Hey everyone! I did two other posts on my skin care routine back in January and April, and I figured it was about time to do another one since some things have changed.

Since sticking to a 100% paleo/primal foods for about 4 months now (instead of half-assing it for the 2+ years), my skin has become even easier to manage. As a result, I don’t do as much to my skin, and my routine is more casual. Good times!

(By the way, are you on the Epic Beauty Guide Facebook page yet? I post exclusive tips and info on there…just so you know…nudge nudge.)

{SKIN CARE}

CLEANSER. Filtered water, $ for the filtration system**
A must-have. People with sensitive skin may find that water irritates their skin or makes their face red – however, it is not the water itself, it is the chlorine and all the bits of allowable chemicals (VOCs, THMs, pesticides, etc.) in city tap water. Chlorine dries out the skin, makes hair brittle, and can exacerbate asthma and eczema. So I shower in filtered water, I drink filtered water, and I use filtered water to wash my face.** I soak a soft face cloth in warm water (definitely warm, almost hot) and press it on my face for a minute or so, then gently wipe my face with the same wet towel. I don’t scrub. Not only does it feel good and is super relaxing, it also gently removes any dirt and any excess oil. I have found that water is all I need (note that I don’t wear makeup – if you wear makeup, you need to use something like coconut or almond oil to remove your makeup first, then use a cleanser suited for your skin to get all the makeup off).

FYI: You guys know me – always researching, always sticking my nose into new information, the latest technology, yadda yadda. Well I’ve been paying very close attention to the issue surrounding chloramine. What the heck is it and why should you care? Chloramine is fast becoming a popular (and inexpensive) way of disinfecting our tap water. It is a chlorine-ammonia compound, and even worse than chlorine. It’s important to find out if you have chlorine or chloramine in your water. Just ask your local water district if they ever use chloramine. If they do, you need to get a special filter (this is the only filter I know of that can handle chloramine and remove it safely) because regular carbon filters (which make up the majority of filters) will NOT work on chloramine effectively because it requires a large filter and lots of time. It’s a big deal because chloramine is highly toxic, lethal to marine life, does not evaporate from the water (you can’t leave the water out and expect chloramine to evaporate like chlorine does), and creates nasty nitrite-like by-products. Yum.

**I get asked often what filter I use. I saved up and bought a whole house water filter from Environmental Water Systems. I still have their shower filter (this is the one, my brother has this one too) and sink filter (this is my sink filter), even though I don’t need them anymore because of the house filter. Just get what fits your budget and don’t waste your money on cheap crap because it’ll end up costing you more in the long run (shorter filter life, cheap materials, etc.). The reason I use this brand is the reason I use any brand (like ARCONA, Sircuit, Skin Apotheke, Rahua, etc.) – it has to be super high quality, last a long time, and be good for my (and your) health.

TONER. ARCONA Triad Pads, $30, 45 pads (lasts up to 45 days with daily use)
Love these. I use a pad after I wash my face with water or by itself if I’m traveling, staying in a hotel with chlorinated water, or camping out where no running water is available. I use the scrubby side for my face, then I turn it over and use the smooth side to wipe my neck and chest. It’s extremely refreshing, smells delicious, and I love the little glow it leaves behind.

EXFOLIATOR. Sircuit Skin Mocha Loca 4% Lactic Acid, $75, 1.3 oz. (lasts 3–4 months with use once or twice per week)
This looks and smells just like chocolate. I use it about 1–2 times per week. I smear on a small amount in my T-zone (forehead, nose, sides of the nose, chin) and leave it on about 10–15 minutes. The result is super smooth skin. No redness, no irritation, no flakes, nothin’. I’ve found that it’s great for preventing blackheads. My other favorite exfoliant is Skin Apothke Ubtan Scrub ($15, 2 oz.), but I prefer to use chemical or enzyme exfoliants lately.

MOISTURIZER. Coconut oil, $19, 32 oz.
Perfect for night time and waking up to super soft, hydrated skin. I find that since I’ve been eating more healthy fats, my skin is staying hydrated on its own, so I only use coconut oil every other night or so. Previously I was using ARCONA Magic White Ice ($38, 1 oz.) and it’s an excellent moisturizer, particularly for oily skin and for day use. I still have it in my cupboard in case I should feel dry and need some moisture without the obvious sheen of coconut oil.

Aloe vera gel, $5.75, 16 oz.
Aloe is fantastic for oily or normal skin, or those that are acne prone. I love aloe for moisturizing in the morning if I need it. It’s very soothing, heals up blemishes, and helps keep blackheads at bay. Plus, it’s super cheap! I have aloe plants, but I don’t like robbing them of their leaf gel all the time, so I alternate between my fresh plants and the bottled gel (it’s important to get pure aloe gel with non-harsh preservatives and no other added fillers or liquids).

EYES. Skin Apotheke Vitamin C Rejuvenating Eye Balm, $21.95, 1 oz.
This is the best eye cream I have ever used, and I’ve tried tons. It has a creamy, lightweight texture that melts into your skin. As you guys know, I’m pretty pale so my skin has a tendency to show those lovely bluish-green (on some people they are purple) under-eye veins. I have seen a tremendous improvement by using this, in conjunction with lots of sleep, lots of water, and leafy greens.

EYELASHES. Home Health Cold Pressed Castor Oil, $8.29, 16 oz.
I’ve used castor oil on my lashes for years and it keeps them thick and healthy. Check out the post I wrote on how to get long, thick eyelashes.

ANTI-AGING TREATMENT. ARCONA Vitamin A Complex, $68, about 2 oz. (lasts 3+ months) and ARCONA Youth Serum, 20% Vitamin C, $87, about 2 oz. (lasts 6+ months)
I started using both of these a few months back (maybe in February?) and it’s fantastic for knocking out those dehydration lines (precursors to fine lines, which are precursors to wrinkles) and healing a blemish or fresh acne scar. They are both pricey but last me a long time. The Vitamin A really reduces the amount of blackheads and keeps the skin incredibly moisturized, and the Youth Serum is great for under the eyes (C helps to thicken thin skin under the eyes). FYI: They are often 20% off at Spalook.

DEODORANT. Elegant Rose Boutique Lavender Vanilla Natural Deodorant, $7.50, 2.5 oz. (lasts at least 4 months)
This deodorant does not irritate my skin, it smells amazingly good, and it lasts all day.

{MAKEUP}

FOUNDATION. While I don’t wear foundation, I know of some good brands that have great ingredients and have received good feedback and reviews. See my previous post on makeup here (I list makeup toward the bottom of the article).

CONCEALER. I love RMS Beauty and Jane Iredale concealers for covering up a blemish or under eye circles after a funky night’s sleep. Whatever it is, those are my two go-to brands for natural concealers.

OTHER STUFF. I love wearing eyeshadow, mascara, etc. when I feel like it or for special occasions. See my previous post on makeup for specific brands I use (they are listed toward the bottom of the article).

FTC Disclaimer: I am not paid by, or sponsored by, any of the companies I mention in this article. I purchased everything myself. All comments are my 100% honest opinion.

What is your skin routine and favorite products? Feel free to share!
~Steph x

Hey everyone! As you all know, I’m a huge fan of Ayurvedic medicine (and Ayurvedic products like Skin Apotheke) as a tool for skin care, and it’s an excellent compliment to anyone’s skin care knowledge.

Today I have a great guest post by Kristen Ma, author of Beauty Pure & Simple: The Ayurvedic Approach to Beautiful Skin. Her book is an awesome resource for Ayuverdic techniques for skin care and beauty.

Keep reading and don’t miss the bottom of the article, where I announce an awesome giveaway for 3 lucky winners.

