Skincare seems to be a popular topic these days. You may see ads for regimens on social media. Popular YouTube videos cover morning and nighttime skincare routines. You may even see Korean inspired skincare trinkets and masks in the aisles of Target. And this is all for good reason. Our skin is a nifty organ as it is capable of both the processes of elimination and absorption. Everything we put on our skin (or expose it to) either enhances or hinders its function. Before you even leave your home for work in the morning, you’ve exposed your skin to nearly 300 chemicals! This is why it’s crucial to take care of your skin and to be mindful of the things we put it through!
The Skinny on Skin
As we mentioned above, the things we put on or near our skin can be absorbed by the body. And in some cases, those chemicals have the potential to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. (That fact alone is the primary selling point for essential oils). Every time you use a surface cleaner and accidentally get some on your arm, your skin absorbs it. When you mop the floor and walk around with bare feet, your skin absorbs it. Any makeup you put on or pen ink that rubs off on your hand – you guessed it your skin absorbs it.
As you can imagine, our exposure to chemicals is never-ending. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “It is estimated that more than 13 million workers in the United States are potentially exposed to chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin.”
How to Practice Natural Skin Care
One. Using Less Chemicals Topically
This might be a no-brainer, but we still need to say this. The most critical thing you can do for your skin is by using less chemical-based products. Unfortunately, in today’s world, food labels aren’t the only labels we should be looking at. Look at the ingredients in your makeup, moisturizers, creams, gels, and other products. Do your best to choose organic skincare products, makeup, and cleansers.
Two. Eat “Good” Fats
Now, we don’t want to encourage positive or negative connotations with food, as eating and nutrition is about balance and labeling foods often does more mental harm than good. But in this blog, we’ll use the term to make things less complicated. “Good” fats – like those found in avocado and salmon – and beautiful skin go hand in hand. Our bodies need essential fatty acids (EFA), however, we can’t make EFAs on our own. We can only get them from the foods we eat!
Essential fatty acids like omega-3s and omega-6s are the building blocks of healthy cell membranes. These polyunsaturated fats also help produce the skin’s natural oil barrier, critical in keeping skin hydrated, plumper, and younger-looking. If you’re not getting enough EFAs in your diet, your skin may be dry, inflamed, and prone to whiteheads and blackheads.
Three. Antioxidants on the Daily
Antioxidants fight free radical damage and help with toxin overload. Or in simpler terms, antioxidants help the skin to repair itself. Inflamed skin impedes the skin’s rejuvenation process. By reducing inflammation, antioxidants allow the skin to repair itself and correct visible damage. Some antioxidants, like vitamin C, can even stimulate collagen production, which is vital for youthful skin.
Foods high in antioxidants include:
- Dark chocolate
- Pecans
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Artichoke
- Kale
- Red cabbage
- Beans
- Beets
- Spinach
Four. Get Your Sweat On
While there are a number of us who feel a bit “grossed out” when we’re covered in sweat, a good sweat session is awesome for your skin. Did you know that on average, the body can produce almost a liter of sweat a day? This can both strengthen our immune system and give us healthy-looking skin. Sweating increases blood circulation in the body. And the process helps open up and unclog pores that could be potentially full of toxins.
Sweating also helps with your body’s water balance as it is a natural moisturizing factor. Sweat can actually bolster the microbiome while it sits on the skin. Basically, sweat – a source of dermcidin – helps protect against infection from harmful germs, like a natural antibiotic. So, the next time you want to give your skin some love, take that spin class, use a sauna or infrared light, or take a detox bath!
Five. Stay Hydrated
Speaking of your body’s water balance – drink your water! Remember, drinking water and staying hydrated is a crucial part of any elimination organ or system. Drinking enough water each day can help rid both the body and skin of harmful toxins. A wonderful side effect of drinking more water is that the skin beams with a radiant glow. And those who have issues with acne have noted a better complexion as well.
Nutritional Frontiers Supplementation and Skincare
At Zock Family Chiropractic, we often suggest patients supplement with Nutritional Frontiers products. If you feel you need a little extra help with your skin, try taking quality probiotics such as:
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care and wellness adjustments can help your body find optimum health. It improves the blood flow in the nervous system, and it corrects any misalignments in the spine. These misalignments compress the nerves and cause a lack of communication between the spine and the brain. This can lead to a stress response which puts the body out of balance. Luckily, this can be easily treated with chiropractic care.
Regular chiropractic care can solve several problems that may be the cause of sleepless nights such as back pain, breathing problems, and restless leg syndrome. Many people are thrilled with how well their sleep has improved after getting regular wellness adjustments. Make an appointment today to schedule an introductory chiropractic session. We can discuss your pains and needs as part of my initial chiropractic workup for you as a new patient to our practice!
* This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please contact a medical professional for advice.