How to have a healthy glowing skin naturally

We are all drawn to the trillion - dollar market of youthful skin and anything related.  Glowing skin reflects beauty, youth and vibrancy of health. Even if it isn’t real, but appears that way, it will sell. We also know there are many traps and pitfalls here. But first, let’s define a few things:

Graceful aging does not mean using botox to continue to look young. It means you truly accept that you will grow and look older, but instead of don’t care attitude, you pay attention to putting your best self forward naturally. I define natural as anything that is non invasive and does not add harmful products to your skin and body. 

Let’s also be honest here. I have seen many clients who are not healthy in any respect, have various health challenges, but still have great looking skin! Genetics does play a big role here. We can see by studies done that Caucasian skin ages quicker, with more wrinkles, African American skin while more prone to skin issues, maintain a youthful look and Asian skin has higher fat content underneath which also prevents premature aging. 

Melasma and skin tone greatly tie in with the ethnicity. But if you are still getting acne once you are over 20, that is worth investigating. 

Other skin issues are tied to your liver, lymphatic system, hormonal balance and your cells ability to do their daily job of detoxification. If the system is overwhelmed with toxins and inflammation, know that these can be greatly improved. Psoriasis, eczema, Rosacea etc which are deemed chronic conditions can be reversed (yes! I have done it for myself and my clients) but needs a deep understanding of the workings of the individual’s body chemistry.

Just applying products you read about, or have half knowledge of can be more detrimental than helpful. There are a few tips here that can truly aid in skin health and benefit the body and immune system to boot, which any age group can follow, with budget friendly options:

• Taking methylated B complex or a good multivitamin that contains these, minus any excipients 
• Eating an array of proteins from food sources, (not from protein powders!) helps the liver
• Any device or physical movement that helps move the lymphatic system like exercise, massage, trampoline, or beauty devices that are non-invasive, known brands like Nuskin is a great choice. If you want a budget option, use the silicon cups that you can buy for a few dollars online, and using a massage oil, you can use it on your problem areas like your thighs, arms etc which is also very effective for moving the lymphatic system. 
• These devices or lymphatic movers can be very effective in reducing cellulite, but losing weight the right way if you are overweight can help
• Using toxin – free make up, personal care and skin care products is essential for the short and long- term health of skin. Do your research in this area as there are products that suit all budgets. 
• With each chapter in our lives, women have many more hormonal fluctuations than men. This can lead to rapid skin aging. Ideally, before you reach that stage, see a naturopathic physician who can identify and balance underlying hormonal issues hopefully without the need for HRT. 
• For those experiencing serious hormonal imbalances, you can consider bioidentical hormones that the body works better with rather than synthetic. But make educated, informed decisions, not desperate ones.
• Taking super foods like Maca can be beneficial for any age group, but don’t forget to take trace minerals either as a supplement or from super foods like spirulina and chlorella.
• Having regular bowel movements is an absolute must, going at least twice a day with ease. Even once a day is considered a congested liver by most holistic health care practitioners. Laxatives can’t be a long-term solution, so contact a naturopathic physician or accupuncturist who can help you to have healthy bowel movements. This is important from a health perspective as well as skin. 
• Drinking water may not be sufficient. Sometimes drinking water that contains electrolytes like coconut water, maple water or making your own with some Pink salt, honey and lemon in water or tea is also a simple solution. It hydrates better.
• Using cold pack for the face if there is redness or inflammation is a great way to calm skin down.
• With so many fad diets out there, it is important to stress that nothing can replace fresh fruits and vegetables and your choice of protein versus any packaged item you may be tempted to buy. Avoiding sugars if you are prone to break outs is essential to prevent further breakouts.
• Using a non alcoholic based cleanser that does not dry out your skin will help. Don’t go by marketing jargon. 
• Use serums instead of creams or heavy lotions, as they are absorbed well and don’t block pores. Those with oily skin can try using clay based lotions or face serums, they absorb oil and keep the skin hydrated at the same time. 
• If you find you have food or chemical sensitivities or suspect you do, do a Food compatibility test, not a food allergy test. I talk about this in my blog article here.