Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Skin

We all invest a significant amount of time and money caring for our skin from the outside, and there’s no mistaking the importance of it. However, there’s plenty more we can do in terms of the choices we make in our diets and lifestyles that can ensure that our skins stay clean, glowing and clear. As a general rule of thumb, a well-balanced diet with lots of whole grains, fruits and vegetables; some high-calcium dairy products; some non-dairy sources of protein such as fish, eggs, beans and a lean meat; foods low in saturated fats; and lots of water is not only great for your health, it’s fabulous for your skin.

Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants help combat signs of aging. The antioxidants in vitamins C and E can protect the skin from sun damage and help reduce damage in skin cells caused by harmful free radicals. Vitamin C also aids in the body's production of collagen. So, adding fruits like goji berries, oranges and tomatoes, or even capsicums and chillies to your diet can help tighten the skin and prevent wrinkles. Similarly, the B vitamin biotin (found in avocadoes) forms the basis of skin, hair and nail cells, and vitamin A—found in spinach, mangoes and many other fruits and vegetables—maintains and repairs skin tissue. Vitamin A reduces dryness, keeps your face looking bright and young, and also yields anti-acne benefits. Furthermore, cold water fish such as salmon, cod and tuna are rich in essential fatty acids (such as omega-3 and omega-6) linked to reducing fine lines, keeping skin hydrated and toned, easing swelling and redness, relieving dermatitis related to sun sensitivity and even providing some protection from UV rays. Essential fatty acids are also found in flax seeds and almonds.

However, apart from being mindful of what you eat, there’s plenty that can be done about your lifestyle that can contribute to maintaining glowing skin. First, learn to manage stress levels. When your body experiences stress, your digestive and immune systems shut down to enable your body to focus all of its energy on the task at hand. Your blood pressure and heart rate rise. Naturally, if your body experiences frequent stress attacks, you immune system is weakened (leaving you vulnerable to infections and viruses) and wears your body and your skin down. Take regular breaks and find methods of de-stressing that work for you—it could be a 30-minute walk (anything that helps work up a sweat is also great, sweating helps eliminate toxin build up under your skin), taking the time to cook a meal, or a 15-minute spot of meditation. But if your idea of unwinding is taking a long hot bath or shower, try out shorter and cooler 10-minute ones. Hot showers strip your skin of moisture and protective oils. And most importantly, sleep is critical to the health of your skin. Most cell repair and regeneration occurs while you're asleep. So, if you don’t get enough rest, your skin cannot renew itself.

Finally, don’t underestimate the value of skin products. While diet and lifestyle are essential components of a holistic skin care regimen, skin care products complete it. Whether you’re sitting by an office window, stepping out for a brief supermarket run in overcast weather or hiking for the day, always use a sunscreen or a moisturizer with sunscreen protection that protects against UVA and UVB rays. And it’s never too early to start using sunscreen. Choose products that are designed for sensitive young skin. Also, choose products with great care because whatever you apply onto your skin, gets absorbed by your body. Organic skin care ranges made with all natural ingredients are ideal for gently cleansing and nourishing your skin.