My Tips for Looking Younger Than My Age...

Whenever I tell anyone my age, they always look at me like I am either joking or crazy. It should be annoying, but honestly, I love that look of disbelief on people's faces when they hear my age. It keeps me motivated to continue living the lifestyle I committed myself to, and of course it's a great self esteem boost, not going to lie. ;-)

Not that I believe that a number defines how aged or youthful a person looks, but I think that for decades society has created certain pre-conceived notions as to what we should look like at certain ages. For instance, when we think of someone who is 23, our brains are immediately programmed to associate that age with youth, and youth is generally associated with beauty. At the same time, a person who is 42 (which happens to my age), is immediately associated with grey hair, fine lines, slowing metabolism, and other not so appealing "maturing" attributes.

Accurate? No. I've known dozens of girls 10-20 years younger than me, that actually look older than I do. And on the same token, I've known women my age who look 10+ years older and a few who look younger.

My point is, I don't believe that the age of a person determines their true "youthfulness" or "maturity", I think that it is a combination of a variety of factors that makes one "young" or "old".

How do I fight the stigma of age? Well, for starters, I was blessed with good genes. On both sides of my family. But genes alone don't make or keep you looking young.  So here are some of my tips for staving off "Father Time" for as long as possible. ;-)

Me taken 3/17/13 42yrs old

1. The sun is not my friend, it's an acquaintance. While sunlight is very important to our health for synthesizing its rays into vitamin D in our bodies, too much can cause the skin to age quicker (not to mention the whole skin cancer nastiness). If I am going outside (and even if I am indoors), I always wear a natural sunscreen, or a plant oil serum that contains natural sunscreen. Some of my favorite sun protectors are Sequoia Beauty serums, Naturopathica sunscreen, and Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques creme foundation with spf
2. Water, water, water. This one is a no brainer. Water keeps you hydrated. Hydrated skin is healthy skin as water helps to flush toxins out and keeps your skin clear and smooth. You can read my full post on the beauty benefits of water here
3. Exercise. Ok, so to be honest, the past year this one has been tough for me as I have been recovering from back surgery and haven't been able to really do more than my PT exercises (happily, I never really gained any weight so getting back into shape shouldn't be too bad), but we all know the benefits exercise has on us, so I don't really need to elaborate much. The important thing is to do something you enjoy. :-)
4. Diet. This one I believe has the biggest impact on how we not only look and feel, but how quickly we age as well. I truly believe, and cannot stress this enough, that a diet high in raw, organic fruits, veggies and other plant foods is key in maintaining youth and beauty, while diets high in processed, fast foods only speed up the aging process. You can read more on this here and here
5. Nix the cosmetic chemical cocktails and switch to natural, organic skincare and make-up. Just like it's important to be mindful of what we are putting into our bodies, we also need to use the same care with regards to what we are putting on it. Our bodies absorb up to 70% of what we put on it, so it really does matter what products you use! Since I made the switch to natural. organic products, I've noticed my skin looking younger than it did when I was in my 20's. Even my husband tells me I look like I am aging backwards! :-) There are so many great brands out there, but a few (some you can buy samples of to try) that I love include Annmarie Gianni Skincare,  Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques, The All Natural Face, Vapour Organic Beauty, Skin Owl, and Sequoia Beauty
6. Sleep. It's obvious that when we get a good night's sleep that we feel better, but adequate sleep also helps us to look better too. While we are sleeping, our body is using that time to repair, replenish and recharge us. Lack of sleep disrupts these functions and can cause a whole slew of health and beauty issues, such as weight gain, puffy eyes, lack luster skin, etc. If sleep doesn't come easy, there are many natural ways to help relax your body and ease you into a blissful "beauty sleep". Some things I do when I have a hard time sleeping - deep breathing, read, take valerian root (tea or supplement), take a calcium & magnesium supplement. 
7. Attitude. This is a big one. People with negative attitudes tend to look miserable and frown or don't smile as much, which to me, makes them look older. Conversely, people with positive attitudes tend to smile and laugh more, which not only makes them more fun to be around, but they look younger and more radiant as well. :-)
8. No smoking please. Even if I wanted to (which I don't..ew), I'm allergic to something(s) in cigarette smoke, so I tend to avoid it like the plague. I think this, combined with tanning and excessive drinking, ages women quicker than anything. I blame Hollywood for "glamourizing" smoking. Sorry ladies, there is nothing sexy, glamorous, or beautifying about smoking. :-/
9. Love. It may seem "hokey", but there is scientific evidence that being in love can actually make women look younger. How? When we're happy in our relationship, our bodies produce oxytocin, which triggers the release of DHEA, an anti-aging hormone that restores cells. Love also reduces stress, makes us feel better about ourselves and motivates us to take better care of ourselves. My husband is probably one of the biggest factors in my youthfulness. :-)

Well, there you have it. My secrets. The thing is, being a specific age doesn't make you more or less attractive. Health and attitude make us more attractive. The better we take care of ourselves on the inside, the more it shows on the outside. Health is youth. Health is beauty. 

Peace and Love,

~Sabrina

Company Profile: Ananasa - Showing Love to Artistans, Artists and Designers in the Middle East

I was recently contacted by Nadia Bhuptani, one of the lovely people from Ananasa, to write a post about their company and feature one of their many artists. I was very happy to comply, as I have had a life long love of art in all it's forms, being an artist myself, and know how healing creating art can be physically, mentally and emotionally.

I'd like to start, first, by thanking Nadia, as well as founders Zaina and Rania Kanaan for giving me this opportunity to share their amazing website and all of the beautiful products they sell.

"Founded in 2011, Ananasa.com is an online marketplace that enables artisans, artists and designers in the Middle East to sell their creations worldwide with no barriers.

Ananasa.com started when two sisters wanted to expose the hidden beauty of the Middle East to the world.  Ananasa takes away the headaches of logistics, customer service & marketing so artisans can focus on creating their handmade items and individuals worldwide can buy unique items from the Middle East easily.

And that is why it's called Ananasa (اناناسة):

Ana: means "I" in Arabic

Nas: means "the people" in Arabic

A: adding an a at the end allows the word to become feminine, just like the co-founders."

" for the people, by the people"

The site sells everything from jewelry to clothing to paintings to sculptures to household items. There is literally something for everyone!

After browsing through their site, I found an artisan company I wanted to focus on (it was hard to narrow it down!), but this company seemed to encompass my eco-friendly and nature loving beliefs the best. :-)

Orjan Olive Oil-Geranium Soap Bar from Wild Jordan

"Wild Jordan is a branded division of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) and is responsible for socio-economic development, including all eco-tourism operations. Our name and logo are different for marketing purposes, but all of our work and the revenue we generate contribute to RSCN’s mission to conserve biodiversity throughout Jordan.

Our main purpose in life is to develop viable nature-based businesses within and around RSCN’s protected areas in order to bring tangible economic and social benefits to local communities and generate financial, political, and popular support for nature conservation throughout the Kingdom." 

The company makes many incredible hand crafted items, but the one thing that stood out to a beauty junkie like myself, was their 100% natural olive oil soaps.

Created in the Soap House in the Orjan Village in Jordan, the local women use a variety of local and natural ingredients to create high quality, hand crafted olive oil soaps called Orjan Soap.

The soaps are produced using such natural ingredients such as pure olive and other plant oils, plant extracts and pure essential oils, like lavender, geranium, mint and pomegranate. 

