Week 50 | Get That Glow: Unusual Beauty Tips for Men and Women

--Audio Guide--

At Burning Man this year - as all good stories start - I met a now dear friend Zach. He was like the dad from My Big Fat Greek Wedding (but better looking). You see, Zach had a cure for anything and everything, but it wasn’t Windex. If I would subtly mention, “wow, my skin is so dry”, “geez, I need a shower”, “ouch, I have a cut”, he’d readily whip out a flask and instruct me to put some mezcal on it. So many an afternoon I’d splash mezcal into my hands, all over my body, (into my mouth), on to my hair, and it moisturized, it detoxified, it clarified - yes, mezcal cured all.

Whether you’re a woman or man, this week I would actually love to hear from you all. What are some unusual, non-chemical, hopefully plant based, health + beauty routines and products you use? I have listed some below, including the power of exfoliating weekly, sprinkling turmeric in my water everyday, and dabbing vitamin e under your eyes before bed, but yea, let’s get to talking - comment below!

Consult your doctor or healthcare physician before partaking in treatments.

1) Dry Brushing Every Morning

You can learn more from Week 32, but I dry brush every morning with a hard bristle brush. From my feet I brush upwards toward my heart then above my chest just the same I brush toward my heart. It helps move lymphatic fluid that doesn't have a pump of its own like the circulatory system or blood have the heart. “Dry brushing your skin will kick start your lymphatic system, which helps you remove toxins from the body. The stiffer the bristles on the brush, the better the lymphatic stimulation you’ll create”(Mind Body Green). “Dry skin brushing promotes lymphatic drainage of toxic waste, which results in many other benefits such as improved immunity, refreshed skin, and reduction of cellulite. Hard pressure is not necessary – the lymphatic system is close to the surface of the skin and it only takes a light pressure to release congestion. Start a habit of dry skin brushing a few minutes before your shower or bathe using an inexpensive natural bristle brush” (Branch Basics).

Here is one for $14.80

2) I Use Straight Up Vitamin E As Face Moisturizer and For Chapped Lips

I buy vitamin e capsules, you know for ingesting, bite the head of and swipe the enclosed oil over my face and neck before bed - any leftover vitamin e in the capsule I just pop in my mouth and eat.

Vitamin e is an antioxidant, that is it helps fight free radicals that expedite the aging process. Vitamin e also helps boost collagen synthesis, that structural protein that helps keeps skin nice and tight (Healthline). Vitamin e is quite thick, you may want to test an area like under the eyes to see if it bothers you at first or clogs your pores.

3) Turmeric in My Water

Okinawa and its residents also known as, “the island nation with the world’s longest average life span, 81.2 years” are also known for drinking, “copious quantities of turmeric tea” (Dr. Weil). Turmeric, a bright orange spice, is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer benefits. It also helps promote for brain health.

I pack a reusable tin water bottle every morning and before I fill it up with fresh cold water I sprinkle turmeric spice for an added health boost throughout my day.

4) Exfoliating Every Week

Whether you are a woman or man, try to exfoliate twice or three times a week. You can exfoliate your face and body, and here’s why you should: “Exfoliation is the technique of removing the top layer of dead skin cells from of the epidermis of your skin to encourage the live cells down in the dermis of the skin to turnover and refresh the skin’s appearance. Skin is constantly turning over, generating new cells at the lower level (the dermis) and sending them up to replace dead skin cells on the upper layer (epidermis). As we age, the cell turnover process slows down. Cells begin to gather unevenly on the skin’s surface which can lead to dry patches and a lack-luster appearance. Through exfoliating, we can help remove the dead skin cells, revealing the fresher, younger cells below and restoring skin’s natural clarity and brightness” (Murad).

5) Coffee Enema

I eat well, usually high fiber, low carb, plant based meals, but to help my body further rid of toxins, coffee enemas help. "When we cleanse our liver via nutrition, the coffee enema helps with the removal of the large amounts of toxins. Coffee enemas rid the body of retained fecal matter, enhance bile flow, and aid in detox symptoms" (Mind Body Green).

You can do one at home:

Buy this.

Read this.

6) Chlorophyll Drops

Chlorophyll is responsible for keeping plants healthy and green. You can get chlorophyll from eating your veggies, but for an extra boost, I add chlorophyll drops to my morning water.

"Green foods contain a large amount of the essential anti-oxidants, minerals and vitamins that your body needs for optimal health. Chlorophyll supports your entire body by helping flush out toxins that cause disease, promotes healing, supports your cardiovascular system, and can even help you lose weight" (Why Chlorophyll). Here are more benefits: