Healthy skin is not something you achieve with cleansers, exfoliators, masques, peels, toners or micellar waters. The foundation of healthy skin begins with the lifestyle choices we make and the nutrients we eat. If we get these choices right, the reward will not only be healthier and more radiant skin, but our overall health will improve and signs of aging will reduce. The scientific field of nutricosmetics, which is a study of targeted nutrients that support the overall health and appearance of our skin, hair, and nails by nourishing the body from within, has recently attracted a lot of attention. Nutricosmetic industry is currently one of the most exciting areas of food science right now.
Here are 7 steps that will help you achieve healthy skin in no time, according to Dr. Jaroslav Blazek, creator of the Beauty Shake. The Beauty Shake contains a blend of highly digestible proteins combined with dietary fibers from several sources and marine collagen gives you the best chance at treating yourself to a great tasting calorie-controlled shake, which will not only keep you full for long but will also help you look your best.
1) Keep Stress In Check
Being in a constant rush and not giving your body the rest it needs leads to stress. Stress increases the body’s production of hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol, which can make skin oilier and decrease its ability to fight off acne-causing bacteria, leading to break-outs.
2) Sleep A Full Night
Sleep is important for many reasons, and healthy skin is just one of them. It is during our sleep that our bodies secrete growth hormones, which stimulates bodies’ natural collagen production. It contributes to what people call “beauty sleep” as secretion of growth hormone helps repair and rebuild body tissues like muscle and bone.
3) Stay Hydrated
The skin, like every part of the body, needs proper hydration to function optimally. Sufficient hydration can prevent dryness and flakiness, which will prevent wrinkling and make fine lines less noticeable.
4) Eat Your Fruits And Vegetables
Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables that are packed with nutrients, vitamins, dietary fiber, and minerals is the best way to ensure you are supporting your overall health. One of the key nutrients for skin is Vitamin C because it stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, thus slowing down the appearance of signs of aging. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, dark green vegetables, kiwi, strawberries, pumpkin, and pomegranate.
5) Top Up On Antioxidants
Eating skin-friendly foods that are rich in antioxidants, selenium, coenzyme Q10 as well as Vitamins A and E promote healthy bodies and radiant skin. Antioxidants and selenium prevent damage caused by free radicals, which contribute to wrinkles, tissue damage, and dry skin. Foods that are high in antioxidants include whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, and olive oil. Vitamin A helps keep our skin fresh and glowing by preventing dryness, reducing dark spots, and smoothing wrinkles. Vitamin E is another type of antioxidant that fights the damage done by free radicals.
6) Take Vitamin B3
Recent research done in Australia showed that a form of Vitamin B3 called Nicotinamide can help significantly reduce non-melanoma skin cancers. Even low doses of UV radiation from the sun could cause skin cancer. UV radiation does this not only by damaging the DNA in skin cells but also by suppressing our skin’s immune defenses. Apart from protecting yourself from excess UV radiation, a daily dose of 1g of nicotinamide is your best chance to reduce non-melanoma skin cancer risk.
7) Boost Your Intake Of Collagen
When choosing the right collagen supplement, consumers should check that the product is backed by clinical studies. As an example, marine collagen produced by French manufacturer Weishardt available locally under The Beauty Shake brand has been evaluated for its anti-aging potential in several independent clinical studies.
While you’re here, check out these three vegan twists on classic winter recipes.
