Mini Post: Skin-Care
I was thinking about how dry my skin gets in the winter. Probably two days after the last humid day in New Jersey, I woke up, looked in the mirror, and didn’t recognize myself. After putting on the lovely face-hydrating moisture cream made by a local herbalist, I recognized myself again.
More important than a large shelf of skincare products are the self-care practices of exercise, eating well, and relaxation.
Exercise increases blood flow, the mechanism that your body uses to distribute oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, including your skin. Sweating is a great way to detox your body and is excellent for your skin. Studies have shown that regular aerobic exercise can even reverse skin aging.
Speaking of those nutrients that the blood distributes around the body - they come from the food you eat. Supplements can help but aren’t a great substitute. Hydrating vegetables like iceberg lettuce, celery, cucumbers, and fruits like apples, oranges, berries, and melons are super-hydrating and great to add to your diet. Sweet potatoes (and yams, which are very similar) help with your body’s production of hyaluronic acid, which helps hydrate your skin. Just think about all the lovely nutrients from plants that support healthy skin - in whole grains, seeds, nuts, legumes, a rainbow of vegetables, and fruit - that you can have every day. Make sure that your diet also includes lovely cold-pressed oils to retain those nutrients - olive oil, sesame oil, coconut oil. And foods high in healthy fats, like olives and avocados. And of course, water. Not sparkling water. Not flavored water. Just plain water. Most of the day.
You don’t need to totally eliminate foods that are dehydrating, but think about having fewer of them: salty snacks, alcohol, coffee, fried foods, heavily salted meals, sugary foods. Concentrated proteins like meat, fish, eggs, and tofu can be dehydrating too, but they are necessary for our health. It's best to eat your protein as one part of a healthy plant-based diet.
Your body is primed for healing when you are at your most relaxed. So think about making sure that you are fully relaxed before going to bed at night. Some of the best relaxers are stretching, breathing practices, and guided meditations. Self-massage is also fantastic. Use a healthy natural lotion with shea butter, and press it into your skin as you massage away tight muscles. Seriously, dry skin can make you feel more tense. Go to sleep like a wet noodle, and let the rejuvenation of your whole body commence.
YES, topical cream or lotion is necessary if you live in a dry climate, but nothing can replace your exercise, eating well, and relaxation for your glowing skin!
Feeling great is really important. Let’s talk about how you can Bump It Up and feel better!
