Healthy Skin

The skin is the perfect indicator of our health. Wrinkles, dry or oily skin, acne, and inflammation are examples of horrible internal health, usually triggered by consuming unhealthy foods. Most people are fooled into believing that typical cosmetics, as well as lotions, soaps, scrubs, toners, and creams can give them perfect skin. Typical skin care products do help but it does not address the root cause of the problem.

"Your skin is the fingerprint of what is going on inside your body, and all skin conditions, from psoriasis to acne to aging, are the manifestations of your body's internal needs, including its nutritional needs," says Dr. Georgiana Donadio, founder of the National Institute of Whole Health.

Our skin reacts incredibly well to certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourish the skin, allowing it to look youthful, and healthy.

Nutrients for Healthy Skin

Vitamins C, E and A

Vitamin C is mainly effective at protecting the skin from overexposure to the sun, and pollution when combined with vitamin E. Also reduces the process of wrinkles, and other signs of premature aging.
Vitamin C, E, A Foods: Orange, red and green bell peppers, guava, kale, parsley, collard greens, turnips, and broccoli.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Skin types that benefits from consuming omega 3 fatty acids include dry, inflamed skin or skin that suffers from repeated appearance of whiteheads or blackheads. Essential fatty acids are responsible for skin repair, moisture, and flexibility, but the body cannot produce its own EFAs.
Omega-3 Foods: Salmon fish oil capsules, mackerel, flaxseeds, seeds, and safflower oil.

Zinc

Zinc acts by regulating the production of oil in the skin, and may also help control some hormones that create acne. Zinc also helps with the immune system function, as well as for the maintenance of vision, taste, and smell.
Zinc Foods: Fresh oysters, pumpkin seeds, ginger, pecans, nuts, oats, and eggs.

Silica

Silica is a trace mineral that strengthens the body's connective tissues (muscles, tendons, hair, ligaments, nails, cartilage, and bone), and is vital for healthy skin. Lack of Silica can result in reduced skin elasticity and can block the body's ability to heal wounds.
Silica Foods: Leeks, green beans, garbanzo beans, strawberries, cucumber, mango, celery, asparagus and rhubarb.

Tips:

• Skip the long, steamy showers.
• Shower frequently.
• Use shaving cream, and after shave cream. 
• Shave gently, and frequently before hair gets long. 
• Drink water frequently.
• Avoid stress.
• Run a humidifier every night to moisturize the air in your bedroom.
• Be active, go for a run, ride your bike, or work out.
• Avoid smoking, tanning salons and sunbathing. All will age your skin prematurely.
• Clean your face and neck with cold water twice daily.
• Avoid excessive drinking.
• Be gentle with your skin. Never rub your eyes.
• Clean clothes everyday.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.