Hey everyone! I have been compiling truckloads of fast, inexpensive, all-natural skin and body “hacks” for years, and many of them were passed down from my grandparents and older friends. Give these 8 tips a shot the next time you need a little help.

Medical Disclaimer: I assume you are all smart cookies, but have to put a disclaimer in here. I am not a medical doctor (yet) and nothing in this post should be considered medical advice. Consult your physician prior to implementing any of the advice herein.

{HEARTBURN}
This the cheapest trick in the book, and I use it on my family members when they (rarely) get an indigestion problem.

• Drink a small glass of water. This will balance the pH of your stomach and ease digestive upset and heartburn. The upset should go away with 1 or 2 minutes. Seems silly, but it works.
• Not going away after the water and it’s been 5–10 minutes? Put 1 Tbsp. unfiltered, organic apple cider vinegar in 8–10 oz. of water. Drink up. That should do it!
• In the future, prevent the problem by eating slower and chewing each bite completely. You can also take 1 Tbsp. unfiltered, organic apple cider vinegar in water prior to eating, to help digestion. Alternatively, use lemon juice on your food or consume some sauerkraut with your meals.

{FATIGUE / LOW ENERGY}
There are several causes (e.g. low iron, low B vitamins, stress, poor sleep, sleep apnea, insulin imbalance, tannins) and you should see a doctor or naturopath if the problem persists.

• For a quick pick-me-up, take 2 tsp. of blackstrap molasses. You can also make yourself a delicious protein smoothie (I recommend Sun Warrior’s Warrior Blend since it’s whey-free and rice-free, and non-chalky) – blend 1 scoop SW Warrior Blend with filtered water, ice, some molasses/maple syrup/raw honey to taste, a handful of berries, and maybe 1 Tbsp. peanut butter or almond butter (all natural, no salt/sugar added).
• Try exercise. It sounds counterproductive, but a quick run or a yoga class will increase blood flow and boost your energy. Over the long-term, regular activity will give you a steady supply of energy.
• Drink your tea with meals, or cut down on it. Black tea contains tannins that decrease iron absorption, leading to fatigue. Green tea, on the other hand, is a stress-relieving energy booster.

{COLDS & SICKNESS}
This tip comes in handy a lot, and is especially timely now that we’re heading into winter.

• Make sure you’re getting enough healthy bacteria – the digestive tract is the seat of our immune system. Take probiotics, and incorporate goat yogurt and/or sauerkraut into your daily diet.
• Enjoy a healthy diet of green leafy veggies, omega-3 eggs, , wild-caught fish, and grass-fed meats. Ditch the grains, they only weaken you by increasing inflammation and spiking insulin, and there is very little nutritional value (you get more nutrients from vegetables and meats).
• Eat chopped or crushed garlic, and keep the garlic in the fridge since it keeps the allicin intact (garlic’s antibacterial/virla/fungal compound).

{GARLIC BREATH}
Garlic tastes amazing and should be eaten and enjoyed often! But you shouldn’t have to suffer the breath-related consequences.

• Swish some full-fat milk in your mouth and spit it out (don’t swallow the milk). If you desire, rinse and repeat.

{CONSTIPATION}
Occasionalconstipation can happen when you travel, make dietary changes, or have increased stress. If you have a recurring constipation problem, honestly assess your diet and/or consult your doctor.

• Eat 5 large prunes (maximum 10…more than that could be a little too much for you). The fiber and sorbitol in the prunes acts as a gentle laxative. (Bonus: prunes help to increase your bone density – weird but true!)
• Eat leafy green veggies, fruits, drink only water (and lots of it), and go on daily walks.
• Treat yourself to a colon hydrotherapy session (do your research – DO NOT use a closed system, you want an open system like a Libbe), or do an enema. It’s safe and effective when done properly (and for peat’s sake, don’t put coffee in the water and shove it up your bum…plain, filtered water is perfectly fine and the only thing that you should be using).

{BODY ODOR}
Smelling bad is not natural or normal. Our “natural scent” is supposed to be just sort of plain and maybe musky, but nothing offensive. Here’s how to fix it.

