The media today are reporting on new research that says that girls are starting puberty earlier than ever--some as early as age 7. Researchers speculate that rising obesity plays a role, since fat increases estrogen levels in the body. Environmental toxins, such as BPA and pthalates, and even common ingredients found in beauty and personal care products, like parabens, also cause changes in estrogen levels in the body.
According to researchers, not only does early puberty have negative emotional and mental affects on girls, but it can also increase their risk of breast and endometrial cancers when they get older, due to the fact that they have a longer lifetime exposure to estrogen.
This study is quite disturbing, but there are things you can do to protect yourself and your daughters and granddaughters. First, choose the most natural beauty care products you can because these are the ones that tend to be free of estrogen-like chemicals. Second, choose organic (and, if possible, locally-grown) produce. It may be a bit more expensive than conventionally-grown food, but the peace of mind you get knowing you and your loved ones are eating more nutritious, cleaner, purer food is worth those extra few cents. And finally, make exercise fun! Go to the park and kick a ball around, play on the monkey bars, or go for a walk to your local store or library. Anything that gets you and your kids or grandkids moving will help prevent obesity.
For more information on estrogen levels and natural weightloss, visit my Web site.
While estrogen levels decline with age, the amount of estrogen in your body is influenced by a range of other factors, including diet and environmental toxins—a topic that has not 
received sufficient attention to date.
Meat, poultry, and dairy foods contain estrogens that have been injected into the animals to fatten them for market. One of the synthetic estrogens routinely given to livestock was DES (diethylstilbestrol). DES was also given to women to prevent miscarriages and symptoms of menopause, until it was associated with birth defects in their offspring and was finally banned in 1979. However, today poultry and livestock, especially dairy cows, are still given other forms of estrogen compounds. Hormones such as estrogen accumulate in fatty tissue in the animals we eat as well as in us, and high-fat diets have been associated with changes in human estrogen levels.
Caffeine and alcohol consumption can also influence estrogen levels. Excessive alcohol intake can affect the liver’s ability to break down estrogen for excretion, thereby elevating the body’s blood estrogen levels, particularly of the more chemically active forms of estrogen. Even public water supplies may contain estrogens, if that water is recycled at treatment plants and still contains traces of excreted synthetic estrogens, such as those contained in birth control pills and excreted from the bodies of women using these products.
Additionally, pollutants that have estrogen-like activity when they are taken into the body (xenoestrogens) are found in an enormous range of products for the home and workplace. They are present in cosmetics, detergents and dishwashing liquids, and bug spray. Pesticides and industrial chemicals such as organochlorines, dioxins, and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) also contain substances related to estrogen.
There are many suspected health consequences of our wide exposure to xenoestrogens, including an increased risk of PMS and breast cancer. This problem has also affected male reproductive health, and has been implicated in lowering sperm counts in men all over the world.
To avoid these dangers, be sure to take the following precautions:
received sufficient attention to date.Meat, poultry, and dairy foods contain estrogens that have been injected into the animals to fatten them for market. One of the synthetic estrogens routinely given to livestock was DES (diethylstilbestrol). DES was also given to women to prevent miscarriages and symptoms of menopause, until it was associated with birth defects in their offspring and was finally banned in 1979. However, today poultry and livestock, especially dairy cows, are still given other forms of estrogen compounds. Hormones such as estrogen accumulate in fatty tissue in the animals we eat as well as in us, and high-fat diets have been associated with changes in human estrogen levels.
Caffeine and alcohol consumption can also influence estrogen levels. Excessive alcohol intake can affect the liver’s ability to break down estrogen for excretion, thereby elevating the body’s blood estrogen levels, particularly of the more chemically active forms of estrogen. Even public water supplies may contain estrogens, if that water is recycled at treatment plants and still contains traces of excreted synthetic estrogens, such as those contained in birth control pills and excreted from the bodies of women using these products.
Additionally, pollutants that have estrogen-like activity when they are taken into the body (xenoestrogens) are found in an enormous range of products for the home and workplace. They are present in cosmetics, detergents and dishwashing liquids, and bug spray. Pesticides and industrial chemicals such as organochlorines, dioxins, and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) also contain substances related to estrogen.
There are many suspected health consequences of our wide exposure to xenoestrogens, including an increased risk of PMS and breast cancer. This problem has also affected male reproductive health, and has been implicated in lowering sperm counts in men all over the world.
To avoid these dangers, be sure to take the following precautions:
- Eat organic as often as possible, especially when it comes to animal-based products such as meat, eggs, dairy, etc.