…….

The Three Faces of Eczema: Beauty Through Ayurveda (How to Beat Eczema & Dry Skin This Winter)
by Kristen Ma

With the winter weather approaching, our skin will get battered and beaten by the elements. This makes our complexions vulnerable to dehydration, irritation, and a variety of skin ailments. One of the most common winter-triggered beauty conditions is eczema. Unfortunately, it is one of the most misdiagnosed skin problems due to the fact that it is also very misunderstood.

From a dermatological perspective, we don’t really know what eczema is and have come to no conclusions about its real cause. Usually, a derm will send you home with a prescription for cortisone – which is a steroid that suppresses your immune response and thins your skin over time. While this will calm the condition down temporarily, it does not take a long-term approach, leaving the root cause of your eczema untreated. It is also a confusing condition because it is expressed in so many different ways. Some of us are red, some itchy, some flaky, and some have water blisters.

This is why when we look at eczema from an Ayurvedic perspective it helps us understand and find solutions for this skin aggravation. Ayurveda is an Eastern medicinal health science based on the concept of “dosha.”  This ideology dictates that we are made up of three doshas, which are energies based on the elements of Air, Fire and Earth/Water.  When one or more of these doshas becomes excessive within our bodies, they display themselves through disease, disorder and imbalance. So from an Ayurvedic viewpoint, what we really need to examine is which dosha is out of balance.

Vata (Dry/Air) Eczema

Vata eczema is an indication that we have an excess of air and wind within our bodies. Like air, our skin becomes dry, flaky and thin (usually shedding). This is brought on by a lack of oil in the skin as well as water in the body. Most of us experience Vata eczema in the heart of winter, when we find it most difficult to rehydrate and need nourishment.

This calls for internal and external replenishment. Our skin needs comfort and protection from heavy vegetable oils and rich salves. Internally, taking omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial (flax seed capsules help tremendously – Note from Steph: while flax seed is helpful and contains plenty of ALA, it does not contain suitable amounts of EPA or DHA, and in that regard, fish oil is superior) as well as avoiding dry foods like dense meats, breads, crackers and dried fruits. Increasing soups, stews, and water-rich veggies will not only help with moisture but also aid constipation, which also contributes to Vata eczema.

Pitta (Inflamed/Fire) Eczema

Pitta eczema is aggravated by the fire dosha, and it flares up from an excess of this heat energy, prompting redness that is often accompanied by a burning sensation. This type of eczema also needs hydration, but not oil. Actually oil must be strictly avoided. I have broken out with Pitta eczema and applied oil to it, only to be greeted by raised welts the next day. Similar to fry cooking, oil enables the increase of heat and this inflamed eczema needs calming and cooling. Aloe vera gel, plant milks, and chamomile water is best. Internally, it is important to examine your digestion and acidity. Pitta governs digestive fire, and when your digestion is poor and overworked it can express itself as Pitta eczema. Also, avoiding acid-forming foods is very important. Acid is another form of Pitta and those of us who are naturally prone to high Pitta and inflammation are also predisposed to hyperacidity. One of my favorite ways to mitigate this is by taking turmeric capsules. Turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, and I have prescribed it to those who have Pitta-Kapha eczema, who can consume it orally along with dusting turmeric powder right to the affected area.

Kapha (Wet/Earth and Water) Eczema

Kapha eczema is also known as wet eczema. Kapha, the earth and water element, is the dosha that prompts water retention, excess oil, and lethargy. It is heavy, moist, and dense (similar to earth). Kapha eczema usually occurs during the season’s change, especially when we move into a wetter season. This can appear in the form of a shiny, wet appearance or through water blisters. What really marks a Kapha influence is the presence of itchiness.

Traditional Ayurvedic medicine actually uses live leeches to suck the heated dampness from the body. *Shiver.* But if you’re like most people who don’t have leeches laying around the house, I suggest keeping the area disinfected. Natural anti-bacterial ingredients like witch hazel and peppermint water will soothe and sterilize the area without over-drying. Kapha eczema should avoid oil – but this should only be done when there is an eczema outbreak. When the outbreak calms down, keeping the skin moist will support its barrier function.

Internally, turmeric is excellent for its antibacterial properties. But what is even more important is to eat a diet that decreases dampness. Following a Candida-reducing diet – avoiding sugars, fermented foods, dairy and yeast – easily accomplishes this. Acidophilus capsules also gently help fight bad bacteria within our bodies. But while I am advocating fighting dampness, this does not mean avoiding water and hydration. Dampness refers to turbid water, which is full of toxins, while fresh water and hydration will help cleanse our systems as well as on a cellular level.

So while it is sometimes difficult keep your skin resilient during such drastic weather, don’t let eczema get you down. When you are more methodical and holistic about its treatment, your skin, body, and spirit have no choice but to balance themselves out.

…….

The Giveaway

Enter to win a copy of Kristen’s new book, Beauty Pure & Simple: The Ayurvedic Approach to Beautiful Skin. There will be 3 winners.

HOW TO ENTER

1. Go to the Epic Beauty Guide Facebook Page.

2. Hit “Like.”

3. Leave a comment on the EBG Facebook Page about anything you like – a skin care tip, an idea or suggestion for a new article, a question, whatever floats your boat.

Three (3) winners will be chosen and announced on the Epic Beauty Guide Facebook Page on November 9th. Good luck!

~Steph  x

Hey everyone! I get asked all the time what natural sunblock I would recommend. As the market for natural products keeps expanding, we keep seeing more options being made available to us. Personally, I have been committing the cardinal sin of not wearing sunblock daily for the past several years. Why? For the simple reason that I could not find a natural sunblock that didn’t dry my skin out, make my skin irritated or itchy, give me little flesh colored bumps, or look like a white greasy mask of death. I didn’t care so much about looking whiter than normal, but I couldn’t stand the other after-effects.

Now I don’t have an excuse, thanks to some newly discovered sunblock formulations.

(P.S. I won’t go into detail here about why natural sunblock is much better for you than chemical sunblock, since I did that in last year’s post entitled Natural Sunblocks You Will Love.)

Know that you have several options when it comes to natural sunblock. You could go with zinc only, titanium dioxide only, or a zinc/titanium combo. You also have oil-free and those that contain oils, though the type of oil varies from brand to brand. I like natural oils (like olive, sweet almond, coconut, etc.) in my skin care products since it’s good for your skin and does not clog pores (that’s a giant myth).

Below is a list of natural sunblocks that I have investigated and found them to have great ingredients. Trial and error is the only way you’ll discover if you’ll like one product over the other for your own skin.

Sunblocks are not listed in any particular order:

• MyChelle Sun Shield
• Marie Veronique Organics Moisturizing Face Screen
• Mexitan SPF 15
• Mexitan SPF 30
• Mexitan SPF 50
• Devita Solar Protective 30
• Erbaviva Sunscreen SPF 15
• John Masters Organics Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
• BurnOut Eco-Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 32
• True Natural Daily Moisturizer SPF 20

Did I miss any natural sunblocks that you like? Leave a comment and I’ll add it to the list!
~Steph  x

…Do you have any sug­ges­tions or alter­na­tives for those of us look­ing to make our skin and hair care more nat­ural with­out break­ing the bank?

–Popple

This is a great question. If you’re used to spending $3 on a bottle of Suave or Pantene, then you honestly won’t find anything comparable to that cost in the all-natural/organic market. Unfortunately, it is more expensive to produce healthy things, and until the corporate and economic environment shifts over to accommodate lower prices of natural and organic products, conscious consumers will have to pay more. Granted, some of these natural brands are bent on being a high-end product (in order to compete with high-end department-store type brands) and carrying a high price tag. It’s unfortunate, but you’ll find that with any product, natural or not. It often becomes all about selling an image and a perception instead of selling a quality product that is truly healthy for us, but that’s more of a philosophical and ethical discussion, and I’m focused on what we can actually do about it.

