Ah – the mild and highly justifiable obsession with gelatine continues. It’s a staple in the real food community for many reasons, and its laundry list of benefits extend far beyond its abilities in food or supplementation.

It’s actually a full-body treatment when you consider its amazing properties for strengthening hair, skin and nails. We’ll get more into the reasons soon.

Today, we’re covering a few ways you can incorporate gelatine into your DIY beauty routine for hair and skin.

Opting to make your own products to pamper with at home saves money and mystery when it comes to avoiding toxic ingredients and chemicals, because we know those things are no good whether we’re using them on the inside or the outside!

The benefits of gelatine for hair and skin

• Contains all amino acids. The building blocks of protein, you know. This is important as our skin and hair is built on a healthy, strong foundation.
• Collagen. You’ll hear this word associated with skin and nails often. Gelatine is a form of collagen (the kind that gels), and it goes without saying that feeding our skin what it is made out of has some serious benefits to it. It is the most abundant protein in the body, and it supports ALL of our connective tissues including bones, joints and everything in between
• Helps tighten skin. Its compounds can help fight wrinkles, tighten loose skin and generally keep you looking fresh, young and vibrant. Collagen as a supplement or used directly on skin promotes elasticity, keeping our tissues strong.

Read more about the benefits of collagen and gelatine.

1. DIY Gelatine hair mask

Gelatine makes a fabulous addition to a hair mask. Not only does it help to bind, but it provides the hair with a bit of incentive to grow.

It binds well to keep your hair strong, prevent breakage and scale back on split-ends. In conjunction with other healthy hair ingredients, it offers shine and sheen as well for a little well-deserved glow in your mane.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon powdered gelatine
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (raw and unpasteurized)
• 1 teaspoon honey – choosing LOCAL is preferable, but I like this brand of raw honey

Instructions:

You’ll simply want to combine these ingredients in a saucepan to get them warm and “activate” the gelatine. Then, you’ll apply it to already clean hair and work it from the roots to the scalp.

During application, you want your mixture to be warm but not HOT. Then, let it sit for 10-30 minutes before you rinse out. Finish up with your favorite natural conditioner.

Get the full recipe from Mommypotamus

2. Peel-off gelatine face mask

This mask is great to dig down deep into the pores and pull out dirt, toxins and even blackheads. If you’ve used Biore strips, here’s a great way to get it done at home with just two ingredients.

Commercial pore strips actually inflame and enlarge pores, making them larger over time, so they’re merely a quick blackhead fix. The all-natural version won’t cause long-term damage.

They can also be really harsh and irritable on the skin in general, so you can’t use them very often without redness and potential scarring if you have very sensitive skin.

Finally, they tend not to reach the real ROOT of the problem; conventional pore strips aren’t good at removing the entire blackhead! The more you know…

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. gelatine
• 2 tbsp. milk OR full-fat coconut milk

Instructions:

Make sure you’re beginning with a clean face. Mix the gelatine into the milk or non-dairy alternative and mix until it’s chunky. Microwave the mixture for 10-15 seconds and mix again.

Then, test apply to skin to make sure you don’t have a reaction! You want to start application immediately, though, so the mixture doesn’t harden. A

void hair at ALL costs, as this will hurt to take off – especially if it’s pulling at hair follicles. Let the mixture dry for 10-15 minutes, or until it is firm enough to peel off.

Wash off any parts you can’t peel with warm water (it should come off easily).

Get more peel-off mask recipes here.

3. Stretch your shampoo

Here’s an easy one that stretches your shampoo and helps to keep your hair strong. Plus, you can use it daily or however often you wash your hair, without much more effort than that.

Another bonus is that its thickening properties will make it easier for you to use less shampoo during each shower with as much lathering power. This is one for the budget-conscious beauty guru!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 tsp. gelatine
• 1/2 cup water
• 8 oz. shampoo

Instructions:

Simply mix in the gelatine to your water and remaining shampoo. Increase gelatine and water for additional shampoo, but the ratio will remain around 1.5 tsp. per 1/2 cup of water.

It will thicken up your shampoo which stretches your dollar a bit, and provide you with some beauty boosting benefits from the collagen!

4. Make gelatine gummies

One of the most effective ways to use gelatine to supplement both hair and skin (and so much more) is internal use. Making gummies is also one of the tastiest ways to consume gelatine.

There are countless recipes that simply involve using fruit puree if you want something sweet, some liquid and gelatine, then popping them into some candy moulds for bite-sized treats.

