Category: Makeup & Skin

My Ayurveda Fall Skincare

10/20/2018

Although I am continuing to eat a low-fat diet this fall, I am becoming more mindful of my own inner callings for comfort and security during this seasonal shift.

Our increased cravings for fats are one way that our body stimulates us to create balance within dryer, cooler seasons.

Without many fats in my diet at the moment, I am feeling drawn to incorporate more self-care measures that involve oils, which will absorb from the surface of our skin into deeper layers of tissues. Using oil in this way nourishes the entire body as it creates a layer of warmth and protection from the dominating elements.

The concept of using specific oils during seasonal shifts stems from ancient Auryvedic practices. For the fall transition, sesame oil is preferred to balance the excess element of Vata (air).

I tend to use what I have on hand, which right now is some almond oil!

Over the next few weeks I will be bringing in my favorite essential oil from doTerra that is created with warm tones of cinnamon, clove, thyme, and rosemary.

For dry, tight facial skin my very favorite remedy is the Medical Medium recommended Lagoon Essentials Pomegranate Seed Oil (if you have acne, go slow with the oils to experiment if they work ok for you!)

And of course a moisturizing, trusty lip balm is always key. My favorites are the ones I pick up at my local farmers market from the beekeepers. ♡

How are you nurturing your body through this seasonal shift?

The story of how I finally healed acne, and how you can too.

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Getting Clear Skin With An Elimination Diet

7/10/2018

Have you tried everything to heal your acne, yet chronic breakouts persist? Sometimes the best way to figure out if there is a dietary connection to your skin irritation is to do an elimination diet to see if you can pin point any triggers.

While reading The Clear Skin Diet by Randa + Nina Nelson, I discovered that so much of their journey mirrors my own experience while healing acne. A big thank you my friends, Eden Rose and Aida Qui, for bringing this book to my attention. Honestly, I am just so impressed with how they translated their experience and how similar my own experience with healing acne was.

My biggest take away from this book, is Randa + Nina’s exploration and concept of utilizing an elimination diet, a concept I also utilized extensively during my healing process— and ultimately what inspired me to write this post.

If you are struggling with acne despite consistent efforts, let’s talk about this concept of an elimination diet and how you can use it to your advantage.

First of all, Randa + Nina start everyone out with some really basic rules based on Dr. McDougall’s findings which are summed up simply: Eat only plant based, whole foods only. Avoid all oils and high fat plant foods. Eat unrefined starches for the bulk of your diet. Don’t worry so much about variety to start, just eat as simply as possible. They are very clear that you must be 100% committed to this lifestyle to get results. If you have been following these guidelines and are still struggling, they suggest exploring an elimination diet as your next step.

“Before you institute the elimination diet, please be sure you have already ruled out other possible triggers discussed in this book, such as vitamin B12, skin care and makeup products, laundry detergents. If you’ve eliminated those as possible influences and been 100 percent compliant on the Clear Skin Diet for at least three months—and are still experiencing new breakouts—you’re a candidate for the elimination diet.” +

In other words, an elimination diet is for someone who has already been following a very low fat diet, rich in whole food carbohydrates for at least 3 months and not seeing any change. If you haven’t gone through these steps, try starting there before exploring more restrictive measures.

When you are dealing with chronic acne that persists despite major efforts, the first step is to become aware of common trigger foods that cause inflammation and irriation in the body. It is important to have a journal dedicated to tracking what positive and negative reactions occur during this time.

COMMON ACNE TRIGGER FOODS

Dairy
Eggs
Gluten (wheat, corn, oats)
Soy (tempeh, tofu)
Plant based Fats (avocado, nuts, seeds)
Oils
Supplements/Herbs
High glycemic fruits (peaches, bananas, apples)
Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, limes, grapefruits)

These foods are based off foods that are listed in The Clear Skin Diet. They have made these suggestions based on the work on Dr McDougall’s Elimination Diet Guidelines. I would like to point out that trigger foods by no means indicate foods that are “bad” foods or anything to fear! It’s just simply that these foods may be either detoxifying your system too quickly, in turn exaggerating breakouts, or these foods may be triggering inflammation, due to a variety of reasons. It doesn’t mean you need to swear off these foods forever, but just means that your body may require a break from them in order to get into balance. You will find that many of these foods can be added back into the diet without negative side effects as time goes on. Especially fruits, which are incredibly healing for the body.

Healing is definitely a building process and as the body heals you will notice that different building blocks will be required. What you are eating over the course of a few years will change quite a bit. For example, you may be wrong predominately starches right now with very little raw food tolerance. Bit soon you will find your body tolerates raw food better and better. As you watch your body’s signals you will witness that it will call you into deeper levels of healing when it’s ready. So please don’t get frustrated if your diet feels very simple at first. It’s okay. Consistency is the key. An elimination diet is simply a starting point that gives you a clean slate to discover any irritants in your diet.

Also keep in mind that not everyone will have adverse effects to all the trigger foods listed above. Acne is complex because there are so many factors at play and everyone who experiences it will have different sensitivities. This is why some people can go raw with great success and others will have success by focusing on cooked foods. It is why some people can take lots of supplements that help and for others it makes acne worse. It’s not about comparing. This process is all about discovering your own unique balance.

So, what would creating a baseline in an elimination diet look like? Let’s talk about it.

Creating a baseline means that you are eliminating the complexities of your diet and creating simplicity so that you can experiment.

