How To Reduce Toxins From Your Body & Detox Your Skin

We hear so much about detox diets and how it can really help cleanse the toxins out of the body as well as improve digestion but is it possible to do the same with your skin? Can you actually cleanse out toxins and waste from your pores and start fresh for the season? Well, the answer is yes you can! Find out more on how to reduce toxins from your body with my top tips for your skin detox today!

Morning Lemon Juice & Tons and Tons of Water!

Now first things first, I am a big believer that healthy skin starts from within, so drinking water is an necessary way to achieve a clearer complexion.  And so to kick start the digestion and cleanse the system, try squeezing half a lemon in a cup of hot water (drink this before breakfast). I know keeping hydrated can be a real chore but trust me it helps eliminate the dirt that clogs your pores, giving you a more cleansed and moisturized face! Staying hydrated can also help combat the risk of pimples popping up and helps fight those tired eyes, which is actually a sign of dehydration (bet you didn’t know that did ya J )!  I’ve always thought of water as an essential beauty product that you need on a daily basis, so if you can, try to and aim for 8-9 glasses of water per day and I can promise you, that your skin will look healthier and vibrant for the coming seasons!

Eating Healthy and Organic 

Part of the skin detox process is limiting the number of toxins you’re taking in. This includes; conventionally grown fruits & vegetables that contain unpleasant chemicals, processed foods with artificial flavours and conventional meat and dairy, which contain the highest risk foods for contamination through antibiotics, added hormones and other drugs. I know buying organic is expensive but at the very least look for products that are certified free of hormones... Your body will thank you for it... trust me!  And be sure to include plenty of detoxifying foods such as beets, artichokes, cabbages and seaweed!


Exercise 

Did you know sweating from exercise helps get rid of toxins from your body? That’s right, so try some your favorite forms of exercising at least 3- 4 times a week or sweat it out yoga ! In addition, exercise will boost your energy, keep you fit and strong and keep the blood flowing so you can have a flawless rosy appearance! But just remember to stay hydrated and grab a bottle!

Natural Skincare

There are many commercial skin products out there that contain toxic ingredients like parabens, PEGS, fragrances, mineral oils and more. The scary reality is that these ingredients can congest your skin, making your acne worse and could affect your health and sense of wellbeing- either negatively or positively. I always recommend natural skincare products to all my friends and family because when you eliminate synthetic and toxic products from your skincare routine, you’ll notice that your skin will naturally improve overtime. And I’m not just saying this so you can buy more products, I’m saying this because I genuinely care, because I too have battled with acne and since acne can strike at anyone at any age, it is always important to start with what ‘’ingredients’ that enter your bloodstream! If you can try to look for products that contain Green Tea, Aloe Vera and French Green Clay, these nutrient-rich ingredients increase circulation which helps remove toxins from the skin. And in case if anyone is wondering, I always use SkinB5s product range, I just can’t get enough of their skin purifying mask! The Reef Sea Minerals, Aloe Vera and French green clay really helps to draw out impurities and bacteria from the skins surface, giving you a healthier and fresher look. Then if you want to give your skin an extra boost, add SkinB5’s light weight moisturizer for radiant and glowing skin and also because your definitely worth it! J

And Lastly Stay Positive 

Staying optimistic and smiling will naturally give you a healthy glow. I am a big supporter of positive words and affirmations! I really feel they have the ability to change our lives for the better. Just remember you are beautiful no matter what! Don’t give anyone the power to make you feel inferior and instead of worrying about a few small pimples or lines, learn how to love yourself for you because a positive outlook will make you look even more attractive. So before I go, I’d like to leave you with my favourite quote ‘’ Next time you think of beautiful things, don’t forget to count yourself in’’.


Farah has been using SkinB5 for two years now. She is an advocate for natural and organic beauty products, healthy living and a self-proclaimed whole foods enthusiast.  Her passion for health and beauty stems from her personal experiences dealing with problematic skin and now she wants to help others learn her secrets to flawless skin from the inside, out. 

To moisturise or not to moisturise - that is the question

Moisturising is a necessity of healthy skin maintenance, however it is often portrayed in popular culture as a habit of the vain. Moisturising would be considered by some to be a cosmetic act, however it is much more functional than this. Whilst some of the benefits of using a moisturiser would be considered cosmetic - such as soft and healthy skin - it is also practical - avoiding dry, dead skin particles and even itchiness and redness.

