When it comes to skincare, I like to keep it simple and as natural as possible. When I wash my face, I use an ordinary washcloth so that I’m careful not to strip the skin of its oils. Overall, I just think natural is the best way to go! Since I've been on my holistic health and wellness journey, I have found some of the best and simple ways to keep my skin clear and nourished. Here are some of my top five tips for healthy skin.
1. Why eat organic foods?
Clear Skin begins inside your body. This is why the first step is to eat organic foods! Organic foods are much higher in nutrients than conventional (pesticide sprayed) foods. In order to maintain a glowing complexion, your skin requires ample nutrients like vitamin c and antioxidants such as carotenoids. You can obtain all of these essential nutrients from simply eating clean, organic produce.
Not only do conventional foods contain pesticides, they contain neurotoxins and GMO’s. Neurotoxins are substances that damage brain and nerve function. Genetically modified foods (GMO’s) cause intestinal damage and inflammation. Inflammation in the body triggers breakouts, which can lead to other serious skin disorders. The best way to avoid pesticides, neurotoxins, and GMO’s is to eat organic foods. This will stop breakouts before they start and supply your skin with essential vitamins and minerals.
2. Increase skin hydration
Hydration is crucial in obtaining clear and healthy skin. Make sure you drink enough filtered, clean water! I like to drink mineral water or alkaline water. Mountain Valley Spring water is my absolute favorite mineral water. Make sure to drink out of a glass bottle to avoid plastic. Also, this should go without saying but please AVOID sugary drinks!
It’s a widely known fact that 75% of all Americans are chronically dehydrated. You should always be sipping water throughout the day. Do not wait until you are thirsty because this means it’s too late and the dehydration has probably already affected your body.
Most people know it’s important to drink water but do you know why?
- Your body is 60% water
- Your muscles are 75% water
- Your brain is 85% water
Water is necessary for the body to digest and absorb vitamins and minerals.
Dehydration leads to dark and sunken in eyes, as well as dry skin.
Dry skin leads to wrinkles. Period.
Water also suppresses cravings for sugar, improves your mood, and flushes out toxins from your system. You will be less likely to break out and have reactions when you consistently flush your body of toxins that pollute your skin.
I know sometimes it may be difficult to drink some plain ol' water. To get around this try some infused water recipes! My favorite is lemon, ginger, cucumber, mint water. These ingredients are all super hydrating.
3. Homemade skin exfoliate
New skin cells are created in the skin's inner layer. As they form, the old ones are pushed to the outer layer and gradually flake off. Some cells just bind and hang out there, making your complexion look dull, rough, and clogging your pores. This leads to acne and blemishes. When you exfoliate your remove these dead cells.You want to exfoliate your entire body and face on a regular basis.
Here is a DIY Homemade Skin Exfoliate Scrub - Raw Sugar or Sea Salt Scrub Using sugar as the main ingredient in your Homemade Skin Exfoliate is great for boosting new cell production. Sea Salt is great for dry skin and helping your skin retain moisture.
Instructions:
Mix sugar or sea salt with an oil such as olive oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil to make a paste.
Mix with your favorite essential oil for a nice refreshing feeling (mint is great).
You can also toss in some raw honey. Raw honey is an antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal that kills skin infections. It’s yummy too ☺
4. Beauty sleep and skin
Your body needs 7.5-8 hours of sleep per night. This is crucial because your body regenerates during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. You need to have five complete sleep cycles for optimal recovery.
Proper sleep results in clearer and brighter skin. Lack of sleep leads to inflammation, which leads to acne and the breakdown of collagen and hyaluronic acid. When you don’t sleep enough this creates poor water balance leading to heavy bags under your eyes, dark circles, and dry skin.
Tips for a good nights sleep:
Are you that person that has a hard time falling asleep? Take a magnesium supplement, like Remag Magnesium, to help you prepare for a good night’s sleep. Magnesium helps relax your muscles and gives you a sense of well-being. This is something I take religiously every single night. Say it with me, “sleep and skin are friends!”
5. Take a collagen supplement
Collagen makes up about 30% of the body’s total protein content. It helps your skin maintain elasticity and prevents your face from developing wrinkles. After you age, your collagen breaks down by 1% each year after you turn 21.
If you are over 21, I highly recommend taking a collagen supplement. I have two brands that I use and really love. Those are La Sirene Collagen (marine-based) and Vital Proteins (grass-fed beef based). I know the owners of these companies personally and they go the extra mile to ensure the highest quality products!
I noticed a huge difference in my skin after I started taking a collagen supplement. It really plumps up my skin and it made my hair grow super thick and really long. Drink it first thing in the morning before you eat anything because it is more easily absorbed when you take it on an empty stomach.
I hope you found these tips helpful! What do you do to keep your skin clear and healthy? Leave a comment and let me know!
