Sandra Smith shares insight to the value of certain foods for healthy skin. Our bodies contain more bacteria than human cells. Most of these bacteria are in the gut and on the skin. Researchers have discovered that skin bacteria can protect the body from infection. We know that our skin is the largest organ of the body and the first line of defense. When this balance is disturbed it predisposes you to skin infections and inflammatory conditions. The amount of these beneficial bacteria in the body and on the skin is reduced by stress, antibiotics, chlorinated water, artificial sweeteners and eating a poor diet high in sugary processed foods. Fermented and cultured foods are the best sources of probiotics, dietary factors that promote the growth of healthy bacteria in and on the body. Examples are yogurt, kefir, kombucha, miso and sauerkraut. Prebiotics foods are non-digestible food fibers that stimulate the growth of good bacteria. These include bananas, flaxseeds, whole oats, barley, garlic, and green leafy vegetables. The cells in our bodies function so much better when they are slightly alkaline whereas the pH of the skin, the acid- alkaline balance, is slightly acidic. When this delicate balance is compromised you become more vulnerable to illness and disease and accelerated aging. Here’s what happens when that balance becomes more acidic, called acidosis, it can contribute to heart disease, diabetes, immune deficiencies, accelerated free-radical damage, premature aging and osteoporosis. This condition is far too common today. An optimum diet should be more alkaline than acidic, 80% alkaline and 20% acidic. Drinking lemon water is a good choice. Although lemons are acid-forming, once digested they become alkaline-forming. Alcohol Can Damage Your Skin There have been many studies that consistently concluded long-term alcohol consumption causes premature aging. The primary reason for this is that alcohol is very dehydrating, particularly for your skin. Here’s what happens: as dehydration progresses collagen dries out, gets brittle and even shrinks. Collagen, a structural protein, is what gives skin elasticity and tone. You can see where that would be a major problem; hence the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Frequent drinking also robs the skin of some vital nutrients like vitamins A and C that are necessary for collagen production. If you should have a skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis, or acne rosacea it could be exacerbated from drinking alcohol. The blood vessels in your face are prone to dilating resulting in puffy red skin and the appearance of spidery veins caused by broken blood vessels. Those veins can become permanent with excessive drinking. Alcohol is a hepatotoxin, meaning it causes damage to the liver. Did you know that when you consume an excess of alcohol your skin becomes more vulnerable to skin cancer? It’s true! This occurs when the alcohol ingested converts ethanol to acetaldehyde, making the skin more sensitive to damaging UV rays. It does make a difference, of course, what your choice of drink is. Drinks with extra sugar, salt or other ingredients will be more harmful to your skin. Sugar leads to inflammation and ultimately to cell damage. Red wine contains antioxidants which can help protect your skin, however, if you have rosacea you won’t like the histamine release (flushing) that red wine can cause. If you like to have a drink or two on occasion try this; drink a large glass of water after each drink to make sure you stay hydrated. Green Tea in Skin Care Have you ever wondered why there seems to be so much hype about green tea? I felt the same way and was not too impressed with the taste, which is until I did some research and learned just why this seemingly tasteless tea can be valuable both inside the body and out. Green tea is rich in skin protective antioxidants like vitamin C, and E, polyphenols and carotenoids. When applied on the skin it can help promote youthful healthy skin because it possesses anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous effects. Green Tea Toner 1 organic green tea bag 1 cup boiling water 2 drops lavender essential oil for relaxing or tea tree for oily skin Seep the tea bag for 5 minutes then place the tea in fridge to cool. Add essential oils to cooled tea, pour into glass jar or bottle. Apply to freshly cleaned face with a cotton pad then apply moisturizer. Green Tea Eye Treatment 1 organic tea bag 1 cup boiling water Seep tea bag for 5 minutes then place in fridge to cool. Soak cotton pads in the green tea and place on eye lids. Lie down and relax for 20 minutes. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) for Your Skin ACV is rich in alpha-hydroxy acid, which helps to promote healthy skin by warding off bacterial infections and dissolving dead skin cells. This helps to prevent clogged pores and minimizes pore size. If you use ACV regularly you can even lighten sun and age spots; and you thought ACV was just for salads! When you dilute ACV with water it can be used on all skin types, particularly oily and acne prone skin due to its antibacterial properties. It’s important to buy an organic, raw, unfiltered brand because of the strands of enzymes, protein, and friendly bacteria. Here is a recipe that is ideal for preventing acne and pimples: Tea Tree Toner 5 Tablespoons filtered water 4 Tablespoons ACV 14 drops Tea Tree Oil
- Mix together in a glass jar or bottle & shake well.
- Apply to cleansed face with a cotton ball or pad then follow with a natural moisturizer.
- Pour ingredients into a glass jar or bottle and shake.
- Use a cotton ball or pad and apply the toner after cleansing your face. Be sure to avoid the eye area.
