Pregnancy is a wonderful and exciting part of life! But if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you may be concerned about the health of both yourself and the baby growing inside of you. 

That’s why I wrote this blog – so you can know 7 of the most important things to focus on while carrying and have the healthiest pregnancy possible! So keep reading to find out how you can be best prepared before, during, and after pregnancy. 

1. Maintain a healthy diet

Maintaining a healthy diet during pregnancy is important for several reasons.

First, a healthy diet can help ensure that both the mother and the developing baby are getting all the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development. The baby’s brain and other organs are developing rapidly during pregnancy, and a diet lacking in essential nutrients can negatively impact fetal development.

Second, a healthy diet can also help manage pregnancy symptoms such as morning sickness, constipation, and gestational diabetes. It also reduces the risk of certain pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia, a serious condition that can affect both the mother and the baby.

Third, a healthy diet during pregnancy can also benefit the mother by helping her to maintain a healthy weight and energy level, which can aid in her overall health during pregnancy, and support her during labor and delivery.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide a variety of essential nutrients that are necessary for a healthy pregnancy. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional to help plan a proper and healthy diet to suit individual needs.

2. Get regular prenatal care

Prenatal care is when you get checkups from a doctor, nurse, or midwife throughout your pregnancy. It helps keep you and your future baby healthy for many reasons:

• Monitoring the health of the mother and the baby: Prenatal care can help detect and prevent potential health issues for both the mother and the baby. Regular check-ups can monitor the baby’s growth and development, and ensure that the pregnancy is progressing normally.

• Early detection and management of complications: Prenatal care can detect potential complications early on, such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and others. When detected early, many of these complications can be managed to minimize any risks to the mother and the baby.

• Supporting the mother’s emotional and physical well-being: Prenatal care also includes counseling and support for the expectant mother, by giving her the knowledge and tools to have a healthy pregnancy and make informed decisions about her care, addressing her concerns or questions, and providing information on labor, delivery, and postpartum care.

• Preparation for labor and delivery: Prenatal care also includes information and preparation for labor and delivery, and can help identify any potential issues that may arise during delivery, so that the healthcare provider can plan accordingly.

Regular prenatal care is vital in ensuring a healthy pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum for both mother and baby. It is also essential for a healthcare provider to monitor any potential risks or complications and take appropriate actions to ensure the safe and healthy development of the baby and mother.

3. Stay active

Getting active during pregnancy may feel like a challenge, as you’re more likely to feel fatigued. You may just want to sit, relax, and feed those food cravings, but it’s important to remain active throughout your pregnancy. This can be beneficial for several reasons:

• Helps to maintain a healthy weight: Regular exercise can help a pregnant woman to maintain a healthy weight, which can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, hypertension, and other pregnancy-related complications.

• Increases energy levels: Physical activity can help pregnant women feel more energized, which can be especially helpful during the fatigue-inducing first and third trimesters.

• Improves mood and reduces stress: Exercise can help to improve mood and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression which are commonly experienced during pregnancy.

• Prepare the body for labor and delivery: Regular physical activity can help prepare the body for labor and delivery by strengthening the muscles used during childbirth and helping to build endurance.

• Promote recovery postpartum: Regular exercise during pregnancy can improve postpartum recovery by increasing strength and endurance, helping to improve sleep, and reducing the risk of postpartum depression.

It’s important to note that not all exercises are safe during pregnancy, depending on individual health conditions, as well as the stage of pregnancy. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional and get a personalized exercise plan. In general, pregnant women should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week, such as brisk walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga.

4. Avoid certain substances

Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drugs during pregnancy is important because they can have a negative impact on the health of the mother and the developing baby.

• Smoking: Smoking during pregnancy can cause a variety of serious health problems for the baby, including low birth weight, premature birth, and an increased risk of certain birth defects. It also increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Smoking can also cause respiratory problems for the baby after birth, and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause a wide range of serious birth defects and developmental problems known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). These disorders can lead to physical, behavioral, and cognitive problems that last a lifetime.

• Drugs: Using drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamines, and opioids can have a negative impact on the baby’s growth and development, and can increase the risk of birth defects, premature birth, and other serious health problems. They also can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms in newborns after birth, which can be dangerous and require medical attention.

