http://www.care2.com/greenliving/love-the-skin-youre-in.html
Love the Skin You’re In
Most people know that beauty is more than skin-deep but our social emphasis on physical appearance can make even the most flawless-skinned beauty self-conscious. Supermodels sporting perfect, made-up, and airbrushed skin and not much else adorn the pages of magazines and television ads reminding onlookers to strive for the impossible.
Not surprisingly, anyone suffering from skin problems may find it difficult to look beyond their skin’s surface to the beauty within. With some help from foods, water, herbs, and of course, a healthy dose of self-appreciation, it is possible to not only love the skin you are in, but improve its health and appearance as well.
Skin 101
Skin is the body’s largest organ. It shields our bodies from the elements around us (sometimes taking a beating in the process), assists with detoxification, and protects our tissues and organs from damage. It is also a mirror into the condition of our bodies at a deeper level. Skin reflects our inner health. It may show toxic overload, stress, hormonal imbalances, and nutritional deficiencies.
Living in a Toxic World
There are literally thousands of toxins and harmful synthetic chemicals found in our food, air, water, homes, and workplaces. They take the shape of pesticides; herbicides; cigarette smoke; synthetic chemicals found in beauty and hygiene products; food additives, colours, and fillers; medications; or stress hormones. Our bodies must attempt to filter this toxic onslaught to prevent toxic overload, which can occur when our bodies take in more toxins than they can eliminate. Numerous organs play a role in cleansing the body, namely the kidneys, liver, intestines, and of course, the skin. Problems with the skin can suggest that the other elimination organs are overloaded.
Water, Water Everywhere
One of the most critical components of healthy skin is water. The body is made up of approximately seventy percent water and needs its stores replenished. Every cell in the body is dependent on water for good health, including skin cells. Water helps to keep the skin properly hydrated. While the standard recommendation for water is eight cups per day, the number may vary from person to person. And if you drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, add two additional cups of water for every cup of coffee, tea, or alcohol you drink.
Lessen Toxic Exposure
Switch to natural body- and skincare products that are free of fragrances, colours, or other synthetic chemicals that have a tendency to irritate skin. Lessen your intake of the following foods:
- Processed, packaged, or fast foods
- Hydrogenated fats (margarine, shortening, lard or products made with them such as cookies, pies, packaged foods, buns, pizza, etc.)
- Fried foods (French fries, onion rings, potato chips, nachos, hamburgers, etc.) or foods containing oils that have been excessively heated. Most grocery store oils have been heated excessively even before they reach the shelves. Extra-virgin olive oil is an excellent choice for cooking; cold-pressed oils found in most health food stores are also a healthy choice
- Sugar and foods that contain sugar
- Synthetic sweeteners (Nutrasweet, saccharin, aspartame, etc.)
- Salt (use Celtic sea salt instead)
- Food additives: colours, flavor enhancers, stabilizers, preservatives, etc.
- Non-organic meat and poultry contains hormones, sugar, and antibiotics, all of which increase your body’s toxic load. In addition, many people are sensitive to the hormones and other chemicals in meat. Skin problems can be an indication of a sensitivity or allergy. If possible, switch to organic meat and poultry
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24 comments
add your comment »Thank you for the article. It helps to learn many things about skin.
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why is this inappropriate?
I understand now that I have to learn to love my skin and myself
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Thank you for your suggestions!!!
What is also important when it comes to younger people is, that more sides should tell them (esp. girls) that the models they see in the ads are all having tons of makeup, when they're on stage. Many young girls don't know that, fall in depression, or even use the wrong makeup which damages their young and healthy skin even more! Informations like in this article should be more spread over television! Thanks agaiN!
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good suggestions
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Love it! The dermatologist told me I had hormonal acne. I break out more on my cheeks than my chin though.
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Thanks for the article. I have a love and hate relationship with my skin... I hardly believe that not sleep well and stress are the two worst things for skin. It´s important too to avoid the chemicals that surrounds us every day, but very difficult because almost everything that industries manufacture are full of them. Low sodium mineral water helps a lot to moisture.
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it is not the best, but i love it!
if im gonna go through life hating myself and body, then maybe i dont really deserve to live
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Might as well love it, cos it is the only one you are going to get
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Amen to this article
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why is this inappropriate?
I used to have really bad skin,
I've never worn make-up, nor do I plan to,
to me, it's a waste of money, energy (for transport, and packaging), and lives (if it uses animal testing),
not to mention ruins skin,
but I still had horrible skin,
I wound up going to a dermatologist to fix it, so it's pretty much better, and I do feel more confident in myself,
And I think the less make-up somebody wears, the more beatiful. All those air-brushed models always repulse me, they looks so sugary and plastic like...I don't see why you would want to look like that, if somebody won't love you for you, than why would you love him/her at all?
No skin is truly perfect, but every one's skin is unique
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