Not only will they keep all of your tissues strong inside and out while kicking your sweet cravings, but you’ll also be giving your gut an essential amino acid called glycine, which promotes the integrity of the gut.

In other words, gelatine keeps it strong enough to keep the bad stuff out. Try these gut-healing key lime bites.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (13.5oz) full-fat coconut milk
• ½ cup key lime juice (about 15 key limes)
• 1 Tbsp key lime zest
• ½ cup water
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp vanilla
• 4 Tbsp gelatine

Read the full recipe on our blog. You’ll also need some moulds to let the gelatine set in. I like soft moulds that I can just pop the gummies out of, and naturally, I like fun shapes!

I personally have a heart-shaped set which you can buy here.

5. Gelatine & charcoal mask

Activated charcoal is amazing for pulling out dirt from the pores, considering its known for being highly porous! You can learn more about the benefits of activated charcoal in our extensive feature (including more DIY beauty recipes!).

Combined with gelatine, it can form an amazing detox mask to work on blackheads, reducing the size of pores and pulling toxins and dirt from the skin. Our skin is exposed to SO much day-to-day; it’s important to give it a little TLC!

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. gelatine
• 1 tsp. activated charcoal
• 1/2 teaspoon bentonite clay
• 2 tbsp. distilled water

Instructions:

Mix the gelatine with the water, then add both the charcoal and clay. Make sure the mixture is smooth before application – you should have no chunks or inconsistencies.

Heat up the mixture in a double boiler, or simply with a metal bowl over a pot of gently boiling water. You could also use the microwave for around 10 minutes. Stir again, then transfer to the freezer for 2-4 minutes until it thickens and hardens, and becomes cool enough for application.

Use a brush to apply, preferably and avoid hair! Let it sit for up to 45 minutes before you peel. If you want to use it as a spot treatment or blackhead treatment, you can simply use it on problem areas (i.e. nose and chin).

Product recommendations:

Vital Proteins gelatine. This is my favorite brand to use, as they source their gelatine and collagen from grass-fed cows. These cows are located in Brazil, and the source is chosen with sustainability in mind. I really trust this brand and their integrity.

Great Lakes gelatine. This is another certified GMO-free and grass-fed brand I enjoy using. They also have partners in South America who practice sustainable cattle farming in Argentina and Brazil.

NOW Foods beef gelatine powder. While this brand is not grass-fed, they are very well-priced, and I’ve happily used this brand on a budget before. Their price is around $13 USD for 1 lb. of powder, so you can really stretch your dollar with them! I trust that this product is pure and natural.

Have you ever used gelatine for DIY beauty? Tell us about your experience, or let us know which recipe you are excited to use! Happy pampering! Share on Pinterest from here.

Alex

Music, mountains, dogs, travel, food and friends.

DIY beauty is the way to go for several reasons. If you’re reading the labels of even ‘natural’ beauty supplies at the store, you probably don’t even recognize some of the ingredients, let alone trust them. 

There are some trusted brands and truly natural products out there, but they’ll generally run you up quite the bill.

Doing it at home takes away the mystery and the big price tag. The skin is especially important. Think of it like food for your cells. The skin is the largest organ, and it takes in a whole lot every day.

Environmental factors, diet, hydration and so much more impact the health of our skin, so choosing gentle, natural products to clean things up is key to our wellbeing.

These are some of our favorite DIY masks and peel-off masks using some of our favorite ingredients to keep your vanity stash stocked up with.

DIY charcoal + clay mask for blackheads from Root and Revel

Charcoal and bentonite clay make an amazing mask that peels really well for the full spa treatment. Don’t be put off by its dark color – charcoal is incredibly porous and detoxifying, giving it an uncanny ability to pull out toxins from the skin big time.

That’s why this mask is especially good for blackheads! Read more about the many benefits and uses of activated charcoal. This mask comes out to around $0.25 per use, so it’s a total bargain for a quality product!

Check out the lemon and green tea mask below on how to use gelatine to turn this into a peel-off mask.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon bentonite clay
• 1 capsule activated charcoal
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 3 drops tea tree oil

Get the full recipe at Root and Revel

Lemon & green tea mask from Beauty Tips 4 Her

If you root around in the kitchen long enough, you might just discover that you have all these ingredients handy! This mask is rich with antioxidants from citrus, plus a touch of acidity to help naturally exfoliate.