It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with smoking, alcohol, and drugs during pregnancy, and to take steps to avoid them. If you are pregnant and struggling to quit smoking, drinking, or using drugs, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional, counselor, or support group as soon as possible.

5. Get enough sleep

When you’re pregnant, the world doesn’t stop. You may still have to work, do things around the house, and run errands. But if you’re pregnant, it’s important to carve out extra time in your day to not just relax, but get more sleep. Getting enough sleep during pregnancy is important for several reasons:

• Maintaining overall health: Adequate sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. It can help boost the immune system, improve mood, and reduce stress and anxiety.

• Supporting fetal growth and development: During pregnancy, the body is working hard to support the growth and development of the baby. Sleep is necessary for the body to effectively perform these functions, and to ensure that the baby is getting the nutrients it needs.

• Managing pregnancy symptoms: Pregnancy can cause a variety of symptoms, such as morning sickness, fatigue, and discomfort, which can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Adequate sleep can help to manage these symptoms and make them more bearable.

• Preparing for labor and delivery: Pregnancy can be physically and emotionally taxing, and sleep is necessary to help the body recover and prepare for labor and delivery.

• Postpartum recovery: Getting enough sleep during pregnancy can also help prepare the body for postpartum recovery. The lack of sleep can affect the mood and energy during the postpartum period which can be challenging enough with a newborn.

It’s important to note that as pregnancy progresses, and the baby grows, it might become more difficult to find a comfortable position to sleep in. During this time, it can be helpful to use pillows and other comfort measures to help find a comfortable position. It’s also suggested to talk to your healthcare provider about any sleep issues or difficulties experienced during pregnancy.

6. Manage stress

Managing stress during pregnancy may be a challenge since you could be concerned about a range of things. This could be financial stress or – if this is your first child – common worries about becoming a parent. But it’s important to seek out ways to truly relax, as this can benefit you and the baby in many ways:

• Maintaining overall health: High levels of stress can affect the overall health and well-being of the mother, including her physical and mental health, and her ability to manage the demands of pregnancy.

• Supporting fetal growth and development: Stress can have a negative impact on the baby’s growth and development. Stress hormones can cross the placenta, which may affect the baby’s physiology and development.

• Managing pregnancy symptoms: High levels of stress can worsen pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea, fatigue, and anxiety.

• Preparing for labor and delivery: Stress can affect the mother’s ability to cope with the physical and emotional demands of labor and delivery.

• Postpartum recovery: Stress during pregnancy can also affect the mother’s ability to adjust to the changes and demands of being a new parent, and can make it more difficult to cope with the demands of postpartum recovery.

Managing stress during pregnancy can be done through a variety of methods such as exercise, yoga, meditation, support groups, healthy eating, and ensuring sufficient relaxation. It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional if feeling overwhelmed with stress, they may be able to offer additional support and advice, such as counseling or therapy.

7. Ensure proper biotin levels

Biotin, also known as vitamin H or B7, is important during pregnancy because it plays a role in fetal growth and development. Biotin is a B-vitamin that helps the body convert food into energy, and also helps support the health of the skin, hair, and nails. 

During pregnancy, biotin is important for the healthy development of the baby’s neural tube, which eventually develops into the baby’s brain and spinal cord.

Biotin deficiency can occur during pregnancy, with about half of pregnant women estimated to have low levels. [1] 

Deficiency can lead to skin rash, hair loss, and low blood sugar. But during pregnancy, low biotin can negatively affect the baby and cause birth defects. [2] 

If you’re planning on getting pregnant, are pregnant, or have recently been pregnant, it’s important that you think about your biotin levels. 

Complete Biotin Plus from EverBella will not only restore biotin levels, it includes four other crucial compounds for your health and beauty. 

Learn what they are by clicking here!

Unlike a condition like hypertension or diabetes, for example, there is no hiding a skin condition. Our skin is the first thing people see when we meet them. So, it makes sense that these types of conditions can have an effect on us mentally. 

But while the causes of these conditions can cast a wide net, how does our psychology fit in? This is a newer field of research called psychodermatology and though funding and studies are limited, there have been some interesting results. 

