Making a Natural Homemade Salon

 

Natural Homemade Beauty Products

 

There's only one way to be absolutely sure your skincare contains just natural ingredients. Make it yourself. It cruelty-free is an important factor when it comes to shopping, you will like these homemade alternatives which also come without suspect chemicals, alcohol or animal by-products. Make enough for about a month - store in glass jars in the fridge for up to four weeks.

Rice Scrub 

A scrub once a week does more than slough off dead skin cells. It activates cell renewal and helps improve skin texture. We have all heard the story of how rice farmers in Asia wash their hands with the water from washing rice. Indians use the water from boiling rice to soften skin. Rice bran contains phytic acid, which helps exfoliate skin. In the old days, pure turmeric was also used by Indians to curb excessive hair growth. Turmeric has antiseptic properties and this simple scrub can even be used on sensitive skin.

3 tablespoon rice flour, 1/2 tablespoon ground or grated turmeric, Water, 1/2 tablespoon of sandalwood powder for fragrance (optional). First mix the ingredients into a thick paste. Spread a plastic mat or tablecloth over your bed, sofa or on the floor, so you have somewhere to sit, Turmeric is hard to remove. Coat your body with oil (baby oil or massage oil) before smearing the paste all over - this prevents your skin turning yellow. Leave to dry, gently rub the paste all over your body to exfoliate before showering.

Balinese Scrub 

Ginger, known to improved blood circulation, is mixed with galangal (blue ginger) juice to even out skin pigmentation. Use once a week.

3 cloves, 3 tablespoons minced ginger, 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, 1 & 1/2 tablespoons rice flour,1/2 tablespoon ground turmeric, 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg, 4 thin slices galangal (blue ginger), 1-2 tablespoons water, 1 medium carrot grated.

First pound or grind all ingredients except carrot. Spread a plastic sheet where you intend to sit, or place a plastic stool in the bathroom and read while waiting for the paste to dry. Rub the paste all over the body and leave for 5-10 minutes. Rub the mixture off like you are scrubbing yourself. Then massage grated carrot on skin. Relax for 10 minutes and then shower.

Candlenut Scrub 

Candlenut, rich in natural calcium, folic acid and vitamin E is good for mature skin. Nut oil is believed to draw dirt from the pores.

6 candlenuts in powder, 4 slices galangal (blue ginger) ground, 2-3 tablespoons water.
Pound the ingredients together to make a thick smooth paste. Use your palms to rub the scrub all over your body. Rinse under the shower

Body Glow 

Sesame seeds are mentioned in the Egyptian semsent discovered by famous German Egyptologist, Ebers - the Ebers Papyrus is a 65-feet-long scroll listing ancient herbs and spices. An Assyrian myth talks about the gods drinking sesame wine the night before they created the earth. Native to the East Indies. Just a half cup of sesame seeds contain over three times the calcium of the same amount of whole milk. Sesame seeds. rich in vitamins A and E, and proteins are used to make cold pressed massage oil. some mention an old folk's remedy involving thoroughly chewing and swallowing one tablespoon of sesame seeds per day to regulate Periods.

1/4 cup white sesame seeds, 1/4 cup honey.
Mix both ingredients well in a clean bowl. Get a plastic sheet read for sitting on. Apply small amounts on your body and rub in a circular motion. Relax for an hour before rinsing off in shower
Soothing Honey Cucumber Facial

Feel cool as cucumber while skin is hydrated with honey in this easy-to-make facial treatment
1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 cucumber, very thinly sliced.

Cleanse face with warm water. Mix honey with lemon juice. Smooth over face, avoiding eye area. Wipe away the honey with a warm towel and dry face. Place cucumber slices all over the face and relax for 30 minutes

Milk & Almond Cleanser 

To perk up skin before a party, use this stimulating cleanser to remove dead skin, oil and grime. Suitable for all skin types.

