Inside-Out Beauty: Fresh Spring Skin

By the time it's February, I am OVER winter.  To be honest, I'm over winter by December. Especially since winter can do such a number to the skin. The cold air and the subsequent heat we crank on to keep us warm can dry out our skin, leading it to be dull and flaky. A lack of Vitamin D filled sunshine can cause eczema flair ups. Fresh fruit and veggies aren't usually our go-to while binge watching Netflix, so digestion can get sluggish leading to congested skin.

But...SPRING IS HERE!! So let's leave our winter skin woes in the past and focus on what to do to get our springtime dewiness on. 

Let me just start by saying that it does matter what you put on your skin. There is an amazing, green beauty movement happening. At last, we have choices other than chemical laden products that promise results but also have potential carcinogenic ingredients. (Umm...excuse me? No thank you.) There are natural, green beauty lines that are great for your skin and you should start adding them to your routine STAT. However, this post is about getting to the root of skin issues. Even if you're using super fantastical products on your face, if your deficient in vitamins and nutrients or your body isn't eliminating toxins properly, then you won't see lasting results. 

Here are four easy supplements to add to your (internal) skincare regimen:

The simplest way to start is with a high quality multi-vitamin. Not only will your skin look better, your whole body will function better. Ideally, we want to get all of these vitamins and minerals from our diet, but realistically...we usually need some help. When looking for a multi-vitamin consider these nutrients and the benefits they have for your skin:

Vitamin A: wound healing; helps to keep skin smooth and moist

Vitamin B Complex: helps improve skin texture

Vitamin C: necessary for formation of skin-strengthening collagen; sun protection

Vitamin D: promotes healthy cells; slows rate of cell division

Vitamin E: helps form anti-inflammatory chemicals; offers sun protection

Beta Carotene: converts in body to Vitamin A; production and maintenance of cells

Selenium: promotes anti-inflammatory chemicals

Zinc: helps with wound healing; helps control skin inflammation

*Don't forget that vitamins K,A,D & E are fat soluble, meaning take them with food for best absorbency.

Next, Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid, which are critical for the growth of cells and the foundation of healthy cell membranes, including skin cells. Because Omega-3s help to reduce inflammation, they are helpful for acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. When your skin is dry, itchy or fine lines are creeping up, this is often a signal that you are deficient in essential fatty acids. 

It doesn't matter how many nutrients you put into your body if your digestive system isn't absorbing them properly. To help your body be able to benefit from the nutrients it receives in your diet and through supplements, include probiotics like acidophilus and bifidus in your daily routine. Aim for 5 to 10 billion viable units per day. 

Finally, herbs are a great resource to help address skin issues that are stemming from internal inflammation and improper elimination of toxins. The following are powerhouse herbs for your skin:

Burdock root is anti-inflammatory, diuretic, digestive stimulant, and liver tonic. It can be used for chronic skin eruptions like acne, eczema, boils, and sties. By stimulating the natural flow of lymphatic fluid, Burdock supports the excretion of toxic by-products from cells. 

Oregon grape root bark provides immune system support while also promoting the elimination  of catabolic residues. Commonly used for sluggish gastrointestinal and liver systems, it aids in conditions like psoriasis, dry eczema and acne. 

Nettles is rich in minerals to help hair growth and nourish skin and nails. 

All of these herbs and more can be found in the Native Nectar Release Tincture. try pairing it with the Clear & Glow Complexion Serum for calming and rejuvenating skin!

Don't be discouraged if you don't see results right away. It may take up to a month to start seeing a difference, but once you start taking care of your skin from the inside out, you will reap the benefits for a lifetime!

*This information is for educational purposes only and not meant to take the place of a doctor's advice. The products and information on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not meant to diagnose, cure or treat disease.