We Like Pretty: Skin (Part One)

I’m known to shop the bargain bin, to rock a dollar shirt, and flock to red tag sales. But one thing I don’t skimp on is skin care. It’s an investment, yes. But it’s your body’s biggest organ after all! One that is going to be around for the the next 70-80 years (fingers crossed), which is more than you can say about any article of clothing.

For me, skin care is a three step process: origination, maintenance, and presentation. Using big words makes me feel like a grown up, grin and bear it. I’ll break each of these down over the next three days to reduce the desire for dormancy. Improving your skincare regimen in even one area can help you see drastic improvements!

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves. If you don’t have sleeves, congrats. You probably live in a place that continually hits above 70. Quit bragging.

Origination

Being an amateur health nut, I believe great skin care starts from the inside. Fueling your body well, with lots of water, fruits and veggies (high in antioxidants), and plenty of sleep are all important steps to getting the skin of your dreams.

Nutrition 101: My Second Bible

“‘Your skin is the fingerprint of what is going on inside your body, and all skin conditions, from psoriasis to acne to aging, are the manifestations of your body’s internal needs, including its nutritional needs,’ says Dr. Georgiana Donadio, founder of the National Institute of Whole Health.”

Although I love eating healthy, I hate the concept of “diets.” We are all unique human beings, in chemical and genetic composition. How can there be a one-size-fits all diet plan? When it comes to nutrition, everyone should consult a professional. And by professional, I do not mean a self-help book! It should be a physician or nutritionist you trust, with years of experience, who can recognize your dietary needs and help you find an eating regimen that makes you feel healthy, happy, and NOT deprived. Dessert should be in all our lives! Chocolate especially.

Supplements are another great way to ensure your body gets all the vitamins & minerals it needs to be healthy and give you gorgeous skin. Below are some of the skincare supplements in my medicine cabinet, but consuming them naturally, via yummy foods is always best. Remember, you should always consult a doctor before taking any medication.

Vitamin A - Although Vitamin A is often recommended for ocular health, its dermatology benefits are also incredible. Its’ retinoic acid helps maintain healthy skin by maturing epidermal cells, essentially repairing your complexion. Lack of Vitamin A can lead to dry, flakey skin. You can consume Vitamin A naturally by munching on carrots, collard greens, kale, sweet potatoes, and spinach.

Vitamin C – Vitamin C is your scrappy best friend, with boxing gloves in hand, and always ready to battle for your good health. Not only is it a natural antihistamine and immunity booster, but Vitamin C is an antioxidant that slows down free radical damage. Free radicals are those pesky, unstable molecules that do their best to damage our collagen levels and leave us with dry skin, wrinkles, and fine lines. So nice of them, right? Consume Vitamin C naturally by drinking orange juice, eating red and green bell peppers, guava, kale, parsley, turnips, and broccoli.

Vitamin E - Possibly the most famous Vitamin associated with epidermal skincare. Vitamin E is one of the most powerful antioxidants that, like Vitamin C helps neutralize free radicals and prevent cellular damage from occurring. Vitamin E also helps reduce the harmful effects of sun exposure on the skin and coupled with Vitamin A, is said to be effective at preventing certain skin cancers. Consume it naturally by eating almonds, spinach, peaches, prunes, tomatoes, asparagus, and my favorite magical veggie…. AVOCADOS.

Your most important tool in the fight for great skin is knowledge! Educate yourself on foods, vitamins, and minerals that can help you see the improvements you want. See a dermatologist and learn about your unique skin type; are your sensitive, acne-prone, do you have combination skin, etc? Are your needs severe enough to require prescription medication? A dermatologist can help.

And never forget to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Water will always be your skin’s best friend. Well, that and sleep.

As with everything in life, cut yourself some slack. Don’t expect perfection. We’re human and everyone struggles with flaws once in awhile. I promise, we can be imperfect together.

Now go love your skin. That’s an order.

XOXO, Lyds