We spend so much time dedicated to taking care of immune systems that it's easy to let skin care fall by the wayside. That doesn't make it OK, however - our skin is the largest barrier to infection. That means if you don't put in the effort to keep it in top shape, your risk for illness and disease exposure goes up. Paying closer attention to skin care is key, especially with the thousands of toxins we're exposed to on a daily basis.
If you want to take better care of your skin without using harsh chemicals, consider a natural approach with these tips:
Reduce Stress Levels
You've likely heard that high stress levels have a negative impact on the condition of your skin. But why? According to dermatologist Richard Fried, M.D. Ph.D., it's all about hormones.
"So many skin conditions are related to an inappropriate release of inflammatory chemicals," he told SELF magazine. "Stress is a general trigger that can make the skin misbehave in whatever way it's prone to misbehaving."
While life can throw mysterious curve balls that lead to inevitable encounters with stress, do your best to find ways to reduce anxiety whenever possible. Make time for yourself, relax, find a new hobby or spend weekends surrounded by loved ones as a way to cope with and prevent feeling overly stressed. Your skin will thank you.
Drop Unhealthy Habits
Smoking is dangerous for your general health, but it makes a particularly significant impact on your skin. This bad habit narrows the small blood vessels in the outer layers of your skin, which can deplete the skin of its oxygen and make it more pale. Smoking also harms the collagen and elastin in skin, two fibers that make skin strong and reduce your chances of developing wrinkles. Dropping this unhealthy habit early in life is one of the easiest ways to ensure a healthy complexion as you get older.
Use Natural Skin Care Products
While beauty advertisements plastered across your television set claim to provide a product that promotes optimal skin health, it's important to pay attention to the ingredients. Many skin care cleansers and lotions are loaded with toxic chemicals that can harm the body when absorbed through the skin. To avoid this issue, start shopping for natural skin care products and makeup.
Stay Hydrated and Follow a Plant-based Diet
By drinking plenty of water throughout the day, you can help your skin from becoming dry, itchy and dull-looking. Replacing sugary juices and sodas with water can also reduce your chance for dealing with adult acne flare-ups.
Beyond drinking water, hydrate with a primarily raw, plant-based diet. The Hallelujah Diet can provide your body with the antioxidants and nutrients it needs to thrive. A variety of fruits, vegetables, organic whole grains, nuts and seeds will reduce inflammation in your skin and fuel it to look radiant and youthful as you age.
As we age our skin slowly becomes depleted of silica, leading to thinner skin and loss of elasticity. Using the right form of silica, like the Hallelujah Diet Collagen Booster with Silica can help produce collagen and elastin fibers to give your skin a more youthful elasticity and flexibility.
