Nikki Sharp's Blog: Nikki's Thoughts, page 8

Become Your Healthiest, Most Nourished & Fittest Self In Only 10 Minutes A Day!

You want to lose weight but can’t find the time to cook. You know that you need to exercise more, but somehow the day passes without you stepping foot in a gym. You are trying to get healthier but have no idea where to start.

Does any of this sound like you? If so, then you are not alone.

Getting healthy in today’s day and age can definitely be a challenge. Trust me when I say, been there done that! When I started my health journey, I had no idea where to start and found myself looking at various diets, fitness trends, and health products—most of which were conflicting with one another. I was confused! So it’s no wonder that you might not be losing the weight or feeling better when you don’t know whether you’re supposed to be eating paleo, vegan, raw, raw till 4 p.m., clean, or fasting. Then there’s the whole topic of working out and what is best. Seriously, what is best?!

Well, I’m here to share something that might just change your life right now.

All you need is 10 minutes a day to become your healthiest, most nourished, and fittest self!

I know it might be hard to believe, given all the ads that say you need to be doing three-month-long workout programs, or 30-day intense diets. But trust me when I say that if I was able to overcome my anxiety, depression, insomnia, and get the best body of my life, you can too!

So what is the basis of the 10 minutes a day? It’s so simple that you might not even believe in its power. In this approach, nothing takes more than 10 minutes, yet you will see immense benefits, such as:

Getting a fitter body
Learning to cook healthy meals
Feeling more positive about life
Managing stress more effectively
Getting glowing skin
Creating habits that you actually will stick to

I wasn’t always known as a health and wellness expert—quite the opposite, in fact. I was modeling and living a very unhealthy life. Once I left the fashion industry, I went from starving myself and overexercising to completely the opposite, in which I ate my emotions away and gained weight, felt so bad about myself that I didn’t want to exercise, couldn’t sleep and took sleeping pills for five years straight, and fell into a dark place. I didn’t think there was a way out of all of this. It wasn’t until I let go of the intense pressure I put on myself to be “perfect” that I begin to truly understand it is the simple changes that were the ones that were actually making me healthier.

Here are some of my simple 10-minute-a-day challenges. I’d love you to copy these into your phone and put an alarm on to do one of them each day, preferably at the same time, and see what happens. (The results might shock you!)

Every time you go to the bathroom, do 10 squats. Simple as that. Keep track of how many squats you do, and see if you can do more the next day.
Run or jog for 10 minutes. If you never exercise, this is a great place to start—10 minutes. Lace up those shoes, go around the block twice, and you’re done. Repeat 4–5x a week.
Take 10 minutes to write down everything you are grateful for in this moment.Do it in your phone, in a notebook, or on a piece of paper; just be sure to actually write it down.
Get into bed 10 minutes earlier than the night before. This also means putting the phone away when you get into bed!
Set your alarm 10 minutes later. Sleep is the most vital nutrient we don’t get enough of; going to bed 10 minutes earlier and sleeping 10 minutes later can be the difference between eating that extra bag of chips or not.
Add two extra colors to each meal. Take a few extra minutes when you’re ordering food to make sure you have at least three colors on your plate (green, red, orange, or spinach, tomato, carrot).
Take 10 minutes to eat your chocolate. Yes, you get total permission to eat chocolate! But it’s required that you put a timer on your phone then put your phone to the side and really taste the chocolate. Let it melt in your mouth and savor each bite.

Now, you might think that these 10-minute tips are not enough to get you to the body and health you want, but they add up. It’s more important what we do on a daily basis than it is what we do once in a blue moon. Ten minutes a day will create consistency and lasting habits, plus it won’t leave you feeling angry that you just HAVE to spend two hours at the gym in order to lose weight and dread it for hours or days prior.

Nope, we are all about simple things here! Simple food swaps, simple exercise tips, and simple mental changes that take no more than 10 minutes but will add up to getting you to healthiest and most nourished self!

I’d love to know, what are YOUR best 10 minute tips? Share below!

Originally posted on MindBodyGreen

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8 Things That Are Sabotaging Your Skin and Causing Breakouts

Stop Sabotaging Your Skin.

You go through a 10 minute skincare routine each night, CHECK. You own every anti-aging skincare product there is, CHECK. You are always trying the latest trends, CHECK. CHECK.

So WHY are you still getting wrinkles and those annoying breakouts?

