dry.

Step two
With the first layer of buildup cleansed, it’s time to pick your second step. Don’t forget to use our handy guide above for picking a good option for your skin.

If you’re experiencing dry/dehydrated skin with some flakes, grab the Hibiscus Mask + Scrub (used here as a cleanser!), a good option thanks to its base of raw honey and gentle exfoliants. The mask’s raw honey acts as a humectant, meaning it helps keep moisture in the skin, while its natural AHA's, enzymatic exfoliants & blend of natural berries help to remove flaky skin and any remaining makeup remnants. If your skin is feeling extra dry or sensitized, you may only want to perform this double cleanse routine 2-3 times per week.

For oily skin types that experience breakouts or blackheads, your second cleanse go-to is the Charcoal & Sea Salt Soap. This foaming cleanser will effectively cleanse any remaining makeup and buildup on the skin’s surface. Simultaneously, it draws out impurities and buildup in pores thanks to the activated charcoal, and delivers bacteria-fighting oils like neem and tea tree, along with a dose of minerals found naturally in sea salt.

Going to sleep makeup free

Clean, refreshed and ready for sleep. To lock in all of the goodness and love you showed your skin, always apply a facial oil or moisturizer to your skin after removing your makeup with a double cleanse.

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Understanding your skin’s microbiome

Did you know that there is an entire microscopic world living on the surface of your skin? This natural ecosystem is called the microbiome, a system of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses and more, that is responsible for the health and function of our skin. You may have read or heard the skin microbiome referred to as the “skin flora,” similar to how the system of microorganisms in the gut is called “gut flora.” Why is this natural ecosystem on the surface of skin so important? Read on below to discover more about your own skin microbiome. 

What is its role?

If you think about it, skin - the body’s largest organ - is essentially the biggest shield between us and the outside world. It protects us from things like pathogens (harmful bacteria or viruses that can cause disease), so it’s important that the skin microbiome is healthy, flourishing, and functioning optimally. The microbiome also hosts a slew of impressive functions including but not limited to reducing inflammation, communicating with your immune system and protecting us from environmental stressors, and more. Research into the microbiome is uncovering something new nearly every day!

The skin microbiome and skin barrier connection

As we mentioned, modern science is regularly uncovering new information into the complex world of our natural microbiomes. Although it’s a super complex topic, it’s helpful to have a top-level overview of how two of our vital defenses, the skin microbiome and barrier, function and work in tandem. 

If you’ve been reading our blog posts on skin care, you’re probably familiar with the term “skin barrier,” it’s the outermost layer of skin made up of lipids and skin cells. A functioning skin barrier locks moisture in, and blocks harmful bacteria from entering. The incredible skin microbiome is a vital and essential component of an optimally functioning skin barrier as discussed above by keeping healthy flora at a premium, and pushing the bad guys out. 

How to keep your skin microbiome healthy and flourishing

First, you should know that a healthy microbiome results in skin that’s hydrated, balanced, lacks inflammation and is clear. Microbiome imbalances are often linked to eczema, acne, allergies or dandruff and can also result in sensitized or dry skin. Several factors can all affect the overall health of skin flora including diet and topical products, two factors that are easily in your control! 

If you’re dealing with chronic breakouts and using antibacterial treatments but not getting the results you’re hoping for, consider that those antibacterial creams or washes may be killing the bad and the good bacteria, resulting in a decimated skin barrier. While we can’t emphasize enough the complex science that is microbiome research, we do have a few steps to implement daily to help care for your skin’s microbiome:

