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.