When it comes to maintaining beautiful skin, it seems there are a million factors to balance. Serums, moisturizing, sun exposure, supplements, medication… sometimes, it can feel like the planets need to align for you to find your perfect skincare routine. 

However, the problem may not be that you’re not doing enough, but sometimes it can be that you’re doing too much. In this article, we want to walk you through some of the most common skincare mistakes that people make, and how you can achieve better results with your skin by doing less. 

Over-Exfoliating

Exfoliation is a great way to rid your skin of the dead cells that accumulate on your face, making it rough and dull. However, skincare experts recommend that you exfoliate no more than once or twice a week, and note that exfoliating more than that can actually harm your skin.

Both physical and chemical exfoliation treatments are usually abrasive, and overdoing it can irritate and weaken the soft and delicate skin on your face. The most obvious signs that you are over-exfoliating are:

• Redness and irritation
• Inflammation
• Dry, patchy skin
• Small, bumpy breakouts

So, if you think you might be exfoliating a little too often, save yourself some time and cut back to 1-2 times weekly. Your skin will thank you for the break! 

Skipping Sunscreen 

While the sun can help you achieve that healthy-looking glow for a season or two, long-term sun damage will wreak havoc on your skin! UV light can be dangerous without protection – the skin will produce more melanin to shield itself from the sun’s rays, but usually not before injury occurs. 

UV damage to the skin over time may result in altered texture and loss of elasticity, both of which contribute to premature aging. Even more seriously, unprotected sun exposure can lead to skin cancer, which can be fatal. 

So, for beautiful skin, you don’t necessarily need a 12-step skincare plan, but you do need sunscreen! Follow these tips to protect yourself and your skin:

• Make sure to look for an SPF of at least 30
• Wear SPF every day, whether it’s sunny or not (you can still burn on a cloudy day!)
• Reapply every 2 hours, if you’ve been sweating or swimming
• Avoid direct sun exposure for long periods of time while the sun’s rays are at their strongest, usually between 10-2 PM (*Pro Tip: You can tell when the sun’s rays are at their strongest by looking down. When your shadow is longer than you are tall, avoid direct sunlight for long periods of time)

Touching Your Face

Your hands come into direct contact with a TON of bacteria. Doorknobs, your cellphone, computers and laptops, the handle to flush the toilet, the toilet seat, TV remotes, other hands… you get the point. Unless we are washing our hands after every single time we come into contact with another person or surface, that bacteria can easily spread everywhere. Including our face, neck, hairline, chest, and anywhere else you might experience a breakout.

Touching your skin with dirty hands can transfer bacteria, which can clog pores and cause breakouts. Not to mention, this can also transfer more harmful bacteria and viruses that might make you sick. To keep your skin healthy and clean, wash your hands frequently, and do your best to avoid touching your face!

Not Washing Your Pillowcase 

Just like touching your skin with dirty hands can increase your risk of clogged pores and breakouts, not washing your pillowcase regularly can mean a buildup of bacteria! When you sleep at night, you are likely transferring bacteria, dirt, oil, and even leftover makeup from your face to your pillowcase. Washing it once a week can be an effective way to keep your skin clean and clear. 

Dehydration

Did you know that your body is mostly made up of water? A lot of that water is stored in your skin, to keep it plump and elastic. Additionally, water circulates in our bodies to transport important nutrients, regulate our temperature, and clear toxins from our system. We need a lot of water daily to keep our body and skin healthy! 

When you’re dehydrated, water is pulled from your skin to help our internal organs function properly. This can leave it feeling dry, and prone to damage. It is important to stay hydrated to help maintain our skin’s health and appearance. Research has found that improving water intake can be helpful in improving the skin’s appearance, especially for those who are chronically dehydrated. [1] However, skincare expert, Kathleen C. Suozzi, MD, director of aesthetic dermatology at Yale Medicine and assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, notes “Excessive hydration is unlikely to benefit the skin.”

So, aim for about 64 oz of water daily (that’s eight 8 oz glasses of water), to optimally hydrate your body and your skin!

You can optimize your skincare routine by avoiding these common mistakes. Another great way to build up your daily skin routine is with Complete Collagen+.

The powerful ingredients of this supplement provide you with amazing benefits for your skin and hair. It’s a true powerhouse supplement!

Citations

1. Palma L, Marques LT, Bujan J, Rodrigues LM. Dietary water affects human skin hydration and biomechanics. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:413-421. Published 2015 Aug 3. doi:10.2147/CCID.S86822

Collagen is a special protein that makes up the important structural components of our bodies. Long, chain-like molecules form to support tissues like skin, ligaments, tendons, bones, and internal organs. Collagen production keeps our skin stretchy and elastic, allows us to heal after injury, and keeps our joints strong and flexible as we move our bodies [1]. 