- Limit (if not avoid) caffeine and alcohol consumption. Aim for no more one or two caffeinated or alcoholic beverage per week.
- Use natural beauty care products.
- Choose natural, chemical-free household products as often as possible.
My patients and female friends are constantly asking me about natural ways to create wrinkle free skin. I've written about many natural beauty care products and options in my blog, but one therapy that I am finding increasingly more effective is acupuncture!
I wrote yesterday about how helpful acupuncture can be for the relief of menopause symptoms and estrogen dominance, but it has been shown to also improve blood flow and the thickness, tone, elasticity, and smoothness of facial and neck skin through stimulation of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts have a few jobs, but one of the most important is they produce collagen to keep the skin nicely plumped and supported.
You can find a acupuncturist in your area here. And for more information on anti-aging skin care, be sure to visit my Web site.
I wrote yesterday about how helpful acupuncture can be for the relief of menopause symptoms and estrogen dominance, but it has been shown to also improve blood flow and the thickness, tone, elasticity, and smoothness of facial and neck skin through stimulation of fibroblasts. Fibroblasts have a few jobs, but one of the most important is they produce collagen to keep the skin nicely plumped and supported.
You can find a acupuncturist in your area here. And for more information on anti-aging skin care, be sure to visit my Web site.
There was a great article in the most recent issue of Elle magazine. They looked at several of the top natural weight loss plans on the market and had experts comment on how each individual diet affected the skin.
They looked at the Atkins diet, South Beach Diet, vegan diet, Mediterranean diet, raw diet, and low-fat diet. I immediately guessed that the Mediterranean would be their best natural skin care diet and I was right.
The Mediterranean diet is chock full of great essential fatty acids (keeps skin moist and helps attain a wrinkle free face), antioxidants (fights off free radical damage), and great lean proteins (maintain collagen and skin tone).
The vegan and raw diets are good in that you get lots of essential fatty acids to promote wrinkle free skin, as well as antioxidants to fend off those pesky free radicals. However, both diets run the risk of being dangerously low in protein. If you follow either of these natural weight loss programs, be sure to include lots of plant-based proteins such as beans, nuts and nut butters, and organic tofu once or twice a week.
The South Beach was next. The lack of sugars is great if acne is an issue, plus cutting sugar helps promote collagen production. The author suggests taking essential fatty acids and increasing water intake to prevent dehydrating the skin during the first two weeks of the program, when so many fruits and veggies are off the table (pardon the pun).
Low-fat weight loss plans are inherently bad for the skin by their very name…low fat. Your body needs healthy fats (i.e. essential fatty acids) to retain hydration and suppleness. If you insist on following this type of natural weight loss plan, add lots of fish to your diet and include a fish oil supplement.
Last was the Atkins diet. The author referred to this plan as “disastrous for the complexion,” due to the excess protein (causes calcium to plummet) and the acidity of the diet, which wreaks havoc with the skin. Not to mention the overabundance of saturated fat, which can lead to breakouts. Forgo this natural weight loss plan and opt instead for other, more skin-promoting programs like those listed earlier.
For more great weight loss and skin care tips, visit Dr. Lark's Web site. While there, you can sign up for her free eLetter, subscribe to her newsletter, check out her lastest products, and get more weight loss and beauty information.
They looked at the Atkins diet, South Beach Diet, vegan diet, Mediterranean diet, raw diet, and low-fat diet. I immediately guessed that the Mediterranean would be their best natural skin care diet and I was right.
The Mediterranean diet is chock full of great essential fatty acids (keeps skin moist and helps attain a wrinkle free face), antioxidants (fights off free radical damage), and great lean proteins (maintain collagen and skin tone).
The vegan and raw diets are good in that you get lots of essential fatty acids to promote wrinkle free skin, as well as antioxidants to fend off those pesky free radicals. However, both diets run the risk of being dangerously low in protein. If you follow either of these natural weight loss programs, be sure to include lots of plant-based proteins such as beans, nuts and nut butters, and organic tofu once or twice a week.
The South Beach was next. The lack of sugars is great if acne is an issue, plus cutting sugar helps promote collagen production. The author suggests taking essential fatty acids and increasing water intake to prevent dehydrating the skin during the first two weeks of the program, when so many fruits and veggies are off the table (pardon the pun).
Low-fat weight loss plans are inherently bad for the skin by their very name…low fat. Your body needs healthy fats (i.e. essential fatty acids) to retain hydration and suppleness. If you insist on following this type of natural weight loss plan, add lots of fish to your diet and include a fish oil supplement.
