Healthy Skin

Try these simple, natural solutions for healthy, glowing, and protected skin

1) Eat your way to healthy skin: Fascinating research from Monash University in Australia shows that what you eat can directly influence the health of your skin. Far less skin damage and wrinkling was found in individuals who had a higher dietary intake of the following foods: vegetables, olive oil, fish, legumes, eggs, yogurt, nuts, olives, cherries, melons, dried fruits/prunes, apples/pears, multigrain bread, jam, tea, and yes, water.

On the other hand, the research showed that certain foods were associated with more wrinkling and skin damage: full-fat milk, red meat, potatoes, margarine, butter, soft drinks/cordials, cakes, pastries, and sugar products. (J Am Coll Nutr 01;20(1):71-80). Go ahead and replace some of these unhealthy foods with the “skin-healthy” foods listed above. You’ll not only help yourself avoid wrinkles, you’ll help slow the aging process in general.

2) Rub this on for age and sun spots: Years of sun exposure can cause scaly red or brown patches of skin on your face, neck, hands, arms, or almost any other part of the body. We often call them “age spots” or “sun spots.” There’s a remarkable natural compound called glycoalkaloids that comes from the Solanum plant species that may help diminish the appearance of these spots.

Glycoalkaloids work by slipping into the rough, scaly skin patches and triggering the release of enzymes, starting the exfoliation process. It helps your skin appear soft and clear in these areas. You can find glycoalkaloids in Skin Advantage, a gel that helps exfoliate these dry, scaly patches. It’s a great option for those of us who don’t like the look of these spots.

3) Enjoy some olive oil…on your skin: One easy, natural technique to help nourish your skin is to apply olive oil to your skin after sun bathing or sun exposure. Keep in mind that olive oil is not a sunscreen. Its ability to help protect the skin from UV damage occurs when it is applied after being in the sun. For the biggest benefit, use only extra-virgin cold-pressed olive oil.

4) Try this healthier sunscreen: Speaking of sun damage, if you’ve been an Alternatives reader for any amount of time you know I’m opposed to commercial sunscreens. Sunscreen blocks the production of melanin, which in fact is a natural protector against skin cancer. Plus, there are certain chemicals in sunscreen (like OD-PABA and benzophenone) that have been shown to actually stimulate the spread of cancer cells. Here’s a better way to protect yourself when you’re in the sun:

Make your own sunscreen from vitamin C powder (ascorbic acid). It protects the skin from both UV-B and UV-A damage, while actually making it healthier. Simply mix the powder, which is widely available, with water or some form of cream and apply it to your skin. Reapply after 30 to 60 minutes.

5) Put on your green tea: Along with the tremendous antioxidant benefits you get from drinking green tea, you get additional benefits from applying it directly to your skin. It’s the combination of antioxidants and chlorophyll in green tea that together may provide protection from ultraviolet light and wrinkles, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Just brew up some green tea, perhaps a bit stronger than usual, and apply it topically. You can spray it on using a small spray bottle, or just apply a damp tea bag directly. Look for a high quality, organic brand of green tea. My favorite is Madura Green Tea which is actually grown in Australia, but available in the U.S.

Whether you try just one, or all five of these skin helpers, I encourage you to give your skin a little extra care right now. You’ll be glad you did.