You have heard me talk about skin a lot and how to get and maintain healthy skin.
The reason I mention it so often is because I truly believe in nurturing ourselves from the inside out.

So today I want to talk to you about adopting some healthy skincare habits. These are habits you should try to add to your daily routine to maintain healthy skin.

Believe me, I know how busy life can get. Especially now as a new mom. But it’s still so important for us to take time to care for ourselves. Even if that is just 10 minutes a day to take care of our skin. It’s our largest organ and it’s so delicate.

We know that what we eat can play a huge role in our skin’s health. But there are also some everyday habits we can develop to help our skin too.
These are habits I try to stick to every day.

These 5 habits are super easy, and of course – your skin will appreciate them!

1. Wash Your Face!

The first habit you should get into is cleansing your face before bed – ESPECIALLY if you have worn makeup that day.

You may not be aware of it, but makeup is actually a carrier of free radicals in the environment. Even if you don’t wear makeup, skin collects dust and dirt throughout the day that sits on the skin along with your sweat and sebum (an oily, waxy substance produced by your body’s sebaceous glands.)

If you don’t cleanse your skin before hitting the hay, your skin is basically just swallowing up these free radicals as they cake into your skin. Furthermore, free radicals actually damage the healthy collagen in your skin which can result in wrinkles and fine lines.

In addition to damage, your facial pores can get clogged due to the makeup and oils sitting on the skin. And when this occurs, your skin becomes more susceptible to acne breakouts and enlarged pores. 

Facial cleansing is essential to maintaining a healthy and flawless complexion. I know it may seem tempting to just crash into bed after a long day – but take just a few minutes to wipe the day from your face.

2. Moisturize.

After you cleanse, moisturizing is also a great idea to help your skin! Using a moisturizer after a shower or warm face wash is the best time as the pores are open and more susceptible to absorbing the lotion. 

Moisturizing every day can help reduce the chance of developing extremely dry or oily skin. Both extremes are harmful to the skin and can cause common skin conditions like acne. When your skin is dry and irritated, it is more prone to breakouts. A good moisturizer can also help even out your skin tone!

3. Protect yourself from the sun.

We love soaking up the rays and getting our Vitamin D – but it can wreak havoc on our skin. You can enjoy the sun all you want, just be sure to be cautious when you do. 

Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can negatively impact the condition of your skin.

UV rays can damage the skin’s elastic and collagen tissue which results in skin sagging, stretching, and wrinkles. It also causes freckles, skin discoloration, age spots, and even skin cancer. Imagine what your skin must go through when you go out under the sun without sunscreen protection.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends a sunscreen product with SPF of 30 or higher, water-resistant, and provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure to apply a generous amount of sunscreen to all exposed skin 15 minutes before you go out and reapply every two hours to stay protected.

Also, remember that even on cloudy days, you still need protection from the sun!

4. Sleep.

Remember how I mentioned beauty sleep in a previous article? You can check it out here! Beauty sleep is real – and we need it! 2 main things about sleep and our skin are that when we do not get enough sleep, our bodies release too much of the stress hormone cortisol, which can cause breakouts like pimples and blackheads, even in adults.

And the second is that sleep encourages healthy blood flow to your skin, which can even out your skin tone. During sleep, your skin’s blood flow increases, and the organ rebuilds its collagen and repairs damage from UV exposure, reducing wrinkles and age spots. This can also help to prevent veins from peeking through and causing visible discoloration. 

5.  Keep it gentle.

Try to avoid harsh soaps or products that are heavy in chemicals. When I buy makeup or anything that goes on my skin, I am very careful about reading ingredients. So many ingredients can dry out the skin more and can strip your skin of its natural oils.

Stick to as many natural ingredients as you can. If you read an ingredient and aren’t even sure what it is, be diligent and look it up to see if it is something you want on your skin.

This can even go for supplements. There are so many supplements out there that are jam packed full of preservatives and other harsh ingredients.

That’s why I LOVE my Complete Collagen+. It has ingredients I know I can trust and that do WONDERS for my skin!

These habits are super simple to add to your daily routine. If you’re not already, try to pick up these habits, for the sake of your skin!

The end of summer doesn’t have to get you down.

Celebrate it!

What better way to celebrate than being surrounded by friends and family, at a picnic, BBQ, or just a friendly gathering.

No matter how you celebrate it…

You will want a DELICIOUS DISH in hand!

You can’t show up empty-handed.

I’ve got you covered with this amazing Avocado Salsa.

It is a perfect summer dish and your taste buds will be left wanting more!

Avocado Salsa is a beautifully vibrant dip that pleases both the eyes and taste buds.

Now, I have a few tips on how to pick the best avocados for a recipe like this.

