Hi, and welcome to another episode of the Real Life Momz podcast. I'm your host, Lisa Foster and Real Life Momz is all about connecting moms through meaningful conversations and powerful stories. I believe that moms are so much more than just moms. We each have our own unique strengths and superpowers, and my strength is inspiring others. In this podcast, we wanna help empower you to tap into your unique strengths and become the best version of yourself while teaching your kids to do the same. You will hear real life stories of moms just like you, who have unlocked their potential and now wanna share their wisdom with you.
So let's get started on this week's episode. And this week we're joined by Natalie Bevins. She is a master aesthetician with 20 years of experience, and she has seen the battles women fight to achieve healthy, glowing skin from acne all the way to premature aging. Natalie is passionate about educating women about their skin and helping them to understand the issues that they're facing. Through her guidance, she helps 'em achieve that beautiful healthy glow that they're striving for. So let's welcome Natalie to the show.
Hi,
Natalie. It's awesome to have you here today on the show. You have a passion for skincare, and as an aesthetician, you are committed to helping women restore their natural glow, which I just love. So just thank you for coming on the show today.
Thanks for having me, Lisa. I'm excited to share for women out there all the things, skincare,
And I can definitely use it cuz I, I wanna be honest, I do know things, skincare, <laugh>, so this is gonna be amazing for me and I hope some other moms out there that just don't prioritize themselves. So maybe just start by telling us a little bit about your background story and just what really led you to wanna help other women with skincare.
Well, I actually, before I became an aesthetician, I was in my twenties and I kind of, I just broke out in acne all over my cheeks and everywhere. And for me, not knowing very much about skin and not really having a good grasp on any of it really. And I think that's where a lot of women start, and I just didn't know. And I, it was, I thought it just came overnight and I was kind of like, well, what do I do now? Right? Like, I don't know what to do. And it was just such a big change in my skin. And then something that it was like, you know, if you have acne, if you've had acne, then you know how it affects you, like mentally and stuff like that.
And so it was just kind of like this struggle. And I'm kind of a researcher, so I started just diving into books and researching and reading and learning and just anything that I could, um, and, and anything the books were telling me or anywhere I found answers, I would try it.
And it got to a point where I was once said, you know, it's because you need to flush out your system because you don't, so you need more water. And so the amount of water I was drinking in a day was like obscene. And of course <laugh>, of course, it wasn't helping. It was, you know, depleting my electrolytes and stuff like that. And then I was go into stores and, and any store that had a skincare aisle, I would go into that section. And anything that said acne, I would grab it. Because in my head I was like, I had acne. This says it's gonna help acne.
And so the amount of products that I had and everything, and really I was doing all of the research, I was doing all of the work, I was putting all the effort in, but I was still completely lost.
I was completely, didn't know how to filter it for my skin. I didn't know how to apply it to my skin and to me. And so then it was about that time that I heard somebody saying something about an aesthetician, and I was like, well, what is that? And of course, this is 20 years ago mm-hmm. <affirmative>, so that wasn't as common. And so I was like, what is that? And once I learned more about it, I was like, that's what I need to be. And so as I've kind of grown through this aesthetic world, it's kind of just so apparent to me that most women are where I was. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> just completely frustrated, don't know how to filter, you know, we're getting information from all over the place, right?
It's just hitting us from, you know, you can't even like scroll through Instagram and, and not be hit with skincare information.
And you know, you, you YouTube's covered within advertisements and celebrities and so it's really, really confusing and overwhelming and it's hard to filter that down to your skin and what your skin actually needs and how it changes and how to apply all of that. And so really my mission is just to help women understand their own skin. Like not, they don't need to understand everybody's skin. They only need to understand theirs. And so just taking that perspective of where I used to be and not knowing how to take care of my skin.
And it's so common for women. And so I just really want women to understand that it doesn't have to be that confusing and we can kind of, I kind of give you the tools and, and teach you how it applies to your skin and, and make the connection. So that was a really long answer to <laugh>, where I, where I am and where I got started and why I do what I do.
Well, and I love that story because you had a problem, I'm gonna call it a problem, it was acne or maybe it wasn't really acne.
Yeah, no.
And then you look to solve the problem and now you're trying to help other women solve that problem. So I think that's first of all, amazing, but also what I'm hearing is not all skin is equal, which is kind of a light bulb for me because as you have a problem, you do go to those aisles, right? Yeah. And you're like, acne, okay. Like, but not all skin is equal. So of course not that, that one thing's probably not gonna work on everybody that picks it up. So it's important.
