SkinB5 - Clear Skin Starts WITHIN!

For plenty of us, we like a good cocktail now and then. But have you ever wondered, what exactly alcohol is doing to our skin? What I’m about to tell you isn’t intended to ruin your mood, but simply to help you weigh out the consequences that indulging in alcohol can contribute to poor skin health.

  The Negative Impacts Alcohol Has On the Skin

Alcohol dehydrates the skin - The human body is mostly composed of water and since alcohol lowers the water content in your body, this delays your body’s ability to fight off any bacteria, repair any damages or flush out inflammatory toxins. Which means that your body is unable to cleanse itself as efficiently which can lead to acne breakouts. And we all know what dehydrated skin looks like tired and washed-out, with more prominent fine lines, wrinkles, and pores. And a night cream really won’t help it, unfortunately!

Decreases the nutrients in your skin- Alcohol robs your body of Vitamin A which is a powerful antioxidant that is essential for cell renewal and turnover (gives you a healthy glow). Meaning your skin cannot do much to repair itself and can make it harder for your skin to fight off free radicals giving your skin more of a dull grey appearance.

Alcohol changes hormone levels - Alcohol encourages the production of testosterone and may therefore create a hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalance is the main cause of acne as it may overstimulate sebaceous glands that produce skin oil (sebum).

Alcohol causes inflammation through the body- If you read my previous article on sugar, you’ll know that sugar aggravates one of the most important causes of acne: inflammation. You see, the problem with cocktail drinks like mojitos are that, they rapidly convert to sugar, which leads to a burst of inflammation throughout the body that trails to acne. And if that wasn’t bad enough, sugar also contributes to premature aging, dark circles and more! So what is the answer? Well, it is the usual saying; everything in moderation! I would never tell you to give up alcohol altogether, but just remember some good old ways to keep your mind, body and soul healthy while you enjoy a festive nip.

How to REALLY enjoy yourself without having to worry about your skin

Take a supplement for your skin -Taking action from within your body is the best and only way to end the acne cycle. SkinB5’s Acne Control Extra Strength Tablets is the first step to obtaining acne-free skin. It helps balance out your hormones and keeps your production of skin oils at a healthy level that is beneficial to your skin. The tablets are designed to be used by anyone that has mild to severe acne or if you’re looking to just maintain a healthy glow opt for the maintenance caplets and SkinB5 products are free of any harmful chemicals and GMO’s.  B vitamins are also scientifically proven to improve moods and energy levels!

Follow every drink with a glass of water – By now we all know alcohol dehydrates your body and your skin cells, so by replenishing lost moisture straight away you are reducing the risk of skin inflammation and that horrible headache in the morning. Plus he more water you drink the healthier your skin will look, making those lines and pores appear smaller.

Be choosy about what you drink-   If you are going to indulge in alcohol, try to drink as little as possible and make your choices with the following list in mind: Clear shots: Vodka, Gin, and Tequila are better for your skin’s health if it is served as a shot as it doesn’t contain heavy amounts of sugar and other chemical ingredients. Red Wine: Contains more antioxidants than white and helps reduce the effects, alcohol has on skin health especially aging. However, if you have rosacea, avoid red wine as there is a high risk of it causing a flair-up. Sparkling water with lime: This way you are still staying hydrated and no-one needs to know and you avoid peer pressure. Mocktails: If you’re looking to shake things up, toast with these nutrient-filled mock tails!

The Clear-Skin Cocktail: The Ginger Elixir is a delicious non-alcoholic cocktail that contains ginger juice and is anti-inflammatory powerhouse that helps aid with digestion, boosts skin smoothness, tone and lightens age spots, while containing properties that help prevent acne.

Ingredients

1 cup ginger juice

1 cup lemon juice

1 cup water

1/4 cup honey, blend well and serve.

The Triple Juice Drink: This is a refreshing non-alcoholic option for entertaining. Just mix up a jug just before the guests arrive. The three juices are packed with antioxidants which provide many health benefits especially for skin.

Ingredients

½ cup of orange juice

½ cup of pomegranate juice

½ cup of cranberry juice

1 cup of ice, blend well and serve.

And so there you have it. The next time you want to drink, think about the negative impacts it can take on your skin and remember the best way to avoid damaging your skin in the long run is to maintain a minimal level of alcohol consumption or just to skip the alcohol and opt for mocktails instead. What do you think?

We all know that drinking tea is good for us. But did you know that some teas help fight acne and can give you glowing skin? That’s right! Drinking tea isn’t just a great beverage to have, it is packed with antioxidants and has powerful anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. What’s even more exciting, that it is one of the cheapest beauty staples to have in your cupboard… that won’t hurt your wallet! So which magic teas have super skin powers?

Green Tea

Green Tea, is a powerful acne fighter that holds powerful antioxidants and immune boosting properties, which help kill acne causing bacteria and protects the skin from harmful toxins. These antioxidants, in particular EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) encourages skin regeneration and helps reduces inflammation .So how do you use green tea for acne? Green tea can also be consumed orally or topically to treat acne. Drinking 2-4 cups daily can help reduce breakouts and clear up your skin. For skincare containing green tea check out SkinB5’s products that help manage all types of acne whilst helping you to maintain healthy skin, naturally.

Rooibos

This caffeine free tea is another popular choice for acne suffers. It is packed with many antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which help protect your skin from harmful free radicals and helps promote for a healthier skin, especially zinc and vitamin D. It is suggested drinking more than 4 cups daily will help build up on these antioxidants and can regulate the immune system when fighting acne (by reducing inflammation and redness) .Like green tea, rooibos can be either consumed as regular tea or be used topically to reduce acne. Take a cotton ball and apply rooibos as a toner or over any trouble areas. You can start reaping the full benefits right now!  Not only will you feel good by becoming a regular rooibos tea drinker, but your skin will also look good.

  Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is excellent for people with sensitive skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties which helps calm the skin from any skin irritations like rashes, acne, eczema, and rosacea. Aside from the skin benefits, chamomile tea is known to calm and relax your body, which in turn can reduce stress and help balance out hormones – leading to naturally calmer, happier skin. So next time you have trouble sleeping sip on a calming cup of chamomile tea or reap its skin soothing properties.

Dandelion Tea 

This skin purifier tea is known to help eliminate toxins from the body and help purify the blood, both of which are essential for clearer and healthy skin. It works wonders for acne suffers, due to its antibacterial properties, which helps reduce acne outbreaks and relieves the skin from any redness. It is also packed with antioxidants, which helps fight the free radicals that cause many signs of ageing. So, by drinking one cup of this skin purifying tea, you will keep your skin looking plump and ageless!

Spearmint Tea

This tea is not to be confused with peppermint tea, it is rich in antioxidants and antifungal properties that helps prevent blemishes of any kind and it is excellent for balancing hormonal levels. This tea is a superb choice for those who suffer from oily skin since it prevents the sebaceous glands from producing excess sebum and instead leaves your skin feeling soft and oil free. Drinking spearmint tea regularly may lead to better hormonal levels, which can considerably reduce recurrence of acne and give you clear skin. In order to see improvement in the skin’s appearance it is suggested to drink 2 cups of spearmint tea daily. And if you do suffer from hormonal acne, I suggest taking SkinB5’s Acne Control Caplets, each caplet contains powerful blemish fighting antioxidants which work from within to treat facial and body acne and help balance the hormones.

The right tea is predominantly good for the skin, it can help diminish inflammation, balance hormones, and help combat poor digestion that may contribute to poor skin. So the next time you crave a hot beverage you might want to reconsider the latte and grab one of these great teas for skin instead.

With the warmer weather, we all become more active, this can have some excellent benefits for our skin. Exercise can be beneficial for clear skin, however being active is a double-edged sword. Exercise combined with the increased temperature and humidity is a recipe for acne breakouts should we not take care to maintain our clear skin.

Exercise is said to detoxify your skin by removing impurities, which isn’t entirely true, however it does help. Increasing blood flow around your body will contribute to the regeneration of skin cells as the liver processes and detoxifies the blood supply to your skin. What’s of greater benefit to your skin from exercise is the reduction of stress, which you’ve seen in other blogs is a contributor to acne.

Whilst exercise provides for a great opportunity to reduce the factors contributing to acne, it also proves to be a risk to clear skin. I’ve devised tips below on how to enjoy the benefits of exercise whilst avoiding the risk to your clear skin.

When going to the gym, do not wear make-up. I would even go as far as to suggest avoiding hair product. I never see the logic in doing yourself up before going to the gym, because if you are going to do anything properly there, then your makeup and hair will look a mess anyhow. The risk is that these products can block your pores and cause acne.

When exercising, avoid tight fitting clothes. It sounds stupid initially, but with the trend in thermal sportswear, it’s increasingly common to see people in these. The risk is that this will rub and irritate acne prone skin, contributing to breakouts.

After exercise, get changed out of your gym clothes and shower. The warm water will open the pores of your skin, and showering with acne control cleansing mousse.

Just as how you’d take a protein shake after the gym, have your Acne Control Tablets. Ensure that you’re taking acne control tablets with each meal. Just like exercise, it takes time and consistency to get results!

There are growing cases in America of acne that’s difficult to treat due to staph infection. Staph has been found to be spread not just in hospitals, but also gyms and hot yoga studios. To avoid staph, wipe down gym equipment before you use it. After the gym, get changed out of your gym clothes and shower (funnily enough – as I’ve already suggested!), but ensure you also wash the clothes from the gym – don’t put them on again the next day!  

Being outdoors during the warmer weather can often lead to sunburn. There’s a persistent myth that this will help acne, however it is not the case. Sunlight is understood to have anti-inflammatory properties which would reduce the redness of acne, however it does not treat acne. Much greater is the concern of skin cancer.  Protect your skin from the sun, use oil-free or skin sensitive sunscreen when outdoors and be sure to shower it off after your time outdoors.

So get outside, get active, but take care to keep your skin clear.

  Who is Nick Bell?

Nick joins SkinB5 as a writer, contributing monthly to the blog.

Who’s ever found themselves opening the fridge or cupboard just because they’re bored, or bought some food because they are upset or tired? In fact who has only realised that’s what they’ve done after they’ve eaten that chocolate/those chips, or have only just realised what is happening when you have read it right now?

You’re not alone! Many people (myself included) have been guilty of emotional mindless eating. But the days of turning to a king size bar of Galaxy Chocolate have gone - thank goodness, because I know that had a huge impact on my skin problems, my energy and my self-worth.

So what’s mindful eating and how can it help?

A mindful eating approach helps us with the decision of what we eat and why. Food full of salt, sugar, processed and readily available might taste good in that moment of sadness/ stress/ excitement, but it isn’t actually good for you.

Eating mindfully is being aware of this and being able to choose a more positive, healthy choice instead of just shoving the first thing you see down your throat.

Eating with intention:

The intention of offering yourself the best nutrition possible; for your skin, your mind and your energy.  Will this food nourish your body and leave you feeling satisfied, clean and positive?

Eating with awareness:

Awareness of the look of your food on your plate.