No artificial colors, fragrances or chemicals are added to the soaps, only nourishing, natural ingredients. Everything used in the soaps are healing, hydrating and appealing to the senses. Plus, with no icky chemicals, there's no worry about unpleasant health risks. 

Price - $23.00 5 pcs

I have a  love for anything that is made locally and by hand. I feel that when a product is handmade, it provides a more "personal" experience with the product. You know that this wasn't mass produced by a machine in a factory, it was lovingly and painstakingly mixed, poured, molded, etc.. by an individual that cares about what the end result will be and how it will affect the person using it. 

You can check out all of the other amazing products by Wild Jordan, as well as other artisans and artists on Ananasa.com. Make sure to like them on Facebook as well! :-)

I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to write about such a wonderful company. I hope to be able to do more posts focusing on them in the future.

Thank you again Nadia!

Peace and Love,

~Sabrina

Reader DIY Tips - When All Else Fails, Coconut Oil!

One of the things that I love to do is to learn other people's natural health and beauty tips. It can be inspiring for my own beauty regimen, as well as help me give advice to others!

This post is written by my sister in law, Miranda, and is a great example of how one food can be so versatile and healing.

*Just a note - everyone's skin is different, so what works for one person, may not work for you. If you can't use coconut oil for some reason, try different oils (argan, jojoba, hazelnut, tamanu) to see what does work.


Peace and Love,
~Sabrina



Reader Guest Post:

When all else fails, Coconut oil!

Lately everyone has been talking about coconut oil and its slew of uses. From beauty to cooking and cleaning, coconut oil really is the universal product. I want to just focus on the beauty aspects of coconut oil and share some personal stories about how it has changed my life.

Hair

I use coconut oil as a hot oil treatment. I heat the coconut oil and then rub it all over my scalp, massaging as I go. I then douse my ends with the oil and then rub it through the rest of my hair. I mainly focus on the roots and ends because coconut oil helps cure dry split ends. On your scalp it helps to clean and moisturize it which promotes growth. It helps prevent breakage which is essential to hair growth. Once the oil is on my hair I gather my hair up on top of my head with a clip and leave it sit for about thirty minutes. I actually have to wash my hair two or three times in order to get the oil out. Washing it only once resulted in my hair looking very greasy when it was dry. I recommend washing at least twice. I have been doing this for months and every time I go to get my hair cut, my hair dresser tells me my ends are not really split. Back before using the treatment I would have to get one to two inches trimmed off every three or four months. Now I get about a quarter inch trimmed off every three or four months.

Face

This one requires a little back story on my skin so bear with me! My skin and I are entangled in a never ending battle. About four years ago my face literally exploded into a minefield of acne. It was everywhere. Forehead, cheeks, chin, nose, just everywhere. I tried multiple acne remedies (the icky chemical kind) and saw absolutely no change. I switched to an organic foundation which helped a tiny bit but the acne was still there. My ultimate solution was birth control. After about two months of being on it my skin completely cleared up and I was thrilled….until I got my period. Every single month about a week before that special time I break out. I always drink lots of water and take care of my skin regularly but no matter what I do nothing absolutely nothing prevents that monthly break out. So this month when my skin decided use its full arsenal of ammunition (zits on my cheek and chin, more than the usual one or two pimples I typically get) I decided to fight back with a new weapon.

I have been experimenting with a variety of face masks that use coconut oil and also just using plain coconut oil on my face. Recently while thumbing through Pinterest I stumbled upon a tip that said to use coconut oil and baking soda together as a scrub on your face and that it would help clear breakouts. Now I have been using plain baking soda as a scrub about twice a week so I figured this was worth a try. Well I do have to say I was shocked by the results. As I am writing this I am kicking myself for not picture documenting this journey but I will still explain. Every day since I got those lovely darlings on my face I washed my skin at night with the coconut oil and baking soda scrub. After one use I woke up in the morning with significantly smaller pimples. After three days they are almost completely gone. Hormones are the one thing we cannot completely control so I would say it is safe to assume I will always get some kind of a breakout every month. Now I have found a very fast way to get rid of them when it happens. The best weapon I have against my skin is experimenting. My skin tends to get used to things fairly quickly, so I have found that I have to keep changing up tactics to always have the element of surprise that way my skin won’t know what’s coming!

***********

What are your thoughts on coconut oil's' beauty potential? I'd love to hear your success stories and hope to share more reader's stories in the future!

~Sabrina

Product Obsession - Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Creme Foundation Review

Because my skin is so oily, I generally tend to stick with mineral powder foundations, as liquids and creams always end up looking "cakey" or wearing off after a few hours on my skin. I only wear natural and organic make-up, so you can imagine how frustrating this has been for me, especially when I read reviews from other beauty bloggers about how much they love the products that just didn't work out for me. :-(

When I first discovered Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques (review here), I had wanted to try their Creme Foundation, but was a little worried I would be disappointed. Still, I decided to order a sample and give it a shot.

The first thing I noticed was the texture - it's more creamy and light than other cream foundations I have tried in the past, almost like a BB cream. The second thing I noticed was that it covered everything I needed to hide, yet felt like I wasn't wearing anything on my skin. It melts seamlessly into my skin and really evens out my skin tone, leaving a natural, healthy radiance.

Shade shown is Warm No. 2

Key Ingredients:

• Beeswax: Hydrating ingredient that increases the skin's essential moisture.
• Silica: Creates a soft, finished look reducing appearance of large pores, fine lines & wrinkles.
• Phytolipid Complex: Jojoba, Rosehip, Neem & Vitamin E Oil. Moisturizing, nourishing & regenerative.
• Green Tea: Antioxidant. Phenol & Vitamin C rich.
• Zinc Oxide: Anti-inflammatory, emollient. Reduces and supporting the healing of epidermal irritation, protects against UVA & UVB, soothes the skin. 

I like to apply the foundation with my fingers, and then blend with a cosmetic sponge for a more even and natural application. Then I go over it with a finishing powder to set it and keep my skin from looking oily.

It lasts all day, never cakes or makes my skin look greasy. It also doesn't dry out my skin, which some liquids and creams have done in the past.

Best of all, it doesn't break me out. :-D

Ingredients: Triglycerides, Zinc Oxide, Organic Beeswax, Organic Jojoba, Silica, Radish Root, Organic Rosehip, Neem, Clay, Organic Green Tea, Organic Passionflower, Organic Raspberry, Natural Vitamin E (+/-, Iron Oxides, Mica, Org Essential Oil Blend).

24 gms.

Price - $27.00 (sample size is $1.40)

I've been fortunate to have had great results from everything I have tried from Lauren Brooke, but this item is definitely one of my favorite products of theirs, as we as being one of the best foundations I have ever tried, hands down.


Have you tried Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Creme Foundation? What are your thoughts?

Peace and Love,
~Sabrina

How I Plan to Enjoy My 4th of July Weekend and Still Eat Healthy

For me, one of the biggest challenges I face during the holidays or family gatherings is sticking to my healthy diet. I know I can't force my family to eat the same as I do, nor would I expect them to create special dishes just for me.

So, how can we enjoy our 4th of July weekend and still satisfy our healthy lifestyle? Here are a few tips I've learned.

