Food for the Skin

The wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings. Let food be your medicine.  - Hippocrates

I like this quote very much because it keeps us in control of supporting our own bodies.  When it comes to taking care of the skin it is important to eat foods that nourish and support skin tissue.  Below is a list of 13 foods that are easy to incorporate into your diet.  Try to eat as many as you can in a week. 

Here is a challenge for you:  Eat as many of these skin nourishing foods as you can this week and let me know how many you ate.  The person who incorporates the most of these foods into their diet this week will receive a nourishing skin care gift!  Have fun experimenting.

Adzuki Beans

These beans are available canned or dried.  Adukis are one of the highest protein and lowest fat varieties of bean. They contain high levels of potassium and fiber, as well as B vitamins such as thiamin, niacin, and riboflavin, and minerals such as iron, zinc, and manganese.  As a high-potassium, low-sodium food they can help reduce blood pressure and act as a natural diuretic. When combined with grains, beans supply high quality protein, which provides a healthy alternative to meat or other animal protein. The fiber in Adzuki beans binds to toxins and cholesterol aiding in their elimination from the body.

Almonds

24 almonds have 6 grams of protein and 9 grams of monsaturated fats.  They contain almost half the recommended daily requirement of vitamin e, 7% daily calcium requirements and a notable amount of zinc.

Blueberries

Packed with antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanidins, blueberries neutralize free radical damage to the collagen matrix of cells and tissues that can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, heart disease and cancer. Anthocyanins, the blue-red pigments found in blueberries, improve the integrity of support structures in the veins and entire vascular system. Anthocyanins have been shown to enhance the effects of vitamin C, improve capillary integrity, and stabilize the collagen matrix (the ground substance of all body tissues). They work their protective magic by preventing free-radical damage, inhibiting enzymes from cleaving the collagen matrix, and directly cross-linking with collagen fibers to form a more stable collagen matrix.

Collard Greens

Rich in health-promoting phytonutrients, optimize cells' detoxification and cleansing ability, broad antioxidant protection, high in calcium, optimizes immune function, promotes lung health, high in folate, rich in vitamin e.  There is so much information about collard greens I recommend visiting the following link to read more about them.  More information on collard greens.

Garlic

Contains antimicrobial compounds that protect skin from fungus, these beneficial compounds found in garlic degrade immediately after chopping and cooking so add garlic at the end of cooking. Other compounds found in garlic can have a powerful antioxidant effect. Antioxidants can help to protect the body against damaging free radicals. 

Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is a rich source of lionleic acid, an essential fatty acid which helps heal damaged skin.  It contains proanthocyanidin - an antioxidant that may prevent sun damage.  Fatty acids may also control inflammatory responses.  Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point and is safe for cooking.  Be sure the grapeseed oil you buy has been expeller pressed and is organic.

Hummus

Hummus is made by combining pureed garbanzo beans, garlic, tahini, lemon juice and other ingredients.  Hummus is a good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber, as are most other beans. In addition to lowering cholesterol, garbanzos' high fiber content prevents blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly after a meal, making these beans an especially good choice for individuals with diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia. When combined with whole grains such as rice, garbanzos provide virtually fat-free high quality protein. But this is far from all garbanzos have to offer. Garbanzos are an excellent source of the trace mineral, molybdenum, an integral component of the enzyme sulfite oxidase, which is responsible for detoxifying sulfites. Sulfites are a type of preservative commonly added to prepared foods like delicatessen salads and salad bars. Persons who are sensitive to sulfites in these foods may experience rapid heartbeat, headache or disorientation if sulfites are unwittingly consumed. If you have ever reacted to sulfites, it may be because your molybdenum stores are insufficient to detoxify them. Garbanzos are also a rich source of iron.  Iron is an integral component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, and is also part of key enzyme systems for energy production and metabolism. And remember: If you're pregnant or lactating, your needs for iron increase. Growing children and adolescents also have increased needs for iron.