1 tablespoon dried milk powder, 1 tablespoons ground almond, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons rose water (optional). Mix all the ingredients. Pat on skin from the base of the neck up to the hairline (avoiding eye area.) Massage gently onto skin and leave on for 10 minutes before washing off with warm water.

Egg Mask 

Suitable for oily skin, this nutrient and vitamin rich mask helps to even out skin tone and smoothen fine lines. 1 egg white beaten, 1 tsp lemon juice.
Mix and apply on face with a brush. Leave it on till it dries off. Rinse off. The remainder can be refrigerated.

Strawberry Moisturizer

3 ripe strawberries, 1 tablespoon water.

Mash a few ripe strawberries, squeeze through cheesecloth or cotton gauze. Dilute with a spoonful of water and spread the juice on cleaned face. Leave on for about 30 minutes before rinsing off.

Whiten Teeth

3 tablespoons bicarbonate of soda, 2 tablespoons fine sea salt.
Mix the two together and store in a jar. Shake a little on your hand, pick it up on the brush and brush teeth as usual. Not for people with sensitive teeth might abrasive.

Eye Treat

Calm puffy eyes and improved blood circulation by applying any of the following to the eyelids:

- used tea bag - squeeze out excess moisture and cool before applying
- thin slices of raw potato excellent for relieving slight puffiness.
- cucumber slices - cooling and soothing and also helps to keep wrinkles away.

Lip Gloss 

Aloe Vera leaf and gel contain over 100 ingredients, including essential vitamins and minerals, numerous enzymes, amino acids and phytonutrients.

Aloe Vera gel has astringent, antibiotic, pain inhibiting, cell growth stimulating and scar reduction properties. Aloe Vera Gel, Petroleum Jelly.

Mix 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel - sliced a leaf and scrape out the gel, with 1 tablespoon petroleum jelly. Add a few drops of strawberry essential oil or other any fruity flavour. Transfer to a small container. Use as required.

Sugar Scrub 

The next time you run out of your favorite scrub facial scrub, make some with regular sugar 1/4 cup caster sugar, 2 tablespoons oil, 2 tablespoons milk.

Mix together into a smooth cream. Before bathing, massage the cream over the whole body with circular motions.

Hot oil hair treatment

If your hair is dry as straw, save money and treat it at home.

1 tablespoon soybean oil, 2 tablespoons castor oil.

Before washing hair mix the ingredients together in a small container. Next, warm the contents over low heat or place in a dish of hot water. Apply to hair and scalp and work right through to the hair tips. Wrap your head in a towel or wear a shower cap. Leave for 15 minutes. Wash hair as usual.

Men's Skin Care Essentials

Skin care is not just for women! Men are not comfortable talking about their skin care, but more and more are seeking skin care products including anti-aging products. Part of an overall healthy lifestyle includes good grooming and a daily skin care regimen. A recommended daily skin care regimen for men includes:

 • Shower using shower gel including moisturizers to prevent dry skin and prevent premature aging.

 • Wash your face but never with a bar soap which tends to dry the skin. Foaming cleansers and gels are your best choice. Use lukewarm water as hot or cold will leave skin dry and irritated.

 • You should tone your skin with a cotton pad and mild astringent. This helps to open up pores and absorb moisture.

 • Moisturize the skin with fragrance free and non-alcoholic products. Alcohol will dry the skin. • Once a week, exfoliate the skin with a gentle scrub removing dead skin cells

• Shave with shaving foams for your particular skin type: oily, normal, combination, or dry skin. Soothe the skin after shaving with a moisturizer or mild aftershave to prevent razor burn; an aloe vera gel works well after shaving. Can men use the same skin care products as women? The answer is no! A man's skin is unique and requires the use of special skin care products. There are several differences between men and women's skin:

 • Men have smaller oil glands ( sebaceous glands)

 • Men have oiler skin

• Men have thicker skin

 • Men have more fragile skin in the face area

 • Men have a higher percentage of skin cancers Because of the concerns of skin cancer and aging, men should always use protective sunscreen and avoid over exposure to the sun. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Other important considerations for men's skin care include a balanced diet, plenty of rest, daily exercise, do not smoke or quit smoking, and drink plenty of water. Increasing your consumption of fruits and vegetables, which contain important anti-oxidants, is a good anti-aging treatment for the skin. You should also avoid fried food and use olive oil in cooking rather than butter. This will help your skin retain its elasticity.

