Our genes play an important role in how our skin reacts and ages. It is useful to look at your parent’s skin to get an idea of any potential problems. Thus forewarned, you can take the necessary steps to improve the outlook for your skin.
Breathing correctly has a huge effect on our skin. Seven percent of the oxygen taken into your lungs is used directly by your skin. As we get older we tend to breathe incorrectly, taking shorter breathes and forgetting to expel air fully thus limiting the oxygen intake. Without sufficient oxygen, we can feel tired and unwell with premature ageing of the skin and body.
It is good on a regular basis, to let the skin breathe by spending a part of each day, or night, without anything on your skin. Fresh air leaves our skin blooming. The skin benefits more if we walk by the sea, in a park surrounded by trees or any nature-environment rather than a crowded city filled with pollution. The more oxygen you can take in, the less like you are to suffer free-radical damage, which results in premature ageing.
Regular exercise is essential for out overall health, our mind and our bodies. Oxygen is absorbed into every cell of the body allowing nutrients ensure that cells grow quickly; more collagen is produced, which leads to improved skin texture and better moisture retention within the skin.
Any form of exercise will stimulate blood circulation, aid a sluggish digestive system eliminate waste and toxins, and bring an instant glow to your skin.
Sometimes specific foods may cause skin reactions and lead to rashes, itching and eczema. A diet rich in fresh foods, particularly fruit, vegetables and grains, low in processed and refined foods will benefit your whole system, including your skin. Clear, bright healthy-looking skin, is dependant on the function of the liver, kidneys and intestines. The liver not only helps remove waste products from the body, but also filters out any harmful chemicals. A sluggish system, filled regularly with nasty toxins, could lead to pasty, blotchy, blemish-ridden skin.
Foods to consider for healthy skin.
• Fresh fruit and vegetables, especially green and orange ones, avocados, apples, bananas, garlic and onions
• Dried fruit, cereals, pulses and grains
• Eggs
• Dairy products
• Wheat germ and whole-wheat bread
• Brown rice, whole wheat or rice pasta
• Soya
• Nuts
• Oils – olive, sesame, walnut, safflower and sunflower
Vitamins and supplements to consider for healthy skin
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Zinc
• Silica
• Sulphur
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Micro-algae
• Lecithin
• Micro-algae
• Lecithin
• Essential fatty oils,
• eg evening primrose oil
• Fish oils
