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I’m a big believer in a stripped down, whole way of living, that goes both to what you put inside (superfood smoothie bowls!) and what apply outside (organic face oils!). From my personal experience of going through skin fluctuations and breakouts, I’ve found a very strong correlation between what I eat and the way my skin looks.
When I was a teenager, I would follow religiously whatever magazines would suggest. Through trial and error (and about 1,000 skincare and supplements brands later) I found that for me, what works the best is a balanced diet of healthy fats, protein and carbs with no processed foods (especially sugar), lots of fermented foods (like kombucha, coconut yogurt, sauerkraut and kimchi) wild caught fish, minimal dairy, and plenty of water.
Even though I’m currently going through skin tribulations after getting off the pill (is anyone on the same boat?) I can always rely on my skincare weapons to keep the texture of my skin even and avoid pigmentation.
Believe it or not, but meditation can makes a difference, too (they say when you meditate, your skin actually produces oil that can change the texture of your skin). Ommmm!
No matter what you read or hear, the optimal skin glow formula is different everyone, so I encourage you to lead a journal of your skin’s reactions to different foods, activities and life events. You might be shocked at what you find out!
But it’s not just food–it’s also how you take care of your skin. And the earlier you start, the better. I have partnered with one of New York’s top aestheticians (and in my personal experience, a real beauty magician!) Fabricio Ormonde to start Beauty Series, which will help you navigate foods, skincare products, and tips that will help your skin be radiant and fresh.
What the Organic Label Means
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There are four levels of certification from the USDA.
100% Organic: The product contains only organically produced ingredients and is permitted to display the seal.
Organic: The product contains at least 95% organically produced ingredients and is permitted to display the seal.
Made With Organic Ingredients: The product contains at least 70% organic ingredients but is not permitted to display the seal.
Less than 70% Organic Ingredients: Products are not permitted to use the term “organic” anywhere on the packaging (and cannot display the seal) but are allowed to identify organically produced items in the ingredient list.
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Bottom line is this: be smart when buying your skincare. If you’re going for natural and organic, go for products with stripped down ingredients that you can read, such as organic oils. And remember that natural chemicals can be just as toxic as man-made ones. If your skin needs more support, you can try stronger skincare, just make sure you consult an aesthetician to find the best products for you.
Also, refer to Skin Deep by the Environmental Working Group to check out ranking of the beauty products you’re using in terms of their safety for your health and the environment. The lower the ranking, the better.
HydroPeptide Exfoliating Cleanser is an excellent combination of a physical and chemical exfoliation. The Glycolic acid along with jojoba beads polishes the skin giving an instant glow. It also has 7 different peptides that rejuvenate and energize the skin. For more sensitive skin types use the cleanser 2-3 times a week.
In my practice, IS Clinical Active Serum is the #1 serum choice among celebrities. It combines glycolic acid, salicylic acid and arbutin making it a 3-in-1 product. It’s anti-aging, anti-acneic and brighteing. You will be able to results within a couple of days. It will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce pore size and increase collagen synthesis. Other favorites from IS Clinical are Youth Eye Complex (nourishing eye cream) and Cleansing Complex (a great cleanser that removes dead skin cells without stripping natural oils.)
Argan oil is great to hydrate and soften skin. With it’s high vitamin E and fatty acid content, angan oil is the ideal product to give skin a natural boost. It absorbs easily and it is non-greasy and non-irritating, which makes it a great natural moisturizer.
I always tell my clients that you should be wearing sunscreen every day! Sun is the number one factor that causes skin aging, so it’s vital for keeping skin healthy and young. Elta MD sunscreen is optimal for more oily/ acne prone skin, as it helps calm and protect sensitive skin types. It contains niacinamide (vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid and lactic acid, ingredients that promote healthy glow. Bonus: it’s lightweight and silky, and may be worn with makeup or alone.
Other favorite products, by Ksenia:
This isn’t something you put on your skin, but rather a supplement that you take internally, and from personal experience I can attest that it really makes a difference. It contains all the best plants that support radiant skin (and digestion!) like sarsaparilla, turmeric and triphala.
What skincare products do you LOVE? What are your struggles with your skin? Share in comments, we’d love to hear from you!
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