A holistic approach to skincare is one of the founding principles of Phoenix & Providence. So, I am delighted to share with you some top tips for looking after your skin barrier, from registered Nutritional Therapist Ruby Lynch.
Through my job as a nutritional therapist, I help people optimise their health with sustainable diet and lifestyle changes. People often ask me how to look after their skin. I promote two main strategies: dietary changes and proper product choice.
Dietary Changes
Eat Your Fats!
Dietary fat is essential to ensure good skin health. Fat helps produce the skin's natural oil barrier; critical for keeping skin hydrated, plumper, and more youthful looking. Great sources include: oily fish - salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, herring, pasture/grass fed meat, flax seed, walnuts, seaweed and algae, extra virgin olive oil, avocado and butter from pasture fed cows.
Increase Fiber
Such as: fruits and vegetables, wholegrains, beans, pulses, legumes, nuts and seeds, herbs and spices.
Our gut bacteria communicates with bacteria on our skin, so gut health is vital for good skin health. Aim for 30+ different plant foods per week - your gut will thank you, and so will your skin.
Increase Mineral Intake
Adequate mineral intake is essential for the health of our skin cells. Foods high in essential minerals: eggs - high Choline, which helps restore elasticity and suppleness to sun-damaged skin, shellfish - especially oyster, organ meats - for example liver and kidney, cruciferous vegetables - such as cauliflower, broccoli, kale, cabbage, brussel sprouts, and more.
Hydration
Lack of water can cause tissues to shrink, and the skin to become dry and wrinkled. Low fluid intake also influences blood circulation, decreasing blood supply to the skin. This goes hand-in-hand with poor delivery of nutrients, causing a major decline in the health and the appearance of skin. So, make sure you are drinking your fluids! Aim for 2-3 litres of water or natural herbal tea a day. It is important that you drink it gradually throughout the day, to ensure proper hydration.
If you would like to read more about the impact of diet on skin health, then please head over to Rooted Nutrition for an in depth article. Ruby has also created a Skincare Recipe Book that you can download for free here-subscribepage.io/HD5Qst.
Product Choice - Go Natural
Women use an average of 12 health and beauty products a day, containing up to 168 different chemicals. Many beauty products interfere with the body's carefully regulated hormonal system, which commonly results in skin inflammation such as breakouts, acne and eczema.
Seeking out products with only natural ingredients helps to improve the health of your skin. However, the term 'natural' is commonly misused, so always check the label of the product you are buying.
Phoenix & Providence skincare is made from 100% natural ingredients, infused with vitamin and mineral rich seaweed to soothe, soften and brighten skin. Our effective products positively impact the skin and offer an intentional moment of self-care.
Top Picks...
For Skincare
Balance Cleansing Oil £22.50 & Nurture Face Oil £27
For Body
Thank you so much for sharing these top tips with us Ruby. If you have persistent skin issues after trying these suggestions, then do get in touch with Rooted Nutrition. Ruby can help to find the root cause of inflammation, and in only a few months could transform your skin health.