You’ll also get some antioxidants with the addition of green tea, while egg whites provide a boost of protein which our skin loves! Finally, the gelatine offers up some collagen to the skin and keeps the mask sticky, so you can get the right consistency to peel it off.

Ingredients:

• 2.5 teaspoons of unflavoured gelatine
• 1/4 cup of green tea
• ½ lemon, juiced
• 1 egg white

Get the full recipe at Beauty Tips 4 Her

Apple cider vinegar skin peel from Rossina Julissa

This fruity mask requires just two ingredients. It brings in some ACV to flush out some dead skin cells while actual apples provide something called malic acid which helps our skin detox from heavy metals and help clear up sun spots or uneven tones in the skin.

You’ll just let the peel sit and wipe with a cloth. Face peels like this can be more pleasant for those with sensitive skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon organic applesauce

Get the full recipe at Rossina Julissa

Moringa face peel from Humble Bee and Me

Moringa is one of our favorite green superfoods, but we don’t just love it for recipes to eat; it’s a lovely addition to your beauty routine. Some of the benefits of moringa include its antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling and redness in the skin.

Honey can also offer anti-redness benefits, along with being antibacterial and antimicrobial to kill any bacteria on the skin causing irritation.

Ingredients:

• 5mL or 1 tsp warm water
• 1/4 tsp raw honey
• 1/4 tsp moringa leaf powder
• 5 1/2 tsp white kaolin clay

Get the recipe at Humble Bee and Me

Homemade ‘Biore’ strips from Barefoot Blonde

Two ingredients? Yep, no joke. This recipe is perfect for the skincare minimalist who needs a quick solution. Spoiler: it’s just gelatine and milk! Smooth skin is one step away.

Get the full recipe at Barefoot Blonde

What is your favourite DIY beauty recipe? We want to know! Peels, masks, and scrubs – share your skincare secrets! Share on Pinterest from here.

Alex

Music, mountains, dogs, travel, food and friends.

Here’s a statistic for you, because we want to start off the case for forest bathing strong: the average American spends 78% of their time indoors, with another 6% of time spent inside an enclosed vehicle or transportation mechanism.

Together, humans are spending approximately 84% of their time with minimal exposure to sunlight and long days without much space to breathe.

Our ancestors, on the other hand, were spending loads of time outdoors. We’ve come a long way with shelter and sourcing our food, so it only makes sense that our daily lives look a little different these days, but the difference isn’t a subtle one.

Our time outside generally isn’t spent there for leisure. Rather, we’re getting all of our sun exposure and outdoor exercise from arduous tasks like running errands or getting to the train to commute.

So, the Japanese have an idea for us – a bit of a band-aid to our indoors inclinations. Shinrin-yoku was a term coined by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 1982.

It directly translates to “taking in the forest atmosphere,” and forest bathing is pretty much as simple as that.

It doesn’t mean backpacking trips, long hikes or strenuous treks deep into the backcountry. Don’t worry – it’s much more accessible than that, and you could probably begin your practice shortly after reading this article if you wanted to.

How to bathe in the forest

With no bath tub required, you can think of forest hygiene as more of a “soul cleanse.” In fact, we encourage getting a little dirty if you’re out on the trail to embrace all aspects of play.

A true forest bathing session simply includes an often brief and leisurely walk beneath the trees and under forest canopies.

Additional aspects of your forest bathing routine can include meditation or mindfulness practices. You can carve out time to do silent meditation, sat down under the shade.

You could also do mindful breathing exercises, journaling or anything that gets you to slow down. See, forest bathing is different from a simple walk or a hike not only because of its nature (no pun intended) but because it lacks a destination.

While it may seem aimless, this is what gives forest bathing its purpose. Going barefoot will also provide the benefits of earthing or grounding.

The health benefits of forest bathing

Forest bathing isn’t just for the tree-hugging hippie. It can benefit anyone at all. Its effects will likely be most profound to those who don’t spend much time outdoors, those who live in cities and people with high stress levels.

Between intentional walking, getting some exercise, potentially soaking up a little sun through those trees and just being engrossed in a wide, open green space, there are endless improvements it can lend to the quality of life we experience.

This study shows decrease in blood pressure, stress hormones and heart rate.

