Feed your skin...a guest blog by Lisa Blaine

Did you know that your skin is the largest organ covering the entire body?  

Skin is an active living tissue that serves us as a tough yet flexible and sensitive amour to keep harmful microbes, chemicals and dangerous types of UV rays away from the inner tissue hiding beneath a multilayered skin structure. As the nutrition science evolved, it has become increasingly clear that what you eat can have a significant affect on your skin and the speed of it’s ageing processes.  

Some foods are accurately associated with skin damage and fatigue - for example highly processed or refined sugars, simple carbohydrates and unhealthy fats that promote skin ageing. 

But what bad food can damage, a healthy and balanced lifestyle can rescue. This is why the right nutrition is extremely important not only for improved health, boosting energy levels and regaining mind clarity, BUT also for smooth and glowing skin. 

I’m sure you’re all eager to find out what can be done in terms of natural skincare? Let me reveal a list of 7 dos and don’ts of a healthy skin routine.  

7 NATURAL SKINCARE TIPS FOR A HEALTHY, GLOWING SKIN 

1. EAT MORE FRUTS & VEGGIES 🍉🥬 

Eat a minimum of five portions or fruit or vegetables every day. This is why ‘a smoothie a day’ rule is so beneficial and makes it easily achievable to add in more of the skin loving fruits and vegetables.  

2. DO NOT CRASH DIET 

Repeatedly loosing and gaining weight will take its toll on your skin causing stretch marks, sagging skin and wrinkles. Carrying on with such practice over a long period of time will reflect badly in your skin. It’s always important to have a healthy balanced lifestyle.  

3. EAT FOODS RICH IN SELENIUM  

Selenium a powerful antioxidant which works in harmony with vitamins E and C. It can help protect against sun ☀️ damage and ageing spots. Just 4 brazil nuts will supply you with the recommended dietary allowance! 

4. DRINK ENOUGH WATER 💦 

Your skin needs water to stay flexible and youthful. Dehydration, even mild, will cause your skin to look dry, tired and slightly grey. Adding fruit and vegetables to water has an extra benefit since the minerals they contain will increase the rate at which you hydrate your body, including the skin. 

It goes without saying that alcohol and smoking will age you much faster, so consider removing them out of your life. 

5. EAT HEALTHY FATS  

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats provide essential fatty acids which act as a natural internal moisturiser for your skin, keeping it supple and improving it’s elasticity. 

6. EAT MORE PHYTOESTROGENS 

These are natural chemicals found in plant foods. Phytonutrients have a similar structure to the female hormone - OESTROGEN and have been found to help keep our natural hormones in balance.  

7. EAT FOODS RICH IN ZINC 

Zinc participates in the normal function of sebaceous glands in the skin by controlling the production of sebum and helping to repair damaged skin. Foods such as fish, lean meats, poultry, nuts & seeds, and shellfish all contain zinc. 

For more on this topic and other blogs on nutrition and holistic wellness, visit Lisa's blog at https://www.lisablane.com/blog