Ah, skin. And the things we do to our skin! Women (especially) are forever in search of the best fix to give them glowing, clear, healthy, wrinkle-free skin. I was inspired to write this topic today because a friend/client came over recently for lunch and she simply has among the most luminescent skin I’ve ever seen- without makeup! But most of us are not so lucky. It got me thinking how most all of us (most definitely including me!) have to put out a real effort to make our skin look good. Still, many of the products and procedures available on today’s market leave me shaking my head – both at the product and the price tag.
Still, I understand the desire to look youthful and beautiful with glowing, clear, firm skin. What woman doesn’t want that? The good news is you don’t have to fork out the cash for expensive products and fillers to look your best. Glowing skin is within your reach, and it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.
1. Detoxify:
Your skin is a reflection of your overall health. It is the body’s largest organ, and it is an elimination organ. Toxins inside your body can make the skin on the outside of your body look less than beautiful. When you eat foods with toxic ingredients, it is naturally reflected in your skin. The Beauty Detox Solution creates health and beauty because it has a strong element of detoxification to it. When you detoxify your body, the results show on your skin. Detoxification is an ongoing process – though periodic cleanses, properly designed and conducted (like my Glow Bio cleanses), can help launch you into a healthier long-term lifestyle. To detoxify:
- Drink hot water with lemon every morning
- Drink the fiber-rich Glowing Green Smoothie
- Avoid processed and fast foods that contain chemical ingredients
- Stick to organic whenever possible
- Exercise (but not to excess)
- Take magnesium oxygen at bedtime
- Eat enzyme-rich foods
- Take probiotics
- Eat a high plant-based diet (or all, as I do)
- Drink a lot of water and avoid excessive caffeine
One caveat of which you should be aware: Sometimes the detoxification process can cause temporary skin irritation, breakouts, or other issues. Stick with it, however, and soon your skin will show the results of your efforts.
2. Nourish:
We’ve all heard the adage, you are what you eat. While this is true throughout your body, it is especially visible on your skin. Eating toxic, chemical-laden foods can show up on your skin, leaving it dull, dry and flaky. Poor nutrition can also speed up wrinkling and cause breakouts.
Nourishing your skin begins from the inside with the foods you eat. Because the skin is an organ, it requires nutrients to maintain vibrant health.
I get into this topic in a LOT more detail in my upcoming book Beauty Detox Foods with more specific information on combating dry skin, dull skin, wrinkles, fine lines and acne, and how to create radiant skin from a base of these problematic skin issues (very excited for this by the way!!!). But here are some general suggestions:
- Stick to whole, plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds
- Eat a variety of produce from across the full spectrum of color
- Eliminate common allergens such as wheat, soy, dairy products, and peanuts
- Minimize or eliminate animal protein. If you do eat animal protein, choose organic, naturally raised, and pastured meats like free-range organic poultry
- Eat plant foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as chia seeds, walnuts and green veggies
- Start each day with a Glowing Green Smoothie
- Eliminate refined sugars
3. Cleanse:
Keeping your skin clean is also important. Many people use harsh cleansers that can actually strip the skin of important hydration and leave it dull. Use a mild cleanser. Because I have oily skin and used to battle acne, I used to think I needed a stronger cleanser. But now I’ve been using and love the Tamanu Organic Luxury Cleanser by Sally B’s Skin Yummies. It cleans my face really well, but doesn’t strip it. It works for all skin types. I don’t recommend using very drying cleansers or regular soaps on your face.
4. Exfoliate:
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells on the surface of your skin that can cause dullness. You don’t need to buy expensive products or use harsh chemical exfoliators, however. You probably have a natural skin exfoliation agent right now in your kitchen: oatmeal. Oatmeal both soothes and exfoliates. To make an oatmeal exfoliation mask, mix ¾ cups of ground oat groats (grind them in the food processor) or steel cut oatmeal with 1/3 cup of warm water and spread it on your skin. Allow it to dry, and then rinse off with warm water. Another great natural exfoliator for the skin is raw organic apple cider vinegar. It contains alpha-hydroxy acids and can also balance the skin’s pH. To use, mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water and apply it to your skin with a cotton ball. Sit for five minutes before rinsing with warm water.