1. Eat before you go - It can be something as simple as a salad, a few carrot and celery sticks, an apple, a green smoothie, any raw plant food to help you curb cravings so you don't attack the chips and dip when you arrive! Eating something raw before eating cooked foods also helps your digestive system work more efficiently as well.
2. Bring your own healthy dish - If you have the time (and money), it's a great way to ensure that you have at least something you know is going to be good for you. Even if it's just watermelon, a veggie platter, or some homemade guacamole or hummus. 
3. Focus on veggies first - By filling up on veggie dishes, you're ensuring that you are getting lots of health and beauty promoting nutrients, as well as fiber, so you may find that you don't really need both the hot dog and the hamburger!
4. Don't worry if you can't be perfect - Sometimes it's not possible to resist eating some less than healthy food now and then. The thing is, it's ok to cheat once in a while. I'm not saying go ahead and eat 5 hotdogs and 3 hamburgers kind of cheating, but if you really can't resist them, have one! Ideally, for me, I'd prefer a veggie burger or even a grilled "carrot dog", but I'm not going to deny myself a burger if I want it. :-)

The most important thing is to enjoy your time with your friends and family, to have fun and not stress over what you are or are not eating. You can always "be good" the next day. ;-)

Happy 4th of July!

Peace and Love,

~Sabrina

Guest Post: "My Natural Beauty Essential For Summer" - by Storybook Apothecary

I am so very excited to share my first guest post by one of my favorite beauty bloggers - the lovely Tianna from Storybook Apothecary! Her amazing blog encompasses all things health and beauty, with an emphasis on natural and organic cosmetics, plus DIY tips and tricks, fashion, health, fitness, and much more. I hope you enjoy her post and I encourage you to visit her blog!

Peace and Love,
~Sabrina

Guest Post: 

My Natural Beauty Essentials for Summer!

First off, thanks so much to Sabrina for letting me guest spot on her lovely blog! I feel really honored whenever someone asks me to write a guest post on their blog because I know how much my own blog means to me and how picky I am about who guest posts! So thank you Sabrina ♥

Summer can be seriously hot where I live {Southern California} and when the heat wave, inevitably, hits, there are certain beauty essentials I keep in my arsenal so that my skin and makeup are still looking their best, despite the sweltering heat and humidity.

1. RMS Beauty Un-Cover Up (Shade 11) –  This is my favorite light foundation + concealer duo for super hot days where I don’t necessarily want to go makeup-free, but I also don’t feel like wearing powder. This is very much like a creamy foundation, but without all the worries of nasty ingredients or skin irritants that cause breakouts. This is made with organic ingredients and is, essentially, organic coconut oil with pigment so there are no added fillers or anything. The finish is great, it has a bit more coverage than a tinted moisturizer (and it’s buildable!), and the coconut oil keeps your skin feeling balance (not too dry or too oily). You can use this with an oil based serum or face oil underneath if you want that satin natural glow finish, otherwise, this will set to pretty much a matte without looking dry or cakey. Check out my review on this here.

2. Alima Pure Satin Matte Foundation (Neutral 2) – This is a fantastic powder foundation! The powder doesn’t ever get cakey, it has comparable coverage to MAC’s Studio Fix Powder (without the clogged pores), and the ingredients are all minerals with no talc or other unwanted ingredients. If you apply it lightly, it can also double as a setting powder for full coverage makeup days. Check out my review on this here.

3. May Lindstrom The Problem Solver Face Mask – This is my holy grail of face masks! I absolutely love this because it has an incredible list of all natural ingredients such as raw cacao, activated charcoal, various clays, red sea salt, cinnamon, and various other spices and herbs which help calm, heal and detox skin. What I love most about this face mask is that you can definitely see an immediate and noticeable difference. The true test was asking my very skeptical boyfriend if he saw a difference (to remain unbias!) and he actually said, and I quote “Wow, I actually do.” Check out my review on this here.

4. Vive Sana Sunscreen -  This is, hands down, the best natural sunscreen I’ve tried. I really love the consistency, though yes, it is very thick. The ingredients are fantastic and there’s loads of natural oils included in the formula so you get the right amount of sunscreen protection, plus you also get anti-aging ingredients that won’t make you sun sensitive with the natural plant oils. Since it is pretty thick, one tip I use to thin the formula is I add a few drops of any natural plant oil I have on hand (usually grapeseed or coconut oil) which I mix with about 1.5 times the amount of recommended sunscreen so that way it still protects my skin, but the formula is easier to apply and blend out. This is my sure-fire way of avoiding white cast with any natural zinc oxide sunscreen. Check out my review on this here.

5. Antonia Burrell Natural Glow Cleansing Oil – I know it might sound really counterintuitive to use a cleansing oil during the summer, but hear me out. I used this all last summer with a light moisturizer day and night and I had the best skin I’ve ever had. Ever. Antonia Burrell products are amazing. They cleanse your pores without dryness, irritation or abrasiveness and they use all natural ingredients to do it. They even get rid of blackheads when literally nothing else will! I swear by this product and their Cream Supreme for breakouts and imbalances in my skin! Check out my review on this here.

So those are all of my natural beauty essentials for summer – thanks again to Sabrina for allowing me to guest post on her lovely blog – and please visit me on mine, if you have a free moment at http://storybookapothecary.com ♥

Product Obsession - Sequoia Beauty Review

In my journey searching for the most healing skincare products, I was thrilled to discover a brand that sounded so pure, so nourishing that I knew I had to try it.

Sequoia Beauty was founded by herbalist and skincare specialist, Laurel Shaffer. Laurel understands that what we put on our body is just as important as what we put in it and she creates products that cater to your skin's needs and are healing to your body as a whole as well.

Sequoia Beauty is an organic flower and herb based skincare line, with an emphasis on local ingredients. All of the plants are organically or biodynamically grown and are either grown in Laurel's own garden or sourced from local farmers in the bay area of California. All of the oils used are organic, raw, cold-pressed and un-refined. Because of this, they have more color and scent than most other oils, which means they have more vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. Instead of water, Laurel uses hydrosols (floral waters), which are also raw for maximum healing benefits. As for any kind of preservatives, only a few a the products contain natural, non-gmo, non-toxic preservatives, such as radish root filtrate and potassium sorbate.

ALL Sequoia Beauty products, contain herbs that stimulate collagen production, promote cell regeneration and reproduction, tighten and firm pores and cells, are anti-oxidative, anti-cancer, anti-tumor, promote anti-inflammatory pathways, repair and prevent sun damage, encourage detoxing and waste elimination on a cellular level, as well as heal and repair damaged tissue, and much more!

You can imagine my excitement then, when Laurel was kind enough to send me some of her lovely products to try! Here is what I received and my thoughts on each:


1) Honey Berry Enzyme Mask - This mask (which I also have been using as a face wash and it is amazing!), contains ingredients which work well with most skin types. Besides honey, which is anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, healing and hydrating, it has royal jelly - a bee secretion high in vitamin B and is anti-aging as well as anti-oxidant. It also contains raw blueberries and strawberries, both of which are naturally exfoliating, and strawberries are high in skin brightening vitamin C and naturally occurring, acne fighting salicylic acid. You only need the smallest amount and your skin is soft and hydrated after rinsing it off!