Kiwi Fruit

Kiwi fruits are rich in many vitamins, flavonoids and minerals. In particular, they contain a high amount of Vitamin C (more than oranges), as much potassium as bananas and a good amount of beta-carotene.  Vitamin c is important because it helps build collagen and prevents sun damage.  Eating kiwi fruit is clearly a healthy choice, and it is particularly useful in these cases:

•Prevents Asthma
•Prevents wheezing and coughing, especially in children
•Protects our DNA from mutations
•Provides a healthy amount of antioxidants and vitamins
•Helps prevent colon cancer thanks to a high fiber content

Lentils

Lentils, a small but nutritionally mighty member of the legume family, are a very good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber. Not only do lentils help lower cholesterol, they are of special benefit in managing blood-sugar disorders since their high fiber content prevents blood sugar levels from rising rapidly after a meal. Lentils also provide good to excellent amounts of six important minerals, two B-vitamins, and protein-all with virtually no fat. Lentils are very rich in protein (about 26%), folic acid, and both soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. Lentils are also very high in Vitamin C and the B vitamins, and contain eight of the essential amino acids. They also contain many trace minerals. Lentils are one of the highest sources of antioxidants found in winter growing legumes.

Olive Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil, which, when properly cold pressed and stored in opaque containers, is naturally high in phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties.  And its rich supply of polyphenols, which are known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticoagulant actions, may also be central to emerging evidence that olive oil's protective effects extend to colon cancer and osteoporosis. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil are used by the body to produce substances which are relatively anti-inflammatory.

Salmon
Salmon is high in protein, and a unique type of health-promoting fat, the omega-3 essential fatty acids. As their name implies, essential fatty acids are essential for human health but because they cannot be made by the body, they must be obtained from foods. Fish contain a type of essential fatty acid called the omega-3 fatty acids. Wild-caught cold water fish, like salmon, are higher in omega-3 fatty acids than warm water fish. In fact, the fat composition of salmon has recently been evaluated as superior not only because of its rich omega-3 content, but also because of its great ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s and its health-supportive balance of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats. Each of these features in the fat composition of salmon helps reduce risk of unwanted inflammation and help maintain the integrity of our immune and circulatory systems. In addition to being an excellent source of omega-3s, salmon are an excellent source of selenium, a very good source of protein, niacin and vitamin B12, and a good source of phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin B6. Another benefit of omega-3s anti-inflammatory effects may be their ability to protect our skin against sunburn, and possibly, skin cancer, keeping skin resilient.  It is recommended that U.S. farmed salmon should be consumed at rates of less than 10 portions per month. Salmon from Northern European farms should be consumed less than 4 times per month. Wild salmon can be consumed once a day. We recommend that you eat only wild salmon.

Shitake Mushrooms

The various nutrients found in shiitake mushrooms have been tested and found to reduce cholesterol, inhibit the growth of cancer cells, and contain the highest concentration of a potent antioxidant of any other food tested.  It's constituents are lentinan, eritadenine, iron, vitamin C, protein, L-ergothioneine.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are high in lycopene. This carotenoid found in tomatoes (and everything made from them) has been extensively studied for its antioxidant and cancer-preventing properties. The antioxidant function of lycopene-its ability to help protect cells and other structures in the body from oxygen damage-has been linked in human research to the protection of DNA (our genetic material) inside of white blood cells. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin A, the latter notably through its concentration of carotenoids including beta-carotene. These antioxidants travel through the body neutralizing dangerous free radicals that could otherwise damage cells and cell membranes, escalating inflammation and the progression or severity of atherosclerosis, diabetic complications, asthma, and colon cancer. In fact, high intakes of these antioxidants have been shown to help reduce the risk or severity of all of these illnesses. In addition, tomatoes are a very good source of fiber, which has been shown to lower high cholesterol levels, keep blood sugar levels from getting too high, and help prevent colon cancer. A cup of fresh tomato will provide you with 57.3% of the daily value for vitamin C, plus 22.4% of the DV for vitamin A, and 7.9% of the DV for fiber.

