Hey there,

One of the clearest signs of a person’s level of health is the appearance of their skin. Not whether they are skinny, fit or perfectly curvy. Surprised? I was too. I have always been a lover of whole foods but it wasn’t until I studied to become a holistic nutritionist that I started to really wonder what was up with my skin. I suffered from acne. Every month, like clockworks, they appeared. If you suffer from skin issues, you know how frustrating it can be. Being a holistic nutritionist with terrible skin is not ideal for business, so I had to dig deep and find the root cause of the problem. Fast.

First thing I did? A cleanse. I cleansed my liver to make sure my hormonal system was functioning optimally. Then I detoxed my bathroom. It wasn’t an overnight fix but I made a mindful decision to not lather myself in chemicals. Over 60 percent of what you put onto your skin gets absorbed into your bloodstream. And your poor liver is kicked into overdrive. An overburdened liver cannot function properly, leading to hormonal imbalance, weight gain, poor skin health and signs of aging.

If you want permanent change, and to really glow from the inside out, that is what you will have to do as well:) There are no short cuts, magic pills, or potions. Just a clean lifestyle.

This isn’t to say I now have a perfectly clean diet. I still like to enjoy a few vices here and there. But the fact is, if this is something that you struggle with, you have to take action! I can help you with the cleanse and recommend a couple of super clean and healing body care products that I have personally tested. Once you make the decision to stop putting chemicals on your face, hair and body, you will never go back to the gross stuff and you’ll be SO much better off! Then the real healing can begin.

One of my latest discoveries from Greenaby (a great source for truly organic, natural body care that works) is a toner by Helena Lane.  These are the 4 (main) reasons why I LOVE this facial toner.

  1. It’s Super Clean and Organic. This toner only has three ingredients (Organic rose hydrosol, organic witch hazel distillate, organic frankincense essential oil.) Amazing. For the most part you can be certain that the longer the ingredient list, the more toxic the product probably is. Especially if you can’t pronounce most of the words! We have all read the scary facts about chemical laced body care products. The SLS, Parabens, Petroleum, etc. The problem is that these very same big companies are coming out with their own version of ‘green products’. Sadly, they are actually doing some very sneaky ‘green washing’.  You’ll notice a big sign on some of these products claiming to be all natural (a completely unregulated term) and they advertise the product as ‘green’ because they have omitted one of the many (many) chemicals they use in their products. Products like Helena Lane’s Rose + Frankincense Floral Water contain only the very essential and pure ingredients your skin craves (and your liver loves).
  2. It works. It does exactly what is says it will do. It leaves your skin amazingly soft and hydrated. Rose water has been used for centuries to help beautify the skin by reducing pores, redness and signs of aging. If you suffer from any type of skin issues, then you probably also have some inflammation. Gently cleansing with non-toxic, organic, and calming toner will help to heal damaged skin.
  3. Earth friendly. This product is sold in a recyclable glass container with no added preservatives. Parabens, which can cause endocrine disruption, and BHA + BTA, which can cause hormonal imbalance and cancer, are common preservatives in cosmetics and body care products. Not only are these chemicals bad for us, they are bad for the environment, affecting aquatic and wild life. Read more here. Helena Lane’s products are also made close to home (Vancouver, BC) which enables us to reduce our carbon footprint (if you also live here:))
  4. It’s affordable luxury. As you may have noticed, some organic earth friendly body care and make up can not only clean up your beauty regime but your wallet as well. You will find some very mindfully chosen organic products on Greenaby Online Eco-Boutique that are also affordable. It’s nice to know your well earned dollars are going toward a product that is nourishing, non-toxic to you as well as the rest of us, and helps you look and feel beautiful from the inside out!

As a special bonus, you my friends, have an exclusive opportunity to save 10% on the toner (as well as its other scent, lavender + mint). This offer is available until March 3, so act now! Code:  OrganicLove10

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I can’t tell you what a difference cleaning up my diet and my personal care products has made in my skin. Years ago, when I was struggling with acne and super sensitive skin, I couldn’t imagine anyone complimenting my skin. To be honest when I get complimented now,my initial reaction is still negative. “Are you being facetious or do you really mean it?” is what I hear in my head. But it is possible my friends:)

acne fighting foods clear skin diet

Here is a recipe for a kick @#s Kale salad that will help to get your glow on:)

The Beautiful Skin Salad

When it comes to your skin health, there are a few nutrients that are especially important to help eliminate acne and maintain clear radiant skin. The most important vitamins and minerals are vitamin C, which helps to build collagen and maintain a youthful glow, vitamin A, an important antioxidant, zinc to help normalize oil production and healthy fats to keep the skin hydrated and smooth. Eating foods high in these nutrients and liver supporting foods like kale, lemon, onion and garlic, will help you achieve and maintain beautiful skin.

  • 4 Big handfuls baby kale (or 1 bunch green kale)
  • 1 bell pepper
  • 2 carrots
  • 1 big slice red onion
  • 1 avocado
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced (2 Tbsp)
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt

How to make:

Slice kale very thinly and add to big salad bowl. (remove tough stems if using large kale).

Cut avocado in half and make criss cross cuts that create little diamond shapes while still in the shell. Scoop the flesh into the salad bowl.

Add lemon juice and sea salt to the salad and massage kale with your hands until it starts to wilt a bit. Use a garlic press to crush the garlic (or mince fine) and mix into kale.

Shred carrots and cut pepper and onion into little pieces. Add to salad along with pumpkin seeds and mix well.

Makes 2 main dishes or 4-5 side dishes.

Ready to detox your live and get your glow on? Sign up to stay in the loop about the Season to Cleanse Online Workshop Start in April 2014!

Tell us, are you ready to ditch the toxic beauty? Comment below!