Last was the Atkins diet. The author referred to this plan as “disastrous for the complexion,” due to the excess protein (causes calcium to plummet) and the acidity of the diet, which wreaks havoc with the skin. Not to mention the overabundance of saturated fat, which can lead to breakouts. Forgo this natural weight loss plan and opt instead for other, more skin-promoting programs like those listed earlier.
For more great weight loss and skin care tips, visit Dr. Lark's Web site. While there, you can sign up for her free eLetter, subscribe to her newsletter, check out her lastest products, and get more weight loss and beauty information.
The media have been reporting more and more about the potential dangers of plastics. Years ago, who would have thought that drinking out of a plastic water bottle could affect your female hormones so much? But today, we know that it is critical to decrease your exposure to such pollutants, which can really affect your estrogen levels.
If you have estrogen dominance, do what you can to avoid "xenoestrogens," which are powerfully estrogenic chemical compounds found in plastics, pesticides, detergents, and cosmetics. In particular, avoid beauty products that contain the preservative called "parabens," which are potent xenoestrogens. There are many paraben-free natural beauty care products available at Whole Foods and other health food stores, and also on my Web site. In addition, avoid using and storing your food in plastic containers.
I just came across a short article that reported on the effects of menopause on skin. The article didn't say anything new...it just reiterated the fact that dryness is yet another frustrating effect of menopause that women have to deal with.
When it comes to alleviating dryness, I recommend using the best natural skin care possible. One of my top recommendations is an all natural beauty care product called Trilane, which is made with 100 percent olive-sourced squalane with jojoba esters. I also write about many other natural anti aging skin care and beauty products throughout my blog (just use the search box and you'll find many, many entries for other natural skin care solutions). Remember, dry skin may be an effect of menopause, but it by no means has to be a permanent issue!
When it comes to alleviating dryness, I recommend using the best natural skin care possible. One of my top recommendations is an all natural beauty care product called Trilane, which is made with 100 percent olive-sourced squalane with jojoba esters. I also write about many other natural anti aging skin care and beauty products throughout my blog (just use the search box and you'll find many, many entries for other natural skin care solutions). Remember, dry skin may be an effect of menopause, but it by no means has to be a permanent issue!
Everything in your body depends on water. In fact, water makes up 82 percent of your blood, 75 percent of your muscle, 25 percent of your bone, 76 percent of your brain tissue, and 90 percent of your lung tissue! Plus, water neutralizes acidity, which can dry out your skin.
Additionally, water is a critical part of the detoxification process. This is key, as healthy detoxification helps to keep your skin blemish-free and even works to reduce cellulite.
You should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of filtered water each day to achieve soft, supple, wrinkle free skin.
I am personally a huge fan of Fiji water from the South Pacific. Renowned for the natural purifier and filtration system that this crystal clear, still water runs through, Fiji has an extremely high concentration of silica (83 mg per liter), which you may remember is an essential nutrient for your hair and skin, thanks to its collagen-building capabilities.
You can find Fiji Water in most grocery stores and convenience stores. The only downside is that it comes in a plastic bottle.
Additionally, water is a critical part of the detoxification process. This is key, as healthy detoxification helps to keep your skin blemish-free and even works to reduce cellulite.
You should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of filtered water each day to achieve soft, supple, wrinkle free skin.
I am personally a huge fan of Fiji water from the South Pacific. Renowned for the natural purifier and filtration system that this crystal clear, still water runs through, Fiji has an extremely high concentration of silica (83 mg per liter), which you may remember is an essential nutrient for your hair and skin, thanks to its collagen-building capabilities.
You can find Fiji Water in most grocery stores and convenience stores. The only downside is that it comes in a plastic bottle.
Sweet potatoes are your best natural skin care source for two reasons. First, they are a great source of beta-carotene, the precursor to vitamin A. And, as you may remember from the blog I posted on March 27th, vitamin A improves the overall health of your skin.
But that’s not all. Sweet potatoes are also rich in the B vitamin biotin. On one hand, too little biotin can result in dry and scaly skin (not to mention fatigue and muscle pain). But on the plus side, brittle, weak hair and nails are well known to get healthier with oral supplementation of this B vitamin.
A few delicious natural skin care recipes that include sweet potatoes are my favorite oven fries and whipped sweet potatoes.