 Several product lines are dedicated exclusively to the special needs of men's skin care and anti-aging skin care. When choosing skin care products look for vitamin or herb based products rather than those heavily perfumed and containing mostly alcohol. Some good choices include:

 • Lifelab 3040: A French men's skin care product line designed specifically for anti-aging products for men 30+

• Mary Kay Skin Management: This has always been thought of as a woman's product line but offer many excellent products for men's skin care

 • Biotherm Homme offers a full line of men's skin care products including several anti-aging products

 • Naturally Man is a product line offering all men's skin care basic products along with men's concealers which can help hide dark under-eye circles and reduce puffiness

• Anthony logistics for men offers several men's skin care products including anti-aging, skin care regimen, and shaving kits

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Living in Luxury: Getting the Spa Treatment at Home

If you don't have the time or money to make it to the spa every week or so (and most of us don't), you'll be happy to know that there are a number of spa treatments you can perform at home that are easy, affordable, and take as much time as you'd like. So, whether you're planning a night of relaxation all by yourself, or an evening of home spa treatments with friends, here are a few things you may want to try.  

At-home facials

A facial is one of the most popular spa treatments, but we don't always have time to keep our skin in the best condition. When you're giving yourself a facial at home, make sure that you thoroughly cleanse, tone and moisturize your face. Depending on your skin type, you'll want to select a cleanser that can easily remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping or over-drying your face. Toning your skin will help you to close the pores of your face again, so that dirt and toxins can not easily enter the skin. A good toner will also bring the skin back to its natural pH. Before you moisturize the skin, you may also want to use a mask to tighten the pores and give your skin extra clarity. Choose a moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type, and apply the moisturizer to your skin while it is still damp.

 Here are some all natural facial masks and cleansers you may want to try: Strawberry cleanser: For this facial, you'll need a ripe strawberry, about a tablespoon or so of sour cream, and a couple of teaspoons of olive oil. Mix the ingredients together and work the mixture gently on the face. Wash the strawberry cleanser with a loofah or damp washcloth.  

Herbal toner: Green tea leaves (about a tablespoon), strawberry tea leaves (about a tablespoon), distilled water (1 cup), chamomile tea leaves (about a tablespoon), aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar and lemon juice (3 teaspoons each) make up this all-natural toner. Heat the water to boiling, then add tea leaves and steep. Then add aloe vera, vinegar, and lemon juice. You can apply the toner with cotton swabs or with your hands. This toner is good for about a week, and should be stored in the refrigerator for best results.  

Moisturizer: To make this moisturizer, you'll need 3 tablespoons each of jojoba oil and rose hips seed oil, 2 or 3 drops of rose essential oil, 2 or 3 drops of lavender oil, 2 drops of extra virgin olive oil, and 2 drops of Palma Rosa essential oil. Mix the oils together and don't rub directly into skin-let your skin naturally absorb the oil so that your pores won't become clogged. -before moisturizing or toning, you may also want to try an avocado mask to healthily moisturize your skin. Mash up half an avocado and spread over the face. You can place a warm towel over your face to open your pores, and be sure to rinse the avocado mask thoroughly before applying anything else to your face. See more info.

Manicures/Pedicures You may want to ask a friend to help with the manicure, since most people can paint the nails on one hand better than the other. But before you get to the nail polish, you should soak your feet or hands with sea salts or essential oils, and exfoliate the skin. A manicure kit will help to do the job, and you can find one at most drug stores for a few dollars. After soaking, shape your nails with a file, and buff them to add extra shine. Using lotions or creams after exfoliating will help to make your hands and feet extra soft. To maintain your pedicure, try using cocoa butter of Vaseline on your feet before bed, and covering your feet with thick socks overnight.

