We’ve all clicked on an article with a title that sounds like: “A Day in the Life of XYZ Model – How She Eats, Works and Sleeps,” or “Exact Diet and Skincare Routine of XYZ Actress.”
You read through the entire article plus some of the comments at the bottom to hopefully, (finally), find the silver bullet that will solve all your skin problems for good… I admit, this was me growing up. I would see models and actresses with seemingly perfect skin and wonder what I was doing wrong. Had I not found the right skincare products or makeup? Why did my skin react badly to 90% of the things I put on it? Do I really need to practice a “supermodel” diet, to reach my goal? I had so many questions and no one to guide me. As a young woman with acne, oily skin, redness, and extreme sensitivity it didn’t seem like there was any winning in this constant battle with my skin. I was confused and frustrated and only through years of experimentation with my diet, skincare products, makeup, supplements, and lifestyle activities did I finally reach a place where I can say my skin has never looked better than it does now. Supporting healthy skin has become a passion of mine and here are a few tips I learned along the way:
- Less is more when it comes to your skin. Don’t over-do it when it comes to procedures, facials, washing, exfoliating, layering products, etc. The skin needs to breathe and typically only needs to be washed 1 time per day with a gentle cleanser.
- Oil is your friend. Whether it’s the oil coming from fat in your diet or oil you are applying to your skin, nothing has healed my skin more than oils and healthy fats.
- Ingredients do matter. I’m not saying that organic and natural is always better depending on your skin goals, but finding out what ingredients work for YOUR skin is vital.
- Diet makes a difference. Not only your hydration levels, but your protein intake is key in maintaining your skin health. I’ve never met someone with good skin who is chronically dehydrated.
- Exercise is the skincare support you have been missing. The skin needs good blood flow to detoxify and repair properly. Raising your heart rate daily allows you to take advantage of this super skin benefit.
- Maybe it’s hormones. If you are having periods and notice your skin is always worse on your cycle, or you are peri/post-menopausal and old skin issues are starting to re-surface, then it’s time to look at hormones.
Now, think about your skin. If you see a future version of yourself with skin that is more vibrant and glowing, then it’s time to take another look at your choices. Visit our website at www.bodylovecafe.com to sign up for a SKINCARE WORKSHOP I will be hosting in March and schedule a free 15-minute appointment with one of our health coaches to see what’s possible.
By Shelise Irby, RD with Body Love Cafe