Heal Your Skin From Within: Factors That Affect Your Skin’s Health & How to Restore Balance

Just as happiness is an inside job, so is skin health!

You can’t expect to have great skin without first taking care of what’s going on inside your body.  By gaining control of the factors affecting your skin’s health, you’ll be able start healing your skin from within!

Factors That Affect Your Skin’s Health

There are numerous factors happening in and around you that can impact your skin’s health.  These factors can compound over time and wreak havoc on your skin.

Genetics

While you can’t change your genes, you can change the genetic expression of your genes – meaning that external factors can influence how the information within your genes is used during synthesis.

Environmental

Pollution, mold, extreme climates are just a few examples of environmental factors that can change your skin’s appearance.

Stress

Stress is often overlooked when it comes to skin problems.  However, it can bring about a number of issues that may indirectly affect your skin’s overall health.

 Stress can

·       elevate levels of cortisol hormones (which can disrupt your sleep),

·       suppress your immune system,

·       increase inflammation within your body,

·       signal your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, and

·       trigger acne flare-ups (when your pores are inflamed, they can get clogged by excess oils and this can cause acne).

Hormone Imbalances

Hormone imbalances can be due to stress, lack of sleep, medication (yes, that includes the birth control pill!), or illness.  Either way, your hormone levels should be checked if you suspect they might be the cause of your skin issues.  Hormones perform important functions within your body and must be regulated for optimal skin health and overall health.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Your skin requires a consistent supply of nutrients to stay vibrant and healthy.  If you are lacking certain vitamins or minerals, these deficiencies will manifest themselves through your skin’s external appearance (dark under eyes, dullness, dryness, sallow complexion, etc.).  It’s important to note any changes you see in your skin.  Your body gives you signs when something isn’t right.  Don’t ignore them!

Restore Balance & Heal Your Skin From Within

It’s time to restore balance within your body.  Once you’ve pinpointed the root cause(s) of your skin problems, you can be proactive.  Here are some things you can do to heal your skin from within.

Manage Stress

Find ways to calm your body; whether it’s meditating, doing yoga, reading, or playing with your dog.  Anything that will help you relax will be benefit your health.

Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation is your body’s immune response to injury and/or disease, essentially a cry for help .  It’s your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong.  Reducing inflammation is one way to help your body heal faster.  Being on an anti-inflammatory diet can help decrease chronic inflammation and promote healing.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Hippocrates said it best, “let food be thy medicine”.  The easiest way to improve your skin’s health is through eating a healthy balanced diet.  It doesn’t have to be complicated. Below is a quick guide to help you make better choices when it comes to food.    

Limit/Avoid These Foods

• trans fats (hydrogenated oils)
• salt
• sugar
• artificial sweetener (aspartame, xylitol, maltitol)
• dairy
• simple carbohydrates (candy, sodas)
• refined grains (white bread, white rice)
• gluten (if intolerant)
• alcohol
• coffee

Eat More of These Foods

• healthy fats (salmon, avocado, olive oil, nuts)
• whole grains (whole wheat pasta & bread, brown rice)
• fiber rich foods (beans, legumes)
• protein rich foods (organic meat, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds)

Stay Hydrated

Your skin needs water to remain soft and supple.  Water is also necessary to help flush toxins out of your body and improve your skin’s complexion.  So it’s important that you drink adequate amounts of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

If plain ol’ water isn’t your jam, try adding slices of cucumber or lemon to your water for some natural flavor.

Take Supplements

It’s hard to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals your body needs through diet alone.  Sometimes it makes sense to take supplements to enhance your diet and get the right amount of nutrients for your body to function optimally.

Here are some supplements that can help improve your skin’s complexion.

*See your health care provider before you start supplementing your diet.

·         Vitamins A, C, E

·         Zinc

·         Magnesium

·         Essential fatty acids

·         Probiotics

Exercise

Exercise is great to improve skin health.  It increases blood circulation and perspiration (which helps eliminate waste faster), and contributes to improved skin complexion.  Aside from that, exercise is a great way to reduce stress, improve mental health and overall health.

Sleep

Sleep is king when it comes to your skin’s health.  During rest, your skin repairs and renews itself.  It’s the best time for your skin to heal from within.