Wheat Germ
Wheat germ contains phytosterols which have been shown to lower cholesterol and promote heart health. In addition, wheat germ contains high amounts of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the body from damaging free radicals. Wheat germ is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids promote heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, are important for nervous system functioning, and help elevate mood. Wheat germ is also a good source of fiber which has many benefits including improved bowel function and may reduce the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes and prevent weight gain.


Eating good healthy food and using good healthy "food" for your skin will create a winning combination.  Remember, looking good is not the only benefit from eating nourishing food and using nutrient rich skin care products.  Other benefits include, feeling good, avoiding major illness, being able to be active your whole life.

Have a question about your skin?  Or ingredients in skin care products?  We are just a click away.

5 Easy Beauty Tricks

Women need real moments of solitude and self-reflection to balance out how much of ourselves we give away.
Barbara De Angelis

I love this quote because it reminds me of how important it is to take time for ourselves.  Last night we offered an evening of pampering and renewal.  I applaud the women who responded and participated.  These are busy women who give a lot of themselves everyday.  We were able to reward them with foot soaks, hand soaks, facials and a sample of special treatments to take home.

I understand not everyone has the time or money to make this committment, but there are things that we can all do to look and feel more beautiful.  I will give you my top 5 beauty tricks.

1. Use your shower to improve your skin

Before you step in the shower, massage a drop of grapeseed oil into the skin around your eyes for 10 minutes.  It will improve the skin texture.  The oil contains antioxidants that fight wrinkle-causing free radicals.

2. Sleep on two pillows

Keeping your head elevated prevents fluid from collecting around your eyes during the night and causing puffiness in the morning.  Better yet, sleep on an orthopedic pillow.

3. Put your eye cream in the fridge
In the morning put on cold eye cream, the cold temperature shrinks blood vessels and helps to minimize under-eye bags.

4. Invest in a magnifying mirror

To zero in on stray hairs-around your eyebrows and elsewhere-skip the reading glasses and pick up a small magnifying mirror.  If purchasing a new one, buy one with a light around the the perimeter.  You may be surprised at what you'll see in a different light and perspective.  A magnifying mirror is also a great tool for applying makeup on the eyes!

5.  Don't forget neck and chest area
Treat your neck and chest as gently as you treat your face because the skin there is so thin.  Be sure to cleanse and moisturize.

These are 5 of many tricks, but we have to start somewhere.  The most important thing you can do for yourself is to be happy and believe that you are beautiful!

Need a Beauty Coach?  We are available for private or group consultations...

Daily Regiment Part 3 - Scrubs - Masks

You’ve been cleansing and moisturizing and you find that your skin needs something else. Have you been drinking lots of water? How is your exercise routine? Are you getting enough fresh fruits and vegetables? Have you just sat outside (with or without a hat) and just been in the moment with your garden, the forest, the lake or the mountain?

Things are really starting to transform, we are coming out of winter and transitioning into spring, now is a good time to look at your skin and determine what else it needs.

Whether your skin is dry, sluggish, acne prone or blotchy there is a scrub or mask out there for you. And it is a great idea to use a scrub/mask regularly as it helps to deep clean your skin and impart a healthy glow. First, I will give an overview of ingredients and their purpose, and then we can see how all of the ingredients can be beneficial to each other in synergistic blends.

Almonds: Almonds are rich in vitamins, minerals and beneficial oils, which are used to cleanse and heal the skin. Almonds are very rich in Vitamin E which is essential for healthy skin. Almonds also have significant quantities of Vitamin B and several other minerals that help to keep the skin well nourished. It has a very high omega-3 content. Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that helps to keep the skin supple. Crushed almonds are an effective emollient as it is easily absorbed by the skin. Almonds have been known to prevent premature appearance of wrinkles, black heads, pimples and dry skin as well.

Clays: Clay is a great ingredient for detoxifying and purification as it draws impurities from the skin and imparts trace elements and nutrients into the skin. Traditionally, clays are used to reduce swelling and inflammation, and to draw impurities from the skin. Cosmetic clays are made up of different mineral contents, and each clay type has a different effect on the skin. Regular use of clay facials will remove dead skin cells, improve circulation to the skin, remove debris from the pores and bring about a smooth healthy glow.