Keep reading to learn more about how your psychology can affect your skin.

Chicken or the egg scenario?

Like wondering if the chicken or the egg came first, researchers have wondered if skin conditions can cause psychological issues or vice versa. 

Of course, there are people who have skin conditions who are fully and completely mentally sound, while there are people with perfect skin who are struggling. That being said, having a skin problem can trigger intense distress. 

In a 2014 National Rosacea Society survey of 1,675 patients with rosacea – a condition that causes facial redness and related symptoms – 90% of respondents reported lowered self-esteem and self-confidence, 54% reported anxiety and helplessness, and 43% reported depression. More than half said that they frequently avoid face-to-face contact.

The problem is that these types of psychological problems can exacerbate skin problems. Common issues that have been shown to be made worse by stress include acne, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, pain, and hives. 

But if these psychological stressors were only the result of skin conditions, then would treating the psychological conditions have an effect on the skin?

Mind over matter?

Though having skin issues can impact many things such as self-esteem and confidence, focusing on mental well-being can actually have a positive effect on the skin. 

Researchers state that the key is to give patients a sense of control over their conditions and help them find better ways to react to them. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help patients manage stress and stop mentally over-exaggerating the severity and consequences of their skin condition. 

Other forms of therapies which have proven to be effective on the skin include:

• Hypnosis

• Support groups

• Biofeedback

• Meditation

• Guided imagery

• Progressive muscle relaxation

• And other forms of psychotherapy

So not only are these practices helping patients’ state of minds, but also their skin. For example, in one study patients who listened to a mindfulness meditation program while undergoing phototherapy treatment for psoriasis needed 40% less exposure to ultraviolet light than others.

Is your stress harming your skin?

Even minor stress can have a negative impact on the skin, making you more prone to breakouts. If you have a skin condition, any amount of stress can exacerbate it. This, in turn, can cause you more stress, only worsening the condition more. 

It may be difficult to do, but if you feel you may be stuck in this cycle, it’s important to take control and look for practices that can help you relax and have a better outlook on your skin. 

Researchers say that even just imaging and meditation can help. Focusing on an image associated with the desired change – such as skin that’s warmer, cooler, moister, or less itchy – can be one way to mentally refocus. If you believe in mind over matter, this can be a fun and potentially productive exercise. 

If you want to plan a full attack, then these types of mental exercises PLUS compounds that can help bolster your skin’s health can really give you an advantage. 

When you’re ready to take control of your skin’s health, Complete Collagen Plus will be there to support you. Give your body what it needs to build strong, elastic, and healthy skin once again.

>>> Click here to learn more

Did you know that there are eight B vitamins, all of them with their own unique name and function? They’re all also essential, meaning your body needs them in order to function properly. 

Below, I’m going to share with you the eight B vitamins, as well as their function, and how they can help you!

The 8 B vitamins 

B vitamins are water-soluble and largely absorbed in the intestinal tract. Any excess is simply passed through the body, so no negative side-effects come from consuming large amounts. This also means that these vitamins must be consumed regularly, as the body does not store them.

Now, let’s take a look at what these vitamins do:

Vitamin B1 – Thiamine

Vitamin B1, or thiamine, was the first B vitamin to be discovered, hence the name. Its primary function is to help the body turn food into energy. The body uses it to make adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a molecule that transports energy within the cells. 

If you do not have enough vitamin B1 this process cannot work properly. You may have symptoms such as tiredness, loss of appetite, and muscle weakness. 

Vitamin B2 – Riboflavin

If you’ve ever consumed foods with riboflavin, or taken it as a supplement, you might have noticed that your pee is especially yellow. This is due to vitamin B2 and its natural yellow color. But besides yellowing your pee, vitamin B2 plays a role in breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to produce energy. 

Riboflavin deficiency can cause skin disorders, sores at the corners of your mouth, swollen and cracked lips, hair loss, sore throat, liver disorders, and problems with your reproductive and nervous systems. So make sure you’re getting your vitamin B2!

Vitamin B3 – Niacin

Vitamin B3 boasts many health benefits while also helping the body convert food into energy. It is a major component of the coenzymes involved in cellular metabolism. Additionally, niacin acts as an antioxidant and contributes to making and repairing DNA. 

