Having just completed a certificate in Natural Skincare & Skincare Nutrition I thought I would write a blog post for you all outlining simple things you can do to help nourish your skin from both the inside and out. There is an abundance of skincare products on the market along with an array of confusing information. My aim is to provide you all with a 4 part blog containing helpful information about the basics of skin care, skincare nutrition & ingredients you need to watch out for as well as products I would recommend. Firstly, a few little facts you should all know about your skin and your body’s organs.
- Did you know that your skin is your largest organ in your body (2.7kg of it)
- The most important detoxification organ is the liver and the skin helps to eliminate all those toxins.
- The skin is also the last organ the body gives it nutrients to, so you have to make sure you are giving your body an abundance of nutrients to ensure you have fresh, plump and glowing skin.
- Did you know that our skin renews itself every 30-40 days.
Below I have outlined my top tips so you can be on your way to better skin. These little things which everyone can do is what will make a big difference to your skin – not necessarily using the expensive, well marketed products on the store shelves.
SPF – I have recently learnt that sun protection is the single most important element for healthy skin. Everyone should have a good quality facial sunscreen in your skincare, even throughout the winter months – whatever the weather you should make sure you wear it every day as UV rays can be damaging on even the cloudiest of days. Make protection a no brainer and opt for a natural SPF moisturiser with no toxic chemicals added to them.
Circulation – The blood helps to carry oxygen and nutrients to the skin and helps to increase the reproduction of cells. The best way to increase your circulation is through exercise, exfoliation and massage. Exercise helps increase blood flow and when you sweat, it helps carry away waste products including free radicals and toxins. Aim to exfoliate at least twice a week to remove any dry, dull skin and to also allow the products you use to penetrate into the skin. Dry brushing also helps loosen and remove dead cells as well as reduce signs of cellulite. If you can afford a regular body scrub, Hamman or massage – then treat yourself as there are numerous amazing benefits to each of these treatments!
Hydrate – you’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again but by keeping your body hydrated it will ensure your skin is hydrated too. With tap water these days containing a lot of impurities, I would recommend buying a good quality filter to help purify your water and remove all the impurities from it. Look for products with sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronatic acid) to help hydrate the skin too. If you struggle to drink water, then add some lemon, cucumber and mint into your bottle to provide it with some flavour. Coconut water is also another great hydrating drink which contains essential nutritents to help support your body’s systems.
Skin food – Beauty is not just skin deep; to have good skin you must be healthy from the inside. The main vitamins associated to help promote healthy skin are Vitamin A (eggs, kidneys, yellow and orange fruits – carrots, mangos, sweet potato, corn, apricots, pumpkin, peaches etc) Vitamin C (citrus fruits, red pepper, parsley, kale, potatoes, green tea, strawberries, Brussel sprouts), Vitamin E (eggs, avocado, spinach, almonds, sunflower seeds) and Zinc (oysters, lentils, seafood, wholegrains, eggs & ginger). Healthy fats (nuts, seeds, avocado, oily fish, coconut oil, olive oil) are also key essential nutrients for optimum skin. I will be diving deeper into skin food as part 2 of my skin care blog.
Sleep/Rest – Don’t ever underestimate the power of rest. Being sleep deprived only puts the body under more stress, which can therefore trigger breakouts. The body also repairs itself at night so if you have don’t have adequate rest each day then the skin cells will suffer leaving the skin looking very dull and lifeless. Aim for at least 7 hours and sleep on your back to prevent having your face on the pillow for 7 hours straight.
The above tips are very simple ways in which you can all start improving your skincare today with no expensive products needed. I hope this helps you. Skin Care – Part 2 is all about Skin Food – food and nutrients to nourish your skin from the inside out.
*Please remember that everyone’s skin is different and what may work for some may not work for others*
