TIPS FOR BEAUTIFUL SKIN by Grace Van Berkum, R.H.N.
in Jan/Feb 2013 Sweat Equity Magazine, page 44.
1. Use chemical free products. So you are reading labels and paying more attention to the foods you eat, but what about the products you put on your skin that are directly absorbed by the body? Illnesses such as cancer, infertility, allergies, organ toxicity, immune toxicity, neurotoxicity, and obesity have been linked to the increasing use of toxic ingredients in our bath and body care products, shampoos, household cleaners and cosmetics that we absorb via the skin. When we use these products that contain these compounds, our hormonal balance is thrown off. When our hormonal balance is thrown off, our skin, as well as the rest of our body is affected (i.e. acne, PMS, depression, anxiety, fatigue, weight gain, migraines, thyroid issues, endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, infertility, miscarriage, and even breast cancer.)
Keep it simple, read labels just like food labels, and if you don’t know what it says, don’t put it on your skin. If you can’t eat it, don’t put it on your skin! Look for ingredients you can read and pronounce, such as almond, sesame, avocado, olive, cacoa butter, shea butter, beeswax, and coconut oil, which are natural products from the earth and smell amazing. My personal favourite? Organic coconut oil on my skin and hair! No chemicals, easily absorbed, moisturizing, lasts a long time, and better for the environment.
Stay away from parabens, synthetic fragrances, and pthalates. People are starting to become more aware that the proper functioning of the skin can be blocked by excessive use of toxic cosmetics and affect their overall health, and there are many companies out there these days that make natural skin care.
A fantastic resource for smart shopping is the Skin Deep Cosmetic Database. You can search thousands of products by brand name and get a safety rating that includes information on which ingredients in that product are toxic. Check it out at www.cosmeticsdatabase.com.
Gracious Living favourite sunscreen to use: Raw Elements USA rated #1 natural sunscreen in the world.
2. What you put in your mouth affects your skin.
Your skin is a reflection of what is going on inside your body. A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Make sure to consume lots of berries, apples, bell peppers, and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and cabbage. These foods are high in nutrients beneficial for the skin, the immune system and the entire body, and are also high in fiber needed for detoxification and elimination. Chronic constipation will affect skin integrity. Dark green leafy vegetables contain chlorophyl essential for oxygenating the body and boosting complexion. Eat foods like avocados, coconut oil, nuts, seeds, and hemp products which have good fats needed for beautiful skin health. And finally, proper hydration will give you a glow that no cream can.
Gracious Living favourite raw, vegan, plant-based whole food protein powder to use: Sunwarrior.
3. Manage stress.
Chronic stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To encourage healthy skin and a healthy mind, take steps to manage your stress. Honor your boundaries, speak your truth rather than letting things build up, respect rest time, and take time to enjoy your life and your loved ones. Exercise, do yoga, breathe, and meditate to center yourself and recharge. Not only will this help complexion , but you will also look happier which is true beauty.
Gracious Living favourite stress reduction practices: yoga, meditation, deep breathing, chillin’ in nature.
to read more Gracious Living articles on boosting immune health & immune boosting smoothie recipe
in this issue of Sweat Equity Magazine, please click here.
You are what you eat.
You are what you think.
GRACIOUS LIVING.
