How to Manage Stress for Better Skin
written BY MEGAN WRIGHT · APRIL 09, 2022
During Stress Awareness Month this April, we challenge you to make a few changes to combat the stress in your life. The good news is that we also have access to endless resources to cope with stress – many of them right at our fingertips!
For a variety of reasons, this may be considered to be one of the most stressful times to be alive. In addition to normal daily stressors of work and family, we are dealing with stressors outside our immediate control – pandemics, economic downturns, international conflict, etc. While it’s true that past generations have dealt with many of the same issues that we face today, we are constantly bombarded with information from all over the globe through all forms of media.
Your body interprets all forms of stress in the same way. So, whether you’re dealing with emotional, mental, or psychological stress, your body goes through a similar hormone response. The release of the stress hormone, cortisol, and inflammatory proteins called cytokines, affect the whole body. Stress increases your heart rate and blood pressure, increases your appetite and fat storage causing weight gain, and disrupts your sleep.
Here are a few ways that stress affects your appearance:
Wrinkles - We think of stress causing muscle tension in our neck and shoulders, but during times of stress you may also be holding tension in the muscles of your face–think of a furrowed brow.
Acne - The stress hormones such as cortisol and cytokines can trigger an overproduction of oil from the sebaceous glands in your skin which can lead to breakouts.
Dark Circles - The skin around the eyes is especially delicate and can show signs of dehydration and aging more quickly than other areas on your face. Due to the capillaries being so close to the surface of the skin, the under eye area shows fluid build up (puffiness) and broken capillaries and bruising (dark circles) more prominently.
Dry Skin - Recent research has shown that the stress hormones impair the skin’s protective barrier leaving it prone to environmental damage and loss of hydration.
Crepey Skin - Similar to the causes of acne and inflammation, aging is thought to be caused by increased levels of chronic stress hormones. Cortisol and cytokines break down collagen and elastin leaving skin thin and papery with fine lines.
While you can’t eliminate the stress from your life, you may be able to make a few simple changes to help manage your body’s reaction to stress – and some may improve your skin as well!
Ways to manage stress:
A nightly skincare routine does double duty as a bedtime routine. Check out our suggested skincare routine here.
By: Dr. Megan C. Wright, PT, DPT
Megan C. Wright, PT, DPT is an authority in health and wellness content with over ten years of clinical experience as well as a freelance health writer. Megan received a BA in English from the University of Virginia and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Marymount University. Megan lives outside Richmond, Virginia with her husband and three young boys.
For a variety of reasons, this may be considered to be one of the most stressful times to be alive. In addition to normal daily stressors of work and family, we are dealing with stressors outside our immediate control – pandemics, economic downturns, international conflict, etc. While it’s true that past generations have dealt with many of the same issues that we face today, we are constantly bombarded with information from all over the globe through all forms of media.
Your body interprets all forms of stress in the same way. So, whether you’re dealing with emotional, mental, or psychological stress, your body goes through a similar hormone response. The release of the stress hormone, cortisol, and inflammatory proteins called cytokines, affect the whole body. Stress increases your heart rate and blood pressure, increases your appetite and fat storage causing weight gain, and disrupts your sleep.
Here are a few ways that stress affects your appearance:
Wrinkles - We think of stress causing muscle tension in our neck and shoulders, but during times of stress you may also be holding tension in the muscles of your face–think of a furrowed brow.
Acne - The stress hormones such as cortisol and cytokines can trigger an overproduction of oil from the sebaceous glands in your skin which can lead to breakouts.
Dark Circles - The skin around the eyes is especially delicate and can show signs of dehydration and aging more quickly than other areas on your face. Due to the capillaries being so close to the surface of the skin, the under eye area shows fluid build up (puffiness) and broken capillaries and bruising (dark circles) more prominently.
Dry Skin - Recent research has shown that the stress hormones impair the skin’s protective barrier leaving it prone to environmental damage and loss of hydration.
Crepey Skin - Similar to the causes of acne and inflammation, aging is thought to be caused by increased levels of chronic stress hormones. Cortisol and cytokines break down collagen and elastin leaving skin thin and papery with fine lines.