Now, if you are accustomed to forking over $20 or $30 (or more) per bottle for a fancy salon or department store product, then it makes sense to shift over to a natural product in that general price bracket since you’ll find many of them there.

It may also help to look at quality, all natural and/or organic products for how much they cost per day or per month, rather than balking at a higher price at the onset. A moisturizer that costs $30 but is completely healthy for you and lasts 3–4 months, costs $7.50-$10 per month. I would rather spend a little more money on my food and skin care products than risk getting a completely preventable disease because I decided to spend a few bucks less on a cheaper, artificial product.

Here are a list of brands that are acceptable in terms of how natural and effective they are. There may be a few things that I’m not particularly fond of, but we all have to do the best we can.

• Yes to Carrots
• Burt’s Bees
• Juice Beauty
• Trillium Organics (I love their salt body scrubs)
• Everyday Shea
• Aubrey Organics (I use their shampoo but their skin care is good too)

{GENERAL GUIDELINE}
If you find inexpensive brands of natural/organic products in a local store or online, just read your labels and make sure they are free of SLS (sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate), parabens, and petroleum-based products or byproducts. Just do your best!

I’m sure I missed a few good natural/organic brands that are on the lower end of the price spectrum, so if you have a brand you would like me to investigate, feel free to leave a comment!
~Steph  x

OCTOBER 2011 UPDATE ON THE WAY

Hey everyone! I just updated you on my skin care routine in January, but in March it started to get warm (it’s in the high-80′s here already) so I needed to change some things and simplify it a little bit. Thussss, I want to share what I am doing. I have also included what I use for hair care, as well as makeup on special occasions since I get a ton of requests for makeup recommendations.

{SKIN CARE}

CLEANSER. ARCONA Triad Pads, $30, 45 pads (lasts up to 45 days with daily use)
A must-have. I use a pad in the morning and a pad at night, after using an ARCONA Clarity pad. I use the scrubby side for my face, then I turn it over and use the smooth side to wipe my neck and chest. It’s extremely refreshing, smells delicious, and leaves your skin moist and glowing. Since I don’t wear makeup (except on my eyes) and I don’t live in a heavily polluted area, the pads are an excellent replacement for washing my face with a traditional cleanser. The pads are also useful if you are traveling, staying in a hotel with chlorinated water, or camping.

ARCONA Clarity Spot Repair for Face/Body, $28, 45 pads (lasts up to 45 days with daily use)
These pads are amazing for preventing hormonal blemishes women tend to get around period time, and excellent for preventing razor bumps and ingrown hairs (face, legs, etc.). The smell is really intense and makes my eyes water, and even though my skin is sensitive, it does not irritate it whatsoever and is great for days when my skin might be pretty oily due to hormonal shifts. I like to use one before I workout to prevent any workout-related blemishes. Works wonders.

EXFOLIATOR. Skin Apothke Ubtan Scrub, $15, 2 oz. (lasts about 4 months with use once or twice per week)
This scrub has been in my arsenal for almost a year now and is great for all skin types, especially those that are prone to redness and irritation. This is safe to use daily, but more sensitive skin may choose to use this less often. You can mix it with yogurt (plain, unsweetened, no additives or preservatives) or plain filtered water. This scrub imparts an amazing glow on your skin, and it will feel incredibly smooth and nourished, not dry or irritated. A must-have.

ARCONA Cranberry Gommage, $42, 3.4 oz. (lasts about 6 months with use about once per week)
I have been using this scrub for about 6 months now, and it’s amazing for preventing blemishes and eliminating blackheads. I have about 1/3 of the tube left, so for the price, it lasts a very long time. I alternate between the Ubtan Scrub and this Gommage whenever I feel like it. I really love the rounded jojoba beads in this, so if you have uber-sensitive skin prone to tearing and flaking and blemishes, give this scrub a try.

MOISTURIZER. ARCONA Magic White Ice, $38, 1 oz. (lasts 2 months)
I use 1–2 pumps for my face and neck. It’s the perfect moisturizer for me (my skin is oily in the T-zone, normal on cheeks, and tends to be sensitive). It absorbs quickly, smells lovely, doesn’t leave a greasy feeling, and really helps to balance the skin instead of just covering it up in some goopy moisture mess. This is the best moisturizer I have used (aside from coconut and olive oil). This will not be moisturizing enough for dry skin, though.

EYES. Skin Apotheke Vitamin C Rejuvenating Eye Balm, $21.95, 1 oz.
This is the best eye cream I have ever used. It has a creamy, lightweight texture that melts into your skin. As you guys know, I’m pretty pale so my skin has a tendency to show those lovely bluish-green (on some people they are purple) under-eye veins. I have seen a tremendous improvement by using this, and you can hardly see them now. This also works perfectly under concealer.

EYELASHES. Home Health Cold Pressed Castor Oil, $8.29, 16 oz.
I’ve used castor oil on my lashes for years and it keeps them thick and healthy – if you’d like, check out the post I wrote on how to get long, thick eyelashes.

BLEMISH TREATMENT. ARCONA Tabula Rasa, $22, 1.17 oz.
This is really runny and thin, so I use it by unscrewing the pump top and dipping a Q-tip into it. Just dot it on your blemish once or twice per day, and that blemish will be gone within 2 days. I like that it doesn’t dry out or irritate my skin. For a double whammy, you can use the Clarity pads (see above) to tone after you wash, then dot this on. Let it all sink in for a few minutes and then apply your moisturizer.

ANTI-AGING TREATMENT. ARCONA Vitamin A Complex, $68, about 2 oz. (lasts 3+ months)
At 24, I needed to start using an anti-aging product (the younger you start, the better). So I started using this about a month ago and it’s made a lovely difference in my skin already. I am fair and have incurred my share of sun damage when I went through a period of 2 years where I was out in the sun a lot and not wearing sunblock or a hat. This is pricey, but it lasts a long time because you only use it 3 times per week. If you’re prone to blackheads and fine lines (or dehydration lines), then this product would be great for you. It really reduces the amount of blackheads and keeps the skin incredibly moisturized and works to even out your skin tone by reversing sun damage (thanks to the vitamin A).

DEODORANT. Elegant Rose Boutique Lavender Vanilla Natural Deodorant, $7.50, 2.5 oz. (lasts at least 4 months)
This deodorant does not irritate my skin, it smells amazingly good, and it lasts all day. It doesn’t stop you from sweating (you don’t want that, anyway…you’re supposed to sweat), but it does stop any potentially nasty smells.

{HAIR CARE}

SHAMPOO. My hair is fine and naturally curly, and because it’s curly the cuticle does not lay flat and is prone to dryness and frizzies. I have found the best shampoos for me are Aubrey Desert Herb Shampoo, Ctonics Core Shampoo, and Amazon Beauty Rahua Shampoo. I alternate between them every few days or so.

CONDITIONER. I use Ctonics Elixir Blossom Conditioner as a strengthener and thickener, and Amazon Beauty Rahua Conditioner to moisturize.

TREATMENT. Once every 2 weeks I use hair treatment oil from Skin Apotheke.

{MAKEUP}

FOUNDATION. While I don’t ever wear foundation or tinted moisturizer, I have been asked for recommendations on those that are natural and of good quality. I have investigated foundations based on their ingredients and reviews, and have found that Alima Pure, All Natural Face, Living Nature, Vapour, and Miessence would be good choices. See if you can order samples first, but if not, most stores have great return policies if a color or something doesn’t work out.