 Other manicuring and pedicuring tips include: -To moisturize your cuticles, try using a little olive or lavender oil to prevent dry skin and help to keep your polish on longer. -If your nails are slightly discolored, use a little lemon juice on a cotton ball to restore healthy nail color. -For exfoliating, you can use sea salt, bath salts, or even salt and sugar to smooth the skin and remove dead cells. You can also give your whole body a facial. Applying special moisturizing tips to your back, chest, and legs will give your whole body a healthy glow; this is especially a good idea for the summer months. You can use the avocado mask for your whole body for combination skin, or even a mixture of mashed strawberries and oatmeal for oily skin. You can also use a couple of drops of essential oils in your bathwater-citrus scents wake up the senses and energize the body, while oils like lavender and chamomile are best to use before going to bed, since they tend to relax the body and help induce sleep

Herbal Remedies: Olive Leaf Extract

Last winter, my husband caught some little bug that was flying around and just could not shake it. A friend showed up with a bottle of olive leaf extract, informing my husband that it would cure what ailed him. It did -- and quickly. (He was feeling much better by the very next day.) When the same bug decided to attack me, hubby said to take the olive leaf extract. I did, and it worked. I cannot say, however, that I was happy about the treatment.

Hubby assured me that it did not taste that bad. He was wrong! He then said that it tasted better in orange juice. He lied! Olive leaf extract is just nasty tasting. I keep something else to drink close at hand to chase the stuff down. It does work, though, and extremely well. Olive leaf was used by the ancient Egyptians as a medicinal herb and also as one of the herbs in the mummification process, since it was believed to be a sacred herb. In the early 1800s, olive leaf was used to treat fevers and much later to treat malaria. I am always hesitate to describe any herb as a panacea.

So many have been described thusly, only to be proven to not be as fabulous as the early claims. I would make an exception for olive leaf extract, however. When studies were begun in the mid-1990s, researchers discovered that olive leaf extract can boost the immune system and raise energy levels. There are numerous illnesses which can benefit from treatment with olive leaf extract. These include: the common cold, flu, pneumonia, tuberculosis, herpes I and II, hepatitis B, shingles, chronic fatigue, gonorrhea, malaria, diarrhea, and various infections; e.g., dental, urinary tract, surgical, and ear. In addition, there have been promising results in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. (Research is still being conducted in regard to this use of olive leaf extract.)

Olive leaf extract has also been shown to lower blood pressure and help to protect cardiovascular health. In fact, it has been shown to actually reverse arteriosclerosis when taken over a long period of time. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties, which may give hope to arthritis sufferers. As if all of this was not enough, olive leaf extract as even been shown to help to regulate blood sugar levels, making it a possible treatment for diabetes. There have been no adverse side effects associated with continued use of olive leaf extract.

Many doctors, however, recommend that you do take a break from it during the month. In other words, take a day or two off during the week and another full week off during each month. I only take it for 2-3 days as needed. (If you use the liquid extract instead of taking the pills, you will not be tempted to take it daily. Did I happen to mention that this stuff tastes absolutely horrible?) Of course, as with any herbal medication, you should consult your primary care physician and/or a certified herbalist. This is especially true if you wish to take olive leaf extract as a treatment for any serious condition, such as heart disease or diabetes. There are no known drug interactions; however, it is best to discuss any possible interactions with your physician first. Despite the normal precautions that should be taken and in spite of the taste, olive leaf extract is proving to be quite an effective herbal remedy. Now you understand why I have made the exception and call it a possible panacea.

