There is no judgment about botox, but I do believe that beyond the skin deep paradigm of outer beauty lies access to a profound radiance from within.

I just love the word radiance and the energy or frequency it carries - its deeper than the word glow, it expands beyond you and into the quantum or  biofield  (a large field of energy that surrounds and extends out from the body about 8 feet. No part of the energy system is visible to the human eye but the biofield can be felt with the hands, often through either pressure or temperature changes)around you…

 

Radiance definition:  a measure of the amount of electromagnetic radiation leaving or arriving at a point on a surface;  light or heat as  emitted or reflected by something.

 

And let’s face it, radiance in a human is magnetic. We’ve all been in the presence of someone who is radiant. You don’t just see it, you FEEL it. Radiance is the inner light that shines through a woman when she feels authentic, whole, grounded, nourished, connected to her body, anchored in her pleasure and embodied in her unique essence.  Radiance embodied reveals itself in a woman with a humble confidence, a warmth, an openness and a sense of aliveness. Radiance is not from a topical cream, it’s sourced from within and is enhanced when you live from your heart, feel grounded deeply in your body and flowing with your knowing and inner wisdom.

 Every woman has a natural inner radiance, but the busyness of life steals it away and makes it hard for us to stay connected to it. Our lives are full of responsibilities, pressures and duties and many of us are juggling many things - families, careers, businesses and endless to-do lists. We seem to constantly get pulled into the energy of doing, giving, achieving, striving, hustling, saying yes, showing up and making things happen. And in the process, we lose touch with our juicy radiance, sensuality, pleasure and our innate inner magic. 

Now it’s time to reclaim your radiance!

There is a way to call this magnetic energy back into your body and we now know that when you work with and optimize your fascia as we do daily in the  Aligned Life Studio,  you actually stimulate fibroblasts – collagen-producing cells within the fascia connective tissue. Research suggests that external skin stimulation, stretching, twisting and bouncing can reach beyond the surface to the subdermal level. Using these practices daily may improve blood flow, support cell turnover, encourage lymphatic drainage, boost collagen production, and optimize overall skin nutrition – which can help reduce sagging and enhance volume and elasticity for skin that looks plumper, toned, and more radiant.

This is particularly important because starting in our 20’s, our collagen - thenaturally occurring protein responsible for supporting our skin’s structure - breaks down and production starts slowing by 1-2% per year. When you throw in the effects of time, gravity, environmental toxins, stress and inflammation, combating the deterioration of your skin can feel like a losing battle.  While the process of getting older is inevitable and out of our control, there are ways of reclaiming that youthful radiant glow, holding on to it, and in doing so slowing down the aging process naturally both internally and externally. 

Here are 10 Practical and Pleasurable Ways to boost your true radiance: 

• Collagen Care
• Tending to Your Inner World
• Movement 
• Rebounding
• Applying Pressure via Body Combing 
• Face Yoga
• Red Light Therapy
• Fascia Foods
• Hydration
• Vitamin C

1. Collagen Care

After water, collagen is the most abundant substance in our bodies. It’s a protein fibre-like structure that makes up most of our connective tissue and provides structural support to our bones, skin, muscles, tendons, cartilage and skin. It gives our tissues strength, resilience and the ability to withstand stretching. It is also vital for cell repair, immune response and cellular communication.

Dehydration, smoking, lack of exercise, sleep deprivation, excess sun and alcohol breaks down collagen.

When we are young, collagen is packed tightly into an ordered network of fibres, but over time collagen starts to collapse and reduces in thickness and strength. Essentially wrinkles are fascia scars that have grown out. 

Healthier, thicker, spongier collagen is what we want. Maintaining and rebuilding our collagen reserves is key.

I absolutely swear by Collagen protein powders from  Sparkle to boost my skin from within, and behind the scenes, am partnering with them to create my very own signature supplement launching soon. (More on that to come!)

And  ION have an  incredible skin support health spray which helps hydration and creates a barrier to shield against toxins. Enjoy a 15% discount with code ALIGNEDLIFE at checkout.