CONCEALER. RMS Beauty Un-Cover Up in 11 or 22. An excellent concealer for under-eye circles or a blemish. This goes on smooth and creamy, stays on all day, doesn’t crease, and doesn’t clog your pores (you don’t want those little while milia bumps!).

MASCARA. Real Purity Mascara in Brown and Black, $13
This is my favorite all-natural mascara. It doesn’t irritate my eyes, the brown color looks natural with my whiteness and red-blonde hair (black can look too harsh for the day, but looks great for nighttime), and it doesn’t flake or rub off. Awesome product, and the best mascara I have ever used.

EYELINER. Bare Minerals or Jane Iredale. They are natural and do not irritate my eyes or rub off. If you like the waterline, make sure to set the liner with a matching natural eyeshadow powder (see below).

EYESHADOW. I have a collection of eyeshadows from Alima Pure, My Beauty Addiction, All Natural Face, and Jane Iredale. I bought a few sample sizes of Alima Pure because it’s so cheap and I don’t use them that often. I have had the same tiny samples for about a year. I use their matte black and matte brown eyeshadow powders to set eyeliner on the waterline.

BRUSHES. All of my brushes are from Sigma, with the exception of 2 brushes from Alima Pure and 1 from 100% Pure. The Sigma brushes are my favorite since they don’t shed and are easy to use since I’m such an idiot with makeup sometimes.

MAKEUP REMOVER. Aura Cacia Organic Sweet Almond Oil. It is great for removing eye makeup and moisturizing the eye area. For full face makeup, you may want to use coconut oil instead.

FTC Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with or sponsored by any of the companies I mention in this article. In the past, I have been sent free products to try by Arcona and Skin Apotheke, and have since re-purchased everything on my own. Everything is my 100% honest opinion.

What is your skin routine? If you’ve tried anything mentioned here, how did you like it?
~Steph x

Medical Note: As with anything involving a change in diet, supplementation, or exercise, please consult with your doctor prior to making any changes to your routine, particularly if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or allergies.

1. Go easy on the wash. Most body washes strip the beneficial oils from your skin and result in dry, flaky skin and sometimes contribute to body acne. Try a natural body wash (I have two different ones from 100% Pure that smell fantastic – one is the Vanilla Bean Hydrating and another is the Foaming Gel in Peach) that does not contain any sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or any harsh cleaning surfactants. You may also be someone who benefits from not using a body wash at all, except on your armpits and down-below-bits, or when you’re filthy from rolling in the mud.

2. Banish chlorine. This is key to having naturally soft, moisturized skin. Chlorine binds with the proteins in our hair and skin and cause dryness, breakage, and rough texture. This is a known fact, and it’s important to filter chlorine out of your drinking, showering, and bathing water. Your best bet is a USA-made, quality whole home water filtration system from a brand like Environmental Water Systems (if you can afford it, the EWS Spectrum model is the best, highly-rated one on the market – I put mine on a credit card and pay it monthly), or if your budget is super tight right now, get a quality shower filter that will remove 80–90% of the chlorine (most shower filters only remove about 50%, and none can remove 100% because there is not enough contact time with the filter). I always recommend EWS because they have been around for over 24 years, have an excellent track record of quality and customer service, and they make everything in the United States using medical-grade, natural media and recyclable housings. Can’t beat that!

3. Eat the proper fats. When you eat fats that promote the production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins (these are hormone-like lipids), then you are effectively preventing acne, reducing redness and inflammation, and improving the texture of your skin. Acne, inflammation, skin texture and thickness, skin oiliness…all are effected by hormones, so if you promote the optimum hormone balance, you will get the results you want. Eating the “right” fats is one of the keys to accomplishing this. Our ratio of Omega 3 to 6 should be 1:1 or 1:2.

How do you get to this ratio? Simple: cut out ALL fried food, hydrogenated oils, cooking oils (except the ones I will list after this), and most trans fats (some trans fats, like CLA, are produced naturally and are good for you and your weight management). Enjoy a healthy diet of predominantly fresh veggies, fruits, and grass-fed or wild meats and wild-caught seafood. It is important to get grass-fed and wild meats/seafood because the omega 3 content is high and the animals’ diet is a natural one, so you in turn get more nutrients and CLA (a healthy trans fat that promotes weight management and weight loss in those who need to lose fat). Grass-fed fermented dairy like yogurt, kefir, and cultured butter may be fine in limited quantities for some, and do provide healthy fats. In other people, dairy (even if it’s fermented) may contribute to acne on the face or body. Everyone is different, so see what works best for you. Remember to avoid cooked and fried oils as much as you can, as their lipid structure has been radically changed and you are literally consuming rancid oils that throw off your fatty acid ratio and contribute to an inflammatory, hormonally imbalanced state in your body.

Safe cooking oils include extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and macadamia nut oil, since all three have decent omega 3:6 ratios and high heat tolerance so they do not break down and wreak havoc in your body when you cook with them.

4. Take fish oil. Another way to get to that optimum ratio is to consume fish oil, either in capsules or as liquid. Personally, I take 6,000–9,000 mg. of fish oil per day, since that is where I start to notice a huge difference in how I look and feel. You can use this fish oil calculator to determine how much fish oil you may need. I have found several fish oils with the best ratio of EPA to DHA, and I take them every day: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega, Carlson Labs Cod Liver Oil in Lemon Flavor, and Barlean’s Omega Swirl in Mango Peach (this stuff is DELICIOUS and a little addicting haha).

During a normal day, I’ll take 1 Tbsp. of Barlean’s Omega Swirl in the morning with my breakfast, then I take 6 capsules of the Nordic Naturals daily (2 capsules with 3 meals)., and then maybe 1 Tbsp. at night with dinner (or 2 tsps. Carlson’s, which I put in some water with fresh squeezed lemon). It may seem like a lot, but sometimes you need to really load up for the first 8–12 weeks, and then taper off from there.

5. Sulfur up! Ever heard of methylsulfonylmethane? It’s a sulfur compound more commonly known as MSM that exists in small quantities in certain foods, and helps to improve the function of joints, as well as improve the look and feel of the hair, skin, and nails. While I am not aware of any clinical trials involving MSM’s effects on the hair, skin, and nails, there is unofficial evidence from those who personally use the supplement. Many people who take MSM will comment on the positive effects it has on their appearance. I have been taking MSM in varying quantities since 2008. For the past year, I have settled on 2,000 mg. per day – I take a 1,000 mg. capsule with two meals that contain vitamin C (this aids in absorption), such as a snack of fruits or a lunch with lots of broccoli (which also contains sulfur compounds). It has made a noticeable difference in the smoothness of my skin, and my hair grows much faster (it used to be about 1/2″-3/4″ per month, now it’s about 1″-1 1/2″).

The brand I take is Paradise Herbs MSM 1,000 mg., and they source their MSM from OptiMSM, which has excellent manufacturing practices. Definitely get capsules, since the powder tastes awful.

6. Exfoliate every so often. It helps to use a nice scrub every few days to remove any dead skin cells that are hanging on and improve the texture of your skin immediately. I prefer to use salt scrubs over sugar scrubs because sugar scrubs tend to irritate my skin, whereas the salt dissolves and provides a finer, non-irritating scrub. My favorite is Trillium Organics Body Polish (I love the lavender geranium, but they have several varieties with different essential oils).