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Mouth Sore Home Remedies

Save Money by Using Home Remedies

If you've ever had a mouth sore, you know how miserable they can be. We quickly realize how badly we need our mouths when they hurt miserably. Mouth sores are usually caused by canker sores. Canker sores are small ulcers in the lining of your mouth. You know, that area you can feel with your tongue; that of course, if the lining of your mouth. Mouth sores can be annoying as well as painful. They can cause discomfort while eating or drinking as well as sleeping. They can create burning sensations that are painful. Canker sores can happen to anyone regardless of age. Home remedies can quickly relieve the pain and frustrations for ailments.

Mouth Sore Home Remedies

 

Aloe Vera Water Remedy

What you need: Water Aloe Vera juice

Directions: This remedy sounds easy because it is. Take a glass of warm water and add aloe Vera juice generously. Drink this throughout the day to keep your mouth cleansed. Aloe Vera has healing properties and will slowly heal the lining of your mouth.  See this about aloe vera and gums

Mouth Sore Diet Foods to Eat:

 Veggies Juices Yogurt Easily digestible foods Steamed veggies Non spicy foods

Directions: When you have a mouth sore, the last thing you want to do is eat foods that will hurt you. Try to eat bland foods that aren't spicy. Stay away from coffee and drinks with caffeine. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day plus your Aloe Vera juice drink. Try to eat on the opposite side of your mouth, where the mouth sore isn't.  

Ice Remedy

What you need: Ice

 Directions: Take the ice and apply directly to where the mouth sore is. The ice will numb the pain associated with the mouth sore or canker sore. Baby Orajel Remedy What you need: Baby Orajel Directions: It sounds so easy but using your baby's Orajel can also help relieve the pain associated with mouth sores. Use a little on your canker sore just before going to bed to help you sleep soundly.  

Whiskey Remedy

What you need: Whiskey Water

Directions: Take a little whiskey and mix with a little water. Then rub the mixture directly on your canker sore. This can numb the pain to help you sleep at night.  

Mouthwash Remedy

 What you need: Mouthwash Q Tip

Directions: When you dip the q tip inside the mouthwash, be prepared for your mouth to be sore for a moment. Apply the wet q tip on your mouth sore for a minute. You are killing the bacteria on the sore so give it time to work. You will know the mouthwash is working because the pain will subside. Do this several times a day. Watch your canker sore leave completely.

Maalox and Benadryl Remedy

What you need: Maalox Benadryl

Directions: You want to create a 50/50 solution of the Maalox and Benadryl. Once you've created the mixture, you want to gargle for at least a minute. This mixture will not only reduce and relief the paint but will also get rid of the mouth sores completely.

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Hair Product Basics for Teens

If you're new to the hair product scene, it can get very confusing, and can eat right through your wallet. With hundreds of products to choose from, it's easy to be swallowed whole by the disappointing but most certainly diverse hair care. In this concise guide, we'll go over what you really need, what claims aren't true, and of course, the exceptions to every rule. To get the best, most flexible hair, you actually don't need one thousand hair products in your hair.

 After about four, they start to neutralize each other anyway, since most hair products have different ingredient structures. Here are the basic rules; moisture, organic ingredients, one stripping product, one deep treatment, and when it's okay to have exceptions.

Moisture

 You see these claims everywhere; products that say that they will make your hair shiny, natural, tousled, smooth, etc. The truth is all of these products are doing just one thing; moisturizing your hair. The even worse truth is the products that claim to make your hair something it's not-curly, straight, wavy (depending)-have figured out a clever rouse.

 Most of us smother our hair with products or don't put any products in our hair. This leaves our hair limp. Give your hair a short of moisture, and it'll be in its natural state, be it curly, wavy, or even sometimes straight (if it's a bundle of crazed frizz). This is a "miracle" to some people. But to those of us who can't get curly hair without an hour of using a curling iron, it never works. But companies decide that if you can satisfy enough people (when there's a pretty expensive price tag) it doesn't matter about the others that you disappoint.

Don't buy it. Simply buy products that claim to make your hair "moisturized". They contain more moisturizing ingredients than other more dishonest products.

