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100LC beauty and wellness week: dewy wedding skin + a giveaway

June 3, 2015

Did you get a chance to enter the Pressed Juicery + fitness giveaways yet? We’re back with another giveaway along with helpful tips from yoga guru, fitness expert, and holistic nutritionist Kelly Leveque of Be Well by Kelly. Kelly is a health + wellness pro who has made it her mission to help brides (as well as expecting mamas and women in any stage of life) look and feel their best on their big day. Today she’s letting us in on her wedding skincare secrets. And don’t forget to enter the amazing giveaway worth $700 at the end of this post!

Be Well by Kelly health coaching giveaway

Dewy: it’s the new matte. Dewy skin is a hard look to achieve, as you have to balance getting that glow without looking greasy. You can’t simply layer on the cover. There are a lot of products out there to help, but it’s important to remember that healthy, vibrant and beautiful skin starts by taking care of yourself on the inside. Kelly explains, Healthy, plump skin needs proper hydration, fatty acid foods, exfoliation and healing anti-inflammatory oils. Here are ten simple tips from Kelly that will make your skin glow and help you get that dewy look:

Lemon. Rich in vitamin C, this citrus fruit will help your body purge excess water weight and balance the sodium and potassium levels in your cells. Add a slice of lemon to a mug of warm water in the morning to encourage digestion or squeeze a half onto your salad. Topically, you can also do a “natural peel” with lemon. Just rub a little fresh lemon juice on your face, leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes and rinse clean. This increases the cell renewal process and has bleaching properties to lighten skin naturally.

Be Well by Kelly health coaching giveaway

Cucumber. Like lemon, cucumbers contain hydrating, nourishing and astringent properties that are very good for skin both from the inside and topically. The enzymes they contain digest damaged skin cells, remove dead skin cells safely and add a fresh glow. Blend up a cucumber in your green smoothie, or blend it with a little water or aloe (it didn’t make the list but this is way up there, too!), and use the fresh cool mask as a pick me up.

Soy. Avoid it. Soy is full of phytoestrogens that can make your face breakout. These hormonal blemishes occur around the mouth and jaw line. The concentrations of phytoestrogens are actually pretty steep with a ½ cup of soybeans containing 40mg and the textured vegetable proteins being close to 140mg per serving. At BeWell, it’s been shocking how much success we’ve had in clearing up skin simply by having our clients cut out soy.

Omega 3. Recent studies suggest Omega 3 deficiency contributes to chronic acne. Adequate levels of this anti-inflammatory fatty acid will not only keep your skin clear, but also increase cell hydration from the inside out. Wild salmon is one of the best food sources and is also known for its vitamin D and selenium, a mineral that protects the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Sardines, oysters and mackerel also supply Omega 3 fatty acids. Not a fish lover? One 200-calorie serving of walnuts has 2776mg of Omega 3 fatty acids and is a great source of protein and copper, a mineral that boosts collagen production.

Turmeric. Turmeric is an excellent antiseptic and skin-lightening agent that helps minimize scars and other marks. Plus, turmeric can alleviate allergic, inflammatory and infectious skin disorders that make your skin look dull and lifeless. Add a few shakes to your lemon water, add it to protein rub or blend it up in a smoothie.

Coconut Oil. Coconut oil is antibacterial and antifungal, which is beneficial for maintaining clear skin. When ingested, it bypasses the liver and is used for energy instead of being converted into triglycerides. The lauric acid (potent antifungal) in coconut oil also helps to balance gut bacteria by killing of excess yeast and candida, which can contribute to breakouts. You can apply it topically or add a spoonful to your smoothie.

Be Well by Kelly health coaching giveaway

Cleansers. Skin cleansing needs to be done, but too often it can cause the over production of oils in the skin that can collect dirt and create the “greasy” look. There is a delicate balance. A gentle pH-balanced cleanser in the morning to refresh is great. Save the acne busters for the makeup removal after your workout routine.

Exfoliating. Many seed and rough molecule-based exfoliators create micro-tears in the skin that are prone to infection and irritation. It you are looking for a physically abrasive exfoliator that doesn’t tear, Dr. Goldfaddens ruby scrub contains spherically honed rubies that don’t cut into the skin but remove the top layer of dead cells. For a less expensive option, opt for natural exfoliators to slough dead skin to reveal a more radiant complexion, such as Nude Skincare’s miracle mask. Looking for the perfect mix, Exfolikate from Kate Sommerville offers scrubbing exfoliants lift dead skin cells from surface while papaya, pumpkin, and pineapple enzymes reduce pore size, stimulate circulation, and improve oxygen flow.

Oiling. Probably our best kept secret and especially helpful in getting that dewy look. Oiling a few nights a week will keep you hydrated and looking dewy. This is not the thick night crème you are used to, but a thin veil of simple oils to calm, hydrate and help heal the skin. Our favorite picks are NUDE ProGenius, Eminence calendula oil and just organic virgin coconut oil. Massage a few drops into clean or exfoliated skin.

Sleep. Sometimes overlooked, sleep should be a top priority for your skincare. When you aren’t sleeping well, there is an increase in inflammatory cells that lead to the breakdown of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Those are the molecules that give the skin its glow, bounce and translucency. Get as much shut eye as you can. You’ll glow all the more for it.

Facials. Regular facials will keep your skin clear and prevent picking and scars. Spas like Kate Sommerville and Kalologie offer memebership programs like “Skin Gym” where you sign up for six months schedule a monthly facials and get discounts on product and upgrades. Schedule your last facial a few days before your wedding and upgrade to an oxygen facial this will plump your skin to a picture perfect glow.

Be Well by Kelly health coaching giveaway

Thanks to Kelly Leveque for the tips. And now for an awesome giveaway! Kelly is offering a Health Consultation and Personalized Bridal Plan along with a 6 week follow-up call for one lucky bride ($700 value).