Loving the SKIN You're In...Part 3!

Acceptance, Attitude, Self Love

This is Part 3 of Loving the Skin You’re In. Click the links below to catch up! 
[Part 1] [Part 2]

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL JUST THE WAY YOU ARE!!!

Learn to accept YOU! – every curve, every dimple, every shade, every crevice, hump and bump! In order to progress, you must first accept where you are, and who you are. Acceptance leads to confidence and Confidence is Key!

We have a common misconception that Confidence goes hand in hand with self-love. You have to love yourself to be confident right? Yes and no.

Many ladies only achieve that desired level of confidence by adding artificiality and superficiality to the mix via hair weaves, fake nails, make-up, butt shots, breast implants, overpriced clothing and handbags, but is THAT self-love? Do you remember what you look behind the character? Seen your real hair lately? Can you not leave the house without makeup? Are you envious of others? That’s just a little something to think about. Who are you REALLY loving?

Your thoughts create your reality. Sometimes your belief system and how you feel about yourself is more important than anything you can physically do for yourself.

The media of today has led many women (and men) to the edge of self-hate. Whenever you turn on your TV or open a magazine, you are overwhelmed with pictures of skinny, photo-shopped, and airbrushed models that give a false sense of beauty. Most people immediately judge themselves in comparison to an idea of beauty that is not their own. We ALL could look flawless under a centimeter of paint and some graphic editing.  Real recognizes Real and I can’t identify myself with any of that media hype. It’s an illusion!

Now on to a more sensitive subject..

Black Women and Self Hate

I am a woman of color, and proud to be, but have not always been. I was very confused coming up about myself and the world.  I’d consider myself to be on the caramel/light brown end of the spectrum with the potential to get very tanned in the Summer time. I love that now, but I used to cry because I was darker than the rest of my family and would liberally rub cocoa butter on my body hoping it would lighten me. I remember thinking a relaxer was the standard, while bragging on my long, straight hair. I didn’t know what it meant to be “natural” or that I really had kinky hair without the creamy crack chemicals.

I recall my mother saying things like “Bring home a mixed boy so I can have pretty haired grand babies.” She has more Native American in her with wavy hair, unlike my kinks. I used to consider that to be funny but now I can see the sickness in us all. We are all carrying the scars from a time when we were stripped of our culture and self-knowledge and forced to love something we weren’t.

I remember desiring acceptance from those around me. When I was in Kindergarten I used to tell all the Caucasian kids that my sister was white (she’s not, she’s high yellow with green eyes) as if it would gain me some sort of acceptance.

To make matters even worse, the black people HATED me all through grade school. I was told I had a “white” name or that I spoke too “white.” Whatever the hell that means… I’ve heard all the stereotypical remarks from my fellow people such as, “You think you’re all that because you’re light-skinned” or “because you have Indian in your family.” Darker complexioned women always picked fights with me, put gum in my hair, grouped together just to jump me or exclude me. I couldn’t see at the time that they were hurt too and just as confused. Even the young boys (highly influenced by society and media) promoted the separation and hate of their sisters by saying “I don’t like dark skinned girls” or “she’s pretty....for a dark skinned girl.” How cruel! We are ALL beautiful. Who taught you to hate yourself?

It’s like a new (or not so new) form of mental slavery (google: Willie Lynch). WE ALL HATE OURSELVES. Instead of seeing that we are the same and should unite, you can only see the differences. What a diseased mind state!

Well, those days are long past and I now accept ME. I accept my culture, my heritage, where I came from, how I got here, my family, the trials, tribulations and the things I cannot change. I know that BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL but I also know that my spirit shines brighter than my color. I understand that it took a heaven of a journey and many diverse people to make me who I am today and I ACCEPT THAT! I feel one of my purposes in life is to help women get to know and love themselves again. As Harriet Tubman said, “I freed thousands of slaves, and could have freed thousands more, if they had known they were slaves.” Do you still have a slave mentality?