2. Tending to Your Inner World

Feeling tense, stressed, angry, frustrated or depressed triggers the fight or flight response setting off cortisol production.  If left unchecked, cortisol will flow through the body, taxing the cells, tissues and organs, including the skin.

Negative emotions disrupt harmony and flow in the body and stress out your system. Because the body perceives it’s under threat, blood from the skin and face is redirected to the muscles in the event that you may need to fight or run. 

Over time, these negative emotions cause consistently high cortisol levels to break down collagen, create inflammation, dilate blood vessels, increase sebum production and contribute to moisture loss, resulting in wrinkles, dryness, skin irritation, redness, dullness and breakouts. New skin cells take longer to form and cell regeneration is slowed down. 

Brain, Behaviour, Immunity Journal published an article on how anger slows down the skin’s healing process. Participants were separated into 2 groups and given small blister wounds on their forearms. The speed of repair was monitored over an 8-day period. It was noted that the wounds on those participants who were categorised as being quick to anger took 4 times longer to heal than the more relaxed zen-like participants. This was attributed to higher levels of cortisol secretions from feeling agitated, frustrated, annoyed and angry. 

Excess cortisol inhibits the production of collagen, which is crucial in skin healing and immune functioning.

Try out some spiritual botox with the  Cleansing White Light Meditation inside the Aligned Life Studio. It will restore your inner calm, and flush out those negative thoughts and feelings with an 'internal shower'.

Or alter negative beliefs and empower yourself with one of my favourite affirmations, “I embody radiance.”

 

3. Movement matters when it comes to collagen

When you exercise and move your body, you increase blood flow and circulation to all of your organs, including your skin, meaning there’s more oxygen and nutrients available to the skin to repair and multiply, replacing old and damaged skin cells with new, healthy ones.

Exercising not only improves your skin cell’s metabolism and functioning but feeds the skin’s fibroblast cells that produce and maintain collagen. The pituitary gland also releases a growth hormone that stimulates the production of fibroblast cells.

The increased flow of oxygen to the skin aids in flushing out toxins and impurities as well as reducing inflammation.

For those of you who would like to stimulate your skin’s repair cycle, I’ve just released a new  Collagen-Boosting Flow with my  Aligned Domes and  Fascia Comb, and I’ve just launched a 30 Day Radiance Boost Program, if you’d like to take a guided, deep dive with me, inside the  Aligned Life Studio.

 

4. Jumpstart collagen production with rebounding

Adding regular mini-trampoline workouts to your healthcare regime has some phenomenal anti-aging skin care benefits. The jumping motion stimulates blood flow which delivers nutrients and oxygen to the skin. The results include:

• Promotes lymphatic drainage and rids the body of toxins, including the skin.
• Rejuvenates the fascia and skin’s connective tissue by building elasticity and boosting skin cell turnover. 

• Flushes cortisol from the bloodstream and soothes the nervous system enhancing the skin’s natural healing process, which helps you look and feel younger and more radiant.

• Minimizes collagen loss and preserves and tones the skin.

• Prevents skin-related problems and provides a healthy glow.

If you don’t have a rebounder, it might be worth considering investing in one. It really is the best workout for your lymphatic system. I am so passionate about rebounding that I designed my own.  My signature Bellicon Rebounderis made to be the perfect size and resistance for your body, and we’ve got an incredible newBouncing Arm Warrior Flow in the  Aligned Life Studio that will have you feeling the effects of rebounding in just 8 minutes.

5. Pressure boosts collagen and helps defy the appearance of aging

Dermal fibroblasts control the skin’s elasticity and start to deteriorate over time, causing the skin to wrinkle and sag. Research was done by beauty giant Shiseido and Jichi University in Japan. They looked at how applying pressure to fibroblasts can combat the visible signs of getting older.