The most important part of creating a baseline is having at least 2 or 3 basic carbohydrates that you know you do well on. For myself— sweet potatoes, potatoes and bananas were pretty steady carbs that my body did well with. Don’t get me wrong, I still had acne while eating very simply however I noticed that it got a bit better. As many of you know from reading my guidebook, from my baseline diet I would experiment by adding in some other foods in and I could tell within a few days if my skin was irritated by that food.

The Clear Skin Diet emphasizes brown rice and oats as a main staple. I personally didn’t do well on grains for quite some time, however others seem to tolerate it well. Being willing to experiment and discovering what works for you is really what this “diet” is all about.

I really love the focus foods that Randa + Nina give to their readers to focus on. They recommend starting with carb-rich cooked foods in order to create a baseline for yourself.

The Clear Skin Diet recommends focusing on: “Rice (brown rice is preferred) Cooked green vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, swiss chard, lettuce, collards, string beans, asparagus, spinach. Cooked yellow and orange vegetables, such as carrots or sweet potatoes, beets, beet greens, chard, artichokes, celery, summer squash.” +

Sweet potatoes and squash have been such a blessing for me at certain times in my life, especially when healing from acne. I love they have recommended these gentle carbs as staples for a skin healing diet.

From my experience, foods that created minimal detox were definitely best. For many that will mean focusing on whole, cooked foods to start with. For others they may be able to focus on mostly raw foods. You will likely have an intuitive sense about where this balance is for you — or you may need to experiment some. It’s okay if you do, just be patient and willing to try.

In general, raw foods will stir up a lot of detox which can exasperate symptoms in the body which is why they are not always ideal for an elimination diet. This may not be true for everyone, some see their skin improve greatly just from going raw. However if you have been trying this for months without improvements, considering experimenting with cooked foods may be helpful.

The Clear Skin Diet guidelines are also strict against not consuming fats — plant or animal sources. In my personal experience, going low-fat helped me substantially. However I have never been completely fat-free for longer than a day, because it makes me feel really off kilter. But when I upped my fats from none to just a 1/8 teaspoon of hemp seed a day, I felt really good. The addition of that very small amount really did it for me. You may find that it’s way too hard to eliminate all fats at once, so you can gradually decrease them over a period of 6 months and feel so much better this way. It is perfectly okay to take your time. I highly encourage you to listen to your body and experiment with where you feel most balanced, and make changes in a gentle way that do not overwhelm your body.

I love that the twins recommend cooking your fruit— although I have never actually tried cooking my fruit! Although so more easily consume fruit now, I struggled with fruit as a trigger while healing my skin. Instead of avoiding fruit, The Clear Skin Diet recommends baking or steaming “apricots, berries, cherries, cranberries, papaya, plums, and prunes.” + This makes perfect sense as a way to receive nutrients but soften the fruits harsh detox effect.

If you desire raw fruits in your diet, try focusing on just low glycemic raw fruits like wild blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and kiwis. If you tolerate these well, you can begin adding in other raw fruits and see how you do.

Randa + Nina also recommend to drink only plain water during this time, avoiding all other beverages, including coffee and teas. These beverages can be so stimulating to the adrenals which can trigger hormone imbalances.

“Salt is the only condiment allowed—this means no salad dressings, lemon juice, mustard, vinegar, sugar, or other condiments. We want to prevent any allergic response and make the diet completely simple and basic.” +

I love the way Randa + Nina break this all down. The goal is to simply your diet so that you can begin to see what is working and what is not at this time.

When you get to a place where you feel a bit more balanced and would like to begin testing out different foods, add one food in at a time.

“In order to test a given new food, eat that new food three times a day, at every meal and in large amounts. Do this for three days, eating large amounts of the test food at each meal. If by the end of three days you are not noticing any breakout or other skin problems, you can conclude that this food is not a trigger food for your acne. You can then keep that new food in your diet going forward. Anything that causes acne through this testing should be eliminated. Once you are ready, move on to the next food in question.” +

For myself, I added foods in pretty slowly over the course of a few days. I was super sensitive though, where I could tell with just a small amount. So for example, I would eat a cherry — and then if I did well on it, I would eat a few more the next day. Then, give it a day or so to observe any reactions.

The girls also bring up an important point that if you are a woman you are more likely to be more sensitive to triggers on your period. Therefore, it may work to your advantage to simplify your diet a bit more during this time.

To a a larger extent, breakouts may be unavoidable as your body heals, but it will get better with time. It is so important to understand that having breakouts in this process do not mean you are doing something wrong, but are a natural occurrence as your body is healing. A bad breakout doesn’t always mean that you need to reassess every little that you are doing. A lot of times it is just part of the process.

I love that Randa + Nina do not emphasize the use of supplements and herbs in the first stages of healing your skin. I remember taking so many out of desperation without fully understanding how any of these herbs were really helping me. For a while, supplements and herbs were too much for my body but as I healed with food, I was able to tolerate more of them.

As many of you know I did use digestive enzymes with great success while Inwas healing my skin. I have learned so much about the value of supplementation since this time and how different we all are when it comes to this— so it’s important to feel this one out for yourself. If you aren’t sure, you can eliminate supplements in the same ways you do food and then reintroduce them to see how you feel.

The twins do highlight zinc briefly, with Dr. Leila Masson explaining the importance of the mineral and the benefits she had witnessed of supplementing it for her acne patients. This information resonates with what I have studied from Anthony William, Medical Medium’s work. Zinc is highly supportive to the immune system so it may be worth keeping this one in your daily routine— or at least experimenting with it.

