Our skin is our largest organ, our first line of defense, and it keeps our bodies together so we can live and function properly. Clearly, our skin plays a major role in the functioning of our bodies. What many may not know is that our skin is also a great reflection of our overall health. While we cannot change our skin’s appearance completely, there are steps we can take to ensure we are giving our bodies and skin the support we need to thrive and be the best we can be. So we’ve gathered 7 of our favorite tips to help you keep your skin glowing from the inside out.
1. Drink Water
At this point, it almost feels like a broken record, but… HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE. Drinking water helps us flush any unwanted toxins out of our bodies while also keeping our skin hydrated. Experts suggest aiming to drink half of your body weight in ounces daily. Keep in mind if you are active, and or living in extremely dry, hot regions, you will definitely need even more than that!
2. Eat your leafy greens
Leafy greens are JAM PACKED with vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that are essential for our bodies (and skin) to be the healthiest they can be. Leafy greens contain a rich amount of Vitamin A, which assists in flushing out toxins, and strengthening the skin’s protective tissues. Also, Vitamin E, which will help protect skin from free radicals. Leafy greens contain properties that can help regenerate and repair cells, boost hydration, and even protect against sun-damage. Moral of the story, eat your spinach and kale, folks.
3. Get Good Quality Sleep
Yes I know, much easier said than done. Making a point to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night not only supports a healthy immune system and lifestyle, but you can bet it will show up in your appearance as well. When you sleep, the blood flow to your skin is boosted, resulting in a plump, and glowing complexion. Takeaway: more sleep, better skin!
4. Learn to Manage Stress
Our world today, our busy lifestyles and the normalized notion of us overextending ourselves, promotes a high-stress way of living and functioning on a day to day basis. Unfortunately, stress is a top cause in the deterioration of not only skin, but our overall health. Stress can cause underlying skin issues to flare up such as acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. I know we may not be able to change the stressful lifestyle we all find ourselves leading, but there are steps we can take to help manage stress. Incorporating activities such as exercising, deep breathing, stretching, meditating, and yoga into our daily routines can prove to have an immensely positive impact to lead a more balanced life.
5. Get Skin Nutrients
Key nutrients such as collagen, antioxidants, and omega 3s can have a wonderful influence on your skin. Collagen is a protein that has been proven to plump, elasticize, and smooth your skin. Taking a collagen supplement is a simple and effective way to ingest this key nutrient. Antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E help protect the skin’s surface from free radicals and help the skin repair itself. Vitamin C has also been proven to help stimulate collagen production in the body. Vitamin E is the big player in speeding the healing process of the skin and also helps to keep the skin moisturized. As for omega-3s, these powerhouse fatty-acids are renowned for protecting against dry. Itchy skin conditions, boosting sun protection and reducing overall inflammation, which in turn can support the look and feel of the skin.
6. Regulate your hormones
Hormones can have a large impact on skin health and appearance. The most common skin issues directly tied to hormonal imbalance reveal themselves as dry, oily, sensitive skin, or acne. On a positive note, hormones can usually be regulated or balanced by a few simple adjustments. Eating a healthy and whole food diet will promote hormonal balance, along with exercise, stress reduction, and quality sleep.
7. Clean Out That Liver
Many of us do not realize the impact a good, and properly functioning liver can have on our skin. This being said, a liver that is not able to do its job will also directly affect the condition and appearance of our skin, for the worse. The function of the liver in our body is to break down and properly get rid of unwanted toxins. If our liver is unable to do this, these toxins will likely find another way to come out…queue our skin! There are a few simple steps we can incorporate into our lives in order to promote a healthy liver and to make sure we clear it of any unwanted substances. Drinking a lot of water, and skipping out on caffeine and alcohol is a good place to start. Get rid of the processed foods and focus on a whole-food diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, nuts, and proper protein (sustainably sourced meats, clean fish, or a variety of organic plant-based proteins). With these simple adjustments, your liver will have the opportunity to do what it is supposed to, resulting in healthier skin, and a healthier YOU.
Healthy skin is not something you can achieve overnight, but it is definitely something you can work towards. With these simple lifestyle tips, hopefully you will be able to find a balance or combination that works for you and your lifestyle. Remember, healthy skin starts from the inside out!