Look: picture the deep red colour of a cherry

Smell: I can tell you I never savoured the aroma of my Galaxy bar before I devoured it!

Texture or feel as you eat: imagine the warm, smooth texture of pumpkin soup or crisp crunchy texture of Vietnamese cabbage salad.

If you have emotions like stress or sadness recognise that these emotions are there but try to express them in other ways rather than eating them into a food coma. Chat to someone, go for a run, write in a journal...don’t let that stress lead you to make a food choice that we all know will result in your feeling “blah” :(

So how to start?

It’s easy to live our lives on autopilot, but that leads us to never really thinking about what we’re doing or why we’re doing it. So in the end we’re doing a lot that isn’t worth it.

Starting to pay attention to what we’re doing helps to trigger a realization in us and to spot unhealthy habits when they pop up. If we can spot them we can stop them! The more aware we become of the emotions that send us to the fridge the stronger we are to take ourselves to a yoga class or health coach to help, instead of relying on our good old friend Galaxy chocolate.

*Skin problems can be a result of incorrect nutrition, hormones and stress.

If you need a hand with any of these problems contact. Stress reduction, Increased Energy & Motivation, Mindfulness, Yoga, Pilates & Nutrition to help bring vitality to your life:  [email protected] to get in touch with me

  Venessa Nickless Yoga, Health Coaching & Pilates Practitioner in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Her adrenal exhaustion, terrible skin problems and digestion issues led her to taking steps to revitalise her health & energy by changing diet; which includes daily use of SkinB5 supplements and skin products to this day.

Who knew that stress could seriously affect almost every area of your life? Everything from health to beauty, from relationships to sleep! I learned that lesson in my senior year at secondary school.

Senior year, or Year 12 as it’s known here in Australia, was definitely the most stressful year of my life. In contrast, I’m two years into University and it’s still a breeze compared to the suffocating pressure and constant demand Year 12 imposed on my life. Thank goodness it’s done and dusted!

Aside from learning good study habits, a healthy sleep routine and many other lifestyle lessons, Year 12 did teach me something else very profound… Acne has another cause! Stress!

The ironic thing about having acne because of stress is that it often leads to more acne because you are stressed about the original acne, which leads to more acne, which causes you to be more stressed, which… you get my point. #thestruggleisreal

Now this isn’t just something that happened to poor little ol’ me! SkinB5’s blogging Naturopath Haley Yates wrote in a post about stress and acne, that this very dilemma stressed students experience, is in fact very common!

Haley’s post also touched on the fact that unfortunately suicide rates are increased with people who suffer from a skin condition. This, combined with the already high rates of teenage suicide, is a very dangerous and frightening mix. The emotional impact of not looking your best is overwhelming, but there is an out. As tough as it is, insecurities is something everyone deals with. I still do. It’s not something you can break out of easily, but it can be done. I do urge that if you are experiencing feelings of extreme insecurity and/or suicidal/self harming thoughts, please seek the advice and counsel of a medical professional. If that’s a bit out of your reach, a trusted mentor or even a school chaplain are really great go-to’s to have. The most important thing is; tell someone! You are not alone.

As unfortunate as it is, having a skin condition like acne can have vicious cycles, including the previously mentioned stress = acne which = stress which = acne… there I go again! In the instance of acne due to stress, learn what it is that makes you stressed, for me, this was learning that getting behind in work and not understanding what was happening in class, then work out how to stop that stress. Yes. I stopped procrastinating and just got all my study done - much better! It’s also important to learn what helps you relax. Music? Exercise? Friends? Use these outlets to stay sane during stressful times. This could almost be seen as prevention is better than cure because if stress = acne, then less stress must = less acne!

It’s common knowledge that sugar causes horrors on our well-being (hormonal balances, obesity, cholesterol, diabetes and more), but what about our skin health? Recent studies show that sugar and refined carbs (a high-glycemic diet) aggravates the two most important causes of acne: hormones and inflammation, which are reflected in our skins sturdiness. Here’s the lowdown on what exactly sugar does to your skin and what you can do about it!

Let's start with the basics. Foods that are “high glycemic” such as refined carbs like sweetened baked goods, white bread, pasta or even soda drinks can increase your insulin levels. And what does that mean? Well when you ingest these high-glycemic foods they rapidly convert to sugar, which leads to a burst of inflammation throughout the body that trails to acne. And if that wasn’t bad enough, sugar also leads to premature aging, dark circles and more!  Yikes! But this doesn’t mean you have to quit sugar just yet, the most nutritious, antioxidant packed foods (fruits and vegetables) all contain natural sugars. Don’t believe me? Read on.

What sugar should you eat?

Opt for ‘’low glycemic foods’’, like whole grains, beans, nuts, vegetables and fruits they break down more slowly in your system, and help you avoid sugar and insulin spikes. Low-glycemic options have shown to improve acne and help balance out the hormones linked to it and will fast track your journey to clear skin.

Some tips to offset sugar's effects on skin

Go gourmet: Use raw honey or coconut sugar as the sweetener (but in moderation of course), this is a healthier alternative to regular sugar especially for making homemade treats or hot drinks. And if you simply have to indulge, treat yourself to dark chocolate (anything over 60%) to reap the antioxidants benefits.

Drink water: From time to time those sweet cravings can actually be a sign of dehydration. So, opt for filtered water, coconut water or add fruit to your water instead of the sugary sodas!

Add some spices into your life: Certain spices will add natural sweetness to your food like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Cinnamon is also known to lower the blood sugar.

Include foods that help acne problems: Certain foods have been linked to improve acne .These include fish oil, turmeric, ginger, green tea, nuts, dark purple and red foods such as berries, green foods like dark green leafy vegetables, and omega 3-eggs. These are just some of the anti-inflammatory foods that help minimize toxic buildup in your system, fight free radicals, and promote health and well-being.