It’s important to note that collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. It makes up about a third of our total protein, accounts for about 75% of our skin, and about 60% of our cartilage [2-4]. We need a lot of collagen to keep ourselves looking and feeling our best. And, considering that natural collagen production drops off around age 20, and continues to decrease over time, it’s important for us to continue to optimize our collagen intake as we age. [5]

Optimizing Collagen Production

If we want to optimize our collagen stores and production, there is another important nutrient we need to consider – vitamin C. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is important for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body, especially bones, muscles, and skin. Collagen and vitamin C work together: vitamin C is necessary for collagen production, and vitamin C deficiency can lead to collagen destabilization and weakened structure of the protein. [6]

Vitamin C also plays an important role in our bodies, acting as an antioxidant and protecting against harmful free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage the healthy cells in our bodies in order to stabilize themselves. We accumulate free radicals from environmental exposure to toxins, such as tobacco smoke and UV light, and also as a natural byproduct of our body’s metabolic processes. Vitamin C, and other antioxidants, protect against these free radicals by stabilizing and neutralizing them, rendering them benign. [7]

So, should you boost your vitamin C along with your daily dose of collagen? Let’s dig a little bit deeper into the science-backed benefits of this dynamic duo.

Anti-aging

Collagen is known to play an important role in our skin’s elasticity, hydration, and texture. As mentioned previously, collagen production begins to drop off around age 20, and continues to decrease as we age. It is estimated that collagen production decreases by a minimum of 1-1.5% every year. This decrease can be accelerated even more with certain behaviors, like smoking and exposing the skin excessively to UV light. Due to this decrease of natural collagen production, there have been many studies to explore the effect of collagen supplementation on improving skin elasticity, hydration, and texture in an aging population. The evidence supports that collagen supplementation is an effective way to increase collagen synthesis and reduce the appearance of aging [8-10]. 

Additionally, vitamin C plays an important role in skin health and protection. It does this in a few different ways. We know that collagen is highly dependent on vitamin C – without it, collagen would lose its strength, and the rate of synthesis would decrease significantly. Research has proven that collagen-producing cells replicate much quicker in the presence of vitamin C compared to cells without vitamin C. [5] Vitamin C also plays an active role in protecting your skin from the damage that UV rays cause when you get sunburned (though you should still wear sunscreen!). And last, there is some evidence to show that vitamin C inhibits melanin production, which essentially means that vitamin C can help prevent and repair those stubborn dark spots on your skin. [12] 

Now, while it seems that vitamin C and collagen both play an important role in the aesthetic appearance of our skin, it’s also important to note that they both contribute to the structural integrity of our skin and body as well. 

Healing

Though deficiency is very uncommon, it is known that low vitamin C levels are associated with gradual loss of skin function, such as poor wound healing. This decreased ability to heal is closely related to vitamin C’s role in producing collagen. Collagen is a key component in wound healing, and is involved in the creation of scar tissues that forms as a means of strengthening broken skin. 

The relationship between collagen, vitamin C, and healing is not just limited to the skin either. There is evidence to suggest that vitamin C supplementation results in increased collagen synthesis and accelerated healing after bone fractures. [13] 

The role that vitamin C plays in increasing collagen synthesis is very important. Without adequate vitamin C, the collagen in our bodies would be weak and unstable, and our ability to recover from wounds would be compromised. It’s been shown that improving collagen production helps improve our ability to heal soft tissue injuries, may help prevent re-injury, and may reduce the symptoms associated with diseases that affect our joints, like osteoarthritis. [14-16] 

So, it seems fair to say that in optimizing the health and appearance of our skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones, we need adequate amounts of vitamin C and collagen. Because natural collagen levels slowly decline as the years go on, it’s important to supplement to make sure you’re getting enough! For a simple way to promote healthy skin and healing, try Complete Collagen+. Just one serving a day can provide your body with 1000mg of collagen! Make sure to pair your collagen with vitamin C, to optimize the effects of collagen. We love PuraTHRIVE’s Micelle Liposomal Vitamin C – it’s a carefully crafted Vitamin C supplement designed with improved absorption and potency in mind.