On a final note, I wanted to say to all the women reading, that we have a responsibility to ourselves and this world. The future passes through us so take care of yourself and take care of each other. If we heal the women, we heal the world. We give our children a fair chance and can influence generations to come. Don't take your womanhood for granted. Love each other. Share with each other. Support each other.
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So, I have been long anticipating the Dark Girls documentary because it delves much deeper into the mental disease of self-hate and the separation amongst our race. The trailer was very touching (I cried lol). Here it is..

*exhale*

Releasing the Negative

I have come up with a few suggestions on releasing negativity from your life. This includes thoughts, energy, and Toxic People.

1. Consider yoga and meditation. Both practices typically improve attitude, mental clarity, energy and confidence. Sometimes we have to retreat inside of ourselves to find ourselves.

2. Gather with some friends in a location with a fire and let it all out! Write out what you wish to release on a piece of paper preferably during the Full Moon. When you’re done, fold it up and wrap it in a black piece of fabric and tie it shut with some kind of natural cording. When everyone has done the same, join around the fire and take turns throwing your burdens into the flames and watching them dissipate.  Release!

3.  Eliminate toxic people. What do you mean by Toxic People? Toxic people would be those that negatively affect you either directly or indirectly. These people can include anyone from pessimists, to parents, to significant others. Getting rid of toxic people is often the hardest since sometimes you can’t even identify them.

Types of toxic people:

Sexual partners – You may eat right, exercise, meditate and volunteer on the weekends but if you were to have unprotected sex with someone who smokes, eats recklessly, and lives an unhealthy lifestyle, you have officially contaminated your system as well. This would be a direct transfer. Women especially should be on the lookout for these kinds of energy transfers because our wombs remember and absorb EVERYTHING. Contraceptives do not block energy transfers. You take a piece of each spirit that enters you so be careful where you lay! This brings a whole new depth to the meaning of "Sexually Transmitted Diseases." Love yourself!

Pessimists – These people can’t look at the bright side. Their glass is always half empty and never half full. They complain a lot and have a lot of reoccurring negative events in their life. Misery loves company apparently because they want to drag you into their funky drama too! Avoid these people! This may be hard if the pessimist comes in the form of a parent or relative so learn to distance yourself and FILTER. Once you can acknowledge who’s who, it’s easier to act accordingly on your part. Kill it with kindness and keep it moving!

Frienemies/Relationships – These are normally indirect transfers. These are people that appear to have your best interest at heart but are secretly resenting you and sending little hateful energies your way. These people are very hard to identify so pay close attention to patterns. Does your intuition tell you anything when these people are around? Spend some time away and see if you notice any noticeable changes in yourself.
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Say It Loud!!!

Positive Affirmations change your vibrations! We all want to hear things that encourage us to feel good about ourselves, but why not tell yourself first! Wake up and gives thanks to be uniquely you! Say it out loud! Really!

-"I am healthy. I am vibrant. I shine as bright as the sun."

-"I love myself. I was made perfectly, just the way I am!"

-"I am safe from negative energies. I am secure."

-"I am exactly where I should be and I have all that I need."

-"I am surrounded with people who love me for me."

- "No one is made like me. I am special. I am unique. I am beautiful!"

Feel free to use your own affirmations based on your own needs. You may speak safety, security, abundance, peace or whatever you desire for yourself. It's all love!! <3

[..Manifest even more greatness into your life by creating a Vision Board [<---read about it]. Show and tell the universe what you desire and use it as a reminder to keep pushing toward your goals..]

Remember to carry an attitude that you are perfect just the way you are. Find your natural glow and let it show! – No bronzer needed! J

 

 - <3 Brooke Jay

 

 

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Brooke Johnson aka Brooke Jay is a Social Entrepreneur, Certified Nutrition Consultant, and Wellness Coach,  for RAW! on Wheels., a DMV based live vegetarian service. 

RAW! offers Meal Plans, Juice Cleanses, Coaching, Catering, Yoga, & more! Click the link below for more info! http://www.RAWexclamation.com

Contact her directly at BJohnson@rawexclamation.com

 

Loving the SKIN You're In... Part 2

Foods for Healthy Skin and Beauty Products from your Kitchen

(click the picture to read Part 1)

Please understand that true, healthy, vibrant skin is achieved from the inside out. Everything else should just be considered maintenance. The majority of people (and most doctors) have become "symptom killers." We go on a lethal attack to kill discomforting symptoms with no regards towards where these things may have derived. Even if you temporarily "cure" a symptom, you still haven't fixed the root problem and those symptoms will surface again.

