Healthier Skin Naturally in 7 Days or Less
By Burgundy Shank
Many people think that drastic measures are required
in order to have flawless, youthful skin. Nothing could be further
from the truth. It’s possible to have better looking skin starting
with things you already have in your home; no cosmetic surgery or
expensive makeup required!
Healthy skin is moist and produces adequate amounts
of oil from the sebaceous glands, producing a natural “glow.” Plump
skin cells fit together like a carefully constructed mosaic, where
each one has its own place. When skin cells dry out, however, they
begin to lift and separate at an angle, giving skin a dull, flaky
look that makes the skin appear older.
The two main causes for dry skin are environmental
factors (weather, chemicals, the use of the wrong personal care products)
and poor diet. In order to look great on the outside, you must first
treat yourself right from within.
A regular balanced diet is the number one defense
against wrinkles, outbreaks and dry skin conditions. However, certain
foods have properties that are most important for that glow that we
crave. Here we’ll talk a bit about some of these foods, and you’ll
see how quickly you can achieve radiant skin without breaking the
bank.
Most moisture for your skin is provided through your
bloodstream. The bloodstream is responsible for pumping nutrients
and minerals into your system which are carried through that moisture.
Without being properly hydrated, nutrients and minerals in your bloodstream
may never reach your skin, making them useless in keeping your skin
youthful.
The oil that your skin produces is not directly responsible
for moisturizing, but instead helps to keep moisture in. An inadequate
amount of oil will allow excessive evaporation or the moisture in
your skin, allowing it to dry out quickly.
Foods rich in protein are essential for skin regeneration
and repair. Not just any protein will do. The Atkins diet, which boasts
of it low carb dieting results, allows for many types of protein that
can cause damage to your skin. Any kind of processed meat, such as
bacon, hot dogs or deli meats are loaded with preservatives and salt
that will do nothing but pull moisture from your skin.
Better sources of protein would include seafood (salmon
in particular is a very good choice), lean fowl (turkey, chicken)
and vegetable protein. Veggie protein is often overlooked, as American
society is accustomed to “meat with every meal.” Try tofu or beans
as a high quality protein source. Morningstar Farms makes an excellent
veggie burger that even meat lovers would crave if given a try!
Another healthy practice is to eat lots of raw foods
every day. Canned and frozen vegetables may provide some nutrients,
but only raw veggies and fruits will contain the enzymes necessary
to prevent free radical damage. If you absolutely must cook vegetables,
steam them lightly and eat al dente.
Certain vitamins and minerals are crucial to youthful
skin, including sulfur. In its natural form from foods such as garlic,
onions, eggs and asparagus, sulfur with help to keep skin smooth and
youthful. You can also take an L-cysteine supplement which will also
provide adequate amounts of sulfur for healthy skin.
A lack of either Vitamin A or B can make your skin
chapped or cracked. Beta-carotene is as good for your skin as it is
for your eyes. Don’t limit yourself to carrots; any type of yellow
or orange vegetable is loaded with them. Good examples are squashes
and peppers.
Alpha-hydroxy acids are responsible for keeping your
skin pH balanced. You can get them from foods such as apples, grapes,
blackberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes and milk. Essential fatty acids
(EFAs) found in fish (especially salmon), dark leafy vegetables (kale,
collards, dandelions) and flax seeds are also extremely important
for your skin.
Lactic acid helps to improve your skin’s moisture
content, while glycolic acid removes dead skin cells that make your
skin look dry and flaky. Eating foods containing these two EFAs will
assist in healthy, glowing skin.
If you’re willing to spend a little (just a little),
there are a couple of supplements that will powerboost your healthy
eating habits. If you find that you can only take one supplement,
let it be Vitamin E. It prevents the formation of free radicals and
helps repair skin cells damaged from scrapes, burns and bruises.
Aloe Vera is another skin healer as well as moisturizer,
and can be used topically from the aloe plant, or consumed as a juice
found in supermarkets and health food stores. Kelp is an excellent
source of nutrients due to its absorption from sea water and is available
in several forms.
Junk foods should especially be avoided when trying
to maintain healthy skin. Eliminating soda, sugar and other empty-calorie
foods will not only improve your skin’s appearance, but will help
take off the extra pounds.
Fried foods are especially bad, because hot-processed
oils (such as those found in the supermarket) actually create free
radicals and can destroy that look you’ve been working so hard for.
Alcohol and caffeine should also be avoided, as these
and other types of diuretics make the body lose fluids and essential
minerals, which dries out your skin.
Each of these foods and supplements are easy to find
in your local supermarket or health store, and will cost you much
less than the myriad of skin care products which promise unrealistic
results.
In just a few days, you’ll notice that your skin will
begin to produce adequate amounts of oil naturally, and will no longer
show signs of being dull, scaly, flaky or tight. Chapping and cracking
during the winter will be much less likely to occur as well.
Most importantly, these tips will help you to slow
down the effects of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, brown
spots, enlarged pores and sagging skin.
About The Author
Burgundy Shank designs Nutrient Rich Handmade Soaps
that contain skin-loving Vitamins such as A, B, C, D, E, and K. She
specializes in custom soaps for those with allergies and sensitive
skin conditions. You can download the FREE Report “The Top 10 Ingredients
to Avoid in Your Personal Care Products” by joining her online newsletter,
“Beauty Secrets from Around the World” at http://www.burgundysoap.com.