A severe niacin deficiency leads to pellagra, a condition that causes a dark, sometimes scaly rash to develop on skin areas exposed to sunlight; bright redness of the tongue; and constipation/diarrhea. Other signs of severe niacin deficiency include depression, headache, fatigue, memory loss, and even hallucinations.

Vitamin B5 – Pantothenic Acid

Like all B vitamins, B5 contributes to metabolism, turning the food you eat into energy. On top of that, pantothenic acid helps create red blood cells, sex hormones, and stress hormones. 

Though pantothenic acid deficiency is rare in the United States, it can happen. Severe deficiency can cause numbness and burning of the hands and feet, headache, extreme tiredness, irritability, restlessness, sleeping problems, stomach pain, heartburn, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Vitamin B6 – Pyridoxine

Along with its function of metabolizing protein and glucose, vitamin B6 is involved in keeping the lymph nodes, thymus, and spleen healthy. It helps create hemoglobin, a component of red blood cells. Pyridoxine is also thought to support brain health. 

Vitamin B6 deficiency may cause seizures, mental status changes, anemia, itchy skin, dry lips, swollen tongue, and depression.

Vitamin B7 – Biotin

Also known as vitamin H, biotin stimulates keratin production in hair and can increase the rate of follicle growth. The word “biotin” comes from the ancient Greek word “biotos,” which means “life” or “sustenance.” Biotin helps keep your skin, hair, eyes, liver, and nervous system healthy. Biotin is also a crucial nutrient during pregnancy, as it’s important for embryonic growth. 

Symptoms of low biotin include hair loss, dry scaly skin, cracking in the corners of the mouth, swollen and painful tongue that is magenta in color, dry eyes, loss of appetite, fatigue, insomnia, and depression.

Vitamin B9 – Folate

Folate is another contributor to the creation and maintenance of DNA and other genetic material. It also helps in the process of cell division – a necessary part of the cell cycle. 

Common symptoms of folate deficiency can include fatigue, lethargy, and muscle weakness. There may also be neurological signs, such as a feeling of pins and needles, tingling, burning, or peripheral neuropathy, i.e. a numbness in the extremities.

Vitamin B12 – Cobalamin

Cobalamin is a complex vitamin that has been heavily researched and is notable for an array of health benefits. The vitamin is crucial for human health, with prolonged deficiency having potentially permanent consequences. It plays an important role in brain function and the nervous system. It is also critical in the formation of red blood cells, along with regulating and creating DNA.

Not getting enough vitamin B12 to the point of a deficiency can cause a variety of serious symptoms including brain fog, depression, joint pain, and fatigue.

Now you know all 8!

You also now know just how important these seemingly boring nutrients are for your health. When you’re too low on them, you can run into many health issues. Sure, vitamin C and other nutrients may take the limelight, but the B vitamins are just as important!

I knew that for biotin, which is why I made Complete Biotin Plus. I had found myself to be WAY too low in biotin, which had been causing me all sorts of issues, such as poor hair growth, dry skin, and constant fatigue. 

Thankfully, after taking Complete Biotin Plus, I feel MUCH better. 

You can too if you think you may be low!

>>> Click here to learn more about Complete Biotin Plus and how it can help you

Did you know that infants are prone to eczema, and that 10% to 20% will have it? It’s true! However, nearly half of all infants diagnosed with eczema outgrow the condition or have significant improvement as they get older.

But that doesn’t mean everyone becomes eczema-free with age. In fact, eczema is fairly common and affects more than 31 million Americans. 

But if you’re unfamiliar with eczema, you may be wondering…

What is eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition characterized by inflammation, redness, and itchiness. There are different types of the condition, with the most common being atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema. If you develop eczema, your skin will become chronically dry, sore, and maybe even cracked. It occurs most often on the hands, back of knees, inside the elbows, on the face, or on the scalp, but it can appear anywhere on the body. 

What causes eczema?

