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.
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