It’s become increasingly common for people to moisturise regardless of gender. Traditionally the domain of women’s routines, moisturising is just as much now a part of men’s skincare routines. Some would attribute this to increasingly savvy marketing of cosmetics and skin care products to men by using more masculine packaging, adding different scents to products and simply labelling them as ‘men’s’, however ultimately it’s the same product. I would argue that its more common for men to moisturise because they realise it’s necessary.

Our modern environment demands men’s skincare includes moisturising. Air Conditioning dehydrates skin greatly, and this issue is further compounded by a lack of water consumption, which is easy enough to do in a busy modern lifestyle. This can result in dry and dead skin cells, which you can see when you look the mirror. You may even occasionally enjoy them resting on the shoulders or front of your shirt - not unlike dandruff.

The hydration of our skin through moisturising is hugely important, as skin cells rely upon hydration to regenerate effectively. Why is this important? The regeneration of skin cells creates fresh cells, which has notable effects in slowing the effect of aging. Regular moisturising can result in the development of wrinkles at a slower rate than those who don’t moisturise at all.

Moisturising doesn’t have to be a time consuming or cumbersome task, as some would perceive it to be - presumably adding yet another lotion to your morning routine. You can incorporate moisturising into your clear skin routine, so you’re maintaining healthy looking hydrated blemish free skin. Moisutrising can be difficult for people suffering acne, I know I’ve struggled with it in the past, even going through periods of not moisturising at all to avoid the risk of blocking pores and inflaming my acne.

Avoid greasy poor quality moisturisers that can cause skin problems. I haven’t used moisturiser for a long while until I had started using SkinB5 Acne Control Moisturiser as a part of my clear skin routine. It is light, non-greasy and antioxidant rich, designed for oily and acne-prone skin. This can be applied after cleansing your face in the morning, and I love that it doesn’t feel like there’s anything on your face. Some products do feel like there’s a film on your face, which is less than pleasant.

Shaving can cause irritability and dryness to your skin, and so I avoid it in favour of my beard. However a recent accident with my trimmer has seen me return to life without said beard, and again the problem of how to shave without causing dryness, and in turn inflaming my acne by treating that. I recently was told I could use the SkinB5 Cleansing Mousse as a shaving cream. Aftershaves are designed to close skin pores, which is what the mousse does, but with the added benefit of cleansing your skin. After shaving, I then just have to apply the moisturiser, which takes a moment.

Moisturising is an important part of anyone’s skincare routine, but it doesn’t have to come at the cost of your time of your clear skin. I would suggest using moisturiser topically at first with problem spots if you’re concerned about breakouts, but by combining quality moisturisers with clear skin tablets such as SkinB5, you will soon find that you can maintain healthy and hydrated skin without compromising your clear skin.



Who is Nick Bell?

Nick joins SkinB5 as a writer, contributing monthly to the blog.

A mid-twenties Melburnian cliche, the bearded student suffers wanderlust, a soft spot of his city's cafe culture and a love of cycling. He writes from experience, having suffered acne himself throughout both high school and university,  and it's something he still battles today. Nick also writes a personal blog where he is documenting his journey for clear skin with SkinB5, having previously given up after years of ineffective products and medications.

Is the art of manscaping emasculating?

At University I took a keen interest in gender studies, and was thrilled to find a unit titled Men and Masculinity. I was able to academically research, discuss and debate questions that had surrounded me all my life, including questions such as what defines masculinity.
 
The very term manscaping is interesting as it reflects an oddity, presumably invented in ad-land, to masculinise activities traditionally perceived as feminine by prefixing the term ‘man’ before them. A man bag is probably both the best and worst example as it’s precisely what I defined, but no one has bought into the idea that they’re remotely masculine.

The act of waxing, shaving or trimming one’s body hair is traditionally a feminine activity, as women would be pressured to manipulate their bodies in such a way to conform to mainstream idealism of a beautiful female body. Therefore, it would traditionally be considered emasculating for a man to do that same.

I would argue that manscaping is not emasculating, and if anything male grooming is very masculine.

Potentially because manscaping is the marriage of the term ‘man’ with ‘landscaping’, an activity associated with intensive labour outdoors, the word is a much more masculine proposition than its cousin the man bag. It’s construction aside, there are behavioural and cultural reasons why male grooming is masculine.

Barber shops. To me, they ooze masculinity. You walk in, give the bearded and tattooed barber a nod and you then wait with a beer in hand palming through car magazines. You find your way into their chair and they can trim and style your hair, eyebrows and (should you be so masculine) beard to keep you sharp and fashionable. Sounds effeminate? That flat razor blade he fixes my beard with could open your neck in a blink. Don’t offend him.