While you can’t eliminate the stress from your life, you may be able to make a few simple changes to help manage your body’s reaction to stress – and some may improve your skin as well!
Ways to manage stress:
- Self-Care - “Self-care” seems to be a hot topic these days. But what does it really mean? Self-care will look different for everyone, so take time to reflect on what helps you to disconnect from stress triggers and relax. Experiment with different types of self-care – meditation, journaling, a massage, a bath – find something that works for you!
- Make Sleep a Priority - Sleep is when our bodies rest and repair. Create a calming routine to help you wind-down and get ready to sleep. As you create the pre-bedtime habit, your body will associate the routine with sleep!
A nightly skincare routine does double duty as a bedtime routine. Check out our suggested skincare routine here.
- Exercise - It is well known that exercise is essential to positive physical, mental, and emotional health. This may be related to the fact that exercise has a direct effect on the amount of the body’s stress hormone, cortisol. Exercise also forces deep breathing, which helps your body turn off the fight-or-flight response.
- Connect with Others - Personal relationships are important in managing stress. Make time to talk to friends or family about how you’re feeling or seek professional counseling.
By: Dr. Megan C. Wright, PT, DPT
Megan C. Wright, PT, DPT is an authority in health and wellness content with over ten years of clinical experience as well as a freelance health writer. Megan received a BA in English from the University of Virginia and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Marymount University. Megan lives outside Richmond, Virginia with her husband and three young boys.
What’s the difference between
Frownies Facial Patches and other facial patches?
Frownies Facial Patches and other facial patches?
written BY MEGAN WRIGHT · APRIL 25, 2022
There is a good reason that Frownies Facial Patches has been Hollywood’s best kept secret for over 130 years – They work! Although there are a number of similar products on the market today, Frownies, the Original Wrinkle Patch, is superior for many reasons:
And because Frownies Facial Patches do not contain active ingredients, they are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding!
Helen Morrison, the great-great granddaughter of the inventor of Frownies Facial Patches and the current face of the brand across social media platforms, recently tried several other brands of facial patches to give insight to Frownies followers about the differences she noticed between facial patches.
By: Dr. Megan C. Wright, PT, DPT
Megan C. Wright, PT, DPT is an authority in health and wellness content with over ten years of clinical experience as well as a freelance health writer. Megan received a BA in English from the University of Virginia and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Marymount University. Megan lives outside Richmond, Virginia with her husband and three young boys.
- Frownies Facial Patches train facial muscles.
- Frownies Facial Patches may be shaped to fit individual needs.
- Frownies Facial Patches may be worn over individualized skincare routine.
And because Frownies Facial Patches do not contain active ingredients, they are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding!
- Frownies Facial Patches are cost effective.
- Frownies Facial Patches are one-time use only.
- Frownies Facial Patches are recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable!
Helen Morrison, the great-great granddaughter of the inventor of Frownies Facial Patches and the current face of the brand across social media platforms, recently tried several other brands of facial patches to give insight to Frownies followers about the differences she noticed between facial patches.
By: Dr. Megan C. Wright, PT, DPT
Megan C. Wright, PT, DPT is an authority in health and wellness content with over ten years of clinical experience as well as a freelance health writer. Megan received a BA in English from the University of Virginia and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Marymount University. Megan lives outside Richmond, Virginia with her husband and three young boys.
9 Foods to Fight the Inflammation Fire
Written BY SALLY WRIGHT · MAY 03, 2019
SKIN AND INFLAMMATION
FROWNIES president has been a health and wellness Naturapath for over 30 years. She knows Inflammation is a buzzword in the wellness world and anti-inflammatory diets are all the health rage right now.
Wondering what it actually is to have inflammation, how it affects you and why it’s so bad? Inflammation is not inherently bad. In fact, we need it! Inflammation (in it’s acute stage) is the body’s natural response to heal and protect itself from injury and infection. When the body’s inflammatory response is prolonged, it can lead to a state of chronic inflammation, which is symptom that the immune system is revving in overdrive. Ultimately, chronic inflammation quickly wears down the immune system which is why inflammation is often found at the root of most health issues and diseases today (accelerated aging, autoimmunity, IBS, arthritis, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, dementia and all sorts of cancers).
