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10 Natural Remedies For Acne

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10 Natural Remedies For Acne 

For some women, unwelcome breakouts don’t magically cease to exist once they reach a certain age. And according to a recent study, adult-onset acne is becoming more prevalent among a growing number of women. If you happen to be one of these women, natural remedies for acne may help you eliminate those breakouts for good. 

While there are plenty of effective OTC creams available, if you prefer a natural approach or have already tried OTC and prescription treatments with limited results, then maybe it’s time to take a new direction. Sometimes the best thing you can do is go back to the basics. Using natural remedies for acne may be the key to achieve healthy glowing skin. 

 

Use these natural care approaches to help reduce acne inflammation and breakouts:

Natural Topical Remedies

1. Tea tree oil is an essential oil that can help to reduce breakouts by killing bad bacteria. It’s antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal properties, making it an easy and effective spot treatment. Be sure to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, like fractionated coconut oil, or a moisturizer before applying them to your skin to avoid skin sensitivities like burning or dryness.

2. Nicotinamide gel can help decrease skin inflammation, excess sebum and improve your skin’s barrier function associated with acne. An over-the-counter 2% to 5% concentration can be applied twice daily for two months to help reduce acne. 

3. Licorice root extract contains a compound known as glycyrrhizin, which has both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The root also produces licochalcone, which helps regulate the production of oils in the skin. Licorice root is an ideal natural remedy for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

4. French green clay, also known as bentonite clay, has an adsorbent power that may be helpful as a remedy for acne breakouts and oily skin. The clay will help remove sebum from the skin’s surface and has a calming effect on inflamed skin associated with breakouts.

5. Yogurt can be applied topically to help rebalance the skin’s microbiome. A healthy, balanced microbiome can better ward off the harmful bacteria that trigger outbreaks. Also, the lactic acid in yogurt has a balancing effect on sebum production. 

 

Natural Supplemental Remedies

6. Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties to help relieve skin irritation. Some research shows zinc supplements can help reduce acne scars. There is also a correlation between low zinc and acne levels. This essential nutrient can reduce inflammation and calms androgens, the hormones that often trigger acne. You can take 30 to 60 mg of zinc daily or eat foods high in zinc like beef, shellfish, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, beans, nuts, and whole grains.

7. Green tea can decrease sebum production. Plus, this delicious beverage is high in antioxidants! Very simply, green tea has polyphenols, which are compounds in plants that have health benefits for people, like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The polyphenol in green tea is called catechins and effectively reduces skin inflammation associated with acne.

8. Omega-3 Fats are rich in antioxidants to soothe inflamed skin. They also play a crucial role in the production and regulation of hormones. A supplement that contains a healthy dose of Omega-3’s will provide you with excellent acne-fighting nutrients. You can also get Omega-3’s from flaxseed, nuts, hemp seeds, avocado, and fish.

9. Gamma-linolenic acid can be found in evening primrose, black current, and borage oils. GLA can help keep breakouts at bay by reducing prostaglandin and leukotriene levels to decrease skin inflammation. Additionally. they can help balance the hormones responsible for activating sebum production.

10. Probiotics can help keep our gut healthy—which is particularly important if you’ve taken antibiotics for acne. Research indicates that a healthy gut microbiome is essential in addressing acne; you can get probiotics by eating yogurt, or you can choose a probiotic supplement to help restore and maintain healthy gut flora.

Additional Supplements To Consider:

The Spa Dr.® Skinflam-Ease, contains highly bioavailable curcuminoids that support vibrant health. Curcuminoids have antioxidant properties. A proprietary manufacturing process optimizes the absorption rate with natural, skin-friendly ingredients, including herbal ingredients like sunflower lecithin and turmeric oil.**

The Spa Dr.® Microbiome Builder 60 Capsules supports healthy gut microorganisms in balancing the GI microflora and supporting healthy GI, skin, and immune function.**

Natural Quick-Fix Remedies

For Breakouts: Try a purifying mud mask or this DIY turmeric and honey paste:

  1. Mix: 1 Tbsp plain yogurt with 1 Tbsp raw honey, and 1 tsp turmeric powder into a paste.
  2. Apply the paste to your face and neck, then leave for 10 to 15 minutes.
  3. Rinse paste with cool water. Pat your skin dry, and then apply your favorite serum and moisturizer.

For Excess Oil: Over-cleansing your face is a big mistake. Instead, try these tips: 

  1. Use a gentle cleanser twice a day, and afterward, softly pat your skin dry. 
  2. Use a plant-based oil blend to provide antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The oil will also provide your skin with healthy hydration that won’t increase breakouts. 
  3. Use blotting papers. The papers won’t treat the sebum production, but they’ll lift excess oils from your skin and reduce shininess.

4 Healthy Habits For Clearer Skin

Resist touching your face. This won’t cure your acne, but it will reduce the dirt, oil, and bacteria on your hands from coming into contact with your face and adding to clogged pores and breakouts. 

Stop picking and popping acne. It may seem like success when you rid yourself of a pimple, but you may inadvertently be pushing infected material deeper into the skin, leading to an acne cyst. Popping can also spread bacteria and cause an infection. And finally, picking acne damages the skin and can lead to scarring and dark spots. 

Wash your hats, pillowcases, sheets, masks, and anything else that will be touching your skin often. Also, choose pillowcases and sheets made from antimicrobial materials like silk or infused with silver. These materials help prevent bacterial growth on surfaces that will regularly come into contact with your skin. 