Eczema occurs when the function of the skin barrier becomes compromised, allowing hydration to escape your skin. Called the “natural moisture factor”, this barrier can be damaged by several things, including:

• Harsh skincare products

• Exfoliating too often or too rigorously 

• Harsh peels

• UV damage

• Low-fat diets

• Stress

If you have eczema or are looking to avoid it, be sure to use gentle skincare products, avoid perfumed products, eat a healthy diet, and do your best to avoid stress so you don’t trigger a breakout.

Certain foods are also associated with eczema breakouts. Most are considered common allergens and include:

• Cow’s milk
  
• Eggs
  
• Gluten
  
• Nuts
  
• Fish
  
• Shellfish
  
• Soy
  
• Tomatoes
  
• Citrus
  
• Various spices

If you have eczema or are worried you do, an elimination diet of the above – cutting out each food one by one until you see a change in your condition – can help you determine which food(s) to avoid.

But if you’re looking for additional relief, thankfully nature has a few things to offer. Below, I’ll go over six natural ways for you to combat your eczema (or hopefully avoid it altogether). 

1. Probiotics 

Not many people know this, but there is a connection between the health of your gut and the health of your skin. 

The gut contains a collection of trillions of strains of bacteria and microbes, called the gut microbiome. This microbiome maintains homeostasis throughout the body, but can majorly affect our other organs, especially our skin, if it becomes unbalanced. If we experience any issues with our gut, like inflammation, leaky gut, or digestion problems, our skin is usually the first place we notice problems.

When it comes to skin health, more and more studies are linking good skin to a healthy gut. Scientists have found links between gut health and skin issues, including eczema. [1]

Research has also found that those with skin issues have a higher incidence of gastrointestinal disease – and vice versa. [2, 3]

As such, maintaining the health of your gut can be crucial when it comes to maintaining healthy skin. Taking a reliable probiotic can help you achieve that by sending in more beneficial bacteria and flushing out harmful bacteria. 

2. Zinc

An important mineral, zinc plays a crucial role in the health of your skin. 

Many studies show that zinc intake can be beneficial for those with inflammatory skin conditions like eczema. [4]

For example, one review of 16 studies linked low levels of zinc with a higher risk of developing eczema. [5]

Another study substantiated this finding by showing that children with eczema were more likely to be deficient in zinc than those without eczema. [6]

What’s more is that one study showed that children with eczema saw a significant reduction in their condition following zinc supplementation. [7]

So, if you want to do your best to avoid eczema – and to have optimal skin health all around – consider a zinc supplement. 

3. Flavonoids

Flavonoids are compounds found in plants that often give fruits and vegetables their beautiful colors, like the deep reds of berries or the vibrant orange of carrots. 

Research is beginning to show that these compounds are able to alleviate the effects of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema. [8]

This is believed to be due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. [9]

If you’re looking to take in more flavonoids, you’ll want to increase your fruit and veggie intake. Teas are also a great source.

4. Omega-3

Eczema or no eczema, omega-3 can help minimize skin irritations by reducing inflammation in the body that leads to itching. 

Omega-3 is a combination of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The EPA helps “waterproof” skin cells by boosting the cell membrane. This, in turn, moisturizes the skin from the inside out. 

A study in mice found that omega-3 fatty acids may help decrease markers of inflammation and reduce skin lesions caused by eczema. [10]

Additionally, a study involving pregnant women showed that consuming omega-3 rich fish oil while pregnant can help reduce the prevalence and severity of eczema in their children. [11]

5. Vitamin E

You may be aware that vitamin E is present in a lot of skin care products, and that’s for good reason. 

Not only does it help protect the skin against oxidative damage, research has shown that it may help decrease symptoms of eczema. [12]

One study followed those with eczema for 4 months. Participants were split off into two groups. One group took a placebo while the other received 400 IU of vitamin E daily. The vitamin E group saw significant improvements in eczema severity and symptoms like itching, compared to the placebo group. [13]

Additionally, another study found that taking 600 IU of vitamin E per day led to a 36% reduction in eczema severity after 60 days. When combined with 1,600 IU of vitamin E every day, eczema severity dropped by 64%! [14]

6. Collagen

When it comes to proper skin health, collagen is crucial. A reliable, high-quality collagen supplement helps increase the levels of collagen within your skin, allowing it to be as strong and resilient as possible. 

