feed your face!
You have a facial, purchase and use the recommended skin care and initially your skin feels amazing, right?!
However, time passes and you may notice the same concerns returning or exacerbating, so you head back for your next facial...
No, you get a new facialist!
Addressing symptoms and not the possible cause leads only to temporary skin happiness.
Skin health is more than a cycle of facials and topically applied skin care, yes these are important factors of a treatment or maintenance plan, but, what is missing is the investigation of diet and lifestyle factors that may impact skin function.
Our skin is a reflection of our internal health and well-being.
Consider the following examples medical professionals classify as symptoms,
Yellowing of the skin can signal liver disease
Darkening of skin creases/folds can signal adrenal disease
Chronic dry, rough, itchy skin can signal thyroid disease
I could go on and on and on.
(please see your doctor for further evaluation in these cases)
In the same way, skin can reflect deficiencies in vital nutrients needed to maintain a structurally healthy and correctly functioning barrier.
Inflamed, dehydrated, congested, excess oil, lack of oil, dry, rough, thin, sensitive... the presence of all of these conditions may be indicative of poor nutritional health.
The following are my top 5 faves to feed your face with,
Magnesium
This mineral is a total powerhouse!
Involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, Magnesium is essential for processes such as the breakdown of glucose and fats, the production of proteins and glutathoine (a master antioxidant), and crucial to the creation, stability and protection of our DNA.
Deficiency of this little superstar can lead to impaired immunity and is linked to skin irritation and inflammation.
Mg rich foods include dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish, whole grains, avocados, and bananas.
Zinc
An essential trace element Zinc is an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. It facilitates cell division, proper functioning of the immune and digestive systems, control of diabetes, reduction of stress levels, energy metabolism, and hormone balance. Zinc will fight free radicals and inflammation and increase rate of wound healing (think ageing and acne)!
Zn rich foods include oysters, beef, toasted wheat germ, spinach, pumpkin seeds, nuts, dark chocolate, and mushrooms.
Vitamin C
Perhaps the most commonly known antioxidant, this little gem is a major free radical scavenger, with the added benefit of supporting collagen synthesis (collagen is the principal protein of skin, bones, teeth, cartilage, tendons, blood vessels, heart valves, inter vertebral discs, and cornea).
Vitamin C rich foods include orange, lemons, grapefruit, watermelon, papaya, strawberries, cantaloupe, mango, pineapple, and raspberries.
Vitamin E
A naturally occurring lipid-soluble vitamin, E protects skin from the adverse effects of oxidative stress! It plays a major role in stabilizing our cell membranes and functions as both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
One of our major sources of protection from photo-aging!
Vitamin E rich foods include dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, avocados, shellfish, and broccoli.