Clean up your skin care products and cosmetics. Choose natural, safe, and effective skin care products that are formulated to help address skin issues like skin sensitivity, acne, eczema, and signs of early aging. Also, do a regular spring cleaning to rid your cabinets of old beauty products that harbor bacteria. 

 

SKIN QUIZ

Are you not really sure what your skin needs? Take my Skin Quiz to find out your skin type. You can also find out more about each of the skin types here. Becoming aware of your skin type is key to understanding your skin’s common issues so you can streamline your skin care routine. It will also help you identify new healthy habits to support your journey to achieving the beautiful, glowing skin you deserve.

The Spa Dr.® Approach

At The Spa Dr.®, our approach is to help shine the light on skin care information and offer guidance to nurture your skin care journey. We believe the information we provide will help support your self-care and healing, and we want you to feel safe and cared for within our community!

The Spa Dr.® offers natural skin care products that are safe and free from chemicals and toxins, which disrupt hormones. Our products are formulated to contain key nutrients in their pure and active form to provide optimal results. In addition, our products are pH balanced towards mild acidity to promote a healthy skin microbiome.

If you are not already part of The Spa Dr. community, please join us at TheSpaDr.com and on social media.

Feel free to share this article with your friends and spread the word to promote natural beauty.

5 Less Common Root Causes Of Acne

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Got Stubborn Acne? Here Are 5 Less Obvious Root Causes

Acne is a skin issue that plagues millions of people, from adolescence to post-menopause, to the point that many feel it is inevitable. Sometimes acne is easily managed with simple changes to one’s skin care routine, or by cutting down on common triggers such as dairy, gluten, and sugar. However, many people struggle with stubborn acne that, despite healthy topical skin care, diet, and lifestyle choices, just won’t clear.

 

Here are 5 things to consider if you have stubborn acne:

1. Genetics

People with stubborn acne often blame genetics. We now know that “bad genetics” can be overwritten by epigenetic factors–a nutrient-dense diet and healthy lifestyle factors such as rest and regular movement. However, it is true that some people are genetically predisposed to acne itself–but others have genetic reasons that explain why that is.

Fortunately, genetic testing–namely nutrigenomic testing–is now widely available and can provide very helpful guidance. Nutrigenomic testing looks at your genetics–often specifically single nucleopeptides (SNPs)–to uncover reasons that explain WHY someone is predisposed to acne. Some examples are nutrient deficiencies or the inability to metabolize specific lipids or substances like caffeine and alcohol. Research also shows how certain foods can actually turn genes “on” or “off” in our bodies. For example, certain compounds found in broccoli have the ability to “switch on” a specific gene that helps some people detoxify some of the harmful chemicals we’re exposed to.

With that information, more targeted choices can be made for foods, supplements, and even topical skincare ingredients for maximum bioavailability.

2. pH Balance

“pH” stands for “potential of hydrogen,” and is a measurement of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. 0 is the most acidic, and 14 is the most alkaline. Distilled water is considered “neutral” at 7. Did you know that most mass-produced skin care products on the market that claim to be pH balanced are not balanced to the natural pH range of the skin? They would more accurately be labeled as “pH neutral,” since most have a pH of 7.

Our skin’s pH is slightly acidic, typically ranging from 4.5 to 5.5. This slightly acidic environment is a necessary part of the skin’s immune function, as the beneficial microbes that live in and on the skin’s surface require it. The skin’s lipid matrix (also commonly referred to as “lipid barrier,” “acid mantle,” and “natural moisturizing factor”) also requires this slightly acidic pH to stay intact. Repeatedly applying leave-on skin care products that are too alkaline (even though 7 is neutral on the scale, it is too alkaline for the skin) can adversely affect the skin’s lipid matrix by neutralizing its naturally occurring fatty acids, and thus creating an uninhabitable environment for the skin’s microbiome, leading to dysbiosis. It can also negatively affect sebum production and cause dryness and irritation. Look for topical skin care products that are pH balanced to the skin’s pH–not the pH of water, such as the products in The Spa Dr.® Daily Essentials 4-Step System.

3. Toxic mold

Sometimes stubborn acne is stubborn because it has a less obvious root cause. One common, overlooked potential cause is fluoride in water. Another that is equally as problematic and may be even more hidden is toxic mold.

Mold exists everywhere–in our homes and offices, in our outdoor environments, in the foods we eat, and even inside our bodies. If we maintain a healthy and diverse microbiome and take measures to make our home and work environments less habitable to toxic mold, it doesn’t have to be problematic. However, for many people–especially people who struggle with high stress, chronic illness, or autoimmune disease–that is not the case.

Mold produces mycotoxins, which are secondary metabolites capable of causing disease and death in humans and other animals. Some mycotoxins or mycotoxin derivatives have been found to have useful properties, but others are highly toxic to humans and can trigger local and systemic infections. Mycotoxins can also trigger rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and eczema flares, as well as certain types of acne. If your acne hasn’t cleared after making other positive changes, check to see if you’ve been exposed to a water-damaged, damp, or musty-smelling building. If you have, mold could be the culprit, and mold treatment could eradicate the problem for good.

4. Unbalanced Skin Care Routine

A long-held myth about oily and acne-prone skin (AKA the Olivia skin type, as described in Clean Skin from Within) is that it can’t handle oils. This is why so many acne products are oil-free. Let’s bust that myth today because the truth is that all skin types need both water (hydrating and humectant ingredients) and oil (emollient ingredients) to support healthy sebum production and barrier function.