Collagen has preventative qualities. It plays a role in strengthening and hydrating the skin, plus glycine – one of the amino acids in collagen – is an anti‑inflammatory.

The protein may also have an antibacterial effect that fights against bacteria that live on the skin (such as staphylococcal), which have been known to cause eczema. A study done at Université Laval in Canada showed that collagen has significant antibacterial properties. [15]

Because collagen is a major component of our skin, it’s crucial to the healing process. It helps with the creation of new skin and enables skin to heal more rapidly. Collagen can decrease the signs of roughness and dryness in the skin, which are some of the most noticeable symptoms of eczema.

This is why people have found relief for their eczema with Complete Collagen Plus – one of the most reliable, highly-absorbable collagen formulas on the market. 

Just take it from Jill who wrote to me a while ago and said…

“My name is Jill. I’m a very active 67 year old. I’m a wife, a mother of four healthy professional adults, grandmother of five gorgeous grandchildren, massage therapist of 21 years, pilates and aqua aerobic instructor, and a volunteer for those visually impaired.

Eczema has been an ongoing struggle for years. Dermatologist prescribing various cortisone based topicals etc. My functional medicine doctor recommended collagen powders and pills, bone broth, and various dietary changes with nothing fully halting a trigger. 

However, I’m THRILLED to report that after a month of trying your Complete Collagen Plus I have not had a flare up, plus my skin looks great – especially noted facial lines. Let’s hope I continue to experience all the benefits with continued success.”    

Our team here at EverBella hears time and time again when people call to order more collagen – they RAVE about how it has helped them better manage their eczema. 

If you’re looking to give your skin the best of the best, you can’t go wrong with Complete Collagen Plus. Especially since I give you 6 months to try it out! 

>>> Click here to learn more about how Complete Collagen Plus can help you

You may have noticed that Complete Biotin Plus contains something called black cumin seed oil. And you may have even caught my previous article on the benefits of this seed’s oil.

If you missed it – you can click here to read it now!

This may have also caused some confusion. You see, there are other different types of seeds that are similar to black cumin seeds in name and/or appearance. These include cumin seeds, caraway seeds, black cumin seeds, and nigella seeds. 

Below, I’ll go over each so you can learn a bit more about all of them, including their similarities and differences!

Let’s get started…

Cumin seeds

A first cousin to carrot and parsley, cumin seeds most resemble caraway seeds, though their name is close to black cumin seeds. Already, you can see why people get mixed up!

Cumin has been well known since ancient times, having first been cultivated in the Mediterranean and in Iran. The Romans used it as a spice and medicinal plant, while the Indians have been using it for culinary and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. So, it’s certainly a popular seed!

Whether ground into a powder or consumed whole, the seed provides a warm and earthly taste, which is why it’s commonly added to cuisines like masalas. In addition to its taste, it has natural preservative properties, so can often be found in sausages and preserved meats. In Europe, it can be found in savory pastries and pickle jars. 

Medicinally, cumin seeds have plenty of uses. In Sanskrit, cumin means “that which helps digestion”. This is because cumin seeds stimulate appetite, the stomach, along with biliary and pancreatic secretion. Plus, it soothes spasms and removes gasses from the intestine. 

Traditional Indian medicine boils cumin seeds in water to create a drink which is believed to prevent heart disease, swelling, vomiting, poor digestion, and chronic fever.    

Many of the benefits of cumin seeds, along with its unique taste, can be attributed to the seed’s main compound called cuminaldehyde. This is an important phytochemical with many known health benefits. 

Caraway seeds

Caraway seeds look quite similar to cumin seeds, though they’re a bit darker and more curved. They also have their own distinct taste, completely separate from cumin seeds. Caraway seeds have licorice and citrus notes which makes them great for teas and dishes.

Like cumin seeds, caraway has also been used since ancient times. But today, it’s commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes such as breads, pastries, curries, and stews. It’s also sometimes infused into spirits and liqueurs too! 

But that’s not all. Caraway is also used as a supplement, both orally and topically. 

Benefits of caraway include reducing inflammation, encouraging healthy digestion, promoting weight loss, and more!

