Author: Capital Femme

Hi, this space is about faith-based self care including making healthy choices in skincare and encouragement along your self care journey

Your gut & skincare: Water and its crucial role

On By Capital FemmeIn SkincareLeave a comment

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

This week we’ll be discussing how staying hydrated affects your skin. During this summer and beyond it’s important to stay hydrated for your skin’s benefit and overall health.

The Importance of Drinking Water for Healthy Skin

According to this, 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Water is the essence of life, and its benefits extend beyond quenching thirst. When it comes to maintaining healthy, glowing skin, adequate water intake plays a crucial role. Here’s why hydration is key to achieving radiant skin:

Hydration and Skin Health

  • Moisture Balance: The skin is the largest organ in the body and requires proper hydration to maintain its elasticity and suppleness. Drinking an ample amount of water helps in keeping the skin adequately moisturized, preventing dryness and flakiness.
  • Toxin Elimination: Water aids in the elimination of toxins from the body. By flushing out impurities, water helps prevent skin conditions such as acne and breakouts, promoting clearer and healthier skin.

The Impact of Dehydration

  • Dry and Dull Skin: Insufficient water intake can lead to dehydrated skin, resulting in a lackluster complexion and the premature appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Inflammation and Sensitivity: Dehydration can make the skin more prone to inflammation and sensitivity.
  • Some other signs of dehydration are dark circles, sunken eyes and dullness.

Tips for Hydrated Skin

  • Daily Intake: It is recommended to consume at least 8-10 glasses of water per day to maintain optimal hydration levels.
  • Hydrating Foods: Incorporating water-rich fruits and vegetables into your diet, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges, can contribute to overall hydration.
  • Skincare Regimen: Pairing a good skincare routine with adequate water intake can further enhance the skin’s health and appearance.

In conclusion, drinking water is a simple yet powerful way to support the health and vitality of your skin. By making hydration a priority, you can enjoy the benefits of a clear, radiant complexion and overall skin well-being.

Remember, when it comes to skincare, hydration is the foundation for a healthy and glowing complexion.

References (click to view)

https://dermatologymohsinstitute.com/how-to-tell-if-your-skin-is-dehydrated/#:~:text=Dehydrated%20skin%20occurs%20due%20to,or%20more%20noticeable%20fine%20lines.

https://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-signs-skin-hydration

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555956/

Your gut & skincare: The power of oats

On By Capital FemmeIn Oily skincare, SkincareLeave a comment

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

For centuries, oats (also known as Avena sativa) have long been cherished as a wholesome breakfast option, rich in healthy carbs, fiber, and an array of vital vitamins and nutrients. However, beyond their reputation as a breakfast item, oats are brimming with skin-nourishing properties that can work wonders for your skin.

Nutrient Powerhouse for Your Skin

Oats contain an abundance of antioxidants, magnesium, and zinc, which collectively contribute to the overall health and radiance of your skin. Protein content in oats ranges from 13 to 20%. The presence of polysaccharides, hydrocolloids, and fats forms a protective film over the skin, effectively locking in moisture and providing essential hydration.

Skincare Benefits of Oats

  • Soothing and Protecting: Oats are hailed for their anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in soothing issues like acne and itchy skin. It also restores the skin’s pH balance for enhanced protection and moisture retention.
  • Cleansing and Exfoliating: With natural cleansing properties, oats can effectively clear out dirt, detoxify pores, and gently exfoliate the skin, leaving it refreshed and revitalized.
  • Hydrating and Moisturizing: Oats, rich in polysaccharides, hydrocolloids, and fats, form a protective film over the skin, locking in moisture and providing hydration, which is particularly beneficial for sensitive and dry skin.

Incorporating oats into your diet not only nourishes your body but also offers remarkable benefits for your skin. Whether you have oily, dry, normal, or sensitive skin, the extraordinary benefits of oats and oat ingredients are undeniable, making them a valuable addition to your skincare regimen.