The skin’s microbiome also requires both water and oil to maintain biodiversity, since some bacteria and microflora are hydrophilic, and others are lipophilic. Too much or not enough water or oil in one’s topical skin care regimen can disrupt the skin’s microbiome, killing off beneficial microbes and allowing others to become opportunistic.

The Spa Dr.® Daily Essentials 4-Step System is a well-balanced system, providing both hydration and emollient protection with humectant ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid and protective oils such as cranberry seed, raspberry seed, and apricot kernel oil.

5. Stress

Unmanaged stress adversely affects every organ and system in the body. The effects are so significant that stress can undo the benefits of eating clean, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, using high-quality natural skin care products, etc. Unmanaged stress is one of the greatest reasons why some people’s acne just doesn’t clear, even when it seems like they are doing everything else right.

As Dr. Cates writes in Clean Skin from Within, “Stress is not the only cause of acne, but it is a big culprit. When we’re stressed, the adrenal glands release the hormone cortisol. A surge in cortisol causes increased sebum production, which triggers acne. Chronically high cortisol levels can lead to sugar cravings, and eating sugar also triggers acne breakouts.”

We all have stress, and not all stress can be eliminated. It is essential to learn to manage it using mindfulness, journaling, listening to guided meditations, taking dance breaks, going to therapy, and spending time in nature. Other stress management practices may seem obvious, but most people don’t do enough rest and say no. Overworking is an epidemic here in the United States. It has not been good for our collective health or happiness. We also don’t say no often enough. Most people (women especially) aim to please and want to avoid conflict. They sacrifice their own time and needs in order to say yes to please or appease others. This is inherently stressful, and that stress accumulates.

Even the most stubborn acne can be managed holistically. Doing “everything right” doesn’t necessarily mean that that particular “right” is right for you, or right for right now. Sometimes we need to re-evaluate, take a deeper look into root causes and lifestyle factors, and make adjustments to achieve lasting results.

Common Skincare Beauty Myths Busted—PART 2

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Common Skincare Beauty Myths – PART 2

Achieving a beautiful, youthful glow can be accomplished naturally. But first, we need to stop believing the most common skincare beauty myths.

In part 2 of this 2-part series, I’ll bust another 8 prolific beauty myths I’ve collected from the beauty industry, beauty experts, The Spa Dr.® followers, and my patients. Let’s rid ourselves of these beauty myths to focus on natural and safe beauty rituals that help us achieve true natural beauty from the inside out.

If you haven’t already, you can read Common Skincare Beauty Myths Busted – Part 1 Here

MYTH #9. Dry Brushes Your Face Make You Look Younger

Dry Brushing is a great way to exfoliate the skin, which will leave it feeling softer and help improve blood and lymphatic circulation throughout the body– but DO NOT use it on your face! It’s too harsh and abrasive for the delicate skin of your face. Dry Brushing isn’t safe for every skin type, especially the delicate skin of your face. It can cause small micro-cuts and lead to irritation and dryness.

Also, if you have skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, or eczema, then dry brushing your face can aggravate these conditions and do more harm than good. This can leave your skin looking dry and damaged — the opposite of the youthful glow.

I recommend using a gentle facial exfoliant that will gently remove dead skin without causing irritation, inflammation, or damage to your skin.

MYTH #10. Men Need To Use Men-Specific Skincare Products

There are many widespread myths about men and skincare. For example, a common myth is that men need to use skincare designed specifically for men. Men indeed have thicker skin than women, and because they don’t generally wear makeup, their skincare routine is usually simpler. But men need the same basic steps that women do to protect and maintain healthy skin.

However, when it comes to sun protection, the difference between men’s and women’s skin does become more apparent. These differences mean men are more likely to get certain types of skin cancer. So, men should be just as vigilant about wearing sunscreen.

MYTH #11. DIY Skincare Is Always Healthier And Safer

Just because you are using natural ingredients at home doesn’t mean DIY is healthier or safe for the skin. The skin has a specific pH that is slightly acidic. If you choose to use straight lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda, or even water, you can disrupt your skin’s natural pH and protective barrier functions.

Be careful in choosing a DIY skincare formula. Not every recipe you find on the internet is going to be effective or safe for the skin. You’ll want to find recipes that remain stable and safe during the application process and don’t interact with each other. And since DIY skincare can grow harmful bacteria and mold within a few days, it’s important to always make fresh batches. Also, always do a test patch to make sure your skin doesn’t have an adverse reaction. You can find more DIY skin care tips and recipes in my book.

MYTH #12. If You Have Oily Skin – Avoid Oil Based Skincare

If your skin tends to be oily, the idea of putting more oil on your face may sound counterintuitive, but this just isn’t true. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Oily skin is caused partly by the skin attempting to restore balance, hydration and protect itself. So, applying natural plant-based oils can be beneficial in restoring balance to the skin’s microbiome, which will effectively reduce oily skin.

One oil to avoid would be petroleum-derived mineral oils. Not only can these mineral oils have trace amounts of carcinogens left from the refining process, but they are not recommended for any skin type. Mainly because the oil will sit on the surface, clogs pores, and suffocates the skin—leading to more breakouts and more oil production.

MYTH #13. Using A Sharpie Instead Of Eyeliner Is Safe

NO – it is not safe to use a sharpie as an eyeliner! Sharpies have harsh chemicals and can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and lead to infections. The chemicals in a Sharpie include propanal, butanol, dyes, and diacetone alcohol. These chemicals should never come into contact with your eyes and can lead to permanent damage.

