A Nutritionist’s Dried Strawberry + Coconut Beauty Bites

Jennie Miremadi's berry coconut beauty bites are just the kind of snack recipe we've been learning to make while at home this spring. These bites are simple, last in the fridge a few days and keep us from going nuts with unnecessary Postmates orders.

Jennie is the queen of managing emotional eating well, a topic that's never been more relevant as we deal with a wide range of emotions right now.

These beauty bites come from Jennie's full day of eating for beauty menu. They qualify as beauty food because they're full of blood sugar-balancing ingredients that will keep you full for hours and free from gluten and dairy, ingredients that can cause bloating and breakouts for some.

STRAWBERRY COCONUT BEAUTY BITES
Makes about 17 bites

INGREDIENTS:
3 Tbsp organic, raw almond butter
1/4 cup of raw almonds
1/4 cup shredded organic coconut (+ more for rolling balls in, if desired)
2 Tbsp chia seeds
4 Tbsp water
1 Tbsp collagen peptides
1 cup freeze dried unsweetened organic strawberries
1/8 tsp Ceylon cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp honey
pinch of Himalayan pink salt

DIRECTIONS:
Mix collagen peptides, water and chia seeds in a bowl, stirring frequently until collagen peptides are dissolved and chia seeds have absorbed the water.

Add chia-collagen mixture and all remaining ingredients to a food processor. Process until ingredients are thoroughly combined and a dough forms.

Measure out 1 tablespoon of strawberry almond butter dough, roll into a ball, and repeat. Roll balls in shredded coconut, if desired. Refrigerate until cold and firm. Eat and enjoy!

Our dried strawberry photo at top also comes from our DIY dried strawberry
recipe with basil and almond cream. Try it next!

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Like All Good Things, Pressed Juicery Now Comes In Bowls

We've been waiting for the launch of this top secret product for months now. Finally, Pressed Juicery bowls are here and our only wish is to pack two big melting bowls of high-protein acai blends for a walking date on the beach this Memorial Day weekend.

Here's what you need to know: Pressed Juicery has finally translated their epic juice flavors out of the bottle and into the bowl this summer. Only six California neighborhoods will be lucky enough to try the first bowls, including Venice and Hollywood (see if your fave location is included!).

There are three bowls available, all made with an acai, oat milk, pea protein and coconut cream blend. That's what makes these bowls unique -- not only are you getting a surge of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and healthy fats from the acai, but the addition of oat milk, pea protein and coconut cream means these bowls are incredibly dense with even more protein, fiber, and healthy fats than just about any bowl out there.

The bowls can be ordered in three styles; Original, Superfood and Power -- each one under $10.

+ Original: This clean take on the classic features the original mix of banana, berries, granola, and honey, made with a balanced ingredient base including acai, oat milk, coconut cream, and no refined sugars.

+ Power: The Power bowl is packed with protein, thanks to a toppings mix of drizzled almond butter with banana, almonds, granola, and blueberries. A health-friendly way to get your daily fuel.

+ Superfood: The Superfood Bowl includes banana, coconut, blueberries, goji berries and a drizzle of honey, made with the same acai, oat milk, coconut cream base.

All three bowls are sweetened with just maple syrup and monk fruit. (Maple syrup is packed with minerals and monk fruit won't raise blood sugar levels -- pretty amazing for a sugar alternative!)

Try the first bowls for curbside pick-up or delivery if you're in these L.A. neighborhoods. For the rest of us, this homemade recipe is a fun alternative until the bowls go nation-wide!

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The One Nutrient Missing From 90% of American Diets

As unexpected as it may sound, our gut health is foundational for all things beauty, especially for clear and glowing skin. While many foods and supplements work in concert to optimize our gut health from leafy greens to probiotics, fiber is a non-negotiable. In fact, without fiber we may have a hard time absorbing beauty supplements like collagen and vitamin C.

Almost 95% of us don’t consume anything close to the doctor recommended 30 grams of fiber a day. We can take all the new supplements and beauty potions we’d like, but if our fiber intake is off it will be tough to achieve anything near optimal gut health. And without a healthy gut, clear skin, good digestion and a healthy weight are hard to come by.