First, always check the skin pigmentation of the avocados you are picking. Avocado colors will shift depending on how ripe they are. Ones that are a vibrant green have been picked early and are under-ripe. And those that are completely brown are overly ripe. So choose an avocado with a nice forest green color.

Second, do a pressure test of sorts. Give the avocado a very gentle little squeeze with the palm of your hand. If the fruit is ripe, it will feel just a smidge soft. Otherwise, avocados that are extremely ripe will feel like mush.

Third, check its naval. Avocados have a naval-belly button-looking spot on them. Try placing your thumb on this part of the fruit.  If you can flick the naval off, the avocado is officially ripe. If the naval is tightly intact, it’s not ready to eat just yet. And if the naval is completely missing, skip that avocado as that end may be slightly brown on the inside.

Onto the Ingredients

While this recipe uses similar ingredients to a guacamole recipe, the chunky texture is what makes it so unique. Be sure you don’t buy mushy, overly-ripe avocados because you do want the salsa to hold its shape.

• Roma Tomatoes: These tomatoes are naturally sweeter and hold just the right amount of juiciness you will want for this salsa.
• Red Onion: Adds a beautiful pop of purple to this salsa.
• Jalapeño: Can’t make salsa without a hint of spice but of course if spice isn’t your thing, feel free to skip the hot peppers or sub less spicy ones! 
• Limes: Adds some zesty flavor!
• Cilantro: This herb will help freshen up this entire dish. If you don’t like cilantro, try adding in parsley instead or skip herbs entirely! 
• Salt: Just one teaspoon to balance out all the other bold flavors.

Making The Salsa

1. Dice the tomatoes and avocado into small cubes.
2. Chop the red onion, jalapeños, and cilantro into small bits.
3. Mix the above ingredients into a large bowl. 
4. Then squeeze the lime juice and sprinkle the salt. 
5. Give everything a stir until it’s all combined.
6. Serve with tortilla chips or pita bread. It’s best to serve this right away to prevent browning!

While this is a great summer recipe – it’s also something you can enjoy year-round! Flavors like this have no time limit 🙂

We don’t always have time to make it to a salon for some nail pampering.

And getting manicures frequently can get pricey and can actually start to ruin your nails.

But we can do our own nail pampering from home.

With a DIY nourishing cuticle balm that uses some popular and affordable ingredients!

You really only need 2 ingredients.

Coconut oil and cocoa butter.

These 2 ingredients have really bloomed in the beauty market for their nourishing benefits for skin, hair, AND nails. 

Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that help prevent aging and damage to our skin and hair.

Cocoa butter is a popular ingredient in creams and lotions because of its smooth texture, chocolaty fragrance, and healing properties.



Many people use pure cocoa butter to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars on their skin. Combined with coconut oil, it is perfect for conditioning our cuticles.

Just massaging this creamy balm into your cuticles daily will help boost circulation and promote healthy nail growth.

For this Cocoa Butter & Coconut Cuticle Balm you will need:

• 1 teaspoon of grated cocoa butter
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• Small dish or container to hold the balm (this will make about 1ounce of the balm)
  

Making The Balm:

1. Gently heat cocoa butter and coconut oil in a small pot until melted.
2. Stir well and pour into a clean dish or container. 
3. Allow the mixture to cool completely.
4. Massage a small amount into your cuticle.
5. Store in a cool dry area inside the container. 

This super easy cuticle balm is a great way for you to take care of your nails from your own home without a salon price tag or doing any damage to your nails.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help maintain healthy skin and hair. It also provides protection from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause damage to the cells in your body.  

Vitamin E has been used in dermatology since the 1950s to help protect the skin against aging, inflammation, and sun damage. The fat-soluble antioxidant is vital for maintaining healthy skin, stronger hair, and a strong immune system.

Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant that can help with many different skin conditions such as acne and wrinkles. It also helps to strengthen your hair follicles so they don’t break off easily which will lead to less hair loss. 

Vitamin E is one of those great nutrients that can have a very positive impact on the appearance of your skin and hair. Vitamin E has been proven to promote healthy skin by reducing signs of aging, like wrinkles or age spots. In addition to this, it helps protect against free radicals which are responsible for causing cell damage and premature aging. Some other benefits include moisturizing dry skin, strengthening nails and hair follicles from breakage or split end. 

Let me break down some of these benefits for you!

Hair Loss

One of the most important benefits of vitamin E is for our hair. This powerful antioxidant can improve the texture of your hair, as well as make it soft and manageable. Vitamin E supports the scalp and gives your hair a strong base to grow from by reducing oxidative stress and preserving the protective lipid layer.