• Immune system booster. One of the most convincing factors is the ability that forest bathing has on increasing “natural killers,” white blood cells in our body that are thought to fight tumour cells. It’s believed that consistent forest bathing can increase these white blood cells by up to 50% in just three days according to this study.
• Lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone). Cortisol release induces that “fight or flight” response you know if you’ve ever been in distress or experienced anxiety. We need some levels of cortisol, but consistently raised levels can lead to chronic stress and adrenal fatigue. Forest bathing regularly can keep cortisol at a healthy balance in the body.
• Reduced blood pressure. Blood pressure is raised when our lifestyle choices add up in a negative way. Between diet and stress, blood pressure is at an all-time high, and many people are medicated for it. Forest bathing, healthy diet and other stress management techniques can reduce blood pressure long-term.
• Improved mood. Even in tough times, forest bathing can help us find our centre a bit. This study shows time spent in green spaces reduced the impact of stress that individuals experienced, providing a better buffer for good mood management.
• More energy during the day. Spending time in green spaces can be as effective as a midday cat nap. Instead of hitting the pillow, hit the trail!
• Improved sleep. Exposure to sunlight, playful movement and stress reduction can all improve insomnia conditions, normalise circadian rhythm, help individuals stay asleep at night and improve sleep quality with deeper sleep.
• Phytoncides. These volatile substances – simply meaning they vaporise in the air – are antimicrobial properties given off by plants. Breathing in that tree-infused air is thought to have therapeutic benefits and promote relaxation.

The deeper purpose of Shirin-yoku

Forest bathing is a small commitment of time each day that produces great results with consistency. Along with our basic needs – shelter, food and water – we have many other fulfillments to meet to cultivate a baseline quality of life that offers us happiness and health.

Among those additional duties, we should seek sheer beauty. Just ask John Muir – also known as “John of the Mountains” – who explains it quite well: “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.”

As humans beings who can experience such a range of emotion, we should take more time to inspire awe and wonder . Being immersed in the outdoors is a fantastic way to tap into meditative states, primal playtime and sheer joy.

Forest bathing can increase the depth of our experience as humans and connect us to ourselves and our surroundings in new and profound ways.

We hope you enjoyed this information about forest bathing. Do you think you would try this? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and share this article with your outdoors-loving friends.  Share on Pinterest from here!

Alex

Music, mountains, dogs, travel, food and friends.

We are ALL about DIY beauty around here. Actually, we’re all about DIY everything. From the amazing skin benefits of dry-brushing to homemade toothpaste, we’re big believers in doing things the all-natural way.

The fact of the matter is, if you can do it on your own, it’s probably better (i.e. healthier) that way. We think it’s so important, that we dedicate an entire week of The Happy Body Formula to ridding your beauty routine of toxic ingredients!

Skin scrubs, makeup and hair products are big culprits, and it’s often hard to tell exactly what’s hiding out. Moreover, it’s hard to tell if these products are helping us more than they’re hurting us.

Today, we’re getting down to nourishing your hair so that it’s soft, healthy and well-conditioned. The key is to not strip it of its natural oils, which many traditional and harsh cleansers do. From pixie cuts to long locks and natural to dyed, we’ve got the DIY treatment for you.

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1. Avocado oil

If you know anything about us, you know that we are big proponents of avocado oil. Of course, we’ll get to the other oils in this article too, but this one makes just as good a hair treatment as any.

• Massage avocado oil into the scalp. This stimulates blood flow straight to the follicles of the hair which promotes growth.
• Vitamins B & E in particular are easily absorbed through the scalp, which can help both hair growth and helps to protect the hair against environmental toxins and damage.
• To use as a moisturizer, mix 1 teaspoon of avocado oil with one beaten egg and a teaspoon of olive oil. Work from the roots to the ends, let it sit for a half hour, and wash out with shampoo.

2. Olive oil

Speaking of olive oil, it makes a great natural hair treatment too! As we mentioned above, combined with avocado oil, this dynamic duo is perfect for hair growth and deep conditioning.

• Dry, thick hair takes really well to olive oil. While olive oil can weigh down hair with a thinner texture, olive oil will give a dry mane the moisture it needs to look and feel healthier.
• Split ends can be repaired and prevented with a bit of olive oil. Simply rub a bit onto the last two inches or so of your hair, and pin it out of the way so it doesn’t get on your clothes or skin.
• To use as a hair treatment, try mixing 1/4 cup of olive oil with a ripe, mashed banana. Massage through your hair and wrap in a shower cap or a plastic bag. Rinse with warm water after 30 minutes.

3. Coconut oil

Okay, I promise we’ll move on from oils after this one, but of course coconut oil was going to end up here. After all, you can use it for literally everything (don’t quote us on that). Here’s how.

