5 Pillars of Healthy Skin
Are you longing for a smoother, clearer complexion? Yes, please ✋?!
When it comes to skin health, we’ve historically been taught that only topicals matter. At least, that’s what my dermatologist told me. Never did diet or stress find their way into our conversation, which is a bit odd, given that I was then prescribed medication. So clearly, what was happening inside my body did matter. Hmmm?
We live, we learn, and I now know that diet and so much more have everything to do with skin health. You can’t eat fast food every day get no exercise and expect to have clear skin, especially if you’re already acne-prone. I’m directing this to my fifteen-year-old self 🤦🏻♀️.
Many factors can affect our skin health, so by taking a holistic approach, we can cover all bases, get to the root cause of skin challenges, and age in the best way possible. There is so much you can do to prevent premature aging and keep your skin glowing!
My five pillars are the secret to pro-aging (I’m not a super fan of the anti-aging). These are not in any particular order because we’re each different, and what works for your friend or colleague may not work for you. However, diet is always the best place to start.
“Aging gracefully means being flexible, being open, allowing change, enjoying change, and loving yourself.” – Wendy Whelan
I am constantly researching and deep-diving when it comes to aging well and skin health. I have and love other biohacking therapies and devices, but these are the foundations that I always come back to.
1) Nutrition/Diet
Your skin reflects your overall health. It needs nutrients, so nourish your body with a whole-food, low-sugar diet and make it as nutrient-dense as possible.
Skip the fad diets and eat plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, good-quality fats, and low-glycemic fruits.
Address food sensitivities and fill the gaps with specific supplements where necessary.
2) Gut Health
Everything starts in the gut. A healthy gut is less inflamed, and skin issues often stem from inflammation. Eating healthy is the first step, but we must also break down and absorb the nutrients from food that will nourish our skin.
Support gut health with fermented foods and bone broth, relax during meals, and give your body enough time to digest between meals.
3) Blood Sugar Balance
Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can wreak havoc on our skin, contributing to everything from acne to premature aging. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels throughout the day is key to healthy skin.
Prioritize protein, fat, and non-starchy carbs, and start your day off with a protein-rich breakfast (20-30 grams).
4) Hydration
Hydrated skin is happy skin. Water is the simplest yet most powerful tool in your beauty arsenal. Adequate hydration not only helps to maintain skin elasticity and suppleness it helps us detox by flushing out toxins and promoting a clear complexion.
5) Lifestyle
Our daily habits and routines play a significant role in skin health.
Stress less. The connection between mind and body is real. Too much of the hormone, cortisol can lead to inflammation and exacerbate skin issues like acne, psoriasis, eczema, and aging skin.
Exercise - exercise keeps lymph moving and stress down. Try and get 30 minutes a day.
Sleep - lack of sleep has many consequences, including aging you faster.
Skincare / Makeup - what you put on your skin matters - choose your skin care thoughtfully
Focusing on these five pillars can help ward off wrinkles and fine lines and also targets the root causes of issues like acne, rosacea, and eczema, paving the way for clearer, healthier skin from the inside out.