Beautiful, healthy, glowing skin - is there anyone who doesn’t want that? A balanced complexion isn’t just beautiful; it can signify the state of your health, youthfulness, and even your happiness or stress level. These messages are so pervasively accepted that taking care of your skin has become a billion dollar industry – an industry, however, that focuses on healing from the outside in, and not always working well at all.
Achieving truly healthy skin isn’t as simple as buying fancy creams and committing to invasive procedures. In fact, the key to getting what you want on the outside isn’t on the outside at all! Getting the healthy happy skin you've always wanted starts by focusing on the inside!
Our skin is our largest organ and its health is endangered all the time. Between exposure to the elements, stress, pollution, poor nutrition, and of course, natural aging, our skin is constantly fighting for its health.
So how can we maintain healthy, glowing skin when the odds are stacked against us? By giving our skin the attention and care it so rightly deserves.
Reduce inflammatory foods
Inflammation isn’t just the root of disease, it can also be the root of many skin ailments including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and more. Just as reducing inflammatory foods can positively affect your other systems, it can also be read on the surface of your skin! Try removing common inflammatory foods for at least 4 weeks and you should start to see an improvement in your skin’s health.
Remove these Inflammatory Foods
Gluten
Wheat products
Dairy (particularly cow’s milk and cheeses)
Refined sugar
Processed foods and beverages
‘Junk’ food
‘Fast’ food
Eat these Foods that Fight Inflammation
Dark, leafy greens
Tomatoes
Berries
Fatty fish
Olive, avocado, and coconut oil
Green Tea
Water
Probiotics
Increase your water intake
We know that water is essential to helping our bodies function best, but did you know that it is the best way to ensure that nutrients are delivered effectively, and toxins are flushed out? Especially if you’re experiencing skin conditions, it’s important to make sure that you’re helping your body to rid itself of toxic residues and components that could be causing these symptoms.
Make sure you’re getting enough hydration every day by eating and drinking adequate amounts. Remember, there’s water present in everything you eat and drink, especially if you’re juicing or consuming lots of fruit and veggies. Drink water whenever you feel a thirst coming on. In spite of the classic “8, 8-ounce glasses” per day advice, there’s really no magic amount of water everyone needs to consume per day to stay hydrated. But, new research suggests that women could safely consume a total of approximately 2.7 litres (91 ounces) of water from all beverages and foods each day and that men could safely drink about 3.7 litres (125 ounces) daily.
Facial Acupuncture
If you thought acupuncture was only for the body, think again! Facial acupuncture works with the meridians to release congestion in the skin and increase circulation and collagen production. Incredibly, facial acupuncture can also help to relax fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and forehead, tighten sagging skin, and can even out paleness and redness. Sometimes known as ‘cosmetic acupuncture,’ it’s a fantastic alternative to the common injectables that have become so popular in anti-aging.
Collagen
Most of us are deficient in collagen. Daily collagen consumption will help to maintain internal collagen levels. Try bone broth soup made with a high collagen base like chicken feet, or some collagen powder in your smoothie!
Hyaluronic Acid
As much as you can influence your skin health from the inside out, you should also take care of your largest organ from the outside in. Hyaluronic acid is an incredible hydrophilic (water-loving) chemical that is found naturally in our bodies, particularly in our eyes and joints. It’s moisturizing, hydrating properties are why it’s so often used to treat arthritis, cataracts, and dry eyes. Because of this, hyaluronic acid is also an amazing ingredient for healthy, supple skin. Here’s why:
As we age, our skin’s ability to preserve moisture slows down, and we start to lose firmness, elasticity, and fullness. Hyaluronic acid has an incredible ability to replenish the moisture we lose, helping skin to look and feel softer, smoother, and glowy because of is super hydration effects.
Being one of the most studied and proven skin care ingredients, you can find many topical skin care products and anti-aging treatments that feature hyaluronic acid. Along with wearing a suitable SPF, topical hyaluronic acid is a fantastic way to heal your skin from the outside in while you increase your glowing health from the inside out.
Skin Care
While it's important to have a good skincare regime, it's also important to know what’s in the products you put on your face. Seek out quality ingredients that will enhance your health rather than add toxic burden to your system. We like organic skin care lines like Ilya, Eminence, and Canadian Brands like Buck Naked, Living Libations and Green Beaver . There are lots of good natural care products for your skin; choose wisely.
Now that you’re ready to take care of your largest organ from the inside out and the outside in, there’s one more thing - enjoying the self-care process of maintaining beautiful, healthy skin! After all, skin care should be pampering as well as effective. Here’s one of our favourite DIY masks to help you on your journey to your most healthy skin:
Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-acne Mask to soothe redness and calm reactive skin:
To your good health,
Dr. Lisa Vecchi, ND