SKIN CARE: A Non-Toxic Guide to Healthier Skin

Do you suffer from skin irritations?

Just like a lot of you, I have also suffered skin issues over the years especially during Winter. It breaks my heart when I see people suffer, trying all different types of topical creams, steroids, moisturisers with no luck.  But hey we only do what we know right?  Majority of people don’t even investigate their diets and this is where you must start! an unhealthy inside, will eventually show up on the outside.

Did you know the skin is the largest organ of absorption and elimination of the body.  It takes approximately 26 seconds for products to enter the blood stream through your skin!! Now that can be scary when you look at what people use today for their skin care routine and also when cleaning with chemicals around the home or work.

Lets start with what your putting into your body:

If you have any type of skin issue or condition, you need to stay clear of processed foods especially dairy products and sugar.  Dairy & Sugar contribute to inflammation which breaks down collagen and elastin in your skin and causes irritation.

What about what you put onto your skin:

The worst thing you can do is use topical steroid creams, this will only suppress it into your body and end up with worse conditions down the track.

Have you ever looked into your skin care products? Creams, moisturisers, lotions, foundations, acne creams, make-up, body wash, washing powders, hand wash, sun block lotions? All the chemicals and  toxic ingredients are terrible. Google the side effects! Scary right?

If you or a loved one suffers with skin conditions, please don’t put it off any longer, Its time to clean up your diet and lifestyle to rejuvenate you skin now.

The best thing you can do is to support the healing, by making the right choices and embracing natural, non-toxic remedies.

Lets get started with my recommendations:

1. DRY SKIN BRUSHING your skin with a natural bamboo body brush, our skin is full of dead skin cells which need to be removed. A good dry body brush will stimulate the skin, blood flow and boost circulation. Use it at least 3 times per week to achieve great benefits.

2. SALT – Get yourself out into the ocean or soak in a natural SALT bath. Soaking your skin in a warm, mineral-rich salt bath is one of the most healing things you can do to detoxify your skin and promote healing.  

Directions: Use a half a cup of Ra See Salt in warm water for 15 to 20 minutes and then scrub the skin gently with a natural fiber. Within a few minutes the water will turn murky and “dirty.” The darkness to the water is heavy metals coming out of the skin aluminum and mercury. Do this once a week during a detox and once a month for maintenance.

Salt is vital for regulating the water within the body.  However, salt has other important functions as well.

3. Change your washing powder! – Have you ever looked at the ingredients and the side effects from your regular washing liquid or powder?  I highly recommend Soap berries they are excellent and will save you heaps of money! I have used these for years, I have definitely noticed a difference especially through winter when our skin gets dry and itchy.

• Soapberries are the fruit of the ‘Sapindus Mukorossi’ tree, sourced from the Himalayas.
• These Organic Soap Berries from “That Red House” are the great chemical free and environmentally friendly alternative to our mainstream laundry detergents.
•  Soapberries are extremely hypo allergenic, and are perfect for sensitive skin.
• They are sustainably grown, and once finished can be added to your compost to break down naturally.
• No chemical sprays of any kind are used in the growing or harvesting process.

4. Water! We just don’t drink enough!  If you are dry on the inside, you will be dry on the outside! Drink a minimum of 1 litre of water for every 22kg of body weight every day. Additional if you work out.

5. Sunshine every day with no sun block! Start off slow with 20 minutes per day (10 minutes each side of the body). You may believe me or not but do your research on sunscreen and sunblocks! Sunshine is Vital for ultimate health especially the skin.

6. Add good fats to the diet every day – Especially avocado, good organic oils (olive oil or Udo’s) & nuts, I have found that my dry skin issues improved after I added Udo’s Oil (plant based 3,6,9 Omegas) to my daily smoothies! All you need is 1-2 Tbsp every day.

Udo’s 3-6-9 Oil Blend® is:

• A certified organic culinary oil
• the ideal balance of omega-3 and Omega-6 EFAs
• a food – not a supplement
• light-tasting with a pleasant, nutty flavour
• made with your health in mind
• fresh-pressed with great care
• protected from heat, light and oxygen
• bottled in glass rather than plastic

“How soon will I see changes?” This varies from person to person. Udo states that with the proper dosage there should be a noticeable improvement in athletic performance and the skin should become softer and smoother, within a few weeks.