CAUSES OF INFLAMMATION
If you experience any of the above warning signs (or your CRP levels are higher than 1 mg/L) don’t worry–-food is one of the most powerful medicines for fighting inflammation. What you choose to put on your fork will either feed the inflammation fire or extinguish it. The best way to sop the damage from inflammation on a cellular level is to eat a diet full of anti-inflammatory foods. An anti-inflammatory diet is consists of foods that are widely regarded to as healthy, including those high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients. Here is a list of foods to keep chronic inflammation in check.
INFLAMMATION FIGHTING FOODS
BLUEBERRIES
Blueberries, and other dark-colored berries, contain a broad range of antioxidants, specifically resveratrol, gallic acid and proanthocyanidins, which protect you from oxidative stress and have been shown to reduce markers of inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory prescription: Include half a cup of blueberries in your diet several times a week, like in a Blueberry Kale Smoothie.
GINGER
Ginger has been a prized food in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years owing to its powerful immune-boosting and cleansing properties. It is rich in inflammation-fighting compounds that have been shown to help with pain relief.
Anti-inflammatory prescription: Add one teaspoon of dried ginger powder or one tablespoon of fresh ginger root to your meals a few times a week. A great way to use fresh ginger root is grated and added to sauces and salad dressings; it’s also great in drinks, like a Ginger Lemonade.
CACAO
Cacao is unroasted so it contains up to twice the antioxidants of traditional cocoa which is made from roasted beans. Cacao is a rich dietary source of the mineral magnesium and magnesium deficiency is strongly linked with inflammatory conditions.
Anti-inflammatory prescription: Eat a square of 85% dark chocolate a day (that’s right!) or, better yet, use raw cacao powder and cacao nibs for the antioxidant benefits without the sugar, in a smoothie or Hormone-Balancing Hot Coco.
TURMERIC
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which helps with everything from pain relief to managing chronic disease. Studies have shown curcumin to be more effective in reducing inflammation and pain than aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin)!
Anti-inflammatory prescription: Add ½ teaspoon of dried turmeric powder or ½ inch of the fresh root to your diet a few times a week. Combining turmeric with a little pinch of black pepper may significantly increase the intestinal absorption of turmeric, a savory pancake recipe could include both. Some people may not want to spice their food with turmeric often, so an alternative is taking it daily in supplement form.
GREEN TEA
Green tea is rich in anti-inflammatory polyphenols, particularly EGCG, which is a powerful antioxidant known for inhibiting cancer cell growth and reducing risk for heart disease.
Anti-inflammatory prescription: Replace one of your daily coffees with green tea (coconut milk matcha latte sound yummy?) or try cooled green tea as the liquid base of your smoothie.
LEAFY GREEN VEGGIES
Leafy greens without a doubt are always included in the list of foods for fighting inflation because of their incredible nutrient density! Super rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, A, E, as well as tons of other vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, leafy greens protect against oxidative stress caused by free radical damage. There are lots of great ones to choose from–-spinach, collard greens, swiss chard, watercress, dandelion greens, mustard greens, etc.–so mix it up people!
Anti-inflammatory prescription: Aim to get in two servings of raw or cooked leafy greens per day! just put them in everything–smoothies, tofu scramble, kale wraps, stir fry, sandwiches, salads, sauted…… get creative and get the greens in already!
CRUCIFEROUS VEGGIES
Cruciferous veggies include broccoli, cauliflower, kale, bok choy, cabbage and Brussels sprouts among others and are invaluable to an anti-inflammatory diet. The flavonoids and carotenoids work together to battle chronic inflammation and reduce cancer risk.
Anti-inflammatory prescription: Include a serving of cruciferous veggies a day. They can be delicious, like in a Cauliflower Rice Tabbouleh, or pureed cauliflower soup.
FERMENTED FOODS
Gut problems like leaky gut and dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) activate the immune system and set off an inflammatory cascade in the body. Your gut microbes team up with immune cells to boost their overall defense, protecting you against bad bacteria and other pathogens and toxins. Introducing good bacteria into your gut via fermented foods will boost your gut’s defenses and reduce chronic inflammation. Fermented foods are lacto-fermented, raw and contain live cultures and enzymes. Some great ones are sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, kefir, and yogurt.
