Moisturize Your Skin From the Inside and Out

With a surface area of two square meters, the skin is the largest organ in the body and most people know they must protect and repair their skin to keep it looking its best. However if you lack vital vitamins and nutrients in your diet, your skin is going to show it - no matter how great your skin regimen is. Fixing your diet and choosing the right type of moisturizer are two of the most important steps to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy.

Moisturizing and skin type

Moisturizing can keep your skin looking radiant throughout the day. Different moisturizers are intended for different skin types however, and not all contain the same ingredients. If you suffer from a skin condition like acne vulgaris or eczema, choose a moisturizer that contains less harsh ingredients as part of your skincare regime. Organic or natural moisturizers won’t aggravate or dry out the skin and M.A brand is economic and affordable. If your skin feels oily when you use a particular moisturizing cream, then you will need to choose a different brand as you may be causing damage to your skin with continual use. Avoid as much as possible petroleum based creams.

After washing your face with a skin cleanser for your particular skin type, it is advised to moisturize shortly afterwards in order to keep moisture evaporating from your skin. To protect your skin from sun damage, it is best to apply a high protection sunscreen separately from your moisturizer. Moisturizers with SPF included in them act like a sunscreen so you are not nourishing your skin. You need to first nourish the skin and then apply your sun protection. SPF 15 is NOT a high enough SPF factor. Spending time moisturizing your face every day will keep it healthy and hydrated for years to come.

Moisturising and diet

Diet plays a major part in the moisturization of your skin. Drinking water is a great way to achieve glowing, hydrated skin and
keep your fluid levels up, which improves your overall health. Skin looks younger when your body is fully hydrated as water helps to eliminate the buildup of toxins in your system and helps retain important nutrients. If you are not drinking enough water, your skin can appear tired and dry. Drinking two litres of water every day can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of the skin and can aid the body’s digestive, encourage weight loss, and improve circulatory and excretory systems. Eating foods which are rich in fluid such as soup, fruit and vegetables can also help, whilst heavily caffeinated drinks and alcoholic beverages can do the opposite and cause the body to lose fluids. Research shows that eggs in particular contain vitamins B2 and B12, as well as vitamin E which has been proven to help hydrate and significantly improve the levels of moisture in the skin. Consuming an egg every day is an excellent source of nutrition as they contain significant levels of iron, zinc and phosphorus, are low in cholesterol and can help curb your appetite.

Citrus fruit, nuts, seeds, grains and milk can repair skin damaged by the sun. These foods contain high levels of vitamins B, C and E which help to hydrate and improve the levels of moisture in the skin. Omega 3 and omega 6 are essential fatty acids found in foods like nuts, oats, flaxseed oil and fish. These fatty acids help the skin produce lipids which can strengthen the cells of the skin. A fish oil supplement or vitamin capsule can help to increase your fatty acid intake if you don’t consume enough fish in your diet.

Moisturising and skin benefits

Substances called humectants and emollient lipids are often found in moisturising lotions. Humectants help to absorb and maintain the levels of water in your skin. If your skin is flaky or dry, a moisturizer normalises cell production and replenishes the skin cells. Emollient lipids help to repair the skin and create a barrier to stop water from leaving the skin which can leave it feeling tough and dry. A skin supplement or multivitamin tablet can provide benefits to your skin if you are not consuming enough nutrients and vitamins in your normal diet, especially if you have certain dietary restrictions. Vitamin A can help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and help to fight skin conditions like acne vulgaris and eczema. However, Vitamin A needs to avoided if you are trying to conceive, are pregnant and breastfeeding.

In topical form, vitamin C can stimulate the production of collagen production which can strengthen the skin. The Avocado Facial cleanser is rich in Vitamin C. Vitamins C is found in certain types of collagen-based moisturising creams as it helps to combat the anti-ageing process. Vitamin E can also help in diminishing fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. The Vitamin E stick, which can be used around the eyes, face and any part of the body that requires skin healing, is also very high in Vitamin E. Many moisturizers contain antioxidant ingredients which can cease the effect of free radicals on your skin cells. Free radicals starts a process of “cellular oxidation” within the body that damages the body’s cells and its functions.

 Lisa Hawksley for Marina’s Ambrosia

www.marinas-ambrosia.com