5. Hydrate:
Hydration is important for glowing, healthy skin. 
- Drink plenty of pure water throughout the day
- Drink 16-32+ ounces of Glowing Green Smoothie, which is really hydrating and has a lot of enzymes and nutrients from the fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Eat a lot of raw foods that contain their own water, like salads containing lots of brightly colored vegetables.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which are dehydrating.
- Take in extra fluids on hot days, when you are ill or stressed, and when you exercise vigorously.
6. Protect:
Sunlight is important because it supplies valuable vitamin D. To that end, you do need to get about 10 minutes of sunlight each day on unprotected skin in order to allow your body to synthesize vitamin D. Too much sunlight, however, can be harmful, just like anything in excess. Practice healthy sun habits, such as covering up and wearing a hat.
7. Improve circulation:
Keeping your blood flowing and promoting lymph drainage can help keep your skin glowing! Dry brushing is a technique that improves circulation and promotes lymph draining. To practice dry brushing:
- Use a soft, natural bristled brush.
- Dry brush before your shower every morning.
- Use a light pressure as you brush.
- Starting at your feet, brush in small movements up towards your heart.
- When you are done, take a shower.
8. Minimize makeup:
One of the benefits of healthy skin is not having to wear a lot of makeup. I don’t wear it all the time, but I do love my favorite products, like the stick Vapour blush in Courtesan. It’s natural and non-toxic, and a little bit in the apple of your cheeks can really brighten your whole face. It’s doesn’t make you break out – I’ve even worn it to sweaty yoga class in the middle of an afternoon and I don’t break out. A lot of makeup brands contain toxins and chemicals that can clog skin, even so-called mineral brands. So choose your products judiciously.
I hope these tips help you! Great skin is on the way. Which ones have you tried and which other tips do you have for great skin to share?
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Drinking water and other fluid helps to beat the heat.If your body becomes 2 percent dehydrated or more, you can become lethargic and cranky.So we have to be hydrated always especially on summer season.
I do believe other site proprietors should take this website for type, very clean up and great simple to use design and style, along with the content material. You’re an expert in this particular subject!
Hi Kimberly,
Great post, thanks for the insightful info. I wanted to add something unconventional that guys might wanna try out. I’ve tried it out myself and can swear by it. An enema is a great way of getting rid of bacteria that suppress the immune system, leading to glowing skin from the inside out. You’ll notice that your skin becomes more radiant a few days after getting an enema, so I totally recommend it to everyone who is serious about optimal skin health.
Alana
It is pretty well known that different people get different results with the same skin care products. This can be caused by variations in body chemistry, but more often than not it’s because everyone applies skin care products differently.^
Wow! Thanks for all the great information
It looks like one of the most important things you can do for your skin starts on “the inside”. I guess what you eat has a major impact on how your skin looks. Thanks Kim!
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article author for your blog. You have some really great articles and I feel I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back
to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Kudos!
Hey Kimberly,
One question for you: how often should you exfoliate?
Hi Kimberly!
Do you have an recommendations for a good/natural face moisturizer? Hope to hear from you soon!
Hi Kimberly! Great article! Do you use mascara? If yes, what brand?
Thanks,
Liliana M.
Fabulous post – I live by your methods since reading BDS.
thank you very much i love you
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Hello Kim,
I just turned 30, and I still get my acne time to time (mostly around the time of my period). Do you have any suggestions? I’m drinking your GGS, and see some results, but wanna get rid of acne once and for all.
Thank you.
Nat.
Nat,
When I hit 40 I started experiencing terrible cycstic acne & chalked it up to hormonal changes…but it just kept getting worse! I finally made a connection after Thanksgiving one year and tried cutting out Gluten. My skin cleared immediately! I heard about Kim’s book and have been doing the GGS ever since & no Gluten and my skin is CLEAR! In fact if I have even ONE white flour roll at dinner or 2 bites of regular pizza crust I get a reaction! it may not be your issue, but I know many people who have cut out Gluten & got on the green smoothie who have noticed an improvement in their skin. Hope this helps!