Kaolin (white) Clay: Kaolin clay is the mildest of the clays and is great for sensitive skin. It helps stimulate circulation while gently exfoliating and cleansing.

Kaolin Clay is high in calcium, silica, zinc and magnesium, which are beneficial for oily, blemished skin. The clay's mildly drying and disinfectant properties help heal existing blemishes and inflammations, while preventing new ones from forming. The high mineral content of White Kaolin Clay rejuvenates the skin while the clay exfoliates and stimulates blood circulation to the skin. It does not draw oils from the skin, so it can also be used on dry skin types without negative results.

French Green Clay: French Green Clay is amazing for the face. It is still very gentle but also very rich in essential minerals. It assists the skin by bringing fresh blood to damaged skin cells, revitalizing the complexion, and tightening pores.

French Green Clay (AKA Illite Clay or Sea Clay) contains valuable elements, which include montmorillonite, several important mineral oxides, magnesium, calcium, potassium, dolomite, silica, manganese, phosporous, silicon, copper, and selenium. In French Green Clay, each element is responsible for working the outer epidermis (skin) in its own way and in dispensing their biological constituents as best as possible. This clay has a long history of being the clay of choice for spas and health care professionals.

Flaxseed: Flaxseeds are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds create an emollient gel when water is added, used to soothe, nourish and heal the skin. Flaxseed also balances sebum production.

Honey: Honey's natural antioxidant and anti-microbial properties help to protect the skin from the damage of the sun's rays, supports the skin's ability to rejuvenate and refresh depleted skin, leaving it feeling silky soft and supple. One of the most common skin benefits of honey is related to minor acne treatment. Honey absorbs impurities from the pores on the skin, making it an ideal cleansing agent.

Honey's ability to absorb and retain moisture make it an ideal ingredient in a lot of cosmetics as it helps keep skin hydrated and fresh and prevents drying. It is known that ancient beauties regularly applied a mixture of honey and milk to the face to keep the skin young-looking, radiant, and smooth.

Oats: Oats have naturally occurring gluten in the form of avenin protein, creating an emollient gel when wet, and amino acids and trace elements that are highly soothing to inflamed and irritated skin. Oats are very gentle as a facial scrub for sensitive skin.

Pumpkin Seeds: It appears that the biggest skin benefits of pumpkin seeds are the very high levels of the natural antioxidants and polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are a rich source of vitamin k, also containing manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, copper and zinc. Pumpkin Seeds are also an anti-inflammatory. Adding pumpkin seeds to your skin care regiment will help your skin retain moisture, maintain normal cell structure and keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.

Rice bran: Known as an ancient Japanese secret for smooth, soft skin, rice bran is a gentle exfoliating powder. Rice bran is rich in oil, makes an effective exfoliant and contains phytic acid, a B-complex vitamin that can help improve blood circulation and stimulate cell turnover when used topically. It is said to prevent wrinkles, heal blemishes, absorb dirt and oil from pores, balance natural oils in the skin and moisturize.

Sunflower Seeds: Sunflower seeds provide a lot of vitamin e, a powerful antioxidant that helps slow down the aging of skin. The seeds also provide essential fatty acids that help keep the skin lubricated and soft. This food for the skin is thought to reduce the appearance of blackheads and acne, helps prevent psoriasis, and other skin problems such as atopic dermatitis.

For exfoliating try our Mystic Seeds Scrub made with rice bran powder, granulated honey, ground pumpkin seeds, ground sunflower seeds, ground oats, essential oils and vibrational essences for mature skin. A synergistic blend of ingredients containing high levels of powerful anti-oxidants that helps slow down the aging of skin, retain moisture, and revitalize complexion.

Or Almond Facial Scrub made with ground oats, ground almonds, kaolin clay, flaxseed meal, essential oils and vibrational essences for problem and sensitive skin. This scrub has anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, and bactericidal properties. An exfoliating scrub or nourishing mask containing amino acids and trace elements that soothe inflamed and irritated skin leaving face soft and vital.