I’m not here to lecture you on fast food or convince you to give up The Bachelor in Paradise and wine nights. (Because who can do that?).  Today we talk about those sneaky, everyday things that are doing harm to your skin without you even realizing it.

We all know the major culprits by now. Tanning, alcohol, sugar, stress, smoking, not getting enough zzzs, dehydration, and I know you are all washing your face before bed each night. But what about the small, everyday things we don’t even think about that may be doing the most damage over time?

Here’s a list of how you may be damaging your skin without even realizing it:

Diet: You could be feeding an allergy and not realize it. Try eliminating the top most common food allergens —gluten, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and sugar. You may find it helpful to journal what you eat, in order to see what your triggers may be. For example, if you notice a pimple the day after you eat cheese.)
Over-Washing/Over-Exfoliating: It may seem like a good idea, but you could be doing more harm than good. Over-washing and exfoliating can strip the skin of its good oils, diminish its own natural protective barrier, and lead to skin inflammation, leaving your skin red and irritated rather than smooth and radiant. Try using a gentle wash or switching to oils (natural, simple ingredients).
You Haven’t Changed Your Routine Since College: Your skin’s needs change with each season and we need to adapt. Your skin may be oily in the summer and dry in the winter, so a light moisturizer may not be cutting it anyone.
Using Too Many Products: “But Sephora just launched a new line that I must try!” Trust me, I get it. We are all constantly searching for the best beauty routine. If your face is getting red and flaky constantly, you are overdoing it. Think soothing. Speak with your doctor or aesthetician and find the routine that works for you and stick to it.
Your Cell Phone: No, I’m not saying get off your phone. It’s 2016, I know that’s not possible. But I am saying to pay attention. People forget about this one all the time. Your phone is covered in bacteria and you do not want that resting on your face. Ever notice some people have breakouts where they hold their phone? Not cute, and easy to solve. Just use wipes to wipe down your screen and make it a point to avoid resting the phone on your face, use speakerphone, earbuds, etc.
Your Pillowcase: Let’s start by saying you are already getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Sleep & drinking water are my two biggest beauty tips. They call it beauty sleep for a reason people! Pillowcases accumulate residue, so be sure to wash your your pillowcase at least once a week. Also, pressing your face into a pillow each night can cause wrinkles, so I hope you are a back sleeper. If possible, swap out your cotton for satin or silk pillowcases. You will see the difference.
Your Makeup Brushes: Dust, dirt, oil, bacteria and dead cells collect on your brush daily (gross). To help keep your brushes clean, it is important to rinse them with warm water at least once a week. Think about it.
Unhealthy Gut: But the gut is so far away from the skin? Your skin is a vital (and largest) functioning organ, let’s remember that. Taking a probiotic supplement daily is highly recommended to help optimize your body’s good bacteria.

I hope this article is helpful for anyone that is still struggling with those annoying breakouts. I know how frustrating acne can be, we need all the help we can get in our daily lives. Make sure to keep an eye out for these sneaky factors. Let me know your tips for keeping your skin clear and blemish-free below.

Also, if you missed it, check out my latest blog article on How to Finally Get Rid of Acne.

xoxo Nikki

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How To Finally Shed Those Last 5 Pounds Fast

The Last 5 Pounds: The Struggle is Real.

The most common question I get is, “How can I lose weight fast?” We are living in a generation where everything is so fast-paced, Google at our fingertips, we need everything NOW. Is there an app to lose weight yet? The answer is no. Unfortunately we can’t click an app or pay someone to workout for us and gain the results. There is no shortcut and we have to put in the work.

So how do I answer the question, “How can I lose weight fast?” I can answer it in a couple ways. There is the unhealthy way, where you will just gain the weight right back. Or there is the healthy way, where you change your lifestyle habits and make healthy choices daily. Change your mind, change your life.

We’ve all heard every diet tip out there. I’m not here to tell you how often to workout or what to eat. I’m going to assume you have already been eating healthy and working out daily, even if its 20-30 minutes. I’m here to tell you how to lose those stubborn, seemingly impossible last 5 pounds that just won’t seem to go away.

For some people, the weight melts right off in the beginning when you start to make simple changes, such as giving up sugar, fast food, and soda. However, it is the last 5 pounds that everyone seems to struggle with. Whether you would like to lose 5 pounds to look great in that swim suit or you have been working out for years, but just can’t seem to lose those last 5 pounds, it is possible and I’m here to show you how.