To get the doctor recommended 30 grams of fiber a day, we’d need to eat 3 pounds of baby spinach, 8 cups of blueberries, or 10 bananas daily. Supplementing with a simple drinkable version like Bellway is the easiest way we’ve found to keep our fiber intake up every day no matter what we’re eating or where we’re headed throughout the day. One serving of Bellway gets you 18% your daily recommended fiber. We love to pack along a stick pack of Bellway’s easy-to-dissolve powder in flavors like Raspberry Lemon, Mixed Berry and Lemon Lime to drink in the afternoons.

Getting enough fiber in our diets is one of those crucial pillars of health that is easy to overlook. We did a deep dive with Bellway to refresh ourselves on why this is so important and how to make it happen everyday to optimize our health. Here's what you should know...

Bellway uses organic psyllium husk, a dietary fiber with special gelling properties used to help regulate digestion. Unlike other fibers, it doesn’t ferment in your gut and make you gassy, which definitely feels as uncomfortable as it sounds.

When psyllium is mixed with water, it turns into a gel-like substance that works as a bulking agent in your digestive tract, absorbing water and icky stuff to create stool that soft and easy to pass.

6 Daily Benefits of Dietary Fiber

Gut Health Your gut is the foundation for true health. New findings show that fermentable fiber or 'prebiotics' can balance our gut microbiome by feeding and maintaining healthy levels of good bacteria. If these levels are not maintained, it's possible for microbes to break down the protective lining of the gut (this condition is often called 'leaky gut'). It's important for the gut to remain intact for optimal functioning and that’s where prebiotics can save the day, feeding the good bacteria and encouraging a diverse microbiome, a key indicator of good gut health.

Fiber keeps bowel movements regular, and studies have shown it has a key role in the prevention of colon cancer and relief of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

Beauty The presence of fiber during digestion increases absorption of vitamin C that promotes glowing skin. It also increases the absorption of the protein collagen that maintains elasticity in connective tissue, ligaments and skin. As soluble fiber slows digestion, the amount of protein or collagen absorption increases, which boosts beauty for glowing skin, hair and nails. Fiber also allows for elevated levels of antioxidants that decrease the telltale signs of aging and keeps skin looking dewy and young.

Improved gut health is the biggest benefit for boosting beauty. Fiber helps keep a balanced microbiome and flushes toxins. Remaining toxins would otherwise be flushed through the skin as it is the body’s largest organ for releasing waste and toxicity; and in that case the skin would show the effects through dryness, eczema, or acne. Decreased acne or breakouts reduces risk of scarring for a consistent complexion.

immunity According to Dr. Will Bulsiewicz 70% of your immune system lives in your gut. "Picture this -- the majority of your immune system, separated from almost 40 trillion microbes in your intestines by just a single layer of cells.

"You cannot separate gut health from immune health, they are completely intertwined. In a study comparing the effects of a high fiber to low fiber diet in protection from influenza, the mice given the high fiber diet lived longer, with less effects from the virus, and with better lung function. Scientists were surprised that the fiber was so important, but they shouldn't have been. Fiber feeds the gut microbes, who consume it and get stronger, then release short chain fatty acids which are known to optimize immune function. The solution for optimal immune function is to feed your gut microbes fiber."

Weight Loss & Regulation A 2015 study by Yunsheng Ma et al. in the Annals of Internal Medicine consisted of 240 overweight people in two groups over the course of 6 months. One group followed the American Heart Association’s diet for preventing heart disease with specifics that included eating more high-fiber foods and reducing salt, sugar, alcohol and fat. The other group was not given any specifics to diet other than to increase their fiber intake.

Both groups averaged an intake of 19 grams of fiber per day. And both groups lost weight at an average of 5 pounds and maintained this weight loss for at least a year. This study showed that a higher fiber diet is the simplest most healthy way to help you lose weight and feel better about your body.

The ways that fiber helps you achieve a healthier weight are, one, because of its bulk, you may not eat as much as you feel fuller for longer. Two, high-fiber fruits and vegetables are nutritious yet lower in calories than other foods, especially processed foods and meats. Three, fermentable fiber feeds and balances the gut’s microbiome allowing for good bacteria to thrive, digestion to be improved, and bloating reduced.

Blood Sugar Regulation Regulating our blood sugar is key in the prevention of diabetes. Fiber helps to slow the absorption of nutrients and sugars into the bloodstream over time, so that blood sugar levels increase more slowly as we eat. Because of this slower increase, the pancreas has time to produce insulin and blood sugar is regulated.