Again, I stress the fact that you MUST eliminate harmful foods from your diet.

Processed foods

Fast foods

Foods containing Artificial Colors and Flavors

Refined Foods, White Flour Products

Artificial sugars such as Splenda and Equal which should be better known for it's chemical name Aspartame. Aspartame is found is maaaaannnnny processed foods. Check your labels!

All about Aspartame

- Monsanto product. They first developed Saccharin but the compound did not break down in humans and was taken off the market due to much public controversy.

- Aspartame dissolves into solution so it can travel throughout the body and deposit itself into any tissue. It will often affect your weakest body system.

-There are over 90 different health symptoms at the root of modern disease, which are associated with aspartame, such as:

·     Addiction to aspartame and the craving of sweets

·        Eye disorders, sight trouble

·        Ear sensitivity

·        Headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory loss

·        Depression , irritability, aggression, anxiety, personality changes

·        Shortness of breath, excessive thirst

·        High blood pressure

·        Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pains

·        Itching, hives, aggravated asthma

·        Hypoglycemia, loss of control over diabetes

·        Menstrual changes, severe PMS, gradual weight gain, bloating, birth defects

·       Hyperactivity in children, ADHD, ADD 

·       Thinning or loss of hair

·        DEATH

These are NOT allergies or sensitivities but diseases and disease symptoms. Are you willingly poisoning yourself?

So you know what NOT to eat. What SHOULD you eat for radiant skin?

Foods to Eat for Healthy Skin (Hair & Nails!)  

Skin loves Vitamin A, C, E, D, as well as Zinc! Vitamin A, C, and E work together to reduce free radical damage that derives from pollution, overexposure to the sun, and cooking fats. Free radicals destroy collagen and elastin which in turn, causes wrinkles and premature aging. What foods are packing those skin nutrients?  [*cough* fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds]

-Avocado – a healthy fat and protein, great for a healthy heart, contains Vitamin A, E, and D, 60% more potassium than bananas, fiber, B6, iron, copper, magnesium. Avocado is very diverse, with many benefits both internally and externally for dry, nutrient deficient, and dehydrated skin. We should all add a little guacamole to our lives! :)

-Pumpkin seeds, Pecans, Brazil nuts, and Ginger – Okay so what do these foods have in common? – The Zinc factor. Zinc is especially important for acne sufferers since zinc controls the production of oil in the skin. Could your acne be due to a zinc deficiency?

-Sunflower seeds and sunflower oil – unsalted please; and preferably RAW not roasted. Skin loves sunflower internally and externally and it’s packed with Vitamin E. Other Vitamin E sources include almonds, spinach, tomatoes, cabbage, and asparagus.

-Raw Red and Green Peppers are the best sources of Vitamin C! Add them to your salads and sandwiches! Other nutrient dense sources include cherries, kale, parsley, collards and broccoli. Vitamin C is destroyed by HEAT so eat these RAW as much as possible!

-Carrots – not only good for the eyes, but carrots are a wonderful source of Vitamin A for the skin. Vitamin A is required for developing and maintaining skin cells and a deficiency can cause DRY SKIN. Other Vitamin A sources are dandelion, apricots, collards, kale, and spinach (again) and cantaloupe when in season.

-Sunshine! – The Sun is our GREATEST source of Vitamin D. We should all aim for at least 30 minutes in direct sunlight. No sunscreen!

[..The sun can also be used as an alternative source of energy with practice. Stand barefoot in the Earth during sunrise or sunset and take a nice 10-15 second gaze at the sun. If you make this a daily practice, add 10 seconds a day but never go above [a minute, 30 seconds] and ONLY gaze during the hours surrounding the sunrise or sunset. Otherwise, you will be taking in those harmful UV rays. When done correctly you should notice a lessened appetite and increased energy! Solar Powered!..]

