Glowing – nourishment, movement and transformation. The 2021 edition. Part 2

Part 2 – Nourishment.

Nourished. I am in awe of my body….its power mesmerizes me….so it is my greatest joy to support it in anyway I can. One way I do that is through supplements and today I am taking you behind the scenes into how I supplement, said in my sultry British accent. Wink to the camera. 

I would like to start by introducing myself to those who are new to My Beauty Diary. My relationship with the Beauty and Fashion tech goes back over 7 years and began with an interview as part of a beauty story on what I use as a model. This gave birth to Beauty Essentials. As a vegan who lives holistically, my approach to beauty is from the inside out. As a top model, (I was given that title by a publication recently and so I’ll run with it), with a skincare campaign, editorials, commercials, print and as an actress I was asked repeatedly what I use. So, I decided to share the transformation my skin (and therefore body) experienced when I became vegan. Beauty Essentials evolved into My Beauty Diary when it was published in VegWorld magazine in 2020. My Beauty Diary is coming to an even larger print platform this year and in the interim I am sharing Glowing – The 2021 edition. I have absolutely loved connecting with you all over the years as you’ve shared this journey with me and I truly look forward to hearing from you. My Beauty Diary is an empowering, uplifting, high vibrational home for holistic self love and self care and I invite that energy into this space. It is a supportive environment. I want to take this opportunity to tell the Asian community and my Asian friends and readers that I see you, I feel you and an attack on you is an attack on us all. I stand by your side. 

So let’s start supporting and yes it begins within. I have adjusted how I use supplements throughout 2020 into 2021. The goal is always maintaining radiant, healthy skin, an alkaline body and an optimum immune system and therefore providing my body with everything it needs to do that. The skin being the largest organ is simply a reflection of what is happening on the inside. Listen when your skin talks to you. And wow, did my skin talk to me during 2020. As we evolve, so do our habits and I am always hungry for knowledge and eager to fine-tune this masterpiece of mine. A healthy body is the foundation to how I thrive. 

I was extremely excited to educate myself on the power of amino acids and I have now incorporated them into my supplement regime. Lets start with L-LYSINE. As this is my beauty diary and the focus is on skin I will concentrate on those benefits. Lysine helps build collagen in the skin. Collagen is the structure responsible for your skins elasticity and firmness. Lysine is most known for healing cold sores and helps acne. When I first started working out in the gym after lockdown, my skin was really suffering from perspiration under the mask and so I referred to my nutritional bible in my kitchen, ’Nutritional Healing’ by Phyllis A.Balch for guidance (I also brought my mum one for both her homes and she loves this book). There are many benefits and I am so happy I discovered the power of Lysine. In addition to collagen support, it helps your body absorb iron better from your diet intake and yes nourishes your hair scalp and encourages hair growth. Let’s talk hair for a moment, my hair is longer and more lustrous then ever in my life. It is now past my bra strap (mid back) and I cut 1/2 to 1 inch off every other month. I have to say this has had a huge impact on my hair and was an unexpected surprise as I didn’t know of this benefit initially. It’s also a great immune boost. Maintaining a supreme immune system consistently is more imperative then ever now. This is a game changer. I use Bluebonnet.

Astaxanthin is an antioxidant I discovered while in Wholefoods. This is such a great addition, as the benefits are enormous. I have been using this for around 5 months now and I have noticed a difference in my skin, hair and body. This superpower antioxidant is 6,000 x more powerful then vitamin C and 800 x more powerful then (one of my all time fave antioxidants) COQ10, the benefits range from heart, brain, energy and our skin. Why are antioxidants non negotiable, well they are the most effective weapon against the free radicals that cause oxidation throughout the body. Free radicals are molecules with unpaired electrons that ‘steal’ electrons from stable molecules, leading to a cascade of cellular damage that can accelerate the aging process. Free radicals are generated by things like air pollution (city girl problem), processed foods, refined sugar, excessive sunlight exposure, and ironically life itself. The astaxanthin benefits are simply too many to mention here, however for our skin it reduces dryness, calms inflammation in the skin in eczema, improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I love the fact it supports our nervous system, and that it relieves eye strain and fatigue (hello digital world) and supports optimal vision and eye health. When people tell you oh I am getting old, it happens when you get old, no it doesn’t if you invest in your health. For some reason it is an accepted fate, I disagree completely. It’s a mindset. So get glowing and moving with astaxanthin. I use Bluebonnet. 

L-Glutathione was my other amino acid discovery in 2020. It’s naturally found in human cells that neutralizes free radicals, boosts the immune system, reduces oxidative stress and detoxifies the body. It makes DNA, the building blocks of protein and cells, regenerates vitamins C and E and supports our immune system, amongst other powerful disease fighting benefits. It’s known for giving the skin a youthful glow and a smooth, even tone. 

Which brings me onto MoonJuice, I had seen this in Sephora (my make-up playground) and it was on my radar for a few years. Attracted to the name, streamlined packaging and most importantly the brand had all the ingredients I stood behind and knew worked. Earlier this year I took a closer look at the ingredients in SuperBeauty and realized I was using the main ingredients already and it was more economical to purchase SuperBeauty. And so I did and here we are one month later. After taking my first bottle of SuperBeauty by Moonjuice, I have to say those who do not already use the ingredients would probably see more obvious results. What are these non negotiable beauty superpowers that I can’t live without now, as mentioned above Glutathione and Astaxanthin. I use MSM and Alpha Lipoic Acid also, so I am going to stay with my own supreme beauty regime, however I think SuperBeauty by Moonjuice is a fabulous introduction.

I have to mention Ashwagandha which I have taken consistently since early 2020. It is an ancient medicinal herb, it’s classified as an adaptogen, meaning that it can help your body manage stress. It is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, a form of alternative medicine based on Indian principals of natural healing. My approach to beauty is based on Ayurveda and holistic living. This herb has been used over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration. The skin benefits are the production of skin-enriching compounds like hyaluronan (hydration), elastin (suppleness), and collagen (strength). Yes, it gives one a glow, and makes the skin firmer. The hair also benefits as it’s a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties and by reducing stress, can stop the cycle of cortisol production and hair loss. I use the organic Himalaya brand. 

May this allow you to explore new ways of loving up your skin and therefore body as it’s all interconnected. Until next time, let’s glow together. United. In gratitude for each other, our planet and most of all our own bodies.

Emma J Purvey is the face of Sibu Beauty skincare and in the Adobe Gen Create 2021 campaign. Emma will be in the Naples Illustrated magazine April issue.  

Directory.

www.wholefoods.com

www.sephora.com

www.moonjuice.com

www.himalayausa.com

www.bluebonnetnutrition.com