A 2009 study in the journal of Diabetes Care compared two groups, one that ate less than 20 grams of fiber daily versus the one that ate at least 31 grams of fiber daily. The group that ate less than 20 grams of fiber daily had a 50 percent higher risk of diabetes.

reduced inflammation Rachel Beller MS, RDN, celebrity weight loss and cancer prevention expert sees an alarming amount of inflammation in her Los Angeles practice. She says, "Fermentable fiber plays a large role in reducing inflammation as it stimulates the protective layer of growth in the lower gut tract. Reduction in inflammation can help to protect our bodies against diseases like arthritis and some cancers." The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study that showed a linkage of elevated fiber intakes to reduced levels of C- reactive protein (CRP)- that is associated with increased inflammation. There was a 63 percent reduction in elevated levels of CRP in the group with high fiber intake. As well, decreased stomach gut acid levels accompany higher fiber intake and this helps prevent cancerous polyp growth that would be found in stomach and colon cancers.

How Much Fiber To Have Daily

Now you know all there is to know about fiber, you're probably wondering what amount is right for you every day. Dietary fiber can also be found in foods like: sweet potatoes (6 grams), pears (5 grams), and raspberries (8 grams per cup) to name just a few. However, most of us don’t get enough that way, so Bellway has come up with a solution. 

Try taking Bellway 1-3 times per day, dissolving 1 serving of powder into at least 8 oz. of water -- make sure the water it not too cold, or the powder won’t blend as well. Mix well and enjoy right away.

If you are not used to consuming enough fiber daily, you may experience some minor bloating with the first few servings of Bellway. Your body needs time to get used to the increased fiber intake. Like all new health habits, take it easy at first. Start with just 1 serving a day and gradually increase to no more than 3 servings daily as your body adjusts.

Dr. David Rosenberg, who treats and advises celebrity clientele in his Beverly Hills office remarks, "Bellway uses organic ingredients and provides the best quality fiber making it the first choice for my patients."

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Beauty Ingredient Spotlight: 6 Must-Try Products with Niacinamide

There are lots of buzzy skincare ingredients out there, but there are few as time-tested and proven-effective as niacinamide. This enormously beneficial form of Vitamin B3 has been so well-accepted in the beauty world in part due to its successful medical applications. Niacinamide is used frequently as a powerful therapy for diabetes, skin cancer, osteoarthritis, and other diseases and disorders.

In terms of skincare, the B vitamin is unparalleled in its support of the natural skin barrier – increasing resiliency, regulating sebum, and protecting skin cells. It's been proven to improve hydration, reduce signs of aging, and significantly improve hyperpigmentation without the irritating effects of a retinol. Niacinamide is a powerful antioxidant that protects skin from free radicals, boosts ceramide, keratin, and collagen production.

Here are 6 great skincare products to try the benefits of the powerhouse ingredient for yourself...

6 Skincare Stars with Niacinamide

The skincare makeup | Erborian Glow Créme This highlighting primer is packed with niacinamide and licorice root extract to help brighten the skin, leaving your face with a perfect all-over glow.

The minimal moisturizer| Protocol Niacinamide & Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer Hyaluronic and niacinamide join forces in this simple, rich and straight-forward cream. High-quality niacinamide acts similarly to retinoids and is known to help cells act the way they're 'supposed' to, particularly in terms of nutrient synthesis.

The clean P50| Moon Juice Acid Potion Could this toner finally be the clean dupe for famed, glow-inducing  toner, P50? This deeply nourishing exfoliator actively resurfaces skin with a 25% AHA+ BHA acid complex. It helps encourage natural cell turnover and minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines with Niacinamide, Tocotrienols, and adaptogenic Reishi help hydrate and combat signs of oxidative stress.

The affordable serum| Naturium Niacinamide Serum A potent 12% niacinamide and 2% zinc PCA help to improve uneven skin tone and visually minimizes the look of pores, skin texture and fine lines.

The concentrated gel cream| Naturium Niacinamide Gel Cream Naturium's gel cream moisturizer is formulated with a potent level of B3, which works to help the skin establish a healthy hydration balance, along with coconut fruit juice and marine-derived polysaccharides to increase skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor.

The acne fighter| ZitSticka Killa Kit If you haven't tried an acne patch yet, now is your chance. Tiny micro-darts and a slew of calming ingredients wipe out breakouts fast. Hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid and niacinamide work hard in the patch after you use the accompanying swab with tea tree oil and vitamin E.

