Beauty From Within: Get Gorgeous Glowing Skin
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By Stephanie Martin
I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but a beautiful complexion really is more than skin deep! In fact, the appearance of our skin is often an accurate outer indicator of our internal health.  Laser, skin-peels, botox and the infinite choice of beauty cosmetics are able to mask any problems for a while, but what so many people don’t realise is that they are overlooking the cheapest, safest and most effective beauty treatment of them all! 

It really is so simple! The answer to beautiful skin is found in the foods we eat and the lifestyles we lead… And that’s it! Also, what’s so encouraging is that no matter what your age, you can make changes in your life that will show up on your skin and that won’t cost a fortune. 

eatfruitYour Skin is an Organ too.
First of all allow me to emphasize that the skin is not just an outer layer holding us all together! It is the largest and therefore one of the most essential organs in the body that is responsible for a whole host of critical functions. But did you know that it can also be a medium for the elimination of toxins; sometimes even referred to as the 'third kidney'? This means that if there is an overload of toxins that are not being efficiently eliminated via the main detox organs (kidneys, liver, etc) then these toxins will find an alternate exit, namely your skin! Therefore reducing your toxic load together with sensible nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits play a crucial role in maintaining correct detoxification and ultimately producing beautiful radiant skin!

How to Achieve Beauty from within
Let’s start with the basics… 

Sleep
It's definitely not called 'beauty sleep' for nothing! When you are sleep deprived your skin can look sallow, dull, and saggy; or you can end up with puffy eyes (what I call the 'puff monster!') or the dreaded dark under-eye circles! A good seven to eight hour quality sleep is a must if you want to look fresh and beautiful in the morning. Not only does your skin actually rejuvenate itself while you sleep but, at night, your body most actively rids itself of toxins that might otherwise wreak havoc with your skin. 

Try herbs (valerian), tea (chamomile), amino acids (tryptophan or hydroxy-tryptophan) and/or vitamins (magnesium and B6) if you struggle to fall asleep easily. These can be powerful natural sedatives that work just as well as prescription agents without the risk of addiction. 
waterpour
Water 
Yes I'm sure you've also heard this all before, but really try to make a conscious effort to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day and see what a difference it can make. Water is essential in flushing out unwanted toxins from your body, helping your skin to remain clear and radiant. It also rehydrates your skin making it much softer, smoother and younger looking.

Relax
I know for a fact that the majority of us have to deal with stress frequently, but stress can cause break-outs and is a major acne aggravator. Take a few minutes in the day to sit back, clear your mind and breathe deeply. Implementing effective breathing techniques is a powerful stress-reducer and promotes oxygen flow to the skin; both of which produce a visibly better skin tone.  

Let’s talk about Nutrition
One of the most important things you can do for your skin to stay younger looking naturally, is to be sure you’re getting proper nutrition. What an amazing difference a healthy diet and targeted nutritional supplements can make to both to our internal health and subsequently our external appearance.  

1. Change from Red to Green
A ‘red’ body is acidic and toxic. Caffeine, alcohol, sugar, fizzy drinks and junk food all have an acidic effect within the body which weakens all body systems and thus negatively affects the skin’s vitality. A ‘green’ body however is alkaline and healthy! An alkaline environment is a must for a strong immune system: Cell regeneration is able to take place, slowing the ageing process, and vitamins and minerals are utilised efficiently to ensure a healthy body and healthy skin! 

eatsaladAlkaline foods are raw fruits and vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables, algaes and grasses! Green smoothies or green juices with these ingredients are powerful ways of ensuring that your body remains in an alkaline state and that your skin literally radiates a youthful glow! To find out more about how to prepare raw food in a healthy and delicious way, contact steph

If you are unable to consume a diet that is comprised of predominantly raw fresh fruit and vegetables, then you can take alkaline supplements (these are basically raw foods put into a tablet or powder form). These include spirulina, blue-green algae, chlorella, barley grass, wheatgrass or even better yet a green superfood powder that combines all of them in one! 

2. Eat Loads of Antioxidants
Consume as many antioxidant-rich foods as possible! This is the natural way to prevent free-radical damage and premature aging. Kale, spinach, cabbage, chilli peppers and parsley are some of the most powerful vegetables; while berries, pineapple, pomegranate and prunes are some of the fruits with the highest antioxidant activity. And don’t forget raw chocolate, bee pollen and goji berries! These are just a few of the new super foods shown to dramatically reduce aging (as well as most other health issues).

handsunshineSupplements

1. Omega 3 Fatty Acids - Most people are seriously lacking in these fats that are vital for vibrant, healthy looking skin. Eczema, dry skin, cracked heels and premature aging are all signs of an omega 3 deficiency. Omega-3s help keep cell membranes healthy by keeping out harmful substances as well as allowing nutrients to enter cells and exit with waste products. They also preserve the skin’s natural oil barrier – essential for maintaining hydration of the skin, giving healthy skin its plump appearance, and keeping the skin looking younger. 

2. Vitamin C - is essential for healing, skin cell regeneration and plumping. Vitamin C is largely responsible for the healthy production of collagen (otherwise known as ‘nature’s alternative to botox’!)

3. MSM (methyl sulphonylmethane) – is a naturally occurring organic sulphur critical to the function and structure of skin, hair and nails. Sulphur is the foundational mineral of beauty enhancing the structural integrity of connective tissue and working synergistically with Vitamin C to boost collagen production. 

4. Zinc – is a crucial nutrient for effective wound healing especially for those with acne. Zinc helps to control the production of oil in the skin and it may also help with the control of hormones that can create acne. Eczema sufferers often respond very well to zinc supplementation.

So remember; when your whole body is healthy your skin will be too, so love the skin you’re in by taking good care of it from the inside out!

Note
• There seems to be a strong link between hormone imbalance and problem skin. If you suspect that this is the case we strongly advise that you get your hormone levels checked or else speak to your trusted health care practitioner. 
• Intolerances and allergies to certain foods (especially dairy!) also can show up as acne, life-less, dull skin and dark circles under the eyes. You may wish to explore this avenue if you feel this relates to you. And again, get tested or speak to a reputable health practitioner.