Our skin is our largest organ in the body and serves many different functions such as protection and elimination. Often we just take our skin health for granted and when we have small dry patches or outbreaks we tend to reach for a quick fix rather then look deeper into what the underlying causes might be. In this post I’ll be sharing 6 dos and don’ts for skin.
Do eat plenty of Omega 3 fatty acids:
These important fats help keep the skin soft and hydrated and can reduce the risk of wrinkles. Add chia seeds to your muesli or smoothies, or eat more Salmon as a regular part of your diet. “Omega 3 fatty acids help lock moisture into skin cells along with maintaining and boosting elastin and collagen production” says Lisa Guy ND.
Do Drink Plenty of Water:
Hydrated skin is good looking skin. Dehydration tends to make your skin look dull and show more fine lines. Your skin is 30% water so drink as much pure, clean water as you can, – up to 2 litres per day is ideal.
Do Eat Chocolate!:
This one may surprise you but chocolate in the form of raw cacao is actually beneficial for your skin. It has both Omega 3 fats an antioxidants, as well a Vitamin C, so you can eat raw, unprocessed chocolate guilt free! Just avoid the processed kind full of sugar!
Do Eat Foods Rich in Vitamin E:
Vitamin E is a fat soluble antioxidant found in your skin. When you eat foods containing vitamin E you will be feeding your skin and helping it to maintain its protective layer. Good vitamin E sources include avocado, cold pressed virgin olive oil, dark green leafy vegetables and nuts such as almonds and pecans.
Don’t Use Chemical Skin Products:
Many skin products have harsh chemicals that damage or upset the balance of your skin. It is known that skin absorbs around 60% of chemicals found in skin products. You really don’t have to spend a fortune on skin products as simple unadulterated natural products can do a better job and cost very little. Organic Rose Hip oil for example takes care of the integrity and protective outer mantle of your skin and helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines as well as scarring at the same time. As it is very important to maintain the natural PH of your skin to allow it to do its protective job. The main chemicals to avoid are parabens, DEA, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Para-Dioxane and PEG; also avoid petroleum based products and bismuth. Choose 100% organic, natural skin care products.
Don’t Forget Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is more important in the body than many realise; and is key for healthy skin renewal. Vitamin D3 is made in the skin when it is exposed to UV-B rays so it is important to expose your skin sensibly in the sunshine without sunblock to ensure your body can make the required levels. Some studies have shown that an SPF 0f 15 reduces your vitamin D protection in your skin by 98%. Lisa Guy ND recommends 10-15 minutes exposure in the summer to allow your body to create valuable Vitamin D that can help fight free radicals in the epidermal layers of the skin. Vitamin D food sources include: oily fish, egg yolks and mushrooms.
