Cosmetic and skin care are a billion dollar industry and new products are created every year for a myriad of purposes ranging from acne to anti-aging. The skin is the largest organ in the human body and it is affected by the same factors that influence health and longevity, such as lifestyle and environmental factors.
Aging skin is a matter of biology rather than chronology. We might not be able to stop the aging process but we can delay and reverse its effects with integrated approaches that promote skin health and beauty. Radiant skin, thus, can be achieved by strengthening the immune system, following good nutrition, neutralizing free radicals, managing hormonal balance, eliminating inflammation and other approaches that support the body’s ability to repair itself. Collagen, the skin’s main structural protein that supports connective tissues, weakens with gradual accumulation of inadequate diet, stress, hormonal imbalance, toxicity and a sedentary lifestyle, along with exposure to sun and environmental toxins, manifesting in skin surface symptoms, such as clogged pores, dermatitis and premature aging.
These steps can help fight cellular damage, restore skin tone and texture, and promote a healthy complexion and glowing skin:
- sleep – it boosts blood flow to the skin and it enables the body to execute its functions optimally
- hydration – it helps flush out toxins and impurities out of the system
- cleansing – cleanse, tone and moisturize are part of an important external daily routine
- exfoliation – it supports skin renewal by eliminating dead cells that make skin look dull and lifeless
- detoxification – supports liver function which helps metabolize the body, balance hormones, flush out toxins and promote cell turnover
- circulation – exercise increases oxygenation and blood circulation which prevents water retention, wrinkles, loss of tone and texture, and skin inflammation
- protection – use sunscreen to promote skin health and avoid premature aging
- relaxation – deep relaxation can help the skin to heal and repair more quickly
- nutrition – proper diet can provide antioxidant and nutrients that support skin beauty
Including the following as part of a healthy and balanced diet will result in glowing skin from inside out: selenium (Brazil nuts, shrimp, lamb, tuna, salmon, and cooked beef), antioxidants (colourful fruits and vegetables, such as berries, tomatoes, spinach, beets, squash), healthy fats (coconut oil, olive oil, flaxseeds, nuts, salmon, sardines, mackerel). Examples of antioxidants include Vitamin A (beef liver, carrots, eggs, salmon, tuna, kale, spinach, broccoli), Vitamin C (citrus fruits, red bell peppers, papayas, kiwis, broccoli, and brussels sprouts) and Vitamin E (nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, olives, spinach, asparagus, butternut squash, and leafy greens). Green tea also offers potent antioxidant capabilities that calms skin redness, repairs skin damage and may help prevent certain types of skin cancer.