• If you’re eating a lot of junk food, eggs, or onions, you may have found your culprit right there.
• Eat more green leafy veggies and zinc-rich foods. Chlorophyll and zinc significantly reduce body odor. Some zinc-rich foods include: beef, lamb, pumpkin seeds, turkey, spinach, broccoli, Swiss chard, collards. If you opt to take a zinc supplement, opt for a 15 mg. one and check with your doctor first. It’s easy to get too much zinc, and you don’t want to overdose.

{BLOAT / PUFFINESS}
Water retention and bloating happens to the best of us. Take the swelling down fast with these two tips.

• Take a cool bath/shower or swim in cool water for about 30 minutes. Cold water forces your body to eliminate excess fluid, since it tends to hold onto water when it thinks you’re hot or dehydrated.
• Consume potassium-rich foods and fluids, like coconut water, leafy greens, and watermelon.

{YEAST INFECTION}
Yeast infections and UTIs are common woman issues, but you don’t have to settle for the nasty cycle of UTI-antibiotic-yeast infection-funcicide-and so on.

• Take probiotic capsules. This keeps fungus in check and helps to strengthen your body’s hold on healthy, immune-boosting bacteria. This also guards against UTIs.
• If dairy doesn’t illicit pimples for you, eat plain, unsweetened, organic/grass-fed yogurt. Lactose intolerant? Eat goat yogurt.
• 2x/day, soak a tampon in yogurt (plain and unsweetened!) and insert it. Leave it in for about 5 minutes (longer is not necessarily better). This puts the good bacteria right at the site of infection to kill off the yeast and put everything back in balance, and has an instant soothing effect.
• Reoccurring infections? Look at your diet – eliminate grains and sugars. Eat low-glycemic veggies, fruits, seafood, and meats.

Those are just a small sampling of cheap, effective tricks I’ve learned over the years. Have any of your own? Leave a comment!
~Steph  x

Spider veins are a bit tricky. They exist on the majority of  human bodies, although some more obvious than others thanks to skin coloring, genetics, and sex (male or female). Their causes can be a bit difficult to prevent, but the cures are simple and effective.

{CAUSES}

1. Hormones – specifically too much estrogen or estrogen surges (can be caused by birth control pills and pregnancy)
2. Sitting or standing too long
3. Sun exposure
4. Genetic predisposition

{FIXES}

1. Eat a truly healthy, “Epic Beauty Guide approved” diet which will keep your organs healthy and your hormones in balance.
2. Exercise daily to keep your entire vascular system healthy and strong, which prevents weak vessels and pooling blood. Try yoga, walking, HIIT/Tabata, spinning/biking, swimming, boxing, whatever you like.
3. If you sit all day, get up every half-hour to stretch and walk (even if it’s just walking back and forth to the water cooler). If you can’t get up that often, stretch at your desk every 30 minutes: do calf raises 15–20 times, then flex and extend your ankles 10–20 times to prevent blood pooling in your legs. This may sound like a lot, but it feels good and it’s important. We’re not meant to sit all day, so you have to take measures to keep yourself in good condition.
4. If you stand all day, take breaks to stretch and exercise your legs by doing a few calf raises, squats, fold-overs (to stretch hamstrings), etc.
5. For spider veins on the legs, wear supportive compression socks or tights (good brands to try, often recommended by doctors: Sigvaris and Jobst) to prevent spider and varicose veins. Get tights that have graduated compression, going from tighter in the feet to looser up the leg. Wear them 2–3 times per week.
6. Take 200–500 mg. horse chestnut extract daily (consult your integrative physician or naturopath first) to help prevent spider vein formation. Butcher’s broom is also helpful for vascular health, though that is more often used for vericose veins.
7. Do not expose your body to the sun too long without SPF. Wear a hat and either wear UMF protective clothing or a physical sunblock (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide). Unprotected sun exposure is still good for you since you need it for you health and vitamin D production – just don’t become a sun bunny unless you want leathery skin, wrinkles, and spider veins.
8. When sitting and relaxing, keep your legs even with your feet by propping them up on an ottoman or hassock.
9. Do not cross your legs.
10. Sclerotherapy is a fast, effective fix whereby a saline solution gets injected into the tiny veins to dissolve them. Hypertonic saline is the best option since it’s the most natural and has no risk of allergy and little to no side effects (the other solutions are detergents or foams that can have allergic responses and result in hyperpigmentation). Depending on your pain tolerance, you may only feel the tiny prick of the needle, or you may have a burning sensation. Costs range from $250 to $450 per session. Be sure to find an experienced sclerotherapist, because your results are highly dependent on who is wielding that needle. They have to have the experience, eyesight, and sturdy hand to get into those tiny veins.
11. Laser is another method for eliminating spider veins, though there are mixed feelings and results about this method. It is about the same price as sclerotherapy. Do your research on doctors and lasers to see what would suit you best.