For a purification or detoxification try the Green Goddess of the Earth Facial Mask made with french green clay, kaolin clay, organic oats, roses, organic chamomile, organic calendula, organic lavender and essential oils.  This mask is a plant based formula that firms skin, removes impurities, gently exfoliates and absorbs excess oil. It also encourages wound healing, soothes eczema is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-septic. It is astringent, great for aging and wrinkled skin and is rich in trace elements to replenish skin cells, leaving skin feeling smooth and refined.

The ingredients I have written about have been used for hundreds of years and are safe, natural and effective.  Do you know what the ingredients in your scrub are for?  If not, send me a list and I will tell you.  Send to marianne@giftsfromtheearth.com. 

Daily Regiment Part 2 - Moisturize

Each thing has to transform itself into something better, and to acquire a new destiny.

Paulo Coelho

Some of my favorite things to make are moisturizers, whether in gel or lotion form; it is pure alchemy. Tranforming water, other non-oil liquids, heated oils, beeswax, essential oils to create creamy and yummy moisturizers is magic!

Before I get into what is a good moisturizer, I need to answer the question of why moisturize. Moisturizers seal moisture into skin. Hydrating the skin is important because as we age, our skin loses its ability to maintain moisture and elasticity of our youth. Using a good moisturizer will help correct many environmental issues and even some self inflicted skin issues.

A good skin regiment including a good moisturizer can overcome poor skin function. For example, say you feel that you have oily skin. Why is it oily? Are the sebaceous glands overproducing oil? Do you have acne or is your skin scaly and dry? Maybe you are using a harsh cleanser and not a moisturizer or maybe your moisturizer is full of ingredients that you are allergic to or are not useful to your skin type.

Your moisturizer should be formulated for your skin type and your skin's needs.  My goal is to educate you on the ingredients used in skin care.  I will not touch on artificial chemical compounds as I do not use these.  We follow ancient beauty recipes that have been time tested for thousands of years.  Listed below are some of those ingredients, I will talk about other ingredients in future blogs. 

Let’s get started dissecting the ingredients in a great moisturizer…

Water...a humctant, is the giver of life.  Our body, particularly our skin, needs moisture from water.

Oils...there are numerous oils that have healing benefits for skin.  I will concentrate on the oils that are used in the products we create at Gifts From the Earth.  We research oils that offer the highest health benefits to the skin.

Grapeseed oil:  A light weight, fast absorbing oil that is rich in vitamins, minerals and linoleic acid.  Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid that helps to maintain the health of cell membranes, improve nutrient use, and establish and control cellular metabolism.

Jojoba oil:  Not actually an oil but a liquid wax and has absorption properties that are similar to our skins own sebum which makes it highly penetrating. It contains myristic acid which is anti-inflammatory and good for sensitive skin and is also an extremely efficient non-comedogenic moisture regulator, penetrating the skin to moisturize without blocking the pores.

Coconut oil:  Coconut oil is an exceptional oil for dry, itchy or sensitive skin. It will not clog pores and it absorbs readily into the skin. It also delays wrinkles, and sagging of skin which normally become prominent with age. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections. Coconut oil helps in preventing premature aging and degenerative diseases due to its antioxidant properties.

Extra Virgin Olive oil: EVOO is high in oleic acid and is therefore a good skin cell regenerator.  Olive oil attracts external moisture to the skin and still allows normal functions of the skin to take place (sweating, shedding of dead skin and releasing sebum). EVOO is a very stable oil. In addition to being a natural, hypoallergenic way to moisturize skin, extra virgin olive oil has the added advantage of providing strong antioxidants, like Vitamins A and E that help repair and renew skin that has been damaged from overexposure to sun, air pollution, and other modern-day environmental hazards – like cigarette smoke and fast food. These antioxidants have the natural ability to stimulate cells and return skin to a firmer, smoother, and healthier state.

