Nutrients Should Be Part Of Your Skin Care Routine

The health of your skin, like any organ, is often a reflection of your diet and lifestyle. New skin cells are constantly being formed to replace old or damaged cells but, as we age, our bodies no longer function at the optimal level - the skin loses moisture and elasticity, sebum production decreases, inhibiting our protection against evaporation, and the liver becomes less effective at eliminating toxins. The result is the appearance of fine lines, age spots, and dry skin. Improving the nutrients in your diet can help your skin to glow with health. Diet Recommendations for Dry Skinnn• Eat a balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds, and nuts. Eat quality protein from vegetable sources. Increase your intake of raw foods. nn• Eat foods such as garlic, onions, eggs, and asparagus that are high in sulfur, which helps to keep the skin smooth and youthful. nn• Consume plenty of yellow and orange vegetables. These are high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant. Carrots are especially good.n n• Unrefined, cold-pressed flax seed oil used daily on salads and baked potatoes, or mixed into any dishes which do not require heating to high temperatures will make dry skin moist and supple. Flax seed oil contains the essential fatty acids omega-3 alpha linoleic acid and omega-6 linoleic acid. These are converted in the body into hormone, like substances called Prostaglandins, which support skin health. nn• Cantaloupes, carrots and apricots are heating foods for dry skin because they are rich in the vitamins A and C, both important for a supple, smooth skin. Eat them whole or take as fresh juices. Eat foods rich in pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), such as quark, raw. milk cheese, natural plain yogurt, kefir, leafy green vegetables, nutritional yeast and wheat germ. Pantothenic acid is need for the synthesis of fats and oils used by the skin. nn• Drink at least 2 quarts of quality water every day to keep the skin well hydrated. nn• Avoid fried foods, animal fats, and heat-processed vegetable oils. Use cold- pressed oils only. Heating oils leads to the production of free radicals, which have a destructive effect on the skin. nn• Do not drink soft drinks or eat sugar, chocolate, potato chips, or other junk foods. nn• Avoid alcohol and caffeine. These substances have a diuretic effect, causing the body and skin cells to lose fluids and essential minerals. nModifying your diet to include more antioxidants or taking them in supplement form boosts the system and guards against deterioration of skin cells. The most important antioxidants are:nn• Carotenoids - converts to vitamin Ann• Vitamin C - necessary for the production of collagen and connective tissues, both of which firm the skinnn• Vitamin E - prevents the wayward oxygen cells from harming other cells and thereby inhibits the ageing processnn• Zinc - contributes to the normal function of the sebaceous glands ensuring smooth skin and promoting the healing of scarsnn• Silymarin - helps regenerate new liver cells and aids the detoxification process. This can be found in milk thistle and dandelion. While these nutrients work internally to heal the body and prevent further damage, it is also necessary to protect your skin against environmental toxins and other external stresses. Recent research has revealed that a shielding lotion is the best protection for your skin and keeps your own natural oils and moisture at work to defeat dry skin. While there is no fountain of youth, the combination of these internal and external skin care treatments will help revitalize the body and relieve dry skin.n