Remember diet is just one small part of eliminating acne: Cleansing, and moisturizing, are also essential for clearer skin.  I always recommended SkinB5 products to all my friends and family. SkinB5 products are natural and effective that help you manage your acne whilst helping you to maintain healthy skin. The Cleansing Mousse is very gentle on the skin and works deep down to remove excess oils and problem causing bacteria. I love to follow up with their Acne Control Moisturizer. This keeps me hydrated all day long (without the shiny residue hallelujah) and glowing!

Take acne-fighting supplements: Lastly some supplements are critical for skin health. Antioxidant levels have been shown to be low in acne sufferers. I totally recommend: SkinB5’S Acne Control Tablets- Extra Strength. These bad boys are suitable for all skin types and each tablets contains powerful blemish fighting vitamins and minerals that work from within to treat facial and body acne, including blackheads and whiteheads. Oh and did I mention it’s all natural? To find out more on what they contain click here  http://www.skinb5.com/en/ingredients

The bottom line is this: Try to limit processed foods that contain sugar. Don’t forget to read all the ingredients! Sugar is hidden in unlikely foods, do a quick scan of the ingredients and keep in mind sugar can be disguised as glucose, evaporated cane juice, high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), fruit juice concentrate, fructose, dextrose, caramel or syrup. Remember moderation is key and an occasional soda or sugary snack is nothing to worry about. But expect trouble if you eat them frequently, as it increases hormones and inflammation. Hope you liked this post and if you did please share it! For more information please don’t hesitate to contact us! We would love to hear from you. Until next time

Farah xoxo

When you have acne, it’s hard not to think negatively of yourself. It isn’t flattering and it deflates your self-esteem like nothing else can. So I offer you a silver lining – there are worse things for your skin. In fact, I’ve devised a list of 7 things that will cause damage to your skin.

  Ink – particularly when there’s lots of it

Which kind of sucks. I’ve contemplated tattoos for years and had been toying with different design ideas, waiting until I knew I had the right one. Reading that various inks used in tattooing (10 out of 11 black inks in a European study) contain the carcinogen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon at levels that exceeded European safety recommendations. Good. Whilst this sounds like a recipe for disaster there isn’t yet a clear link between tattoos and cancer, largely because the carcinogens are stable particles and therefore don’t enter the bloodstream.

  Laser treatment

Laser treatment can be undertaken for a range of conditions – largely cosmetic. Side effects of laser treatment include changes in skin pigmentation, redness and swelling, sun sensitivity, infection, scarring, blistering and can cause acne breakouts. Beside these risks, it is understood that in the laser removal of tattoos the breakdown of carcinogenic particles can cause them to enter the bloodstream. Sounds scary?

  Botox

It seems like a cliché to talk about the side effects of botox, however by the same token it’s now widely accepted as a standard cosmetic procedure. We tend to forget the risk of allergic reaction, rashes, headaches, itching, neck or back pain, muscle stiffness, nausea, diarrhea, weakness, cough, fever, difficulty swallowing or shortness of breath amongst others. This is all in addition to the long term health risks which are yet to be fully understood for their impact upon the brain, nervous system and muscles.

  Dehydration

We all suffer dehydration – the moment you feel thirsty your body is experiencing dehydration. Should it persist you can then enjoy dryness of the mouth, dry skin and headaches. It’s also not unusual to feel tired, which can lead to irritability and a short temper. Severe dehydration can cause sunken eyes, low blood pressure and severe dryness of the skin will result in redness and irritability.

  Poor Diet

It’s nothing new, and we all know it – a poor diet is poor for not just our waistline, but our skin too. Sugar is the biggest no-no as it damages your collagen and elastin, which keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant. Alcohol is also problematic as it dehydrates your body and unfortunately can cause (or inflame) acne. My other beverage of choice – coffee, is just as good at dehydrating you. What’s better is that it contains cortisol which in large volumes can accelerate the aging process which will show in your skin. The other traitors to your skin are the fries with your burger – as oil will trap bacteria in your body – particularly skin (hello breakouts!) and salt for swelling and the aggravation of acne.

  Roaccutane

After years on Roaccutane, I’m well versed on its side effects. Dryness of skin, sensitivity to the sun, and mood swings. There are a number of reported cases of severe depression and tragic suicides connected to Roaccutane (Accutane). I do often wonder whether I’d still have my hairline if I hadn’t started Roaccutane during high school and continued it on-and-off for several years.

  Benzoyl Peroxide

I used to wonder why my bed sheets and pillowcases were covered in funky looking stains. Upon the realisation that they only ever occurred on my side of the bed I realised it wasn’t due to anything you’d expect if you have a wicked sense of humour. I’d noticed it on some clothes too and it wasn’t until I was told about the effect of benzoyl peroxide that I realised it was the topical acne treatment cream I’d been using which was literally bleaching my bedding and clothes. Aside from this we can also enjoy mild burning, redness and irritation and skin dryness. There are plenty of healthy alternatives, I use Skin B5’s Skin Purifying Mask as a topical solution on problem spots several times a week as it dries out acne without the harmful side effects.

  Who is Nick Bell?

Nick joins SkinB5 as a writer, contributing monthly to the blog.

So who'd have thought my partner would ever suffer from pimples spots and cystic acne!?

Recently he's really been suffering from spots that are deep, inflamed and just keep coming. He's usually got beautiful clear skin and it's horrible to see him so frustrated with it. Funny how you get used to those frustrations yourself and hate yourself for them, but when you see someone else with the same problem your heart really goes out to them - you definitely don't love them any less.