Oven Fries
But that’s not all. Sweet potatoes are also rich in the B vitamin biotin. On one hand, too little biotin can result in dry and scaly skin (not to mention fatigue and muscle pain). But on the plus side, brittle, weak hair and nails are well known to get healthier with oral supplementation of this B vitamin.
A few delicious natural skin care recipes that include sweet potatoes are my favorite oven fries and whipped sweet potatoes.
Oven Fries
- Cut a sweet potato into “disks.”
- Spray a cookie sheet with canola oil and place potato disks in single layer on the cookie sheet.
- Spray the potatoes with the canola oil.
- Sprinkle potatoes with cinnamon, then bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time.
- Goes great with a veggie or turkey burger and side salad.
- Peel and cut two sweet potatoes into large pieces.
- Steam until tender.
- Place in blender with two ounces apple juice.
- Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg and purée until smooth.
- Great side dish to any free-range chicken meal.
How many times have you heard to place sliced cucumbers on your eyes to reduce puffiness? Or to drink (or even make!) “spa water” with sliced cucumbers in filtered water. The reason? Cucumbers are high in silica.
Silica is a critical ingredient in healthy skin, hair, and nails, and it commonly declines with age. Studies show that daily silica supplementation significantly improves the condition of hair and nails. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 48 women with fine hair, those in the group who took silica enjoyed significantly thicker, stronger hair.
Silica also helps reverse graying and is critical for healthy bone density, which helps explain why prematurely gray hair is linked with bone loss.
So, if your goal is natural anti aging skin care, you can’t go wrong with cucumber. Just be sure to leave the skin on, as the majority of silica is found in the skin. Other silica-containing foods include beets, soybeans, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains. Combined with cucumber, aim to make at least one of these natural skin care ingredients part of your food-based beauty plan every day.
Silica is a critical ingredient in healthy skin, hair, and nails, and it commonly declines with age. Studies show that daily silica supplementation significantly improves the condition of hair and nails. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 48 women with fine hair, those in the group who took silica enjoyed significantly thicker, stronger hair.
Silica also helps reverse graying and is critical for healthy bone density, which helps explain why prematurely gray hair is linked with bone loss.
So, if your goal is natural anti aging skin care, you can’t go wrong with cucumber. Just be sure to leave the skin on, as the majority of silica is found in the skin. Other silica-containing foods include beets, soybeans, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains. Combined with cucumber, aim to make at least one of these natural skin care ingredients part of your food-based beauty plan every day.
The benefit to green tea lies in the fact that freshly harvested tea leaves contain polyphenols, remarkable compounds with a host of therapeutic actions. In fact, the average cup of brewed green tea contains about 100 mg of polyphenols.
On the beauty front, these polyphenols in green tea give you a natural weightloss “kick” to help you burn calories. Polyphenols appear to block the enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine, a brain chemical that regulates your metabolism. The higher your levels of norepinephrine, the faster your metabolism, which in turn allows you to burn calories even more efficiently.
In one study, researchers divided participants into three groups, giving them either a placebo (sugar pill), caffeine, or green tea extract, which was standardized to 50 percent of the active ingredient epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Researchers found that those who received the green tea burned an additional 500 calories per week, with no changes in diet or physical activity. That equates to about eight pounds a year!
Plus, green tea is a great source of antioxidants, which have been shown to help prevent ultraviolet light-induced inflammation, dryness, and damage to your skin.
To take advantage of this great natural anti aging skin care gem, while also enjoying a natural weightloss kick, aim for about two to three cups of green tea a day.
On the beauty front, these polyphenols in green tea give you a natural weightloss “kick” to help you burn calories. Polyphenols appear to block the enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine, a brain chemical that regulates your metabolism. The higher your levels of norepinephrine, the faster your metabolism, which in turn allows you to burn calories even more efficiently.
In one study, researchers divided participants into three groups, giving them either a placebo (sugar pill), caffeine, or green tea extract, which was standardized to 50 percent of the active ingredient epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Researchers found that those who received the green tea burned an additional 500 calories per week, with no changes in diet or physical activity. That equates to about eight pounds a year!
Plus, green tea is a great source of antioxidants, which have been shown to help prevent ultraviolet light-induced inflammation, dryness, and damage to your skin.
To take advantage of this great natural anti aging skin care gem, while also enjoying a natural weightloss kick, aim for about two to three cups of green tea a day.
Wheat germ is rich in vitamin E, which has mildly estrogenic properties. In fact, wheat germ contains the fatty acids and other nutrients that your body needs to support and produce hormones such as estrogen.