Fibroblasts originate from stem cells. These stem cells are best maintained around the skin’s sebaceous glands. For the purpose of their research, these areas were termed “stem cell reservoirs.” It was discovered that applying pressure to “stem cell reservoirs” increases stem cell production, which increases the production of fibroblasts slowing down the appearance of aging.

Pressure, tapping, twisting and stretching stimulates “stem cell reservoirs”  and helps firm and rejuvenate the skin.  Stretching also improves energy, blood flow and mobility. 

Taking care of the skin on the body is as important as the face.  My Aligned Domes can be used to apply pressure all over the body, which stimulates the proliferation of stem cells and ultimately boosts collagen, as well as loosens tight muscles, which helps calm the nervous system. Just roll the body part you want to target over the domes for a rejuvenating sensory experience that stimulates collagen production.

Acupressure and acupuncture not only balance vital energy but also puts pressure on “skin cell reservoirs” while stimulating blood flow and collagen reserves. 

Another way to apply pressure to the skin is with daily fascia flushing. It’s a gentle, quick way to visibly improve the texture of your skin.  My Fascia Comb and Body Elixirmade with pure EVO + CoQ10 lifts me energetically and makes my skin feel stronger, firmer and more radiant. It also helps flush out physical and emotional tension while stimulating collagen production. You can find a quick demonstration in this post on my Instagram,  here.

My beautifying  Gua Sha Facial Massage is another option that can help you look and feel younger. Not only does it hydrate the tissues, but it smooths out the skin on the forehead and neck, reduces bags under the eyes and lifts the skin around the cheekbones and neck.

6. Go beyond Botox naturally with fascia facials

From an Eastern perspective, aging is the slowing down of the circulation of blood, life force, prana or chi. This deceleration of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood affects
lymph detoxification and sluggish cell renewal rate. 

As we get older, fascia starts to tighten and become stiff. If fascial fascia becomes dry and brittle, it’s more susceptible to breaking causing early wrinkles to form and leading to loose skin and puffiness under the eyes.

Based on yoga principles, face yoga targets the facial fascia and muscles and can improve the appearance of the face and neck area. Simple face exercises done regularly help tone and firm the skin and muscles in the face, neck and head. Acupressure techniques also help relax areas in the face that tend to become tense.

Face yoga promotes a more youthful appearance by:

• Aiding lymphatic drainage and encouraging collagen production.
• Stimulating facial muscles and increasing blood flow and skin circulation, improving tone and texture. 
• Tightening and smoothing out fine lines and wrinklesaround the neck and jawline.
• Promoting overall relaxation in the face decreasing strain, tension and pain.
• Helping to lift the skin around the eyes and plumps out the cheeks.

Follow along with the incredible  Julie Civiello Polier on Instagram for easy, effective face yoga practices.

7. Red Light Therapy for anti-aging

This particular low-wavelength red light promotes cell regeneration, healing and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin for smoother, less wrinkled skin. It also improves blood flow to the skin, increasing nutrients and oxygen to the cells as well as enhancing the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in skin cells, promoting skin repair and reducing the appearance of pores and inflammation. 

I love  HigherDose LED Light Face Mask,  which is offered at a discounted price to Aligned Life Studio members through our  Insider’s Program.

 

8. Fascia foods to boost collagen production

Consuming collagen rich foods for anti-aging is a relatively new area of study. Although some believe that stomach acid might damage collagen rich proteins, other studies are very encouraging.

In 2014 a double-blind study on the oral consumption of collagen published the journal Skin Pharmacology and Physiology found that the group of women who consumed extra collagen had a reduction in wrinkles and improved elasticity than the placebo group.

Collagen can be found in meat and fish that contain connective tissue, as well as bone broth, seafood, and eggs. 

Eating foods high in amino acids nurtures collagen production in the body. These foods include legumes, nuts, citrus fruits, avocados, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, berries and greens like kale and spinach.

It is also worth including foods rich in Zinc. Zinc is a co-factor in the production of collagen, vital for collagen synthesis. It also protects collagen in the body from damage, while a deficiency affects its production. Zinc is found in shellfish, legumes, meats, nuts, seeds and whole grains.