Steps to Lose those Last 5 Pounds

Step It Up. If you’ve been steadily working out, your body can grow accustomed to and get used to your routine. Change up your workouts by adding more weights, switching to HIIT workouts, doing an extra 15 minutes of cardio, or workout twice a day.
Get Moving. I like to tell everyone to walk everywhere. Stop being so lazy and take the stairs. Walk during a phone call. Invest in a FitBit. Every step adds up and counts towards your weightless goals.
Cut out the Caffeine & Alcohol. Before you hate me, hear me out. Many people are holding onto extra lbs because they can’t seem to give up drinking liquor. Decide if it’s worth it to you.
Drink Water. Make sure to drink lots of water and not sports drinks. Gatorade and other drinks have tons of sugar.  Juices, giant lattes, protein-shake smoothie concoctions, margaritas and sweetened beverages all have one thing in common, lots of calories.
Eat less. You are so focused on working out and not on eating less. We know that weight loss is a combination of diet & exercise, but focus more on portion control for that last 5 pounds.
Lose Low-Fat & Fat-Free. The best way to lose weight is by eating clean. Stick to fresh organic fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. Don’t even think about processed foods. A rule I live by is if you can’t pronounce something on the ingredient list, you don’t eat it.
Fiber is your best friend.
Take your supplements. Probiotics
Sleep. This may be the easiest, but also one of the most important steps to losing weight. Studies show that people who sleep less tend to weigh more.
Train on an empty stomach. People swear by this method. Find what works best for your body. It works because
Try a cleanse.

lots of love,

xoxo Nikki

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2016 Fall Favorites

So Long Sweet Summer. My Fall Favorites Are Here.

You may be chasing summer for as long as possible, but fall is here. You may be resistant at first, but the season seems to change at exactly the right time. With the new season, we get a new start, start to healthy choices, a fresh mindset, a new beginning to whatever you want. Cool crisp air, leaves changing colors, you are probably starting to think about the holidays. I know I am. I’m that girl, first gust of wind, and I’m in my sweater and winter boots. Yes, it’s still 79 degrees in LA.

It’s time for me to share all my fall favorites with you. Let’s get to the good stuff.

Pumpkin Everything. YASSS. Pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread. The list goes on. You name it and I’m making a healthy version of it. Stay tuned for my favorite fall recipes.

Skincare. Of course we have to mention skincare. My skincare routine changes as the seasons change. I add in a heavier moisturizer as skin tends to get more dry in the colder seasons. I like to switch to hydrating masks, think moisture, glowing, and plumping. I also make sure to use a good hand cream, always. The appearance of your hands can reveal your age, so make sure to take care of your hands (and neck) just as you do for your face (SPF & Moisturize).

Fall Wardrobe. It’s time to dust off that winter coat that’s been hiding in the back of your closet, break out that pretty scarf and those trendy boots. I love fall clothing, cozy sweaters, grab a scarf and go. A beautiful black leather jacket with boots is my go-to look.

Football Season. Okay, football may not be your thing but it’s a great excuse to get together with friends over food and drinks. Any excuse for food and drinks right?

Halloween. There are always two types of girls on Halloween. Whether it’s dressing up in that sexy mouse costume this year or trick or treating with your little ones, Halloween is always a good time to get together with loved ones and friends. I have no clue what I will be this Halloween. I’m always open for suggestions!

Fall Weather. If you love running outside, you love fall weather. Even if you don’t love running (like most of us), you still love fall weather. Its the perfect weather where you need a light jacket and you are good to go. Think chilly outside, hot cocoa by the fire.

Fall Colors/Feels. Something about seeing the leaves change and experiencing the change of seasons makes me so happy. It’s just so beautiful. Besides the changing leaves, we go from bright, summer colors to darker hues. Darker nails. Darker lipsticks. A deep berry or red lipstick in the fall just feels and looks so right. I also like to switch up my perfumes. In the summer, I like to stick with a light, floral scent. Now, I like to switch to a stronger, sexier scent like Tom Ford Black Orchid or Flowerbomb.

Candles. This gets its own category because nothing beats walking into a room with a beautifully scented candle to make the home smell and feel so cozy and get you in the holiday mood. Candles also make a great gift around this time of year.

There you have it, my fall favorites. Let me know what you guys have been loving. I love discovering new things.

