Feed your skin...
Remember the old saying “you are what you eat”? Great skin is reflected not only by the products that we apply but also the nutritional foods that we eat.
Good nutrients are essential for a great skin both inside and out. Dermalogica use ingredients in their active formulations that are proven to produce brilliant results on the skin. Just as the skin needs topical vitamins, hydrators and antioxidants, our body also needs these nutrients for optimal health and wellness.
We all know that antioxidants are great for the skin as they protect the skin from oxidative cell damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants help to scavenge free radicals and generally they do a great job. But, if they are in short supply, damage to cells can occur. Eating foods rich in antioxidants help to scavenge free radicals. Sometimes though, the skin is the last place to get its share of antioxidants and that’s why is important to also topically apply products that contain antioxidants to help fight free radicals and protect our skin.
Antioxidants like Vitamin C and E are good antioxidants to use in formulations and to also include in your diet.
Good sources of Vitamin C can be found in berries, broccoli, kiwi, oranges, spinach, kale, pumpkin and green tea.
Vitamin E can be found in avocado and nuts like almonds.
Chia Seeds and Chia Seed Oil are also excellent to include into your diet as they have antioxidant qualities and are rich in Omega 3. It’s no wonder Dermalogica added this ancient nutritional ingredient into their Phyto Replenish Oil for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties on the skin.
A lack of essential fatty acids can cause itchiness and dry skin. Good fats can help to keep your skin supple. A diet that includes good fat is recommended and some excellent sources are avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, safflower oil and flaxseed. Oily fish which is rich in Omega-3 fats can be found in salmon, sardines and anchovies.
We all know that it’s important to hydrate inside and out by drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day to avoid dehydration. But, did you know dehydration is a precursor of premature ageing. Caffeine and alcohol are diuretics and cause dehydration. The more you drink the more dehydrated you become and the body won't mind taking moisture from your skin if needed! If you suffer from dehydration, you may want to add a hydrating serum like Dermalogica’s Skin Hydrating Booster which when applied intensely moisturises and is perfect for a parched skin. You can apply it directly onto the skin or mix in with your moisturiser. If you drink caffeine regularly, remember to increase your water intake to compensate for this loss.
In Chinese Philosophy, your health is written on your face. This interesting philosophy gives an outside view to inside health. Do you break out between brows or forehead? In Chinese philosophy, this area is related to the digestive system and so you may want to cut back on fatty rich foods! If you suffer from breakouts on the chin, it could be that you are suffering from stress or a poor diet while hot ears can be a sign of too much coffee or alcohol.
Healthy skin is a reflection of your overall health and wellness, so feed your skin by combining a great skin routine along with a well-rounded nutrient rich diet.
Yours in skin,
The Prodermal Team X