7. Fruits and Vegetables! Load up on them! Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner – get creative with juices, raw salads & smoothies.  Fruits and Vegetables contain all the antioxidants and phytonutrients that build our bodies and prevent oxidative stress.

8. Guasha – Simple to make at home body cleanser, use guasha every couple of days, to cleanse the skin. This is a mixture of Triple Distilled Vodka and Non-Aluminium Bi-Carb Soda to form a paste. Store in a sealable glass jar in the shower. Use on damp skin before showering.

9. Sweat – either exercise daily to build up a sweat or use an infrared sauna to sweat out the toxins from your skin.

Here are a few things that the Wholefood Medicine Man Don Tolman recommends you can do to relieve and renew your skin:

1. Coconut Oil:
   The amazing antimicrobial and moisturizing properties of coconut oil can greatly help deal with the problem of dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and more skin problems. It can significantly reduce redness, scaling and dryness within a few days. You can also use Extra Virgin Olive oil as well. Gently apply some warm coconut oil on the affected area to soften the skin. For best results, use virgin coconut oil or the Olive oil daily before going to bed.
2. Oatmeal:
   An oatmeal bath can help treat skin irritation, itching and rashes. It will also keep your skin moisturized.
   1. Mix one cup of fine ground/powdered steel cut oatmeal in lukewarm bath water.
   2. Soak in this bath water for 15 to 20 minutes daily.
   3. Repeat this remedy daily for one month.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar:
   Another effective ingredient that can be used for treating dermatitis and other skin conditions is apple cider vinegar. It will relieve inflammation and itchiness.
   * Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water. Pour some into the palm of your hand and rub it onto the skin. Repeat this remedy daily for a few weeks to see positive results.
   * Another option is to consume two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar mixed in a glass of warm water two or three times daily. You can add unfiltered raw organic Honey for taste.
4. Aloe Vera
   Aloe vera is widely used in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions like dermatitis and many others. This will help to restore the pH balance of your skin and relieve the itching sensation and skin irritation. It also has moisturising and antimicrobial properties. It’s best to grow your own and use fresh cut aloe.
   * Apply fresh aloe vera gel several times a day for a few months to get rid of dermatitis.
   * You can also drink a few ounces of aloe vera juice to enjoy healthy and glowing skin.
5. Vitamin E
   One of the best and easiest home remedies for skin problems is organic vitamin E oil. This oil promotes healing and provides relief from itching and inflammation.
   So, apply vitamin E oil on your skin, especially at night 1 hour before going to bed. You can also try Frankincense oil. Eating good “real peanut butter” also has high vitamin E.
6. Honey
   Honey is a very commonly used ingredient that can help reduce the inflammatory condition of the skin. It also has antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
   * Mix equal parts of raw honey, beeswax and olive oil. Heat the mixture in a double-boiler to make an ointment. When it cools, apply it to your skin and leave it on for several hours. Do this daily for several weeks to notice positive improvement in your skin condition.
   * When dealing with radiation-induced dermatitis, applying manuka honey twice daily has been found to be beneficial.
7. My organic “Divine” Skin Cream” is also Awesome to help build great skin and even suntans. Every home should always have it available.

1. Dry Body Brush 3-4 times per week.
2. Guasha every 2^nd day
3. Renew Body scrub every alternate 2^nd day
4. Divine body butter daily
5. Drink recommended water intake – 1 litre for every 22kg of body weight
6. Udo’s Oil – 1 tablespoon in each smoothie – (1-2 smoothies per day)
7. Wash all my clothes, towels & linen with Organic Soap Berries
8. As much sunshine as I can daily
9. Load up on a plant based Fruit and Vegetable diet.
10. Sweat through exercise or sauna 5 days per week.

So there you go! I hope I have helped you make some healthier choices when it comes to your daily skin care and healing your skin. I now want you to do your own investigating and making some changes straight away!

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Note: I am not a medical doctor please consult with your local GP before stopping any medications. Its only my opinion, experience and self knowledge that the above can help you with your skin.

Yours in Health & Self Care

Beck