• Dandruff can be drastically improved with the natural moisture found in coconut oil. Coconut oil contains antiviral and antimicrobial properties which can help fight dandruff at the source while soothing the scalp.
• Styling hair with coconut oil is easy. Forget toxic gels and pomades. Remember, a little goes a long way! Use it to tame frizz, hide split ends, and easily detangle knots with a comb.
• Use it as a shampoo by mixing 1/3 cup with a cup of castile soap, 1/3 cup of coconut milk and some essential oils. No toxins, no sulfates, and no harsh chemicals required!

4. Honey

Honey isn’t just good for a sore throat. This sticky stuff has some serious benefits when it comes to DIY beauty from healthy, glowing skin to long and luscious locks.

• The high sugar content might not be ideal for consumption (in excess), but it is ideal for hair. It can actually help the hair and the follicles retain moisture, leading to hair growth.
• Psoriasis can be treated naturally with honey because of its antimicrobial properties. It helps the scalp to stay clean and free of bacteria. This can also help with dandruff.
• Honey and water make up one of the easiest DIY hair treatments. Simply mix 1/4 cup of honey with water to dilute the mixture enough to spread easily into your hair. Voila! No fuss, no hassle, no excuses.

5. Apple cider vinegar

Ah, here’s another miracle food that we love to talk up. This is all for good reason! ACV has a reputation for better digestion, immunity and natural skincare, but it’s also fantastic to tame your mane with.

• The pH levels found in apple cider vinegar are a perfect match for our hair. Without getting all science-y, the point is that our hair is already acidic, and most shampoos have too high of a pH level to keep those levels alkaline. ACV helps to find that happy balance.
• Inflammation caused by dryness, harsh hair products, dandruff, psoriasis and sunburn can be counteracted with apple cider vinegar which is a notoriously anti-inflammatory food.
• A standard rinse made from apple cider vinegar is simple to make and use. Just mix two tablespoons of ACV with 16 oz. of water and pour over wet hair after shampooing. Leave it in for 1-2 minutes before rinsing out.

6. Avocado

If the oil is good for your hair, why wouldn’t the fruit itself be an obvious contender? With its healthy fats and creamy consistency, this stuff is made for an effective hair treatment.

• Shiny, soft and bouncy hair is often compromised by colouring, heat tools and styling. Avocado can fix all that because it contains the same oils found in avocado oil (duh), which help to repair all that damage.
• The natural source of vitamin E is known to promote hair growth, so getting straight to the source with some direct avo on hair action is the best way to get longer locks.
• You can use it on its own or mixed with other stuff like olive oil, coconut oil or egg yolks… there are a million recipes out there! Simply mash up an avocado and spread it onto your hair. Let it sit for 15 minutes and rinse. Boom! Soft and shiny.

7. Eggs

We’ve mentioned eggs enough times on the list now for them to get their time in the spotlight. Again, this is a beloved food when it comes to nutrition, but it also has moisturizing properties perfect for the hair.

• The yolks are where the magic happens, much like when it comes to breakfast. Here’s where the vitamins A, E and D reside which can all contribute to healthier, longer hair.
• Vitamin B12 which is difficult to get outside of animal products not only boosts hair growth, but it can give you a thicker and more voluminous mane.
• To repair damage, whip up this recipe: 1/2 cup of honey, 1-2 tablespoons of egg yolk and olive oil. Leave it in for 15 minutes and wash out.

8. Yoghurt

DIY hair care is beginning to sound a lot like breakfast, but it drives the point home that we often have these ingredients lying around the house, ready for creative use. Yoghurt is no exception.

• Protein might be the key to why yoghurt is great food for the hair. After all, the hair (and nails and skin) rely on protein to build and grow. That’s why yoghurt is great if you’re looking for a little extra length.
• Biotin, a popular supplement taken for skin and hair growth, can be found in yoghurt and applied directly to the scalp making it the ultimate treatment for long locks.
• To use a brightening mask for shinier, healthier looking hair, simply mix up 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, a tablespoon of olive oil, warm yoghurt and a whisked egg yolk. You’ll get LOTS of benefits from this recipe!

9. Lemon juice

Piggybacking on our last recipe, let’s talk about using lemon juice on your hair. While you might think its acidity means drier hair, you might be wrong. It has plenty of uses.