Black cumin seeds

Black cumin is known scientifically as Bunium bulbocastanum. It’s native to Northern Africa, Southeastern Europe, and Southern Asia where its plant stands about two feet tall and is topped with white flowers. 

These seeds taste like coconuts or chestnuts and are known to have many health benefits. These include being an antibacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetes. 

Nigella seeds

This is where a lot of the confusion sets in most. From the Nigella sativa plant, these seeds are commonly referred to as black cumin seeds. However, as you read above, black cumin seeds are technically Bunium bulbocastanum. 

Because Nigella seeds have become so commonly known as black cumin seeds, it may actually become confusing to NOT call them black cumin seeds. 

For thousands of years, black cumin seed oil has been used medicinally to treat a wide range of conditions. In fact, black cumin seed oil is so ancient that black cumin seeds were found in King Tut’s tomb, and they even got a mention in the Old Testament as being able to cure anything but death!

With a slightly bitter taste, these seeds offer a wide range of health benefits, including digestive health, managing weight, soothing joints, and supporting healthy skin and hair.

That last point is actually why I added Nigella to Complete Biotin Plus – just another ingredient fighting for your health and beauty!

(If you want to read more details about the benefits of Nigella seeds, click here!)

And if you want to learn what else is in Complete Biotin Plus and how they can benefit YOU, click here!

Menopause is a normal biological process that happens to women following their last period. For most, this phase begins between ages 45 and 55. It usually lasts about seven years, but can last as long as 14 years. The duration can depend on lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, or at which age it begins.

Among other things, menopause can bring some noticeable changes to your skin that are, unfortunately, negative. This is largely due to a plummet in collagen during this stage.

However, you can lessen the effects of these changes with the right care. Below, I’ll go over eight changes you may see in your skin through menopause, along with what you can do to help! 

Whether you’re experiencing menopause, will soon, have in the past, or never will, these tips can still help you take the best care of your skin!

1. Age spots and sun damage

Years of sun exposure with little protection will start to show once menopause sets in. Age spots and larger areas of darker skin can appear anywhere on your body, including your face. At this time, skin cancer and pre-cancerous skin growths can also become more common. 

What you can do:

• Apply sunscreen before going outdoors. This will help protect your skin from harmful UV rays when it’s at its most vulnerable. Cover anywhere that clothing won’t cover with a quality sunscreen. This can help fade age spots, prevent new spots from forming, and reduce your risk of skin cancer. 

• Try home remedies. There are plenty of natural ingredients you can rub on age spots to help reduce their prevalence. These include lemon juice, potatoes, cucumbers, honey, and more.

• Get screened for skin cancer. Skin cancer is typically treatable and non life threatening if caught early. Your risk increases both with age and menopause. So be sure to get checked for skin cancer regularly if possible, and check yourself for any signs. 

• See a dermatologist. If you feel your case is worse than others or you have a separate health issue that makes your age spots and UV damage more challenging, book an appointment to see a dermatologist. They’ll be able to recommend both at-home treatments and clinical procedures that can help your skin look and be at its best. 

2. Bruising easily

Leading up to and during menopause, the body makes less hormones, including estrogen. This hormone is crucial in maintaining dermal health and offers many anti-aging characteristics. 

As such, when menopause begins and estrogen levels drop, the skin becomes thinner and more prone to bruising. 

What you can do:

• Be careful. Avoid bumping into things by arranging furniture so it’s not in the way, reducing clutter, and removing rugs or any other items that could cause tripping.

• Take stock of which medications you’re taking. Exposure to certain medications, such as long-term steroids or blood thinners, can make people more susceptible to bruising, so avoiding these might help. However, always consult with a physician prior to stopping any.

• Cover up. Wear long pants and sleeves and protective clothing to help minimize bruising, especially when you think there could be a higher chance of brusing.

• Moisturize. Moisturizing the skin can help prevent it from getting dry, which makes it more prone to breaking open.

• Apply sunscreen when necessary. Use sunscreen with an SPF greater than 30. UV damage will only make your skin thinner. 

• Increase collagen. Studies show that about 30% of your collagen will be lost within just the first five years of menopause. Collagen is the protein which makes your skin strong, thick, and elastic. A quality, highly absorbable collagen such as EverBella’s Complete Collagen Plus can make a huge difference. 

