Keeping our skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing is so much more than just an aesthetic endeavor. We need to remember that our skin is an organ that is vitally important to our well-being.
Our skin helps us regulate our body temperature, keeps us hydrated, protects us from infections, and keeps our muscles and bones safe. It also plays an important role in our bodies’ synthesis of vitamin D.
In short, we need to look after it! Check out this collection of really informative OGP articles that will guide you to having the healthiest skin as can be.
1. Chemical-Free Cleanser
Using chemical-induced products strips your face of oils, thus causing an overproduction of oil or even dryness. Just because the label on your commercial product claims to “eliminate pimples,” “for sensitive skin,” and “reduce further production of pimples,” does not mean it’s true. That lovely scent on your product most likely comes from fragrance which is known to be a skin irritant. All these chemicals dry out and irritate your skin leaving it tight and dry. Sometimes when your skin becomes dry, it may produce more oils thus leaving your skin oily or unbalanced. If products leave your face dry, you may turn to lotions that contain even more chemicals. If you want to opt for a cleaner face cleaner, try this DIY Chemical-Free Cleanser and Moisturizer for Healthy Skin.
2. Vitamin E for Your Skin
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that possesses inherent antioxidant qualities. This nutrient is not a single compound, but rather a conglomeration of molecules that all serve unique purposes with similar molecular structures. Certain forms of Vitamin E, some of which are present in food, have unique skin-healing properties. If you want to learn more about the wonders of this essential vitamin, read this article that tells all you need to know about Vitamin E and Its Contribution to Beautiful, Healthy Skin.
3. Dry Skin and Eczema
The weather is getting colder and winter is approaching. Although this time of year is festive and wonderful, for many of us it can mean dry skin and eczema breakouts. Consuming nutrients such as vitamins A, B C, E, and zinc can prevent dryness, breakouts, and other skin issues. Fortunately, plant-based foods are full of nutrients that can help not only prevent but also treat dry skin and eczema. Foods such as pumpkin, avocado, sweet potatoes, walnuts, oats, and mangoes contain a range of vitamins beneficial for taking care of our skin. Check out these 15 Healthy Plant-Based Recipes to Prevent Dry Skin and Eczema.
4. Over-Sanitized Skin
While washing your hands certainly has its health benefits, you’re also waging a continuous war on the healthy bacteria that naturally live on all of our skin. It’s common knowledge that our bodies are teeming with bacteria, both good and bad, that keep our bodies healthy — this is called our microbiome — yet not everyone is aware that our skin is also crawling with bacteria that are responsible for that healthy, non-irritated, moisturized feeling you’re so accustomed to. Along with practicing good hygiene, it’s probably also a good idea to start thinking about incorporating skin-nourishing regimens as well! Read on to learn about How to Care for Over-Washed and Over-Sanitized Skin to Maintain Healthy Immunity.
5. Skin Redness
There are countless reasons for redness to arise. Whether it’s from heat, irritation, nerves, or various conditions, this angry flush can be hard to tame. But don’t despair– lots of different remedies are available to keep redness at bay and prevent your skin from flaring up. To avoid making redness symptoms worse, it is best to avoid things like alcohol, spicy dishes, or heavily processed foods as they can exacerbate inflammation. Also, remember to always be gentle when touching your skin and protect it from the sun with sunscreen or fabric. These habits can help to maintain progress without putting further strain on your skin. Here is a list of 6 Healthy Whole Foods to Combat Skin Redness.
6. Sun Damage
Sun damage is the leading cause of skin (melanoma) cancer, and yet, no matter how much sunscreen we wear, our diets should still be considered for a healthy body and ultimate cancer protection. While eating one food won’t protect you from cancer, research has linked several simple, plant-based foods to protecting the skin from harmful rays that are linked to skin cancer. These foods then act like miracle protectors once inside your body; they take care of the skin by fighting free radicals that can also lead to aging and skin damage, and they prevent inflammation and arterial disease as side benefits. Learn more about Healthy Plant-Based Foods That Protect The Skin From Sun Damage.
We often underestimate the daily pressures our skin faces, not just from our touch and movement but from the invisible threat of Pollution too. Recent research has shed light on how these two factors—tension and pollution—interact to affect our skin’s health. A recent study published in Scientific Reports took a closer look at how skin responds to ozone Pollution. The twist? They considered the role of tension. Our skin naturally stays slightly stretched due to its elasticity, and this tension plays a crucial role in how our skin functions and responds to external factors. To learn more about Pollution and your skin read How Your Skin Responds to Pollution.
8. Glowing Skin
Your skin is the largest and most important organ known to your body. It has a tough job filtering toxins that you are exposed to as you move about your day. Smog, UV rays, and second-hand smoke are just a few examples. Your skin also works to hold moisture in your body so you don’t become dehydrated. The skin protects your blood and organs from germs to keep you healthy, and it even protects your bones and muscles from damage when you happen to bump into things or sit out in the sun for too long. Because your skin protects every single part of your body, it only makes sense to take good care of it. Take a look at how These 8 Foods Will Completely Change Your Skin and Make it Glow.
9. Cooling Skin Mist
OK, kids, it’s officially getting hot! Temperatures are rising all across the country, and the onset of summer is just over a week away. It’s time to get outside for summer fun! No matter your chosen activity of outdoor awesomeness, though, you’re bound to get overheated from time to time with these sky-high temps. And, even worse, you could forget the sunscreen or protective clothing and get a little bit of a sunburn. If you are up for a little bit of potion-making, take a look at this recipe for An Easy, Breezy, Food-Based DIY Skin Cooling Mist.
10. Skin Rashes
Skin rashes of any kind are no fun. Whether they’re something mild like a reaction to something in your laundry detergent, or something more serious like a food allergy or skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, skin rashes can be major pains (pun intended) that can flare out of nowhere. Many things can lead to skin rashes, which makes the root cause incredibly hard to pinpoint. If you’re in the process of trying to figure out what’s causing your rash, or you’ve encountered something such as poison ivy that causes a rash, there are some Natural Remedies to Heal a Skin Rash that you can use to help with the painful itching and swollen skin that both come with rashes of all kinds.
11. Protection from the Sun
When temperatures rise, the common instinct is to slather on some standard sunblock and call it a day. However, some ingredients in usual sunscreen could be potentially harmful to your health. There are also days when you may not be spending extended periods in direct sunlight, but still want some degree of reinforcement. This is where plant-based alternatives can be great options! You can achieve some safety from the sun without committing to the downsides of chemical options. Just remember that these oils do not claim to be analogous to natural sunscreen, nor do they operate the same way. Have a look at these 5 Plant-Based Products To Help Protect Your Skin From The Sun This Summer.
12. Hydrated Skin
Our skin is covered in an outer layer called the stratum corneum. This is made up of dead skin cells. Those cells are all held together by fats called lipids. This combination acts as a barrier to hold moisture in the skin. For some people, however, this layer is more prone to drying out. This can result from environmental factors, exposing the skin to harsh chemicals and soap, using rough sponges and exfoliators, taking showers that are too hot, or not drinking enough water. Some serious health problems can cause symptoms of dry skin, such as thyroid issues or diabetes, so seek medical advice if you are concerned. In the meantime, check out these 4 Ways to Keep Your Skin Hydrated.
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