 

Lots of love,

xoxo Nikki

 

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Email: Vegan Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie- SENT

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Get Glowing: Fresh Vitamin Nectar Face Mask

Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask

If you haven’t tried Fresh products, go to your closest Sephora NOW and get a sample. Their products are beautifully packaged, smell good enough to eat, and leave your skin feeling and looking oh so glowing.

If you know me, you know my obsession with face products. I grew up struggling with acne for years. This has led me to try EVERYTHING, in search for a cure. I was overdoing it with harsh products, like so many people do. This actually does the opposite for your skin, stripping the natural barrier and causing havoc. Now that I have my acne under control, I like to keep it that way and also keep it looking bright and fresh. I try to look for products that are hydrating and soothing, versus harsh and stripping.

Masks. If you aren’t already applying masks on the regular, you are missing out. You can usually catch me at home, mask on, tea (or wine) in hand, while reading or catching up on the latest guilty-pleasure tv show. I try to do a mask 2-3xs a week. I will usually do one of these Fresh masks for hydration and a charcoal mask if I need to detoxify my skin, after traveling or a long night out.

So let me tell you about this new mask. It’s so good! Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting Face Mask. It does exactly what it says. I leave this baby on for 10 minutes (sometimes longer) and my skin is noticeably smoother and brighter. It also smells delightful, you seriously want to put this on your morning (gluten-free) toast and eat it.

What makes this mask so amazing?

Vitamin Fruit Complex

Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B5

Lemon, Orange Fruit Extracts

Revitalizing Minerals

This mask includes real crushed citrus fruits including oranges, lemons, and clementines, naturally containing AHA fruit acids that work to gently refine and smooth the skin. This potent blend of vitamins, citrus fruit extracts, and minerals offers a chemical peeling effect, leaving your skin looking vibrant, soft, smooth, with a healthy-looking glow. This mask is also free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates, which is very important. The more natural the better.

Other Fresh Favorites:

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment: You need this lip treatment. Thank me later.

Rose Face Mask: This is my favorite hydrating mask out there. If anyone can find a better one, please let me know. Use once a week and your face is hydrated and smooth.

Soy Face Cleanser: This is a great gentle cleanser that I always keep in my travel bag.

I hope you enjoy these Fresh products as much as I do. They are natural, yet effective. Let me know what you think. What are your favorite masks?

xoxo Nikki

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Do the detox with me- in the Cayman Islands!

Join me in the Cayman Islands for a retreat of a lifetime!

I’m excited to announce I will be hosting a retreat in the Cayman Islands (Brac) this January! What a great start to the new year this will be. I hope you can join me. Read further for details on this ridiculously amazing retreat, why it will make you feel better than you ever have, and how it will be life-changing!

What’s the sexiest quality a person can have? Confidence! Confidence comes from feeling in control of your life, feeling like you’re making the right decisions, and feeling sexy in your body. I believe living a healthy lifestyle and becoming the best version of yourself is incredibly sexy. This January, I’m pairing up with Le Soleil D’or, The Cayman Islands’ only beachside luxury resort with farm-to-table dining, to host a holistic retreat.

We are changing the face of detox—one mouth-watering meal at a time! Join me at the gorgeous Le Soleil d’Or resort in the Cayman Islands for a 5-day wellness retreat; focused on food, fitness and freedom from diets.  I am so excited to finally share more details with you all!

During this exclusive retreat, each guest will learn how to build a healthy relationship with food, while nourishing your mind, body and soul. Receive VIP treatment with tailored meal-planning techniques and one-on-one lifestyle coaching, designed to refresh and rejuvenate from the inside out. I will be sharing my passion and personal transformation to help others grow in their own ability to reduce stress, live healthier, and feel the amazing and sexy confidence that comes with aspiring to be the best version of yourself possible.

What will we be doing?

Yoga on the beach
Meditation
Spa experience
Dream Binder: find out what’s holding you back, put down all  your desires on paper, and create a plan to actually achieve them all (this is one of the MOST POWERFUL tools I’ve ever learned and I can’t wait to teach it to you!)
Snorkeling and/or scuba diving
Hands-on farm tour
Cooking classes with myself
One-on-one time with myself, ask me anything
Meet other like-minded people and create connections for life

Fitness/Yoga

Whether you’re turning over a new leaf or maintaining your healthy lifestyle, I will teach you new lessons and tricks to incorporate into your everyday life. Work with me one-on-one or in a group setting to reach your fitness goals. I will be teaching yoga and the resort has full indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, including tennis, kayaking, swimming, pilates, yoga and a fully-equipped gym.