Yeah,
Exactly. Always say like, your skin is so individual, it's not. When I give people skincare regiments, I don't even give them the same regiment that I would give their sister or their mother. Like they're, they're very individualized into what, you know, skin tone and skin texture, skin type skin issues, and their skincare goals. So it's, it's very, very individual mm-hmm. <affirmative>. And then their lifestyle makes a huge difference in their skin as well. Like, are they really stressed? Are they out in the sun all the time? Do they work in a place where there's lots of chemicals and, and toxins?
And I mean, the list goes on, but it's, it's very individual as far as, you know, your genetics and how, and how that all plays into, and then your lifestyle and how even how you eat and sleep makes a big difference on your skin.
All right. Well that just brings me to just skin in general. Okay. Skin I feel like gets like not enough recognition, right? Because we take care of our heart, we take care of our gut, right? But skin is actually the largest organ in our body, and yet I know for myself, I don't really take care of it. And yet it protects us from, gosh, the environment, viruses, bacteria. What do you think about skin health? Why is it so essential for just our overall wellbeing?
Well, like you said, it is the largest organ in our body. And also what you said is we spend so much time with worrying about our heart and doing exercise and eating right and worrying about our brains and the health of our brains and all of that. But people don't make the correlation that skin is an organ. Mm-hmm. Just like all the others. And it has a function to do. It has several functions that it needs to do. And if it's not in a healthy state, it cannot perform, perform those functions properly. And so it's really important to get it to a healthy state. And really it, it's, it's great when it gets to the healthy state because then you get that health healthy glow that everybody's after, right?
Mm-hmm. <affirmative>, it's just a reflection of is your skin healthy? That's what we're trying to make it be is its most, you know, get it to that spot where it's the most healthy. And you know, as an organ, if it's the most healthy, then it will function properly.
I can think of like acne, right? Being something that maybe a sign of unhealthy and I could be wrong. So you tell me. Um, but what are, what are some things that would show up to say that your skin is not healthy? You
Know, that is a very broad range, right? Um, it, acne can, I'm not saying all acne cases are because your skin is unhealthy. Acne can be a lot of genetics and stuff like that as well. Hormones play a huge role, stress all of that. And so really it is gonna be, um, things like super dry skin or irritated or if it's, um, sensitized or, you know, a lot of things like this. Just tiny little triggers because your skin is trying to communicate to you mm-hmm. <affirmative>, it's trying to tell you kind of what's happening in your body and, um, even your emotions play a role in that and all of that.
So it kind of just kind of comes together and you really have to know your skin and how it functions and when something kind of, uh, is off or it changes, then for you, then you'll be like, oh, okay, that is something that's not right and that is your body trying to talk to
You. Yes. And I have heard, and maybe in Chinese medicine I could be saying this wrong, but I feel like it said that the skin is the mirror to your insides.
Yes, yes. It definitely reflects what's happening inside for sure.
Which sometimes I'll be honest, freaks me out a little bit. <laugh>, <laugh>,
I guess I can see that
Because I'm like, whoa, I don't, you know, I don't look so good. What is going on inside? But what you're also saying is that could be stress related, not enough water, actual nutrition, things like that, that the insides are actually trying to communicate through your skin so that you kind of get that little, you know, alert if you will, to say that. Let's, let's check back in with our whole self.
Yeah, exactly. Yeah. It's just a little trigger being like, oh, hey, catch my attention. Right? Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. And, and a lot of times we don't see that. We just think, oh, why is my skin doing this? This is so annoying and inconvenient, but your skin is just trying to talk to you. Which
I, I think about a lot with, um, kind of like that eczema where you have that dry rashy ness, right? Because a lot of times that is related to also allergies and that, you know, could be something that you're eating, right? So, yep. Makes it just, yeah, it's interesting. I never think a, I forget the skin is an organ. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>, let's put that out there. I think a lot of us do. I'm not alone in this and b I never even think that it's trying to communicate with me <laugh>.
Yeah. And, and, and you're, I think you're the majority, right? Like that isn't uncommon for people to forget that it is an organ and, and that it's trying to talk to you. So yeah, you're definitely in the majority.
Yeah. Okay. Well that's good. It's always nice to know you're not alone. I know that personally you practice what you preach obviously, but how do you feel about like taking care of your skin, your outsize? How does that make you feel inside? You know
What I think when you're taking care of your skin and you, I think the key is when you know that you're using the right stuff for your skin and what your skin needs, then it becomes a self-care practice that you really enjoy. And it doesn't take a lot of time, but gives you that sense of accomplishment. Like I am doing something for myself. Um, and over time as you do that and it becomes a part of you and you see your skin improve and the health of your skin improve and it is like a boost in confidence, it really makes a difference to how you feel about yourself.
