Spring is a time of rebirth and new beginnings. It is also when our liver, one of our most important organs, throws off its waste into the bloodstream. During this time, the liver can regenerate itself with the right support nutritionally. But, when waste enters the bloodstream, it can wreak havoc on your skin. Your skin is an elimination organ. This means you can break out during the Spring season.

I have been performing the healing art of beauty and giving holistic skincare treatments since the 1970s. Every Spring, my clients would be so upset because their skin would start to break out terribly. I had to understand how to help people solve this problem. My studies over the decades taught me about the connection between gut health and our own immune system. This means a healthy gut, healthy skin.

When I give facials in my spa, Susan Naturally Day Spa, I always perform an aromatherapy lymphatic drainage massage during the facial treatment. I tell my clients when their gut is healthy; their skin is healthy. Getting to the root of the problem is very important. If you understand this premise, you will be well equipped to heal your skin and body, especially when the liver starts to detox. 

Since you may experience more breakouts during this time of year, it can help to make sure you are taking the right supplements. I always encourage people to take no less than 5,000 IU's of Vitamin D3, oil of oregano pills, milk thistle/dandelion pills, vitamin C 500 mg's, and a good multivitamin. Drink a lot of fresh, clean water during the day. At least twice a day, add either fresh lemon juice or organic apple cider vinegar to the water to help with the detox process. 

Steaming your pores with either fresh or dried rosemary, oregano, and/or thyme-infused water a few times a week, followed by my Sea Clay Mask (newly reformulated) or the Pore Minimizing Mask really helps heal the blemishes more rapidly. Applying Oil Control Formula or Toning Formula essential oil blends over the blemishes before you begin to steam your clean skin, which will speed up the healing process. Cleanse well with the Algae Deep Cleanse before you begin and after steaming, then apply your choice of mask. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes, then rinse well with cool water. Follow with your essential oil, Marine Lotion, Seawater, and moisturizer.

You can spot-treat your blemishes with either mask. Apply it directly to the blemish and leave it on overnight. Apply the mask over your moisturizer, and your blemish will be healed in the morning. Sometimes they disappear completely, and sometimes they'll be smaller. If they are still there, be consistent with your skincare routine and make sure you are eating well. If you don't make the necessary changes in your diet and lifestyle, you cannot expect to change your skin's appearance. These recipes are perfect for assisting with your body's spring detox process.

Organic Juice Recipe

1 Cup of Fresh Spinach
1 Cup of Swiss Chard 
1 Cup of Kale 
1/4" Piece of Ginger (I never peel my ginger)
1 Carrot 
1 Stick of Celery
1 Apple of Your Choice 

Put all cleaned ingredients through your juicer and drink immediately. After 20 minutes, the enzymes in the juice die, and the juice is no longer beneficial. This juice is delicious, energizing, and so healthy for you.

 Mung Bean Soup Recipe

1 Cup of Chopped Onion 
1 Tablespoon of Minced Garlic 
1 Tablespoon of Minced Ginger 
2 Teaspoons Fresh Ground Coriander Seeds 
1 Tablespoon of Cumin Seeds
3 Cups of Presoaked Mung Beans (soaked overnight)
1 Quart of Chicken Stock 
1 Can of Coconut Milk 
Juice and Rind of One Lime 
Salt and Pepper to Taste
1 Tablespoon of Chopped Cilantro Leaves 
Coconut Oil for Sautéing Vegetables and Spices 

Add coconut oil to a large stockpot and sauté the first 5 ingredients for 5 minutes on medium heat. Add presoaked and drained mung beans, stock, and coconut milk. Simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 hours in a heavy stockpot over low to medium heat. Stir frequently. Just before serving, add cilantro, lime juice, and zest, and adjust seasoning. Serves 4.