The Clear Skin Diet promotes a fully plant based diet, so the question of supplementing B-12 naturally comes up. They address this by stating:

“We encourage people to follow Dr. McDougall’s guidelines and begin taking a vitamin B12 supplement. We recommend you wait to start that B12 until after your acne has cleared, or up to two years. Research suggests a small percentage of people may be susceptible to acne outbreaks triggered by high doses of B12, like the dose levels found in commercial B12 supplements. This is why you should not begin B12 supplementation right away.” +

The truth about healing chronic acne is that no matter what diet you are following, it can take time. In The Clear Skin Diet, Randa + Nina do also seem to agree as they confirm that if you discover your triggers and find healing within 1-year, you are moving at a great pace.

Some will discover triggers right away and for others it’s just a matter of having some deeper healing to do. It’s really important to understand that it’s not JUST about the foods you eat, it’s about allowing your body time to recover and giving yourself time to let these healing foods work deeply for you.

For example, it took me about 2 years of eating a low fat, high carb plant based diet, exercising regularly, going to bed early and moderating my stress through mindfulness practices to begin seeing improvements in my skin. There wasn’t a quick fix exactly, although there were crutches I found that worked to assist my recovery from breakouts along the way.

If you are interested in learning about the deep causes of acne, I recommend checking it Anthony William’s podcast on Soundcloud. His insights explore the missing link as to why some diets work right away for some and not others. This will also help you understand why some people will need more time to heal than others. His work has helped me understand that acne wasn’t just about my skin, but my immune system as a whole.

Having these deeper understandings can allow us be realistic about our expectations and to cultivate patience in this process. Hands down, anxiety is the most common co-factor of acne. Feeling desperate for a solution is very real. I hope everyone who is reading this finds their missing piece and peace, whether it be through discovering potential triggers or just from letting time pass while consuming a low-fat diet.

For anyone who has read this far, I know your struggle is real and you have tried so much. Only you understand what it’s like, people who haven’t gone through it absolutely do not. Because of that, others can be quick to label any restrictive habits with food as a disorder, without understanding that the fear is caused by physiological effects not psychological ones. Even well meaning professionals can impose this harmful view on their patients, making them believe that their food fixations are all in their heads.

The reality is, a lot of people are very sensitive to foods they eat and chemicals they are exposed to. When you start to understand that certain food makes you feel ill and causes symptoms, you can’t help but become more mindful of what you consume. There is a learning curve involved just like any other new idea you have just been introduced to, it can take time to let your new way of eating feel natural to you.

An important part of my own healing has been acknowledging how my relationship to food, emotionally and socially, has been effected. Acknowledging this has helped me to be more mindful around how I can re-create positive associations and ways of connecting to the foods I did feel safe eating.

Even though food does effect us, it does not have to distresses us forever. Remember that food itself is not to blame for your acne. No food is “bad”, even the ones you discover that trigger you. In fact, there’s a good chance you will more easily enjoy a variety of foods again soon!

It’s important to take steps to cultivate a more positive association by enjoying meals with friends, even if they aren’t eating the same thing! Or invite your curious friends and family over to try your favorite new recipes. We eat with our eyes too, so remember that it can be fun to take the time to make your meals visually appealing. Most importantly, keep the faith that your relationship with food will heal with time, as you do.

If you need extra support, please reach out. It is always better to have a support system, a health coach, or someone you trust helping you get a clear plan together. This eliminates stress and helps you stay focused.

I highly recommend checking out The Clear Skin Diet to absorb all the wonderful information that Randa + Nina provide outside of just the diet itself— tips on skincare, lifestyle habits and even emotional support.

If you have tried the Clear Skin Diet or are doing an elimination diet to heal your skin, I would love to hear from you. Let us all know what IS working for you, in the comments below!

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3 Fruits You’ll Want To Put On Your Face

7/5/2018

Do you ever put fruit on your FACE?

I asked you guys this question on Instagram the other day and the responses were nothing short of awesome.

I mean, fruit is healing to consume so why wouldn’t it be healing to use it topically? I am thrilled to share a few fruity skincare remedies that are close to my heart today, along with some of the insightful tips YOU all offered!

If you haven’t tried face food yet— it’s time to experiment.

the gentle refresher

Every morning when I wake up, I squeeze one lemon into 32 ounces of water and guzzle it down. Every once in a while will take what is left over on my hands from squeezing the lemon and rub it into my skin. I do not wash my face in the morning, so I will rinse it off with water after 15 minutes and apply a moisturizer.

I call lemon the gentle refresher, as it is a mild exfoliant, hydrating toner, and even an oil busting cleanser— all in one. Some will be sensitive to lemon (you don’t want it to burn!) so be sure to test a small area of the skin first or combine the juice with water. You can also mix the juice to create a mask with honey, your favorite oil, or a facial clay.

Whenever I see lemon juice, lemon peel powder, or lemon essential oil in a cleanser or acne product, I trust it will be a pretty effective one.

Caution: Be sure to rinse before going into the sun.

the queen of vitamin C

Kiwi is the leading source of Vitamin C in the fruit world and it is vitamin C that the beauty world rages on for keeping skin vibrant.

Vitamin C is abundant in citrus fruits, peppers and cruciferous vegetables. It is required for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body and affects collagen formation, wound healing and skin pigmentation.

