What your skin says about you

Sometimes you should take things at face value. Skin is a mirror for the state of our emotional, hormonal, and nutritional well-being, and we make daily choices that ultimately will show up on our faces. In fact, before the convenience of blood tests, doctors relied on clues from skin to determine many health issues. High drama foods such as fast foods, processed and refined foods and sugar literally traumatize this sensitive organ and give way to unhealthy accelerated aging. Skin requires a well balanced diet composed of healthy foods including a variety of vitamins and nutrients to keep it healthy, glowing and youthful.

Vitamin A in the right balance is necessary since a lack or excess of it can cause dry, rough and unattractive skin. Vitamin A also helps to reduce production of pore-clogging oil. It occurs naturally in carrots, sweet potatoes, peaches and endive. Vitamins C and E are useful as free radical scavenging anti-oxidants, by inactivating these components that would otherwise do great harm. Vitamin C is also useful for its ability to help the body make collagen. This protein creates connective tissues and keeps skin looking youthful by helping to prevent sags and bags. Unfortunately, collagen decreases with age, and sun damage accelerates the decrease. Research indicates that Vitamin C, applied topically, may also be absorbed through the skin to heal damage caused by burn or injury. You’ll find plenty of Vitamin C in peppers, tomatoes, citrus fruit and watercress. Include silicon rich cucumbers, avocados, and strawberries in your diet as these are also excellent for supporting the formation of collagen. Vitamin E is valuable not only as an anti-oxidant, but also because of its healing properties. As well, it helps to promote the absorption of Vitamin A. Choose spinach, sunflower seeds, canola oil and onions for this important vitamin.

Despite its potential for damage, our bodies actually require sunlight to keep skin healthy. Ironically, the body forms Vitamin D in part by interaction with sunlight. It is also considered to be an anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogen, and can be applied topically. Be careful, however, as it is toxic in large amounts. Remember to limit sun exposure to before ten a.m. and after three p.m.

Zinc is pivotal in maintaining healthy skin because it helps vitamin C to make collagen, and supports the tissue rebuilding action of Vitamin A. A deficiency in this mineral has also been linked to dermatitis. Mushrooms, seafood, whole grains and soybeans are delicious natural sources of zinc. Selenium, another free radical scavenger, enhances absorption of vitamin E, and is plentiful in broccoli, cabbage, red grapes and especially garlic.

Eat a minimum of three to five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Choose the vibrant dark greens, oranges, yellows, and reds. These foods are rich in antioxidants and bioflavonoids that help to protect and nourish your skin. Nurture your skin with fresh, unrefined essential fatty acids, including omega 3 oils from fresh deep sea, cold water fish, flax seed, and gamma linolenic acid from borage seeds. Remember to hydrate with at least eight cups of fresh pure water per day to help cleanse and refresh your outer layer.

It’s never too late for more beautiful skin. Cells replicate about every 28 days, continuously giving you the opportunity to become more healthy and beautiful. Strive for balance in all aspects of your life, making sure to sweat, nap, and create time with loved ones. Reflect on all the good in your life. The mirror will follow your lead!