Vitamin E has also been shown to promote blood flow,  which is said to help promote healthy hair by improving scalp circulation. An increased blood supply could also help in hair growth.

One study has shown that vitamin E supplements improved hair growth in people with hair loss. Oxidative stress is linked to hair loss. And it has been shown that Vitamin E’s antioxidant properties helped reduce oxidative stress in the scalp.

Acne Scars

If you have been battling acne on a regular basis, then vitamin E might be an alternative treatment option that works for you.

This is because vitamin E absorbs sebum, which is a naturally occurring substance that can cause your pores to clog. This will leave you with cleaner and less inflammatory skin.

Wrinkles & Dry Skin

This antioxidant works great in fighting many environmental threats to our aging appearance.

Since vitamin E is a major antioxidant, it works naturally to neutralize all the environmental stressors that’ll destroy your collagen and cause fine lines and premature aging.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble ingredient, which means it is able to penetrate deep into your skin and preserve the lipids (fats) in your face. While also soothing and healing your skin barrier.

So if you have any cracks in your skin barrier — vitamin E can essentially close those cracks to prevent moisture from escaping, keeping your skin hydrated and firm.

Eczema

Vitamin E has also been known to help alleviate the dryness, itching, and flaking associated with eczema, or atopic dermatitis.

A study conducted found that oral vitamin E supplements could produce significant improvements in eczema symptoms.

Nail Health

Vitamin E supplementation has also been shown to prevent yellow nail syndrome, which can cause peeling, cracked, and yellowing of the nail. Vitamin E’s moisturizing benefits may also support nail health by preventing cracked cuticles and dry skin around the nail bed.

Cellulite

Vitamin E not only works as an anti-aging agent but also helps protect veins and arteries and assists the body in delivering increased oxygen to the skin’s living layers.

So this means that vitamin E can help the body more efficiently flush out the toxins and fat deposits that are responsible for the characteristic appearance of cellulite.

If you’re looking for an easy way to improve the condition of your skin or hair, then try adding more vitamin E to your diet! 

Here are some great sources of vitamin e:

• Wheat germ oil
• Sunflower, safflower, and soybean oil
• Sunflower seeds
• Almonds
• Peanuts, peanut butter
• Beet greens, collard greens, spinach
• Pumpkin
• Red bell peppers

Another great way to add vitamin e into your daily routine is with Complete Collagen+.

The powerful ingredients of this incredible supplement provide your body with amazing benefits for your skin and hair. Making it a true powerhouse supplement!

Try yours today!

I love bath bombs!

They are such a great way to make baths more invigorating. So many scent options too!

Homemade bath bombs are such an easy treat that you can enjoy yourself or make as a great gift! 

And the best part is that they are made from common, budget-friendly ingredients most of which you probably already have at home!

You will need:

• ½ cup Corn starch
• ½ cup Citric acid
• ½ cup Epsom salt
• 1 cup Baking soda
• 1 tsp Mica powdered soap dye (optional- this can help give the bombs a fun color but is not needed)
• 1 tbsp. dried Orange peel
• 10 drops Orange essential oil (Orange essential oil can be used for a range of reasons such as lifting mood and reducing stress or just to add a fresh, citrusy aroma to a room. It also has studies showing that it can help with pain relief, anxiety, and much more!)
• 2 ½ tablespoons melted coconut oil
• 1 tbsp. water
• 5 Bath Bomb Molds
  

How To Make Your Own Bath Bombs:

Note: Measure out all of your ingredients. Choose what color mica powder you would like to add to your bath bombs (if any), which essential oils you would like, and if you want to add any dried ingredients such as orange peel or dried lavender. For this recipe – we are using Orange but feel free to experiment or use anything you want! 

1. In a large bowl, combine corn starch, citric acid, Epsom salt, baking soda, mica powder (optional), and dried orange peel. Whisk to mix completely.
2. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together coconut oil, essential oil, and water.
3. Very slowly add the oil mixture to the dry ingredients. (Pouring slowly helps make sure the mixture fizzes as little as possible). 
4. Mix together until it looks similar to wet sand and everything is fully added.
5. Transfer the bath bomb mixture into bath bomb molds, making sure to press the mixture tightly into each mold half. Overfill just a bit to ensure that the two pieces stick together when pressed together. Press the mold pieces together and twist until closed.
6. Allow the bath bombs to dry for at least 24 hours.
7. To remove the bath bombs from the molds, tap the outside of the mold gently and twist each side of the mold and pull apart to remove the bath bomb.
8. Store bath bombs in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap. They can be stored for up to 6 months. 
9. To use the bath bomb, simply drop it in water and watch it fizz and dissolve. Let the aromas fill the bathroom and fill your tub with an aromatic scent that will leave you feeling relaxed!