Many of my recipes are about stimulating collagen, they are either full of collagen or contain collagen-boosting ingredients. You can access my absolute favorites in my  Fascia Foods  webapp, including my  Get Glowing Smoothie,  Rejuvenating Shirataki Pho  and  Beautifying Cocoa Chia Pudding.  (Access to the recipes is free for Aligned Life Studio members, and also accessible with a  Free 7 Day Trial  if you’d like to try whipping something up!).

 

9. Not all water is created equal

Today’s water is more depleted in minerals and electrolytes than it used to be which affects absorbability. Even though you’re drinking lots of water, you could still be dehydrated.

Electrolytes play an important role in the hydration process. These minerals carry an electric charge, regulating chemical reactions and balancing fluids inside and outside your cells. An electrolyte imbalance occurs when your body's mineral levels are either too high or too low, which affects water absorbability. 

Sodium, chloride, magnesium and potassium are necessary to deliver fluids to your cells including H2O. Even though you may be drinking the correct amount of water, you may simply be excreting it without actually absorbing enough into your cells. 

For a cell to function properly (including the lymph cells), it needs to be able to hold water. The body’s ability to move water from outside the cells to inside of the cells weakens as we age. This speeds up the aging process as it builds up oxidative compounds and makes the body more susceptible to inflammation. 

Optimal cellular hydration can help slow down the effects of aging and possibly reverse it. If you are adequately hydrated, the vascular system is able to pump more efficiently, transporting nutrient-rich blood to the skin as well as removing toxins lowering the oxidative burden. The bioavailability of water in your cells and tissues contributes to brighter, smoother, firmer-looking skin.

To optimise cellular hydration and get the most out of your drinking water:

• Remove chemicals from tap water with a good water filter. You may need to add minerals back, as some filters tend to remove the good and the bad.
• Remineralise your water by adding Celtic or pink Himalayan salt (which can contain around 84 minerals and trace elements, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron.)
• Add ginger or watermelon, which can help increase electrolytes.
• If you are buying bottled water, choose spring water in glass bottles which generally contains higher minerals, though electrolytes may still need to be added. Or, try structured water from  Mayu Water.
  
  

10. A vital molecule in skin care health

Without vitamin C, the body is unable to produce collagen. The body is also unable to manufacture vitamin C itself. 

The health of our skin, cartilage, blood vessels and bones depends on this water-soluble vitamin which aids in photoprotection, decreases photodamage and is vital for wound healing. It also helps to bind collagen fibres together.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps fight cell damage and disease as it protects the body from free radicals that can damage your cells, cause oxidative stress and increase signs of aging.

Applying vitamin C topically to the skin can help boost collagen production.

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, red peppers, kale, brussel sprouts, broccoli, spinach, and strawberries, helps maintain vitamin C levels.

If you are unable to get adequate vitamin C from your diet, it might be worth taking a high-quality vitamin C supplement.Because the vitamin industry is not well-regulated, you need to do your homework. When buying vitamin C or any supplement, look at what it contains, the concentration, the active substance and how it was obtained.Avoid generics that contain additives. Watch out for fillers that reduce the concentration of effective ingredients, including allergens like gluten, soy and dairy.

Remember, supplements are designed to supplement, not replace!

I recommend  Pique’s Daily Radiance Elderberry Liposomal Vitamin C,  which has 1000mg of vitamin C and tastes DELICIOUS. You can access Pique’s pure, potent range of products at a discount through my  Insider’s Program.

 

Turning back our biological clock 

It’s inevitable that we will get older, and our bodies will change over time. But what we can control is how we age, how we experience our bodies and how we radiate our energy into the world.

It’s pretty exciting that there are ways of slowing down the effects and even reversing the aging process. It comes down to lifestyle choices and practices that either hinder or enhance our vitality and wellbeing. 

When you nurture and nourish your mind, emotions and body,  you activate that magnetic inner glow that comes from within, is uniquely yours and does not age.