This is key for wrinkle free skin, as estrogen is responsible for the deposits of fat under the skin that give rise to the soft and fine-textured skin that many women enjoy when they are young. Estrogen also causes fluid and salt retention in the tissues, which helps plump up and fill out skin, giving you the best natural skin care Mother Nature has to offer.
You can use wheat germ much like flax, by sprinkling it on yogurt or oatmeal or adding to a smoothie. Additionally, you can reap the same natural anti aging skin care benefits from wheat germ oil. Again, you can add to smoothies or even take in supplement form. Dr. Lark recommends taking 2,000–2,400 mg in capsule form a day, in divided doses.
This is key for wrinkle free skin, as estrogen is responsible for the deposits of fat under the skin that give rise to the soft and fine-textured skin that many women enjoy when they are young. Estrogen also causes fluid and salt retention in the tissues, which helps plump up and fill out skin, giving you the best natural skin care Mother Nature has to offer.
You can use wheat germ much like flax, by sprinkling it on yogurt or oatmeal or adding to a smoothie. Additionally, you can reap the same natural anti aging skin care benefits from wheat germ oil. Again, you can add to smoothies or even take in supplement form. Dr. Lark recommends taking 2,000–2,400 mg in capsule form a day, in divided doses.
Berries are proof that great things do come in little packages. (Sort of like Tiffany’s…but I digress). Whether you are talking about strawberries, blueberries, or my favorite raspberries, all berries have one thing in common; they are high in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C. This fact makes them a powerful part of any natural anti aging skin care plan.
Vitamin C is needed for collagen production, thereby helping to strengthen the connective tissues underlying the superficial layer of the skin. Plus, research has shown that high levels of vitamins C (as well as vitamin E and beta-carotene) can provide added protection beyond sunscreen to prevent ultraviolet light-induced inflammation, dryness, and other skin damage. Overexposure to the sun can slowly destroy the dermis (the layer of skin just beneath the epidermis), causing it to lose its strength and resilience. The result: sags, folds, creases, and wrinkles.
So up your berry intake in get the best natural skin care these vitamin C powerhouses have to offer. And don’t be afraid to go beyond the obvious of adding them to smoothies, oatmeal, or as a snack.
Vitamin C is needed for collagen production, thereby helping to strengthen the connective tissues underlying the superficial layer of the skin. Plus, research has shown that high levels of vitamins C (as well as vitamin E and beta-carotene) can provide added protection beyond sunscreen to prevent ultraviolet light-induced inflammation, dryness, and other skin damage. Overexposure to the sun can slowly destroy the dermis (the layer of skin just beneath the epidermis), causing it to lose its strength and resilience. The result: sags, folds, creases, and wrinkles.
So up your berry intake in get the best natural skin care these vitamin C powerhouses have to offer. And don’t be afraid to go beyond the obvious of adding them to smoothies, oatmeal, or as a snack.
- Add raspberries to a spinach salad for a one-two vitamin A/vitamin C beauty power punch.
- Add sliced strawberries and one tablespoon balsamic vinegar to cooked chicken breasts. Sauté for two minutes and serve over brown rice.
- Toss quinoa with blueberries and chopped pecans for a delicious side dish to your favorite fish recipe.
Spinach is rich in vitamin A, which has been shown to improve the overall health of your skin. In particular, it is helpful in suppressing oily skin and acne. One study found that high doses of vitamin A helped clear up even the most severe cases of acne in 90 percent of people given the vitamin.
Research has also shown that 100,000 IU of vitamin A daily removed all age spots from subjects over a 12- to 16-month period. While you cannot possibly eat enough spinach in any given day to equal this amount, you can augment your spinach intake with vitamin A supplementation as part of your natural anti aging skin care regimen. Dr. Lark recommends taking its water-soluble precursor, beta-carotene, at 15,000–25,000 IU daily.
Research has also shown that 100,000 IU of vitamin A daily removed all age spots from subjects over a 12- to 16-month period. While you cannot possibly eat enough spinach in any given day to equal this amount, you can augment your spinach intake with vitamin A supplementation as part of your natural anti aging skin care regimen. Dr. Lark recommends taking its water-soluble precursor, beta-carotene, at 15,000–25,000 IU daily.
This succulent houseplant exemplifies the best natural skin care, due to its ability to soothe, heal, and moisturize skin. In fact, a large body of research documents the use of aloe for a variety of dermatological conditions, including rashes, acne scars, dermatitis, psoriasis, and wound healing.