Apart from helping my partner with some of the stress he's going through, I've popped my favourite tried and tested SkinB5 products into his morning and evening routine and this is what's happened:

Blocked Pores: Have reduced, spots have risen to the surface and the skin underneath is smoother and more refined.

Exfoliation: It seems as if the skin is actually renewing more efficiently. The products are removing dead skin, which leaves his skin free to breathe.

Moisture: His skin easily absorbs the SkinB5 Acne Control Moisturiser, which is light and prevents future breakouts.

These products have soothed and calmed his skin in no time at all, I could see a difference in just a few days and then each day that passes his skin improves even more.

*Skin problems can be a result of incorrect nutrition, hormones and stress. If you need a hand with any of these problems contact me for some coaching advice.

Stress reduction, Increased Energy & Motivation, Mindfulness, Yoga, Pilates & Nutrition to help bring vitality to your life. Contact me on [email protected]

  Venessa Nickless Yoga, Health Coaching & Pilates Practitioner in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Her adrenal exhaustion, terrible skin problems and digestion issues led her to taking steps to revitalise her health & energy by changing diet; which includes daily use of SkinB5 supplements and skin products to this day.

If you’re anything like me, your mind is still in the new year – and now BAM! Here’s Easter!

Easter is a time relished, and dreaded, by many. Everyone looks forward to the time off work, seeing family and celebrating with food. The elephant here, is chocolate. It feels at times that Easter is a holiday made to enjoy chocolate, or it can certainly appear that way should you walk into any supermarket in the months beforehand.

A common theme with this chocolate holiday is concern of weight gain, but for those of us who enjoy acne there is an added fear – a breakout!

Does chocolate cause acne? Not exactly.

Chocolate’s key ingredient, cacao, when enjoyed raw has a huge list of health benefits. Full of vitamins C, A and E, healthy fats, zinc and chromium, along with tryptophan and magnesium; cacao has great nutritional value with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. So why is this seemingly wondrous food associated with breakouts?

It’s what we add to it.

Along with cacao, chocolate often includes milk, sugar, emulsifiers and flavouring. These are inflammatory, and can be attributed to breakouts. What’s better is that sugar and dairy products are connected to acne breakouts for affecting hormone levels and blood sugar balance. Enjoy too much chocolate over Easter and we can forget clear skin.

So what to do?

Look fancy and just eat dark chocolate in moderation. Cut down on the additives and enjoy rich dark chocolate that’s still high in vitamins, health fats and zincs, but without the excessive portion of added milk and sugars.

Turn your back to chocolate - embrace carob, an alternative to cacao that is sweeter and so will have less added sugar and no caffeine. Furthermore, carob has Vitamins B2, B3, and B6 along with vitamins A, D and a range of minerals and is particularly rich in iron and calcium.

Take an orthodox approach and paint eggs. See the pun there? Rather than eating chocolate, take up an old practice. A long standing tradition amongst many cultures is to paint eggs to celebrate Easter. You may end up doing it at a different time to many of those who observe the tradition, but it’s the thought that counts.

Make your own sugar-free chocolates, with this neat recipe. Or do what I do and imagine what life would be like if you had the discipline, skill and patience to follow a recipe.

At the end of the day, moderation is key! Enjoy a piece or two, not a packet or two. Avoid supermarkets for the following fortnight as heavily discounted chocolate will tempt you to stray, but at this point you can enjoy that you haven’t broken out like you did in years past.  

  Who is Nick Bell?

Nick joins SkinB5 as a writer, contributing monthly to the blog.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a very common condition affecting up to 21% of women in their reproductive years, and often up to 70% of cases are undiagnosed. It is a condition whereby a woman experiences hormonal imbalances which causes a variety of problems, including cysts to grow on their ovaries (hence the name poly-cystic ovaries).

There are many symptoms of PCOS, and the condition affects all women differently. It is particularly common for women to experience irregular periods, as well as mild to moderate acne along the jawline & chin that comes and goes during a woman’s cycle. This is caused by an androgen imbalance, and the increased testosterone can result in excess oil production which commonly causes acne lesions.

Other signs & symptoms of PCOS include hirsutism (excess hair on the face), psychological symptoms of depression & anxiety and infertility. There is also a link to insulin resistance & obesity with PCOS2, and symptoms are often made worse with a high carbohydrate-based diet – 30-40% of obese women with PCOS also have diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.

One particular herb has been studied to show significant improvements in women with PCOS symptoms. A clinical review of the current available data showed Vitex agnus-castus to be extremely effective at re-balancing the hormones, particularly reducing the excess prolactin3 – higher than normal prolactin levels are associated with PMS and progesterone deficiency, and is commonly related to PCOS. Vitex has been used extensively in herbal medicine for the management of menstrual problems & hormonal imbalances4. In my particular clinical experience I have seen Vitex work very effectively for PCOS, including reversing the commonly associated infertility.

PCOS requires a multi-faceted holistic approach, where herbal & nutritional medicine should be used alongside important dietary changes to reduce the symptoms of acne & menstrual irregularities. In my experience, it is imperative to follow a low-carbohydrate diet and consume plenty of healthy proteins & fats and lots of vegetables for best results. Insulin resistance is so extremely common with polycystic ovarian syndrome and weight management with a healthy diet is very important to reduce the associated cardiometabolic risks.

SkinB5’s Acne Control Caplets contain Vitex, which can be very beneficial to assist in balancing hormones as mentioned above. The Caplets also contain Vitamin B5 which has been shown to reduce excess oil production, as well as other vitamins & minerals to decrease inflammation and increase wound healing. Importantly, the Caplets also contain Zinc, which is a very important mineral for hormonal pathways.

