The number one thing you can do to support healthy skin is to stay hydrated every single day. At a minimum, we should drink half of our body weight in ounces of water each day (a 130 lb. individual should drink at least 65 oz. of water per day), and for each serving of coffee or alcohol per day increase the water intake by another 8 oz.
Skin protection is crucial to avoid the damage that can be caused from excessive exposure to sun radiation. Always apply a “natural” sunscreen to the head, face, ears, and neck for any exposure lasting longer than 15 minutes.
Following extended exposure, counter the oxidative damage caused from the sun by supplementing with anti-oxidants. Green tea, ginger, turmeric, rosemary, mixed carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, are a few examples of supplements with excellent anti-oxidant properties. (my 2 personal favorite products following sun exposure are: SC Antioxidants and Zyflamend, both made by New Chapter)
We need adequate essential fatty acid intake to have healthy cell walls. The typical standard American diet (SAD) is vastly void of the necessary Omega 3 fatty acids. In addition to skin and cell wall health, omega 3 fatty acids are vital to creating healthy inflammation levels throughout the body. We should strive for 1000 mg daily of EPA to help create a more healthy balance of essential fatty acids.
It is also important to have the trace minerals that are crucial for skin health. These include: biotin, calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, silica, copper, and pantothenic acid. A high quality multi-vitamin/mineral formula should contain most of the required trace elements. At times it may be beneficial to utilize other nutritional supports.
Hormonal balance is the often over looked piece to the healthy skin puzzle.
Thyroid deficiency – dry skin and hair, facial puffiness
Estrogen dominance – dry thin wrinkly skin, thinning of scalp hair, increased facial hair
Adrenal fatigue – think wispy hair, dry skin, sunken eye appearance with dark circles around the eyes, may have skin pigmentation issues, craves sweet and salty snacks.
**The information above was compiled for informative purposes only. If you believe you are suffering from a nutrient or hormone deficiency seek the care of health care professional.**
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