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Organic Ingredients

 Though it may cost you an extra $1-$2, organic products don't require as much product for results as more chemically based products, as well as they heal your hair and provide doubled results. For instance, aloe vera in your hair product is pretty much all you need to heal your hair because it's moisturizing, but water-based, so it washes off when it weakens after a day and doesn't weight down on your brittle hair.

Green tea will make your hair shinier than many other harming but effective products. Besides from that point, some lines do have products whose results can compete with organic ingredients, but they are in general incredibly harming. For instance, Pantene, for its extra shiny formulas, coats your hair in wax. The wax really does make your hair shiny, but it weighs down and dries your hair, making it break off and fall out.

After awhile, you'll have thin, dead hair that you can't possibly style, but, hey, it's shiny! Experiment with different organic products, until you get whatever results you want out of your product. Some things that can be effectively tweaked by products are shine, anti-breakage, anti-frizz, and thermal recovery. Always read the back. If the product doesn't tell you why and how it works, and just tells you "it works", don't buy it.

Why You Need a Stripping Product

 Even super-organic products have some chemical products. They are necessary chemicals, to make sure your product doesn't decompose into a brown pudding in the bottle and doesn't smell like a boiled egg. These chemicals don't really harm your hair, but they can make styling harder and add up when you have a bunch of products in your hair.

So, it's time to discuss stripping products. Stripping products should be used every one to two-days with an organic deep conditioner because they are very drying but are necessary to keep your hair healthy and easy to style. Stripping products should only be in shampoo form, a stripping contradiction is a silly contradiction. Stripping products may advertise themselves, but usually they have to be researched into. Do some research, choose three candidates, and decide based on customer reviews and price.

Why You Need a Deep Treatment 

Even with your moisturizing products, and a good, cleaning shampoo these products aren't really going into heal your hair. It's like the difference between over the counter and prescribed medicine. A good deep conditioner usually can in the very tiny crevices of your hair to moisturize them and provides nutrients necessary to health and healing. These products aren't everyday things-rather, because they are so rich, they are biweekly ordeals.

Exceptions 

There are some exceptions, as with ever rule.

Expressive Styles 

Many teens like getting expressive with their hair. Let's face it; with conventional organic ingredients, you can't really make a crazy, voluminous hairstyles. So here are the three exceptions: hairspray, hair putty, and thermal protectors. I say hair putty if you're into spikes or super heights for your hair because hair clay, glue, or rock gel will never come out of your hair and instead damage it by all the ripping and tugging you'll have to do to ever get it out. It will take a super-drying strip to get that kind of product residue out of your hair even if you do manage to get the majority of it out. Putty is more liquid-based and so there's not much damage done. As for hairspray, to make sure you don't spend badly, don't buy "light hairsprays", rather go for either extra hold or freeze hairsprays. "Light hairsprays" hold your hair, sure, for five minutes.

It's basically a disgusting mix of water and residue. The residue holds your hair, but not for very long. With extra hold or freeze hairsprays, you get the same nasty residue along but with some constricting and binding ingredients so it actually does something and isn't anything that your stripping product can't get out. As for thermal protectors, this is all you need in your hair when using blow-dryers, curling irons, and straightening irons. Get a protector that claims to protect and "tame flyaways" and /or "fights frizz". That will be all you literally need when using heat to style your hair.

 ..And for the rest 

Here's the rule for products that I haven't talked about, if you think you really need them. Make sure it's natural, and if you can't find it in organic or natural form, read through the ingredients. If there are more than 10 ingredients you have to sound out, forget it. Ask yourself, also, if the claim they make could potentially destroy your hair. Only you can judge this for yourself. Use common sense. If the bottle says just a drop of this product applied with a comb makes you hair stand up straight, it can't possibly be good for it. Be skeptical. Your hair will thank you (well not literally, of course.)