Butanol specifically is used as a paint thinner. Ask yourself – would you apply paint thinner near your eyes? Then using a Sharpie near the eye should be out of the question as well.

MYTH #14. Preparation H Gets Rid Of Puffiness Under The Eyes

In theory, the active ingredients could get rid of puffiness. Phenylephrine constricts blood vessels, and hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory. But if your finger slips and you get some of these ingredients in your eye, you may end up with some serious damage—then puffy eyes will be the least of your concerns.

Is it worth the risk?! Besides, there is no conclusive evidence that it works. It may bring on the feeling of tightness but doesn’t make any noticeable reduction to puffy eyes.

A safe alternative would be to try arnica gel—a plant extract used for bruises, pain relief, and swelling. Or dab an antioxidant serum under your eyes to reduce swelling.

MYTH #15. Using Hairspray Can Help Set Your Makeup

It is understandable that you might accidentally overspray and get hairspray on your face. But the beauty practice of purposefully using hairspray to set your makeup is quite detrimental to your skin.

Even if you ‘only’ spray it ahead of your face and then ‘walking through it,’ aerosols contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to your skin or when ingested or inhaled. At a minimum, they can cause redness, irritation, rashes, and allergic reactions. However, ingredients in hairspray like propylene glycol have been linked to poisoning as well as liver and kidney toxicity.

Aerosol lacquers and alcohols can cause blurred vision, breathing difficulty, and be very dehydrating for your skin — ultimately putting your health at risk and making your skin look older.

MYTH #16. Coffee Is A Great Exfoliant For The Skin

Coffee grounds that come straight from a coffee grinding machine aren’t ground fine enough for cosmetic use. The coffee ground will damage the skin by causing micro-tears across your skin as you exfoliate. Damaging your skin’s protective barrier puts it at risk of infections and experiencing skin issues.

Additionally, coffee grounds and body oils are the worst combination for your drains that even draino can’t cut through. Do your skin and your pipes a favor and steer clear of this beauty myth. Instead, adopt an exfoliation routine that is gentle with the goal to only slough the dead skin cells and help prevent clogged pores. Once a week is typically enough for an effective exfoliation routine. Also, choose a gentle exfoliant formulated to be effective while preserving your skin’s protective barrier qualities.

Achieve Natural Beauty

Becoming aware of your skin’s specific needs is important in your journey to achieving natural beauty from the inside out. You can learn your skin type by taking our skin quiz HERE. Once you know your skin type, you can choose a safe, effective, and natural skin care that will simplify and clean up your skin care to help you achieve naturally beautiful skin.

The Spa Dr.® Approach

At The Spa Dr.®, our approach is to help shine the light on skin care information and offer our guidance to nurture your skin care journey. We believe we provide information that will help support your self-care and healing, and we want you to feel safe and cared for within our community!

The Spa Dr.® offers natural skin care products that are safe and free from chemicals and toxins that can harm your skin and health. Our products are formulated to contain key nutrients in their pure and active form in order to provide optimal results. In addition, our products are pH balanced towards mild acidity to promote and protect a healthy skin microbiome.

If you are not already part of The Spa Dr. community, please join us at TheSpaDr.com and on social media.

Share this article with your friends and spread the word to promote natural beauty!

Common Skincare Beauty Myths Busted—PART I

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Common Skincare Beauty Myths – PART 1

Beauty myths have existed throughout time—from the beliefs that arsenic could lighten skin and belladonna could dilate pupils, to the bizarre notion that the warm urine of young boys could smooth wrinkles. Today, it’s clear how ludicrous and potentially dangerous these ideas were. But comparatively, many of the beauty practices used today are just as unscientific and irresponsible. Which of our current beauty practices will we look back on in a few decades and cringe about? 

In part 1 of this 2 part series, I’ll cover 8 of the most popular beauty myths I’ve collected from beauty experts, The Spa Dr.® followers, and my patients. Let’s burst the beauty myth bubble once and for all!!

Beauty Secrets That Are Really Beauty Killers

Over the years, I have encountered several myths and misconceptions about skin care that are detrimental to beautiful skin. It’s time to clear the air and put these beauty myths and urban legends to rest.

In part 1 of this 2 part series I’ll cover 8 of the most popular beauty myths I’ve collected from beauty experts, The Spa Dr.® followers, and my patients. Let’s burst the beauty myth bubble once and for all!

Here Are The First 8 Skincare Beauty Myths To Bust:

MYTH #1. Skin Gets “Used To” Products – So You Need To Switch Them Up

The simple answer is NO — over time, your skin doesn’t build up an immunity to skin care products. What does change is your skin needs. For example, the weather, your bathing habits, dehydration, poor diet, hormone imbalance, and using harsh endocrine-disrupting soaps and detergents can all play a role in triggering skin issues. It may be tempting to blame your skin care. But this would be a mistake if you already use a high-quality natural, safe, and effective skin care system. In fact, switching up your skin care may even have the opposite effect and slow your progress to achieving glowing skin.

Whether your skin easily breaks out, is uneven, sensitive, inflamed, showing signs of aging, dull or dry — start paying attention to the messages your skin is sending. Beautiful skin starts from the inside out, so instead, make sure you are well hydrated; focus on nutrition and incorporate more Omega-3 fatty acids into your diet; use a gentle cleanser that is pH balanced and won’t harm the skin’s microbiome; slather on a nutrient-rich antioxidant serum to protect against free radical damage.

MYTH #2. Washing Your Face More Can Help Reduce Breakouts

Trying to get that ‘squeaky clean’ feeling is terrible for your skin. It means you’ve washed away not only all the dirt but also all of the natural protection too. In fact, washing your face more often may produce the opposite results — like more breakouts and skin issues.

Instead, be consistent with washing your face twice a day and use a gentle and soothing pH-balanced cleanser free of toxins. One that can remove sweat, dirt, debris, and pollution from your skin without disrupting your skin’s barrier protection—like The Spa Dr® CLEAN Body Wash. Your goal should be to cleanse the skin and decrease harmful bacteria on its surface without stripping all the good bacteria and protective natural oils in the process.

MYTH #3. Lip Balm Dries Out Your Lips

Lip balms or lip hydrators contain waxes or emollients that create a barrier to seal in hydration to the lips. This barrier helps protect against weather, sun, and pollutants that can cause chapped lips. It is practically impossible for lip balm to be the cause of dry lips. And there is no good evidence that lip balms are chemically addictive to the lips.

So, it turns out lip balm addiction isn’t a thing. Unless, of course, you are using a lip balm or chapstick that contains harmful ingredients that can dry out your skin. For help finding safe skin care, Download a FREE Skin Care Ingredient Shopping Guide Now! It includes the top best ingredients to look for and the top worst ingredients to avoid.

MYTH #4. Putting Vaseline On Your Face Gets Rid Of Wrinkles

Vaseline or petroleum jelly contains mineral oil. Mineral oil is derived from crude oil, and there are some concerns about its safety. Because the refining process may not remove all the harmful impurities such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogenic.

Additionally, petroleum jelly can create the illusion of moisturized, hydrated skin — all the while suffocating, clogging, and hindering your skin, and causing skin issues. The result of using petroleum products that potentially exposes your skin needlessly to carcinogens could be the cause of fine lines and wrinkles, not the cure. To be safe, avoid mineral oils and petroleum products altogether.

MYTH #5. You Don’t Need To Use Anti-Aging Products Until You’re Older

It’s never too early to start taking care of your skin and counteracting the visible signs of aging. Properly caring for your skin is analogous to caring for your health. You wouldn’t wait to start eating healthy or exercising until you turn 50 to maintain and enjoy good health.

Your skin will benefit at any age from skin care products that contain natural and organic ingredients that promote ageless beauty and a youthful glow.

It’s also never too early to protect your skin (and health) from the sun’s damaging UVB, UVA, and IR rays. Use a mineral-based sunscreen to protect against oxidative damage directly to the skin caused by UVB and UVA rays, and take antioxidant-rich supplements to protect against internal free radical cell damage caused by IR rays. Both oxidative and free radical damage will cause inflammation, collagen breakdown, DNA damage, and pigmentation changes that contribute to premature aging of the skin.

MYTH #6. Steam And Hot Water Open Your Pores

Most people believe using steam, and hot water to wash your face will help because it ‘opens your pores.’ Your pores aren’t muscle – they can’t open and contract regardless of water temperature. And there is nothing that can physically ‘make’ the pores smaller or bigger.

However, warm water can make the skin structure more pliable and help loosen residue, debris, oil, and dirt in the pores. Not too hot, though — hot water can break down proteins and damage the skin’s barrier protection, leading to breakouts, eczema, and dry, irritated skin. Using warm water combined with a gentle cleanser and exfoliating sponge will safely clear pores for clean, silky smooth skin.

MYTH #7. “Natural” Means It’s Good For You

The lack of regulation in the skincare industry combines with an increase in customer demand for natural skincare has left the door open for many mainstream companies to misrepresent their products as “natural” or “clean.”

Many consumers rely on advertising and labels to help them choose products they believe to be safe and healthy. Unfortunately, many companies exploit this and knowing mislead consumers with terms like “natural.” When in fact, their products contain fragrances and ingredients linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, and reproductive harm.

Choose pure and natural skin care, like The Spa Dr. ®’s Daily Essential system, which is EWG VERIFIED™. This indicates the products meet the Environmental Working Group’s strict standards for transparency and health.

MYTH #8. You Should Exfoliate Your Skin Daily

Over-exfoliating daily may strip the skin of its barrier protection and physically damage skin cells—leaving it chronically irritated, inflamed, and hypersensitive. This damage can lead to more breakouts, skin issues, and accelerated aging.

While we all enjoy the radiant look that younger skin cells provide— once or twice a week is typically enough to help slough off dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Your exfoliation schedule will depend on your skin type.

When exfoliating, use very little pressure. Also, minimize friction by applying water or a cleanser as a light lubricant. It should feel good both during and after the treatment. Also, use a gentle exfoliant, like The Spa Dr.® Pearl and Rose Exfoliant, to do the job while preserving your skin’s protective barrier qualities.

The Spa Dr.® Approach

Morals and fears won’t keep women from wanting to look younger. And why should they settle for a less-than-ideal look? The good news is this goal can be accomplished naturally and without exposure to possible health harms lurking in many foundation bottles, eyeshadow palettes, and the like. We need to stop looking for hope in a jar and turn our focus to address the issues from the inside-out.

At The Spa Dr.®, our approach is to help shine the light on skin care information and offer our guidance to nurture your skin care journey. We believe we provide information that will help support your self-care and healing, and we want you to feel safe and cared for within our community!

The Spa Dr.® offers natural skin care products that are safe and free from chemicals and toxins that can harm your skin and health. Our products are formulated to contain key nutrients in their pure and active form in order to provide optimal results. In addition, our products are pH balanced towards mild acidity to promote and protect a healthy skin microbiome.

