Smooth, clear and glowing skin; A dream that has nowadays become parallel (even though this might sound shallow) to success and happiness.
The stakes related to healthy skin actually go deeper than one would suspect at first. They are linked with:
- Professional success
- Social relationships and well-being.
- Confidence and self-acceptance
We have traditionally trusted our beauty to cosmetic preparations, but research has now firmly established that our skin is probably the most visible marker of our health.
So, at the risk of sounding cliche, we need to repeat it once again: beauty comes from within.
The appearance of our skin heavily depends on the general balance and internal functioning of the body.
– Good blood circulation
– Adequate elimination (mainly liver and kidney)
– Hormonal balance
– Cellular protection against various types of damages
– Protection of our microbiome, i.e our natural flora bacteria, viruses, yeast and protozoa that contribute to the normal functioning of our organs.
– Restorative sleep and stress management.
The list is not exhaustive.
The good news is, herbs and nutritional aides have a lot to offer in order to achieve that goal.
So, let’s go ahead and take a look at some of the most common concerns people encounter when it comes to the health and beauty of their skin.
ACNE, PIMPLES, URTICARIA, RASHES…
RECOMMENDED HERBS :
* Burdock, sarsaparilla, yellow dock, dandelion : the goal here is to boost kidney and liver elimination. Expelling toxins is necessary for a clean blood, which would quickly result in pure and clear skin.
RECOMMENDED NUTRIENTS:
* Zinc : known for helping to reduce inflammation that is subsequent to breakouts and promoting a normal cellular growth.
* Chromium : has been reported to improve acne by supporting glucose tolerance.
ASHY, DULL SKIN
RECOMMENDED HERBS :
* Fenugreek : cleanses blood and enhances its optimal circulation to the skin.
* Lady’s mantle : restores feminine hormonal balance while acting as a blood tonic. The result is a dewy and plumper skin.
* Borage : deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin by providing it with the most beneficial lipids. After a few weeks of use, you’ll notice a soft light radiating from your skin that is called glow.
RECOMMENDED NUTRIENTS :
* MSM ( Metyl-sulfonyl-methane), a derivative of sulphur that is essential in the normal production of collagen, silica, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid.
* Biotin : a deficiency of this vitamin pertaining to the B group is easily recognisable by splitting hair and nails, but more to the point by that dry and ashy aspect of the skin that we find so depressing.
* Magnesium : necessary for the health of our skin as it plays a vital role in the balance both intra and extracellular levels of our body.
DARK SPOTS AND UNEVEN SKIN TONE
RECOMMENDED HERBS.
* Pine bark : a highly antioxidant ingredient that is loaded with OPC( oligomeric proanthocyanidin) that has the ability to protect our cells against the oxidation process which results in an increased production of melanin.
* Mulberry : a natural alternative to hydroquinone. Significant research has been gathered to prove its anti tyrosinase (melanin formation) activity.
* Grape seed : packed with two powerful antioxidant, proanthocyanidin and resveratrol, known to regulate melanin formation and enhance collagen synthesis while acting as excellent protections against the damaging effects of sun rays.
* Milk thistle : promotes liver health, which is key in the prevention of dark patches on the skin. Milk thistle is also known to enhance glutathione levels in the body, a sure help to obtain clear and spotless skin.
RECOMMENDED NUTRIENTS
*Vitamins C, E and A: three antioxidant vitamins to protect our cells, deeply hydrate skin and encourage healthy cell turnover.
* Quercetin : helps to reduce darkening, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.
* Alpha lipoic acid : a highly potent antioxidant that can restore a renewed skin appearance, making it smoother and more even.
AGEING SKIN
RECOMMENDED HERBS
* Aloe vera: packed with collagen, vitamins and minerals to nourish, hydrate and plump up mature skins.
* Green tea : yet another antioxidant to slow down the ageing process with a bright and glowing skin as a result.
* Pine bark : a powerful antioxidant that comes to the rescue in your fight against all those dark patches that mar the appearance of your skin.
* Turmeric : because of its most active ingredient curcumin, which is both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, turmeric protects your skin against the damages that in time lead to loose and saggy skin.
RECOMMENDED NUTRIENTS :
* Selenium : A key player when it comes to slowing the effects of ageing. It protects cell membranes against the damages that lead to wrinkles.
*Fish oil : recommended to ward off wrinkles and fine lines because of its high contents in omega 3 fatty acids. It reduces inflammation at cellular level and deeply nourishes and hydrates the skin.
* N-Acetyl cysteine (NAC) : as research states, it boosts the metabolic function of glutathione and increases its rate of synthesis. An increased glutathione level means a better detoxification of our cells and better resistance to the damaging stress of everyday life. Which results in a more youthful and healthy skin.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Healthy and beautiful skin is within your reach, whatever your age, skin type or concern.
All you need is an appropriate herbal and nutritional prescription that would be observed with patience and discipline.
Good luck.
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