Health by CHOCOLATE! Yep, I said it! Chocolate that is good for you! One of the most common questions I get when women begin my fat loss plans is actually “can I still eat chocolate?” (and of course, “can I still drink a glass of wine?!” lol). I always say yes. Truth is, there are SO many health benefits that can come from chocolate (it could actually even pass as a superfood maybe)…as long as you are eating the right kind of chocolate – because there is a lot that can go WRONG with chocolate, too. I had Jonahtan on from my personal favorite chocolate company Living Ratio to tell us all about what we should be looking for in our chocolate.
Doug Grant is known as “The Formulator” and has made SUCH A BIG difference in my life in terms of testing and supplements. I mean, who knew that you’re actually supposed to FEEL your supplements when you take them?! Lol I didn’t – and never did, until I started taking his. They are such high quality supplements that I can actually FEEL the difference when I take them. I feel more alert, more energized, more focused. Not in a caffeine way…but just an extra edge in your performance. Come to find out, a lot of the supplements we can find out there (even if from a “good natural brand”) are synthetics and make it hard for our body to even use – if it even can!
As women in our 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond, we HAVE done some damage to our skin from sun and years of the wrong products. Continuing on the path of my non-toxic journey, I wanted to have Gin Amber, a holistic esthetician, and CEO of Gin Amber Beauty. As I was sharing about foods for thriving in midlife on a stage recently in the Dominican Republic, Gin was sitting in the audience agreeing to everything I was saying. The more we started talking, the more I began drooling over how amazing her skin was! Come to find out, she was the creator of the non toxic brand Gin Amber Beauty, and I wanted to have her teach us how we can prevent further damage and what we can do about the damage that has already been done!
If you see her on video, you would never imagine that Gin had struggled with really bad skin issues. I mean, her skin is literally flawless. But she was battling A LOT of skin issues that eventually started really taking a toll even on her mental health. In time, she realized just how much diet, nutrition, lifestyle, our thoughts, our sleep, what we put on our skin, etc. really played a very important role in our skin and health OVERALL.
Our skin absorbs things within 26 seconds and goes into the bloodstream – and when your skin starts screaming at you (in any way, shape, or form), it’s screaming that your body is actually full of toxins so badly that it’s seeping through the surface. What’s crazy about the skin is that it’s the LAST place these issues will actually show up. In fact, by the time you have “sensitive skin”, you already technically have an immune system weakness.
What’s The Deal with Retin-A and Hydroquinone?
Retin-A and Hydroquinone are both prescription strength products for your skin. Ironically, they are both also forbidden for use if you are pregnant. Which leads the question – if they can’t use it pregnant, should you be using it either? These products will lead to not only disrupted hormones, but also lead to sensitive skin and further skin issues.
Everything Is Toxic Though…What’s the Point?
We can’t avoid 100% of toxins – but we can significantly reduce…whatever we have control over. It’s more about REDUCING your toxic load than cleaning EVERYTHING up because the truth is, even the air we breathe is toxic. The goal is to reduce as much as you can, even if it’s a little bit at a time.
What to Look For In Your Skincare Brands
Skincare in the United States is unfortunately not regulated by the FDA. There is no regulation on what you can do and what can be included in the products you are purchasing and applying to your body. You have to check for third party certifications and do your own research. In order to obtain these, you have to submit paperwork, labs, samples, etc. in order to get these stamps of approval. You definitely want a product that has these certifications. And honestly, the smaller the business, the better the quality oftentimes.
What About Microneedling vs. Dermaroller?
Microneedling/derma-rolling is the BEST way to increase collagen in your skin. Microneedling is also called collagen induction therapy. When you roll the needles over your skin, you are creating micro-traumas that encourage your skin to repair and heal itself. When you break down the skin properly, you start growing healthy new skin cells.
But with anything, it’s important to do your own research. But from Gin Amber’s point of view and research, as long as you are using the RIGHT type of needles on your dermaroller, it does not make a difference if you are doing the treatment at home vs. in the spa/clinic. However, there ARE a lot of companies that make “dermarollers” just to make a buck, but they do not make the dermaroller properly with needles and the way they make them can actually DAMAGE your skin instead of encouraging it to heal and repair itself.
How Do I Start Dermarolling?
If you’re new to dermarolling, it is recommended that you start on the smaller size (0.25mm) once per week. If you’re using one of Gin Amber’s rollers, you can use it 10 times before you need to replace the roller because it will become dull. Make sure to disinfect the roller before and after use every single time you use it. You can use rubbing alcohol, but this step is very important.
✨ Learn more, take the quiz, and shop non-toxic skincare and dermarollers at https://ginamber.com/ – be sure to use the code NATALIEJILL at checkout to save!
About Gin Amber
Gin Amber has had a lifelong passion for wellness, skincare, and beauty. She is passionate about her work because at the heart of it is you. She wants you to be the best version of yourself – confident, healthy, and beautiful. That’s why she iscommitted to bringing you the best skincare tools, and natural and organic products with high-quality ingredients.
Her commitmentis shaped by her personal struggles, including her battle with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder that caused her much pain and suffering. Gin overcame this disease, and she shared her story and other life experiences, as well as tips on health and overall wellness because she believes that beauty starts from within.
I had a whole host of strange symptoms. Fortunately, Laura interrupted my spiral and said, “Did you know that your gut and parasites can cause blood sugar dysregulation?” I thought someone like me who eats so perfectly can’t possibly have parasites. BUT I did! And Laura helped kickstart my total detox journey from Parasites, to Heavy Metals, to Mold, and general Detoxing
I met Dr. Sabrina Solt when I first moved to Scottsdale and in addition to her looking airbrushed in real life (literally, her skin is FLAWLESS), we bonded over scars from breast explant surgery! Her scars were basically non-existent looking and I HAD to know what her secret was. Come to learn, she is a naturopathic doctor who is also a genius with needles – from peptides to regenerative therapies, to prolotherapy, skin treatments and more!