While vitamin C is abundant as a powerful antioxidant in hundreds of expensive skin creams, it tends to oxidize over time making its efficiency impaired. Instead, why not opt for the freshness of a kiwi?

What makes kiwi’s bioavailable Vitamin C extra special for the skin is it’s combination with high amounts of Vitamin E. Vitamin E improves the effaciacy of Vitamin E by driving it into deeper layers of the skin.

After you eat your kiwi, save some of the fuzzy skin and rub the extra fruit juice on your skin. It’s best to use it fresh so that the vitamins have not oxidized.

I like to do a few times a week before bed. I will let it dry for a while on my skin as I go about my other bedtime rituals. Then, I rinse it off with water, followed by using my cleanser.

Caution: Be sure to rinse before going in the sun.

the powerhouse exfoliator

Papaya! My love. Is there anything you don’t do?

Rich in proteolytic enzymes, papaya is a powerhouse exfoliator that helps to remove dry skin as well as cellular build up. This is an important step to take in order to ensure the effectiveness of your moisturizer.

The gentle exfoliation of papaya may feel as though nothing has happened at all, which is what makes it oh-so-gentle for our delicate facial skin.

I use this remedy a few times a week before bed. I will simply rub papaya fruit on my skin and let it dry. You are going to turn orange, but this washes off.

I notice the results of this mask in the hydration of my skin when I moisturize after. My skin’s ability to absorb the hydration is increased and it just feels so dang good!

You guys really are the best. I learn so much from you! Check out some of the highlights and responses to the question, “Do you use fruit on your skin?”

@jamnardo_ I will wash my face and then massage banana peels on it. Do that for a couple minutes and then apply a honey and spirulina mixture. Great for acne 😊

@mmhealing Aloe and banana peels— for minimizing fine lines.

@carisaloraine I heard once to run the core of a pineapple on your face. I tried it a few times and it feels really good! It’s almost like a super gentle exfoliation. 🍍

@healingwithrose I’ve used banana peels for both teeth and rubbing on face. Orange juice massages into face for vitamin C. Lemon juice mixed with aloe and lemon for hyperpigmentation. Avocado, banana, honey masks for hydration. I used to do it a lot more back in my raw days about 5 years ago... now I really only use water.

@madmaxgladiatorpug I’ve been saving the juice foam from fresh juice that is a mix of oranges, strawberries, and apples. And brushing it on my face with a makeup brush and letting it dry and rinse and then use a moisturizer.

@sarahs.holistic.health I haven’t used much fruit! Sometimes I mix oranges and raw honey or cucumber and aloe blended as. face mask is amazing!

@ashleysmaldino Papaya for sure!! And aloe of course 😉👍🏼I’ve also tried a honey face mask 🍯 banana peels and lemon helps any itchy bites, as does aloe 🙌🏼💗

@muneeza_medical_intuitive Yes, cucumbers and avocados.

So, I will definitely be trying this banana peel thing! Thank you all for sharing your amazing, bright and beautiful spirits.

Share this post with someone you’d like to have a spa night with! I wish I could have one with ALL of you. xo

Insulin Resistance + Acne: What’s The Connection?

6/23/2018

Is your blood sugar affecting your skin?

It was for me. It took me a long time to figure out what dietary lifestyle would help me balance this and what wouldn’t.

Even the good guys— like lots of fruits— seemed to work against me.

Over time, I figured out some tricks to balancing my blood sugar while healing, which I’d love to share with you today.

First things first— it’s important to understand the adrenal and blood sugar connection. Healing insulin resistance (the body’s inability to absorb glucose) really is a process of healing the adrenals. This is why we notice that “stress” seems to affect our skin.

When we experience stressors, even just minimal daily ones, adrenaline can pour through our system to give us the alertness we need to manage our lives.

An increased amount of anxiety and panic for no logical reason is often an indicator of an adrenal weakness.

It was no coincidence that I was experiencing panic attacks at the same time I was experiencing upset in my skin. It really is all connected.

I learned a lot from Medical Medium about the connection between the adrenals and blood sugar. This is also why so many of us are sensitive to eating lots of fruit.

Here are a few tips that helped me the most:

♡ Ditching the smoothies

I was a smoothie queen and one day decided to try actually eating the fruit. Chewing our fruit activated enzymes and predigests the sugars before they hit the gut. This little adjustment helped me feel so much more balanced.

♡ Cutting out oils

Oil can really hinder the body’s ability to absorb carbs and sugars correctly. I stopped using coconut oil in my food, along with all the others. It was very helpful for me personally.

♡ Focusing on low glycemic fruits

Low glycemic fruits include berries, kiwi, and even watermelon. Watermelon actually has less sugar than an entire apple (thanks for that wisdom Medical Medium!)

You are likely to find that in a short time you will be able to tolerate more variety of fruits and MORE of them. Listen to your body to know what is best.

♡ Pairing your fruit with sodium-rich foods

This is everything! If you are sugar sensitive, be sure to pair all your carbohydrates with foods like celery, spinach, cucumber or dulse. This simple combining act will balance the sugars and help your adrenals big time.

Thisbis when paying attention to Medical Medium’s advice on eating Adrenal Snacks will come in handy for you!

♡ Sprinkle cinnamon on your carbohydrates

Cinnamon is truly amazing for helping to balance blood sugar! Sprinkle a little on your meals for some extra assistance.