Got it? Now for a little external maintenance..

Homemade Do-it-Yourself Beauty Recipes

I often go by the motto: “If you can’t eat it, you don’t need it.” Many foods can be used internally as well as externally for the sake of beauty, such as:

Avocado and Avocado Oil are great friends to healthy skin. Here are a few ways to use it.

• For puffy eyes, cut a fresh Avocado into slices and place under each eye (similar to cucumber). Relax for about 20 minutes and then check your amazing results! (Eat if you like!)
• Try mashing the rest of your avocado up for a rejuvenating face mask for dry skin. Apply liberally to your face, leave for 15-20 minutes, and rinse with warm water!  Feel the difference? Mix it with honey for another yummy treat for your face. Love bees? Feel free to add a teaspoon of a healthy vegetable oil such as coconut oil, sunflower oil, grape seed oil, or even avocado oil instead of honey.

But wait, there’s more!

Avocado can also be used as a moisturizing deep conditioner for thirsty hair. I use this treatment regularly about once every 1-2 weeks (as needed). Sometimes I combine it with healthy oils such as coconut oil, castor oil, or olive oil as well as vegetable glycerin which makes it easier to rinse and helps to retain much of the moisture. Sometimes I'll mix my avocado with Coconut Milk. Everyone has different hair types so I would recommend experimenting, as I have done, to see what your hair loves and needs J

As for me, I have very thick [and lengthy] hair, so I apply in sections while detangling and then braid or 2-strand each piece to ensure it remains detangled. I leave this in for up to an hour, covered with a bag, before rinsing with cool-warm water.

-Feel free to add a few drops of your favorite essential oil for some added aromatherapy and a nice scent to your hair treatment. I use tea tree for its strong mint-like aroma and the benefits it brings to my hair and scalp - Be careful though, too much is drying. I also use lavender for its soft, feminine smell and relaxing effect.

Olive Oil – Be sure to get organic extra virgin olive oil for best results. Most people are very acquainted with this diverse "cooking" oil, although you really shouldn’t cook with it! Heating unsaturated fats can release free-radicals and carcinogens so try this with raw meals and salads instead.

Aside from partnering it with meals, this oil has many diverse uses:

1.     Shave with it. It’s much safer and less drying than shaving cream which is filled with alcohol and un-natural preservatives. This is great for men too!

2.     Hot oil treatment – amazing for DRY hair.

3.     Bathe with it. Add a couple teaspoons to your bath water to soften skin.

4.    Moisturize with it. As I stated in Loving the Skin You’re In Part 1, this is an age old lotion replacement. I know many older people who use this on their skin daily. This may also benefit those with eczema and its light enough that you don’t have to cut it with anything. Apply directly to skin!

5.    Make- up remover. Healthier for those areas around your eyes and removes mascara and eyeliner remarkably well. Give it a try. Your skin will thank you!

Banana – Find a ripe one and mash it. Add a bit of honey and apply to your face! Vwa-la! - An amazing face mask.

Banana can also be used in conjunction with Avocado as a hair treatment but PLEASE BE CAREFUL! If your banana isn’t RIPE enough you will have particles in your hair that take days to retrieve! Trust me, I’ve already made that mistake! To avoid the worry over if it’s “ripe enough,” just opt for a couple jars of organic banana baby food. It’s only pureed banana with Vitamin C (if that) as a preservative. Easy application - easy washing.

Oatmeal  (oats have gluten, for the sensitive!)– Now, as long as you don’t use the instant stuff, oatmeal is skin soothing, skin tightening, softening and refreshing. It is great for oily and acne prone skin. Combine 3/4 cup of cooked oatmeal with 2 Tb of honey, and a chopped or mashed banana (or berries!). Apply the mixture to your face, leave for 5-10 minutes while you eat your leftover oatmeal, and rinse with warm water.

It seems that this post has gotten pretty long as well, and I have much more to say! This information train will have to continue in Loving the Skin You’re In Part 3: Acceptance, Attitude, and Self love [<--click here]. In the meantime, please give a few of these recipes a try and let us know how they work for YOU! There are many, many more natural beauty recipes out there, but this should be an interesting and fun start J Comment below!

