10 Hot Health & Beauty Trends You Need to Try in 2016

New Year, Renewed YOU with these TOP TEN Health & Beauty Game Changers.

2016 is the year you are going to make it happen! Since overall health effects our beauty, this year is about improving both with natural organic solutions and a few surprises I've discovered along the way. So here they are just in time for the New Year:

Natural Boar Bristle Brush and Polished Comb by Mason - Pearson

1.) Natural Tools for Healthier Hair - Boar Bristle Brushes and Polished Combs

One of the best finds for less breakage and shiny hair is to switch out your daily hair styling tools for boar bristle brushes and polished one piece combs. I've had the best success with Mason-Pearson Pure Boar Bristle Brushes and their polished, one piece Detangling and Rake Combs. The natural bristle brushes clean and stimulate your scalp while closing the strand's cuticle for a brilliant shine. The Rake and Detangling Combs are made from one piece and highly polished with no seams. These DO NOT snag my hair and there is little or no breakage in these combs. Available online/in store at Barney's, NYC

Kathy Heshelow, CEO and Founder of Sublime Beauty

2.) Oil Pulling for Healthier Teeth & Gums

I interviewed Kathy Heshelow, CEO an Founder of Sublime Beauty and Sublime Beauty Naturals. Both lines are big on using natural, organic ingredients with the latter offering certified organic formulations. I especially like her Certified Organic Pure Sesame Oil which I use in cooking and as a supplement. However it also is perfect for "Oil Pulling". Here's Kathy's introduction to the practice:

Pure Sesame Oil can be a part of effective oral hygiene.

Oil Pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that is recognized again today. It improves your wellness in tremendous and natural ways.

There are millions of bacteria in our mouths and all bacteria have an oily or lipid skin.  Oil attracts oil, which is why Oil Pulling works!  You swish about a tablespoon of organic oil in your mouth each morning for a minimum of 10 minutes and up to 20 minutes, then spit it out and take those bacteria with it!

You get a healthier mouth, less plaque, whiter teeth and more energy because you are supporting your lymphatic & immune systems. You can also cut risk on a number of diseases that could develop - there is a strong relationship between oral health and your overall health!

I love this quote from ancient Rome:  "Life is not merely being alive, but being well". Make 2016 a great year by new simple procedure.
To purchase Certified Organic Sesame Seed Oil online, visit:  SublimeBeautyNaturals.com

Mira-Skin Ultrasound

3.) Ultrasound Facials

These are a staple of expensive, European Facials nowadays. I reviewed Mira-Skin HERE but after using it regularly for an extended period of time, I've seen pretty impressive results. Better still is when I use it in conjunction with other skincare products as it opens the pores allowing them to sink in deeper. After using it only twice a week since the fall, my skin is noticeably smoother and firmer. This is a starter kit but you can purchase this plus replacement Ultrasound Gel and Hyaluronic Serum at Mira-Skin-Ultrasound.com

Hyaluronic Acid is a key component of Certified Organic Zen Power Serum.

4.) Hyaluronic Acid 

This is a new watchword in beauty products so look for it when choosing moisturizers. On another note, try skipping products with Dimethcone within the first ingredients on the label. Silicones are OUT for 2016.
Hyaluronic Acid is included in Certified Organic Sublime Beauty Naturals Zen Power Serum along with vitamins and peptides. Since it is all natural, it is what I use everyday after cleansing and after my Mira-Skin Ultrasound Facial. Like pure moisture without any greasy residue. Check it out at SublimeBeautyNaturals.com

Boscia Cool Blue Hydration Essence.

5.) Boscia Cool Blue Hydration Essence

This is a deeply hydrating fluid based on a fermented Japanese Sake yeast filtrate. Spreads effortlessly but is only about 1% water! Just two drops covers your face and works well under other moisturizers and makeup. I noticed a plumping difference after the first application. See more online at Boscia.com

Raw fruit and vegetable juices.