Did you have spider veins and got rid of them? Feel free to leave a comment about what worked for you.
~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 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

I recently received an email request regarding eyelashes and caring for them (thank you for the suggestion, Ewa!), so I’m going to cover that right about now.

{THE PROBLEM}
Using conventional mascara and eyelash extensions will weaken your eyelashes and make them more sparse. Eyelash curlers (if you properly use them and don’t yank your lashes) shouldn’t cause a problem.

{THE SOLUTION}
Treat your eyelashes with the same care and consideration that you use to treat your skin and hair. The same rules apply — wash, moisturize, and only use effective natural products that do not contain petroleum byproducts, parabens, and other carcinogenic or otherwise harmful ingredients.

Use a natural mascara from a brand like Real Purity, Lavera, Nvey Eco, Living Nature, or Dr. Hauschka. My personal favorite is from Real Purity — it doesn’t dry my eyelashes out or flake off. At the end of the day, take off your makeup with coconut oil (your makeup will come right off) and proceed to wash your face with a good cleanser. Your eyelashes get washed when you wash your face, so no worries there. Once washed, moisturize your eyelashes with a quality oil — try grapeseed oil, coconut oil, or castor oil. My personal favorite is Home Health castor oil, which I apply to my eyelashes almost every night (on other nights, I use grapeseed oil). It keeps my eyelashes thick and strong, and you only need the tiniest amount since it’s so thick. I just take my ring finger and run the oil along my top and bottom lash line.

You should see an improvement in the strength and thickness of your lashes within 4 weeks by switching mascara and moisturizing them nightly. They’re simple changes that will do wonders!

(FYI: you may want to avoid olive oil when removing eye makeup or moisturizing your lashes — some people, including myself, experience stinging in the eyes from it.)

Hope you found that helpful! If you have any eyelash tips or topic suggestions, let me know.
~Steph  x

The bad news first: you can’t really shrink your pore size once they’re enlarged (it’s not impossible, but definitely difficult), but you can definitely prevent them from looking enlarged by keeping them free from extra oil and debris, and keeping your skin firm and elastic. Clogged pore = large pore!

The good news is that there are a few ways to minimize the size of pores naturally and prevent them from getting bigger, and I’ll also be mentioning a few treatments that are for stubborn cases that may need a professional touch.

Shrink Your Pores (Part 1)

Shrink Your Pores (Part 2)

{PORE SHRINKING TECHNIQUE #1}

Bob’s Red Mill Aluminum-Free Baking Soda, 1 lb., $3.99 or Skin Apothke Ubtan Scrub, 2 oz., $9
Baking soda is a tried and true (and cheap!) method to exfoliating, and as we all should know, exfoliating is key to keeping your pores clear and small. Makeup artists swear by it to perfect the face prior to makeup application and many people swear that it prevents and treats their acne and large pores. Baking soda is perfect for normal, oily, and acne-prone skin that is not super sensitive. If you have very sensitive or very dry skin, use baking soda with caution or try Skin Apothke Ubtan Scrub, which is a gentle, Ayurvedic herbal exfoliant (and my favorite).

Directions: 1.} Wash your face with your normal face wash, 2.} Mix 1 or 2 Tbsp. baking soda (or Ubtan scrub) with water to make a paste, and massage gently over your face in circular motions for about 30 seconds. Be sure to use lukewarm water (never hot) and finish with a rinse of cool water. Try this every night as part of your skincare routine, for a full 5–7 days. You can then use it as needed, 3–5 times per week.