Curing Acne from the Inside Out

For years I struggled with a constant, oppressive case of acne. Not only did I have extremely oily skin, I had a near even distribution of pimples dotting my face. From my chin to my cheeks to my nose to my forehead I had stubborn little bumps that came and went on an individual basis but never seemed to want to make their final exodus. I tried almost everything to combat the spots. I used harsh face washes and rough scrubs, I exfoliated my skin constantly, I used products with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide that lead it to peel and burn horribly. Occasionally these things worked temporarily but none were giving me the results I truly desired: clear, soft, glowing, healthy skin. Frustrated I began to research incessantly for other possible cures. Then I came across the precious world of holistic remedies and natural skin treatments.

I realized that my problem was an internal one merely reflecting itself on my poor, abused face. Over the course of a few years I tried and tested different ideas and remedies with gradual progress in the reduction of my acne. Eventually I was hitting the nail on the head and now today I have virtually clear skin save for the occasional minor bump here and there. Of course I have to deal with the fading of the marks that the condition left on my face but I also learned how to help that heal a little faster as well.

 Seeing so many people suffer with acne (including myself) has inspired me to bring to you a compilation of natural, healthy tips and remedies so you can feel good about your appearance not only once again but once and for all.

 Let's start with diet. If you have acne, chances are you might not have the healthiest diet. It might not be complete trash, but their very well may be a few things that are leading you to ultimately break out. Personally, I found that really cutting down on (even cutting out) refined sugar, processed grains, and dairy made a significant improvement in my skin. Why? Because I realized I very well might be having issues with my blood sugar and insulin that were leading me to break out. I ate lots of wheat products (bread, pasta, bagels, doughnuts, cookies, cake), sugary foods (candy, very sweet fruits, soda, juice, etc) and dairy (ice cream, yogurt and processed cheese). I'm sure I also ate plenty of trans fats within all of those processed foods. I didn't eat too many vegetables and probably not enough quality fats and protein. Those sugary, refined foods were causing massive spikes in my blood sugar which ultimately were messing with my hormones, making my skin oily and causing me to produce thick, skin clogging sebum. Instead of eating those foods I switched to foods that wouldn't throw my body out of wack. Here are some general dietary guidelines I began to follow:

1) I made sure to get plenty of quality proteins including eggs (until I became vegan), tofu, soy yogurt, tempeh, all kinds of beans, lentils, pumpkin seeds, hemp, sunflower seeds, natural peanut butter, and almonds.

2) I really cut back on wheat (even whole wheat) and now get my carbohydrates from low glycemic sou,rces such sweet potatoes, beans, starchy veggies, soy yogurt, and low sugar fruits.

3) I added necessary healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil, ground flaxseed, coconut oil, nuts, seeds, avocados and even some very dark chocolate. I no longer get urges to binge on sugar as I did before because my blood sugar is stable and I don't suffer the horrible breakouts as a result. So, basically, if you are desperate to see some improvement in the appearance of your skin, I would suggest dramatically shifting your diet to a low glycemic whole foods plan for a week or two and note (and enjoy) the changes you observe. Okay, so I've described how you should makeover your diet as a whole. Now I'm going to let you know about some specific dietary additions that really helped not only my acne disappear but my face to heal from the ravages of perpetual breakouts.

1) First, make sure you are getting plenty of vitamin A in your diet. You can get this from red palm oil (I use Jungle Products Extra Virgin Red Palm Oil), pumpkin, sweet potatoes, carrots, red bell peppers, leafy greens such as spinach, kale, turnip greens, and romaine, broccoli, avocados, and cayenne pepper. Vitamin A is crucial for healing your skin and giving you a healthy glow.

2) Another vitamin that is crucial for skin healing is vitamin C which can be found in red bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries, kiwi, oranges, cauliflower and kale. I'd recommend getting it from vegetables instead of fruits simply because they are lower in sugar but a small intake of fruit should be fine unless you experience problems with it.

3) Yet another essential vitamin is vitamin E. Find this in sunflower seeds, red palm oil, avocados, almonds, and olives.