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A Killer Vegan Bolognese You Won’t Believe

Before you toss the idea of healthy vegan dinner recipes aside, give chef Michal Martínek of Very Good Cook's vegan bolognese a try. Michal's easy bolognese pasta sauce uses grated tempeh, a soy product which, if organic, provides a ton of clean nutrition and protein. This is a comforting dish that tastes as good as the original...

Subbing grated tempeh for ground beef might sound weird, but trust me on this one. Tempeh has a great, grainy texture and somewhat plain taste, which allows it to absorb flavors from the rest of the ingredients.

And those are pretty much the same you’d use for regular Bolognese: crushed tomatoes, soffritto base; olive oil, onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, mushrooms, red wine & stock

What’s tempeh?
Tempeh (tam-pay) is a nutritious, probiotic vegan protein made from fermented soybeans. It originated in Indonesia.

After the fermentation process, the beans are pressed into a small rectangular cake. You’ll most likely find it in the refrigerated section, next to tofu and other healthy, vegetarian products.

Tempeh has a beige color, firm texture and a nutty/savory flavor. It’s a little plain on its own, but great in all kinds of recipes.

How can you use tempeh?
+ Grated or finely chopped, and used in sauces such as this Bolognese pasta sauce, or in soups and stews.
+ Sliced or cut into cubes, steamed and added to salads.
+ Sliced or cut into cubes, and added to stir fry.
+ Make sure to buy organic tempeh, made with non-GMO soybeans.

Steps to make the Bolognese sauce using tempeh:
Unwrap the tempeh and get your grater out.
Coarsely grate the whole tempeh piece to get total 2 cups.
Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in olive oil.
Add mushrooms and spices.
Add grated tempeh.
Add crushed tomatoes, red wine, brown sugar and water.
In 45 minutes, you’ll have a delicious tempeh Bolognese pasta sauce.

Spaghetti are my favorite, but these pasta shapes are also great with the Bolognese sauce: Penne, orecchiette, farfalle, macaroni or pappardelle.

Vegan Tempeh Bolognese

Ingredients

• 8 oz/227 g tempeh
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup diced, peeled yellow onion (about 1 small onion)
• ½ cup diced, peeled carrots (about 1 small carrot)
• ½ cup diced, trimmed celery (about 1 celery stick)
• 1½ teaspoon minced/pressed, peeled garlic (about 1 garlic clove)
• 2 cups diced, trimmed white or cremini mushrooms
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon crushed red chili pepper
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh sage
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary (leaves only)
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ cup dry red wine
• 3 cups (28 oz can) diced tomatoes with their juice
• 1 cup water or vegetable stock
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 pound (453 g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
• Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese

Instructions

1. Coarsely grate or finely chop the tempeh. You will get about 2 cups grated tempeh. Set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, about 30 seconds. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent, and the vegetables soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the mushrooms, salt, oregano, chili pepper, black pepper, sage, rosemary, and bay leaf, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are wilted and soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the grated tempeh and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes.
5. Add the wine, tomatoes with their juice, water or stock, and brown sugar. Stir to combine and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer, stirring twice or three times, for 45 minutes.
6. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Adjust seasoning by adding more salt, black pepper, or brown sugar to taste.
7. At this point, you can use the Bolognese sauce with pasta, or let it cool completely. It will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, or up to 3 months in the freezer. BTW it tastes better the next day, because it has time to set and develop deeper flavor.
8. To serve the sauce with pasta: Fill a large pot with water, bring to a boil over high heat, and add, depending on the amount of pasta you’re cooking, about 2–3 tablespoons salt.
9. Add the pasta to the pot and stir with a wooden spoon to make sure it’s not sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook over medium-high heat until al dente. (Taste a piece of pasta to test).
10. Reserve 1 cup of cooking water. This is an important step, because the water contains starch from the pasta, and will help thicken the pasta sauce. Set it aside, then drain the pasta in a colander.
11. Add the pasta to the pot with the Bolognese sauce, add the reserved 1 cup of pasta water, and stir to combine.
12. Serve the pasta in individual bowls, topped with the grated cheese.

Recipe Notes:

Tempeh. I used organic Tempeh from Trader Joe’s for this recipe. It contains soybeans, rice, barley and millet. You can use any brand of plain tempeh as long as it doesn’t have flavor added to it, such as “smoky” or “barbecue”.

