Our skin is in fact our largest organ and it’s responsible for several functions. It absorbs solar rays, protects us from harmful pathogens, insulates us, produces hormones, assimilate nutrients, and eliminates toxins. The health of our skin is often a good indicator of our internal health. When our body is in balance, our skin will be vibrant. If there is disharmony within, due to lack of necessary nutrients, stress, dehydration, sub-optimal sleep, or overloaded detoxification systems, our skin will take a hit. This is why attempting to treat skin issues on an external level only is typically ineffective and can sometimes do more harm than good, depending on the type of the products used. Most skin care products and procedures are heavily laced with harmful ingredients such as petroleum, parabens, and alcohols. These ingredients damage the skin through dissolving lipid layers, which are what protect the skin from damage and keep it juicy and they disrupt the acid mantle, which is like our skin’s immune system. The beauty industry is a heap of false promises. While there are some really beautiful oils and botanicals that can be used externally to nourish the skin, true radiance has its roots within. To support your skin:
Nutrient-dense diet that includes complete proteins and healthy fats
Give your detoxification systems support so that the burden isn’t placed on your skin.
Eliminate industrial seed oils. These speed up the system aging process.
Avoidance of foods that cause allergic reactions and sensitivities which promote skin outbreaks. These foods often include sugar, fried foods, soy, dairy, gluten, corn, alcohol.
Stress reduction
Caring for your hormonal system.
Take care of your gut. Eliminate gut-disruptors such gluten, sugar, alcohol, industrial seed oils. Feed your gut with probiotics from foods such as sauerkraut, kefir, kimchee.
Sunlight
Proper hydration
Immune system support
Avoidance of chemically-laced foods and products.
Important Nutrients for Skin Health:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These are important for skin health because they keep the skin thick and moisturized, while a deficiency can be at the root of dry skin. They can also make our skin less sensitive to the sun’s UV rays. Some good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids are mackerel, salmon, herring, cod liver oil, oysters, anchovies, sardines, flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
Phytonutrients: These are chemicals that are produced by plants. They have been shown to have protective-effects on the skin, especially in relationship to protection from UV radiation from the sun. UV radiation can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, skin degeneration on a cellular level, and skin cancer. To get the full spectrum of phytonutrients, its best to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, that includes all of the colors. Each color contains different phytonutrients that perform important roles in the human body.
Collagen: The most abundant protein in our bodies, plays a critical role in skin health. As we get older, collagen production decreases, which contributes to the appearance of aging skin. Fortunately, we can keep our collagen levels in check by consuming bone broth or supplementing with collagen.
Herbs that Support Skin Health:
Burdock root: Burdock has a strong track record for helping with skin issues such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema. This is because of it’s action on the liver, blood, and the lymph. By supporting other detoxification systems, we take a big burden off of the skin. Burdock root makes an excellent tea.
Bamboo Leaf: Bamboo leaf is high in silica, which is a critical nutrient for the production of collagen and the activation of hydroxilation enzymes, both important for skin strength and elasticity. Bamboo leaf can often be found at Chinese herb shops and make a great tea.
Turmeric: Because of turmeric’s high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it supports skin health in a beautiful way. In order for our body to get the most out of turmeric, it’s important that it is consumed with black pepper and/or fat of some sort.
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