A dose of 1 SkinB5 Acne Control Caplet 3x day is recommended for the management of hormonal acne, and if the skin is particularly oily then I would also recommend combining it with 1 SkinB5 Extra Strength Acne Control Tablet 3x day. The clear skin mousse and moisturiser are perfect to use daily to balance the oil at the skin-level also, and remember that treatment from within is the most important – because the imbalance of hormones is what commonly causes the excess sebum production.

Yours in health, Haley

References:

Boyle, J. & Teede, HJ. Polycystic ovary syndrome: An update. Australian Family Physician. 2012;41(10):752-6.

Hopkinson Z, Satar N, Fleming R, Greer A. 1998. Polycystic ovarian syndrome: the metabolic syndrome comes to gynaecology. Brit Med J 317;329–32

Arentz S AJ, Smith CA, Bensoussan A. Herbal medicine for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated oligo/amenorrhoea and hyperandrogenism; a review of the laboratory evidence for effects with corroborative clinical findings. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2014;14(511).

Hywood A. Phytotherapy for polycystic ovarian syndrome. Australian Journal of Herbal Medicine 2012;24(3):81-6.

There is always a question as to whether what we eat can contribute to acne. The research says that certain foods can undoubtedly be a contributing factor to breakouts, particularly the foods in a typical Western diet (Melnick, 2012). Subsequently, milk and dairy products have been discussed in many scientific papers regarding nutritional-based approaches to understanding acne.

Milk has been shown to increase the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and this combined with the naturally occurring steroid hormones in milk (5alpha-pregnanedione which is a precursor to dihydrotestosterone) provides quite a whammy for the sebaceous glands (Danby, 2009). Increasing IGF-1 will increase oil production, and leads to more blocked pores & breakouts!

Studies have also shown a higher link between the consumption of skim milk and acne, when compared to full cream milk. This is likely due to the higher amount of sugar (lactose) in the milk which can be another contributing factor.

Thankfully there are many other alternatives to cow’s milk, which are easy to transition to. Coconut, almond, rice and soy milks are all dairy-free alternatives, with coconut & almond milks being the best alternative for acne sufferers. Keep in mind that many dairy-alternatives have added sugar in the ingredients, so it is always best to look for the ‘unsweetened’ versions. If you are finding it hard to switch over then try going half-half, and keep decreasing your cow’s milk until you’ve reached a point where you’re having a very minimal amount, then cut it out altogether.

For cheese alternatives, cashew cheese is a fabulous option to buy or make at home yourself. Dairy-free protein powders can be found in either pea or rice proteins, and can be much more suitable than a whey-based protein powder for acne sufferers. In my opinion, the best dairy-free yoghurt alternative on the market is coconut yoghurt, which can be found in different flavours at many health food stores.

Many people are concerned about the loss of Calcium from not consuming dairy products. You’ll be pleased to know that most dairy-alternatives are fortified with Calcium, and there are many other sources in the diet. These include: bony fish; eggs; almonds; tahini and leafy greens. It is always important to focus on getting sufficient Vitamin D, Vitamin K & Magnesium to assist in transporting & using your Calcium also.

Cutting out dairy is likely to be a major turning-point for acne sufferers. It can significantly reduce the contributing factors to acne lesions and greatly improve the results of nutritional supplementation. Remember to keep the skin hydrated with your SkinB5 Acne Control Moisturiser to effectively moisturise the skin and help balance the sebum, and after only a couple of weeks of cutting out dairy many people notice a very big difference!

You’ve heard it many times before…to drink lots and lots of water! But often the full picture gets a little unclear sometimes. The thing is, we all know that water is good for us but it’s not a habit that many of us form. And that means extra attention needs to be paid to our skin to prevent skin damage and clogged pores. However if you yearn for clearer and smoother skin, the chances are that forming the habit of drinking enough water won’t be too difficult to achieve.

The fact is that our skin is the largest living organ in the body and it is made up of cells. And skin cells, like any other cell in the body, are made up of water. Without water, your body cannot function correctly and it will struggle to eliminate toxins from the body. When this happens, your body will look to other ways of emitting toxins and can often result in breakouts on the skin. So then what exactly makes water a beauty essential to the skin in drying times?  And what is the best way to add water to the skin?

Drinking adequate water everyday helps keep your skin cleansed and hydrated, boosting beautiful clear skin. Water flushes out toxins and impurities out of your system (removes any buildup of dirt that clogs the pores) thus keeping skin looking young and preventing wrinkles. If the body is even slightly dehydrated and the pores become clogged, the skin will allow bacteria to thrive. So be sure to grab a glass of water as often as you can especially during the hot, summer times.

However hydrating your skin from the inside out isn’t any excuse to skip using skincare products. Keep in mind moisturizing your skin both internally and externally is necessary for healthy, beautiful skin. Just remember simple is key and keeping your skin clean is also important. Many people use harsh cleansers that can actually strip the skin of important hydration and can leave your skin feeling tight, dry or looking dull. If you have oily skin, try a gentle foaming cleanser. I suggest to try out SkinB5’s Cleansing Mousse Cleanser. It’s very gentle on the skin, helps remove the excess oil you may get particularly in the warmer months and does not clog your pores or dries out the skin.  It is also important to wash your face with lukewarm water, as water that is too hot can break capillaries, cause redness, and damage cells, and cold water will not allow your pores to completely open.