Make some for yourself and gift a few!
The holidays will be here before you know it! 

Skincare is an important aspect of maintaining good health.  It helps us look and feel good, gives us better confidence, and a healthier appearance. And we all know – good skin doesn’t typically just happen. It takes some effort on our part.

But what about when it comes to tighter skin? 

As we age, our skin starts losing its natural elasticity, which can lead to sagging. Sagging skin is a natural process of aging and typically irreversible – however, what we may not know – is that we can actually improve the tightness on our skin with just a few home tips.

Here are 10 home remedies and tips to help tighten your skin!

1. Massage Your Skin Daily

Massaging your skin is a great way to help tighten your skin. Not only is it relaxing and calming, massaging it may also help tighten skin, by improving circulation and blood flow.

Try massaging each area of the skin you wish to tighten each day. This can help prevent the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, and make your skin more elastic for a fresher look.

2. Use Honey And Lemon To Tighten Your Skin

Honey is a powerful anti-oxidant. It has anti-aging properties which can help tighten saggy skin.

Mix honey into lemon juice to form a paste and apply it on parts of your face that are wrinkled or sagging.  Leave the paste on for 20 minutes before rinsing with warm water and apply your favorite moisturizer to keep your skin supple, firm, and youthful.

3. Use Aloe Vera To Fight Aging Problems

Aloe vera is a plant with soft, gel-like leaves that are used in many medicinal and cosmetic products for its healing properties.  Aloe vera extract helps in naturally increasing our collagen production,  which further helps in reducing the visible signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Collagen helps in decreasing wrinkles and helps in skin tightening. It also improves the elasticity of the skin. You can apply aloe vera on your face every night before going to bed. 

4. Don’t Smoke And Stay Away From Excessive Tanning

It’s no secret smoking is bad for us internally in so many ways – but it also negatively impacts our appearance. Smoking causes wrinkles and premature aging of your skin due to excessive oxidation, so it is important that you avoid smoking regularly if you want to keep your skin looking fresh and youthful. 

Furthermore, excessive UV exposure from the sun can cause you to age quicker than usual because it causes your cells to lose their elasticity, which leads to dryness and wrinkling of the skin.

5. Exfoliate Your Face To Remove Dead Skin Cells

It is important for you to exfoliate your skin regularly.  Exfoliation helps in getting rid of dead skin cells and can help slow down the aging process as well as give your face a better look. 

You can use scrubbing pads or make an exfoliating paste by mixing olive oil with sugar or honey and rub it onto your face for ten minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.

6. Use Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains properties that are similar to those found in human skin, so mixing it into the diet can help hydrate the body from the inside out.  It also helps in getting rid of dead skin cells and reduces wrinkles by making your skin appear fresh, supple and younger-looking than before.

7. Try Rosemary Oil

Putting rosemary oil in your DIY skin-tightening remedies can do wonders for your skin.  Rosemary oil is rich in compounds that help prevent the formation of wrinkles.

It also contains antioxidants that fight free radicals and reduces inflammation caused by harmful substances in the environment or food. 

8.  Use Almonds and Almond Oil

Almonds can help tighten your skin because of their vitamin content.  They contain lots of iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamin E, all of which are essential for proper skin health. 

Eat a handful of almonds every day or use it in your DIY home remedies to tighten your skin by rubbing almond oil onto the areas where you see wrinkles forming.

9. Use Egg Whites To Soften Taut, Dry Skin

Egg whites are used in many skincare products because they contain protein that helps soften the skin and remove wrinkles.  Mix egg white into coconut oil to create a paste and apply on your face for 20 minutes before rinsing your face with lukewarm water.  You can use a mild moisturizer to keep your newly softened skin from drying out.

10. Add Collagen Into Your Daily Routine

Collagen is a protein found in muscles, tendons, skin, ligaments, and bones. It makes up about 30% to 40% of proteins in the human body.

When skin is taut and firm, it has collagen to thank. Collagen is made of tightly constructed fibers, which help skin maintain its structure and firmness. Both elastin and collagen production decline as people age.

Collagen production typically begins declining around the age of 25 and continues to decrease approximately 1-2% per year afterward. Skin noticeably starts to lose its elasticity in your 30s to 40s as well as in the first 5 years of menopause when women’s skin loses around 30% of its collagen. Adding collagen to your daily routine is a great way to ensure your body is getting ample collagen so it can go to work for you and your skin.

Of course- my secret weapon is Complete Collagen+. It has done wonders for my skin and hair! If you are looking to tighten up your skin a bit and reap the same benefits I have- try it today!

Try some of these tips and see how they can benefit your skin. Get that tighter skin you have always wanted!

Stay beautiful!