In my health journey, I have successfully overcome two autoimmune diseases (Lupus and Hashimoto’s) after a decade-long battle despite being told “there was nothing I could do” about my conditions and symptoms. My journey has shown me that there are countless ways to empower ourselves to not only reclaim our health, but our natural beauty as well. If you want to explore ways to work with me, you can learn more here.
In the past, I struggled with prominent expression lines, dry skin from thyroid issues, and rashes caused by Lupus. Determined to make a change, I explored holistic beauty and wellness practices that transformed my life.Â
In this post, I’ll share more holistic beauty tips that empower you to glow naturally at 44 and beyond, all without resorting to needles or invasive procedures. If you missed Part One of this “You Don’t Need Botox” series, I encourage you to check it out for additional insights.
Let’s dive into the path to radiant health and beauty together naturally.
Healthy Fats
Intentionally incorporating a variety of healthy foods into your diet not only benefits your skin but also boosts your overall health; two birds with one stone. The quality of your skin is a direct manifestation of your current state of health.
Healthy fats are especially essential for maintaining youthful skin and overall health. Eating fat has unfortunately been demonized, but I’m here to tell you healthy fat doesn’t make you fat. Instead, processed foods, unrecognizable ingredients, sugar, and inflammatory foods are the suspects. Healthy fats support heart health by reducing bad cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of heart disease but they also play a crucial role in brain function, hormone production, and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins… all impacting your beauty.
Here are some key types of healthy fats to include in your diet and why:
Avocados:
Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, helping to keep your skin supple and moisturized from the inside out. Avocados also contain antioxidants like vitamin E, which protects against oxidative stress.
Coconut:
Coconut’s healthy fats help moisturize the skin, while antioxidants in coconut meat and oil may also protect against oxidative stress. Additionally, coconuts contain compounds that can support overall hydration and potentially improve skin elasticity. Consider using coconut cream in a smoothie like my glowing green smoothie or in a homemade curry sauce with veggies.
Nuts and Seeds:
Walnuts, hemp seeds and flax seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, helping to fight inflammation and support skin repair, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Olive Oil:
Extra virgin olive oil is not just for cooking; it’s a beauty elixir! Rich in oleic acid and antioxidants, it helps maintain hydration and elasticity naturally.
Grass-Fed Butter:
Don’t be afraid of high-quality butter, it’s divine and it’s also great for your skin. This creamy goodness is rich in vitamins A, D, and K2, which are vital for skin health. Healthy fats in grass-fed butter also help maintain your skin’s moisture. A side note here, not all dairy is created equal, many people have reactions to dairy. I am lactose intolerant myself, but I personally have no issues when eating high-quality butter that is grass-fed, pasture-raised from brown cow breeds. A great book to check out is called The China Study to learn more about the dairy differences across different cow breeds.Â
Bone Broth:
Bone broth is a powerhouse of collagen and amino acids, which can enhance skin elasticity and hydration. Regular consumption can promote a youthful complexion. I watched an interview recently with the beautiful Salma Hayak, and she was crediting bone broth as a part of her beauty routine. Bone broth store bought can be outrageously priced! Instead, make it at home for free using your kitchen scraps. Yes, your onion skins, carrots ends, bones, and the like. Be sure to check out my beauty bone broth recipe, I use it as a base for my homemade soups too.
Health Benefits of Healthy Fats:
Moisture Retention:
Healthy fats maintain the skin’s moisture barrier, preventing dryness and promoting hydration naturally.
Nutrient Absorption:
Fats aid in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins—A, D, E, and K—which are all crucial for skin health.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, which can help alleviate conditions like acne and psoriasis.
Collagen Production:
Healthy fats support collagen synthesis, vital for skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles.
Cell Membrane Health:
They help maintain the integrity of cell membranes, contributing to overall skin health.
Incorporating these healthy fats into your meals can make a noticeable difference in your skin’s health.
SIO Patches
If you’re looking for a quick pick me up, this tip is especially for you. I love SIO patches, so much so, last year I bought them for my mom and my sisters for Christmas. These patches help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while you sleep. What I love is they are non-toxic, safe, and effective.