6.) Drink Raw Fruit & Vegetable Juices/Smoothies

Try this out for your morning jolt! In addition to getting in some delicious vitamins, minerals and enzymes, you get a daily, healthy cleanse going. Try a VitaMix for whole food juices or smoothies. If you prefer less pulp, get a juicer like the TriBest FruitStar. 

Coconut Oil & ready made coconut milk smoothies.

I have both and drink raw carrot and tomato juices with Neocell Derma Matrix Collagen Skin Complex, organic coconut oil and my Usana Probiotics mixed in. Another good probiotic to mix with your raw juices and smoothies is Lowfat Kefir.  If you are in a hurry and need a quick shake to go, you might try Cocojoy Pure Coconut Milk Smoothies.

Infused Honey and Fresh Goats Milk Soap

7.) Infused Organic Honey - Bee in Your Bonnet 

Time to switch out fake, chemical sweeteners with all natural, delicious alternatives. Bee in Your Bonnet makes organic infused honeys in wonderful flavors like Vanilla Bean, Harvest Spice and Ghost Chili. These organic honeys can also be used for facials, (I'd skip the jalapeno though), skincare and haircare. Honey is amazing for healing and organic infused honeys like these are very versatile. See all the flavors at Bee in Your Bonnet Online.

Fresh Goat's Milk Soap

8.) Fresh Goats Milk Soap - Serenity Acres Farm

These handmade soaps are cold pressed and made with fresh goats milk, olive and coconut oils with essential oils. They are gently cleansing yet very effective as they are sodium hydroxide (lye) based soaps. You will not believe how smooth your skin will feel after bathing or washing your face with them. My favorite is the Almond Oatmeal. See all the varieties at SerenityGoats.com

Start Running!

9.) Start Running

I've always walked with a little jogging thrown in. However it wasn't until 2015 that I really got serious, especially when training for the More Fitness Half Marathon in April. That was the first milestone of the year and I went on to complete three 5k runs and three 10k races in 2015. I suggest getting fitted for comfortable, supportive running shoes. Start off by alternating fast paced walking and running. Little by little, you will be running more than you walk. Running shapes your body like nothing else while increasing circulation for beautiful skin all over.

Start Using Kettle Bells

10.) Start Using Kettle Bells

Now while running is primarily an aerobic exercise, kettle bells offer weight bearing exercise to increase strength and tone muscles. Lifting free weights of any kind ups your metabolic rate by building lean muscle. Start with at least a 15 - 18 lb weight for women. Men can start off with 25 lbs. Make 2016 the year you drop body fat as women should be between 18-22%. Studies have shown that people in this range of body fat are seen as more fit and attractive. Better than that, you will have more energy while helping to strengthen your bones. There are lots of workouts online or on DVD. Both are great and will help you to get stronger and sculpted. 

Grass Fed Whey Protein

10 and a Half! Get the Right Protein Into Your Diet

When you're done with your workout, grab a Whey Protein Shake for at least 25 grams of protein, Organic Naked Whey Protein is a pure grass fed choice that can be used in other foods/dishes. Just increasing your lean protein intake can help shape you up without changing your diet. Aim for 25 grams of protein at every meal for a total of 75 grams per day.  What does that look like? 7 ozs of Salmon offers 48 grams and 1 cup of cottage cheese gives you 28 grams of protein. A whey protein shake can count for one of those 25 gram servings or more, especially when you add dairy, coconut or almond milks. Your skin, hair and nails will also benefit!

Have a Protein Smoothie and enjoy a Happy Healthy New Year!

Hair, Skin and Nail Vitamins That Actually Work - HAIRFINITY & Sublime Beauty & Probelle Reviews

Which hair, skin and nail vitamins actually DO something for you? I've got the scoop!

As a Certified Nutritional Consultant and author of 4 books on the subject of nutrition, suffice it to say that I have tried several types of skin and nail vitamins over the years only to see little if any noticeable results. So I'm a hard sell when it comes to supplements in this category. All the same, I have recently found two supplements that have worked for me in ways I could definitely see. I'm sharing them with you here plus a few other facts to help you obtain healthier skin, hair and nails.

