Article on beautiful skin inside out. Cleanser, toner, moisturiser, moisturizer. Maintain youthful looks and beautiful skin. Natural.

Sunday January 15, 2006

Beautiful skin, inside out

Liver tonics such as dandelion (above) and milk thistle may be beneficial as they help promote healthy digestion.

FOR most women, part of the morning and evening routines involve a skincare regimen of applying cleanser, toner, moisturiser and the like. They do it primarily to combat the signs of ageing, and to maintain youthful looks and beautiful skin.

It is a safe bet, however, that most women haven’t put much thought into their diet, which may also play an important role in promoting a healthy, radiant skin.

Some people probably do not realise that glowing and youthful skin is a reflection of true health, and it begins deep inside each and every cell in the body. Free radical damage can cause premature ageing and other skin conditions. Nutritional deficiencies such as essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals may also slow down the healing process of the skin and affect the integrity of the cell membranes. Lack of the mineral zinc has been associated with oily skin, and this may lead to acne. Diet high in saturated fats and cholesterol and low in fresh fruits and vegetables may also create havoc to the skin.

Nutrition for healthy skin

Start by looking at your diet. Cut down on simple carbohydrates, saturated fats and cholesterol. Instead, look for complex carbohydrates (oats, whole-meal bread, whole-grains), fresh vegetables, fruits, seeds and nuts. Go for essential fatty acid (EFA), the omega-6, which you can find in plant oils such as flax and evening primrose. An EFA deficiency has been shown to cause skin allergies, flaking dandruff, brittle nails and thinning hair.

Omega-6 essential fatty acids may also provide relief for those with skin allergies such as eczema. This is due to its anti-inflammatory action. Evening primrose oil with an antioxidant formula containing zinc may produce striking improvement for acne-prone skin.

Besides that, supplementing with antioxidants may help protect the cells from free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that rob electrons from other molecules in the cells and may cause damage to cells and even DNA materials.

Free radicals are a result of pollutants, chemicals, drugs, alcohol, diet, stress, diseases, cigarette smoke and old age. Antioxidants such as beta-carotene (a safer form of vitamin A), vitamin C, E and minerals, namely zinc and organic selenium, may be beneficial.

Removal of toxins from the body is important to ensure that the skin stays healthy. One of the detoxification organs besides the skin is the liver. A sluggish liver not only impairs digestion, but also may lead to toxin build-up in the body, causing a myriad of problems such as allergies, headaches, joint pains, fatigue, problem and dull-looking skin.

Liver tonics such as milk thistle and dandelion may be beneficial as they improve liver function, regenerate new liver cells, improve bile flow and promote healthy digestion. Many people have benefited from these herbs as they also contain antioxidants to neutralise free radicals in the liver. Daily supplementation may help improve dark circles, puffy eyes and ageing spots.

True health and true beauty have an outer component, which is why we require protection from solar radiation, pollutants in our environment and the drying effects of air.

Here are other useful tips to assist in this process:

1. Use skincare products and cosmetics that are suited for your skin type. Go for natural products. Exfoliate to rid the skins of dead cells. Seek the advice of a skin therapist or beautician.

2. Look for products that contain sunscreen protection with minimum SPF 15. Avoid the sun. The damage done by ultraviolet rays is long lasting and may lead to skin pigmentation. It’s also very important to wear good sunglasses when out in the sun or glare. This is to prevent squinting.

3. Limit stress or learn to manage it effectively. Stress is harmful both emotionally and physically. Find that stress-relieving activity that works best for you such as caring for your pet, watching a movie, fishing, reading, gardening and going on holidays.

4. Get at least seven to eight hours of sleep every night. Lack of sleep will show up under your eyes as dark circles or bags.

5. Drink six to eight glasses of water a day to keep your skin hydrated.

6. Make sure your bowel movements are normal and regular.

7. Smoking cigarettes slows the blood flow in the face and under the eyes. This means the skin is not getting the proper nourishment and blood flow it needs to be at its best. So quit smoking!

8. People with puffy eyes (accumulation of fluids under the eyes) that are caused by allergies or a sinus problem are constantly rubbing and stretching the collagen, fibres and skin around the eyes. You may soon develop loose, maybe baggy, skin around the eyes. See your doctor for the proper eye drops and treatment if necessary.

9. It’s important that the tiny capillaries under the eyes be stimulated. Take a finger and press firmly, but gently, on one spot on the area under the eye. While pressing down firmly, and without lifting the finger, make a small rotating motion several times. Then go to the spot next to it until you have massaged all areas under the eye.

References:

1. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements: The Essential Guide for Improving Your Health Naturally. MT Murray, Prima Publishing. 1996.

2. Krause’s Food, Nutrition & Diet Therapy 10th Ed., LK Mahan & S. Escott-Stump, WB Saunders Company. 2000

3. Get Well: An A-Z of Natural Medicine for Everyday Illness. Russell Setright. Atrand Pty Ltd. 1993

4. Evening Primrose Oil : How its Amazing Nutrients Promote Health Relief from Problems Including Acne, Arthritis and Heart Disease. Richard A. Passwater. Keats Publishing Inc. 1981

· This article is courtesy of Bio-Life. For more information, e-mail starhealth@thestar.com.my. The Star disclaims all liability for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

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