Dream Binder

I want to help you manifest and implement your best you and the life you imagine. Whether you need help getting started, figuring out which direction to go, or the best way to make your dreams into reality, we will work together to help you reach your goal. You will leave feeing fulfilled, having direction, and a clear action plan. This is one of the most rewarding and truly transformational things I’ve ever done in my life and I absolutely KNOW that it’s going to change yours.

Cooking Classes + Farm Tour

The heart and soul belongs to the sprawling 20-acre organic farm with over 300 fresh fruits and vegetables. Receive a hands-on culinary experience, learn about seasonal produce, how to cook your own food, meal prep, create delicious organic meals and more! I’m excited to teach you all how to pick the best produce and how to create multiple meals from just a few items, some of the key things you’ll learn on the detox.

Detox Your Body

I’m here to teach you exactly how I prepare all the detox meals, how to keep them fresh, and how to do the meal prep. I am giving you my personal tips and tricks on how to see the most results from the 5-Day Detox. After five days being in a gorgeous location, you’ll experience weight loss, reduced bloating, more energy, and all the tools to continue when you are home.

Why January?

Because it’s the time that we create our New Year’s resolutions, that we decide we want to get healthy, and that we want this new year to be the best yet.

So why not start your year off with me…in the Cayman Islands… learning how to meal prep, cook healthy and delicious meals…doing yoga… and beginning to truly create the life you want?

About Le Soleil d’Or:

In nature, light creates color. At Le Soleil d’Or, light and color reenergize the heart and the spirit, enlivening our guests with the experience of life as it should be.

Le Soleil d’Or sets a new standard in ultra-private luxury. By blending European, Mediterranean and Caribbean influences with 5-star amenities and a 20-acre organic farm, the ultimate in perfected comfort is created at this beachside sanctuary. Just one hour from Miami, the resort is far enough away to make you feel as though you’ll never be found again, or at least not until you have been rediscovered.

We invite you to experience the colors of Cayman Brac with us at Le Soleil d’Or, the Cayman Islands’ only beachside wellness destination. Here, tranquility invigorates the mind so you can be more attuned to what matters most.

Rates start at:

Double Occupancy Room US $2907.00 (per person) By December 31, 2016
Single Occupancy Room US $3852.00 (per person) by December 31, 2016

Retreat Package per room includes:

Accommodation in a double room at Le Soleil d’Or’s 5-star hotel and resort on Cayman Brac
Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner from Le Soleil d’Or’s farm and sea-to-table restaurants
Detox foods approved by me
Workout, yoga or meditation on the beach
Unlimited fresh pressed juices from Le Soleil d’Or’s 20-acre organic farm
One excursion or activity: island tour, cooking class, kayaking, bike tours, snorkeling, etc.
Access to Le Soleil d’Or’s fitness center, tennis and basketball courts
Access to Beach Soleil, Le Soleil d’Or’s exclusive beach club with powder white sand and cabanas
Roundtrip airport transfers, complimentary wifi, use of beach bikes and more

 

I hope you are able to join me for the retreat of a lifetime! I am so excited to be hosting this retreat in the beautiful Cayman Islands and even more excited to be spending quality time with you all!

Message me at info@nikkisharp.com if you are interested or have questions, and I will send you further details.

XOXO

Nikki

 

 

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What my perfect day looks like

Describe my perfect day? Beach, Pool, Food, Friends, Yoga, Massages. REPEAT.

Isn’t this everyone’s perfect day? Lucky for me, I live in California and work in an industry where my perfect day comes to life, often. It is also pretty much Summer year round here. Not to rub it in or anything.

I was invited by Alo Yoga to join them for a wellness retreat in Malibu a couple weeks ago. Upon arriving to the private, two-story, huge house in Malibu, greeted with coconut water in hands, I couldn’t stop admiring the spectacular 360 views. Not only were the views outside incredible, but the views inside included all the top models and beautiful girls in bikinis and yoga gear. Okay, this may be someone else’s dream now… But all the girls were so sweet and it is always great meeting other top influencers and like-minded people in the health and wellness industry.

Let’s talk about the best part, activities! There were tons of activities to choose from, such as…

OPI Nail Bar (always down for a mani/pedi)

Massages (yes, please)

Reiki Healing Sessions (more yes, please) If you are unfamiliar with Reiki, it is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. A friend turned me on to it a while ago and I am very into it now!