♡ Don’t be afraid to experiment

If you are coming from a paleo lifestlye, sticking to eating a bit higher fats for a while may be helpful for you, as you transition into eating more carbs. Sometimes, it is lowering your fats dramatically that will make a difference (see my blog on Transitioning To A High Carb Lifestyle for more info)

It all depends where you are at in your healing and where your body is. Experiment to find your balance. But remember, slow and steady is the key. “Transition” is the key word.

For most of my healing journey it was optimal to have low fats, but I also recall a time earlier in my journey when I couldn’t tolerate a lot of fruit sugar.

At this time I was eating a LOT of sweet potatoes to compensate. My body digested small amounts of animal proteins and fats (chicken was what I mostly ate) better than plant based fats. So this is what I worked with.

After some time, I let go of eating animal proteins and was able to eat a bit more fruit.

Please don’t fear experimenting a bit to find what works for you. We all have well meaning advice, but only you can know when something is right for your body. Document what is working and what is not, and in time you will begin to find your balance.

Again— digestive enzymes can really help you out while you are finding what works best for you. There is a video on my IGTV all about them and how I used them!

I also go into more depth on enzymes and how they helped with my healing process in my guidebook Finally Healing Acne.

Thank you for reading! I truly wish you all the best on your journey to healthy skin!!

DIY Natural Body Bronzer Recipe

6/18/2018

I love this DIY recipe for a body bronzer that works right away to naturally enhance my skin tone... and in a Michigan winter I can use all the help so can get!

The secret is cacao powder! Just mix a little with some shea butter or coconut oil — and glow on ☻

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup shea butter or coconut oil
3 tsp cacao powder
1 drop lavender essential oil (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

☼ Melt down shea butter or coconut oil, your choice of the two depends on your desired consistency. Coconut oil will be a thinner formula, where the shea butter will be a thicker body butter.

☼ After melting down, add in your cacao powder— remember this is cacao, not cocoa!— lavender oil and mix well.

☼ Enjoy as an all over body lotion!

“Does Microblading Hurt!?” An Interview with Model Cate Alexis

4/16/2018

I am so honored to have one of my dear client, Cate Alexis, on the blog today!

I first saw Cate in 2014 for a Microblading session and then saw her annually for touch-ups. We have laughed and cried (tears of joy, of course!) and created some gorgeous brows together. Cate has been one of my most loyal clients, making the drive all the way from the Detroit, Michigan area.

She’s nothing short of amazing, so be sure to check her out cute fashion feed on Instagram at @catealexis !

Cate Alexis for Dottie Couture Boutique

Let’s kick this off with the burning question everyone wants to know: “Does Microblading hurt!?”

So, I am a total baby when it comes to pain! Alana was so sweet to me and made me feel so comfortable. But to answer the question I would say that the numbing process is the most painful which would about a 4 out of 10. I totally got use to it and didn’t feel anything after that!

What was the hardest/weirdest part of the process for you?

Probably doing it when it wasn’t as popular as it is now. I got mine done in 2014 and my family and husband looked at me like I was crazy! I would say that after the process your eyebrows look like you sharpied them, but it wasn’t really weird just a little “bold” looking for a few days!

Did you experience anxiety before getting it done? What helped you relax?

Before my appointment I was super anxious, but Alana is the sweetest soul. She really calmed me down and her experience really made all of my worries go away!

Cate Alexis PhiBrows Microblading

What was the best part of the process?

The very best part is two weeks after when you see your new amazing brows and love them! It is the best feeling!!! That makes it totally worth it!

What made you consider getting Microblading done in the first place?

Over-plucking like anyone who grew up late 90’s early 2000’s! Some areas just never grew back. After getting microblading even in my sparse areas I noticed new hair growing there! WIN.

Would you recommend it to your friends?

I most definitely would!

Has Microblading enhanced your confidence or life in any particular way?

Alana made me love my brows again instead of being mad I had over plucked them my whole life!

Alana Hartman Midland Michigan Microblading

Cate Alexis PhiBrows Microblading

What does your family think of them? Did anyone in your family freak out when you told them you were first going to get it done?

At first they thought I was crazy, but when they saw the results they totally understood!

How many times have you got them done?

2 full times and 2 touch ups.

Would you do it again?

Yes I am totally overdue for another microblading session!

Cate, thank you again for sharing your Microblading experience! You can catch more of Cate’s amazing wardrobe on Instagram at @catealexis!

6 Tips For Healing Acne, Naturally.

2/9/2018

The following is an excerpt from my guidebook, Finally Healing Acne:

Under My Skin: A Holistic Guide To Finally Healing Acne

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This story begins back in 2004 when I first started experiencing an array of strange symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, and eventually skin issues and painful menstrual cramps.

But it was my skin that spoke to me the loudest. It is what gave me the biggest challenges, but also the motivation to learn how to heal my body, mind, and soul.

I know what it’s like to deal with an absolutely confidence-shattering, life- altering skin issue. The kind that keeps you from doing things you love, like hanging with your friends, dating, taking family pictures, and the worst part— how it keeps you from loving yourself and living your purpose. I know what it’s like to be searching for answers under every possible promise and money-back guarantee. But best of all, I know what it’s like to HEAL and experience a joyful life.

I know your struggle and I do not take your attention lightly. I have put my heart and soul into this book to help you connect the dots and fill the gaps. What I share comes from years of my own experiementing and following my instincts.