That’s it! This is what I personally do and recommend for getting super smooth, buttery soft skin. If you have any other tips, definitely feel free to leave a comment! Hope you enjoyed.
~Steph  x

Hey everyone! I get a lot of questions related to under eye issues like puffiness and dark circles, so I thought I would address the puffy issue since I have already covered dark circles. Here are some of the causes of under eye puffiness and how to treat them…Epic Beauty style.

First, know that there are two types of puffiness. One is essentially water (fluid) – they are quite squishy and tend to fade or flatten out on their own as the day goes on. The other type are actually fatty deposits – they are hard and do not fade or flatten, and are usually a result of not treating under eye puffiness early on.

Unfortunately, the fatty type is harder to get rid of and there are only two solutions I know of: 1. face massage such as Tanaka, done daily and consistently to help remove fat from the area, and 2. cosmetic surgery. Of course, I recommend you try massage first. Wait at least 2–3 months to see any change, though the time varies from person to person.

If you have the watery type, keep reading.

{Common Causes of Puffy Eyes & Under Eye Bags}

• Lack of sleep or quality sleep
• Excessive sodium intake or sugar intake
• Stress and resulting adrenal fatigue
• Over consumption of alcohol and/or caffeine
• Hormonal changes or imbalance
• Changes in weather or temperature
• Sinus problems or allergies
• Water retention
• Medication side effects

Like all things in our lives, the above causes are interconnected. For instance, if you are stressed, your adrenals become less efficient, which can lead to hormonal imbalance, which can lead to water retention and…dun dun dun…puffy eyes (among other problems). Keep this in mind as you look to solve your puffy eye problem.

{Emergency Quick Fixes}

STEP 1. Upon waking, take 15–30 minutes to do some heart-pumping exercise. Try bodyweight circuits, yoga (go for faster paced styles like Ashtanga or “flow” yogas), bicycling, hiking, sprint/walk circuits, etc. Getting your blood moving will also move lymph and drain any excess fluids from your eyes and face. Plus, your skin will look lovely and glowing all over.

STEP 2. Wash your face with cold water or refrigerated toner pads (such as Arcona Triad Pads, my personal favorite). Follow the lymph drainage as you wash your face – it might be useful if you watch a Tanaka massage video to see what those paths are (it’s super simple).

STEP 3. Keep a jar of caffeinated tea (green tea works great) in the refrigerator – pour a little out onto thin cotton pads and place under your eyes for 3–5 minutes. Alternatively, you can use an eye ice pack, cold metal spoons, or two slices of refrigerated cucumber, which you can keep on your puffiness for 2–3 minutes. This will promote fluid drainage and also constrict blood vessels, which is great if you also get under-eye circles due to visible veins.

STEP 4. Gently apply a soothing, all natural eye cream (my favorite is Skin Apotheke Vitamin C cream) into the area using the Tanaka or Chizu Saeki techniques of eye massage (just so you do not damage the delicate tissue).

{Long-Term Solutions}

You can permanently reduce or eliminate puffy under eyes and bags by following a few suggestions I have laid out below.

SOLUTION 1. Get on a good diet consisting of whole, organic fruits and veggies, wild seafood, grass-fed and/or wild meats, and occasional nuts and seeds. Avoid soy, avoid all grains (especially wheat and corn) as much as possible, and if you eat rice, always go for brown. Diet alone has a positive effect on your ability to sleep well, handle stress, allow your organs to function efficiently, balance your hormones, reduce or eliminate allergies, and reduce or eliminate water retention. As you can see, diet is 80–90% of your well-being. Puffy eyes is only one problem, and you can eliminate that and all the other little issues you may have (poor sleep, acne, fatigue, moodiness, etc.) just by eating well. For more on the subject, check out the other articles on my blog, consider reading my clear skin guide book, and/or read The Paleo Solution by Robb Wolf.

SOLUTION 2. Follow a good sleep routine. Staying up til 3 am is not cool or necessary – it doesn’t follow your body’s natural rhythms and does not allow for the proper rejuvenation and hormone regulation that normally occurs during sleep. The result is lack of quality sleep, puffy eyes, under eye circles, greater calorie requirement, whacky moods, and more. Act like a grandparent if you have to, and go to sleep as early as you can stomach it (try for 9 or 10 pm). If you need a lot of sleep, you may find that by implementing a great diet and going to sleep earlier that you will need less of it.

SOLUTION 3. Limit your sodium and sugar intake. This is right on par with Solution 1. If you follow the diet prescribed above (and in my articles and book) your salt and sugar intake is going to be “normal.” You will get all the salt and sugar you need from your whole foods, since sodium and simple carbohydrates exist naturally in all fruits, veggies, seafood, and meats. Adding iodized salt, Kosher salt, sea salt, rock salt, etc. is usually unnecessary and throws off your body’s natural sodium/potassium balance. Sugar in particular raises insulin levels unnaturally high, and prolonged exposure leads to insulin resistance, which is a precursor to diabetes and metabolic syndromes. If you have been overdosing on salt, consume potassium-rich foods (leafy greens like spinach and swiss chard, broccoli, cucumbers, yams, asparagus, melon, figs, plums/prunes) to help eliminate the extra fluid and restore balance.

SOLUTION 4. Work smart, not too hard, and take time to relax and chill out. Relaxing is our natural tendency (we often forget how to do it though), and you deserve it. We all work really hard – jobs, school, running around all day doing errands, dealing with family/friend drama, etc. Take a break. Go for a nice walk or hike in nature. Have a picnic. Sit outside and eat an apple. Lounge around by the beach. Read something enjoyable. Play a board game. Whatever you want that is soothing and recharging to you. You will find that having “me time” will help you manage your life easier, result in better and easier sleep, and will in turn contribute to the elimination of skin issues and puffy eyes.

SOLUTION 5. You will find that allergies will be lessened when you adopt a good diet. To further assist, take a quality probiotic (I take PureCaps PureProbiotic and PureCaps Saccharomyces boulardii) to help restore good intestinal flora, which in turn balances inflammatory/allergic responses. Many people with environmental and food allergies find that they go away entirely after getting on a proper allergen-free diet (often this means no wheat, no corn, no dairy, no soy) and start taking probiotics. Another bonus of course is that allergy-related skin issues like acne, dermatitis, eczema, puffy eyes/face, and under-eye circles often completely clear up as well.

SOLUTION 6. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. You don’t need it, and it often causes more harm than good. Using caffeinated tea topically under the eyes is fine. Drinking a cup or two or three of coffee or black tea every morning is not. Wean yourself off the caffeine if you want your adrenals to function properly (your adrenals are important for hormone balance and proper sleep, which also effects water retention and puffy eyes). Alcohol is dehydrating and disruptive to your body systems. Have a glass of wine occasionally if you feel like it, but as a general rule keep the alcohol to a minimum.

SOLUTION 7. Medication can cause a whole host of issues and this is a tough one if you know this is the cause of your puffy eyes. Through my research and experience, I feel that most diseases and imbalances can be fixed naturally with consistent diet, supplementation, and exercise. My suggestion is to look for natural methods of treatment specific to your medical condition, explore dietary options (one of the most balanced, strong, and scientific approaches I have found is a primal diet – I definitely recommend looking into it), and then stick to the plan. Tell your doctor what you’re up to and ask for their support. If they are not willing to work with you and want to keep you on prescription drugs despite your willingness to try natural methods, then I suggest finding a more flexible and integrative doctor.

I hope you guys find this helpful, and definitely leave a comment if you have any favorite tips or tricks for eliminating puffy eyes or puffy face.
~Steph  x

I also have some awesome updates on my nutrition and fitness regimen that I am excited to share with you guys soon.