Tomatoes. You can either use a can of already crushed tomatoes or a can of whole, and chop them yourself.

Pasta shapes. Spaghetti are my favorite, but this sauce is great on penne, orecchiette, farfalle, macaroni or pappardelle.

To cook pasta for one or two. Cook about 120g of pasta per person, reserve some of the water, and drain. For one person, heat about 1 cup of the Bolognese sauce in a large skillet. Add the cooked pasta and the reserved water, stir until heated through and the sauce is emulsified, and sticks to the pasta. Serve in a bowl, topped with grated cheese.

Leftovers. If you have any leftovers of pasta mixed with the sauce, you can store them in a container in the fridge. To reheat, add some water, mix, and warm up in a large skillet over medium heat, or in a microwave.

+ Storage: Store the sauce in a container, covered, for up to 4 days in the fridge.

+ Freeze: Measure out 2 cups of sauce per container or freezer bag, seal, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and use within 1 day. Don’t freeze again.

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CBD For Dummies: 5 Things You Should Know At Home Right Now

There's still a big learning curve for many of us when it comes to CBD. It has quickly become one of the most popular trends in wellness with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill and the pace of change and growth is head-spinning. Scientists, consumers, and yes, even our federal government, are quickly discovering the benefits of hemp and CBD.

If you're still hesitant or confused by anything CBD-related, here are the basics to get you oriented...

On CBD: Just the Facts, Ma'am

+ What The Heck Is CBD? CBD (cannabidiol) is one of over 100 cannabis compounds found in industrial hemp. CBD activates the body's endocannabinoid system which has been scientifically found to contribute to regulatory functions in the body.

+ How does CBD work? CBD and cannabinoids fit into a network of neuron receptors called the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate many physical processes. The endocannabinoid system is a major interface between the nervous system, hormone system, and immune system, most notably the nervous system, where CBD can provide relief of pain, inflammation and produce a sense of calm.

+ Common Uses of CBD: Common uses of CBD include support of the body's ability to deal with stress, insomnia, anxiety, irritable bowel symptoms, decreasing chronic pain, inflammation and even post-workout strains.

+ How do you take CBD? CBD is most commonly taken as an oral tincture or pill, but is also available in edible forms like gummies, and as a topical product used to deal with muscle pain and strain. Liquid tinctures can also be added to smoothies, soups and other foods.

+ Will CBD get you “high”? No, unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive. This means there will be no effect on your mind or mental processes. If you wish to avoid any psychoactive effect, consume only CBD products with less than 0.03% THC included in them.

How To Use CBD According To A Doctor

Dr. David Zeiger (DO, FAAP, ABOIM) is a certifying physician in Illinois' Medical Cannabis Pilot Program and has been certifying medical marijuana to patients diagnosed with a qualifying debilitating medical condition. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice and a past president of the American Association of Orthopedic Medicine (AAOM).

With an in-depth knowledge of CBD and its use for specific medical issues, Dr. Zeiger recommends CBD products to his patients for a variety of concerns. We asked him to help us better understand how to use the wide variety of CBD products available.

According to Dr. Zeiger, CBD is incredibly less toxic to the liver, kidneys and GI tract than many other available medications. CBD is non-habit forming and can have less of a deleterious effect on neurotransmitter imbalance than some other medications.

+ A Note On CBD Dosing: Give CBD tincture products 30-60 minutes to see how they work. Topical CBD can kick in as quickly as 5-15 minutes, whereas gummies can take about 60-120 minutes. Always take a self assessment of how your breathing, mood and muscle tension feel like after dosing. Keep a journal of the product and dosage you are using to help you make the best decisions on dosing and product usage.

CBD for Muscle Strain

Topical CBD: Try Half Day Aloe Freeze (500 mg CBD per bottle) | Topical CBD can decrease inflammation while also stimulating circulation which can aid in healing. An organic cooling lotion for instant relief, Aloe Freeze is made with CBD isolate and other therapeutic ingredients including capsicum, white camphor bark, aloe and chamomile. 

CBD for Anxiety + Depression

CBD gummies or tinctures: Half Day Blissful Berry CBD Gummies (25mg per gummy) or Full Spectrum CBD oil (34mg in each 1ml dropper)

CBD can impact dopamine and serotonin levels (as seen in studies) and have an effect with neurotransmitter balance in people with anxiety and depression. To understand the proper dose of CBD for anxiety and depression specifically, it's best to seek out out a Doctor of Integrative Medicine that understands cannabinoids and their effect on neurotransmitters and any possible medication interactions.