SIO patches are silicone-based adhesive patches that are placed on specific areas of the face or body, everything from your forehead to your neck and chest. The silicone material retains moisture making it look smoother and more youthful.
It can also help reduce the appearance of existing wrinkles and prevent new ones from forming.
I personally use Sio patches on my forehead and around my eyes and I have seen visible results after only one night of use. I regularly use them and I’ve seen more improvements with regular use over time which has been rewarding.
Leave them on for several hours or overnight, and then gently peel them off to reveal smoother, more hydrated skin.
đź’‹Quick Announcementđź’‹
At 44, I’ve embraced natural anti-aging without the need for Botox or fillers, and I want to show you how you can do the same!
I’ve created a comprehensive program that dives even deeper into what I do for glowing skin naturally at 44. This is an in-depth online class, complete with videos and valuable resources that reveals my personal skincare routine for glowing skin and everything is safe and completely natural.
It’s packed with videos, resources, foods, recipes, and techniques that have transformed my skin. This isn’t just another skincare guide; it’s a lifestyle to age gracefully from inside and out.
Imagine having access to everything you need to understand your skin better and make empowered choices. If you’re ready to elevate your journey and discover the true secrets to radiant skin, this program is for you.
You can learn more here and I can’t wait for you to join me!💋 Back to the post below!
Sweating
Believe it or not, sweating is a key player in maintaining youthful skin. When was the last time you had a really great sweat? Be honest!
Sweating has so many health and beauty benefits:
Detoxification:
When you sweat, your body releases toxins and impurities. This helps to cleanse your skin from the inside out, promoting a clearer complexion.
Improved Circulation:
Exercise boosts blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. This can enhance your skin’s overall health and vitality.
Stress Relief:
Exercise is a fantastic way to reduce stress, which can often manifest as skin issues like acne, dullness, or even a fatigued appearance. A good workout gives me a glowing complexion, while reducing my stress levels at the same time.
Enhanced Skin Elasticity:
Regular physical activity can boost collagen production, which is vital for maintaining skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Hydration:
Although sweating can lead to temporary fluid loss, increased circulation helps hydrate skin cells, giving skin a more plump appearance. Look at your skin before and after a workout and notice the difference.
Balanced Hormones:
Exercise helps regulate hormones, which can contribute to clearer skin and reduce breakouts.
When I’m feeling like my skin is dull or need a “pick me up”, I make sure to get a workout in. It makes a big difference. I also squeeze in a workout before going out to an event or if I want to have a more glowing appearance. I make sure to get my sweat on beforehand. Even a 10-minute sweat session will do the trick!
Resurface The Playing Field
Want a resurfacing treatment to reveal bright, vibrant skin without breaking the bank at a high-end spa? I’ve got you!Â
I love Mad Hippie’s microdermabrasion facial. This little jar goes a long way and I only use it about once a week or whenever I want a deeper exfoliation. Did I say I love it? I love it. It reveals such beautiful skin and really smoothes the canvas naturally without harsh chemicals. It meets my standards in all ways, it’s non-toxic, cruelty-free, and it works if you want that “spa-treatment” resurfacing treatment at home for dull skin and fine lines.
If you live in the states you can also find it at Whole Foods.
After you’ve resurfaced the skin, it’s the perfect time to…
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
As I mentioned before, my skin used to be really dry with thyroid issues, to the point where I had fine lines I didn’t want. It was terrible. The difference between your skin being dry and being moisturized can be dramatic and sometimes alarming when you look in the mirror. In Part One of this “You Don’t Need Botox” series, I talked about moisturizing from the inside out, and we did a bit of that with the healthy fats segment in this post, but we want to essentially moisture all around; inside, outside, you get the picture.
It’s not just about applying once a day when it comes to moisture. I have noticed a big difference, babying my face and applying moisture often throughout the day.
Castor OilÂ
Castor oil, “old school liquid gold” is what I like to call it. Castor oil has been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where it was valued for its moisturizing properties, various skin applications, and healing applications and, for good reason.