FTC Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with or paid by any of the companies I mention in this article. In the past, I have been sent free products to try by Arcona and Skin Apotheke, and have since re-purchased everything on my own. Everything I have to say is my 100% honest opinion.

PRODUCTS I USE…

{CLEANSER}

100% Pure Lavender Honey Facial Cleansing Foam, $18, 6 oz.
I have been using this cleanser for at least a year and it’s my go-to product. I’m rarely loyal to products this long, and I think this will always be my cleanser if they don’t change any ingredients. Since it’s winter and I don’t want to dry my skin out, I use this cleanser once per day, at night. With this wash, I do not wet my face first since it’s a water-based foam. I just pump the dispenser once, spread the foam around my face, give a thorough wash (mostly on my T-zone), and rinse with warm (and then a splash of cool) water.

{EXFOLIATOR}

Skin Apothke Ubtan Scrub, $15, 2 oz.
Another product I have been loyal to for a long time – it’s been 7 months now (oooh!). I have found that this scrub is great for all skin types, even those that are prone to redness and irritation. For oily, normal, and male skin, you may use this every day or once every other night (remember, be gentle, and massage on your face for 30–60 seconds). For sensitive and dry skin, I recommend usage every 4–7 days, depending on your individual needs. This scrub imparts an amazing glow on your skin, and it will feel so incredibly smooth and nourished, not dry or irritated. A must-have.

ARCONA Cranberry Gommage, $42, 3.4 oz.
I have been using this scrub for about 3 months now, and it’s amazing for preventing blemishes and eliminating blackheads. I still have at least half the tube left, so for the price, it lasts a very long time. I like to switch it up between the Ubtan Scrub and this Gommage. I really love the rounded jojoba beads in this, so if you have uber-sensitive skin prone to tearing and flaking and blemishes, give this scrub a shot and you won’t be disappointed.

{TONER}

ARCONA Triad Pads, $30, 45 pads
I. Love. This. Product. A jar should last you anywhere from 30–45 days, depending on how many pads you use. I use 1–2 per day. Some people have said you can cut them up in halves or quarters, but I find that unsanitary and unnecessary, since you need a whole pad for your face (especially if you have active breakouts – you don’t want to wipe the pad over your breakout and then wipe that pad on the rest of your face since it spreads the bacteria around). I like to use the front scrubby side of the pad for my face, and then I turn it over use the smooth side to wipe my neck and chest. It’s extremely refreshing, smells delicious, leaves your skin moist and glowing, and is an excellent replacement for washing your face if you are traveling, staying in a hotel with chlorinated water, or camping (I will be using these at Coachella this year – tell me if you’re going too!).

ARCONA Clarity Spot Repair for Face/Body, $28, 45 pads
Another product that will always be in my arsenal. This is excellent for the hormonal blemishes women tend to get around period time, excellent for preventing razor bumps and ingrown hairs, preventing and eliminating blackheads, and mopping up oil. The smell is really intense and makes my eyes water, and even though my skin is sensitive, it does not irritate it whatsoever and is great for days when my skin might be pretty oily due to hormonal shifts.

For men, this product is a necessity for the medicine chest. Just swipe the pad over your face after you’re done washing or shaving, and it will keep your skin smooth, soft, and free of ingrown hairs. And yes, you can use this daily.

{MOISTURIZER}

ARCONA Magic White Ice, $38, 1 oz.
I recently re-ordered this product after using the first bottle for 3 months. I use 1–2 pumps for my face and neck. It’s the perfect moisturizer for me (my skin is oily in the T-zone, normal on cheeks, and sensitive). It absorbs quickly, smells lovely, doesn’t leave a greasy feeling, and really helps to balance the skin instead of just covering it up in some goopy moisture mess. This is the best moisturizer I have used (aside from coconut and olive oil) – I just wish it came in a giant pump bottle so I could use it all over!

ARCONA Desert Mist, $30, 1.17 oz.
I’ve been using this for over 3 months and still have about 1 month left to the product. This is a new must-have for me. If you are prone to winter dryness (and I mean flaking and redness), then try this out. It’s kind of watery and smells bizarre (like medicine), but it’s incredible. I apply it over my moisturizer in the morning, and I have seen a huge difference. My skin remains balanced and moist all day, and I don’t have any irritation from the dry winter months.

Skin Apotheke Vitamin C Rejuvenating Eye Cream, $21.95, 1 oz.
This is the best eye cream evah. It has a creamy, yet lightweight texture that melts into your skin. As you guys know, I’m pretty pale so my skin has a tendency to show those lovely bluish-green (on some people they are purple) under-eye veins. I have seen a tremendous improvement by using this, and you can hardly see them now. This also works perfectly under concealer (FYI, I use RMS “Un” Cover-Up in 11 or 22 if I’m going out or didn’t get much sleep).

{BLEMISH TREATMENT}

ARCONA Tabula Rasa, $22, 1.17 oz.
This is really runny and thin, so I use it by unscrewing the pump top and dipping a Q-tip into it. Just dot it on your blemish once or twice per day, and that blemish will be gone within 2 days. I like that it doesn’t dry out or irritate my skin. For a double whammy, you can use the Clarity pads (see above) to tone after you wash, then dot this on. Let it all sink in for a few minutes and then apply your moisturizer.

Neem Man Neem Leaf Extract, $36, 8.4 oz.
This comes straight from Australia, and it’s seriously worth the price. It lasts for a very long time, and it works really well to prevent blemishes and tone the skin (great for boosting elasticity in aging skin). It’s a great product to have around for everything — blemishes, bug bites, sunburn, eczema, etc. I get the 250 ml bottle (8.4 oz.) every 3 months or so. I believe it’s an extra $10 or $11 to ship to the United States. If you cannot tolerate tea tree oil for blemish treatment, neem is a good alternative for you.

{OTHER FUN STUFF}

Home Health Cold Pressed Castor Oil, $8.29, 16 oz.
I’ve used castor oil on my lashes for years and it keeps them thick and healthy – if you’d like, check out the post I wrote on how to get long, thick eyelashes.

Muji Cut Cutton Pads in Large, $4.95, 120 pads
These are great all-natural unbleached cotton pads, excellent for use with toners and lotion masks (a skincare technique recommended in Chizu Saeki’s Japanese Skincare Revolution book). I use them for removing eye makeup (I put some sweet almond oil on them), lotion masks, and anything else I come up with.

Aloe Vera Gel – Fresh, ~ appx. $6.99 for a plant at nurseries
Aloe is a moisturizing, calming, healing, blemish fighting, wonderous plant. I highly recommend getting a plant or two (or three), taking good care of them (keep them in full sunlight, don’t overwater), and using their amazing gel when you need it. You can even use it as a primer for your tinted moisturizer or foundation.

MY ROUTINE…

{MORNING}
1. Wipe my face with an ARCONA Triad Pad or an ARCONA Clarity pad, whichever one I feel like using
2. Moisturize with ARCONA Magic White Ice
3. Moisturize under-eyes with Skin Apotheke Vitamin C Cream
4. Treat with ARCONA Desert Mist

{EVENING}
1. Cleanse with 100% Pure Lavender Wash
2. Tone (or skip step 1 and cleanse with…) ARCONA Triad Pad or ARCONA Clarity pad
3. Moisturize with ARCONA Magic White Ice
4. Moisturize under-eyes with Skin Apotheke Vitamin C Cream

{AS NEEDED}
1. Treat any blemishes with ARCONA Tabula Rasa
2. Exfoliate with ARCONA Cranberry Gommage or Skin Apotheke Ubtan Scrub
3. Treat with ARCONA Night Breeze or ARCONA Gentle Solution

I always love knowing what you guys use in your skin care routines, so feel free to post a comment!
~Steph x

I have come across some incredible natural skin care products this year, and I wanted to share my must-haves with you.