• Ingredients:  Raw Honey*, Raw Royal Jelly*, Raw Strawberries*, Raw Blueberries*, and White Grapefruit Essential Oil* *Each ingredient is organic, raw, and local to the bay area.
• Price - $30.00 for 2oz

2) Almond Mineral Exfoliant - Being acne prone, it's hard to find an exfoliant that doesn't make my skin worse, but SB's Almond Mineral Exfoliant is the perfect fit for me! The almonds and oats are extremely soft and very gentle on even the most delicate skin. It is ultra nourishing, almonds being high in skin hydrating vitamin E. Chamomile and Marshmallow soothe and soften the skin, while Nettle being high in vitamins and minerals, nourishes skin cells. Essential oils of Rose and Rose Geranium tighten and restore the skin. You can mix this with water or a toner and can even leave on as a mask. I've been alternating this with the Honey Berry Enzyme Mask and my skin couldn't be happier! :-)

• Ingredients: Almonds*, Oats*, Chamomile*, Nettle*, Red Clover*, Marshmallow*, Rose*, and Rose Geranium* *These ingredients are certified organic or biodynamic, raw, and local to the bay area.
• Price - $24.00 for 2oz

3) Firm and Tighten Toner -  It says that it is for dry, mature or normal skin, but my oily skin loves this just as much! Rose Geranium and Rose hydrosols attract and hold moisture as well as diminish fine lines. Lemon Balm is anti-oxidant and also anti-inflammatory, making it great for both mature and acne prone skin. Non-alcoholic and non-drying Witch Hazel is both firming and tightening  and Helichrysum and Calendula are healing to damaged skin cells. The Cleavers plant stimulates the lymphatic system, and essential oils of Rose Geranium, Sandalwood, and Bergamot are healing as well as appealing to the senses. This toner both hydrates as well as leaves my skin oil free!

• Ingredients: Rose*, Witch Hazel*, Aloe*, Calendula*, Rose Geranium*, Helichrysum*, Lemon Balm*, Cleavers*, Chickweed*, Licorice*, Gotu Kola*, SB Flower Essence*, Leucidal**, and Essential Oils of Rose Geranium*, Bergamot*, Sandalwood*, Carrot Seed*, and Palmarosa* *These ingredients are certified organic or biodynamic.   **Leucidal is a probiotic preservative made of radishes, approved for use in organic skin care.
• Price - $32.00 for 4oz

4) Sun Damage Repair Serum - Although I don't have sun damaged skin, I do have hyper-pigmentation and scarring from acne. The ingredients in this serum have been working wonders on healing that damage! I've only been using this for about a week, but my skin is remarkably and noticeably smoother, brighter and clearer! Scarlet Pimpernel flower is known to reverse freckles, sun spots and rough, sun damaged skin. It also contains Sea Buckthorn, Rosehip, Calendula, Comfrey, Horsetail, and Gotu Kola, all of which help to reverse years of damage caused by the sun. Chamomile and Marshmallow soothe and soften the skin, and Beta Carotene and vitamin C heal and brighten the skin. Essential oils of Sandalwood, Carrot Seed, and Helichrysum all work to regenerate and heal sun damaged (and in my case, acne scarred) skin. And like all SB serums, this one contains plants linked to sun protection, such as Red Raspberry Seed, Carrot Seed, Cranberry Seed and more. This serum needs to be used to be believed! 

• Ingredients: Certified Organic, Raw and Unrefined Oils of Jojoba*, Rosehip*, Sesame*, Almond*, Sea Buckthorn*, Red Raspberry Seed*, Grape Seed*, Tamanu*, Sun Damage 11 Plant Proprietary Blend**, Rosemary Extract*, and Essential Oils*. 
• Price - $46.00 for 1oz

5) Purity Face and Body Balm - Made for dry, mature or normal skin, but especially valuable for sensitive, dehydrated or damaged skin. It is extremely concentrated, so you only need the tiniest amount! There is no water in this product, which means no emulsifiers or preservatives, just "pure 100% raw, organic, un-refined goodness!" Purity contains Tamanu oil, which is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, making it a good choice for those who suffer from eczema or psoriasis (as well as acne!). It also has Rosehip Seed oil, which is ideal for sun damaged skin. I like to use this moisturizer at night, under my eyes, on my lips and anywhere else I need extra hydration or healing. It's very light weight and absorbs deeply in the skin. It doesn't break me out and I wake up with soft, not greasy skin. 

• Ingredients: Unrefined Shea butter*, Tamanu oil*, Rosehip seed oil*, and our essential oil blend* which includes Neroli and Sandalwood. *Each ingredient is certified organic, raw, and unrefined. Please note unnrefined oils smell like products of our Earth, because they are.
• Price - $28.00 for 2oz

Final thoughts - I really loved everything that I was sent from this line! For me, it's been very difficult to find a brand that is healing, hydrating, and doesn't break me out, but Sequoia Beauty seems to cover all of those as well as healing my scarring! I think part of the reason I am having such great results is that Laurel uses whole plants in her formulations, rather than just extracts, so you get all of the plant's healing benefits. You also need to use very little of each product to see results, which makes the line very cost effective as it will last you longer. I also love the fact that the serums contain natural sun protection in addition to all of the other benefits they provide. I can't say enough good things about this brand and I am so very grateful that I found it, and even happier to have been able to try it. I know I will continue to use this amazing line of products! :-)


Peace and Love,
~Sabrina

What Produce Should You Always Buy Organic?

Summer is finally here! And for me, that means creating dishes that consist of nearly all raw plant foods and less that require standing over a hot stove.

Ideally, we should eat 100% organic 100% of the time. Unfortunately, for some people, that isn't always possible. So, how can you still eat as many fruits and veggies as you want and not hurt your wallet?

The tried and true guideline that this gal follows is the list the Environmental Working Group compiled called the "Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen." The EWG has been putting out this list since 1995, exposing the most pesticide contaminated produce, as well as the least contaminated. The tests were conducted after the produce had been pressure washed.

The scary thing is that some of the produce listed as part of the dirty dozen was found to have as many  as 67 different types of chemicals in them, and that isn't just in the skin either. No amount of soaking or scrubbing is going to help much if the chemicals have absorbed all the way into the seeds!!

So, what foods should we always buy organic? And what are safe to buy conventional? Below is the list of the most and least contaminated produce. Now, keep in mind that this list does not cover genetically modified organisms (GMO's), I will put a "*" beside the foods that are GMO and therefore should also always be bought organic.


Dirty Dozen:

1. Strawberries
2. Celery
3. Apples
4. Cherry Tomatoes
5. Cucumbers
6. Grapes
7. Nectarines (imported)
8. Hot Peppers
9. Peaches
10. Spinach
11. Potatoes* (white)
12. Bell Peppers

Also: Kale/Collard Greens and Summer Squash/Zucchini* were added recently

Clean 15:

1. Asparagus
2. Avocado
3. Cabbage
4. Cantaloupe
5. Sweet Corn*
6. Eggplant
7. Grapefruit
8. Kiwi
9. Mango
10. Mushrooms
11. Onions
12. Papaya*
13. Pineapple
14. Sweet Peas
15. Sweet Potatoes

As you can see, there are lots of delicious options on the clean list! Some of the ways to save money and still avoid/cut back on your exposure to pesticides are: compare the 2 lists and see what you can substitute from the "clean" list in your meals, if you have a green thumb, you can grow foods from the "dirty" list, you can participate in a crop share program or join a co-op as well. And of course, it's always very wallet friendly to shop at your local farmer's market -and if you are like me and want to know how your food is grown/tended, you can ask them what farming techniques they use and if they use non-GMO seeds. 

You also want to make sure that you thoroughly wash any produce you buy before eating with a non-toxic veggie wash or you can use a solution of white vinegar and water. 

I would love it if all we had to eat was organic foods, but even by following the above lists, you can reduce your exposure to harmful toxic chemicals by about 80%! That alone would motivate me to find a way to afford it! 

