Nutrients, Herbs & Foods for Healthy Skin

Usually oil and water do not mix. However when it comes to the skin, a balance of oil and moisture is essential for glowing, healthy skin.

Oil lubricates the surface of the skin. Water that is consumed and remains with the skin cells, keeps the skin looking youthful. Fine lines, sagging, and enlarged pores are the result of skin that requires more oil, moisture, as well as essential proteins like elastin, collagen, and keratin. Additionally, a poor diet and lifestyle habits can contribute to aging skin.

Nutrients That Aid in Youthful Skin

Vitamin A

25,000 IU daily

Strengthens the skin tissue while protecting it

Vitamin E

400 IU daily

Protects against free radicals

Kelp

An all natural source of balanced, skin loving minerals

Vitamin B Complex

As directed by the label

Set of vitamins that are anti- aging and reduces stress

Selenium

200 mg, daily

An antioxidant that increases skin elasticity, and protects against the harmful effects of the sun

Vitamin C

3,000- 5,000 mg daily

Essential for collagen production. Strengths the capillaries that feed the skin

Zinc

50 mg daily

Assists in the optimal function of oil producing skin glands

Herbs for Healthy Skin

Aloe Vera

Used for centuries, aloe is a plant that provides healing from many skin conditions. A super moisturizer that soothes the skin and removes dead skin cells.

Calendula

Smooths the skin

Comfrey

Soothes the skin

Ashwagandha

An ayurvedic herb that reduces wrinkles and makes the skin firmer

Diet Recommendations for Glowing Skin

1. Eating foods high in sulfur provides the skin with nutrients, from the inside out. Sulfur rich foods include onions, garlic, eggs and asparagus

2. Reduce your intake of animal fats, fried and processed food

3. Consume a wide variety of fruits and vegetables- especially yellow and orange ones. These are high in beta carotene, a preliminary form of Vitamin A

4. Do not smoke. Nicotine deprives the skin of nutrients and oxygen, essential for good skin health.

Healthy Skin Regimen

Use a cleanser that does not list alcohol as the first ingredient. Alcohol dries out the skin. Try to avoid cold creams. Most contain hydrogenated oils, which cause free radical damage. Look for products that contain vegetable glycerin, Vitamin E and panthenol. These are humectants and attract water top the skin.

Toner, Serum, Oil, Repeat

Rose Water Toner

A refreshing and all natural toner is rose water. Rose petals have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

To make, place the petals form a dozen roses in a non- aluminum stock pt. Add about 4 cups of cold, filtered water. On a low heat, heat for about 5 minutes. Allow to cool and steep for 1.5 hours. Remove the petals. Combine 1/4 cup of witch hazel with 1/4 cup of rosewater. Freeze the remaining rosewater .

Serum

Once toner is applied, follow up with serums that contain, retinoid, or hyaluronic acid. Retinoid A. Retinoid , (retin A) works within the deep layers of the skin by speeding up cellular turnover and boosting collagen production. Hyaluronic acids hydrate and repair at the surface layers. Be careful when using Retin A. It can be harsh for some people. Do not use more than 2 times a week to begin. Use at night. Retin A increases sun sensitivity. For daytime use, use a hydrating moisturizer.

Oil

The role that oils play in skin care is that it seals in all of the hydrating ingredients, making your skin more likely to hold onto that added hydration. Beyond helping to seal in hydration, the face oils can provide nourishment of their own, as well. Rose hip, coconut, carrot, and vitamin E are the most popular oils for the dry, sensitive and balanced skin. Apply to the skin after applying your serum.

Weekly

3 times a week, use a facial loofah to remove dead skin cells and provide circulation to the skin.

Use a facial mask to treat the skin. Create your own turmeric mask. Turmeric

Enjoy a face sauna

Combine 4 tablespoons of chamomile, calendula and comfrey in a pot. Simmer in 2 quarts of distilled water. Get a towel. When the water begins to steam, place it on a thick pit holder or a truver. Cover your head with the towel to trap the herb infused steam. After 15 minutes, splash your face with cold water to close your pores.