I have been inspired by healers, pioneers, and teachers such as David Wolfe, Natasha St. Michael, Leija Turunen, Freelee the Banana Girl, Dr. Nick Good, Michael Mackintosh, Daniel Vitalis, Anthony William, Dr. Kim Palka, Ram Dass, and Louise Hay.

I strongly believe in what has helped me. With willingness and dedication, I have faith that healing will be a rewarding experience for each and every one of you, too.

So what actually helped me? That’s what I am here to talk about.

Here I will be briefly outlining the top 6 things that have helped me, and then in later chapters I will be diving further in depth to make sure you get all the details of what will help you be most successful in freeing yourself from chronic acne.

We all know that diet is important, but it is confusing figuring out exactly WHAT diet. I figured out what worked for me by eliminating processed sugars first. I then slowly worked my way into eliminating dairy, eggs, and eventually lowered my fat intake substantially.

I experimented with eliminating certain foods a little at a time. As I did this I was documenting what foods seemed to accelerate a reaction. For me, I was able to see the e ects of the food I ate by the next day. The foods that seemed to trigger a negative response I cut out.

This was how I naturally found myself eating what is known as a “high carb low fat vegan diet”, and also what is known as a “raw til dinner diet”.

I followed this diet for about 2 years until I began adding in more of variety of foods again.

Tip: Eat much more simply than usual so you can easily document the reactions your skin is having to specific foods.

Throughout my healing journey there wasn’t an herb or vitamin I did not try— yet it seemed nothing was helping me. I am not suggesting supplements don’t work, but more that they do not always offer the quick fix we are hoping for. After years of seeing my naturopathic doctor, she had a suggestion for a supplement that changed things for the best. I will be sharing more on this with you later.

Tip: Be mindful that herbs are not always quick fixes, they are more for long term support of the body. Experiment with the suggestions in later chapters for supplements that can help curb breakout symptoms.

Probably the most important piece of the puzzle for me was understanding what was actually causing acne. I finally received that piece from author and Medical Medium Anthony William when I consulted with him in 2010.

He told me that my skin issues were stemming from a bacterial infection that made it’s way to my lymphatic system. The in ammation was causing stagnation, which in turn was causing my acne breakouts.

At the time Anthony and I didn’t talk about diet, and that’s likely because I was already doing so much with my diet that was working for me— even though I didn’t realize it fully at the time. Instead, we focused on the importance of movement. He told me that I needed to get my lymphatic system MOVING. He helped me gain clarity on a specific plan which I put into action right away.

Tip: Incorporate consistent forms of exercise into your day! It is important to choose forms that do not stress your adrenals out!

I view skin care as a way to nurture the skin, but not to x the problem. As we know now, the real problem is under the skin. But because of the duration of time that it can take to heal a systemic imbalance in the body, it is good to have a consistent skin care routine down that will help you recover from breakouts and prevent scarring.

At di erent points I tried washing my skin with raw Manuka honey, aloe, apple cider vinegar, prayer infused mixtures, Ayurveda pastes, Bentonite clay, and ALL the popular over-the-counter skin care systems.

Then one day, I got lucky I purchased a speci c skin care line that consisted of natural and conventional treatments combined and WOW—did it help! I used the entire system at rst, and eventually switched to just using the cleanser. More details on that, along with my favorite resuce remedy, later!

Tip: Be aware that 100% natural products are wonderful, but not always the best choice chronic acne. Experiment with the products listed here later on in this guide.

Getting excited about your healing, your WHY, and your dreams is important. I will be sharing with you about my experience in cultivating a strong vision that keeps our inner-world aligned with all the work we are putting in externally. This helps us stay motivated and on track.

Tip: Get clear on your vision! Create a vision board using the suggestions outlined in this guidebook in later chapters.

As I started my physical healing journey, I began naturally gravitating to practices like meditation, yoga, mindfulness, and journaling. I believe this is a natural occurrence as the soul and mind desire to come into alignment with the body. Although there are many healing art forms that I adore, there are a few practices that have stuck with me over the years that I’d love to share with you.

Tip: Develop a relaxation practice. The tools outlined in later chapters will help you to develop consistent, daily habits, regardless of your budget.

If you have tried everything and are ready to get clear on how you can heal your skin too, I wrote Finally Healing Acne for you.

I know this season of healing is frustrating and there are a million things you’d rather be doing, but trust me. It’s going to be okay. You are going to figure it out and get through this. I’ve got you!

Q + A : Finally Healing Acne

1/22/2018

Thank you all for your amazing response to my “THEN & NOW” photo on Instagram! The way so many of related and were supportive touch my heart beyond words. Nothing outweighs the feeling of finally being able to shed some light from such a dark experience.

There were so many good questions in the comments and from my DM’s I wanted to address them someone that everyone could have access, here on the blog!

If you have personal questions you would like answered here, please DM me on Instagram at @beautifruitful.

Alright, let’s jump right in!

How do you get an appointment with Anthony William Medical Medium?

It was almost a decade ago that I had the chance to work with Anthony! I came across his website on a random google search and was a desperate seeker— so I gave him a shot! Back then the information that we have access to now was very difficult to access. Please do not fear if you are unable to get a session with Anthony. At this time I do not think he takes private consults. What he does now is work hard to get ALL the information you need out in his podcasts, books, articles, and circulating within the vibrant healing community on social media. Healing takes time. Please know that as you implement steps (although it may seem things aren’t working right away) your body IS working for YOU!

Link to blog, books, and more: www.medicalmedium.com

Do you eat grains?