Anti-inflammatory prescription: Include at least one of these foods into your diet each day, i.e. add 1 spoonful of sauerkraut or kimchi to a lunch wrap or sandwich, eat yogurt (the blueberries we mentioned) and nuts, or drink 4 ounces of kombucha.
COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil has so many health benefits (boosts metabolism, balances hormones, anti-microbial to name a few) and high levels of antioxidants for healing inflammation is one of them!
Anti-inflammatory prescription: Include at least 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to your diet each day. Blend in your coffee (creates an almost creamy and frothy effect). Add it to your smoothies as a source of good fat to keep you full all morning. Sauté and roast your veggies in it. It may sound strange, but eat a spoonful after lunch to satisfy a sugar craving (I’ve done this so many times). You can even use it as a moisturizer for skin and hair!
There you have it – using food as medicine will totally douse the fire of chronic inflammation! Mentioned were just a few suggestions, but adding a wide variety of nutrient-dense foods will provide an effective anti-inflammatory diet. In addition to diet, be sure you’re also focusing on gut health, managing stress, optimizing sleep, exercising, and minimizing toxins in your environment, food, and personal care products.
FROWNIES president has been a health and wellness Naturapath for over 30 years. She knows Inflammation is a buzzword in the wellness world and anti-inflammatory diets are all the health rage right now.
Wondering what it actually is to have inflammation, how it affects you and why it’s so bad? Inflammation is not inherently bad. In fact, we need it! Inflammation (in it’s acute stage) is the body’s natural response to heal and protect itself from injury and infection. When the body’s inflammatory response is prolonged, it can lead to a state of chronic inflammation, which is symptom that the immune system is revving in overdrive. Ultimately, chronic inflammation quickly wears down the immune system which is why inflammation is often found at the root of most health issues and diseases today (accelerated aging, autoimmunity, IBS, arthritis, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, dementia and all sorts of cancers).
CAUSES OF INFLAMMATION
- Standard American diet – high in refined sugars, gluten, diary, and hydrogenated oils (just to touch on how bad the norm is)
- Gut health issues
- Stress
- Environmental toxins
- Lack of sleep
- Sedentary lifestyle
If you experience any of the above warning signs (or your CRP levels are higher than 1 mg/L) don’t worry–-food is one of the most powerful medicines for fighting inflammation. What you choose to put on your fork will either feed the inflammation fire or extinguish it. The best way to sop the damage from inflammation on a cellular level is to eat a diet full of anti-inflammatory foods. An anti-inflammatory diet is consists of foods that are widely regarded to as healthy, including those high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients. Here is a list of foods to keep chronic inflammation in check.
INFLAMMATION FIGHTING FOODS
BLUEBERRIES
Blueberries, and other dark-colored berries, contain a broad range of antioxidants, specifically resveratrol, gallic acid and proanthocyanidins, which protect you from oxidative stress and have been shown to reduce markers of inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory prescription: Include half a cup of blueberries in your diet several times a week, like in a Blueberry Kale Smoothie.
GINGER
Ginger has been a prized food in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years owing to its powerful immune-boosting and cleansing properties. It is rich in inflammation-fighting compounds that have been shown to help with pain relief.
Anti-inflammatory prescription: Add one teaspoon of dried ginger powder or one tablespoon of fresh ginger root to your meals a few times a week. A great way to use fresh ginger root is grated and added to sauces and salad dressings; it’s also great in drinks, like a Ginger Lemonade.
CACAO
Cacao is unroasted so it contains up to twice the antioxidants of traditional cocoa which is made from roasted beans. Cacao is a rich dietary source of the mineral magnesium and magnesium deficiency is strongly linked with inflammatory conditions.
Anti-inflammatory prescription: Eat a square of 85% dark chocolate a day (that’s right!) or, better yet, use raw cacao powder and cacao nibs for the antioxidant benefits without the sugar, in a smoothie or Hormone-Balancing Hot Coco.
TURMERIC
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which helps with everything from pain relief to managing chronic disease. Studies have shown curcumin to be more effective in reducing inflammation and pain than aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin)!