Relax by the Pool (don’t mind if I do)

Morning and Sunset Yoga (perfection)

and more! (as if that wasn’t enough)

All I could think was … namaste awhile.

#Revitalize2016 with MindBodyGreen: Get Inspired!

I spent the weekend in Arizona with MindBodyGreen last weekend at the #revitalize2016 event. Revitalize is Mindbodygreen’s invite-only annual event bringing together wellness leaders and inspiring people who shape our world. Yes, it is as cool as it sounds. I was able to make so many great connections and learn so many new recipes. I love going to events like this because it’s typically highly curated and you get to meet so many leaders in the community, make new friends, and eat yummy food.

I was asked to create smoothie recipes for the weekend to be on display. It was an honor to be able to share my creations with everyone. Feel free to steal my recipes below.

How to Finally Get Rid of Acne

Summer is here, that pool party you’ve been waiting to wear your new bikini to, but what else has popped up? A pimple to ruin your day! We’ve all been there. We all know how frustrating acne can be. We read article after article about the new acne-clearing trends, spend thousands on lasers, lotions, pills, and other treatments. But what actually works? Keep reading to learn how I cleared my skin for good and how you can finally get rid of acne!

Don’t touch! I know it’s tempting to pick, but I promise it will only make it worse and you will be left with scars. Also, make sure to keep your hands and phone away from your face throughout the day. Dirt, oils, gross!
Simplify your routine. Speak with a doctor and/or do your research. Find a skincare line that works for your skin. Try using natural, organic products as much as possible. Avoid using harsh products, which can irritate your skin. See my biggest tips for morning and night below.


Cosmetic Related Acne. Make sure your makeup products are not causing your breakouts. Look for hypoallergenic and natural products. If you are still experiencing breakouts, try switching to mineral makeup and see if this helps. Also make sure you are washing your makeup brushes & pillowcases!


You are what you eat! Acne is an external sign of an internal problem. Stop trying to put a band-aid over the problem, and focus on the cause. Good skin starts from the inside out. Eat clean, real foods. This means nothing processed, no TV dinners, etc. You can take this one step further and try an elimination diet to see if any of the following foods are causing breakouts. Common food sensitivities: Dairy, gluten, soy, eggs, alcohol, sugar, caffeine, chocolate, shellfish, nuts


Get moving! Exercising increases blood flow, unclogs pores through sweating, and reduces stress. Make sure your face is cleaned before and right after working out.


Stress. When your body is stressed, there is a hormone fluctuation that causes an increase in the amount of oil your skin secretes. Meditation & Yoga can help reduce this stress.


Hormones. If you have done all of the following and are STILL having breakouts, get your hormones checked. There are many methods to help balance hormones, such as birth control, spironolactone, and vitamins such as DIM, zinc, maca or vitex berry. Make sure to consult with your doctor.

My fool-proof routines for clear skin:

MORNING:

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Cleansing oils and goat milk are great. I sometimes just splash my face with water if I am just going to the gym or running errands.
Serum/Product: Vitamin C & E are great daytime products to incorporate in your daily routine.
Moisturize & SPF: I like to use a light moisturizer during the day. Look for oil-free and non-comedogenic.

NIGHT:

Repeat the same steps, but switch up your products. I still like to use a gentle cleanser, but you can use an acne-fighting cleanser. Manuka honey is also a great cleanser, as it has antibacterial and healing components.
Product: Retinoid is your new best friend. Not only do the vitamin A derivatives boost collagen production to help minimize wrinkles (enough said), they also boost skin cell turnover, which clears up acne and keeps pores unclogged. Sulfer is great for spot treating. I am also a huge fan of face masks!
Moisturizer: A heavier moisturizer can be used at night. Jojoba oil is great.
I know you are all washing your face at night, no matter what!

PS- don’t forget to check THIS post on my favorite DIY mask (that you’re going to want to eat, it’s so yummy!)

Would love to know YOUR tips on clearing acne! What have you found works or doesn’t? Are you all for natural products or doctor prescribed? Share below! 

Stay tuned as I’ll be sharing my personal skin care journey and battling acne since I was 11 years old. I haven’t decided if I’ll do a youtube video or blog post, so let me know what you prefer!

Tons of (clear skin) love,

Nikki

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