1. 100% Pure Organic Lavender Honey Facial Cleansing Foam, $18.50. This is my go-to face wash, and the only face wash I’ve used consistently for almost a year. I love foaming washes, and foams are great for dry skin as well, particularly if you are sensitive and prone to clogged pores (cream cleansers tend to contain waxes that can easily clog pores). 100% Pure has a wide variety of foaming washes for all skin types, so if the lavender honey wash isn’t for you, try one of their other face washes. A bottle lasts me about 2–3 months.

2. Skin Apothke Ubtan Scrub, $15. My favorite scrub of all time. I’ve used dozens of scrubs and exfoliators over the years, and none have treated my sensitive skin the way it always wanted to be treated. You mix a little of the scrub with your choice of either water, organic milk, or organic plain yogurt and gently massage in circular motions for a minute or two. It effectively prevents blackheads and leaves your skin softer, radiant, and polished without feeling dry and irritated. Though the price went up a few dollars, this scrub is so well worth it. This will always be a staple in my medicine cabinet.

3. Arcona Triad Pads, $23. I have been using these pads for toning, removing the last remnants of my Ubtan scrub, and as a face wash if I’m traveling and don’t want to use chlorinated water to wash my sensitive skin. These all-purpose pads have Steph-approved ingredients (that is the first and last time I’ll refer to myself in third-person…promise), they smell good, feel good, and have a slight exfoliating action to one side of the pad. I even use them on my neck and chest for some extra freshening. These are definitely coming with me to Coachella this year.

4. Arcona Magic White Ice, $38. This is on the pricey side, but it’s my favorite moisturizer. My skin absolutely loves this stuff. It is very light, non-greasy, absorbs quickly, and leaves a nice dewy look to the skin, which makes it perfect for all but the driest skin types (you will most likely have to apply another moisturizer on top of this if you skin is excessively dry). I would normally use grapeseed oil on my cheeks and coconut oil on my T-zone, but MWI has been an excellent replacement and I don’t have to wait for it to sink in like the oil before I leave the house. I use only 1 or 2 pumps, and this will last about 3 months (or longer, according to some reviewers).

5. RMS Beauty Un-Cover Up, $36. A little goes an incredibly long way with this one. I used a little sample for about a month before I bought the full-size! This is the best concealer I have used for my under-eye area. It is smooth, creamy, doesn’t crease when you smile, and its neutral tone matches my skin perfectly. Plus, it lasts all day long (I don’t set it with powder or anything). I used color # 22 in the summer but got a sample of # 11 since 22 is proving to be a little too dark for my skin now that it’s heading into winter.

6. Rahua Amazon Beauty Conditioner, $34. This is my go-to conditioner for keeping my fine, curly hair smooth and super soft. It doesn’t weigh my hair down and keeps it from getting frizzy, even in really dry or humid environments. I have yet to find another conditioner that rivals Rahua’s amazingness. Plus, a bottle will last you about 4–6 months.

7. Jaime Earl White Tea Hydrating Masque, $24. This is the best mask I’ve used for hydrating parched skin. If you tend to get dry patches or overly dry skin in the winter, definitely give this mask a try. I like to leave it on for an hour, wipe off with warm water, and follow it up with an oil (for your body, try omega-rich Jaime Earl Ootanga Body Oil, $32 and for your face, try grapeseed, coconut, or olive oil).

8. Skin Apothke Organic Vitamin C Rejuvenating Eye Balm, $21.95. This has a lovely, creamy texture that does not clog pores or contribute to milia. Better yet, it lessens dark circles and fine lines. As you guys know, I’m pretty pale and you can see the bluish-green veins under my eyes (especially if I’m tired or slacking on the green smoothies), but after using this for over a month, you can barely see them. If you use under-eye concealer, this cream is great for moisturizing beforehand and makes for a smooth application.

9. Elegant Rose Boutique Lavender Vanilla Deodorant, $7. This stuff is amazingly effective and smells so good it can even be a perfume. You will still sweat of course (you don’t want to use an antiperspirant – you are supposed to sweat), but the sweat will not smell bad whatsoever. The best natural deodorant I have ever used. As long as she keeps the ingredients the same, I’m sticking with this one forever.

10. Real Purity Mascara, $13. I have this mascara in black and brown, and both colors are rich, non-flaky, and leave your lashes looking lovely. I also love that the formula doesn’t irritate my eyes (many natural mascaras I have tried either flake off or make my eyelids itch) and does not cause my lashes to shed or feel dry. It’s easy to remove with oil, but does not come off if you should cry from laughing too hard. I replace the mascara every 3 months.

11. Environmental Water Systems Counter Top Water Filtration FC150 – “Essential Plus”, $139.95. I have this model and their whole-home Spectrum unit at home, and since my brother started going to college, we got him this unit and their shower head filter. This is the best brand of water filtration I have found, and I’ve researched all of them. They’ve been in business for over 20 years, use the best carbon filtration available, the units are super high quality, and the water that comes out is free of chlorine and chemicals that upset our skin and hair. Using filtered water is one of the keys to having awesome skin. One of their online retailers (link above) is having a sale right now – enter code 10ALLSINK at checkout and you get 10% off this unit or any other sink filtration. 25WHLHM takes 25% off the price of their whole-home systems.

12. Sweet Bee Magic, $29.95. This balm is similar to Egyptian Magic, works just as well, and is about half the price. It is extremely hydrating and fixes everything from dry skin to dermatitis. Yoga tends to rough up my hands and feet, so one of my favorite uses for Sweet Bee is to rub it on and put on cotton gloves and socks. In the morning, you wake up with super soft hands and feet. This has been a staple in my medicine cabinet for about a year, and I’ll always have a jar around.

FTC Disclaimer: I have not been paid or sponsored by any of the manufacturers or brands mentioned. Some products were sent to be for free to try, most I have purchased myself and have re-purchased products that had been sent for free initially. Everything is my full and honest opinion, and I would never recommend anything to you guys if it didn’t live up to my standards and expectations.

If you’ve tried any of these products, let me know what you think of them! Do you have any products you would recommend?
~Steph  x

As we’re approaching winter, I thought it would be a good idea to post some advice on preventing dry skin in the upcoming colder months. It’s not the cold itself that makes our skin dry — it’s that funky dry air the heaters pump out 24/7. This dry air tends to make normal skin dry, and already-dry skin tends to get tight, scaly and flaky. Here are some tips to keep this from happening.

1. Avoid these ingredients in all your skin care, makeup, and hair care products:

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
Sodium laureth sulfate (SLS)
Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, etc.)
BHT
Mineral oil
Petrolatum
Propylene glycol

These ingredients contribute to skin problems, specifically drying it out and/or not letting your skin breathe and causing blocked pores and breakouts. Avoid them and seek out natural products (I mention a bunch of brands throughout the blog and in my book, too).

Picture from Sarah’s Blog: Syrup & Honey

2. Hydrate from the inside. Your best friend this winter is going to be green juices. Or green smoothies. Or both. These are my secret weapon! Green juices and green smoothies are the original vitamin water — they carry skin-loving nutrients into your body much better than plain water (though plain filtered water is still amazing for you). For example, a green smoothie made with a cucumber, apple, 2 cups of filtered water, and a handful or two of spinach is going to flood your body with silica, vitamins, minerals, and fiber that will make your skin absolutely glow and prevent breakouts.