Moisturizing Properties: Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which helps to deeply hydrate and nourish the skin, making it an excellent natural moisturizer that locks in moisture and prevents dryness.
Antimicrobial Effects: Its antimicrobial properties help protect the skin from bacteria and fungi, making castor oil useful for preventing infections and promoting overall skin health.
Anti-Inflammatory: Castor oil can soothe irritated skin and reduce redness, making it particularly beneficial for conditions like acne and eczema by calming inflammation and promoting healing.
Stimulates Collagen Production: The application of castor oil may encourage collagen production, supporting skin elasticity and contributing to a more youthful appearance.
Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Regular use of castor oil can help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, providing a plumping effect that smooths the skin’s surface.
Improves Skin Texture: Castor oil aids in refining skin texture, resulting in a softer and smoother feel, which can enhance the overall look of the skin.
Enhances Glow: With its deep moisturizing properties, castor oil helps to create a radiant and luminous complexion, giving the skin a healthy glow.
Fades Dark Spots: The antioxidant-rich nature of castor oil can help lighten hyperpigmentation and dark spots, promoting a more even skin tone over time.
Ricinoleic Acid: The high concentration of ricinoleic acid in castor oil not only provides its moisturizing and antimicrobial benefits but also enhances its ability to penetrate deeply into the skin, ensuring effective delivery of its nutrients.
Fatty Acids: Besides ricinoleic acid, castor oil contains oleic, linoleic, and stearic acids, which help moisturize and nourish the skin.
Vitamin E: This antioxidant helps protect the skin from oxidative stress and supports skin health.
Minerals: Castor oil contains trace amounts of minerals like magnesium and potassium, which can contribute to skin health.
Antioxidants: The presence of antioxidants helps combat free radicals, promoting a healthier complexion.
I like to use it after taking a shower at night and letting it soak in. Sometimes I use it as a nighttime treatment as well.
When choosing castor oil, look for hexane-free, cold-pressed organic options to ensure you’re getting the purest product. Here is the one I use. When trying a new topical treatment, always do a patch test to check for any sensitivities.Â
Those of you that use castor oil know it’s incredibly greasy and sticky. So, it’s not the ideal moisturizer for daytime wear. I like to hide my moments of greasiness!Â
So for daytime moisture without the stickiness, I use rose seed oil.
Rose Seed OilÂ
First, I love that it’s light and you can layer on depending on how much moisture you need. Rose seed oil, also known as rose hip oil, was also used for its moisturizing and healing properties in ancient times, particularly by the indigenous peoples of South America, but also Ancient Egypt, Turkey, Bulgaria, and many more.
Rich in Nutrients:
Rose hip oil is packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as essential fatty acids, making it essential for skin health.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
It has anti-inflammatory effects that soothe irritated skin and reduce redness, making it beneficial for conditions like rosacea.
Moisturizing:
Rose hip oil is an excellent moisturizer that penetrates deeply, hydrating and nourishing without clogging pores.
Healing Properties:
It promotes healing and can aid in reducing the appearance of scars, burns, and other skin damage.
Collagen Production:
The high vitamin C content helps stimulate collagen production, vital for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness.
Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles:
Regular use can help diminish fine lines and wrinkles, promoting smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
Brightening Effect:
Rose hip oil helps even out skin tone and fade hyperpigmentation, leading to a brighter complexion.
Antioxidant Protection:
Its antioxidants combat oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which can accelerate aging and skin damage.
Improves Skin Texture:
Rose hip oil enhances skin texture, making it feel softer and more rejuvenated.
When choosing rose seed oil, look for organic options to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product. I use a cruelty-free, EWG-rated oil that is really inexpensive. I think it’s less than 10 dollars right now and it is linked here.Â
Did I mention I have saved a lot of money using natural products getting better results than the overpriced perfume and chemical-laden products I used to use? It’s a win-win all around.Â
If you enjoyed this post, you’re going to love You Don’t Need Botox Part One linked here where I break down even more natural and holistic methods to age gracefully without botox or filler. Or you can check out the YouTube video linked here.Â