{PORE SHRINKING TECHNIQUE #2}

Mario Badescu Silver Powder, 1 oz., $12
This is a popular way to gently absorb excess sebum and debris from the pores, drawing out blackheads, and minimizing pores. Makeup Alley has over 100 reviews on it, most of them really great, and I have tried it on my sensitive skin with good results. I tend to get blackheads only, and regular gentle exfoliation and use of this powder works well for keeping your pores blackhead-free. This little jar will last you at least 2–3 months if you use it a few times per week. For those with dry and sensitive skin, use this once or twice per week. Those with normal and oily skin will be able to use it 2–4 times. The idea is not to dry your face out! If you have active acne blemishes, I do not advise you use this mask, since it is a drawing mask and drawing masks can worsen an area that is broken out.

Directions: 1.} Dampen a cotton ball with a little water and touch it to the powder, 2.} Apply a light layer on the oily and congested areas of your face, 3.} Leave on 10 minutes and remove with a skin-type-appropriate toner (try witch hazel, rose water, neem leaf spray, lavender water, Sophyto Bioactive, etc.), 4.} Use a little extraction tool to remove any blackheads that have risen out of the pore, or exfoliate gently, 5.} Moisturize with a non-pore clogging, wax-free moisturizer (my favorite is organic extra virgin olive oil or 100% Pure Coffee Cherry Caffeine Face Cream).

Remember: Do not scrub it off and remember to apply a light layer — too thick and it will be hard to remove. You don’t want to irritate your skin.

{PORE SHRINKING TECHNIQUE #3}

Alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids (salicylic, fruit acids, lactic, glycolic), $$
AHA and BHA are known as chemical exfoliants, since there is no physical exfoliating or scrubbing going on, making them ideal for more sensitive types (as long as the % is lower) and daily usage. Try using a yogurt mask a few nights per week, or use a salicylic or glycolic acid treatment gel nightly, such as Naturopathica or Nonni of Beverly Hills AHA! products. Click here for my instructions on how to exfoliate using a yogurt mask. These will actively work to unclog pores and keep skin cells from gathering in your pores.

{PORE SHRINKING TECHNIQUE #4}

Microdermabrasion, peels and laser refining treatments, $$$
Consult with your dermatologist or licensed aesthetician on these treatments to see if they would be appropriate for your skin and budget. Try the natural, less expensive options I’ve listed here (use consistently for at least 2 weeks), and if there is no noticeable difference, then I would suggest exploring these professional treatments.

{PORE SHRINKING TECHNIQUE #5}

DIY peels and pore strips, $
You can easily make your own peels and pore strips, but I have to really caution you on this because you can irritate your skin and cause more harm than good. If you have sensitive, thin, or dry skin, I would not suggest making or using a peel-off treatment. There are two ways I know of to making your own pore strips.

{Pore Strip #1}
Remove your makeup (if any) and wash your face. Soak a clean face cloth in warm water and use it as a compress on the areas you are about to peel. Meanwhile, mix 1 teaspoon of unflavored, natural gelatin with 1 teaspoon organic, full-fat milk. Microwave it for about 10 seconds in a small glass dish. Remove your warm compress and apply a thin layer of the gelatin goop on areas with blackheads (I don’t recommend putting this on whiteheads or inflamed acne), and let it dry. This can take anywhere from 10–30 minutes, and should take less time if you put a smaller amount on. Then peel it off slowly once it hardens. Afterward, you may use a gentle scrub (I highly recommend the Ubtan scrub I mentioned in Pore Shrinking Technique #1, since it contains anti-inflammatory, calming ingredients) to remove any blackheads that have lifted out or any leftover peel. Splash your face with cool water to help the pores close. Then apply a natural moisturizer.

{Pore Strip #2}
Remove your makeup (if any) and wash your face. Soak a clean face cloth in warm water and use it as a compress on the areas you are about to peel. Meanwhile, beat 1 egg white in a bowl with a whisk until it’s really bubbly, about 30–60 seconds. Apply the egg white to your face. While it’s still wet, apply a thin layer of tissue paper to your face and apply more egg white on top of it. Let it dry and harden, and peel off slowly. Afterward, use a gentle, calming scrub, toner, and moisturize with a natural moisturizer. I realize it’s a little hard to explain without a picture, but I found a great video that explains how to do this egg white mask. (OPTIONAL: After you use the egg white pore strip, you can save the yolk and apply that your skin for a good pop of Vitamin A and nourishing moisture for your skin. Simply leave it on 10 minutes and rinse off.)