HAIRFINITY by Brock Beauty

HAIRFINITY is perhaps the first and only supplement I've found to live up to the hype promises of healthier, fuller and longer hair. The workup is x2 per day but I've often only taken x1 and still saw results...within the first month. The gelatin capsules are easy to swallow and easy to digest and I would recommend this delivery system over say, hard pressed tablets.  I've also taken this supplement on an empty stomach with no issues.

The main active ingredients in HAIRFINITY would be their MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), hydrolyzed collagen and high amounts of both biotin and panthothenic acid. These work synergistically and you will notice results very quickly in not just your hair but your nails as well. 

Phytoceramides by Sublime Beauty

Phytoceramides Anti Aging Skincare by Sublime Beauty has a lot of buzz going for it ever since Dr. Oz described this substance as being able to accomplish a mini-facelift. Now, I don't think I need all THAT but this is another product that has given me noteworthy results not only for my facial skin but ALL over my body. Sublime Beauty offers a whole support system for top level, spa quality skincare at home starting with their Dry Brushing. I've written and recommended Dry Body Brushing for years now but this combined with taking the Phytoceramides has shown marked benefits to my skin.

Book on Phytoceramides by Kathy Heshelow, founder of Sublime Beauty

What are Phytoceramides? The prefix "phyto" means plant but the original oral ceramide supplements were of bovine origin. Ceramides are lipids or fats that make up about 40% of young, healthy skin. Plant based ceramides can be found in wheat, corn and sweet potatoes but Sublime Beauty uses rice derived phytoceramides. The rice actually is more effective at lower dosages and perfect for people with wheat allergies or who wish to remain gluten free. I take one per day first thing in the morning before breakfast and began noticing my skin AND nails looking better after about 3 weeks. The Phytoceramide crosses over to help with nail health as well. See more online from SublimeBeautyShop.com

Probelle Touch n' Grow Plus Nail Hardener

Probelle Touch n' Grow Nail Hardner is made with Garlic and Lime. It is recommended that you apply it daily for several days but I simply use it as a base coat for my weekly manicure and have noticed my nails are thicker and don't peel as much as they used to. You can't smell the garlic or lime and the product dries clear, not green as the bottle appears. It is really very simple to add to your routine. The only thing that I don't like is that it contains Formaldehyde. Most of the other nail polish makers are moving away from that with their "3-Free" formulas. All the same the product works as advertised and is much better than the Sally Hansen nail hardener products I've tried over the years. Check them out at Pro-Belle.com

I use Probelle Touch n' Grow Plus as a base coat for my manicures.

Getting Proper Nutrition - The Supporting Cast Members
If you have recently cut down or cut out red meat, dairy, fish, etc. please understand that this can leave serious holes in your diet. Your body will respond by slowing the rate of hair and nail growth as it desperately seeks to conserve protein that you are not getting in your food.
Dropping red meat which is rich in protein, B vitamins and what's called heme iron, can cause you to become anemic. Your nails will show this by becoming very flat so you will need to get your hemoglobin checked and supplement with iron to stay healthy. If you are on the vegetarian or vegan path, you'll need to combine your amino-acids so that you are getting enough protein. Making a shake with something like Garden of Life's Raw Fit High Protein for Weight Loss would be a great idea. Each serving gives you a whopping 28 gms of raw protein from sprouted nuts, seeds and grains. Delicious too.

Take a Good Multiple Vitamin
A natural multiple vitamin should be the cherry on top of a healthy diet. I take Rainbow Light's Certified Organics Women's Multivatimin. Made with whole organic foods and herbs, I can take it on an empty stomach without worrying. In fact I take two each morning with my HAIRFINITY and Phytoceramides. It helps boost the effectiveness of everything else I take.
Get plenty of protein and essential fatty acids in: nuts, seeds, whey, salmon and sardines. Choose fresh garden vegetables first and then dark berries as they are lower in sugar (fructose) than most fruits yet more nutritious.  

Rainbow Light's Certified Organics Women's Multivitamin

Supplements and nail products c/o Brock Beauty Inc., Sublime Beauty and Probelle respectively.