Anti-inflammatory prescription: Add ½ teaspoon of dried turmeric powder or ½ inch of the fresh root to your diet a few times a week. Combining turmeric with a little pinch of black pepper may significantly increase the intestinal absorption of turmeric, a savory pancake recipe could include both. Some people may not want to spice their food with turmeric often, so an alternative is taking it daily in supplement form.
GREEN TEA
Green tea is rich in anti-inflammatory polyphenols, particularly EGCG, which is a powerful antioxidant known for inhibiting cancer cell growth and reducing risk for heart disease.
Anti-inflammatory prescription: Replace one of your daily coffees with green tea (coconut milk matcha latte sound yummy?) or try cooled green tea as the liquid base of your smoothie.
LEAFY GREEN VEGGIES
Leafy greens without a doubt are always included in the list of foods for fighting inflation because of their incredible nutrient density! Super rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, A, E, as well as tons of other vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, leafy greens protect against oxidative stress caused by free radical damage. There are lots of great ones to choose from–-spinach, collard greens, swiss chard, watercress, dandelion greens, mustard greens, etc.–so mix it up people!
Anti-inflammatory prescription: Aim to get in two servings of raw or cooked leafy greens per day! just put them in everything–smoothies, tofu scramble, kale wraps, stir fry, sandwiches, salads, sauted…… get creative and get the greens in already!
CRUCIFEROUS VEGGIES
Cruciferous veggies include broccoli, cauliflower, kale, bok choy, cabbage and Brussels sprouts among others and are invaluable to an anti-inflammatory diet. The flavonoids and carotenoids work together to battle chronic inflammation and reduce cancer risk.
Anti-inflammatory prescription: Include a serving of cruciferous veggies a day. They can be delicious, like in a Cauliflower Rice Tabbouleh, or pureed cauliflower soup.
FERMENTED FOODS
Gut problems like leaky gut and dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) activate the immune system and set off an inflammatory cascade in the body. Your gut microbes team up with immune cells to boost their overall defense, protecting you against bad bacteria and other pathogens and toxins. Introducing good bacteria into your gut via fermented foods will boost your gut’s defenses and reduce chronic inflammation. Fermented foods are lacto-fermented, raw and contain live cultures and enzymes. Some great ones are sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, kefir, and yogurt.
Anti-inflammatory prescription: Include at least one of these foods into your diet each day, i.e. add 1 spoonful of sauerkraut or kimchi to a lunch wrap or sandwich, eat yogurt (the blueberries we mentioned) and nuts, or drink 4 ounces of kombucha.
COCONUT OIL
Coconut oil has so many health benefits (boosts metabolism, balances hormones, anti-microbial to name a few) and high levels of antioxidants for healing inflammation is one of them!
Anti-inflammatory prescription: Include at least 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to your diet each day. Blend in your coffee (creates an almost creamy and frothy effect). Add it to your smoothies as a source of good fat to keep you full all morning. Sauté and roast your veggies in it. It may sound strange, but eat a spoonful after lunch to satisfy a sugar craving (I’ve done this so many times). You can even use it as a moisturizer for skin and hair!
There you have it – using food as medicine will totally douse the fire of chronic inflammation! Mentioned were just a few suggestions, but adding a wide variety of nutrient-dense foods will provide an effective anti-inflammatory diet. In addition to diet, be sure you’re also focusing on gut health, managing stress, optimizing sleep, exercising, and minimizing toxins in your environment, food, and personal care products.
5 Ways to Rejuvenate Skin
written BY SALLY WRIGHT · MAY 01, 2019
It seems to us at FROWNIES like everyone is going vegan—celebrities, former presidents, eating advocates, and younger people are changing their diet for the many benefits going vegan allows. The movement continues to grow at a very impressive rate, and we want to support the movement of going vegan or at least adding lots of plants to your diet—It’s ethical, healthy, delicious, and good for your skin.
