Skin is the body’s largest organ and plays several important roles in keeping us healthy and alive. One function being that it serves as a communication center, receiving information from the outside and transmitting that information to our internal systems. This communication goes both ways; When something is amiss on the inside, it can show up on the outside, alerting us that something is out of balance. Often times, these “alerts” can be quite embarrassing and it is our instinct to cover them up and make them quickly go away. While this may be a temporary fix, suppressing the issue will only create a bigger problem in the future. So what is our body really trying to say and what are some ways that we can address the root cause in a vitalist manner? Let’s take a closer look…
Common Causes of Skin Issues:
Poor Diet
Nutrient Deficiencies
Digestive Inflammation
Food Sensitivities
Dehydration
Lack of Exercise
Lack of Sleep
Hormone Imbalance
Excess Toxins
Stress
One of the best ways we can support our skin is through our diet. Minimizing highly processed foods and maximizing nutrient dense foods will give our bodies the vitamins and minerals that it needs to maintain healthy skin. Identifying and removing food allergies and sensitivities is one of the best things you can do for your skin- especially for those suffering with chronic skin issues such as eczema. A wholesome balanced diet containing plenty of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats such as avocados, coconut oil, and rich protein sources will nourish your insides and shine through to the outside.
In addition to diet, there are several lifestyle practices that support skin health. Starting with - drink more water! Water is elemental to the body and when we are not drinking enough your skin shows it. Increasing water consumption to at least 64 oz per day will help to reduce the appearance of dry skin and wrinkles. Exercising daily, even just a brisk 30-minute walk, will boost circulation and bring nutrient-rich blood and oxygen to all the cells in the body. Another way to move the lymphatic system is with body brushing. Not only will this remove dead skin cells and increase blood flow to the skin’s surface, it also helps to support healthy detoxification. Reducing overall stress and getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night is another way to support your skin. When we are sleeping, the body has time to repair and replenish. Growth hormones are secreted when we sleep, which aid in the repair of damaged cells.
When internal systems are out of balance it can wreak havoc on the rest of the body, especially on our skin. One way we can restore balance is by removing obstacles and providing support with plants. Herbs are excellent allies when it comes to restoring vitality. Below are some of my favorites:
Liver Support: Dandelion Root, Yellow Dock, Calendula
Digestion Support: Chamomile, Plantain, Burdock Root
Lymphatic Support: Ginger Root, Red Root, Cleavers
Nervous System Support: Milky Oats, Skullcap, Lemon Balm
The trick to great skin is approaching it both internally and externally. In addition to eating healthy foods, it is important that you also pay attention to what you are putting on your skin. Everything that you put onto your skin is going to eventually get absorbed into your bloodstream. It is so important to know the ingredients in your skincare products. Some companies use ingredients that are toxic to our bodies and can wreck havoc on our systems.
Tulsi Rose skincare products are all natural and sourced from plants making them totally safe and healthy for your skin. If you haven’t already, consider adding some new, natural products to your skincare routine and give your skin something new to talk about!
Sources: Pure Skin Care by Stephanie L. Tourles and Herbs for Natural Beauty by Rosemary Gladstar