When aloe is applied to skin, it reduces the scaliness, itchiness, and extent of seborrheic dermatitis; prompts the remission of psoriasis; relieves poison ivy; assists the healing of chronic leg ulcers; and speeds healing after dermabrasion, a technique used to remove acne scars and wrinkles.
Although allergic reactions to aloe vera gel are quite rare, before applying it, you should test yourself by dabbing a small amount on your leg or arm and monitoring the area for 24 hours. If your skin becomes red or itchy or you develop hives, do not use aloe preparations on your skin or ingest them.
I personally use aloe vera juice. As one of my natural skin care recipes, I mix aloe very juice with mineral water and a bit of pomegranate or cranberry juice, and pour over ice into a large wine goblet. (It’s my little evening ritual.)
Now, I’m not going to lie to you…this beauty food is definitely an acquired taste. But the skin and health benefits are worth it!
When aloe is applied to skin, it reduces the scaliness, itchiness, and extent of seborrheic dermatitis; prompts the remission of psoriasis; relieves poison ivy; assists the healing of chronic leg ulcers; and speeds healing after dermabrasion, a technique used to remove acne scars and wrinkles.
Although allergic reactions to aloe vera gel are quite rare, before applying it, you should test yourself by dabbing a small amount on your leg or arm and monitoring the area for 24 hours. If your skin becomes red or itchy or you develop hives, do not use aloe preparations on your skin or ingest them.
I personally use aloe vera juice. As one of my natural skin care recipes, I mix aloe very juice with mineral water and a bit of pomegranate or cranberry juice, and pour over ice into a large wine goblet. (It’s my little evening ritual.)
Now, I’m not going to lie to you…this beauty food is definitely an acquired taste. But the skin and health benefits are worth it!
Loaded with unsaturated fatty acids, avocados are a wonderful natural beauty food that promotes soft skin, as well as healthy cell walls and strong nerves.
There are so many ways to incorporate one of Mother Nature’s most versitle natural skin care ingredients in to your diet. You can add slices to any salad or sandwich, or mash and add diced tomatoes for a quick guacamole to scoop up with celery.
Of course, one of my favorite avocado-based natural skin care recipes is a vegan chocolate banana smoothie. Place one cup coconut water (not the milk), 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, one avocado (pitted and scooped out of shell), one banana, and handful of ice in a blender and mix well. The avocado provides a great thick texture without altering the taste!
There are so many ways to incorporate one of Mother Nature’s most versitle natural skin care ingredients in to your diet. You can add slices to any salad or sandwich, or mash and add diced tomatoes for a quick guacamole to scoop up with celery.
Of course, one of my favorite avocado-based natural skin care recipes is a vegan chocolate banana smoothie. Place one cup coconut water (not the milk), 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, one avocado (pitted and scooped out of shell), one banana, and handful of ice in a blender and mix well. The avocado provides a great thick texture without altering the taste!
Have you ever met a woman who just radiates natural beauty? Her skin is smooth and glowing, her hair shines and is healthy, and she seems to light up every room she enters. When you see a woman like this, do you wonder—what is her secret?
I can tell you first hand that the answer is NOT the latest beauty fad. In fact, most of the “beauty” products on the market are actually bad for your skin—not to mention your health. The true secret is natural. Natural beauty radiates from the inside out.
When you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you look good. Best of all, some of my favorite natural beauty care products are actually food!
Over the next few days, I’ll share with you the top 10 beauty foods, as well as a few natural skin care recipes…some to eat and some to wear. But all will include foods you can find right in your local grocery or health food store.
Natural Beauty Food #1: Olive Oil
Olive oil is a one of my favorite natural beauty care products for two reasons: it is a great source of essential fatty acids (EFAs), as well as squalene.
EFAs help to moisturize and soften skin, as well as promote shiny, healthy hair. This is particularly important for women with estrogen deficiency (including those in premenopause or perimenopause), as dry skin is on of the more common menopause symptoms. In addition to benefiting skin and hair, EFAs have also been found to soothe and heal dry, chapped lips.
On the squalene front, this natural antioxidant found in olives also occurs naturally in all human tissues, with the greatest concentration in the skin. In fact, rumor has it that Sophia Loren uses olive oil on her skin as part of her natural anti aging skin care regimen.
In addition to using olive oil topically, you can use extra virgin olive oil in typical ways, i.e. to cook with or dress a salad. I also like to use it to top a sweet potato (also a beauty food!) or popcorn, as a delicious and beautiful alternative to butter.