**This post is for educational purposes only. Make it a habit to always do your own research!

- <3 Brooke Jay

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Brooke Johnson aka Brooke Jay is a Social Entrepreneur, Certified Nutrition Consultant, and Wellness Coach,  for RAW! on Wheels., a DMV based live vegetarian service. 

RAW! offers Meal Plans, Juice Cleanses, Coaching, Catering, Yoga, & more! Click the link below for more info! http://www.RAWexclamation.com

Contact her directly at BJohnson@rawexclamation.com



Loving the SKIN You're In Pt. 1

This particular blog post is related directly to skin - from it's basic structure to how you can care for this very important part of your body.

[Facts marked with an ** are especially important to remember!]

Skin Basics

Your skin is your largest and most sensitive organ! It helps to keep a regular body temperature, absorbs Vitamin D, shields us from UV radiation, stores fat, stores water, gets rid of waste, sends you sensations, and constantly regenerates itself. Give your skin some thanks for always working for you and keeping you protected :)

Skin is made up of 3 layers - Stratum Corneum, Epidermis, and Dermis, or outer, middle, and inner layers. Every layer works in harmony with the rest so if anything throws it's functions off balance, it will effect all skin layers at once!

The body keeps itself soft and moist by sebum. Sebum is also located on your scalp and is HEALTHY but often scrubbed away as "dirty". We have developed this phobia of skin oils and continue to use commercial products that STOP production of sebum. Lookout for isotretinoin or "deep cleansers." (watch your shampoos too!)

When substances pass skin barriers, it ends up in blood vessels and lymph ducts in the epidermis and dermis layers. Chemicals absorbed by the body may combine with other chemicals present to create disease. Common "penetration enhancers" are any alcohols, glycols, surfactants and liposomes. **The greater the alcohol content, the deeper the solution can penetrate.

**carcinogen - agent that directly causes cancer <--remember this!

The Dangers of Products on the Market

While commercial products seem to be making a "natural" change, as with food, you should still read labels and check ingredients. I have compiled a few ingredients to look out for and keep OUT of your beauty regime.

Petroleum and Mineral Oil <-- VERY common is all cosmetics especially those geared towards African Americans. Both of these substances are clogging and do not allow skin, hair, or hair follicles to breathe. Go ahead and check your labels now, you'll be amazed at what you find!

**1,4-Dioxane - petroleum derived carcinogen. Potency is greater than pesticides!! This chemical is produced during manufacturing so it's NOT on ingredient lists. It is formed during ethoxylation.

• ethoxylation - this is a cheap shortcut that companies often take to provide mildness to harsh ingredients. This requires the use of cancer-causing petrochemical ethylene oxide (aren't these chemical names just scary?) which generates 1,4-Dioxane as a by-product.
• **Beware of ingredients ending in "eth". They most likely contain 1,-4-Dioxane

Phthalates - toxic chemicals linked to birth defects and illness; reproductive toxins

• DBP is found in nail polish
• DEHP is found in perfumes and is most often hidden under the generic word of "fragrance" (mist your clothes if you must, not your skin!)

• these chemicals are linked to hormone imbalances such as low sperm count, premature puberty, abdominal obesity, breast and testicular cancer and feminine imbalances
• located in most baby products so CHECK YOUR LABELS and aim for organic and natural alternatives. Our children may not know better but we do!

Aluminum - found in antiperspirants! Aluminum salts dry out sweat by injecting aluminum ions into the cells that line sweat ducts. When ions are drawn into cells, water flows in and cells swell, which squeezes ducts closed so sweat can't get out.

**Now I must point out that our sweat ducts, and armpits are waste shoots and help to remove unnecessary toxins from the body. Media marketing has led us to believe that sweating is a BAD thing but in reality, STOPPING the sweating is a bad thing. This contributes to breast cancer in women and Alzheimer's!

There are natural deodorants (not antiperspirants) on the market and some great ones can be found at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.

