Following a healthy lifestyle is not just about feeling emotionally and physically healthy, let's face it the biggest motivation for good health is to look good; I know that to be true for me.
At this time of year as we emerge from the long, cold winters and thoughts begin to turn to the promise of spring (hmmm I write this wrapped in a blanket looking at the bright snow in the gray sky holding on to the belief that warmer weather is on the way!) We often begin to become more aware of our health and appearance. As we remove the layers of winter clothing we may notice that our skin is dry, flaky, and seemingly remorseful. Exposure to cold temperatures, mild winter winds, and dry temperatures of moderate temperatures, as well as poor daylight and contact with the sun, is all harmful. So this seems like a great time to tell you about the many ways you can nourish your skin back to better health using nutrients, lifestyle tips, and natural products.
Top tips
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate - I know you've heard this a million times before but keeping the body clean is one of the top tips for creating beautiful skin. And the best way to do this is to drink plenty of water, herbal teas, or fresh vegetable juices. Also, for cells to retain water properly, they need good nutrition when it comes to vitamins, minerals, and especially essential oils.
Focus on fats - besides water, another essential ingredient in skin oil. The fats I am referring to mainly here are the essential oils (omega 3 and 6) found in fatty fish, nuts, and seeds as well as vegetable oils. BUT when it comes to vegetable oils, it is important that you only go for those that are lightly processed (extra virgin or cold) otherwise you will be picking up damaged fats, which are built up when the oil is processed, and this is bad news for the skin. and general health. Most people are struggling to find the right diet for omega 3 fats and can benefit from fish oil supplements.
Shelve sugar - anything that promotes chronic inflammation in the body is bad news for the skin (and overall health). Sugar, by raising sugar and insulin levels is very good at promoting inflammation and also promoting the growth of unhealthy bacteria. The conclusion is that a high-sugar diet can promote inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and those associated with fungal growth, such as Athlete's Foot. And there is one more thing you will want to know about sugar; causes wrinkles! Yes, I am afraid that it is true, through a process known as glycation, sugar will damage the proteins in the skin that make it look full. If you like sugary foods (who can blame you, I also blame you) save food once or twice a week and stick to the fruit as your favorite food at all times.
Fill with plant foods - especially referring to vegetables, fruits, herbs, and spices here, all full of antioxidants (computers that counteract the effects of free radicals that damage the skin) and anti-inflammatory agents. Identify filling 50% of your plate with vegetables during lunch and dinner and use fruits for healthy snacks.
Remove toxins - toxins such as cigarette smoke, alcohol, and chemicals from our environment all make the body weak and this will be reflected in the health of the skin. Try to minimize the exposure to such toxins as much as possible and consider a detox once or twice a year to facilitate the removal of stored toxins.
Oxygenate - all the tissues of our body, including the skin, need healthy oxygen levels to thrive and regenerate. If we live in a city, we can exercise less and spend more time breathing on the chest than deep in the abdomen and we may be living with a lack of oxygen. By keeping our body moving we support the circulatory system that brings oxygen to our muscles. And by training the body to breathe deeply (this takes practice and just 5 minutes of abdominal breathing is very helpful) we take in very beneficial oxygen. Yoga is a great way to practice the skill of deep breathing at the same time as exercising.
Have fun and love life - nothing absorbs the light of its light as quickly as anxiety and stress (OK, maybe without sleep). And as simple as it sounds, one of the best ways you can look good on the outside is to feel good inside. Make sure you set aside EVERY DAY, even if it's just 5 minutes, to do something you love - sing, pamper yourself, read, sleep in the bathtub, or whatever else fills you with joy.
Sleep - and yes, you will hear this tip a million times before and that is because it is TRUE. The best way to restore your appearance and restore energy to the skin is by getting a good night's sleep. Be sure to go to bed between 10-11 pm for at least 5 to 7 nights and get up at regular intervals to maintain a healthy natural rhythm.
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