Skin Deep: Loving the skin you’re in!
It is said that beauty is only skin deep, and I totally agree. It is our thoughts, actions and emotions that describe who we really are, and these are also the qualities by which we should be judged.
That is not to say that beauty and physical appearance aren’t important. What your appearance does do is tell others a lot about your overall health! Like it or not, your skin tells all of your secrets…
Following are some of the key impacts on your skin’s health and appearance, as well as some tips for improving it!
Diet
The number one thing you can do to improve overall skin health is watch what you eat! Whether you suffer from acne, eczema, premature aging or a dull complexion, your food choices can have an enormous impact!
Using comprehensive nutritional analysis we can determine where deficiencies may lie, causes of inflammation, as well as if, when and what supplementation might be necessary.
Hydration
Ensure you are drinking plenty of pure filtered water and minimizing drinks that dehydrate you (caffeine, alcohol, soda and sugary drinks). Clear fluids keep your cells hydrated helping keep skin looking young and healthy, and also improving texture and suppleness.
Food Allergies/Sensitivities
Some common skin conditions (for example hives and eczema), may be due to the body reacting to foods or components of the foods that you’re eating. Consuming foods that you are sensitive to leads to the release of molecules which can cause inflammation, pain, itching and scaling, redness and pigmentation changes
With testing, we can determine what your particular food sensitivities are, and avoiding them can help treat and prevent outbreaks
Gastrointestinal Health
Symptoms such as gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, are signs that your digestive health is not optimal. A poorly functioning digestive system is responsible for many common skin conditions, a two common examples being acne and rosacea.
Poor digestion may be caused by multitude of factors and improving this can help not only stomach/intestinal concerns, but also skin health!
Stress and lack of Sleep
Ever wonder how everyone knows that you’re stressed no matter what you do to try to hide it? Well regardless of how happy, energetic or relaxed you act, when you don’t sleep enough or you’re constantly rushing, worried or frazzled the signs are literally “all over your face” causing:
Dark circles under the eyes
Dull, dry, lusterless skin
Acne, cold sores, eczema and psoriasis
Exercise
Exercise benefits not only your body but skin too:
Improved circulation helps improve cell turnover
Sweating helps remove toxins
Improved stress response and sleep quality
Heightened endorphins – which shows in your skin, expression and vitality!
And as often as possible, try to exercise outside - fresh air will improve your complexion and glow!
Products
What you put on your skin does matter: Your skin is your largest absorptive organ so what goes on, goes in!
Many commercial cosmeceuticals contain chemicals, parabens, fragrances and other additives that can clog pores, create oiliness OR dryness, contribute to inflammation, and otherwise damage skin. This includes many cleansers, creams, makeup and also sunscreens.
I highly recommend using high quality, naturally derived, clean (meaning no harmful/toxic additives), proven-ingredient products specifically matched to your skin type.
If you have concerns like acne, rosacea, hyperpigmentation, aging skin, working with an professional like myself trained in Esthetics would be a benefit. My training in Naturopathic Esthetics includes expertise in the use of AlumierMD products (www.alumiermd.ca)
Sun/Chemical Exposure
While getting outside as frequently as possible is extremely important, just as important is protecting your delicate skin from the elements.
Harmful UV rays can cause premature aging, sunspots and can lead to melanoma (skin cancer). Wearing a hat and long-sleeved shirt, and using non-toxic sunscreens (even when it’s overcast) can help protect you.
And Please – Do NOT smoke or hang around with people do! Smoking ages skin dramatically, causing deep wrinkles, reducing hydration, causing yellowing and dullness, the list of detriments goes on & on…
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture
Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is a non-surgical, virtually painless treatment that involves insertion of extremely fine needles into specific points in the skin. Acupuncture is a very relaxing, stress reducing treatment!
This therapy helps to increase local Qi and blood circulation to the face and neck and stimulate collagen production thus helping to:
Minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and “crows feet”
Tighten pores and loose, sagging skin
Improve skin’s tone, texture and elasticity
Reduce the appearance of broken capillaries
Restore your healthy, glowing complexion.
A course of treatment usually involves 1-2 sessions per week over a 5-6 week time period. Maintenance may be recommended, perhaps every few months, depending on your individual needs.
Dr Katarine Holewa ND RAc