As a chef, holistic nutritionist, gut health expert, and entrepreneur, I am always mindful of what I am putting into and onto my body.

My clean eating philosophy extends beyond my kitchen. I have the same mindset when it comes to beauty and self-care. Clean eating and clean beauty are about nourishing and pampering your body with organic superfoods, both inside and outside of the kitchen. 

My Organic Beauty Ritual 

Food is medicine and many are surprised to discover how big of an improvement nutrition can make in your skin and hair! For instance, healing your gut can actually improve several different skin and scalp conditions, which allows you to not only look your best but also feel your best.

Many of the products in the cosmetic industry are designed to cover up rather than address skin issues, and they are filled with ingredients that aren’t healthy for our skin (the largest organ of the human body) to begin with! It’s important to check out the ingredients list of your beauty products. Certain cosmetic ingredients are linked to reproductive and hormonal issues, allergies, and cancer. 

As more and more people are becoming aware of this, it’s no surprise that consumers are seeking healthier choices.

One of the differences I appreciate the most between life in the United States and Italy is the way food and cosmetics are regulated in the EU, aligning with my values and commitment to using all-natural remedies as much as possible.

I have a few staples in my clean beauty routine, including gua sha and extra virgin olive oil. 

I have researched the benefits of olive oil with my own two hands. From working on the land in the olive groves of my biodynamic Umbrian farm to being my own guinea pig with extra virgin olive oil in my kitchen recipes, beauty rituals, and self-care routines, I can say with knowledge and experience that olive oil is liquid gold. 

Olive oil is one of my favorite beauty staples because of how versatile it is. It’s incredibly moisturizing and smoothing for your skin, hair, and scalp. Whether you eat or drink it or apply it topically, your body benefits incredibly from its richness of fatty acids and antioxidants.

Olive Oil Beauty Benefits 

Health and beauty are more than just skin deep. Beauty literally comes from within. Specifically, glowing skin and shiny hair starts with a healthy gut. 

I have been drinking a gut health shot of olive oil every morning on an empty stomach to alkalize my stomach pH, promote gut microbiome diversity, and create an extra layer of protection along my stomach lining before my first meal. From energy production to hormone balance, skin health to mental health, and even toxin and waste elimination, your gut health affects how you feel and function in your day to day life.

Olive oil antioxidants support anti-aging of the skin and body by combating free radicals. Shayna’s Kitchen EU Certified Organic Ancient Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil contains vitamin E and medicinal levels of polyphenols, which are known to benefit cardiovascular health, blood pressure regulation, blood sugar management, and weight management. Olive oil polyphenols are potent bioactive compounds that promote gut microbiota health, which is linked to more optimal mood, digestion, and immunity, as well as glowing skin! The medicinal levels of polyphenols in my extra virgin olive oil have helped my friend’s dandruff disappear ever since she started taking it as a morning shot. 

The anti-inflammatory properties of olive oil polyphenols can significantly help soothe inflammation that causes psoriasis and dermatitis. You can also apply it directly to your scalp to soothe irritation or dryness, or encourage hair growth by gently massaging it in. I love to apply my olive oil to my hair as a mask, boosting shine, softness and resilience. 

Like many of us, I struggled with acne as a kid. I know how frustrating and painful these red spots can be—not to mention the scars they leave behind. Olive oil contains certain beneficial anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe acne and repair skin from scarring.

One of the keys to preventing acne in the first place is to properly cleanse your skin, which includes removing makeup before going to sleep at night! Olive oil is an effective yet non-stripping cleanser and makeup remover that gently dissolves makeup, dirt, and oil. It can be especially suitable for dry or sensitive skin, as it removes impurities from the skin without disrupting your natural moisture barrier. 

If you’d like to experience the health and beauty benefits of extra virgin olive oil, I invite you to order your very own bottle of liquid gold! My EU Certified Organic Ancient Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil is cold-pressed from single estate olives of my very own biodynamic farm in Umbria and is available to be shipped directly to you!