• If you want to go lighter, you can skip the bleach. Bleach is harsh and does loads of damage to the hair. A little lemon juice combined with some time spent soaking up the sun can give you natural highlights without taking the brunt.
• Treat an oily scalp with lemon juice as it has the ability to soak up oil like a sponge. Just soak your hair in lemon juice or apply it directly to the scalp and rinse out.
• Avoid the heat because lemon juice can help you get straight hair without the aid of a flat iron. Mix 1/4 cup of lemon juice with a cup of coconut oil (melted) then refrigerate. Apply the paste, wait 15 minutes, rinse with cold water, and comb straight for sleek hair all day.

10. Champagne

Let’s go out with a bang, or rather, a pop. It’s time to celebrate, and what better way to do so in style? Of course, this might not be the most cost-effective option, but hey… who said we couldn’t get a little fancy?

• Enhance your highlights with a little bubbly. Use fresh champagne for a quick rinse to bring out the natural golden hues in your hair without any unnatural chemicals, dyes or shampoos.
• Give yourself a root boost by spritzing a bit of champagne onto the scalp before you blow-dry.
• To use as a rinse, comb fresh (i.e. bubbly) champagne through the hair and let it sit for 15 minutes. Wash out and blow dry. The high antioxidant content will leave you with a sparkly, shiny ‘do.

Do you do DIY hair products at home? What is your favorite recipe or combination that you always have on hand? Share with us below!

Alex

Music, mountains, dogs, travel, food and friends.

We are big believers in tending to your skin properly. It deserves a whole lot of TLC, and we’re not just talking about your face. After all, the skin is the body’s largest organ, so it’s pretty imperative that we nourish it wisely, from what we put on it to the foods we eat.

We all strive for optimal skin health yet we often focus on our face alone. The same goes for products available to us – there is a large variety of purposeful products for our facial skin care, yet our bodies are limited to all-over moisturizers and not so natural exfoliators.

Today we want to share one of our favorite and simplest ways to care for the skin on your body.

Dry brushing – which is just what it sounds like – is a gentle way of cleaning out your pores from head to toe. The benefits of dry body brushing extend beyond your skin’s look and feel. Plus, it’s easy and affordable to get started with.

Benefits of dry brushing

Beyond just physical differences in the skin, the benefits of dry skin brushing can be noticed almost immediately. We often feel much better mentally when we have a consistent beauty routine in place, so consider adding dry brushing to your pre-shower ritual.

Pampering yourself and practicing proper self-care can reduce stress, boost confidence and lift your mood right off the bat. Over time, you’ll begin to see some more of the benefits.

1. Good for exfoliation
2. Improves the appearance of cellulite
3. Increases circulation
4. Improves digestion (who knew?)
5. Cleans your skin pores
6. Helps to reduce stretch marks
7. Naturally boosts energy
8. Helps with detoxification

1. Good for exfoliation

One of the immediate benefits of dry brushing is skin exfoliation. Just one brush will loosen and remove dead skin cells, keeping your skin nice and soft over time.

This is a great natural alternative to harsh ‘exfoliation beads’ found in commercial products which are often made of plastic. And it’s less messy!

2. Dry brushing for cellulite

While the studies on this are relatively inconclusive, experience says it all. Many passionate dry brushing enthusiasts claim to have seen improvements in the appearance of cellulite.

It can help to soften fat deposits (what cellulite is made of) and distribute them more evenly while removing toxins from the body, both decreasing visibility of cellulite.

3. Increased circulation

Many people suffer from poor circulation to some extent, especially if we’re cooped up in an office or spend much of our days sitting. Dry brushing can help your skin breathe and increase blood flow, therefore improving circulation and efficiently eliminating metabolic waste.

4. Improved digestion

We talk a LOT about how we can improve gut health, digestion and inflammation because they are such common issues. Fortunately, there are many solutions beyond diet and dry brushing is one of them.

Massaging the lymph nodes (found all over the body) helps the body shed both water and toxins.

5. Clean pores

We pay plenty of attention to the pores on our face, often scrutinizing the size of them and trying to make them all but invisible. This is just a small piece of the puzzle as we have pores all over our body!

Dry brushing is a gentle and effective way of keeping clean by removing dirt, oil and residue beyond just our daily shower.

6. Dry brushing stretch marks away

Many women have stretch marks, and like cellulite, it’s nothing to be ashamed of! We have delicate skin, and it’s sensitive to change in our bodies. Dry brushing can help turn dark, visible stretch marks into less noticeable marks with a white shade.

