It is important to note, however, that everyone's bodies and skin are different and what works for one person, might not work the same for another, but there are things that we can all do to help support our skin, its health and its functions.
1. Get your beauty sleep.
This is obvious, but so important. While we sleep, our skin is regenerating and repairing itself from the stresses of the day (environmental irritants, physical stress, etc.). It is when we sleep that our skin fights off the free radicals that cause the aging process. Lack of sleep also causes a rise in the bodies level of cortisol, a stress hormone, that contributes to accelerating the aging process and acne. Not getting enough rest also makes skin more susceptible to conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. I need about 9 hours a night, myself!
2. Chug-a-Lug the H2O - but only as much as you need.
3. Work that body.
Regular exercise improves the circulation in your body, which, in turn, carries needed nutrients to your skin. The increased circulation also assists in carrying oxygen to the skin cells, which creates an optimal environment for healthier looking skin. Exercise also increases sweating, which assists in effectively purging toxins from your skin (be sure to gently cleanse your skin after working out to remove the toxins that have worked their way out in the sweat). Try to fit in at least a half hour a day of exercise that works up a sweat (please check with your doctor first to make sure this is appropriate for you).
4. Relaaaaaaax.
5. Nourish your body.
With hectic schedules, it is hard to eat healthy, I know. Just last night, I found myself stuffing my face with Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. Not something I would normally do, but I was hungry and they were there! We all gotta splurge sometimes - I feel it is part of living a balanced, flexible and fulfilling life. But it is also important to make sure your skin gets the nutrients it needs each day to function properly. This is done by nourishing your body with healthy foods every day - most notably, raw fruits and vegetables, fruit and vegetable juices, raw nuts and leafy greens. These foods are loaded with antioxidants that help to fight off the free radicals in the body that cause the aging process. They also help the body to naturally cleanse and detoxify itself. Personally, I also include dairy (mostly cheese and yogurt), as well as lean meat and fish in my diet, as my body seems to work better with that program of nourishment. But please take your own needs into consideration. Some may be allergic to certain foods that can actually make skin conditions worse. Whatever your dietary preferences or requirements, choosing the healthiest foods can really assist in your skin's health.
6. Consider supplements.
While I am not an avid proponent of taking many supplements a day, there are three that I think make sense for a well-rounded skin care regime. First, if you feel you may not be getting your required daily intake of vitamins or minerals, it can be helpful to add a multivitamin to your day. I am currently taking the Nature's Way ALIVE Whole Food Energizer Multi-Vitamin. Second, adding a good quality fish oil supplement can assist your skin's health by supplying yummy Omega 3 essential fatty acids. These fatty acids help to regulate skin's cellular function, keeping it smooth and supple. They also help to decrease inflammation in the body that can lead to conditions such as psoriasis or acne (which I am SUPER prone to). I currently take the Whole Foods brand of 1000mg Fish Oil (be sure to take only fish oil that has been molecularly distilled to avoid any contaminants). Third, adding a daily probiotic to your diet can help to prevent or resolve many skin care issues. Probiotics help to maintain the proper levels of "friendly bacteria" in the body. These friendly guys/gals help the body to more effectively absorb nutrients, as well as creating a supportive barrier against pollutants and allergens that enter the body. My whole family uses HMF Super Powder a few times a week (daily if there is any illness in the house). You can sprinkle it on applesauce or just about anything! You can also get good probiotics from simply eating yogurt.
7. Stick to a good skin care regime.
8. Use safe, quality products.
It is important to use good, quality products on your skin. What we put on our skin is absorbed into our bodies. My rule of thumb is if you wouldn't put it in your mouth, don't put in on your skin (I do believe this rule can be broken, however, in certain skin care conditions, as part of a holistic approach). Many products these days are touting themselves as "natural" or "organic," but this can be deceiving as the FDA regulations for using these terms are still evolving. I frequently reference Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Reviews to get safety information on cosmetics from moisturizer to toothpaste. The database includes hundreds of products on the shelves and gives them a safety rating from 1 to 10. Try it out to find out how the products you are currently using rate. The database also gives recommendations for alternative products that might be of a higher safety rating.
9. See a qualified doctor or dermatologist for chronic, severe or serious conditions.
I truly believe in a holistic approach to skin. Many skin care concerns can be handled at home using natural approaches. However, if you have a skin condition that is chronic or getting worse, please see a doctor or dermatologist. This is also important for those who may be genetically prone to skin cancer. Yearly skin checkups can detect problems early on and if you see any suspicious moles, please make an appointment asap.
10. Embrace your skin!
We are all our worst critics. We see things when looking in the mirror that other people will never notice (ditch those magnifying mirrors, by the way!) It is so important to the health of our skin that we accept it, love it and care for it the best we can. Embrace every inch of it, including what you may view as imperfection, as part of the whole of you - as evidence of a life that is being lived!
Two other obvious items that I did not include on this list are to stop smoking (it really does a number on your skin!) and to practice safe sunning (stay out of the sun during the peak times of 10am to 3pm, use a daily natural SPF and protect your skin with clothing, hats, parasols, etc).
I hope that you find this information helpful. If you are already doing most of these things - GREAT!!! If not, try to incorporate one thing at a time into your healthy skin care lifestyle until it becomes a regular part.
Many blessings to you and your skin!
