Now that I'm nearing 40, I've been giving more thought to maintaining healthy skin. For me, having healthy skin isn't just about physical appearance. It's about physical health. Our skin health is an outward expression of our inner health. And with summer here, it's even more important to take steps to keep our skin healthy. Unfortunately, most of the skin care products available today are full of toxins that can cause long-term health problems. As always, nourishing our body can and should be done naturally. Here are my secrets to having youthful, healthy skin naturally.
Essential Oils for Healthy, Youthful Skin
There are MANY essential oils that are great for maintaining healthy skin.
Myrrh has been used for thousands of years for maintaining beautiful skin. It was the oil specifically used for six months of beauty treatment for Queen Esther before she became queen!
Before a young woman's turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics. (Esther 2:12)
Manuka and Patchouli essential oils both have some fabulous research showing them to be a fabulous choice for using to maintain youthful skin even after being out in the sun.
**Please do NOT use cheap and/or store-bought essential oils! Save yourself the money and read my post here on what I learned in my two years of researching essential oils first!
Omegas/Essential Fatty Acids
Unfortunately, most people nowadays have too many Omega 6's and not enough Omega 3's due to the prevalence of "vegetable" oils (corn, canola, soybean, etc.) in our food supply as well as animal products (meats, dairy, eggs) from animals fed these crops and oils.
To support healthy skin and a healthy response to sun exposure, it is important to eliminate or greatly reduce foods with those ingredients/raised on those ingredients and have daily intake of omega 3's. Cod liver oil is my favorite way to ensure healthy levels of the right essential fatty acids and thus a healthy response to the sun's rays. (Click here to read my post with my recommended supplements.)
Healthy Diet
The three main aging foods: refined sugars, refined flour (breads, pastas, crackers, etc.) and vegetable oils.
We've already discussed a few of the most important ways to support healthy skin, including avoiding vegetable oils and animal products from animals raised on those crops.
Use healthier oils like extra virgin olive oil, eat more (wild, not farmed) fish, and eat grass-fed meats.
Reduce consumption of foods with flour and refined sugar as much as possible.
In addition to high-antioxidant options like NingXia Red, incorporating more antioxidant-rich foods in the diet are helpful for youthful skin. Citrus, berries, carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens are among the best.
Good health comes from the inside out. Nourish your body and your skin will show it!
For more information and/or to order NingXia Red or the essential oils referenced above, please head over to my essential oil website: http://yldist.com/godscents/
Make sure to check out my post on All-Natural Facial Care here.
Blessings of good health,
~Sara Jo Poff
Holistic Health Practitioner