- After air drying, apply a moisturizer.
- Mix 2 – 3 tablespoons of baking soda and water.
- Apply to the affected area and gently scrub for 3 – 5 minutes.
- Rinse with water
- Repeat regularly for best results.
- Note: Alternately use salt or commercial exfoliators.
- Squeeze the oil from one or two vitamin A capsules.
- Apply to the affected area and gently massage for 3 – 4 minutes.
- Leave for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Repeat regularly for best results
- Note: Eat fruits containing vitamin A like carrots, papaya, grapes, strawberries, and tomatoes for added results.
- Apply a lotion or cream containing alpha hydroxy acids to the affected area and gently massage for 3 – 5 minutes.
- Repeat regularly for best results.
- Note: Alternately use a lotion or cream containing either beta hydroxy acids or glycolic acid.
- Mix 1 part of each white granulated sugar and brown sugar with 2 parts of extra virgin coconut oil.
- Apply to the affected area and gently scrub for 2 – 4 minutes
- Rinse with water.
- Repeat regularly for best results.
- Note: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or honey for added moisture.
- Mix equal quantities of apple cider vinegar and coconut oil with a teaspoon of honey.
- Apply to the affected area and leave until dry.
- Repeat daily for best results.
- Note: Alternately rub coconut oil on the affected area before taking bathing.
- Apply 3 – 4 tablespoons of yogurt on the affected area 15 minutes before bathing.
- Repeat regularly for best results.
- Use a cotton ball to apply raw, organic apple cider vinegar to the affected area.
- Repeat daily for best results.
- Pour a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar on a washcloth.
- Wet the washcloth with water to dilute the vinegar.
- Wash the affected area while bathing.
- Mix 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of coconut oil or grapeseed oil.
- Apply to the affected area and gently massage for 3 – 4 minutes.
- Rinse with water.
- Note: Alternately add 1 – 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your bath water.
- Add a handful of powdered oats to lukewarm bath water.
- Bathe in the water for 15 minutes.
- Repeat three times weekly for best results.
- Mix a teaspoon of granular sugar and 2 tablespoons of sour cream.
- Apply to the affected area as a face pack and gently massage for 3 – 4 minutes.
- Repeat regularly for best results.
- Mix olive oil and sugar.
- Apply to the affected area and gently scrub with warm water for 2 – 3 minutes.
- Repeat regularly for best results.
- Note: Alternately apply olive oil directly to the affected area.
- Grind a few aspirin to make a powder and mix with water.
- Apply the paste to the affected area as a mask and gently massage for 2 – 3 minutes.
- Leave for 5 – 7 minutes and rinse with cool water.
- Repeat regularly for best results.
- Add a few cups of whole milk to lukewarm bathwater.
- Bathe in the water for 15 minutes.
- Repeat regularly for best results.
- Note: Alternately apply milk to the affected area 15 – 20 minutes before bathing.
- Use a loofah, washcloth, or an exfoliating cream to gently wash your face with mild soaps twice daily, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
- Always applying moisturizers that contain urea, salicyclic acid, and propylene glycol to soften skin after washing.
- Natural body scrubs remove dry skin and reduce redness. Gently scrub 3 – 5 times weekly. Vigorous scrubbing will irritate the skin and make KP worse.
- Avoid allergens and pollutants such as chlorine-treated water, pet dander, mold, dust mites, fluoride, harsh detergents, chemicals, smoke, perfume, laundry detergents.
- Expose yourself to sunlight a minimum of 15 – 20 minutes daily. Vitamin D deficiency can cause dryness and lead to KP. Remember to use sunscreen lotion.
- Stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 – 10 glasses of water to flush unwanted toxins from the body.
- Avoid trans fats commonly found in hydrogenated oils and margarine. Eat more nutritious food easily absorbed by the body that strengthens the immune system.
- Use a humidifier when sleeping to keep air moist and reduce dry skin.
Q: Is it safe to wear perfume?A: Cosmetic ingredients penetrate the skin and end up in the blood stream. When you consider those include not only the perfume but also hair dyes, deodorants, nail polish, moisturizers and cleanser to name a few. The effect is cumulative with all of the other products you may be using.
Q: Do you have a recipe for a really good juice for my skin?A: There are so many to choose from. Here is one that requires organic produce: Super Skin Veggie Juice 3 kale leaves 2 green apples ½ lemon 3 celery stalks ½ inch ginger
Q: Are there certain chemicals I should be aware of that cause cancer?A: Yes, there are some chemical additives that are known to be carcinogenic. Watch out for parabens (Methylparaben, propylparaben), DEA (Diethanolamine), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Para-Dioxane and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG).
Q: I want to make sure I have a good sunscreen for my vacation. Are mineral sunscreens any good?A: Yes they are. They contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and are a much safer choice for your health as they don’t penetrate your skin yet still offer strong skin protection. Views:]]>