Associating male grooming with femineity is foolish. Would you describe George Clooney as effeminate? David Beckham? Maintaining your appearance makes you more attractive to prospective partners. The maintenance of body hair is equally important as having clear skin, and as important (but often undervalued when compared to) maintain a toned body. Not only will grooming make you sharper and neater, but the maintenance of body hair is essential for basic hygiene.

Not unlike having a regular gym routine to maintain your fitness, it is important to regularly manscape and have a clear skin routine. It’s tempting to think that this means visits to day spas and purchasing expensive cosmetics, but this needn’t be the case.

Consider using the SkinB5 Acne Control Cleansing Mousse when shaving. It foams a lot and allows you to exfoliate and clear your skin, while also avoiding irritation when shaving. Saving time and looking smart! Other things include the occasional face mask to detox your skin, SkinB5 Skin Purifying Mask is made from a number of natural ingredients such as mineral salt and French Green Clay - so technically you can say you’re rubbing dirt in your face. This is masculine, no? What’s better is that it can be purchased online and delivered to your door, so there’s no time spent shopping either.

Give it a shot, and let me know how you find it!

Who is Nick Bell?

Nick joins SkinB5 as a writer, contributing monthly to the blog.

A mid-twenties Melburnian cliche, the bearded student suffers wanderlust, a soft spot of his city's cafe culture and a love of cycling. He writes from experience, having suffered acne himself throughout both high school and university,  and it's something he still battles today. Nick also writes a personal blog where he is documenting his journey for clear skin with SkinB5, having previously given up after years of ineffective products and medications. 

What foundation is suitable for acne?

‘Laying the foundation’ for a flawless look is one of the trickiest tasks with makeup, especially for acne-prone skin. Foundation creates the base of our canvas, and whether you use it daily or for special occasions, there are some helpful things to know when it comes to choosing the right one for your skin type.



Different types of foundation

• Oil-based liquid foundations are suitable for dry to normal skin, and can be useful as a heavy coverage for blemishes. Heavy oil-based liquids can sometimes cause blocked pores and may worsen acne, so it may not be an ideal choice for every-day wear.
• Water-based liquid foundations provide a lighter coverage for oily to normal skin, however the water-based liquids have a habit of evaporating and therefore have the potential to not provide an effective all-day coverage.
• Mineral foundations are a very effective for all skin types, and are the most suitable for sensitive and/or acne-prone skin. Mineral makeup contains micronized mineral particles. The liquid will give you a medium coverage, and the powder provides light to medium coverage depending on how many layers are applied. The powder can be used over the top of liquids or concealers for a more flawless blended look.

The benefits of a mineral makeup

Mineral makeup generally has less harmful ingredients & irritants, and is considered to be non-comedogenic. The natural mineral particles are less likely to block pores and are therefore a better option for people who are prone to breakouts. I consulted with some beauty therapists and makeup artists, and all agreed that mineral makeup is the foundation of choice for the most perfected skin-like natural look.

Mineral makeups don’t tend to contain the myriad of chemicals that are often seen in liquids. Non-mineral liquid makeup can contain mineral oil, parabens, thickeners, preservatives and other nasties. Besides being potentially irritating for the skin, these ingredients are also not ideal for your overall health. Remember your skin is the largest organ and absorbs what we put on it! Always make sure you check the ingredients in everything, including the mineral powder as well, because some powders contain talc and fragrances.

Using moisturisers with your makeup

Foundation should be applied to skin on top of a moisturiser, especially if you have dry skin. The moisturiser helps prevent makeup becoming patchy and gives the foundation a base to hold to. Using a primer over your moisturiser is a good consideration if you want more longevity out of your look, as it helps foundation adhere to the skin even further.

A few hints & tips

If you want to give yourself a ‘dewy’ look you can combine your mineral powder with a light moisturiser – Skinb5’s Acne Control Moisturiser is a perfect combination to use with powder for blemish-prone skin. You can mix the moisturiser with your mineral foundation in the lid from your powder, and apply with a liquid foundation brush.

Natural bristled brushes are better to prevent breakouts as they are more effective to clean and have less potential for bacteria to build up on them. Whether you use natural or synthetic brushes, make sure you are zealous about washing your makeup brushes to prevent the spread of bacteria. Dirty brushes are a common cause of pimples and should be washed very regularly!

Thick liquid foundation is not the best coverage for blemished skin as it tends to make the problem worse at the end of the day. You should chose a natural liquid mineral makeup instead and spot-conceal with a small dense brush for an extra layer over blemishes, and finish with a mineral powder. Remember to always ALWAYS use clean hands & brushes!



