Which foods are best for natural beauty?

You came to the right place!  That's what I wrote my master's these about and it's my favorite topic.  
You can download my FREE e-book "Prettier by the Plate" and get the answers.

In Prettier by the Plate, you will learn about: 
  • the connection between nutrition and beauty
  • how to use foods to age gracefully
  • which foods and nutrients are best for boosting your natural beauty
  • which supplements are worth a try
  • how to feel prettier - plate by plate!


​What does beauty have to do with health?

Beauty appears differently across cultures, locales, and eras of time, and we should embrace that. We're all very different and beauty is very individual.  However, a common thread across all varying definitions of beauty is an appearance of health. This includes having facial symmetry, supple skin, lustrous hair, straight teeth, bright eyes, a waist-hip ratio that implies fertility in women, a muscular body composition in men, and good posture. 

As far as nutrition, the approach to beauty is a simple concept: what nourishes your body to help it be healthy on the inside will also be evident on the outside, especially on your skin. The opposite is also true. Poor nutrition will rob your body of health, vitality, and beauty. It will be written all over your face, literally, and make you appear older than you are and unhealthy. Aging gracefully is the goal, and nutrition is a necessary tool. It helps us not age any faster than necessary. Beauty can be absolutely timeless.

Read more: Feel Gorgeous! The Beauty & Health Connection &
Are You Struggling with a Poor Body Image?

And how is beauty holistic?

​True beauty is holistic and encompasses the aspects of mind, body, spirit, and emotions.  It's a total lifestyle supportive of health and well-being. We can feel more beautiful when we focus on controlling chronic stress, and getting plenty of sunshine, exercise, and sleep.  Fun and laughter are required.  It means having deep connections with others and with God and nature.  It means pursuing your dreams and putting your best foot forward.  It means nourishing your body to thrive and feel spectacularly beautiful. It all supports your physical, mental, and spiritual health and it unmistakably shows on the outside, too.

How can I age gracefully?

You are one lucky lady (or gent)! If you're concerned about your skin and your health, I have created the perfect course for you: Time Defying Skin!

​Your skin is a window into how healthy you are and how well you are aging on the inside. Are you happy with what you see?

Time Defying Skin discusses the causes of aging that you have control over.  The keys to youthful skin and feeling healthy may not be found in expensive serums or a plastic surgeon's office after all. A nourishing diet and healthy lifestyle practices are the natural solution.
​
By the time you complete the course, you will  be able to:
  • Identify the basic theories of why our bodies age.
  • Understand how the health of your whole body on the inside is reflected outwardly in the features of your skin.
  • Describe the various features of aged skin and understand the health ramifications (beyond just the cosmetic).
  • Recognize the foods that will rob your health and cause accelerated aging of your skin.
  • Identify the healthy foods and nutrients that can forestall the aging process.
  • Pinpoint the lifestyle habits and toxins that contribute to accelerated skin aging and recognize the healthier alternatives.
  • and much, much more!!!

There's no homework or tests, just great info!
The full price for  this e-course is normally $35, but I like to give my lovely website readers special treatment - you deserve it! ​So, anyone who signs up through the special link here gets the discounted price of  ​just $10!

What's that website where you can check if cosmetics contain toxic ingredients?

That's the Environment Working Group's "Skin Deep Database".  It's awesome!
You'll definitely want to install EWG's Healthy Living Ap on your phone. Use it when you're shopping to scan beauty products and get their EWG rating and to check for harmful ingredients. ​Products are ranked from 1-10.  10 is the most toxic. Aim for less toxic products ranked 1-3.

What are the most toxic ingredients to avoid?



​Your skin is the largest organ on your body and absorbs what what you apply on it. It really matters for good health and for aging gracefully. ​
​
​The Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) lists the most harmful ingredients to watch out for in cosmetics and personal care products.

The worst offenders to always avoid include:​
  • Triclosan and triclocarban
  • Vitamin A (listed as: retinol, retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate) 
  • Oxybenzone
  • Formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in nail polish
  • BHA
  • Fragrance
  • Boric acid and Sodium borate
  • Coal tar hair dyes and other coal tar ingredients (including Aminophenol, Diaminobenzene, Phenylenediamine)
  • Hydroquinone
  • Parabens (specifically Propyl-, Isopropyl-, Butyl-, and Isobutyl- parabens)
  • Phthalates


​What are the best natural beauty products?

​​There's always a better alternative out there. But, don't get overwhelmed. Every time you need to replace something, opt for a healthier choice. There are many great natural beauty products to choose from.  Or, you can make your own! These are my favorites...
​
  • Cosmetics
My favorite organic, all-natural cosmetics firm is 100% Pure. I love that their cosmetics are naturally fruit-pigmented and are packed with lovely antioxidants and nutrients.  They offer a full and colorful line of foundations, primers, concealers, blush, eye makeup, lipstick and gloss, and much, much more.  You can choose from either cream or powders, too.  100% Pure products live up to their name, because they are completely free of synthetic chemicals, chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, harsh detergents, or any other unhealthy toxins.  Perfect for the most sensitive skin!
  • ​​Skin care
​​Primal Life Organics   Primal Life Organics has make-up, lotions, deodorant, facial products for a variety of skin types, shampoo, and baby products.  Their products are made from cold-pressed organic oils and are fresh made for you when order!  Their "Banished" line is especially good to treat acne. And for aging skin, the Beyond and Infiniti product lines are the best.

