Glow From the Inside Out – Nurture Your Skin

 Your skin is a reflection of your overall health. The modern day diet and lifestyle leads to unavoidable toxic build up which results in unhealthy looking skin.

Here are some tips to reduce your toxic load and help your skin to glow!

Detoxify – Your skin is the body’s largest eliminatory organ.
The body continually performs a natural detoxification process through these organs, but at times they need some help:

  • Drink hot water and the juice of 1/2 a lemon every morning – this stimulates liver function, digestion and helps to alkalinise the body.
  • Exercise, but not to excess – this increases blood flow and circulation.
  • Buy organic food whenever possible – helping to reduce the number of toxins absorbed by the body.
  • Eat a wide variety of plant based foods – thereby eating a large number of proteins, vitamins and antioxidants.
  • Drink plenty of filtered and fluoride free water.

Nourish – We all know that you are what you eat.
If you incorporate antioxidants, fibrous natural foods in your diet, you will be cleansing from the inside out. These are some foods that will nurture a beautiful complexion:

  • Nuts and Seeds – contain plenty of Vitamin E, an antioxidant which supports healthy skin and reduces the signs of ageing. Walnuts and flaxseeds are especially rich in Omega-3 fatty acid which are anti-inflammatory. This helps to heal the skin and decrease redness in disorders such as acne and psoriasis.
  • Carrots and Kale – are high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant which fights free radicals and also converts to Vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A helps prevent your skin from ageing and reduces damage that may have already occurred.
  • Avocados – are rich in vitamins and minerals that can improve your skin from the inside out. One of the main benefits comes from their high oleic acid content. This monounsaturated fatty acid maintains moisture in the epidermal layer of your skin, keeping it soft and hydrated. Bonus tip: avocados can be applied topically as a mask. Mash one up and apply it to your face and décolletage. Leave for 15 minutes and then wash off. The natural oils are a wonderful moisturiser.
  • Eggs – are a great source of complete protein which helps to repair cells that have suffered free radical damage. They have high levels of lecithin which is essential for building cell walls and reduces ageing by keeping it firm.
  • Pomegranate – contains a constituent called ellagic acid, an antioxidant and punicic acid which is an Omega-5 polyunsaturated fatty acid. Ellagic acid is highly beneficial for cell regeneration and proliferation. Consuming pomegranate provides the skin with compounds that help to protect against free radical damage caused by sun damage and cancer.

Exfoliation – Exfoliating at once a week is a must for healthy, glowing skin.

This removes dead skin cells that lead to dull, lifeless looking skin. Getting a series of microdermabrasion sessions every so often is also recommended. This is a non-invasive procedure which mechanically exfoliates the outermost layer of dead skin cells. Your face is left looking softer, smoother and younger.

Toxic Free Products – Did you know that we absorb up to 60% of what we put on our skin? Many ‘beauty’ products are loaded up with unnecessary toxic chemicals that not only wreak havoc on your skin, but also to your health. It is important to maintain healthy skin with a dedicated toxic free skincare routine. The following are a few of the top chemicals to watch out for:

  • Triclosan
  • Parabens
  • Perfumes and fragrances
  • Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS)
  • Phthalates
  • Dioxane
  • Sodium Hydroxymethylgylcinate

Reduce Stress – stress have been proven to cause skin irritations & collagen breakdown.

The stress hormone cortisol literally gets under your skin, leading to dryness and other signs of ageing. Cortisol triggers an elevation in blood sugar, which, via a process called glycation, damages collagen and elastin – these are the protein fibres that plump skin and keep it smooth. Stress increases inflammation that leads to breakouts, dilates blood vessels causing redness and aggravates rosacea.

Here are some tips to minimise stress:

  • Exercise regularly to boost circulation and decrease tension.
  • Get 7-8 hours of sleep every night as insufficient sleep causes the body to release cortisol.
  • Take a break and meditate everyday. Even taking 5 minutes to sit quietly and focus on your breath will bring immediate stress relief.
  • Get in touch with nature. Take off your shoes and go for a walk on the beach or in the park. Feel the sensation of the earth beneath your feet and take time to be in the present.

Take a High Quality Probiotic – Clear skin starts with a healthy gut!

Research has shown there is a connection between skin health and gut flora. Your gut’s ability to absorb skin beautifying ingredients depends on the amount of good bacteria it contains. Known as gut flora, this bacteria is extremely important for your body’s ability to function properly. Modern day diet and lifestyle can damage the gut and kill off the healthy bacteria which the body needs. Over time, altered gut flora can compromise intestinal integrity and contribute to inflammation. This damages the protective function of the outer barrier of the skin, and can result in acne, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis or other skin conditions. Oral probiotics have been shown to improve intestinal function and to reduce inflammation. Taking a high quality probiotic is a good idea to optimise your gut’s good bacteria which directly benefits your skin.

By implementing these small changes to your daily routine, you will be well on your way to achieving glowing skin from the inside out!