I can tell you first hand that the answer is NOT the latest beauty fad. In fact, most of the “beauty” products on the market are actually bad for your skin—not to mention your health. The true secret is natural. Natural beauty radiates from the inside out.
When you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you look good. Best of all, some of my favorite natural beauty care products are actually food!
Over the next few days, I’ll share with you the top 10 beauty foods, as well as a few natural skin care recipes…some to eat and some to wear. But all will include foods you can find right in your local grocery or health food store.
Natural Beauty Food #1: Olive Oil
Olive oil is a one of my favorite natural beauty care products for two reasons: it is a great source of essential fatty acids (EFAs), as well as squalene.
EFAs help to moisturize and soften skin, as well as promote shiny, healthy hair. This is particularly important for women with estrogen deficiency (including those in premenopause or perimenopause), as dry skin is on of the more common menopause symptoms. In addition to benefiting skin and hair, EFAs have also been found to soothe and heal dry, chapped lips.
On the squalene front, this natural antioxidant found in olives also occurs naturally in all human tissues, with the greatest concentration in the skin. In fact, rumor has it that Sophia Loren uses olive oil on her skin as part of her natural anti aging skin care regimen.
In addition to using olive oil topically, you can use extra virgin olive oil in typical ways, i.e. to cook with or dress a salad. I also like to use it to top a sweet potato (also a beauty food!) or popcorn, as a delicious and beautiful alternative to butter.
I’m not ashamed to admit that I am addicted to natural beauty care products. I try everything new on the market, especially cleansers. It is so difficult to find a truly effective cleanser that doesn’t contain sodium laurel sulfate (a chemical that makes a product “foam”), let alone is free of parabens and other harsh and harmful chemicals.
To date, I’ve found two products that stand out above the rest: Devita Aloe Vera Moisture Cleanser and Arcona’s Tea Tree cleansing bar.
I love the idea of Devita using aloe in its cleanser! Not only is it natural and gentle, but it also takes off dirt and makeup while evening out your skin tone. Plus, if you are plagued with adult acne, this cleanser can also help fend off your breakouts.
As for Arcona, I could go on and on. Everyone claims to be “Hollywood’s best–kept secret,” but Arcona is the real thing. I am partial to their Tea Tree cleansing bar, which is part of their Basic Five line (includes a cleansing bar, hydrator, protector, exfoliant, and regenerator0.
Best yet, Arcona is committed to providing chemical-free, natural, anti aging skin care. Rather than parabens or sodium laurel sulfate, their products contain natural enzymes, herbs, and vitamins that work to repair and restore your skin at the cellular level.
Two great natural beauty care products with gorgeous, natural skin care ingredients—and for the about the same price as your department store brands. What more could a woman want!
To date, I’ve found two products that stand out above the rest: Devita Aloe Vera Moisture Cleanser and Arcona’s Tea Tree cleansing bar.
I love the idea of Devita using aloe in its cleanser! Not only is it natural and gentle, but it also takes off dirt and makeup while evening out your skin tone. Plus, if you are plagued with adult acne, this cleanser can also help fend off your breakouts.
As for Arcona, I could go on and on. Everyone claims to be “Hollywood’s best–kept secret,” but Arcona is the real thing. I am partial to their Tea Tree cleansing bar, which is part of their Basic Five line (includes a cleansing bar, hydrator, protector, exfoliant, and regenerator0.
Best yet, Arcona is committed to providing chemical-free, natural, anti aging skin care. Rather than parabens or sodium laurel sulfate, their products contain natural enzymes, herbs, and vitamins that work to repair and restore your skin at the cellular level.
Two great natural beauty care products with gorgeous, natural skin care ingredients—and for the about the same price as your department store brands. What more could a woman want!
As I’ve indicated before in this blog, I tend toward estrogen dominance. This is due, in part, to a condition called polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS. Women like me with PCOS have the lovely combination of elevated estrogen levels, as well as elevated testosterone. That means that we not only have to contend with excess estrogen levels and it’s resultant issues of fertility problems and menstrual irregularities, but the excess testosterone can also cause increased growth of hair on the face, abdomen, upper thighs, chest, and back. In fact, I’ve often said that if I ever got around to writing a book on PCOS, I’d include a free pair of tweezers!