1. Don’t always opt for an antibacterial cream or wash if you’re experiencing acne. As we explained above, antibacterial treatments often kill off the good bacteria that keeps your microbiome balanced and healthy. You also run the risk of bacteria building up resistance to antibiotic treatments with repeated use. Look for natural antibacterial options like tea tree essential oil, blue chamomile essential oil and thyme essential oil to name a few.
2. Do not over cleanse. Research shows that our natural flora thrives in a more acidic environment (the skin’s natural pH is on average just below 5). We recommend washing your skin with soap once daily at most with a pH balanced cleanser. By not overcleansing, you also ensure that you’re not overly disrupting the natural flora (including all of the healthy, beneficial bacteria).
3. Introduce probiotics into your diet. As we’ve touched on before, there is an incredible link between your gut and skin flora. When skin is out of balance and experiencing any number of inflammatory conditions, oftentimes, your gut flora is the culprit. Opt for an everyday probiotic. You can also get creative with your diet and introduce natural sources of probiotics from fermented foods like kimchi, yogurt or kombucha.
4. Don’t over exfoliate. We’re often told that we must scrub away those dead skin cells in order to reveal fresh, bright skin. What if we told you those dead skin cells hold an important purpose? They are what makes up that important outermost layer of the epidermis called the stratum corneum. They are essential for helping to retain moisture and protect newer cells below. Opt for a gentle exfoliator that you can use 1-3 times per week (depending on your skin’s needs).

All skin types are different, but learning how your skin microbiome works is essential to achieving that glowing complexion. 

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Feed Your Skin From The Inside Out

You are what you eat. Remember that expression? While the mantra “Eat food, not too much, mostly plants” is true when it comes to fueling your body with the earth’s best, it’s also totally okay to have a delicious chocolate chip cookie. We’re all human. Every once in a while we go for the dessert, or the snack food, and that doesn’t make us bad. But, when your diet revolves around nutrient-dense greens and veggies; whole foods that feed and power each and every one of your cells, you tend to feel better overall. Your sleep can improve, your mood is brighter and you get that renewed sense of energy to tackle projects. Even better? Your skin glows too.  

We’ve all had those bouts of breakouts, itchy, dry patches, dullness, bumps or overall sensitized skin. In the end, it’s more than what you apply to your skin; it’s also about what you feed your skin.

A holistic approach to skin wellness

Feed your skin from the inside out. This concept embodies a holistic approach to skincare; it’s a whole body approach, one that takes into account how we nourish our body with food, our daily practices and habits, as well as what we apply topically to our skin (and eventually what gets absorbed into the body through our skin). 

Let’s start on the inside

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Rather than viewing drinking water as something you have to do, start viewing it as something you get to do. Each morning when you roll your sleepy self out of bed, pour a tall glass of water and slowly sip away. This routine ensures that you are starting the day off with room temp fluids, and helps set the intention to continue drinking throughout the day. It’s a simple routine that you can look forward to from the minute your eyes open in the morning. 

When water alone feels repetitive, you can opt for another easy and nutrient-rich option. At least once daily, add a dash of minerals and vitamins to your water. This Greens Blend is a sugar-free drink mix that’s a smart blend of key minerals and vitamins that will all quite literally feed your skin from the inside out. Rich in vitamins A, C and E, all powerful antioxidants that protect skin from damage, plus a host of skin-loving B vitamins and key minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, copper and manganese.

The gut health + skin connection

Studies have shown the direct link between our gut health and our skin health. When the intestinal microbiome is off balance and we lack the right amount of good bacteria, so goes our skin health, too. Many common inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis can be triggered when our gut microbiome is disrupted. 

The flora of the gut microbiome is made up of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, providing us with vital metabolic and immune benefits (like creating important enzymes & nutrients and fighting off hazardous pathogens). While there is so much more to dive into when it comes to the gut/skin connection and how it contributes to inflammation in the body, a good place to start on your healthy skin journey is by taking a daily probiotic. You can also look for fermented foods rich in probiotics like kimchi, some yogurt and kombucha. 

Curb inflammation

Leaning on additional support from a supplement rich in Omega-3’s can help. An Omega-3 supplement like fish oil has been shown to help reduce inflammation and reduce the effects of skin conditions that result in dryness, flaking and itchiness. While the benefits of omega-3 are vast, supplementing your skin with this nutrient can be particularly useful during times of uncomfortable flare ups. 

Supportive skin care

Each of the suggestions above should be seen as supportive skin care. While skin is inherently intelligent, by providing it with the right nutrients, we’re simply supporting skin to carry out its everyday functions optimally. By opting for plant-based, nutrient-dense skin care, water and smart supplements, we can truly help our skin glow and perform its best from the inside out.  

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