For centuries, we’ve relied on topical products to enhance beauty — but in more recent years we’ve bridged the gap between topical and ingestible beauty products. 2019 was a big year for the topic of gut-brain-skin connection — and for good reason. Research has shown time and time again that your skin is a major indication of what’s going on in your gut. As more research comes out showing that what you put IN your body shows up on the OUTSIDE, more ingestible beauty products are hitting the shelves. We’ve seen companies come out with beautiful potions and elixirs aiding with healthy, glowing skin. It’s a magical time for those wanting a little extra help with their skin! But what exactly are ingestible beauty products? What other lifestyle factors can ensure glowing skin? Don’t worry beautiful, I've got you covered!
What is ingestible beauty?
Ingestible beauty is the term used for products that have a focus on ingredients that aid in cell regeneration and gut health; they’re packed with magical things like ashwagandha, schisandra berries, collagen, and goji extract, to name a few ingredients. They’re not topical, but instead are taken orally so that they make their way to the gut for absorption and utilization in the body. Oh, what an exciting time to be alive! I’m fully supportive of these products as long as:- they have good quality ingredients
- they’re used in conjunction with a holistic diet full of whole, unrefined foods
- they’re used in conjunction with mindful lifestyle practices
- they don’t break the bank
Redefine beauty.
Focus on your internal workings rather than your external appearance. Your body is more than just a simple vessel; it’s incredibly resilient and giving. Treat is with respect and honour and appreciate all that it does for you — because let’s be honest, it takes a lot of abuse. *sigh*Hone in on self-love practices.
If self-care were a book, self-love would be the encyclopedia. It’s really the basis of life; the foundation on which we build happy, healthy lives and more importantly, strong relationships with ourselves and others. Self-love isn’t a one size fits all approach. It’s incredibly unique to each individual — but overall it’s all about mindful holistic practices that nurture the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual bodies. These can range anywhere from daily meditation to committing to non-negotiables.Slow down and honour the signs your body gives you.
Listen to what your body is telling you. Learn to be in tune. If you’re exhausted and your body is craving sleep, cancel that gym session and go to bed early. If your stomach is growling and you have intense hunger pangs, finish what you’re doing and give it fuel ASAP. Give your body what it wants when you have the choice, otherwise it won’t give you a choice later on down the road.Be gentle on your body.
I always tell my clients that I’d much rather they do 15 minutes of consistent daily movement than sporadic HIIT sessions. This allows for gentle, mindful breathing, and also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) VS. the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response). Be slow, be gentle.Stick to a diet full of whole, unrefined foods - but treat yourself once in a while.
Try to predominantly eat items that are as close to their natural state as possible, but don’t be afraid to treat yourself once in a while. Your trillions of cells need raw fuel for optimal function, but your soul needs a little love too. Eat that donut from time to time and wholeheartedly enjoy it! The worst thing you can do is eat something while feeling guilty about it. Please remember to be gentle with yourself. This is a lot of information, it's easy to get overwhelmed. So please, if you can take ONE takeaway from this blog post, it is to honour your body and start slow. Try out one or two of the above points and see whether they feel authentic to you. Adjust as you go, and don’t be afraid to reach out if you need a helping hand to guide you. I’m here. xo