Sadly, female hormone fluctuations in general can cause unwanted hair growth. In the case of decreased estrogen levels (the opposite of estrogen dominance), the “I have hair where?” syndrome is also one of the common signs of menopause. In this case, the diminished estrogen levels throw off the balance between female hormones and male hormones (androgens/testosterone). As a result, the effect of androgens is unmasked as women’s production of estrogen decreases, and the low estrogen/high androgen ratio can affect hair growth rate, placement, and appearance, often taking on a more male-like pattern.
While there are a variety of ways to remove the hair, including shaving, plucking, waxing, depilation, laser, and electrolysis, the primary method Dr. Lark and I recommend is sugaring. Like waxing, sugaring removes hair at the root, but it’s gentle on the surrounding skin.
My favorite sugaring product is Moom. It is one of the cleanest natural beauty care products on the market. In fact, its ingredients are simply sugar, chamomile, lemon, and tea tree oil. While the sugar works to remove the hair, the tea tree oil acts as a mild anesthetic, and the chamomile and lemon function as natural antiseptics.
If you have unwanted hair growth, regardless of your estrogen level status, give Moom a try.
Sadly, female hormone fluctuations in general can cause unwanted hair growth. In the case of decreased estrogen levels (the opposite of estrogen dominance), the “I have hair where?” syndrome is also one of the common signs of menopause. In this case, the diminished estrogen levels throw off the balance between female hormones and male hormones (androgens/testosterone). As a result, the effect of androgens is unmasked as women’s production of estrogen decreases, and the low estrogen/high androgen ratio can affect hair growth rate, placement, and appearance, often taking on a more male-like pattern.
While there are a variety of ways to remove the hair, including shaving, plucking, waxing, depilation, laser, and electrolysis, the primary method Dr. Lark and I recommend is sugaring. Like waxing, sugaring removes hair at the root, but it’s gentle on the surrounding skin.
My favorite sugaring product is Moom. It is one of the cleanest natural beauty care products on the market. In fact, its ingredients are simply sugar, chamomile, lemon, and tea tree oil. While the sugar works to remove the hair, the tea tree oil acts as a mild anesthetic, and the chamomile and lemon function as natural antiseptics.
If you have unwanted hair growth, regardless of your estrogen level status, give Moom a try.
As I get older, it seems like my daily program for natural anti aging skin care gets longer and longer. Years ago, I could wash my face, swipe on some sunscreen, and I was good to go. Now, I need to moisturize, de-wrinkle, and find ways to reduce cellulite.
As far as the latter is concerned, there are many natural beauty care products and recommendations out there, several of which I’ve discussed in previous blogs. But one that I haven’t discusses is the use of dry-brush massage to reduce cellulite by facilitating detoxification. Dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system, which helps move fluids through the body and toxins to the liver to be detoxed and eliminated.
Dry Brush to Reduce Cellulite
To give yourself a dry-brush massage, use a moderately soft, natural vegetable-fiber bristle brush and follow this two-step process:
As far as the latter is concerned, there are many natural beauty care products and recommendations out there, several of which I’ve discussed in previous blogs. But one that I haven’t discusses is the use of dry-brush massage to reduce cellulite by facilitating detoxification. Dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system, which helps move fluids through the body and toxins to the liver to be detoxed and eliminated.
Dry Brush to Reduce Cellulite
To give yourself a dry-brush massage, use a moderately soft, natural vegetable-fiber bristle brush and follow this two-step process:
- Rub your skin vigorously to stimulate it and remove dead cells.
- Using short, brisk strokes, start with your extremities and brush gently at first because your body is likely to be sensitive. Brush as follows:
- From your feet, brush toward your pelvis;
- From your wrists, brush to your armpits;
- From your chin brush to your navel.
I recently received an email from a customer desperate to get her hands on our Squalane Ultra-Hydrating Night Cream. She had received a bottle earlier this year and had found it to be one of the best natural skin care products she had ever tried. Her email described the Night Cream as a "perfect moisturizer" during the warm months of the year and "fabulous" for skin during the harsh winter months. Unfortunately, we had stopped selling this product a few months ago. I was able to get my hands on a couple of bottles that had been sitting in our office and mailed them out to her yesterday.
At Daily Balance we bring our customers a number of natural beauty care products. And for a variety of reasons, some of these products are discontinued. But, if there's ever a time that we stop selling something you love, please let me know. I can always try to find a bottle or two for you, or at least recommend a similar product.
Happy Holidays!
At Daily Balance we bring our customers a number of natural beauty care products. And for a variety of reasons, some of these products are discontinued. But, if there's ever a time that we stop selling something you love, please let me know. I can always try to find a bottle or two for you, or at least recommend a similar product.
Happy Holidays!
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