The point is, it's not impossible to eat organic, even on the strictest of budgets. We just need a little guidance, and thanks to organizations like EWG, we can stop stressing over what's safe and what isn't and start planning some fantastic summer menus! :-)

Peace and Love,

~Sabrina

Is Your Skincare and Make up Causing You to Age Faster? A Look at Silicone in Face Products

One of the things that I like to do when I am in a store is to browse through the skincare and make-up aisles and read the ingredients on various products. I do this, not just to learn what is in them, but also to keep myself from being tempted by the enticing packaging and marketing claims the companies use to sell their products. And it's usually after I see the first few ingredients that any temptation I may have had to purchase the item, flees.

One of the many unhealthy ingredients I noticed that most popular brands use is dimethicone. Dimethicone, or Polydimethylsiloxane (aka PDMS) is a silicone based polymer, that when used in skincare and make up products, fills in fine lines and gives the skin the appearance of a smooth, even texture, like a make-up primer. So, when you see commercials or advertisements of a product that claims to "reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles", it is the silicone that is giving that illusion. In truth, however, this ingredient, the longer it's used actually interferes with the skin's natural hydrating process, thus increasing skin dryness and causing those fine lines and wrinkles you are trying to erase to be more noticeable.

Dimethicone

Here's another nasty tidbit about dimethicone (and other silicone ingredients), although it is supposed to help keep moisture trapped in the skin so it stays hydrated (which we established has the opposite effect), it also keeps dirt, oil, bacteria and toxins trapped in the skin as well. So, if you find yourself breaking out after using a product, check to see if it contains a silicone ingredient.

Here are some other common silicone ingredient names to watch out for besides dimethicone:

1. Methicone
2. Phenyl trimethicone
3. Cyclomethicone
4. Dimethiconol
5. Dimethicone copolyol

The sad fact is that there are so many ingredients added in our skincare and make-up products that when used long term, can cause our skin to look older faster. No matter how "safe" a company claims it's products to be, the undeniable truth is that anything that our bodies do not recognize as "food" or "nourishment", it treats it as a it would a virus or infection. Which means, it creates an inflammatory response in the body, which we know can lead to acne and of course, wrinkles.

As much as I love the look that silicone ingredients give to my skin, I don't love the break outs and redness I experience afterwards. I would much rather use natural plant oils to nourish and hydrate my skin, which I know is healing it in the long run. 

What are your thoughts on silicone in skincare and make-up products? I'd love to hear your opinions! :-)

Peace and Love,

~Sabrina

Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Review

I've loved make up and skincare since, well since forever it seems. It started out as the usual playing with mom's cosmetics and later turned into camouflaging my face once acne took it over. I think I have literally tried just about every brand out there in hopes of finding the "Holy Grail" of make up, the one brand that would magically make all of my flaws disappear and allow confidence to finally make a showing. I had pretty much given up, until I came across Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques.

I honestly don't even remember how I discovered this company, but boy am I glad I did! Not only are their products organic (and thus non-GMO), but they are nourishing, healing, anti-inflammatory (anti-acne..Woot!) and anti-aging.

From their website: "Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques is a new and innovative approach to make up. We use the finest, natural and certified organic plant oils and extracts, soothing flower essences, plus beautiful minerals and pigments from the earth to create the most exquisite, healthy make up available for your skin. Combined, these opulent ingredients have exceptional skin softening, moisturizing and anti-aging abilities that revitalize, rejuvenate and restore your skin's vibrant glow."

Organic plants are known to have more nutrients and minerals than non-organic, so it stands to reason that these products would be more nourishing to your skin. But I still needed to find out on my own, so I purchased a few samples to try (I used all the samples so I don't have pictures to post..sorry..:-( )

I tried their powder foundation in both soft beige (a light neutral color) and warm honey (a light warm/yellow shade), and their finishing powder (which has arrow root and clay in it for oil control) and a full size of their lip gloss in summer melon (a peachy shade).

The foundation is very light and silky and feels like you're not wearing make up. For my skin I need a bit more coverage, so my next purchase includes the creme and pressed powder foundation samples. But if you have clear skin, or mild acne or even hyperpigmentation, the powder foundation will be perfect. The finishing powder is also very light and sets the foundation beautifully, giving an "airbrushed" quality to your skin. It also keeps the shine at bay for quite a while...a huge plus for oily skinned gals like myself!

Their lip gloss is definitely going to be a must have staple in my beauty arsenal. It glides on smoothly, isn't sticky, tacky or messy and the color is gorgeous and lasting. Plus it tastes good, which is another plus for me, since I tend to "eat" my lip products. :-)

All in all, I loved everything I have tried by them.

Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques is a truly remarkable company with truly remarkable and beautiful products. I'm excited to tell people about them and even more excited to see what I know will be incredible results from using their products.

Anyone who is interested in seeing what they are about or wishes to purchase their products (you can buy samples of all their products to try them out first), you can check them out at the link below.


https://laurenbrookecosmetiques.refersion.com/c/b13/319

I'd love to hear what you think about them and what your favorite products are!


Peace and Love,

~Sabrina

Top Beautifying Foods to Add To Your Diet

Let's face it, there is not a woman alive that doesn't want to be beautiful. We spend tons of money each year on products that promise to "boost our beauty potential" and magically erase lines, wrinkles, acne and other skin issues. We are bombarded daily by advertisements and commercials that tell us unless we buy this brand or that one, we'll never have young, radiant, clear, beautiful skin.

I'll be honest, there are some products out there, organic, plant based ones, that actually do live up to the hype. However, a product alone won't give you the skin of your dreams. True beauty starts on the inside and works its way out. I've mentioned in prior posts the benefits of eating a more organic, plant based diet, and here are some of the best of the best to make your skin "glow"! :-)

1) Coconut - Water, meat, oil. Called the "tree of life" in Ayurvedic medicine, this amazing fruit has a list of health and beauty benefits a mile long, among those being it's antimicrobial, antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which fights harmful bacteria in the body. It is also great for digestion and helps your body to absorb nutrients more easily. Coconut water is high in potassium which helps to facilitate cellular cleansing. The oil is great to cook with, as it won't turn rancid at high temperatures, and is a wonderful hair and body moisturizer. I would avoid using it on your face, however, especially if you are acne prone as some people have reported breaking out after using it on their face.

2) Avocados - Rich in vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as minerals potassium, copper, and iron. They also contain glutamine, an amino acid which helps protect your skin from environmental damage and gluthathione, an antioxidant which can help to prevent aging.

3) Spinach - Spinach is a super beauty food! It is rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A), lipoic acid, phytonutrients and anti-oxidants like carotenoids and flavonoids, vitamin K, manganese, calcium, magnesium, iron, folate, selenium and fiber.

4) Sweet Potatoes - This starchy veggie contains skin brightening vitamins A and C, as well as high levels of carotenoids and beta carotene. They are also rich in biotin and vitamins B2, B6 and E, as well as iron, potassium, copper, manganese and folate. Sweet potatoes protect the body against diseases such as cancer, heart disease as well as inflammation related diseases. They are also easily digested as they are low in sugar and high in fiber.

5) Cucumbers - High in water, B vitamins, potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium. The skin of the cucumber contains beautifying nutrients such as silica and Vitamin C. Because they are so high in water, cucumbers are a perfect cleanser for the kidneys, which helps to flush out toxins and keep bloating at bay, as well as prevent under eye puffiness.