Whole Foods Diet
The food we eat is reflected in our complexion. Nourishing the body with organic fruits, vegetables, avocados, nuts, seeds, and whole-grains shows through the skin’s healthy glow, and may even reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Animal products and processed foods are not (living or) rejuvenating to the skin. We say go for the glow—eat as close to nature as possible, consume a high whole-foods diet, and make sure you are getting your greens in! If you can’t seem to manage eating them boiled, sautéed, or in salads make a fruit and greens smoothie! Fresh juices like cucumber, carrot, and celery will also beautify the skin deliver hydration and skin-nourishing and rejuvenating to the skin. Fats, vitamins, and minerals and are some of the top anti-aging foods.
The first and most important factor for healthy, radiant, youthful skin, begins with a whole foods diet. Fresh vegetables and fruits are full of antioxidants and phytochemicals and (we cannot stress it enough) are particularly important in hydrating the skin. Try to incorporate as many alkaline foods into your diet-not just for skin health but also for overall health.
Water/Hydration
We all know that drinking a lot of water is good for the skin. Here’s the problem with that message, however. The distinction needs made between hydrating with water and naturally hydrating foods. What is the point of drinking 10 glasses of water a day if you eat eggs and bacon for breakfast, turkey/cheese sandwich for lunch, and steak for dinner? Even if you sneak in a side salad or a piece of fruit, most of the food consumed in the day is dead and dehydrating. Fruits and vegetables are water-rich, even bananas and avocados (which have no juice) have a high water content. For sure keep drinking plenty of water (and stop drinking artificially sweetened drinks and sodas) but, increase your consumption of natural, water-rich plant foods. You will notice your body becomes hydrated from those foods (as well as receiving vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, etc.) and you will not feel as thirsty.
Exercise and Sleep
When you exercise there is an immediate glow and the skin looks radiant, this is because exercise improves blood circulation to the skin. Exercise also improves immunity, elevates mood, and supports sleep. Sleep is the most important when it comes to overall health. Sleep is the time when everything rests in repair mode while we rest – everything including the skin repairs. When the switch is made to exercise and eat a clean, whole foods diet, sleep quality improves. When one feels rested one is more energized to keep exercise a routine and plan for healthier eating. The holistic cycle continues for mind, body, soul – and skin.
More Than Just A Diet
There are a lot of incredible choices for vegan skin care out there. Some more expensive than others, some available in stores, others online, some are small independent local retailers some are huge corporate companies. Because Frownies products work for all skin tones, skin types, and climates you can rest assured in the our ingredients to care for valuable skin.
You carefully watch the products you put into your body, now do the same when picking out skin care products. Going vegan is not just about diet anymore—for those of you who have mastered diet take your overall health to the next level by swapping for vegan skin care and reap the many health benefits:
LESS INFLAMMATION
Non-vegan products cause inflammation to the entire body but to the skin as well and no one wants puffy swollen skin. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) call inflammation “a pathological condition underlying a number of diseases including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and chronic inflammatory diseases… Evidence that plant foods and non-nutritive constituents associated with these foods modulate immunological and inflammatory processes.” While the NIH study mostly covers diet, we all know avoiding inflammation is vital for skin care. Curb inflammation and immune disease please!
LESS SENSITIVE SKIN
No brainer: vegan skin care products work best for sensitive skin. Beauty experts note that a vegan diet typically results in healthy, incandescent looking skin—and for those with sensitive skin, plant-based products protect the glow. All the natural, plant-based ingredients in Frownies products protect against skin irritation, and we all know how irritating irritated skin is!
ETHICAL FOR THE PLANET
Many of us know that one of the greatest threats to rain-forests is the clearing of land for cattle ranches. Just like a vegan diet supports saving the planet, swapping for vegan skin care products is also ethical for the environment! Animal-based products deplete resources at unsustainable rates. Choosing plant-based products preserves the environment, because animal-based materials are not being used.
CRUELTY FREE
Using vegan products also helps protect the animals. We are all aware of the horrors of animal testing. Animal experimentation is incredibly cruel and frankly it is disheartening that animal experimentation is currently up 73%. Choosing vegan skin care products is not just good for the skin, it’s good for the conscience. Frownies products are cruelty free, join us in doing good, feeling good, and looking great!