Citations

1. “Collagen.” Physiopedia, https://www.physio-pedia.com/Collagen. 
2. “Collagen.” The Nutrition Source, 27 May 2021, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/collagen/. 
3. Mandal, Dr. Ananya. “What Is Collagen?” News, 5 June 2019, https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Collagen.aspx#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20predominant,the%20whole%2Dbody%20protein%20content. 
4. “An Overview of Your Skin.” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10978-skin#:~:text=Collagen%3A%20Collagen%20is%20the%20most,off%20wrinkles%20and%20fine%20lines. 
5. “Collagen Synthesis.” Collagen Synthesis – an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/collagen-synthesis. 
6. Reilly DM, Lozano J. Skin collagen through the lifestages: importance for skin health and beauty. Plast Aesthet Res 2021;8:2. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2020.153
7. “Understanding Antioxidants.” Harvard Health, 10 Jan. 2019, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-antioxidants.
8. Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerß J, Voss W. A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study. Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2494. Published 2019 Oct 17. doi:10.3390/nu11102494
9. de Miranda RB, Weimer P, Rossi RC. Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Dermatol. 2021 Mar 20. doi: 10.1111/ijd.15518. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33742704.
10. Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz ML, Mesinkovsk NA. Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019 Jan 1;18(1):9-16. PMID: 30681787.
11. Phillips CL, Combs SB, Pinnell SR. Effects of ascorbic acid on proliferation and collagen synthesis in relation to the donor age of human dermal fibroblasts. J Invest Dermatol. 1994 Aug;103(2):228-32. doi: 10.1111/1523-1747.ep12393187. PMID: 7518857.
12. Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. Published 2017 Aug 12. doi:10.3390/nu9080866
13. DePhillipo NN, Aman ZS, Kennedy MI, Begley JP, Moatshe G, LaPrade RF. Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplementation on Collagen Synthesis and Oxidative Stress After Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review. Orthop J Sports Med. 2018;6(10):2325967118804544. Published 2018 Oct 25. doi:10.1177/2325967118804544
14. Clark, K. L., Sebastianelli, W., Flechsenhar, K. R., Aukermann, D. F., Meza, F., Millard, R. L., & Albert, A. (2008). 24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Current medical research and opinion, 24(5), 1485-1496.
15. Zdzieblik, D., Oesser, S., Gollhofer, A., & König, D. (2017). Improvement of activity-related knee joint discomfort following supplementation of specific collagen peptides. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 42(6), 588-595.
16. Lis, D. M., & Baar, K. (2019). Effects of Different Vitamin C–Enriched Collagen Derivatives on Collagen Synthesis. International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism, 29(5), 526-531.

Omega-3 fatty acids are incredibly important, so you have likely heard about some of the benefits of them, especially DHA. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid essential for both our brain and body.  

Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most widely studied and support beneficial nutrients.

Here are 7 ways Omega-3 fatty acids can benefit us:

1. Helps Fight Inflammation and Strengthen Bones

Omega-3 fats such as DHA can have very beneficial anti-inflammatory effects on our bodies.

DHA’s anti-inflammatory properties may reduce the risk of chronic diseases that are common with age, such as heart and gum disease, and improve autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause joint pain.

In a 10-week study in 38 people with rheumatoid arthritis, 2,100 mg of DHA daily decreased the number of swollen joints by 28%, compared to a typical placebo.

Other studies show that omega-3s can also improve bone strength by boosting the amount of calcium in your bones, which should lead to a reduced risk of osteoporosis.

Adding DHA – Omega 3’s into your diet can help alleviate inflammation you may be experiencing.

2. May Improve Heart Health

Having a healthy heart is crucial for our overall health. Our heart is what keeps us going – which is why it is called our ‘ticker’.

DHA – Omega 3’s work to decrease our blood triglycerides and increase our ‘good’ HDL cholesterol which can improve our overall cholesterol levels.

Omega-3s can help keep blood platelets from clumping together –  which helps to prevent the formation of harmful blood clots. They also help to keep our arteries clear by working to prevent plaque that can restrict and harden the arteries.

Omega-3s can also help to reduce blood pressure levels in those with high blood pressure.

3. Helps Aid In Mental Health Support

Depression is one of the most common illnesses worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that  3.8% of the population is affected with depression, including 5.0% among adults and 5.7% among adults older than 60 years.  Approximately 280 million people in the world have depression.

DHA aids the body in serotonin, a nerve messenger which can help balance your mood. The anti-inflammatory effects of these omega-3 fats on nerve cells may reduce depression.

Studies have shown that consistent intake of Omega- 3’s can help to reduce the likelihood of depression and anxiety.

4. Can Improve Eye Health

DHA is a major structural component of the retina of the eye.

When you don’t get enough DHA, vision problems may arise, such as dry eyes, vision problems, and an increase in eye pressure. 

Ensuring sufficient amounts of omega-3 are consumed, is linked to a reduced risk of macular degeneration, one of the world’s leading causes of permanent eye damage and blindness.

5. May Improve Your Sleep

We all need sleep for optimal health. Sleep deprivation has been linked to many illnesses such as diabetes and depression. 

Low levels of omega-3 fatty acids are commonly associated with sleep problems in children and obstructive sleep apnea in adults.

Low levels of DHA are also linked to lower levels of melatonin, which helps you fall asleep.

Studies conducted  in both children and adults showed that supplementing with omega-3 increases the length as well as the quality of sleep 

6. Helps Fight Autoimmune Diseases

Having an autoimmune disease results in the immune system mistaking healthy cells for foreign cells and actually starts attacking them. 