Moreover, dry brushing helps absorption of lotion, so using cocoa butter and the like on stretch marks will be more effective.

7. Natural energy

Between improved circulation, the invigorating sensation of dry brushing and how good it feels, and the meditative properties of this habit, you can expect a little boost of energy.

Try dry-brushing in the afternoon when you need a pick-me-up.

8. Best natural detox

If your body is working and breathing, you’re constantly detoxing. This is good! The skin is the organ most exposed to the elements which means it takes in the most toxins.

Dry brushing helps skin protect itself and ward off what is less desirable. No juice cleanse necessary!

How to: dry brushing skin

1. Purchase a high quality body brush for dry brushing like this one or this one. Even a great dry brush will hardly run you up a bill, and the investment is worth it regardless.
2. Start from the ground up. Move from your toes up to your head, but don’t dry brush your face as the skin is too sensitive.
3. Brush in long, smooth strokes. Brush each section of skin approximately ten times, covering a fairly wide area at a time rather than focusing on a tiny spot.
4. Brush toward the heart. This encourages proper circulation and drainage of the lymph nodes.
5. Brush firmly. You should be able to feel it, but it shouldn’t be abrasive or hurt you. Find a balance so it’s effective without injury.

Overall, the dry brushing experience is what you make it. It can last anywhere from 2-20 minutes. The best advice? Enjoy yourself.

Use this as a sacred, mindful moment in your day to focus on the sensations, stress relief, and necessary self-care. Over time, you will reap the benefits!

Are you familiar with dry brushing? If you have any of your own tips, share them below. Otherwise, share this with your friends who are new to dry brushing!

Alex

Music, mountains, dogs, travel, food and friends.

Everybody wants soft, glowing, smooth and unblemished skin. From growing out of teenage breakouts to fighting off oily versus dry to covering up with makeup to trying our best to age gracefully (wrinkles are natural, folks), we go through a lot of phases with our skin.

The skin is in fact the body’s largest organ, and it only makes sense that we treat it with care. Naturally, we can find a way to make an impact with the foods we eat.

We’re going to suggest that you forgo the facelift or the commercial acne products and instead, get on board with these ten nutrients that will nourish your skin every single day.

Silica

Let’s start off with one of the lesser known nutrients that could improve your skin a LOT. When we’re young, our bodies have plenty of this stuff to work with.

As we age, it is often replaced in our bodies with calcium. Collagen – the connective tissue in our skin – relies heavily on silica as it’s one of its main components. When we have enough silica, it increases collagen production which can help reduce wrinkles.

Supplementing with silica has also been proven to decrease acne because it lessens inflammation of our skin cells.

Where to get it: Food sources include apples, oranges, fish, oatmeal and seeds. You can also supplement with bamboo extract which contains around 70% silica.

Omega-3 fatty acids

What aren’t omega-3 fatty acids good for? We stress the importance of packing in the omega-3’s for optimal health all the time, especially in the Happy Body Formula meal plan, and glowing skin is no exception.

These fatty acids can be especially beneficial to people who suffer from chronically inflamed skin such as those with eczema. They help the skin to easily repair itself, manage cortisol levels which in turn prevents wrinkles, and helps keep the skin moist.

Where to get it: Omega-3 fatty acids don’t naturally occur in the body, so eating oily fish like salmon or sardines is the best source of the stuff. Plant sources include flaxseed and hemp seeds. Alternatively, you can supplement with fish oil pills.

Zinc

This trace mineral is kind of a big deal when it comes to healthy skin. Besides just wrinkles and acne, our skin is often exposed and wounded, and this is where zinc comes in.

It helps to repair the damaged tissue effectively. Zinc oxide is also a good natural sunblock as it helps to protect the skin from harmful UV rays, warding off both sunburn and the threat of skin cancer. Lastly, zinc is an amazing acne-fighting nutrient because it helps to regulate the skin’s natural oils.

Where to get it: Oysters, pecans and mushrooms are great real food sources of zinc. You can supplement with zinc oxide cream using it as a natural sunblock or even a dandruff treatment.

Vitamin A

Dry or flaky skin a problem? Moisturizer comes in all shapes and sizes, but oftentimes, it doesn’t do much for the problem at hand. A more long term solution? A bit of vitamin A goes a long way.

Vitamin A pairs with beta-carotene (a precursor, so it helps to produce it in the body) to provide skin repair by reducing damage from free radicals, for example, overexposure to the sun.

