Your skin is the largest organ in the body. It works as a rudimentary kidney, working to detoxify you, as well as being involved in body temperature regulation. Radiant skin comes from supplying your body with good nutrition, avoiding toxins and congestants and reducing factors that contribute to acne and breakouts such as stress and hormonal imbalance. Try these tips to get glowing skin on both your face and body.
- Drink enough purified water
We mentioned your skin is like a kidney, so if you’re not keeping hydrated it can become congested and store toxins. This can lead to uneven skin tone, ingrown hairs, bumpy skin and breakouts. You need to drink around 2 litres of purified water each day. It’s important to invest in a good quality water filter – one that filters out chlorine, fluoride, toxins and impurities while alkalising and re-mineralising the water. At Brisbane Natural Health we stock this ‘Naturopath’s Choice’ one because it is the best low cost option that we have seen on the market.
- Skip the dairy
Dairy is a congestive food and it should be avoided if you want glowing skin, especially if you get acne and breakouts. Try using almond milk, cashew cheese and coconut milk as alternatives. Some organic probiotic yogurt can however be a good inclusion – try having 2tbsp 3-4 days a week as part of a healthy skin diet.
- Go wheat free
Like dairy wheat can be problematic for our skin. It is high in gluten, which is an inflammatory protein that is difficult to digest, adding strain to our digestive systems. Opt for whole grains like brown rice, quinoa and buckwheat and try having some spelt or kamut sourdough bread instead of wheat bread.
- Eat your greens
I can’t state enough how important it is to eat loads of green leafy veggies if you want glowing skin. Spinach, kale, beet leaves, silver beet, dark lettuces and rocket are all great sources. Try to get in 3 handfuls of these cleansing greens each and every day. A green smoothie is a great idea to help to squeeze them in.
- Ditch sugar
Sugary foods are bad news for your skin – they can lead to fungal overgrowths and are inflammatory in the body. Foods with added sugar will also mess with your blood sugar levels, which in turn affects your hormones and can lead to breakouts.
- Get a dry skin brush
Dry skin body brushing is a great way to stimulate your lymphatic system and stimulate the renewal of skin cells. Take a natural bristle brush and brush the surface of the skin gently in small strokes – starting at the fingers and toes and working towards the heart. Do this before your shower each day.
- Up your omega 3
One of the most essential nutrients for glowing skin is omega 3 fatty acids, which we are often deficient in. You can find omega 3 in oily fish like salmon and sardines, mussels, oysters and squid. Vegetarian sources include flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts and hemps seeds.
Try this chia pudding recipe for an omega 3 boost!
- Sweat
Your skin is made to sweat and without going through this process it becomes congested. Workout enough to work up a good sweat at least 3 times a week and don’t’ forget to ditch antiperspirants that block your pores and prevent sweating.
- Drink bone broth
Bone broth is rich in gelatin and minerals that help to provide the building blocks for the tissue in your skin, keeping it strong and supple. It can help to promote healing, especially if there is scarring. To make put a chicken carcass or some beef bones in a slow cooker with water, a splash of apple cider vinegar and a few veggies for flavor. Cook on low for 24-48 hours then strain and drink 2 cups a day. You can also buy dehydrated bone broth powder in our Healthy Living Store.
- Ditch the chemicals
Chemicals in your body wash, soap and skin care such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), formaldehyde, phthalates and parabens are harsh and can damage your skin. Furthermore, products with phthalates and parabens contain xenoestrogenic compounds that can contribute to hormonal acne. Talk to our natural beauty team about what products are best to care for your skin naturally.
We hope that these tips help you to love the skin you’re in. If you need any further help with your skin, contact our team on 07 3367 0337 for naturopathic and natural beauty solutions that help to heal your skin from the inside out.