MadeOn: Skin Care Products are wonderful, too!  They sell hand made lotion bars, bug block, rash cream, lip balms, soap, hair butter, and great gifts.  Both women and men definitely like these bars and balms.  They also have do-it-yourself kits for you to make and sell your own  bars of soap, lotion, etc.
  • Nail polish​
I was ultra-skeptical about switching to a more natural nail polish because I'd figured they wouldn't last, go on evenly, or look good without chipping.  I found the exact opposite to be true with the nail polishes by Karma Organic Spa. They're incredible! And Non-Toxic!  Each manicure I give myself lasts about 2 weeks - I actually feel like changing nail colors sooner than it wears off or chips. Definitely use their Two In One Base/Top Coat, too.
  • Moisturizers
​​For the face, I love an oil that nourishes your skin with natural nutrients and provides moisture and healing properties.  I use either organic tamanu oil or rosehip seed oil. Use them to make your own facial serum.

I'm also a fan of simple jojoba oil for the skin (pronounced ho-ho-ba) .  I put it on my whole body after a shower to seal in moisture and I even put it in my hair.  Shea Moisture lotion products are wonderful, too, because they're rich in fatty acids that the skin craves.

  • Facial toner
Organic witch hazel on an organic, round cotton pad will get your skin to a nice pH.  Use it with a drop of tea tree oil if you need help fighting acne.

  • Soaps/cleansers
 Organic jojoba oil is perfect for the oil-cleansing method for washing your face.  Just rub in & rinse off.  It's wonderful and doesn't leave an oily residue.  Keep one bottle in the bathroom cabinet and one in the shower. Tea Tree pads are easy for teens and adults to easily wash their face without water.  Dr. Bronner's Castile soap is perfect for body wash.
​
  • Deodorant  
It's important to avoid aluminum in antiperspirant because it is a know neuro-toxin.  And, you don't want to inhibit natural perspiration. We're supposed to sweat when we get hot, or exercise, or are sick.  It's natural and normal.  To stay smelling pretty, I simply make my own deodorant. For store-bought, I like Primal Pit Paste.  It really works!
  • Hair care
This is probably the one place you'll do a lot of experimenting to find the products that match your hair texture and thickness. It's difficult to switch from a shampoo filled with engineered synthetic ingredients to one that's more natural. They feel different, may not be as sudsy or slick, may need to be used less/more often, and may impact the sebum/oil on your scalp.  Be patient! 

Beauty tip:  Before switching to a natural shampoo and conditioner, first clarify your hair thoroughly, which will strip it down so you can start from scratch - chemical free.

Some shampoo brands you might try are: Morrocco Method Int'l hair care, Renpure, and Shea Moisture. 
​


​What's your opinion on sunscreen?

I'm not a fan of blocking the sun (in healthy doses) from the skin completely.  God put that big ball in the sky for a reason!  I believe we all need some direct sunlight on our skin every day to be healthy.  However, the older and wiser I get, the more I'm aware of the importance of sunscreen, too, especially to avoid the aging of our skin that comes from sun damage.  So, sunscreen is very important to use strategically when you're in the sun for extended periods of time.  

There are many dangers in wearing typical sunscreens that soak into your skin (read here).  Sunscreens that use barrier methods, like zinc oxide, are much less toxic.
  • For store bought, I use Elta MD sunscreen on my face, neck, and ears -every day of the year.
  • And for the whole body,  Badger Sunscreen is perfect for babies, kids, and adults - everyone!



​Make your own sunscreen!

You'll save lots of money over time with this simple sunscreen recipe you can make at home. 


What's so bad about perfume?

"Fragrance" seems to be found everywhere, not just in fancy perfumes and colognes.  These artificial-scented chemical concoctions are found in lotions, deodorant, shampoo, plus many, many household products like laundry detergent and air fresheners.  But do you know what’s in it? US Federal law doesn’t even require companies to list any of the chemicals in their fragrance mixture on product labels. In fact, the average fragrance product tested contained 14 secret chemicals not listed on the label. What we do know is that fragrances commonly contain hormone disrupting chemicals and are among the top 5 allergens in the world.   (Read more on ewg.org)  Fragrances STINK!

​The solution is naturally simple: essential oils! 
While essential oils provide many more benefits than just pretty smells, some of the best oils that can double as perfume include:
  • Lavender
  • Ylang-ylang
  • Rose
  • Jasmine
  • any of the floral oils
Carrier oils: There are dozens of options oils to use with your essential oils, but my #1 go-to is jojoba oil.  On my face, I use either organic tamanu oil or rosehip seed oil.  The best carrier oils you find right in your kitchen are pure olive oil like Kasandrinos olive oil,  Avocado oil, and Macadamia Nut oil.
(Affiliate Disclosure)

Jenny

Holistic Wellness Educator,
MS in Health and Nutrition Education

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