Hi Nat,
It seems like you normally don’t try to stop the acne before iit happes, right? But ‘prevention-is-better-than-cure’ rings true in all cases, acne not being an exception. Here, try this idea; I used it myself and made my classmates jelous!
Paste some cinnamon and mix them with old honey. The older the honey is, the better the results would be. Also, it seems that beefarms are not as effective as honey taken from naturally occuring honeycombs. Keep adding more cinnamons until the mix is not liquid any more, but don’t make it a rather solid paste. Add a little fresh nutmeg powder. Use your fingers to spread the paste all over your face (it heals scars nicely, too), but try not to rub hard. That’ll do the job. Honey, being the natural antibacterial, is perfect for acne prevention.
Do tell if it works!
Does the water with lemon have to be hot? If so what is the difference between hot & cold. I do not like hot beverages so I was hoping cold lemon water is a good substitute.
Hot water is ideal because cold water is more difficult to digest (the body must warm it up itself). I know that Kim is big on optimizing the amount of energy that goes towards getting rid of toxins. If you can use less energy digesting, it helps. So that’s why hot water is better. However, it wouldn’t exactly hurt either way!
Where can I buy a soft, natural bristled brush?
Amazon has a few.
http://www.amazon.com/Earth-Therapeutics-Body-Brush-Purest/dp/B000KNHJ5G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363045912&sr=8-1&keywords=dry+brushing+body+brush
You indicate to start every morning with a GGS. Could you tell me if this is breakfast? Or in addition to? Thanks!
GGS is breakfast however in the beginning when I found myself still hungry I made a small amount (like a half a cup, including the fruit) of Bob’s red mill organic hot cereal (you can find it at any grocery store or in bulk on amazon) with some apple (as the flavor is pretty bland) and that fills me up, or I have a second glass of GGS
You are my health hero Kim! Thank you for bringing the truth out, and starting a true health revolution. This revolution is also my passion, and I believe we can change lives one person at a time through the truth you have worked so hard to give us. Blessings to you!!! April
Lovely.
The BEST advice! Good skin comes from within.
What exactly is Magnesium Oxygen, and how does it work differently from regular Magnesium? What amount is recommended? Can Calcium also be taken at the same time?
Kimberly, Can you tell me more about the benefits of magnesium oxygen?
Love this post!!
I love your site; and all that you offer us as we embrace true health !
One thing I don’t understand is ~ why your recipe for a.m. green smoothie uses SPINACH!?
Spinach is a Major calcium inhibitor ~ since it contains huge amounts of oxalic acid which your body buffers with your body’s calcium stores.
Why not use instead organic: lettuces, escarole or parsley. in your smoothie recipe.
I personally don’t eat much spinach as I believe all people ~ women
especially need to investigate their sources of calcium containing foods and avoid those foods that deplete their calcium stores the way spinach does!
! Arthritis, osteoporosis etc. all begin in the body from a deficiency of calcium for years.
Here’s to an Arthritis-Free America! Nix the Spinach and replace it with other wonderful Organic Greens!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING ALL YOUR WONDERFUL SECRETS FOR HEALTH AND BEAUTY. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR NEW BOOK.
“One caveat of which you should be aware: Sometimes the detoxification process can cause temporary skin irritation, breakouts, or other issues. Stick with it, however, and soon your skin will show the results of your efforts.”
How long until the temporary skin irritation, breakouts or other issues go away?
Great tips! thanks! My favorite go-to skin product is Aloe Vera…all natural…every morning and night I take a little bit of the gel and use it before I moisturize my skin. It helped me get rid of my acne and reduced my scars a LOT faster than with commercial products! (trust me i used MANY)
my son has had acne, he has just come off medication and we don’t want him to go back on it again. I have tried to convince him to come off the foods that you mention in your detox book but because he is thin he does not want to loose weight. Can you suggest foods that are healthy that dont make you loose weight. Can you send an answer to my email box . Thank you. Jacqui
Is the organic, extra virgin coconut oil that you mention to moisturize your skin, the same one that you use for cooking (such as Nutiva)? And second, how do you continue having a Glowing Green Smoothie each morning when you travel and are staying in a hotel? Do you just do without? FYI – I’m an “more mature” 61 and have somewhat been following your program for a few months. My hairdresser has already noticed the difference in my hair and I’m pretty sure it is due to the GGS I have without fail each morning and sometimes for lunch. Thank you!