4) And don't forget zinc. Some research suggests that zinc deficiencies can actually cause acne and if you subsist on a processed, refined diet chances are you don't have enough zinc in your system. You can get zinc from meat (choose organic), pumpkin seeds, yogurt and mushrooms. I would highly recommend a zinc supplement of at least 15 to 20 mg a day as well.

5) Now get some healthy probiotic, cultured and/or fermented foods in your diet. The healthy bacteria found in these foods will really revitalize your digestion and boost your immune system helping to balance your entire body. I found that eating plenty of plain yogurt (I chose soy yogurt) really helped my digestion. If possible, buy organic and avoid yogurt with loads of sugar. Make sure it has live, active cultures in it. Other good picks for good bacteria are tempeh (a fermented soybean cake), miso (a fermented soybean paste), kombucha (a cultured tea), kefir, kimchi and even saurkraut if it's homemade.

6) Finally, drink your tea. Indulge yourself in as much green tea, spearmint tea and chamomile tea (as long as its plain) as you want. All three have been shown to improve acne in sufferers. You can even rub a used tea bag on your skin for a nice toning and cooling effect. Now that your diet has been transformed, you should see steady improvements in your skin as time progresses. However, there are a few additional natural remedies you can utilize to further help your skin.

1) First, when cleaning your face, use only all natural oil based soaps. I like Dr. Bronner's soaps. Oil based soaps will clean your face gently without robbing it of the moisture it needs. I saw dramatic improvement in the texture and softness of my skin with the addition of oil based soaps. To wash your face, just make sure you use cold water (hot water dries out the skin) and a clean wet washcloth and then simply rub the lathered up wash cloth in a gentle, circular motion until you get the dirt and dead skin off. Follow up with a rinse of cold water. I noticed that switching from hot water to cold water made my pores tighter, my skin smoother and my complexion a lot brighter because the cold water hydrates your skin and boosts the circulation. See aloe vera and acne tips too

2) Utilize the power of raw aloe vera gel. Check your local health food store, gardening center or even a larger supermarket like Shop Rite or Weis for whole, raw aloe vera leaves. These amazing plants are wonderful for toning, calming and healing the skin as well as tightening your pores. After you clean your face, simple cut open the aloe vera leaf, scrape out some of the raw gel and spread a thin layer over your entire face. Leave it on until it completely dries and you will notice a more radiant, calm and glowing complexion almost immediately! It also tones the skin wonderfully and prevents it from getting super oily later in the day.

3) Take advantage of supplements. In addition to zinc, there are a myriad of supplements you can take to improve the condition of your skin. Chromium is one that helps control blood sugar levels thus preventing acne. A good amount to take can range from 200 to 500 mcg a day. MSM, which is basically sulfur, is also wonderful for rebuilding your cells. Sulfur, although naturally abundant in raw foods, is lost in much of the processing/cooking that many foods go through so supplementing is never a bad idea. Another supplement you should consider adding is vitamin C. Vitamin C builds collagen, fights free radicals and is crucial for healing scars and maintaining bright healthy skin. Now, you can vitamin C in your diet pretty easily, but I found that supplementing with an additional 500 to 1000 mg a day made my skin heal a lot faster.

4) Take your flax (or stir it into water, smoothies, yogurt, salads, etc). Flax regulates your hormones, keeps you regular with fiber and contains essential fatty acids crucial to skin health. I take about four tablespoons a day either by itself, in smoothies or stirred into soy yogurt. The results? Softer skin and even a better mood!

5) Enjoy some unsweetened cocoa powder. To use this mix it into smoothies, or make a hot cocoa drink with plain soymilk and a little stevia to sweeten. Cocoa has been shown to improve blood flow to the skin. You don't need anything expensive. Hershey's brand will do. Okay, well there you have it. I have given you a detailed idea of various natural solutions you can employ if clearer skin is your goal. Try these tips out and not only will you skin improve but chances are so will your energy levels, digestion and mood!