Yeah. And that's such a good point because I'm the type of mom, I have to say, right? That I forget about the whole self-care, you know, to the point where like, I'm getting up, I do my things in the morning, a lot of internal work, I'll meditate and things like that, but you know, get the kids out the door, then I'm out the door to work. And honestly, this happens to me, I would say weekly. Weekly, um, that I end up going to the bathroom at work and I look in the mirror quickly and I'm like, oh my God, did I even like <laugh>?
Did I even look before I left?
Did I even look? I mean, my hair looks like some, I don't even wanna talk about it. My, I mean, it's just crazy. Like, and so I do, it's like someone once said that, like, just get dressed, you know, get dressed. Like take the time Yeah. To wash your face, you know, put your makeup on or, or not whatever, or you know, do your hair just get dressed because it is true is much as I am into internal work. Cuz that's a big thing for me, having that external piece as well.
Really does, you're right. Boosts your confidence, makes you feel good so that when you do go to the bathroom at work and get a glimpse of yourself in the mirror, you're not like, who is that person staring back at me? Yeah. Yeah.
And, and sometimes I think doing stuff like that is kind of portrayed as being vain or something, but it really isn't. It's about taking care of yourself and grooming yourself. It's really about grooming and, and presenting your best self to the world. I mean, you don't have to go over the top and spend hours unless that's something you love and you have time, then that's wonderful. That's not really what you need to do. You just need to make yourself proud of who you are presenting to the world. And honestly that, that is not so much for physical, but it's actually for mental as far as I feel mm-hmm.
<affirmative> and it, you show up better in your life. And I know as a mom I show up better as a mom if I feel good about myself, right? Mm-hmm. <affirmative> and it kind of all is just this circle
That is perfectly said. Helping your outsides helps your insights, helping your insights helps your outside. It is a, a complete circle. It's perfect. I love that. Okay, so I know you have some easy skincare tips I'm sure you want tell us. So is there something well, and I need to know because I don't do anything, so I need this <laugh>. So are there some skin like care practices that moms could do to feel more confident and beautiful?
You bet. There totally is. So the way that I approach skin is it's kind of a 50 50, 50% is what you're gonna do internally and 50% is going to be what you do externally. And it's, you can't do one and expect results completely. And you can't, you know, you've gotta have both of them. When we focus on internally, you're gonna focus on a lot of things that you don't think are related to skincare. Um, I have a free guide that anybody can access that talks about all of these things that you can do that help you internally and it will, uh, improve your skin.
And it talks about sleep and you had mentioned meditation, meditation and, and prayer and journaling. Those type of things are really good because they put your body in a really calm state and um, kind of get your emotions out, which in turn helps your skin.
And a lot of times people are saying, um, my emotions have no nothing to do with skin. Right? Like how, what is a connection? But if you think about it, you know, when we were doing, you know, in school and we'd have a big test coming up, we'd get that big zit, right? Oh yeah. Well it's, that is an emotional response and your skin is affected by that. And so, uh, so 50% is internally and all of that and what you're eating and, and lifestyle and all of that. And then the other 50% is the topical products. You wanna make sure you are using really good products because otherwise, you know, you're kind of just going through the motions and you're not going to get results.
But you wanna make sure, I always say four things, that the very basic of skincare is four things.
You're gonna cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize and sunscreen. And the way that I tell people to do that is you're gonna cleanse once in the morning and twice at night. And the reason you're gonna do it once in the morning, a lot of times people are saying, well, I cleansed at night and I've been in my house and I just washed my pillowcase. Like, why do I need to cleanse? Well, it goes back to your skin is an organ and one of the functions is it's a detoxifying organ. So during the night when you think that you're sleeping and everything's resting, that's when your body's actually the most, you know, working the hardest.
And so it is detoxifying when you wake up, if you just start layering up your moisturizer and your makeups and all of that, then that sits on your skin, whatever your skin has deemed, like get rid of, then it will sit on the skin and your body has the ability to reabsorb it.
So in the morning you wanna make sure you're cleansing. And then two cleanses at night, because I always say you've got your makeup and your dirt and debris and everything everywhere you were at and anything you've touched and then touched your face is gonna be on your face. So your first cleanser, you're gonna get all of that off and your second cleanse, you wanna get deep into those pores and really clean it out. And if you've got a really good cleanser, then it can deliver some good ingredients to the skin as well. And then exfoliation, there are a lot of different exfoliators. Um, there's three different types and it just depends on your skin.