While I was healing my skin I found it helpful to first cut out wheat (gluten-free). I did this for a while before cutting out ALL grain (including quinoa and millet). For me, cutting them out helped considerably. Every body will be different, so see what works for you by documenting the way your body reacts with and without them.

Quinoa and millet are in a gray area when it comes to thier food group classification. When I was healing my skin I did not have access to Anthony William’s work, which does cite them both as a grain. Instead, I was documenting reactions to foods. I naturally cut them out as they seemed to worsen things, but after about 18 months began slowly adding them back in.

SoundCloud link: Listen to The Truth About Grains

Is it normal to have detox reactions, or a worsening of symptoms from certain foods?

Yes! Before I knew that all fruits were actually very healing for me, I thought many were actually bad for me because I would notice things would get worse. Now I understand that these fruits were detoxifying and “stirring the pot” so to speak. I personally stuck to mostly foods that were gentle for me. This can happen with other healing foods such as garlic, onion, cilantro, etc. As my body got stronger I was able to tolerate an abundance of foods without any negative side effect.

How long do you rebound?

15-20 minutes every day! If rebounding is challenging for you, do what you can!! Even sitting it on it bouncing is better than not doing anything at all.

Is other exercise as good for you as rebounding?

After rebounding for quite a while I started adding in other forms of exercise. However, it’s my understanding that rebounding targets lympathic stimulation of all areas in the body that most other exercise does not. Rebounding is also low impact which makes it easy on the body. This was the one & only exercise recommended to me by Anthony William.

What brand is your rebounder?

The day Anthony recommended I rebound I went straight to the store to hunt for one! The only place I could locally find one was Walmart. I do not know the brand! This was almost 10 years ago, so I no longer have the box to check. However it was the only one they had and was around $30.

What diet and supplements helped you?

This is a REALLY big and REALLY important question! I have something super special I will be releasing for you guys to explain more about what supplements and diet helped me most in MY personal experience. Keep an eye out for this coming over the next few days, I can’t wait to share more with you guys!!

Should I go 100% Raw? Vegan?

In the beginning parts of my healing journey I did a few short raw cleanses & ate a vegan diet. I do believe all of this helped me heal as it naturally lowered my fat intake. Cutting out eggs and dairy also was substantial as they are known to feed pathogens that are causing acne.

At one point I did encorporate fish into my diet and seemed to do fine with that every once in while. I went back and forth on being vegan for quite some time — battling the “protein myths” — and finally felt safe without meat. In my experience eating SIMPLE meals was really the key. I will get into exactly what I ate and what worked for me in more detail in my little surprise I have coming up for you!

I got bad acne symptoms after a routine vaccine. Is it just a waiting game now?

To an extent it IS a waiting game, as it takes time to rebuild immunity after something like this happens. I had many doctors and healers suggest that this was also the root cause of what I was experiencing in my body as well. It takes time. But supporting your body through it is what matters most. As you give your body the support it needs it can recover much more quickly.

I am loosing hope. What can I do?

You are not alone! Please know this. This can feel like a long process but you will see progress as you put one foot in front of the other each and every day. Baby steps add up.

I struggled with this condition for about 5 years. Half of that was spent just discovering the RIGHT information. The other half (in reality it was a bit less— around 18 months) once I was consistently doing one thing, was spent actually healing. During this second half I made major leaps in my process as I had eliminated the correct foods, was being more patient, and started rebounding every day.

Thisnis an amazing read here that will help you gain more awareness of what is happening in your body: Healing Acne by Medical Medium

I will be back with more answers to your questions soon!

Remember that with persistence and dedication to your healing, you can heal! You can live the life of your dreams. I believe in you!

Thisbis my story of finally healing acne and how you can, too.

Learn More

Is Microblading Safe?

8/4/2017

With microblading being such a hot trend, training courses are popping up all over the US and Canada. But, as most things in life, microblading is a Buyer Beware situation.

When microblading is done by an artist that has integrity, proper training, and experience, it is a very safe application with few potential side effects.

However, like any tattoo, it is a serious procedure and you want to have your bases covered.

Microblading can be done in a very safe way, with few potential side effects.

Buyer Beware.

Microblading is an art form that takes years of study through trial and error to perfect. Most trainings being offered right now are 1-3 days long. Practice models are not always offered, as these courses can even be taken online.

This leaves students to practice on their own terms without supervision in concern to blood borne pathogen awareness.

In the US there are very little FDA regulations on any type of tattooing. Anyone can attend these courses regardless of their background in the health or beauty industry.

Check Portfolios & Credentials.

It is a regular occurrence in the industry to see new artists stealing more established artist's photos to use on their website for marketing purposes. It's important to ask questions beyond what the eye can see. Questions such as:

How long have you been microblading?
How many clients have you worked on?
Do you have client references?
Have you ever made a mistake? How did you fix it?
Do you have access to someone who can help if there is a mistake you don't know how to fix?
Do you have Blood Borne Pathogen Training?
What is your clean-up procedure like?
Are your tools/pigments disposable?

The last thing any of us want is to feel intrusive, but again this procedure is a serious one. An artist that takes their work seriously will respect your concerns.

To be polite, be sure to ask questions like this before scheduling an appointment, not the day of.

Health Risks Involving Inks

Internationally, there is raised concern over heavy metal impact on the body from tattooing and permanent makeup. If you have an autoimmune condition or other health concerns, check out an article I recently published on the topic by clicking below:

Why It Matters What's In Your Tattoo Ink

My hopes are that this insight has been helpful for you while researching microblading. It is such a life enhancing service, when done correctly.