6) Tumeric - An Indian spice used a lot in Ayurvedic medicine because of its many health and beauty benefits. Tumeric cleanses the blood, increases circulation and has anti-inflammatory properties. All of which helps to keep the skin clear, bright and glowing.

7) Onions - Most people wouldn't think of an onion as being a beauty food, but this little guy is loaded with beauty boosting benefits! Onions are a powerful liver cleanser, which we know helps detoxify the body, they are anti-bacterial, blood cleansing and are high in sulfuric oils, which help stimulate the mucus lining of the digestive tract. Onions also contain the potent anti-oxidant quercetin, which helps to neutralize free radicals, regenerates vitamin E and can strengthen capillaries (which fights against varicose veins!). Onions also contain vitamins A and C, as well as sulfur, calcium, potassium, iron, silicon and fiber.

8) Garlic - Not just for fighting off vampires, garlic is a potent blood purifier and detoxification enhancer, which helps maintain clear skin, as well as fight off many other diseases. It's also a great digestive aid, and can eliminate inflammation in the stomach and intestine. Garlic contains allicin, which helps inhibit the growth of germs. It is more powerful than penicillin. It is also useful against candidiasis, which can accompany acne. Garlic is also filled with vitamins and minerals such as potassium, B vitamins and vitamin C.

9) Lemons - Probably the best anti-acne food to add to your diet. Lemons are one of the best detoxifiers of the liver, and any support to the liver (our main detoxifying organ) is going to help clear up acne. Lemons are of course high in vitamin C, which fights free radicals and flushes toxins and bacteria out of the body. Lemons also contain calcium, potassium and magnesium.

10) Pears - This fruit has a very high ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity), which makes it extremely efficient at fighting free radicals in the body. They also contain vitamins C, E, K and some B vitamins, as well as copper, manganese, potassium, iron, magnesium, selenium, calcium, zinc and folate. Pears are also high in fiber, which helps to cleanse the digestive tract of aging toxins and wastes.

11) Acai Berries - Richer in anti-oxidants than blueberries, this super fruit also contains omega fatty acids, which helps to keep skin cells nourished and hydrated, vitamin C which brightens skin and vitamin E which keeps skin smooth and radiant. Acai also contains potassium, calcium, B vitamins and fiber. You can find Acai berries in your local health food store, the organic section of most supermarkets or online stores like Amazon and Sunfoods.

12) Chia Seeds - Probably one of nature's most perfect foods, chia seeds are high in fiber, calcium, magnesium and boron (which help calcium to be absorbed), omega 3 fatty acids and protein. They are also very high in anti-oxidants, and unlike flax seeds, chia seeds stay fresh longer, up to two years. Use them in smoothies, make a chia pudding with almond milk, or sprinkle them on toast or in your salad. Chia seeds are as versatile as they are nutritious.

13) Red Bell Peppers - Extremely high in skin brightening vitamin C, red bell peppers are also high in the beauty mineral silicon, which strengthens collagen and elastin , which in turn keeps skin supple and youthful. Eating them raw ensures you digest all of these minerals intact and also they have a high water content which keeps your skin and body hydrated.

14) Kale - An entire post could be dedicated to the bounty of nutrients this leafy green provides, but I will try and keep it brief. :-) While kale is yet another great source of calcium, manganese, copper and iron, it is  very high in anti-oxidants as well as vitamins A, C, and K. It is also high in fiber. Eat it raw in salads, use in soup, in a sandwich, make kale chips, whatever you fancy, but do add this green veggie to your diet!

15) Almonds - High in vitamin E, almonds are great for keeping dry skin smooth and supple. Vitamin E has also been shown to combat the signs of aging by protecting the skin against UV damage. Almonds also contain zinc, iron, potassium, manganese, magnesium, selenium, copper, folate and more calcium than any other nut. They are full of amino acids which helps to build protein in the body. They also contain B vitamins. Almonds are anti-inflammatory and contain mono-unsaturated fats, which keeps the skin hydrated. Combining almonds with foods rich in vitamin C will increase their benefits. It has been shown that vitamin E and C work together to make your skin more beautiful, so adding almonds to a salad with red bell peppers or in a smoothie with acai or pears will make the almonds an even more effective beauty food!

16) Raw Apple Cider Vinegar - Probably one of the strongest digestive aids out there, raw apple cider vinegar cures constipation (which holds toxins in the body). It is also anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal which makes it extremely beneficial for fighting candidiasis and yeast issues (which causes skin issues). Raw apple cider vinegar promotes the growth of probiotics in the body by acting as a prebiotic. Probiotics have been shown to help clear acne and other skin issues. It also contains potassium as well as other trace minerals and helps to alleviate sugar cravings because it balances the yeast and bacteria in the body. Use it as a dressing for salads, take a spoonful before meals or mix with water to make a ph balancing toner for the skin. It is important to note that the apple cider vinegar needs to be raw in order to reap any of the benefits. Braggs Raw Apple Cider Vinegar is my personal favorite.


These are just a few of the amazing beautifying foods that nature has given us. Coupled with an organic, plant based skin care regimen your skin will not only become more radiant and clear, but it will start to look younger as well. Beauty doesn't have to cost a fortune and you don't need to go to a salon or a doctor to get the "glow" you desire. Nature gave us everything we need, we just need to use it! :-)

Peace and Love,

~Sabrina

Do Diets Sabotage Your True Beauty Potential?

I'll probably get some flack for this post from some of my family members, but I feel obligated to tell it like it is in regards to all things health and beauty.

One of the things I have noticed, and especially living in America, is that as a nation, we are diet obsessed. I blame some of this obsession on celebrities and social media who tell us that if we are not a picture perfect size zero with firm, flawless skin, we are not truly beautiful. Women in particular are programmed at an early age that what we look like is more important than what kind of person we are.

If you flip through any fashion/beauty magazine or watch TV at any given time, you will undoubtedly see ads or commercials for various diets, promising to help you shed that "unwanted weight" and give you the perfect body you long for. Unfortunately, these diets, while created to help you shed pounds, do not promote health or beauty whatsoever.

Probably the most unhealthy of all is the low carb, high (animal) protein diet. Yes, you will lose weight quickly and you may even feel good while you are on it, but in reality, it is not only aging, but can be dangerous as well.

In a study that was done in 2002, 51 people were put on a low carb, high protein diet. They lost an average of over 20 pounds in about six months, however, subjects reported having issues such as constipation, bad breath, headaches, hair loss, and one woman had heavier menstrual bleeding. It was also observed that the dieters had a large increase in the amount of calcium excreted in their urine.

Consuming large amounts of animal protein creates all sorts of toxic by-products in your body, such as purines, uric acid and ammonia. Anytime we have a build up of toxins in our bodies, our blood cannot transport the minerals we need to stay young, healthy and beautiful. It also taxes our liver and kidneys, which are two of our bodies main detoxifiers.

Eating a low carb diet can result in ketosis, which makes your blood more acidic. An acidic body ages faster. If you take a look at body builders or fitness models who eat the standard low carb, high protein diet, they may have great, chiseled bodies, but their faces look old and lined and haggard. Kimberly Snyder refers to them as "old skinny people". I don't know about you, but I'd rather eat some healthy carbs and look young, than be skinny and look ten years or so older....