Overall, this vitamin makes your skin stronger giving a new meaning to “thick skin,” so getting plenty of it will help you stay protected against infection.

Where to get it: Beta-carotene helps the body to produce vitamin A, so make sure you’re eating vibrant veggies like collards, asparagus and sweet potatoes. If you’re a fan of offal, liver packs in loads of vitamin A.

Vitamin B3

This B vitamin – otherwise known as Niacin – is one of the most potent in giving your skin the VIP treatment it deserves. One study claims the stuff can prevent skin cancer!

It’s also quite an effective acne treatment. People who suffer from rosacea or chronic redness of the skin can benefit from supplementing with vitamin B3. Finally, regular niacin intake can help ward off signs of aging (no Botox required) and increases moisture in skin.

Where to get it: You can supplement with Niacin tablets or you can opt for real food. Some good sources include lamb’s liver, tuna and green peas.

Vitamin C

This miracle vitamin is the holy grail of skin food. It can do just about anything it puts its mind to. Vitamin C can reduce brown spots caused by the sun, boost healthy collagen production for smooth skin, and improve the skin’s healing process leading to a quicker rebound from breakouts and acne.

Moreover, vitamin C can actually increase effectiveness of sunscreen! Next time you’re packing a picnic for the beach, don’t forget your citrus.

Where to get it: Not just oranges! You can make a vitamin C serum with powder at home to supplement with easily and on-the-go. When planning out vitamin C heavy meals, choose foods like bell peppers, fruits like guava and kiwi, and plenty of leafy greens.

Vitamin E

This vitamin isn’t just a vitamin, it’s also a powerful antioxidant. With antioxidants come good things! This is a classic ingredient for skincare products, and it’s been used for a long time.

It helps to neutralize free radicals and lessen their damage on skin. You can mix up some vitamin E with olive oil for an effective treatment for rough skin, or you can use it to reduce brown spots as application promotes healthy cell regeneration.

Where to get it: You can often find it in the vitamins and supplements aisle in capsules with liquid inside. Though it’s good for skin, it can be harmful, so it’s best to use vitamin E in conjunction with other antioxidants (products that also include vitamin C and/or CoEnzyme Q10). Avocado, almonds and hazelnuts provide solid food sources of this vitamin.

Selenium

This essential mineral – also an antioxidant – is one in which a little goes a long way. We don’t need much, but the small amount we do get makes a big impact, especially on our skin.

It protects cells from damage like most nutrients on our list, making it a suitable contender for those of you who like to soak up the sun.

Since the immune system relies pretty heavily on selenium, it’s one of the most vital nutrients in fighting skin infection. Finally, this nutrient is anti-inflammatory which helps the skin to age more gracefully.

Where to get it: You don’t need to overdo it with selenium. A single Brazil nut provides TWICE your daily intake! Otherwise, just make sure that you’re getting plenty of seafood and beef which are generally sufficient sources of the stuff.

Vitamin B5

Another B vitamin makes our list, and this time, we’re talking Pantothenic acid (B5’s fancy nickname). It supports proper healing of wounds especially when used as a topical treatment. It also increases levels of glutathione which act as a powerful antioxidant.

This means your skin cells are better protected from sun, pollution and any other physical stressors because the cell membranes are in good shape.

Where to get it: Once again, liver ends up in our “foods for your skin” list as it’s quite a potent source of vitamin B5. Not a fan? Fish, shellfish, and chicken will do. Chronic stress and pregnancy can put you at risk for deficiency, but otherwise, you ought to be getting enough through diet.

Bonus: collagen!

This technically is NOT a nutrient, but it IS something you can easily supplement with. Like eating liver is good for your liver, collagen consumption is good for the collagen in your skin which is largely what it’s made up of.

Makes sense, right? This protein, produced by our skin, literally helps hold it together. Therefore, it’s one of the best remedies for wrinkles and overall suppleness in our skin. Our skin produces less collagen as we age, so supplementation via diet is very important.

Where to get it: Plenty of foods contain collagen-producing ingredients like leafy greens, avocado oil, rosehips (which make a lovely tea) and even chocolate.

A pretty tasty lineup, eh? Gelatin-rich foods like homemade bone broth, gelatin gummies, or a grass-fed collagen hydrolysate powder are easy ways to add a collagen boost as well.

What’s your secret to healthy, vibrant skin? Share it with us below and share this list with your friends!

Alex

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