If you want hydrated, glowy skin, stop drinking soda and coffee, and cut down on alcohol. These three things dry out your skin (alcohol can actually make it oilier as well as help to enlarge pores) and make it harder for your body to maintain healthy, hydrated skin. Some alcohol has repeatedly been found to be good for you (particularly wine and sake, not hard alcohol) and enhances mineral absorption and antioxidant protection. Just don’t overdo it. Switch from coffee to Teeccino or tea, and switch from soda to natural sodas like IZZE or try sparkling water. I just drink filtered water from my under-counter water filtration system (Environmental Water Systems is my absolute favorite) along with my green juices, green smoothies, and tea (Mountain Rose Herbs green and red rooibos are my favorite).

3. Hydrate from the outside. Oils are amazing for keeping your skin smooth and protected. Everyone’s skin is different and your skin may prefer one oil over another, so experiment and see what you like best. A general guideline is to make sure the oil is organic and produced without chemical solvents (i.e. hexane). Cold processed, cold-pressed, and expeller-pressed are great. Some natural oil choices include: extra virgin olive oil (rich and moisturizing, great for night), grapeseed oil (a lighter oil, oily skin will love it, great for daytime for all skin), coconut oil (great for preventing blackheads), jojoba oil (mimics our natural sebum), emu oil (not vegan, but excellent for dry skin and people prone to dermatitis or eczema), apricot kernel oil (rich in fatty acids but lighter weight than olive), sweet almond oil (light, great for removing makeup, some say it’s especially good for the under-eye area and dark circles), shea butter/oil (very rich and thick, best for the body or extremely dry skin), watermelon seed oil (good for all skin types, rich in fatty acids), argan oil (lightweight, almost dry feeling, better for oily skin and those prone to breakouts), and rice bran oil (a lighter-weight oil, nourishing, rich in B vitamins).

Also pick up a formulated hydrating serum and moisturizer to wear during the day if you don’t want to use plain oil or you want some additional antioxidant effects or nutrients. You can also layer a moisturizing lotion or cream on top of the oil (let it soak in 5–10 minutes first) if you have dry skin. Some brands to check out are 100% Pure, Living Nature, Jaime Earl, Dr. Mercola’s skin care products, Tilvee, Lily Organics, Eminence Organics, Living Nature, ARCONA, and Sophyto. That’s all I can think of at the moment. ;D

Another thing you might like is Avene Thermal Water Spray (it’s $16 for a big ole’ spray bottle). Avene uses mineral oil and parabens in their other products, but their thermal water spray is the pure water from their fresh springs which has a great ratio of minerals and nutrients, which is very healing for those with dry skin, dermatitis, and eczema. I used to use their products when I was 19 and had eczema (and when their formulations weren’t as artificially-oriented). Now I use their spray again for keeping my skin moist during the day — whenever it feels a little parched. After I wash my face and pat dry, I mist a little on and then immediately apply grapeseed or olive oil to seal in the moisture. It works like a charm. You can also use it to set your makeup if you wear mineral foundation. If you want to try other water sprays, check out Mountain Rose Herbs. They have a great selection of floral waters (a.k.a. hydrosols) for toning, setting makeup, hydrating, etc.

4. Supplement. Unless you live on your own farm with rich organic soil and a stream full of fish in the backyard, you’re going to need some supplements to give your body an ideal level of what it needs to keep your skin glowing and hydrated. There are just not enough nutrients in our food today, and with all the contaminants in our air and water, we need a little extra help.

First, take a quality whole foods based supplement, such as Garden of Life or New Chapter. I have been taking Garden of Life Raw One for Women for about 2 years now and love it. Next, you can take supplemental Vitamin C if you are stressed or sick and MSM (2,000 mg. – 10,000 mg. per day) if you want to even skin tone and reduce scarring.

Another supplement to try is a quality fish oil or krill oil (krill is shellfish though, just FYI in case you’re allergic) for Omega 3 fatty acids. I like Carlson Labs Cod Liver Oil with Lemon. Another supplement (particularly if you are female and prone to lower estrogen levels, such as a menopausal situation) for dry skin is evening primrose oil and black currant oil. Both are good sources of Omega 6 fatty acids, including anti-inflammatory GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). Fish and krill oil is superior to flax because it is a more complete Omega 3 and does not have any estrogenic qualities (unless that is what you’re looking for).

For Omega 3 acids like Carlson liquid cod liver oil, take 1 tsp. – 1 Tbsp. twice per day with meals. Or for Omega 3 capsules, take about 3,000 mg. per day. For Omega 6 acids like evening primrose and black currant oils, take a 500 mg. capsule twice per day. Both Omega supplements can take up to eight weeks to see a big change in your skin, but you may notice changes like smoother, more hydrated skin within the first two weeks.

5. Humidify! Get some moisture back in the air with a humidifier. Or better yet, keep your thermostat low to prevent the heater from kicking on all the time. What I like to do is keep a window open while I sleep (even if it’s 32 degrees at night). I just bundle up under more blankets and let the cold, non-dry air come in. It works wonders for keeping your skin from drying out. Another thing that helps is keeping houseplants. I have plants everywhere, and my favorite are pothos because they’re pretty, easy to care for, and filter the air. The more plants you have breathing in your home or room, the more fresh and hydrated the air will be.

6. Take skin-friendly showers. Bathing and showering in chlorinated water is a big fat no-no. Chlorine is a known skin, eye, and lung irritant, and many allergists and physicians (even Dr. Oz brings it up all the time) highly recommend using water filtration to prevent hair breakage, ease dry skin, and ease asthma and skin allergies. The EPA has a dozen reports about how chlorine is a skin, eye, and lung irritant and will bond to your hair protein and make it brittle. If you can’t afford a quality whole home carbon filtration system like this one (there are a lot of cheap crappy ones, don’t fall for it), at least get a high-quality shower filter so you’re showering in chlorine-free water.

Next, wash in lukewarm or warm water. Never use hot water in your shower, and try not to linger too long. If you get really dry, flaky skin in the winter, this is especially important for you. I know, I love taking long showers too, but at least keep it warm so it’s not stripping all the healthy oils from your skin. Right out of the shower, towel off a bit and use an all-over body oil or body butter. Any of the amazing oils I listed in #3 will work beautifully.

Same goes for face washing. Use lukewarm water, never hot. Use a few splashes of cool/cold water to give a final rinse and help tighten your pores. Follow with your toner (floral water, witch hazel toner, neem leaf water, or whatever you like) and moisturizing oil/serum/lotion.

7. Move. Exercise is amazing for releasing waste from your lymph system and stimulating a good oil balance in your skin. If you have dry skin, exercise will help keep it hydrated, stimulate bloodflow and get much-needed nutrients to the face. Remember that oily skin is not the problem, it’s just that bacteria and internal waste get caught up in that oil and cause a problem. If you keep your machine running smoothly, you won’t have a problem. If you are prone to being stressed or angry, try a calming yet sweat-inducing yoga or pilates class. Many gyms offer them as part of monthly memberships, or you can go to a specialized studio. Definitely get an in-person experience before you purchase any DVDs so you don’t hurt yourself. High intensity interval training, circuit training, and plyometrics are also amazing exercises that have two huge benefits: 1. fast results if you’re looking to lose weight and 2. they’re perfect for people who are short on time. Each HIIT/circuit/plyo workout takes anywhere from 4 minutes to 35 minutes, depending on what routine you want to do and how much time you have. Only do them 2–3 times per week, and do yoga or other calming exercises (a nice, easy or moderate hike, for instance) the rest of the week. The goal is not to make your body produce extra stress hormones that can make acne-prone people breakout.

Let me know if you have any tips or if I may have forgotten something!
~Steph  x