UPDATE 22nd Sept. 2010: I found another great video on the egg white mask that is also explained very well, plus it’s done by a guy so it might appeal more to the dudes who read this blog.

{PORE SHRINKING TECHNIQUE #6}

Your Diet! Make sure to get a lot of Vitamin C, antioxidants, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and quality protein in your diet. This means including berries, fish, yogurt, and greens in your daily meals. I have written several articles (and a book, The Real Guide to Flawless Skin – it’s available now! woohoo!) on how to eat for clear, flawless skin. This also goes for keeping pores small — you have to eat well in order for your skin’s collagen stores and elasticity to remain youthful and firm, which controls your pore size. Ever notice that as people age their pores enlarge? That’s because they’re losing elasticity. You can prevent that with a good diet and whole-food, non-synthetic supplements.

{PORE SHRINKING TECHNIQUE #7}

Good Skincare! Make use of natural skin care products that contain antioxidants and skin firmers, such as green tea, white tea, ascorbyl palmitate, ellagic acid, blackberry leaf, gotu kola, berry extracts or concentrates, manuka honey, and neem leaf (you can also use neem leaf as an extract in spray form, which I love). Many of the brands I mention throughout my blog and in my book carry creams, lotions, moisturizers, and treatment serums containing ingredients that will help you shrink your pores and keep them all small. Companies like Skin Actives and Bulk Actives also carry these ingredients (and tons more) to help you make your own treatments, too.

{PORE SHRINKING TECHNIQUE #8}

Cleanse your face well. If you wear makeup, first try wearing less of it and use natural foundation/tinted moisturizer from companies like Living Nature, 100% Pure, or All Natural Face. When you take off your makeup at the end of the day, remove it with a natural makeup remover or plain coconut oil. After that, be sure to spend 1 or 2 minutes really cleaning your face with a good natural cleanser. Be gentle, don’t scrub, but be thorough. Leftover makeup on your skin will only clog pores and create more large pores and make the large pores appear larger.

I hope you guys found that helpful! If you have any tips or tricks you use that have worked to shrink your pores, definitely leave a comment.
~Steph  x

Exfoliating your skin on a regular basis does wonders for improving its look and feel — you’ll wind up with smoother, softer skin, and if you’re prone to blackheads, you’ll have less of them.

The trick is finding a quality scrub or exfoliator that will do a great job, but doesn’t contain unsafe artificial ingredients and won’t irritate your skin in the process. These are my Top 5 picks for exfoliating products.

{PICK #1}

Skin Apothke Ubtan Scrub
I am completely hooked on this natural, Ayurvedic herbal scrub. It is soothing, anti-acne (and anti-blackheads), and imparts a gorgeous glow on the skin. Use 1–3 times per week depending on your skin type. This scrub is best for all skin types, and sensitive skin will especially appreciate it. The bottle may be deceivingly small, but I’ve been using the Ubtan scrub for over 2 months, 1–3 times per week, and I still have half the bottle left! ($9, 2 oz., available at Etsy.com)

{PICK #2}

Talulah Vanilla Bean Rejuvenating Cleanser
This vanilla, rice, and sugar scrub is a great choice for those with oily, thicker skin. Sensitive, thinner skin should rub the scrub in the hands prior to applying to the face, just to wear down the exfoliating particles a bit so it’s gentler. Smells amazing, too! ($26, 4 oz., available at talulahskincare.com)

{PICK #3}

Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser
Organic lemongrass, sugar, and soothing herbs make this lemonade-smelling scrub an excellent choice for acne-prone skin. However, if you are allergic or sensitive to chamomile (ragweed family) or algae (seaweeds) then you may not find the same positive results with this scrub that so many people rave about. ($29.95, 4 oz., available at amazon.com)

{PICK #4}

Eminence Organics Scrubs
This company provides a wide selection of scrubs, peels, and polishers that smell divine, work wonderfully, and are good enough to eat (i.e. Mimosa Champagne Sugar Scrub). You can go to the Eminence website and see exactly what scrub would work best for your skin type, so you’re not stuck in a one-size-fits-all situation. (Priced around $40, 8.4 oz., available at amazon.com)