After cleansing it is essential to keep your skin well moisturized. Drying times calls for SkinB5’s Acne Control Moisturizer. It’s light, non-comedogenic, antioxidant-rich formula seals in moisture and prevents dryness and water loss in the skin. And remember a moisturized skin that is more elastic, looks fuller and shows fewer signs of aging. It also helps prevent impurities like blackheads and pimples through better detoxification.

During the drier months, acne and other blemishes (blackheads, whiteheads, and small bumps) can occur. Other skin conditions can also flare up and skin loses water, vitamins and other nutrients.  One of the fastest and most effective way to immediately hydrate your skin is to give your skin a mini facial using a purifying mask, using SkinB5’s 5 Minute Purifying Mask is not only quick but it actually helps rehydrate, cool and prevent breakouts by purifying and detoxifying the pores. It rejuvenates and repairs the skin from the day’s damage.

And lastly here’s how to prepare your skin internally before hitting the sun!

EAT your water: Eating foods high in water content can help hydrate your skin from the inside out. So indulge on fresh fruits and vegetables; the water they provide is more easily absorbed by our cells and they support the healthy production of collagen and elastin, which keeps the skin supple.

Take supplements that contain Zinc and vitamins as they shield your skin from UV rays-produced free radicals and help treat acne. Try out SkinB5’s Acne Control Caplets, they are suitable for all skin types (excellent for acne sufferers with dry skin) and helps support healthy skin renewal, keeping skin looking super fresh.  

The bottom-line? Water is important for glowing and healthy skin especially in drying times. And if you really want to see a difference in your skin make SkinB5 a part of your daily skincare regimen.

You would think that my only issue in high school was having a last name like ‘Romp’, well try having that and being prone to the worst kind of acne… the ‘Eiffel Tower’ kind…

  Let me explain…

  Whenever I had a HUGE pimple, like one of those pimples that makes your skin all red and tight and a headache is inevitable unless you squeeze the life out of that sucker… (I know you know the ones), my mum would say, “Has it got big flashing lights on it?” and then proceed to tell me that those pimples are known as ‘Eiffel Towers’. Now let me tell you, going to the real Eiffel Tower would be a dream come true! But when it’s on your face? Well the last name ‘Romp’ suddenly doesn’t sound so bad!

  I was lucky enough to be the one of the first of my friends to go through puberty… Who am I kidding? They were still enjoying being carefree kids while I was stuck dealing with crazy mood swings and of course acne. No, it’s not my definition of lucky either. However, as the optimist that I am, I always reminded myself that very soon they will all be joining my moody rollercoaster, acne struggles and the rest of the lovely additions to your life you receive when you go through the so-called ‘beautiful process of becoming a woman’, the best part being I would have already learnt to deal with the moods AND found a cure for acne.

  To my disappointment I watched my main friendship group go pimple free for majority of their high school lives, whilst I tried every possible solution to my pimples I possibly could find.

  Now let’s just pause my sob-story for a moment. I would just like to point out that although my dramatic tone suggests my face was a war zone where there was a battle for territory between pimples and black heads, I do realise that it was never THAT bad. However, it was enough to give my confidence and self-esteem a decent punch to the guts.

  Because of my acne, I did suffer from negative self-image at times and it was only made worse because of my outgoing nature. It meant that I was often in front of a lot of people, who I always felt were staring at the big Eiffel Tower on my face, (you know, the one with the big flashing lights on it), instead of focusing on my oral presentation or speech.

  But thank the Lord! There is a happy ending to this tragic tale! Once I finished high school, I was fortunate enough to be offered a job with SkinB5 where I was encouraged to try the products to prevent and manage my acne. I will admit. I was skeptical at first. I had tried so many different products over the last few years that hadn’t worked; I didn’t expect this to be any different. So I experimented with the moisturiser first, and I was shocked at how even the next day, half of the flashing lights had disappeared. Then I ventured out a little further and tried the Cleansing Mousse and mask - I couldn’t believe it! My face had never felt so clean! I stopped wearing make up even though I still had pimples - however, these bad boys were nothing compared to the Eiffel Towers I used to get! Eventually I tried the tablets and my goodness my face! I got my face back! And oh, how I had missed it!

When many people think of someone with acne, many times they automatically think of teens. But is acne limited to only teenagers? Absolutely not. Some people suffer acne well beyond their teenage years, and occasionally acne doesn’t rear its head until their 20’s or 30’s! There are many sufferers out there who have breakouts well into their 40’s and 50’s.

Statistics say that 25% of adult males, and 50% of adult females will experience breakouts at some stage during their adult years - it is strikingly more common for women due to the hormonal fluctuations. Sadly, one third of adults who get acne also suffer with it on their back and body. The international Journal of Cosmetic Science stated in 2004 that “there appears to be an increase in post-adolescent acne, and that the disease is lasting longer and is requiring treatment well into the mid-forties.” One of the reasons for acne being more common in adults is postulated to be the common western diet (Melnick, 2012) which contributes to hormonal problems and sebum control.

Adult acne can often be a continuation of the hormonal acne that began in the teens. This is a very common cause for men, however sometimes there can be external and internal changes that begin later in life to cause the breakouts. These can be changes in hormones from childbirth, contraceptive medications or menopause for women; and things such as dietary changes, nutrient deficiencies and stress can affect both sexes.

It is so important to treat adult acne from within to get to the core of the problem. Treating the breakouts externally may reduce some inflammation and clean the pores, but it certainly will not assist the underlying cause of hormonal imbalances etc.