Thanks for the tips.. I had a quick question regarding the magnesium oxygen. I have done a bit of research and a lot of it is negative as far as side effects. What are you thoughts? And do you have a brand u would recommend?
Hi Kimberly,
In terms of the moisturizer, can we i use coconut oil on my face?
I have acne, and I’m having a hard time trying to find a product that works for me. I don’t like using so many different things on my skin; cleanser, toner, moisturizer, etc…I find it overpowering. What would you recommend for acne skin?
Thank you,
Gledis
Hi Gledis,
I suffered for years with acne and tried so many “acne” products. I have used Proactive for the last 10 years which helped so much, however, I have recently learned that benzoyl peroxide is not a safe chemical for your liver. So, I began using an all-natural, coconut oil based cleanser and toner, AYU, and use a bit of raw, food grade coconut oil as a moisturizer day and night. I was worried that it would be too oily and clog my pores but it absorbs right in and is not heavy at all. My skin has never looked better, and I am now 50! My wrinkles are fading and my skin is glowing. I do follow many of Kimberly’s suggestions and drink a lot of green smoothies, but would still break out. Once I started using real, raw coconut oil, my skin never breaks out anymore! Try it!
Jen
Thank you for the tips! I always try one of your tips to start so it isn’t overwhelming. Love it!
I have read that cooking is predigestion of food outside the body. In Chinese medicine, the majority of all food should be cooked. How is it that eating mostly raw vegetables is good for health?
Well, I’m 52 and have loose skin and very wrinkley all over. It isn’t fair and I eat very healthy and drink lots of water. I have your book and I also take Juiceplus. I look like a wrinkle dog. Any suggestions?
Karen
I am a vegan of 10 yrs(all together 17yrs no meat,no dairy,) and i absolutely love your GGS, I read an artice in a health magazine on Drew Barrymore and your GGS was mentioned. I am open to all things vegan and so far so good,i’ve been making them first thing in the morning. There are several tips stated above that i am going to incorporate with my normal routine and go from there. Thaks a Bunch…..
How about using coconut oil on the face? and as far as cleansing goes, how often should you cleanse (once a day, once every other day, twice a day…watchya think?)?
Great article! Just what I needed when I was thinking about ditching sugar or embracing it. Smoothies and fruit beat out cookies for me! Thank you
Kimberly,
You are like a breath of fresh air in a world full of smog! Thank you for all you do.
Mersini
Great tips, can’t agree more. I see a total change in my skin and get a glow when I’m able to follow most of these tips. I do want to add green ‘juice’ to the list though. In my personal experience that has to most and quickets impact in giving my skin a glow.
Thanks for the great tips… I didn’t see tip (7)?
Hello Kimberly,
One more time, thanks for your helpful information. I’m always excited to try everything you suggest and I’ve got excellent results.
As you suggested in step 1 Detoxify, I always take my Dr. Ohhira Probiotics and Digestive enzymes but
recently, I started taking a multivitamin (Vitamin Code Women from Garden of Life) due to medical recommendation. This multivitamin contains probiotics and enzymes so I wonder if I should stop additional probiotics and enzymes.
Thanks in advance!
Claudia
Thank you Kimberly! I’ve practiced your tips and it does truly work. I’ve been using Ava Anderson’s moisturizer and I think it’s great too; not oily on my face at all like traditional moisturizers- and yet my skin absorbs it and feels soft (I have normal to dry skin).
I try not to wear too much makeup, but I do like to foundation from time to time when I want a flawless complexion. I’m looking for an organic foundation that won’t make me break out. Any recommendations?
Try 100% Pure foundation.
It has full coverage but doesn’t break me out. And I break out normally with everything!
Dr. Hauschka also makes a nice liquid foundation but it’s only semi-coverage and more costly than the 100% pure.