We are always wishing the best for you and your brows!

3 Longevity Tips for Microbladed Brows

7/16/2017

There's nothing like freshly done, microbladed brows.

You're feelin' them, you're feelin' you, now... to keep it that way for a while.

#1 Don't go too heavy handed on the makeup.

This isn't to say you shouldn't wear makeup on them. However, you're going to want to lighten up a bit on how hard you push with the pencils you use. Gentle is the key! Otherwise, it's kinda like getting a tan and then shaving your legs. The top layers of skin are delicate, so it's important to treat them that way.

Recommendation:

Arch Addicts | Archoholic Brow Pencil

Designed by eyebrow artists themselves, these pencils have a soft, graceful texture, allowing a much easier application than harsher pencils that drag in the skin.

Remember, you want your makeup to enhance the microblading, not cover it completely. In the wise words of Arch Addicts co-founder Diana Roth, "You should always see brow, before you see filler."

#2 Avoid face products that contain acids or peroxides.

Face washes, makeup, lotions, sunscreens, you name it-- someone's stuck an acid in it. Be especially aware of retinols and salicylic acid.

If the health of your skin relies on these acids, that's okay. Just be aware they can cause fading and try to minimize exposure by checking all of your facial product's active ingredients.

Recommendation:

Living Libations | Best Skin Ever

An all-in-one cleanser, exfoliate, and moisturizer.

#3 Protect your brows in the sun.

You don't need to be shy of the sunshine, just remember to protect your brows while your out there playing.

The less natural brow hair you have, the more conscientious you will want to be about your exposure.

To prevent premature fading, it is essential to either wear a brimmed hat or use a quality SPF directly on your brows when you are out in the sun.

Recommendation:

Badger | Damascus Rose SPF 25

An all-natural, chemical-free sunscreen that isn't too oily and doesn't leave a white residue.

And, there you have it!

Easy breezy, right?

Although it is natural for microblading to fade over time, with the right care you can really get the most out of your applications.

Cheers to to those long-lasting brows!

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My Ayurveda Fall Skincare

Recieve My Free Guide ↓

The story of how I finally healed acne, and how you can too.

Stay on track and reach your goals with a
14-Day High Raw Cleanse!

Getting Clear Skin With An Elimination Diet

This is my story of finally healing acne and how you can, too.

Stay on track with your goals and join our High Raw Community Cleanse!

3 Fruits You’ll Want To Put On Your Face

Insulin Resistance + Acne: What’s The Connection?

DIY Natural Body Bronzer Recipe

“Does Microblading Hurt!?” An Interview with Model Cate Alexis

6 Tips For Healing Acne, Naturally.

Under My Skin: A Holistic Guide To Finally Healing Acne

Q + A : Finally Healing Acne

How do you get an appointment with Anthony William Medical Medium?

Do you eat grains?

Is it normal to have detox reactions, or a worsening of symptoms from certain foods?

How long do you rebound?

Is other exercise as good for you as rebounding?

What brand is your rebounder?

What diet and supplements helped you?

Should I go 100% Raw? Vegan?

I got bad acne symptoms after a routine vaccine. Is it just a waiting game now?

I am loosing hope. What can I do?

Thisbis my story of finally healing acne and how you can, too.

Is Microblading Safe?

Buyer Beware.

Check Portfolios & Credentials.

Health Risks Involving Inks

3 Longevity Tips for Microbladed Brows

#1 Don't go too heavy handed on the makeup.

#2 Avoid face products that contain acids or peroxides.

#3 Protect your brows in the sun.

Archives

Categories

Recieve My Free Guide ↓

The story of how I finally healed acne, and how you can too.

Stay on track and reach your goals with a​14-Day High Raw Cleanse!

This is my story of finally healing acne and how you can, too.

Stay on track with your goals and join our High Raw Community Cleanse!

Under My Skin: A Holistic Guide To Finally Healing Acne

How do you get an appointment with Anthony William Medical Medium?​

Do you eat grains?

Is it normal to have detox reactions, or a worsening of symptoms from certain foods?​

How long do you rebound?​

Is other exercise as good for you as rebounding?​

What brand is your rebounder?​

What diet and supplements helped you?​

Should I go 100% Raw? Vegan?​

I got bad acne symptoms after a routine vaccine. Is it just a waiting game now?​

I am loosing hope. What can I do?​

Thisbis my story of finally healing acne and how you can, too.

Buyer Beware.​

​Check Portfolios & Credentials.

Health Risks Involving Inks​

#1 Don't go too heavy handed on the makeup.​

#2 Avoid face products that contain acids or peroxides.

#3 Protect your brows in the sun.​

Archives

Categories

Stay on track and reach your goals with a
14-Day High Raw Cleanse!

How do you get an appointment with Anthony William Medical Medium?

Is it normal to have detox reactions, or a worsening of symptoms from certain foods?

How long do you rebound?

Is other exercise as good for you as rebounding?

What brand is your rebounder?

What diet and supplements helped you?

Should I go 100% Raw? Vegan?

I got bad acne symptoms after a routine vaccine. Is it just a waiting game now?

I am loosing hope. What can I do?

Buyer Beware.

Check Portfolios & Credentials.

Health Risks Involving Inks

#1 Don't go too heavy handed on the makeup.

#3 Protect your brows in the sun.