[side note] I used to consider myself a "sweaty" woman but I've noticed since embracing a raw vegan lifestyle, I secrete less waste, sweat less, and if I do, It's odorless. I have found myself able to recycle work out clothes which was taboo before now. Ingesting lots of chlorophyll (green veggies) is a natural deodorant that works from the inside out.

Propylene Glycol - a common "penetration enhancer" used in cosmetics

• found in baby wipes, aircraft deicing fluid, hair dyes, and many more odd findings
• daily use of this chemical may trigger contact allergic dermatitis
• aggravates acne and eczema by rupturing cell membranes

**Remember, penetrations enhancers are ingredients such as alcohols, glycols, surfactants and liposomes. Found Commonly! Check labels!

Caring for Your Skin, Naturally

Skin gets drier as we age because it loses inter cellular lipids after 40. YOU MUST feed aging (and youthful!) skin with natural substances that resemble the skin's own oils!

Bathing: During the bathing process is when most of us unintentionally strip ourselves of our healthy oils. Have you ever gotten out of a bath or shower and felt "squeaky clean" or extra dry and dehydrated? You'll want to take note to two things; Your soap and your towel.

Take a look at your favorite soap or body wash, turn it over and check those ingredients. Do they seem as natural as you? Most likely, not. There is an ever expanding natural soap and body care industry, so there are healthy alternatives available but I prefer to stick with my natural African Black Soap. There are commercial grade "black soaps" that are actually colored black but REAL African black soap is BROWN and derives from plantain skin. Here's a picture of my remaining chunk of soap (top left). In the Raw!


Also, have you heard the joke, "What gets wet and dries at the same time?" Your towel! This thing will suck the moisture right out of you! Never use it on your face and use it sparingly on your body to make sure to leave your skin a little damp. You want to seal IN the moisture, not lock it out.



Moisturizing: After having a rough patch with my skin a few years back, I was desperate for something to end my dry/sensitive skin troubles and hives. I ditched my lotions and body creams and picked up some raw shea butter. I haven't looked back since, and my skin is as vibrant as ever. The shea butter comes directly out of a large nut and is 100% natural. It is solid at room temperature but a little body heat will quickly change that to an oil. I like to make sure my body is still a bit damp so that the shea can seal in that moisture. A little goes a long way with shea! If you like it creamier for an easier application, you can melt it down with some other healthy oils such as coconut and olive oil (organic of course!)

• Coconut oil and olive oil can also be used individually (or together w/ other oils) as a lotion replacement and are lighter alternatives to shea butter. This is especially beneficial for warmer weather where the shea butter may be too heavy.

Other healthy options for skin:
Keeping your skin exfoliated is very important so I suggest investing in some natural bath salts or a skin-brush (made from natural fibers).

• Skin brushing is typically done on dry skin (before bathing) and helps to exfoliate, improve dry skin, improve cellulite,  and increase blood circulation. The tingling sensation afterwards is amazing! Consistency is key for maximum results! This is also amazing when it's done in the sun (Vitamin D!) Find someone to do it for you for the best, and most relaxing sensation. Love yourself, brush lightly!

Here's mine! I found it at Whole Foods!

So now that you're checking what goes on the outer, please remember that what you put on the INSIDE will reflect on the outside. Fruits and veggies are sooo important for healthy skin as well as an adequate amount of water! (8-10 glasses/day) You can't consume waste via fast food, fried foods, and processed foods everyday and expect to have a beautiful, natural, glow.

You are what you eat!

Your input is your output!

As above, so below..and all that jazz!

So, this blog post has gotten pretty lengthy so I'm going to have to finish this discussion in Loving the SKIN You're In Pt. 2: Foods for Healthy Skin and Homemade Beauty Alternatives

 

-<3 Brooke Jay

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Brooke Johnson aka Brooke Jay is a Social Entrepreneur, Certified Nutrition Consultant, and Wellness Coach,  for RAW! on Wheels., a DMV based live vegetarian service. 

RAW! offers Meal Plans, Juice Cleanses, Coaching, Catering, Yoga, & more! Click the link below for more info! http://www.RAWexclamation.com

Contact her directly at BJohnson@rawexclamation.com