If you are not already part of The Spa Dr. community, please join us at TheSpaDr.com and on social media.

Share this article with your friends and spread the word to promote natural beauty!

15 Tips For Aging Gracefully And Naturally

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Aging Gracefully

Skin aging is the loss of elastin and collagen in the skin, which causes the skin to show signs of wrinkles and sagging skin. The rate of this aging process can differ from person to person and also depend heavily on various factors – including genetics, lifestyle, stressors, and sun exposure, to name a few. So, it is no surprise that when it comes to our skin care goals, “aging gracefully” ranks near the top of the list for most of us.

In our pursuit to maintain a youthful, glowing complexion and prevent premature skin aging, we’re willing to do practically anything — that is safe and natural, of course. Thankfully, you don’t have to resort to going under the knife or using botox to get amazing results. There are some simple yet effective ways to slow the aging process and prevent premature damage to your skin — so you can age youthfully!

Whether you are 16 or 61, aging gracefully and maintaining beautiful skin doesn’t happen by chance; it takes effort. There is no single magic bullet, but here are 15 natural tips to support aging well with beautiful skin to help ensure you are the best version of yourself at any age!

1. Stay Hydrated

Water alone isn’t the fountain of youth, but it can work magic on your skin. Water flushes out toxins for a clear complexion; helps the skin maintain elasticity and moisture levels for a supple, plump look; and supports a healthy pH in the body to help maintain balance. The amount of water you should drink depends on factors like activity level, environment, and weight. Aim to drink between 3-4 Liters per day or more, depending on your individual needs. And be sure to add electrolytes to your water for balance and replenishment.

2. Protect With Mineral Sunscreen

Natural mineral sunscreen is a physical barrier, so as soon as you apply the sunscreen, it starts to protect your skin. For best results, apply each morning (and year-round) as the final step of your skin care routine (before applying makeup) to protect against UV & UVB rays. These rays are the primary culprit of color and texture changed to the skin, resulting in signs of premature aging. Choose a natural broad spectrum mineral sunscreen, such as this one, that goes on smoothly and protects — but won’t soak in and be endocrine-disrupting.

3. Choose Natural Skin Care Products

Do your skin and health a favor — avoid the many products on the market laden with harsh and toxic ingredients. These products will speed up the aging process and wreak havoc on your health and the environment. Instead, choose skin care products that are natural, safe, and gentle yet effective. The best skin care products are made with only natural and safe ingredients.

4. Eat Super Foods

The foods you eat have a tremendous impact on your overall health — including your skin. Eat a diet packed with the best foods for the skin, including those foods that will best support aging gracefully. These ‘superfoods’ are loaded with antioxidants, healthy fats, water, and many essential nutrients. These nutrient-dense powerhouses can help to replenish, protect, and strengthen the body and skin for optimal aging youthfully.

5. Supplement Your Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body—and your skin. As we age, our production of collagen slows, and our body’s reserves are depleted. So, supplementing is vital to support healthy connective tissue and skin. Choose a supplement like The Spa Dr.® Collagen Plus formulated with collagen peptides and other nutrients that help support collagen. The peptides makeup the basic building blocks of collagen. So, your body can use peptides to produce more collagen and support the skin’s cellular renewal process to promote healthy, glowing, firm skin.

6. Use Adaptogenic Herbs

Adaptogenic herbs can help support and protect the body from physical and emotional stressors. They are packed with powerful nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and prebiotics that support aging gracefully. You can create various DIY facial treatments with herbs — or choose a skin care system that is synergistically formulated to optimize the herbs for your skin. Ginseng, turmeric root, sea buckthorn, wild yam, cordyceps, holy basil, ginkgo biloba, licorice, and green tea are a few of my favorite adaptogens to support healthy aging.

7. Sip On Green Tea

Enjoy the skin anti-aging benefits of green tea by using it in your beauty routine. You can enjoy the benefits by drinking it, taking supplements, or applying it to your skin. Internal use reduces the risk of certain cancers, supports healthy metabolism, and can do wonders for your skin! You can also use it topically, like in this DIY oat, green tea and yogurt face mask to utilize the antioxidant EGCG that is abundant in green tea — which will rejuvenate, repair, and protect skin cells from premature aging.

8. Exfoliate Dead Skin Away

Exfoliation once a week will help slough off dead skin cells and bring young, vibrant skin cells to the surface — to create a healthy, youthful, glowing complexion. Use a very gentle exfoliant, like The Spa Dr.® Pearl and Rose Exfoliant, to carefully remove surface build-up while avoiding damaging the younger skin you are working to reveal. Also, the powerful vitamin content of resveratrol and red beet extract found in The Spa Dr.® exfoliant is packed with anti-aging and wrinkle-fighting antioxidants.

9. Care For Your Gut

The skin is a magic mirror — it gives us clues about our overall health. When it comes to gut health, your skin is more like a window. There are numerous studies that directly connected skin diseases, such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis, with the gut microbiome. And, when it comes to aging, your gut health plays a crucial role in the process. To support a healthy gut microbiome to age gracefully — eat prebiotic and probiotic foods, take a high-quality probiotic supplement, and cut back on excess simple carbohydrates and sugars.