Thank you for your wonderful book Beauty Detox Solution. My 16 year old daughter and I have been studying through it and applying the knowledge we are learning.
I have given your book to or told about 6 friends so far about the BTS way and we are loving it.
Your emails are also very helpful.
May the dear Lord Jesus bless you with his Spirit,
Your fans Susan and Brianna
I’m surprised that you didn’t mentioned anything about moisturising. If you do suggest moisturising, what products would you recommend besides, say, coconut oil which I find too greasy on my pillow case?
I have been trying to transition out of all of my old Bare Minerals and Clinique foundations into friendly, organic brands. I ordered a whole new set of make up from vapour as well as sally b’s as you suggested, but thought the sally b’s face wash is too pricey for the size/shipping to Canada.
An alternative I found (that I hope you would say is good if you look at the ingredients on the right side panel of the website product) is the Avalon Organics Vitamin C renewal line of gel face wash ($12 CDN for over 8oz…double the size of Sally B’s and half the price) and oil free moisturiser.
Their products contain at least 70% organic content (certified), natural body care without synthetic fragrances ( a must, as I have allergies), without phthalates, and without harsh sulfates or parabens. Also not tested on animals, which is a must, and the package promotes recycling which I like as an Environmental Science major.
BUT here is where my problem lies. After purchasing the moisturiser, toner (do you recommend toners? I’ve never used one before this purchase, but figured they go hand in hand), moisturiser, and even a shampoo and conditioner, my face broke out in hives! This is my ultimate familiar reaction to products on my face that I am allergic to, and it lasts an unfortunate week. At 24 year old, I have struggled with acne for the last decade, and have fair sensitive combination skin. I’m disappointed that after all that research I can’t use their products.
Do you have any other recommendation besides Sally B’s facial wash?
And yay or nay to moisturisers (besides coconut oil) and toners?
If I a high acid reflux problem, what can I substitute instead of lemon in hot water? What kind of vegetables are non acidic?
I get acid reflux a lot as well, instead of avoiding the foods I love I have a few tsp of Apple cider vinegar in the evening or in the morning. I just take a few spoonfuls mixed with a glass of water.
This article talks about the few benefits from taikng ACV. Good luck
http://www.livestrong.com/article/501424-apple-cider-vinegar-for-an-upset-stomach/
I have ordered both your books, can’t wait to read them! I think your glow glem system is wonderful, so
glad I joined! Keep up the good work, and congrads on your engagement
Can you share more on dry brushing as it relates to cellulite reduction? Also, any smoothies you’d recommend for this or other very affordable or home treatments?
Kimberly, I could not agree more with your tips. I LOVED your first book and I cannot wait to get my hands on the second one.
I will make sure to share this article with as many people as possible.
These tips make perfect sense. True health & glowing skin is achieved from the inside out. And it starts with what you eat & put in your body
Thanks for sharing
Love this and agree completely! I notice that kale, parsley, cucumber and avocado give me an extra glow so I eat more of those. I am about to turn 40 and don’t look a day over 28. That GGS is gold too, I never skip it!
Kimberly,
Awesome tips. I’m glad to see you don’t recommend wearing SPF lotions that contain tons of toxic chemicals in the first place!
And I love when you give specific products you adore—your endorsement means a lot. (For example, I added the Sambucol Black Elderberry syrup to my diet when my man had a serious flu, and I didn’t get sick! Thank you.)
Best,
Amy @ On Salad Ground
What brand do you recommend for magnesium oxygen? Do you take the liquid form?
I was doing the hot lemon tea & the glowing smoothie every single day but my face started to break up dont know why I tought it was because of the tea that was cleaning my boy but it continue for a whlie, would you be able to help me?
Ooh, I haven’t tried dry brushing! But I am in fact having my GGS for lunch today. ;D
Errmmm sorry, but that first shutterstock photo looks totally photoshopped. Is this the way to promote healthy natural glowy skin? Please..
you can actually also make your own makeup if you want to get super natural. for loose powder: nutmeg, cinnamon, cocoa mixed with cornstarch, there are many others for setting spray, primers, etc. definitely look them up.