So, next time you enjoy a warm bowl of oatmeal, remember that oats are not only nutritious for your body but also offer remarkable benefits for your skin.

References (click to view)

https://www.cleure.com/blogs/blog/benefits-of-oats-in-skin-care
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/oatmeal-benefits-for-the-skin
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3508548/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8625765/

Your gut & skincare: Foods good for oily skin

On By Capital FemmeIn Oily skincare, SkincareLeave a comment

Editor’s Note: This post has been updated as of July 2025. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

Between early showings, client lunches, and late-night emails, your body is doing a lot, and your skin often tells the story. Did you know that what you eat can affect your skin as much as what you apply?

Maybe your skin has left you feeling frustrated, embarrassed, or even discouraged. Those flare-ups can wear on your confidence. But here’s something to hold onto: even in this, you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and caring for your body can be an act of worship.

As 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” That means your food choices, your skincare, and even how you treat your body in hard seasons can reflect your faith and God’s love.

In this post, we’ll explore the link between gut health and glowing skin, offering faith-filled tips on foods that support both your well-being and your purpose in Christ.

Nourishing Foods for Oily Skin

Findings from some studies suggest that following a low-glycemic diet (referring to high sugar), may reduce the amount of acne you have. Low-glycemic foods include most fresh vegetables, some fresh fruits, beans, and oats. In contrast, a high-glycemic diet is one that includes foods and drinks that spike your blood sugar quickly. In the USA, 2258 patients were placed on a low-glycemic diet so that they could lose weight. This diet also reduced their acne, with 87% of patients saying they had less acne, and 91% saying they needed less acne medication.

Dealing with oily skin can be a challenge, but making mindful choices in your diet can significantly impact its condition. Incorporating the right foods can help balance oil production and promote a clearer complexion. Here are some nourishing foods that are beneficial for oily skin:

Omega-3 Rich Foods

  • Sardine: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, sardine helps reduce inflammation and keep skin cells nourished, helping to control oil production.
  • Kidney beans: These are a good source of omega-3s, aiding in maintaining the skin’s moisture balance and supporting a healthy glow.
Foods good for oily skincare by Capital Femme. Christian faith rooted

Antioxidant-Packed Fruits and Vegetables

  • Tomatoes: They are loaded with antioxidants that can help control sebum production and protect the skin from environmental damage.
  • Leafy Greens: Lettuce, kale, and other leafy greens are rich in vitamins and minerals that promote clear, radiant skin while regulating oiliness.

Zinc-Containing Foods

  • Quinoa: High in zinc, quinoa helps control oil production and assist in the healing of blemishes and acne-prone skin.
  • Legumes: Foods like lentils and chickpeas are not only rich in zinc but also provide protein and fiber for overall skin health.

Hydration-Boosting Foods

  • Cucumber: With its high water content, cucumber helps hydrate your skin from within, balancing oil production and promoting a clear complexion.
  • Watermelon: Another hydrating fruit, can assist in flushing out toxins and keeping the skin supple and refreshed.

Some things to watch out for

You want to avoid processed foods. These are foods with added salt, sugar or fat. They include sausages, processed meats, chips, soda and more. You also want to reduce high glycemic foods like white bread, corn flakes, white rice, potato chips, doughnuts or other pastries.

If your skin hasn’t looked the way you hoped lately, don’t be hard on yourself. Healing is a process both physically and spiritually. Each step you take to nourish your gut and care for your skin can be a quiet, sacred moment of stewardship. Even small changes count.

In Closing

Incorporating these foods into your diet can complement your skincare routine and aid in managing oily skin. Remember, a balanced and varied diet, rich in essential nutrients, can play a significant role in promoting a healthy complexion. By nourishing your body with these skin-friendly foods, you can work towards achieving a more balanced and radiant complexion.

When you prioritize your wellness with faith at the center, it’s not vanity. It’s stewardship. What you put in your body matters just as much as what you put on it. So next time you prep your meals or sip your tea, remember: even this can be done for the glory of God.