The same approach can be taken to treat adult acne as with teenagers, but getting to the root cause of the problem is essential. The most likely cause is a change in adult hormones which causes the breakouts, therefore my recommendation is to use the SkinB5’s Acne Control Tablets with the high strength vitamin B5, along with their Acne Control Caplets which contains Vitex. Vitex is a herb traditionally used for hormone balancing, and studies have shown that it can greatly assist in reducing breakouts. The Tablets contain a powerful dose of vitamin B5 and zinc, along with other important nutrients, which are often required in higher doses when one is under stress. The nutrients in the Tablets & Caplets are also important for the production of hormones – Zinc is involved in over 300 different processes in the body, and if you are Zinc deficient you are more likely to experience hormonal imbalances, lower resistance to infections and more frequent mood fluctuations.

Adult acne has long been a challenge for sufferers to get control of. Thankfully science is now beginning to understand the root cause, and therefore the natural treatment of adult acne has been hugely successful. I have seen many people use the SkinB5 internal & external regime, and finally become blemish-free for the first time in their adult life.

Yours in health, Haley

I don’t personally use a lot of hair products. I did in years past. Like most men in the 90s I would gel my hair up like a Backstreet Boy. Then in the 2000’s I would scruff it up with a matte finish wax or paste. Going out in my early 20’s I would add hairspray for reasons I can’t recall and until recently I would add oil to condition and treat my beard.

However I’ve now adopted what I consider to be the peak of masculinity – the shaved head. What grunts masculine more than a man who shaved his head to avoid washing it or applying products, yet at the same time sports a healthy beard? Nothing, and as you can read, I’m really chuffed with myself.

So now that I’ve all but done away with hair products, I’m to learn that they can in fact contribute to acne break outs! So it looks like my idea had more benefit than I initially appreciated!

You may not have considered it previously, but the hair products you use can affect the health of your skin. Acne caused by pimples caused by hair products are referred to as “pomade acne”.

Hair products will affect people to different degrees, as everyone’s skin is different. The most common problematic additives and chemicals in hair products include:

Petroleum-based products (often in serums and masks)

Fragrances

Sulphates (common in shampoo)

Silicones (also common in shampoos and conditioners)

Just as how you would take caution to oily moisturisers, you should take the same care with oil-based or cream based products such as hair masks. These can clog pores and continue to do so after you’ve washed the product out.

Now I’m thinking those beard oils were a bad idea!

Break outs that occur at the hairline or sideburn area are a logical connection to the hair products you use. However dermatologists can also connect product used to cases of pomade acne on the upper forehead and jaw.

Upon reflection, I had a period where I was almost clear of acne, save for troublesome spots across my upper forehead. Since shaving my head, this hasn’t been a problem.

Logically, as you apply hair spray is will not fall exclusively to your hair. The spray can fall on your face, shoulders and neck. Even gels, oils or waves can cause breakouts as they come into contact with your scalp and during a workout, or a hot day can cause the product to dilute and travel down your face.

When applying shampoo or conditioner, be sure to wash them out thoroughly and quickly after applying. I like to use the SkinB5 Cleansing mousse in the shower, and it would be helpful to use this after shampooing.

If you are concerned one of your hair products could be causing break outs, stop using them (if possible) for a week or so, and slowly introduce shampoos or waxes one at a time. Should you notice any changes this could help identify problematic products!

Alternatively, you can follow my lead and shave it all off. However if you’d like to keep your hair, trial different products and see what works for your skin. You may be surprised by the difference it can make!  

  Who is Nick Bell?

Nick joins SkinB5 as a writer, contributing monthly to the blog.

We all know we have 5 senses, but how can we use them all to reduce stress?  Reducing stress will help to increase our energy, motivation and give us that rejuvenated post holiday glow. 

Sometimes we just have to be more mindful in the things we do to increase the effect on our senses.

  1. SIGHT & SOUND

Switch Off: Whatever electronic devise you are looking at :) 

Most of us spend hours at work on computers, check our phones in our breaks (or whilst we're supposed to be working) and then come home to be online again or watch TV. In 2001 it was discovered that exposing your eyes to light at the blue end of the spectrum (that from computer screens etc) suppresses the production of melatonin, our sleep hormone. Essentially, when you spend time with a blue light-emitting device, your brain thinks its daylight so doesn't want to let the zzz's come easily. Blue light can delay onset of REM sleep by 30 mins.

  2. SIGHT, SMELL, TASTE & SOUND

Cook (with a friend or loved one) - Now that you're off Facebook, you can spend quality time in the kitchen with a friend or partner. Chat while you chop, enjoy a red wine and talk through all those things that are causing you stress and anxiety. I can guarantee that chatting about things to a loved one will make them feel far less daunting.

  3. SIGHT & TOUCH 

Read a book - A Professor of Sleep Medicine from Harvard (Charles Czeisler), has found that reading electronic books before we go to bed causes us to take longer to get to sleep and causes us to feel less alert in the mornings. So if you have a Kindle wear orange glasses that filter that blue light or go back to the good old paperback.

   4. SIGHT, HEARING, SMELL, TOUCH and even a little TASTE… if you finish off your glass of wine from dinner whilst reading your book in the bath ;)

Home Spa - A bubble bath, scented candle, face & hair mask - SkinB5 face wash and mask are a must try.

  5. TOUCH, SMELL, HEARING

Sleep - what’s better than the feeling and smell of clean sheets on your bed. If you've switched off, connected with friends, eaten well and relaxed in the bath, sleep should come easy. But if you're still having trouble a guided meditation or simply the whir of a fan may help you drift off for those well-earned zzz's.

  Venessa Nickless Yoga, Health Coaching & Pilates Practitioner in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Her adrenal exhaustion, terrible skin problems and digestion issues led her to taking steps to revitalise her health & energy by changing diet; which includes daily use of SkinB5 supplements and skin products to this day.