A great example of this is Type 1 Diabetes.  In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system is actually attacking the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Type 1 diabetes is one prime example, in which your immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas.

Omega-3s can help combat some of these diseases and may be especially important during early life.

Studies have shown that getting sufficient amounts of omega-3s during your first year of life is linked to a reduced risk of many autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, autoimmune diabetes, and multiple sclerosis (MS). 

Omega-3s can also help treat illnesses such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis.

7. Promotes Better Skin Health

And of course, these essential fats are beneficial for our skin also!

DHA is a structural component of the skin. It is responsible for the health of cell membranes, which make up a large part of the skin. When our cell membranes are healthy, it results in soft, moist, supple, and wrinkle-free skin.

They can help in regulating the skin’s oil production, improve skin hydration, reduce breakouts and minimize signs of aging. Omega-3s can also protect your skin from sun damage. 

DHA is an omega-3 fat that comes from food – primarily seafood such as fish, shellfish, and algae. As well as supplements. It is ideal if you can consume both foods high in DHA Omega-3 and supplements as DHA omega-3 fatty acids are not something our bodies typically produce much of. 

You can also get omega-3 from seeds and nuts, like flax seeds and walnuts. These foods also contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a small part of which can be converted into EPA and DHA in your body

A great way to add this essential fatty acid into your daily routine is with Complete Collagen+. Just 1 serving a day can provide your body with 400mg of DHA – Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

Incorporate more DHA – Omega 3’s into your diet, and let your body reap all the benefits!



Resources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23966110/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11997274/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12433513/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2136947/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24605819/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24605819/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9624425/

Your hair is one of the most important parts of your body. It protects your scalp, absorbs nutrients, and provides a barrier against bacteria. But our hair, just like any part of our body, is susceptible to damage and everyday life can take its toll on our hair.

Sometimes it can get too dry or too greasy. Or maybe you just color it frequently and it has some damage. With each coloring you do, you are adding harsh chemicals into your hair that starts to build up.

That’s where detoxing comes in handy. With these easy tips, you’ll be able to have beautiful locks that are free from excess build-up!

Many people detox their hair because they’ve been using conventional hair care products made with chemical toxins or low-quality ingredients.

When it comes to ditching your harsh chemicals, a detox can help rebalance your scalp. It can also help rid your hair of suffocating buildup while also working to nourish the scalp.

A detox can also help stimulate hair follicles, allowing for hair growth, and can help clear the scalp of dandruff.

So, the question is…

How will I know if I should detox my hair?

A good rule of thumb is – if you have an itchy, oily, or inflamed scalp, dry follicles, hair loss, or any scalp pain, it may be time to detox that hair of yours!

If you are suffering from any of those, or ALL of them. Then your hair IS CRAVING a detox.

A great way to detox your hair is with a Hair Detox Mask.

A Hair Detox Mask is actually super simple, cost-efficient, and EFFECTIVE!

This process uses 4 simple ingredients that can be applied in just a few easy steps.

If you have a sensitive scalp, try a patch test first. And be sure to wash it off immediately if at any point your skin feels uncomfortable. 

Ingredients

• Bentonite clay powder. This powder has a high concentration of minerals, including silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and potassium. It also absorbs and helps to purge clogged pores, including heavy metals, impurities, and chemicals.
• Apple cider vinegar. This is rich in vitamins B and C and minerals for the hair. It’s also an anti-inflammatory, which can help the scalp with dandruff.
• Aloe vera gel. The proteolytic enzymes in aloe may help repair dead skin cells on the scalp. It’s also a great conditioner and prevents itching!
• White vinegar. Just required for the final rinsing.

Directions

1. Combine ½  cup each of bentonite clay powder, apple cider vinegar, and aloe vera gel in a small bowl.
2. Spread generously throughout the hair, applying to the scalp as well. You can use a hair-dye brush for this or use your hands.
3. Place a shower cap on and sit for 20 to 30 minutes. (Don’t let the mixture dry out!)
4. Rinse your hair with 1 cup of white vinegar and allow it to sit for at least 1 to 3 minutes, then use a clarifying shampoo.

You can also create your own detox hair recipe if you want!

There are plenty of natural ingredients you can use to help remove build-up from your hair.

Some other great ingredients to use are:

• Micellar water. This cleanser draws out impurities without drying out the skin.
• Baking soda. It may remove oil and buildup, but it’s not good for dry, processed, or heat-damaged hair.
• Egg whites. Mixing egg whites with coconut oil can help to strengthen hair.
• Honey. Using honey can help give your hair a boost of beneficial amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. You can even use honey after the detox to keep your curls moisturized and growing.

For an additional hair boost, be sure to try Complete Collagen+!

Give your hair the attention it deserves. And bring it back to life!

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 🙂