Many anti-anxiety medication options can be addictive while CBD is non-habit forming.

CBD for Healthy Sleep Support

CBD Tincture | Half Day Pro with Isolate 2000 mg or Full Spectrum Hemp Oil

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) helps with relaxation and balancing serotonin which can be helpful for falling asleep. Many sleep medications can be habit-forming while CBD is non-addictive and may actually have an accumulative effect on your ECS.

Opiates are often prescribed to support muscle relaxation to ease pain when there are large amounts of inflammation in the body. CBD has both an anti-inflammatory effect and helps to improve microcirculation which enables healing. To note, THC in full spectrum form can also have a synergistic effect.

CBD for Better Digestion

CBD Tincture | Half Day Full Spectrum CBD Oil 1000 mg

In the case of conditions like IBS the body is producing gas that products cramping and bloating from bacteria. IBS creates an attack on the nerves of the small and large intestine. CBD helps to modulate the neuro-inflammatory response at the small intestine and can restore bowel irregularities and decrease pain, promoting good bacteria and movement of the toxins out of the body. Again, CBD is incredibly less toxic to the liver and kidneys and GI tract vs. other medications. Always look for a Doctor of Integrative Medicine to work with you in optimizing your health with CBD.

This story is brought to you in partnership with Half Day. The Chalkboard Mag and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. 
All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programs.

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Home Remedies For Acne You’ve Probably Never Tried Before

Adult Acne can feel like an impossible puzzle to solve. Those who suffer from a chronic case know the headache of booking appointments ad nauseam, cycling through endless products and banking on suggested solutions to finally provide relief.  Holistic facialist, Hayley Wood, aka the Therapeutic Skin Coach, has a deep grasp on what's going on with your skin from the inside out. We asked the Hollywood-based skin genius to share some ideas for home remedies for acne and she really delivered. These ideas address your skin's needs on all levels - and if you haven't hopped on the celery juice bandwagon yet, Hayley's tips might just tip you over the edge...

For the longest time acne has been considered one of - if not the most - frustrating inflammatory skin conditions. It can take a toll on your emotional well-being and leave you feeling helpless.

In actuality, acne is common because there are a multitude of root causes that can stir up within us for years when our detoxification systems are overworked. I got into the profession of esthetics thirteen years ago because of my own personal battle with acne. It was a tumultuous decade. I dreamt of a time in which I would wake up poreless and confident in my skin. I equated clear skin with healthy skin because that’s how I was marketed to as a teen.

At the time, I was chronically stressed and anxious. I had a hormonal imbalance (I was deficient in B and D vitamins) and ate mostly packaged foods. Once I entered beauty school and finally understood the true biological functions of skin, I realized that my acne was communicating a deeper problem internally. That’s when my skin journey took a turn for the better.

What I’d love to share with you are some simple home remedies for acne to help you navigate acne according to the essential functions of the skin.

"Your skin is a filter." | Drink celery juice

Supporting the detoxification system is key for any skincare condition. As an organ that plays a part in our detoxification system, the skin tends to overcompensate when other detox organs are working overtime. In most cases, the liver needs support!

One of my favorite home remedies for acne isn’t topical but involves the holistic benefits of celery. I’ve suggested celery juice to my clients for years because of how easy it is to make and implement in your diet. Once you add this into your daily routine, your skin may feel less likely to take on additional detoxing — your liver can naturally work through the toxins with much more support. Plus, the mineral-rich juice will do wonders for your skin’s hydration.

"your skin responds to stress." | Gentle neck stretches

If you find that your skin is still not recovering after implementing celery juice, then add in gentle neck stretches. This will help unblock any tension that could be holding toxins back from flushing through the lymphatic passageways. You can implement a gua sha stone or simply use a light hand touch to help promote better alignment in the skin for proper flow. Just remember to drink lots of water (or celery juice!) after this self-care practice and avoid any existing areas of breakouts. Work outside of the breakouts to allow the flow to open up.

"Your skin is a barrier." | Simplify your skincare ingredients

Most skincare formulated for acne prone skin is rich in actives and acids. At some point we began to believe that if we just turnover skin cells faster we’ll erase breakouts. Exfoliation is essential to healthy skin to an extent, but most of my clients show up with a routine that involves nothing but turnover and nothing for nourishment.