There are many other health dangers to eating low carb long term, according to research done by the "Asia Pacific of Clinical Nutrition", such as heart problems, kidney damage, osteoporosis, increased cancer risk, and even sudden death. Yikes! Again, I'll eat my carbs, thank you!

Now, just so we're clear, I'm not suggesting that you eat just any carb or even that you give up meat completely. Our bodies need carbs in order to function properly, just as much as we need protein. It's the sources we obtain these that are the most important. Healthy carbs that come from fruits, veggies and gluten-free grains are a must, and protein from plant foods are incredibly healing as well as beautifying. Limited amounts of animal protein is ok, as long as it is organic and hormone free. Just note that eating animal protein more than once a day will cause your body to become too acidic, which we've established can cause health issues as well as age you faster.

Another extremely dangerous diet, which isn't a specific diet per se, but is a habit of jumping on every new diet that comes along, essentially yo-yo dieting. This sort of behavior can not only wreck havoc on your metabolism, making it harder for you to lose weight, but can cause a multitude of health and beauty issues, including faster aging, kidney and liver damage, heart issues, skin issues, nutritional deficiencies, a build up of toxins and increased inflammation. Not to mention depression and binge eating. Unfortunately, many people don't have the patience to wait for the diet they are on to work before they give up and move on to the next new diet that promises even faster results. Or they reach a plateau and get discouraged and move on to the next diet, each time shocking their bodies and slowing down their metabolism.

I won't even go into the diets that are made up of mostly processed shakes, bars, microwave meals and snacks. Processed foods do not, I repeat, do not create or promote health or beauty in your body. Weight loss does not equal health or beauty. End of story.

The thing is, when you eat real foods, especially plant based foods, the weight automatically comes off. The only difference is that your skin will become clear, youthful and radiant, your hair shiny and your overall health will improve. And being healthy will allow your true beauty to shine through. :-)

As the saying goes, "there is no diet that will do what healthy eating does."  Amen to that!


Peace and love
~Sabrina

Using Raw Organic Honey as a Face Wash

Credit

I know that using oils and raw organic honey as facial cleansers are nothing new and maybe I am a bit slow to jump on the bandwagon, but there is a reason why so many people are using these in lieu of conventional cleansers - they're awesome and they work!

I'll limit today's post to talking about using raw organic honey to wash your face and save the OCM (Oil Cleansing Method) for another day.

That being said, I've been learning more and more on the importance of maintaining a healthy ph level in my skin, and I've found that even face washes that are sulfate free can still disrupt that level. Unlike our bodies, which need to be more alkaline, our skin needs to be more acidic to be healthy. Anything that throws off that balance, causes issues.

Raw organic honey has a ph of 4.5 and our skin thrives at a ph of 4.5-5.5, so honey is as good as it can get in my book for a cleanser. :-)

Not only that, but  honey is gentle enough to use on even the most inflamed skin, and it is loaded with skin healing nutrients that makes it one of the best things you could use on your face.

One thing to note, however, is that in order to reap the most benefits from honey, it needs to be raw and organic as most supermarket and conventional honey has been stripped of its nutrients and healing enzymes through processing and heating.

Natural, unadulterated honey is loaded with minerals such as silica, copper, iron, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus to name a few. If it's not raw, you lose those important healing nutrients. :-(

Everyone has their own preferred method of washing their face with honey, but the way I do it is just to scoop some honey into my hand, add a teeny bit of water to liquify it some and start slathering it on my face. I start where I have any breakouts (right now my chin) and then massage upwards and outwards until my whole face is covered in a sweet mess. I leave it on as I would a mask for a few minutes, then rinse off in the shower.

To make sure I got it all off, I'll follow up with a homemade toner of raw apple cider vinegar and water, then add moisturizer/sunscreen and make up. That's it. My skin feels amazingly soft, my makeup goes on better, and my breakouts heal quicker. It's a win win situation for me! :-D

Peace and love,

~Sabrina

Why Dairy is Bad For Your Skin and Your Health

We've all seen the various commercials and magazine ads on how drinking milk gives you strong bones, how it "does a body good", etc...and we've probably had our parents tell us when we were growing up to make sure we drink our milk for those very reasons.

Unfortunately, drinking milk is far from good for us. In fact, if you suffer from acne, it's probably one of your worst enemies. While there are so many reasons why dairy is bad, I'll try and keep it to the most relevant ones. :-)

First of all, the hormones in milk (even organic milk has hormones, just no added ones) increase oil production, which we know can cause breakouts. It is estimated that there are at least 60+ hormones in an average glass of milk, and this includes organic, and even raw.

The thing is, cow's milk was never intended for human consumption. It was intended for baby calves to help them grow up to be 700-1,000 pound cows. That's not only a lot of nutrients for a human to be consuming, but also a heck of a lot of growth hormones. Yikes!

Dairy is also an inflammatory food, and since our lactase production reduces after about the age of 2 (lactase  is the enzyme that breaks down milk sugar), our bodies treat milk the same way it treats a virus or an infection by creating inflammation. So, since skin conditions like acne, rosacea, psoriasis and eczema are inflammatory skin conditions, milk is not their best friend.

Another reason why dairy is unhealthy is that it is highly acidic in our bodies. In order for us to be optimally healthy, our bodies need to be in a more alkaline state. When we drink milk, in order for our bodies to regain it's alkalinity, it takes minerals from our bones, such as calcium. Statistics have shown that the countries with the highest dairy consumption also have the highest rates of osteoporosis (United States,Finland, Sweden, United Kingdom). So, the whole drinking milk to get calcium spiel is a big fat lie. :-(

Honestly, the best sources of calcium comes from the same place that animals get theirs - plant foods. Greens, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds are all extremely healthy, not to mention skin friendly alternatives. Also, there are so many delicious milk substitutes that are loaded with calcium, magnesium and vitamins and minerals, such as almond, hemp, and coconut milks.

With so many options, there is bound to be one that will make both you and your skin happy. :-)

Peace and love,

~Sabrina

The Gluten-Acne Connection

So, you changed your diet. You detoxed. You switched to non-toxic, more natural personal care and cosmetic products. You exercise. You try and keep stress to a minimum. And yet, somehow you still have acne that just won't go away.

Here's a thought....do you eat wheat, processed foods or use any products that may contain gluten (yep, make up can contain gluten). If so, that may just be the culprit keeping you from kicking your acne to the curb.

And you don't have to have celiac disease (an auto-immune disorder of the small intestine that prevents it from absorbing nutrients properly and can cause extreme pain and discomfort among other issues) to have issues with gluten. In fact, most people nowadays have gluten sensitivities.

The reason is this - nearly all of the wheat we consume today is genetically modified. The modified wheat proteins are structured very differently from the original wheat protein, however, our bodies have not been modified to use them. The result is that these modified gluten proteins are treated as "invaders" in our bodies and our immune system reacts by creating histamine, which in turn results in inflammation. And inflammation = insulin resistance, which leads to blood sugar issues, which again leads to acne.

Gluten also damages the small intestine (even in people not prone to celiac), which prevents our bodies from absorbing the nutrients it needs, causing vitamin deficiencies and toxic overload.

Also, most people probably aren't even aware that they may be sensitive to gluten and even fewer still don't know that it can be causing their skin and health issues. And even if you try not to eat it, it lurks in so many foods (especially processed), that it is hard to avoid completely. It is estimated that gluten can be found in close to 90% of the items in your local supermarket. Scary, huh? Even products like cheese and certain sauces can contain trace amounts in the form of vegetable starches and other additives. Likewise with some of the personal care and cosmetic products, such as toothpaste, shampoo and lipstick/balm.