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References (click to view)

Click to access top-20-foods-high-in-antioxidants.pdf

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-omega-3-rich-foods#6.-Sardines-(-1,463-mg-per-serving)

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/diet#:~:text=Scientists%20believe%20that%20following%20a,oily%20substance%20in%20your%20skin.

The power of self-care: How it makes you feel better

On By Capital FemmeIn Personal careLeave a comment

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but the insights still hold value. Capital Femme is now a space where faith meets wellness 💛

Self-care isn’t just a trend; it’s a crucial component of overall wellness that includes emotional, mental, social, and spiritual health. “In a national survey, Americans cited benefits of self-care as: enhanced self-confidence (64%), increased productivity (67%), happiness (71%).” Practicing self-care involves prioritizing your needs, validating your goals, beliefs, and relationships, and ultimately, honoring your existence. When you give yourself that time to pamper yourself, you’ll be glad you did it. This could look like applying your favourite moisturizer, taking a bath, going for a walk or reading the bible. Here’s how engaging in self-care can make you feel:

Emotional and Mental Well-being

  • Reduced Stress Levels: By taking the time to unwind and engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation, self-care can help lower stress levels and promote a sense of calm.
  • Increased Happiness: Nurturing relationships, spending time in nature, and engaging in activities that bring you joy can contribute to increased feelings of happiness and support.
  • Improved Self-esteem: Engaging in regular physical activity, practicing gratitude, and setting achievable goals can boost self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.

Physical Health

  • Better Sleep Quality: Prioritizing sleep and creating a consistent sleep schedule can improve sleep hygiene, regulate mood, and increase energy levels. You can go from cranky and annoyed to relaxed and productive.
  • Healthy Habits: Prioritizing a balanced and nutritious diet, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular physical activity can contribute to overall well-being and increased energy.

Overall Well-being

  • Grounded and Calm: Spending time in nature, engaging in relaxation activities like applying your skincare products, and nurturing healthy relationships can foster a sense of grounding, calmness, and emotional balance.
  • Balanced Existence: Self-care validates your needs, allowing you to honor your goals, beliefs, and relationships, contributing to managing stress and increasing positive emotions. The less you stress, the less acne you’ll have.

Tips for including self-care in your routine

Incorporating self-care into your daily routine is essential for maintaining overall well-being. Here are some actionable tips to help you prioritize self-care in your everyday life:

  1. Identify What Makes You Feel Centered
    • Start by listing activities that bring you joy, whether it’s a specific color, certain scents, or activities like reading or going for a walk.
  2. Incorporate Joyful Activities into Your Daily Life
    • Brainstorm how you can infuse these activities into your routine, whether in the background or as a dedicated part of your day.
  3. Make Time for Yourself
    • Dedicate at least 15-30 minutes each day for activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Self-care includes making time to care for your skin. This can look like applying a face mask, doing some gua sha, eating more fruits or just simply moisturizing every time you cleanse. Practice positive self-talk and block out negative influences. Forming positive habits will make so much of a difference in how you feel.

In conclusion, self-care is not just about pampering oneself; it’s a daily holistic wellness practice that accounts for emotional, physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. By engaging in self-care practices, you can experience reduced stress, improved sleep quality, increased happiness, and an overall sense of balance and well-being. Embracing self-care can lead to a profound positive impact on one’s emotional, mental, and physical state, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

References (click to view)

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health

Self-Care: Definition, Benefits, & Ideas to Try

https://www.vagaro.com/news/press-release/survey-finds-three-quarters-of-americans-believe-self-care-activities-provide-stress-relief

Sustainable products and why you should use them

On By Capital FemmeIn Skincare2 Comments

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

Sustainable beauty products have been gaining traction in the cosmetics industry, and for all the right reasons. According to this study, 9 out of 10 shoppers believe sustainability is an important factor to consider before buying a beauty product.