Whole Foods Diet
The food we eat is reflected in our complexion. Nourishing the body with organic fruits, vegetables, avocados, nuts, seeds, and whole-grains shows through the skin’s healthy glow, and may even reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Animal products and processed foods are not (living or) rejuvenating to the skin. We say go for the glow—eat as close to nature as possible, consume a high whole-foods diet, and make sure you are getting your greens in! If you can’t seem to manage eating them boiled, sautéed, or in salads make a fruit and greens smoothie! Fresh juices like cucumber, carrot, and celery will also beautify the skin deliver hydration and skin-nourishing and rejuvenating to the skin. Fats, vitamins, and minerals and are some of the top anti-aging foods.
The first and most important factor for healthy, radiant, youthful skin, begins with a whole foods diet. Fresh vegetables and fruits are full of antioxidants and phytochemicals and (we cannot stress it enough) are particularly important in hydrating the skin. Try to incorporate as many alkaline foods into your diet-not just for skin health but also for overall health.
Water/Hydration
We all know that drinking a lot of water is good for the skin. Here’s the problem with that message, however. The distinction needs made between hydrating with water and naturally hydrating foods. What is the point of drinking 10 glasses of water a day if you eat eggs and bacon for breakfast, turkey/cheese sandwich for lunch, and steak for dinner? Even if you sneak in a side salad or a piece of fruit, most of the food consumed in the day is dead and dehydrating. Fruits and vegetables are water-rich, even bananas and avocados (which have no juice) have a high water content. For sure keep drinking plenty of water (and stop drinking artificially sweetened drinks and sodas) but, increase your consumption of natural, water-rich plant foods. You will notice your body becomes hydrated from those foods (as well as receiving vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, etc.) and you will not feel as thirsty.
Exercise and Sleep
When you exercise there is an immediate glow and the skin looks radiant, this is because exercise improves blood circulation to the skin. Exercise also improves immunity, elevates mood, and supports sleep. Sleep is the most important when it comes to overall health. Sleep is the time when everything rests in repair mode while we rest – everything including the skin repairs. When the switch is made to exercise and eat a clean, whole foods diet, sleep quality improves. When one feels rested one is more energized to keep exercise a routine and plan for healthier eating. The holistic cycle continues for mind, body, soul – and skin.
More Than Just A Diet
There are a lot of incredible choices for vegan skin care out there. Some more expensive than others, some available in stores, others online, some are small independent local retailers some are huge corporate companies. Because Frownies products work for all skin tones, skin types, and climates you can rest assured in the our ingredients to care for valuable skin.
You carefully watch the products you put into your body, now do the same when picking out skin care products. Going vegan is not just about diet anymore—for those of you who have mastered diet take your overall health to the next level by swapping for vegan skin care and reap the many health benefits:
LESS INFLAMMATION
Non-vegan products cause inflammation to the entire body but to the skin as well and no one wants puffy swollen skin. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) call inflammation “a pathological condition underlying a number of diseases including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and chronic inflammatory diseases… Evidence that plant foods and non-nutritive constituents associated with these foods modulate immunological and inflammatory processes.” While the NIH study mostly covers diet, we all know avoiding inflammation is vital for skin care. Curb inflammation and immune disease please!
LESS SENSITIVE SKIN
No brainer: vegan skin care products work best for sensitive skin. Beauty experts note that a vegan diet typically results in healthy, incandescent looking skin—and for those with sensitive skin, plant-based products protect the glow. All the natural, plant-based ingredients in Frownies products protect against skin irritation, and we all know how irritating irritated skin is!
ETHICAL FOR THE PLANET
Many of us know that one of the greatest threats to rain-forests is the clearing of land for cattle ranches. Just like a vegan diet supports saving the planet, swapping for vegan skin care products is also ethical for the environment! Animal-based products deplete resources at unsustainable rates. Choosing plant-based products preserves the environment, because animal-based materials are not being used.
CRUELTY FREE
Using vegan products also helps protect the animals. We are all aware of the horrors of animal testing. Animal experimentation is incredibly cruel and frankly it is disheartening that animal experimentation is currently up 73%. Choosing vegan skin care products is not just good for the skin, it’s good for the conscience. Frownies products are cruelty free, join us in doing good, feeling good, and looking great!