So how do you avoid this little bugger? Well, the obvious is to eliminate gluten completely from your diet. Eat a diet high in organic plant foods, if you're not already (and organic meats if you choose) and healthy, easily digestible grains such as millet, quinoa, amaranth, brown rice and buckwheat. Make sure that the non-toxic, natural/organic personal care and beauty products you use are labeled "gluten free" and "non-GMO".  Also, supermarkets luckily have sections that are "gluten free", which definitely helps. :-)

Now, once you have made the choice to go gluten free, you can begin the process of healing your body and digestive tract and reducing your sensitivity to it. I'm not saying you will never again have issues with gluten, but you may get to a point where it doesn't trigger such a strong reaction and wreck havoc on your face. One way to promote healing is through the use of probiotics, particularly ones that contain Bifidobacterium lactis, which has been shown to counter the harmful effects of gluten on the intestine. I do not recommend eating dairy or soy yogurt as a means of getting probiotics into your diet. Both are highly acidic in nature and pretty much negate most of the effectiveness of whatever probiotics may be in them (more on that in a later post).

What I personally do recommend is taking a probiotic supplement, such as Dr. Ohhira, drinking Kombucha (GTS and High Country are my favorites) and Kefir water, and eating fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi (oriental fermented veggies). Eliminating processed and high sugar foods will help to speed the healing process along as well.

Try going gluten free for a month and see if it makes a difference in your skin and overall health. You really have nothing to lose...except maybe some stubborn acne! :-)

Peace and love,

~Sabrina

Water...The Elixir of Health and Beauty

We've all heard or read that we should drink more water. And since most of us spend the majority of our days in a state of mild dehydration, thanks to coffee, soda (or pop depending on where you are from), caffeinated teas, and sugary beverages, we really do need to increase our water consumption. How much seems to vary among the "experts", but most seem to agree on at least 8 8 ounce glasses a day.

The benefits of water are numerous, and besides keeping our bodies and skin hydrated, water also helps with the following:

~ Reduces bloating and puffiness
~ Helps to carry nutrients to your cells
~ Keeps joints and muscles lubricated
~ Increases energy levels
~ Increases cognitive function ( Your brain needs oxygen in order to function properly & water helps your brain get what it needs)
~ Supports nerve function
~ Supports metabolism and aids in weight loss
~ Promotes clear, bright eyes ( No more Visine eyedrops!)
~ Helps your body build muscle ( Water carries oxygen to every cell in our bodies, including muscles, which can enable them to work harder and longer before fatigue sets in).
~ Helps to promote clear, radiant skin ( As mentioned, water flushes out toxins and carries nutrients to cells, both of which help with skin health).

Now, I know sometimes drinking plain old water can be kind of boring. But please resist the urge to add any of those chemical laden flavor packets (Crystal Light, Mio, etc..), as that will only defeat the purpose of drinking water for health. Instead, try adding a slice of organic lemon (for extra detoxifying benefits), lime, or another fruit of choice. You can also make homemade Vitamin Water (again to avoid nasty and un-necessary chemicals) by filling a pitcher with water and adding whatever fruit (or a combination of fruits) you like. Stay away from the sugar bowl, though, as sugar not only dehydrates, but is also toxic to your body. If you feel you need an extra boost of sweetness, try raw, organic honey, stevia or xylitol (no aspartame or Splenda).

Also, if you find it challenging to drink 8 or more glasses a day, try consuming more raw fruits and vegetables. These foods contain a lot of water, and can assist in helping you maintain healthy hydration levels.

Bottom line, water is a necessary beauty booster that can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your skin. Water truly does do a body good. ;-)


Peace and love,
~ Sabrina

Green Smoothies for a Glowing Complexion

I've mentioned how diet can impact not just your overall health, but your skin as well. One of the things I love to incorporate into my diet is a green smoothie.

Credit

Now, when I say "green smoothie", I mean just that. Greens, maybe some fruit to sweeten and water or a nut milk of choice. No cow's milk, no yogurt, no ice cream, no sugar. We're trying to get the glow in our complexion, and dairy, sadly, does not do a body or your skin good.

Some of the many benefits of drinking green smoothies are:

~ more energy
~ weight loss
~ clearer, more radiant skin
~ stable blood sugar and less cravings for sugar
~ better digestion
~ fewer mood swings
...and the list can go on.

One of my favorite, quick green smoothie recipes involves just a handful of raw, organic baby spinach, a banana, a sprinkle of chia seeds, and water. Blend and yum!

Another of my absolute favorites is Kimberly Snyder's Glowing Green Smoothie (check it out here). This smoothie contains over 3 cups of dark, leafy greens, which is more than most people consume in a week (unless you're a vegetarian of course! :-D)

Another great benefit that smoothies have is that by blending the greens, the nutrients that are inside the plant cells are made more readily available to the body. Also, blending keeps all of the fiber intact, which is important for digestion. And as you know, digestion is critical for flushing toxins out of the body and for keeping your skin clear.

Just by adding one green smoothie to your diet a day,you will start to not only feel better, but your skin will become more radiant and healthy as well. :-)

Peace and love

~ Sabrina

Healing Ingredient Spotlight..Tamanu Oil

In my endless quest to find the best acne and scar healing ingredients and foods, I discovered an oil that I believe has been the main superstar ingredient in my healing process.

Tamanu Nut

Say hello to Tamanu oil, or Calophyllum Inophyllum as it is otherwise known. This little gem is extracted from the nut of the Tamanu tree in Polynesia and Tahiti. Traditionally, it has been used to treat sunburns, rashes , insect bites and blisters, but the benefits of this oil go far beyond just that. Tamanu oil is rich in fatty acids and is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant. It has been shown to regenerate new, healthy skin in patients with severe skin burns and skin ulcers. It is also used to treat joint pains, sore throats, cuts, athletes foot, diaper rash, stretch marks and bruises. It is healing to acne and other skin issues, and as I discovered, it can completely heal a deep cut without leaving a scar and can even heal existing scars (despite the age). I know this may sound too good to be true, but I can say in all honesty that this oil is as healing as it claims to be. Obviously, a new scar or injury will heal much quicker that an older one, but even my older acne scars are healing. They are less deep (to the point that some are barely even noticeable) and smaller in size. 

I mostly use Tamanu oil by itself as a moisturizer but sometimes I mix it with Argan and Jojoba oils for extra healing benefits. I'll also add a few drops of tea tree oil to help with any stubborn blemishes that may pop up. 


Tamanu oil absorbs easily into your skin, and is not greasy, which is great for someone like me who has oily skin. It can also be used as a hair and scalp moisturizer.

Since Tamanu oil does come from a nut, anyone who has nut allergies should use caution. Also, make sure that the oil you purchase is 100% pure Tamanu oil and hasn't been blended with any other oils or fillers.

Some of the brands that I like are:

Natural Styles 100% pure and cold pressed Tamanu oil
Aura Cacia 100% pure and cold pressed Tamanu oil
Mountain Rose Herbs Tamanu Oil (haven't tried this one yet, but have heard good things)

I can't say enough good things about this oil and how it has helped to make a difference in my skin. I still have much more healing to do, both physical and emotional, but with amazing ingredients like this that nature has provided, I truly believe I will keep seeing results! :-)


Have you tried Tamanu Oil? What are your thoughts?


Until next time, Peace and love,

~Sabrina