You might be wondering what are sustainable products?

Sustainable beauty products are those that are created with minimal impact on the environment, from sourcing raw materials to production and packaging. These products often utilize natural, organic, and responsibly sourced ingredients, and are free from harmful chemicals. 

The Benefits of Choosing Sustainable Beauty

  1. Environmentally Friendly: By opting for sustainable beauty products, consumers contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the beauty industry, such as deforestation, water pollution, and excessive waste.

  2. Healthier Formulations: Many sustainable beauty brands prioritize natural and organic ingredients, avoiding potentially harmful chemicals, making them gentler on the skin and body.

  3. Ethical Practices: Sustainable beauty brands often embrace fair trade and ethical sourcing practices, supporting local communities and small-scale producers. 

  4. Innovation and Quality: The focus on sustainability often drives innovation, resulting in high-quality, effective products that are not only good for the environment but also deliver excellent results.

A disadvantage of sustainable products is that they may have a shorter shelf life.

How to Identify Sustainable Beauty Products

When looking for sustainable beauty products, keep an eye out for the following characteristics:

  • Certified organic or natural ingredients
  • Cruelty-free and vegan certifications
  • Recyclable or biodegradable packaging
  • Minimal use of synthetic chemicals and preservatives

Embracing a Greener Beauty Routine

Making the switch to sustainable beauty products is a step towards a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. There are a plethora of sustainable options available to cater to every beauty need. In our previous posts, we looked at some popular synthetic chemicals and ingredients’ effect on your health, as well as animal testing in the skincare (cosmetic) industry.

By supporting sustainable beauty brands, you not only take care of your own well-being but also contribute to the preservation of the planet. It’s a small yet impactful way to make a difference, one beauty product at a time.

References (click to view)

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jessibaker/2022/10/17/79-of-beauty-shoppers-have-doubts-about-sustainability-claims–how-can-brands-rebuild-trust/?sh=2fe50d00e8d6

https://info.provenance.org/skin-deep-beauty?utm_campaign=Research%20report&utm_source=Forbes

Let’s talk about animal testing in the skincare industry

On By Capital FemmeIn Clean skincare, SkincareLeave a comment

Editor’s Note: This post was written before our faith-centered refocus, but we still stand by the message. Capital Femme is now a space where skincare meets Scripture 💛

“Globally around 500,000 animals suffer and die just for cosmetics each year”- Humane Society International. In the beauty industry animal testing is when brands use their products on animals and observe their reactions. It sounds harmless right? It actually isn’t.

In this process they shave their fur, rub the product/ingredients into their exposed skin, inject them, put it in their eyes and force them to ingest it through their mouths. After which the animals are usually killed and dissected. Some of these animals include mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, baboons, cats, cows, dogs, ferrets, pigs, hamsters and more. This is where cruelty-free brands and products come in.

Cruelty-free on a product means that it was not tested on animals. Cruelty Free International offers Leaping Bunny certification for beauty companies which is internationally recognized.

This post is to spread awareness about animal cruelty.

Testing beauty products on animals is banned in the European Union (EU), United Kingdom, Colombia, Guatemala, South Korea amongst others. Twelve US states have banned the sale of products tested on animals. They are California, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Virginia and Washington.

On the other hand, they are better alternatives to animal testing like taking human cells, tissue or bacteria and testing it in a tube. Another is using advanced computer technology.

Normally most cruelty-free brands are also natural or vegan. This makes businesses of all sizes willing and able to test their products on themselves or others involved in their process. Some brands to try are Urban Hydration, Good Molecules and Bliss.

Join the movement and support cruelty-free brands 🐰 to help ban animal testing worldwide.

References (click to view)

https://crueltyfreeinternational.org/make-change/cosmetics

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/cosmetics-animal-testing-faq#:~:text=When%20choosing%20to%20develop%20or,safety%20of%20these%20new%20ingredients.