10. Eat Healthy Fats

Focus on incorporating healthy fats like nuts, avocado, flaxseed, fatty fish, and Omega 3supplements. These sources of the potent essential Omega-3 fatty acids provide powerful antioxidant properties, skin health, anti-inflammatory, and gastric health support. Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary to maintain youthful skin that is thick, supple, and moisturized. A study found a 39% increase in skin hydration by consuming as little as 1/2 tsp of omega-3-rich oils daily. This is important because dehydration weakens the skin’s defense and can cause sensitivities, irritation, and premature aging.

11. Healthy Skin Microbiome

Your skin’s microbiome health matters because a healthy and balanced microbiome will impact how your skin looks.  A healthy skin microbiome protects against environmental toxins, UV damage, stress, and infection — all of which play a direct role in the rate of photoaging and intrinsic aging of the skin. Care for your skin microbiome by choosing a safe, natural, and effective skin care product system. A skin care system that maintains a healthy microbiome and promotes graceful aging will be:
perfectly pH balanced — to protect healthy skin microbiome
antioxidant-rich — to promote ageless beauty
effective at clarifying and balances — for a radiant, flawless glow
and is safe and gentle without sacrificing results!
The Spa Dr.® Daily Essentials is a natural, luxurious, and effective 4-step system designed to cleanse, nourish, protect and revitalize any skin type at any age.

12. Exercise

When it comes to your skin, exercise is youth-promoting. It increases blood flow to flood your cells with nutrients and oxygen, while supporting the removal of free radicals and toxins — all of which will help you maintain a healthy, youthful glow! Regular exercise lowers cortisol, the stress hormone. This is particularly important since elevated cortisol can lead to premature skin aging. So, to slow the aging process and keep your skin younger, get out there for 30 minutes each day!

13. Supplement With Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the best antioxidants around for glowing youthful skin. It is a natural component in the skin’s dermis and epidermis layers and is vital in promoting collagen and elastin production. Vitamin C has powerful antioxidant properties to help reduce UV light-induced oxidative damage, leading to premature signs of aging from skin photoaging and hyperpigmentation.

14. Get Your Beauty Sleep

Beauty sleep provides optimal conditions for your body to repair and revitalize. For example, during deep sleep, your body and mind are rejuvenated at the cellular level, restoring strength and function throughout your body. Research points to poor sleep as a major contributing factor to premature skin and overall aging.

15. Take Niacin

Also known as Nicotinamide (or Niacinamide) supports the repair and renewal of cellular function, increases collagen synthesis, and helps moisturize the skin and keep it elastic. It helps build cells in the skin while protecting the cells from environmental stresses, such as sunlight, pollution, and toxin. Niacin has been shown to lighten age-spots and decrease wrinkles.

SKIN QUIZ

Take my Skin Quiz to find out your skin type. Knowing your skin type will help identify your skin’s needs. Then you can take an individualized approach to introduce the necessary habits to enjoy aging gracefully with the beautiful, glowing skin you deserve!

The Spa Dr.® Approach

At The Spa Dr.® – our approach is to help shine the light on skin care information. We also strive to offer guidance that will nurture your skin care journey.

Book a free virtual consultation now with any of our skilled estheticians — their here to help answer any of your skin care routine questions.

We believe the information we provide will help support your self-care and healing, and we want you to feel safe and cared for within our community!

Join The Spa Dr.® community on social media to meetothers on their skin care journey and learn more about the healthy habits that support beautiful skin and aging gracefully.

I hope you enjoyed these natural skin care tips. Feel free to share them with your friends, and spread the word to promote natural beauty!

7 Tips to Boost Your Collagen Production

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Collagen is a hot topic these days – and for a good reason! It is the main structural protein found throughout our bodies. Collagen production is the ‘secret sauce’ to beautiful skin that provides structure, elasticity, and suppleness. As we age, we produce less collagen, which is why our skin becomes thinner and develops fine lines and wrinkles. Certain lifestyle choices, including eating a high glycemic diet, excess sun exposure, and smoking, can cause collagen to breakdown more rapidly.

The good news is that you can play a significant role in minimizing collagen loss. Additionally, you can take specific steps now to help your body’s regenerative processes and slow the signs of aging skin.

I recommend these 7 tips to boost your collagen production. But first, let’s talk about collagen – what it is, why it’s important, how it’s depleted, and most importantly, how we can protect the collagen in our skin.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant and naturally occurring fibrous protein in the human body. Think of collagen as the scaffolding of the body. It provides the structure and strength in all our connective tissues, including tendons, ligaments, fat, and skin.

The three structural forms of collagen our body uses in connective tissues are collagen type 1, 2, and 3. Types 1 and 3 primarily support bone, muscle, hair, nails, and skin. While type 2 supports the function and fluidity of joints and cartilage.

Why Collagen is Important

Collagen is one of the essential building blocks of the skin – helping maintain its firmness, suppleness, and consistent skin cell renewal. The skin’s primary structure is collagen scaffolding, which composes a whopping 70 to 80 percent of the skin’s dry weight! As you can see, collagen is the ‘secret sauce’ of beautiful, youthful skin.

As we age, our collagen production starts diminishing, causing a loss of elasticity and skin strength. This leads to the telltale signs of aging, such as the appearance of sagging skin and wrinkles.

How to Slow Down Collagen Loss

Part of the natural aging process is the decrease in collagen production, but lifestyle choices you can make to slow this process.

Protect Your Skin: Minimize your time in the sun, wear hats, and ensure you properly protect your skin when you go outside by wearing good sunscreen.
Avoid smoking and other pollutants: Stop smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Air pollution also contributes to oxidative damage (that speeds collagen breakdown), so consider getting an air purifier for your home.
Minimize sugar consumption: Sugar increases blood glucose levels, which leads to advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Glycation is when sugar binds to and modifies proteins (like collagen) in the body. Glycated collagen is more rigid and less elastic, leading to accelerated aging (wrinkles and sagging skin). Avoid refined sugars and carbs, and learn about the best collagen-producing nutrients in this post on the best and worst foods for your skin.