The skin holds its own very important function as a barrier from external elements. If we deplete the barrier function too much it perpetuates the cycle of inflammation for potential long-term harm. The skin's microbiome is important to nurture in order to have a healthy barrier. If you are using too many acids or introducing too many nutrient-dense products, the immunity of the skin could experience a healing crisis. So, it’s valuable to strip back all excess products and start with simpler solutions.

Just like with an aggravated stomach, it’s not ideal to eat processed foods or even foods that are difficult to digest. Building the skin barrier back will include single-ingredient products. This could include organic jojoba oil, organic olive oil, organic avocados, organic aloe and organic rose water. You can do a skin patch test to see what feels best to construct a skin calming routine. Once the inflammation is down, the skin barrier will be working hard again by protecting you from the free radicals in the environment.

Feeling really inflamed? Another one of my favorite home remedies for acne is this:

Make a small batch of organic oats and mix it with a spoonful of Manuka honey. Gently press the mixture on the area of concern and use a warm towel compress to remove after five to ten minutes.

"Your skin is a temperature regulator." | Try chamomile ice cubes

Depending on the type of acne that you may be experiencing, the level of heat in the skin can be uncomfortable. This is because skin is a temperature regulator as well. It’s the reason we sweat through our skin and also get goosebumps when we’re cold. Heat can get trapped in the skin if your lymphatic system is backed-up — it's ideal to look at the whole body for the answers. Most of the time, heat back-up is from acidity in the gut. It can also be caused by using too many alkaline-rich products on the skin. Introducing a more alkaline diet, as well as monitoring tensions in the body through movement and massage, are great ways to start to heal the root cause.

I also look at skin from a yin perspective or a yang perspective. Typically, if you have an excess of yang or depletion of yin you will feel the heat. Yang is our masculine energy which is the do-er side to most of us. Yin is our feminine energy which allows us to be present. Many of us treat our skin with a yang approach by overcompensating, over-washing, overthinking. However, a more yin approach can help you surrender to its process and trust that the healing is already underway. Silencing the excess can often lead us to simple solutions much more clearly.

Need immediate heat relief? Chamomile ice cubes are a great way to soothe the skin by helping it release any excess heat.

Simply brew 2-4 cups of organic chamomile tea and cool. Once the tea is close to room temperature, pour in an ice cube tray. Use within the week if possible — wrap individual cubes in a soft cloth or paper towel for massaging on the skin. Use it for the whole face if needed, or to just help a pesky blemish calm down. This technique has helped many of my clients give up their skin picking habits by replacing the habit with a much more useful technique.

"Your skin is a reflection of internal health and emotional wellbeing." | Self-care is the best care

At the end of the day, any grade of acne can add stress. Acne is an unpredictable and painful condition. It forces us to take a deeper look at the habits and lifestyle we live. It was very difficult for me to admit that I didn’t really know how to eat healthily, or that I really was exhausted all the time. Luckily, my industry has incredible healers that have helped me learn what my body was communicating. I learned to appreciate what my skin was telling me. Without my breakouts, I wouldn’t have discovered the deeper issues that needed my attention.

All of it started to turn around for me when I decided I was worthy of a healthy complexion. I needed to have gratitude for the discoveries my skin was telling me along the way. It wasn’t easy but I started to practice daily gratitude acknowledgments. I did this by finding three things about my skin that I loved without looking in the mirror. Stepping away from my reflection made me realize that I don’t always see exactly what’s in front of me. I often see a skewed view of what I think I’m supposed to look like and the disappointment that things didn’t turn around overnight.

It would bring me back to being a 10-year-old with pimples and slowly I realized that if I didn’t actively rewire my brain to see differently, I would always see that same girl reflecting back. Before you even step into your bathroom, say out loud three things you love about your skin. Once you see yourself, the breakouts will not feel as big or as scary. You’re essence will be taking over and you’ll just see the bad ass that you are instead. Muting the potential for negative self-talk will help you tune into the conversation your skin is actually having with you. Who knows, maybe you’ll be guided to be gentle with yourself or book that nourishing facial you were curious about.

At the end of the day, skincare is an individual practice. Don’t feel pressured into trying anything suggested without connecting with holistic health practitioners first.

The post Home Remedies For Acne You’ve Probably Never Tried Before appeared first on The Chalkboard.

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