7 tips for radiant skin

Having youthful soft skin can be a challenge in the winter months.  How do we keep skin in balance when faced with winds and fluctuating temperatures let alone the stresses of the day? Here are some facts and tips to keep skin healthy. 

 Skin performs 6 vital functions:

1. Protection – a barrier to protect the body’s tissues from dehydration and to prevent invasion from harmful organisms.  
2. Sensation – the skin contains nerve endings that make it sensitive to heat and cold, as well as to pressure, vibration and injury.
3. Temperature control – the skin regulates body temperature.  In cold weather for example blood vessels contract to conserve heat and the hairs on the skin trap a layer of heat to provide insulation.  In hot weather, the blood vessels dilate to allow heat to escape.
4. Storage and synthesis – stores water and lipids (fatty compounds) it synthesizes vitamins B and D when activated by the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
5. Absorption – small amounts of important gases are absorbed by the skin – oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. As well as healing substances found in lotions and ointments.  **As well as harmful substances such as chemicals added to lotions, cosmetics, clothing etc.
6. Waste removal:  Sweat glands in the skin function to control body temperature and to remove toxic substances from the body.

So how do we nurture this vital organ?  We start by nurturing ourselves.  Self love, self care.

Stop smoking.  This advice has been given by health practitioners for many years.  Studies show that smoking destroys collagen and elastin, vital components for the structure of skin.  

Exercise. Regular exercise increases blood flow and carries more oxygen and nutrients to your skin.  Exercise helps the skin to breathe.  The skin is marvellous when you think about the function of breathing.  This is one of the ways that body temperature is regulated and that toxins can be released. 

Eat consciously.  Feed your skin nutrition by choosing foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as cold water fish (salmon, tuna and sardines) and nuts and seeds.  (flaxseeds, chia seeds) Eat a diet high in antioxidants.  A good general rule to follow is to pick foods with a wide variety of colour.  This can include lots of berries, leafy green vegetables, bright orange carrots ….make it a personal challenge to find things that are purple, or a colour that you know you haven’t eaten in awhile.  Avoid alcohol,  excessive caffeine, and sugars which can dehydrate the skin.

Drink plenty of water. Hydration is important in any season.  Water keeps our brains clear, strengthens vitality and endurance, improves quality of sleep and removes toxins from the body.

Get your beauty rest. Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, so a good night’s rest is crucial to good skin health. So how to get a good night’s rest?  Prepare yourself ahead of time.  Turn off technology at least an hour before bedtime.  Do quiet activities.  If you have a busy mind, then write a list of what you need to do so that your mind can relax and rest.  Most important is to get to bed before 11:00 pm. 

Skin care products. Look at the ingredients on all your products.  If you cannot pronounce some of them – keep them off your skin.  Feed your skin with products that contain nutrients and healing qualities such as you would find with essential oils, and seed oils.  Look for skin care with peptides to help rebuild collagen.

Facial rejuvenation.  Did you know that the health of your body organs are reflected in your face?  Through  acupressure, massage, yoga and reflexology your can learn to identify imbalances in your health which show up as wrinkles, discolouration, fatigue and puffiness.  These alternative healing practices are non invasive, calming and assist with whole body balance.  Find a practitioner near you, or learn techniques for yourself through courses such as we offer through harmonic2.wpengine.com 

Remember this, self care and your self love will affect your lifestyle. Generally speaking, your lifestyle will reflect through your skin.  Allow yourself time for self care, to make little changes which over time become healthy habits. Your love of Being IS the greatest beautifier and regenerator.