3. Dryness

During menopause, your skin loses some of its ability to retain water. As such, the skin can get quite dry, especially during times that are known to dry out skin, such as winter. Dry skin is more likely to crack, get bruised, and lead to infection. 

What you can do:

• Wash with a mild cleanser instead of soap. For mature skin, soap can be too drying. And you definitely want to skip the deodorant bars.

• Apply moisturizer after bathing and throughout the day when your skin feels dry. It’s important to take control of your skin’s moisture by using a quality product on your skin throughout the day, and especially after showering. A moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and/or glycerin can be especially helpful.

• Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is crucial in keeping your skin well hydrated. Aim for at least eight glasses a day. 

• Increase your collagen intake. Collagen is well known for its ability to improve the hydration of the skin. 

4. Facial hair

Due to a change in hormones, through menopause you may also notice somthing else you’ve never experienced before: facial hair. Hair under the chin, along the jawline, or above the lip are all common throughout menopause. 

What can you do:

• Waxing. This may be the most simple option, however, as mentioned above, your skin may become thin during menopause and waxing can cause tearing, bleeding, and skin damage. As such, you may want to explore other options.

• See your dermatologist. A board-certified dermatologist can tell you what you can use to remove unwanted hair, since they’ll be able to best determine the state of your skin and what approach will cause the least amount of harm. Some options include laser hair removal and a prescription hair-reduction cream.

5. Jowls, slack skin, and wrinkles

As mentioned previously, your skin quickly loses its collagen throughout menopause. As collagen diminishes, our skin loses its firmness and begins to sag. Jowls appear, permanent lines run from the tip of the nose to the corners of the mouth, and wrinkles that used to appear only with a smile or frown become visible all the time. 

Later, the tip of the nose dips, you may see pouches under your eyes, along with large pores. This is due to the loss of collagen which used to offer skin firmness.

What you can do:

Protect your skin from the sun. This can reduce visible wrinkles and prevent new wrinkles.

Take a collagen supplement. Your skin’s best friend is collagen. It’s literally what makes most of it up and holds it together. Maintaining healthy collagen levels is key in reducing wrinkles and sagging. 

6. Pimples and acne

Not just for teenagers anymore – with menopause you may notice an increase in pimples. This is also due to a change in hormones. 

What you can do:

Unfortunately, most acne creams on the market are designed for teenagers, and these will be too harsh. Because of this, you’ll have to look for other ways to reduce and treat any pimples that may arise.

• Avoid acne products that dry your skin. Drying your skin can worsen acne.

• Tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which means that it might kill P. acnes, the bacteria that causes acne.

• Other home remedies. There are plenty of home remedies you can test out to see how they work for you. These include aloe vera, honey, green tea (internal or external), coconut oil, and more.

• Stay hydrated. When the skin is dry, it can become irritated or damaged, which can make acne worse. Staying hydrated also ensures new skin cells develop correctly as sores heal.

7. Rashes and easily irritated skin

Around 50, the pH level of our skin changes. With this change, skin becomes more sensitive, and women are more likely to develop rashes and easily irritated skin. If you have an existing skin condition, such as eczema or rosacea, this could worsen.

What you can do:

• Use a fragrance-free moisturizer. This can reduce irritation.

• Research how to best take care of sensitive skin. You can start doing so by reading my blog on this very subject!

Taking care of your skin

Menopause or no menopause, our collagen levels naturally deplete as we age. As you can see, this can have serious effects on the health of our skin. 

Collagen can be difficult to get through food sources and most powders are next to useless due to collagen’s notoriously low absorption rate. That’s why I created Complete Collagen Plus. Not only is it designed to work thanks to a highly sophisticated, patented delivery technology, it’s made with care right here in the USA. 

I want you to be able to try out Complete Collagen Plus yourself without worrying about a thing.

That’s what right now, you can try Complete Collagen Plus for 6 months. And if you find it’s not right for you – even if you’ve opened and emptied all of your bottles – simply send me back your order for a FULL refund. 

I’m THAT confident that you’ll notice a difference with Complete Collagen Plus. 

Are you ready to see what that difference is? 

Click here to see for yourself!