This is where it's really important to get some professional help with that and picking out products. Um, but that's gonna be about one to two times a week is all, and then you're gonna moisturize every single day, morning and night, and then sunscreen in the morning. So that's just kind of the basic of, uh, skincare.
Wow. Okay. And I'm like, well, I moisturize, I do that daily, but just that
Is one step. You're a step closer
Foot top and I can obviously clean my face, but not to the extent that you're describing. Um, but yeah. Okay. That, that is easy. And, and as you're talking about it, I'm just kind of like, wow, it is really gross. How much is on your skin? Whether it's hands, face, um, that we do pick up. I mean, I know out here we have like really bad air quality right now. So I think even just going out, there're actually recommending to come home and like shower, you know, because there is so much out in the environment right now that, you know, we don't even think about.
So,
And even in your house and if you're not changing filters and just, I mean the stagnant air in your house and then if you think about cell phones and pets in your house and, and touching the pet and then touching your face, like there's just so many places you can get stuff and then we we're putting it on our face or it's on our fingers and yeah, just really important to wash your face at night.
<laugh>. Yes. And now the sunscreen, do you recommend a specific like amount meaning, you know, spf,
Um, as, as far as the spf? So I, I am fine with a 15 as long as you're reapplying, but of course any sunscreen, you've got to reapply. So they have done a lot of studies and the difference between SPF 15 and SPF 30 is so minimal. I think it was around three to 5%. Like it's not that much stronger. So everybody thinks, oh, I have doubled the strength. Well, you don't actually, 15 to 30 is about what I recommend. Once you get up to like seventies and stuff, there's a lot of chemicals in those and I don't, I don't generally recommend those.
So I would say around 15 to 30, but either one, you pick, you've got to reapply every two hours.
And I'm assuming that's more if you're outdoors.
Um, actually no, I would, I would reapply even if you're sitting by a window or you're running errands and in and out of a car or sitting in a car, and there's a lot of studies out now saying blue light. So blue light is going to give you a deep, uh, the, the blue light rays go further into the skin than the aging ray from the sun, the UVA raise. And so even just sitting in front of your computer or your iPad or phone or something like that, you're getting some of that so that sunscreen can help protect a little bit with that.
Okay. And that's interesting about the higher numbers, having more chemicals actually not being so good for you.
Yeah, I mean, you're just absorbing more, right? You're just absorbing more because your skin, it, it absorbs things mm-hmm. <affirmative> and so you're just kinda absorbing more. So I would keep it at the 15 to 30. I mean, if you're gonna go to the beach, maybe you can go a little bit higher, but on a regular basis, I think that's sufficient for you should be.
So what is your favorite either routine or favorite product that you use for your skincare?
Uh, that's really hard. I use a lot. I, I am one of those ones that use a lot and every night I'm like, oh, what should I use today? Um, and I should be more consistent in a regimen. I just pick what I feel like using. Um, but I do virtual consultations, so I work with a skincare line that I absolutely love. It's pharmaceutical grade. It is, you know, there's no fillers in it. There's no fragrances. It's all essential oils, botanicals. So I, I really, I love it. It's called ggl and it's, it's really amazing for getting results on skin, so
That's awesome. Where can listeners find you? So
They can grab my free guide@lp.fordhambeauty.com and, uh, that'll, they can just reply to those emails and it'll come right to me.
And what message would you like the listeners to kind of walk away with today?
That their skin is really individual and that it is an organ and it is trying to serve them. And so try to put it in its best possible health so it can serve you. It's not trying to betray you, it's not trying to make your day terrible, it's actually trying to serve you and make you happy.
And it's trying to communicate with you Yeah. Through things that you can't maybe see or feel. Right? Yeah. If there's something more going on in your body. So I think that's really cool too. Well, thank you for sharing just the importance of skincare and really self-care for moms. Um, I just wanna reiterate that it is important, even though like that's not something that I do every day, but I I'm going to incorporate it because I do feel better when I have taken care of myself.
Yes. Yeah. And it, and it doesn't have to take a long time. It can be short.
Thank you for listening to this episode. Our skin is the largest organ in our body and it is a reflection of our internal wellbeing. So be sure to click on the link in the show notes and grab Natalie's free downloads and start prioritizing your skin and yourself today. Our mission is to touch 10,000 moms and empower them to take care of themselves and live the life that they deserve. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with two people you care about and help us reach our goal of 10,000 moms.