Evening Primrose Oil:  Evening primrose is high in gamma-linolenic acid (an essential fatty acid) making it an exceptional skin nourishing oil. The human body does not produce essential fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acids. It, therefore, is important to get these nutrients through diet and topical application. Essential fatty acids inhibit bacterial growth and allow our systems to defend against infection and inflammation. Evening primrose oil is highly recommended for dry skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis.

Shea Butter:  Shea Butter is naturally rich in Vitamins A, E, and F, as well as a number of other vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A and E help to soothe, hydrate, and balance the skin. They also provide skin collagen which assists with wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Vitamin F contains essential fatty acids, and helps protect and revitalize damaged skin and hair. Shea Butter is an intense moisturizer for dry skin, and is a wonderful product for revitalizing dull or dry skin on the body or scalp. It promotes skin renewal, increases the circulation, and accelerates wound healing.


Cocoa Butter: Cocoa Butter contains natural antioxidants. It is naturally rich in Vitamin E as well as a number of other vitamins and minerals. Vitamin E helps to soothe, hydrate, and balance the skin and also provides the skin collagen which assists with wrinkles and other signs of ageing. Cocoa Butter also contains cocoa mass polyphenol (CMP), a substance that inhibits the production of the immuno globulin IgE. IgE is known to aggravate symptoms of both dermatitis and asthma. For centuries pregnant women have used to Cocoa Butter formulations to prevent and treat stretch marks, but this pleasant-smelling substance is added to countless other topical preparations. Lotions and oils containing Cocoa Butter are often used in aromatherapy massage to promote relaxation and the feeling well-being. Research indicates that massaging the skin with Cocoa Butter may help relieve stress, boost the immune system, and even prevent cancer. This is because Cocoa Butter, like chocolate, contains a lot of CMP and there is some evidence that the CMP in Cocoa Butter may also help prevent heart disease and ease arthritic symptoms. Cocoa Butter is mainly used is a thickening agent and is a common ingredient in lipsticks, soaps and emollient creams. It is reported to be antiseptic and diuretic.  Cocoa Butter is a superb moisturizer which slows down moisture loss. It is known for its hydrating effects, is gentle on the skin and has a pleasing aroma.  Cocoa Butter is excellent when used on dry skin or on wrinkles.

Beeswax:  Beeswax works well in cosmetic products because of the “wax esthers” that exist in both beeswax and human skin and it is these compounds which help to bind and emulsify ointments, lipsticks and lotions. As a natural hydrating ingredient that increases essential moisture in skin, it is commonly found in hand and body creams that help retain natural skin moisture and in the relief of itching from sensitive skin. Beeswax has an irritation potential of zero, and a comedogenicity rating of 0 - 2, which means that when formulated and used correctly in cosmetic formulations, beeswax will not cause a problem or clog the pores, but brings a host of very positive attributes, such as general healing and softening, as an antiseptic, and an emollient to cosmetic products.  Even after processing, it still remains a biologically active product, retaining some anti-bacterial properties and also contains some vitamin A, which is necessary for normal cell development.

Essential oils:  An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (most frequently by steam or water) from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots, or other elements of a plant. Essential oils, contrary to the use of the word "oil" are not really oily-feeling at all. Most essential oils are clear, but some oils such as patchouli, orange and lemongrass are amber or yellow in color.

Essential oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived from. Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way.

The chemical composition and aroma of essential oils can provide valuable psychological and physical therapeutic benefits. These benefits are usually achieved through methods including inhalation and application of the diluted oil to the skin.

Vibrational essences:  Vibrational essences, can come in the form of flower essences which are vibrationally infused flower remedies made from living, organic, wild crafted flowers.  Gemstone elixirs are infused with the unique vibrations of specially selected, therapeutic quality, spherical gemstones. Are in a base of activated healing waters gathered from sacred sites around the world. These miraculous essences carry what is known as an "energetic signature" or vibration of the flower or gemstone which can positively influence and balance the body and energetic field when you use them.

If your moisturizer is making your skin happy then it is probably not right for you.  Let us customize the perfect lotion for you!