Do you long for a naturally gorgeous skin? Here’s some ideas about what you can do to nurture and protect your skin so that it looks amazing. Another great article> from celebrity nutritionist Kimberly Snyder.
Ah, skin. And the things we do to our skin! Women (especially) are forever in search of the best fix to give them glowing, clear, healthy, wrinkle-free skin. I was inspired to write this topic today because a friend/client came over recently for lunch and she simply has among the most luminescent skin I’ve ever seen- without makeup! But most of us are not so lucky. It got me thinking how most all of us (most definitely including me!) have to put out a real effort to make our skin look good. Still, many of the products and procedures available on today’s market leave me shaking my head – both at the product and the price tag.
Still, I understand the desire to look youthful and beautiful with glowing, clear, firm skin. What woman doesn’t want that? The good news is you don’t have to fork out the cash for expensive products and fillers to look your best. Glowing skin is within your reach, and it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.
1. Detoxify:
Your skin is a reflection of your overall health. It is the body’s largest organ, and it is an elimination organ. Toxins inside your body can make the skin on the outside of your body look less than beautiful. When you eat foods with toxic ingredients, it is naturally reflected in your skin. The Beauty Detox Solution creates health and beauty because it has a strong element of detoxification to it. When you detoxify your body, the results show on your skin. Detoxification is an ongoing process – though periodic cleanses, properly designed and conducted (like my Glow Bio cleanses), can help launch you into a healthier long-term lifestyle. To detoxify:
• Drink hot water with lemon every morning
• Drink the fiber-rich Glowing Green Smoothie
• Avoid processed and fast foods that contain chemical ingredients
• Stick to organic whenever possible
• Exercise (but not to excess)
• Take magnesium oxygen at bedtime
• Eat enzyme-rich foods
• Take probiotics
• Eat a high plant-based diet (or all, as I do)
• Drink a lot of water and avoid excessive caffeine
One caveat of which you should be aware: Sometimes the detoxification process can cause temporary skin irritation, breakouts, or other issues. Stick with it, however, and soon your skin will show the results of your efforts.
2. Nourish:
We’ve all heard the adage, you are what you eat. While this is true throughout your body, it is especially visible on your skin. Eating toxic, chemical-laden foods can show up on your skin, leaving it dull, dry and flaky. Poor nutrition can also speed up wrinkling and cause breakouts.
Nourishing your skin begins from the inside with the foods you eat. Because the skin is an organ, it requires nutrients to maintain vibrant health.
I get into this topic in a LOT more detail in my upcoming book Beauty Detox Foods with more specific information on combating dry skin, dull skin, wrinkles, fine lines and acne, and how to create radiant skin from a base of these problematic skin issues (very excited for this by the way!!!). But here are some general suggestions:
• Stick to whole, plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds
• Eat a variety of produce from across the full spectrum of color
• Eliminate common allergens such as wheat, soy, dairy products, and peanuts
• Minimize or eliminate animal protein. If you do eat animal protein, choose organic, naturally raised, and pastured meats like free-range organic poultry
• Eat plant foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as chia seeds, walnuts and green veggies
• Start each day with a Glowing Green Smoothie
• Eliminate refined sugars
3. Cleanse:
Keeping your skin clean is also important. Many people use harsh cleansers that can actually strip the skin of important hydration and leave it dull. Use a mild cleanser. Because I have oily skin and used to battle acne, I used to think I needed a stronger cleanser. But now I’ve been using and love the Tamanu Organic Luxury Cleanser by Sally B’s Skin Yummies. It cleans my face really well, but doesn’t strip it. It works for all skin types. I don’t recommend using very drying cleansers or regular soaps on your face.
4. Exfoliate:
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells on the surface of your skin that can cause dullness. You don’t need to buy expensive products or use harsh chemical exfoliators, however. You probably have a natural skin exfoliation agent right now in your kitchen: oatmeal. Oatmeal both soothes and exfoliates. To make an oatmeal exfoliation mask, mix ¾ cups of ground oat groats (grind them in the food processor) or steel cut oatmeal with 1/3 cup of warm water and spread it on your skin. Allow it to dry, and then rinse off with warm water. Another great natural exfoliator for the skin is raw organic apple cider vinegar. It contains alpha-hydroxy acids and can also balance the skin’s pH. To use, mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water and apply it to your skin with a cotton ball. Sit for five minutes before rinsing with warm water.
5. Hydrate:
Hydration is important for glowing, healthy skin.
• Drink plenty of pure water throughout the day
• Drink 16-32+ ounces of Glowing Green Smoothie, which is really hydrating and has a lot of enzymes and nutrients from the fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Eat a lot of raw foods that contain their own water, like salads containing lots of brightly colored vegetables.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which are dehydrating.
• Take in extra fluids on hot days, when you are ill or stressed, and when you exercise vigorously.
6. Protect:
Sunlight is important because it supplies valuable vitamin D. To that end, you do need to get about 10 minutes of sunlight each day on unprotected skin in order to allow your body to synthesize vitamin D. Too much sunlight, however, can be harmful, just like anything in excess. Practice healthy sun habits, such as covering up and wearing a hat.
7. Improve circulation:
Keeping your blood flowing and promoting lymph drainage can help keep your skin glowing! Dry brushing is a technique that improves circulation and promotes lymph draining. To practice dry brushing:
• Use a soft, natural bristled brush.
• Dry brush before your shower every morning.
• Use a light pressure as you brush.
• Starting at your feet, brush in small movements up towards your heart.
• When you are done, take a shower.
8. Minimize makeup:
One of the benefits of healthy skin is not having to wear a lot of makeup. I don’t wear it all the time, but I do love my favorite products, like the stick Vapour blush in Courtesan. It’s natural and non-toxic, and a little bit in the apple of your cheeks can really brighten your whole face. It’s doesn’t make you break out – I’ve even worn it to sweaty yoga class in the middle of an afternoon and I don’t break out. A lot of makeup brands contain toxins and chemicals that can clog skin, even so-called mineral brands. So choose your products judiciously.