Haley is a passionate Naturopath & nutrition expert, writer, and mum of 2 young children, with years of experience in the industry. She is a known as a real 'nutrition nerd' and follows the latest natural health research. As a Paleo and raw food enthusiast, she coaches people in healthy living, beauty and positive mindset. Haley has personally experienced the benefits of the SkinB5 natural acne treatment system and is happy to offer her guidance to help others regain clear skin. Follow her blog at www.aliveinwonderland.com & link with her on facebook at www.facebook.com/aliveinwonderlandhealth 

How to treat acne scars

Scars are essentially the body’s back up plan to correct an open wound and protect itself. Scar tissue is formed by our body’s connective tissue, and those that suffer from cystic or recurrent acne lesions are at a higher risk of permanent scarring.

How do acne scars form?

Inflamed acne causes the body to mount an immune response and sends white blood cells (WBC’s) to help fight the inflammation. Our most abundant WBC’s are neutrophils, and these little soldiers get called to action at the site of inflammation. They then secrete anti-microbial agents and enzymes at the site to help neutralise an infection⁽¹⁾{, 2015 #1}{, 2015 #1}{, 2015 #1}. Unfortunately this results in the breakdown of the elastin & collagen matrix due to the damage caused by the enzymes to the tissue around the area and often leads to scars.

Treating & reducing acne scars

It is important to treat scars both from within and without. You need to provide your body with the building blocks to form healthy skin and heal scar tissue, including vitamins A & E, zinc, copper and silica.

The SkinB5 system is designed to aid with healing as well at reducing and eliminating acne lesions. The acne control tablets & caplets contain a therapeutic dose of zinc, as well as copper, vitamin A, pantothenic acid (B5), nicotinamide (B3), folic acid & biotin that are required by the body for healing, repairing and improving biochemical pathways. A 2006 study showed that the combination of zinc, copper, nicotinamide and folic acid can improve acne vulgaris by 79% after only 8 weeks!⁽²⁾

SkinB5’s Acne Control tablets & caplets also contain silica to maintain the integrity of our skin cells. Silica is the most abundant trace element after iron and zinc in our body, and is vital for bone and connective tissue health. Silica is very important to create and repair collagen, and as we age our silica levels tend to decline.

Topically, there are some really powerful natural ingredients that have been shown through scientific studies to improve skin health & aid in scar healing. Green tea, aloe vera and vitamin E have all been found to be effective at healing scars and wounds^(3,4). Natural vitamin E (aka tocopherol or alpha-tocopherol) helps protect tissue from oxidation and is a very important fat-soluble vitamin that has been shown to aid wound healing and increase collagen fibers⁽⁵⁾. SkinB5’s Acne Control Moisturiser contains all the above power-ingredients, which is specifically designed to protect & heal delicate sensitive skin.

Taking a one-two punch approach to reducing and treating acne scars is very important – provide the nutrients your skin needs within AND apply active ingredients externally for a more effective holistic treatment.

References:

1. Neutrophil granulocyte. Wikipedia; 2015; Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutrophil_granulocyte.
2. Niren NM, Torok HM. The Nicomide Improvement in Clinical Outcomes Study (NICOS): results of an 8-week trial. Cutis 2006;77(1 Suppl):17-28.
3. Eshghi F, Hosseinimehr SJ, Rahmani N, Khademloo M, Norozi MS, Hojati O. Effects of Aloe vera cream on posthemorrhoidectomy pain and wound healing: results of a randomized, blind, placebo-control study. J Altern Complement Med 2010;16(6):647-50.
4. Park G, Yoon BS, Moon JH, Kim B, Jun EK, Oh S, et al. Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate suppresses collagen production and proliferation in keloid fibroblasts via inhibition of the STAT3-signaling pathway. J Invest Dermatol 2008;128(10):2429-41.
5. Lin TS, Abd Latiff A, Abd Hamid NA, Wan Ngah WZ, Mazlan M. Evaluation of topical tocopherol cream on cutaneous wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2012;2012:491027.

Haley is a passionate Naturopath & nutrition expert, writer, and mum of 2 young children, with years of experience in the industry. She is a known as a real 'nutrition nerd' and follows the latest natural health research. As a Paleo and raw food enthusiast, she coaches people in healthy living, beauty and positive mindset. Haley has personally experienced the benefits of the SkinB5 natural acne treatment system and is happy to offer her guidance to help others regain clear skin. Follow her blog at www.aliveinwonderland.com & link with her on facebook at www.facebook.com/aliveinwonderlandhealth