{PICK #5}

Naturopathica Glycolic Purifying Peel
For skin that is often irritated or sensitive, non-physical exfoliators like salicylic and glycolic acid may be the better way to go. For this, my favorite is this treatment from Naturopathica. While the price is steep, it is well worth the quality and hard work this product does on behalf of your skin. It prevents acne (especially blackheads) and keeps your skin smooth and soft without any scrubbing. ($68, 2.5 oz., available at naturopathica.com)

{BONUS PICK}

KAVI Microderm Exfoliator
This glycolic and crystal cream exfoliator is ideal for mature skin and those seeking to even out their skin tone (if you have acne scars or sun damage — rejoice!). I wouldn’t recommend it for those with active acne. This is a great option for an at-home microdermabrasion treatment that has natural, plant-based ingredients instead of all the artificial junk you don’t want on your skin. ($56, 2 oz., available at kaviskin.com)

Let me know if you have used any of these products and how you like them! Also, if you have any good (and natural) exfoliators you use, feel free to post a comment telling us what it is.
~Steph  x

Now that it’s summer and we’re exposing more skin, you might be a little (or more than a little!) concerned about the appearance of cellulite on your butt and legs. Well, take heart, because there are 5 natural and effective ways to banish cellulite forevahhh. Results may start appearing within 1 week, but expect some serious change within 3–4 weeks.

{1. Strengthen your muscle.} When the muscle in your backside is strong and lean, the fat has a very hard time popping through and making you look lumpy. The key is doing hamstring curls and squats at low weight and high repetitions. Try 3 sets of 15–25 reps on a low weight. And try participating in exercise classes like spinning (or go bicycling outside) and kickboxing, which seriously tone your legs and butt. If you are a beginning exerciser, start with 2–3 times per week. If you are intermediate/advanced, train your legs 4–5 days per week, which will not only tone and strengthen the muscle, but slim your thighs and lift your butt much more quickly. For other exercise ideas, check out BodyRock.tv — I do one of her workouts 5–7 days per week and LOVE it.

{2. Strengthen your connective tissue.} Plump, healthy collagen fibers are important for keeping your skin youthful, firm, and cellulite-free. In order for your body to convert amino acids (protein) into collagen, vitamin C must be present. Find a good food-based vitamin C powder or capsule, such as acerola cherry or camu camu powder, or Vitamin Code Raw Vitamin C. It’s water soluble and you can’t overdose. Take at least 1,000 mg. per day, with meals (I take 2,000–5,000 mg.). For more protein and vitamin C, focus on eating foods like egg whites, fish, fresh berries, fruit, goat dairy, and legumes (beans). Glucosamine and MSM may also be two supplements worth looking into for yourself, because it also supports collagen and healthy skin. Personally, I take 3,000 mg. of MSM daily, with vitamin C.

{3. Lay on hands!} Once or twice per day, massage your butt and thighs with a cellulite massager (try Bliss’s circulation stimulator) and an anti-cellulite massage oil (try Weleda’s Birch Cellulite Oil). This helps to bring circulation and nutrition the cells in the area, plumping them out and making cellulite look less noticeable.

{4. Get hydrated.} Drinking 1–2 liters of water per day has been drilled into all of our heads as THE best way to stay hydrated. While I do recommend it for glowing skin and zero cellulite, I always say to eat more hydrating foods as your first line of defense. The more hydrating foods you eat — like fresh fruit, green juices, green smoothies — the better hydrated your body will be. You will not bloat up, your skin will glow, and your cellulite will diminish or entirely disappear. For liquids, I personally prefer to drink herbal teas and coconut water, since your body also absorbs those fluids better than straight water. When drinking water itself, make sure it’s either spring water or filtered water from a high-quality filtration unit (try Environmental Water Systems). And remember to eat less dehydrating foods, like bread, pasta, muffins, pastries, crackers, and dried fruit.

{5. Alter your undies.} Buy undies that don’t have elastic around the leg openings, as that restricts blood flow. Try string bikinis and softer fabrics without the elastic, like lace or seamless stretchy undies.

BONUS: Do you sit on your bum all day working? Try setting an alarm to go off every hour, so you know to get up, stretch and walk around, and get the circulation back into your legs and butt. It only take 2–3 minutes, but it will do a world of good for your looks!

I hope that helps you get rid of that pesky cellulite! Let me know how it goes.
~Stephanie x