7 Tips to Boost Collagen Production

Many people look to topical treatments, skin filler injections, laser treatments, or other procedures to improve their skin’s appearance. While some of these procedures can be beneficial (like micro-needling with exosomes), some can simply drain our bank account and come with possible unwanted side effects.

For long-lasting benefits that work – take a natural holistic approach to increasing collagen by being more mindful of what you put in your body.

Here are 7 all-natural ways to increase collagen production – or provide bioavailable collagen to your body.

1. Clean Animal Protein

Consuming grass-fed beef, organic poultry, wild fish, and nuts usually provides a sufficient amount of amino acids such as arginine, glutamine, lysine, and proline—all components that can help support collagen production. Also, consuming tougher cuts of meat, skin, tendons, and bones provides a good collagen source. The tougher the meat, the higher it is in collagen.

2. Homemade Bone Broth

Bone broth is full of collagen, and to get an additional collagen boost, you can add gelatin. As bone broth simmers, the collagen leeches out of the animal parts and is released into the broth. Make delicious homemade bone broth using the recipe below.

3. Collagen Peptides

Choose supplements that contain collagen peptides. Peptides are the broken down elements of collagen that are a bioavailable form your body can easily use to produce more collagen. The Spa Dr.® Collagen Plus is formulated with collagen peptides and other essential nutrients to supply the specific proteins, vitamins, and other substrates to help support healthy connective tissue.

4. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a natural component in the skin’s dermis and epidermis and is vital for collagen synthesis. If you can’t get enough Vitamin C naturally in your diet, you may wish to boost your intake with a supplement.

5. Ubiquinone (CoQ10)

Ubiquinone (also known as Coenzyme Q10) is a powerful natural active; found in all living cells. It is essential for cell metabolism. The natural form has been shown in studies to reduce the depth of wrinkles and accelerate collagen production. The Spa Dr.® ENHANCE: Glow Boost, contains the natural form of CoQ10 readily bioavailable to the skin.

6. Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) Gel

Nicotinamide increases collagen synthesis and that of other proteins to help moisturize the skin and keep it elastic. It also helps build cells in the skin while protecting the cells from environmental stresses, such as sunlight, pollution, and toxin.

7. Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium hyaluronate supports collagen and elastin by keeping them nourished and moist. This support helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles while keeping skin soft, smooth, and supple. The Spa Dr.® NOURISH: Antioxidant Serum provides a pure source of sodium hyaluronate to the skin.

Collagen-Rich Bone Broth Recipe

Enjoy this bone broth—alone as a snack or drink, or incorporated into other recipes—not only for its taste but also for its skin-enhancing benefits.

Ingredients:

2 pounds (905 g) grass-fed beef marrow bones 5 quarts (4.7 L) filtered water
6 carrots, cut into large chunks
5 ribs celery, cut into large chunks
1 medium yellow onion, quartered
1 cup (35 g) shiitake mushrooms
2 tablespoons (30 ml) apple cider vinegar
1-inch (2.5 cm) piece fresh ginger, skin on, halved
1 teaspoon Himalayan salt or Celtic sea salt (or more to taste)
1⁄2 bunch fresh Italian parsley, chopped
7 sprigs fresh thyme
6 sprigs fresh rosemary
5 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed or diced

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C, or gas mark 4). In a large roasting pan, roast the bones for 30 minutes. (You can skip this step, but it adds a nice flavor to the broth.) Transfer to a large (6-quart/5.7 L) soup pot or slow cooker.
Add the water, carrots, celery, onion, mushrooms, cider vinegar, ginger, and salt. Bring to boil; reduce the heat to a very low simmer and cover.
Cook for 24 to 48 hours. Skim off any foam that forms on top during the first hour of cooking. The longer you simmer the broth, the more bone marrow nutrients will seep into it.
During the last hour of cooking, stir in the parsley, thyme, rosemary, and garlic. Strain, and enjoy warm, or add to one of the recipes as indicated.

Variations:

Chicken Broth: Instead of beef bones, you can use free-range chicken bones (simmer for 12 to 24 hours) or fish bones (simmer for 8 hours).
Vegetable Broth: You will get the nutrients from the vegetables, but not the collagen-boosting benefits. Skip the bones and add more celery, carrots, broccoli, and other vegetables, such as greens (kale, collard greens, chard), and simmer until the vegetables are tender. To get the collagen benefits, add any vegan sources of peptides. Collagen-boosting peptides can be found in – Pea protein, soy products (tempeh, tofu, and soy protein), black beans, kidney beans, legumes, seeds (pumpkin, squash, sunflower, and chia), or nuts (pistachio, peanut, and cashew).

The Spa Dr.® Approach

At The Spa Dr.® – our approach is to help shine the light on skin care information and offer guidance to nurture your skin care journey. We believe the information we provide will help support your self-care and healing, and we want you to feel safe and cared for within our community!
If you are not already part of The Spa Dr. community, I invite you to join us on social media.
I hope you enjoyed these natural collagen boosting beauty tips. Feel free to share them with your friends, and spread the word to promote natural beauty.
I would love to hear about your story. Have you seen a difference in your skin since you started taking natural steps to boost your collagen production?

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