Holistic skin care tips to rejuvenate you inside and out

A good complexion and healthy looking skin is often taken for granted. It's not until you start to see those deep wrinkles, acne, or eczema that we then jump into (re)action mode. But if you're someone who wants some tips on preventative skin care, before the going gets bad, read on!

Our inside health very much can help or hinder what our outside skin looks and feels like. In fact, our skin is the largest organ in our bodies! We are always talking about detoxing and taking care of our liver health, or exercising to help with heart health - let's not forget about our skin!

One of the most frequently reverberated pieces of advice for healthy skin is to not smoke! I think most people understand that. Some other things you should avoid for healthy skin include a diet high in non-organic dairy and non-organic animal products (this can rise a growth hormone called IGF-1 which has been linked to an increase in acne), and foods high on the glycemic index. Some of the highest foods on this list, which raise your blood sugar, include white rice, whole wheat bread, potatoes, and watermelon.

Staying out of the sun is essential. Without any UVA/UBB sunscreen protection, this can lead to free radical damage from the sun. So I highly recommend limiting sun exposure and wearing good quality sunscreen. Some contain chemicals that can actually worsen the health of your skin! Basically, only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the two approved ingredients you want to look for.

Some of the whole-health treatments you might want to implement for better skin include staying hydrated! I cannot express how important this is for your skin, especially here in Colorado. Also, making sure that your house has a mild amount of humidity can also be of benefit to your skin. The dryness in our living quarters can be a constant battle for your skin.

Eating a diet rich in healthy fats, and fiber can also play a vital role in your skin's health. Without healthy fats, the layers in your skin won't get the nutrients they need. Specifically, foods high in B vitamins, mostly due to the richness of Biotin, and vitamin C are helpful for your skin. This includes egg yolks, legumes, nuts and seeds, mushrooms, broccoli, citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, and tomatoes, just to name a few.

Supplements can also be of small benefits. As mentioned above, vitamin C, especially a whole food form, not just ascorbic acid, at 500-1000mg per day can be beneficial. Biotin, which is vitamin B7 can potentially be a help to your skin. I prefer a dose between 3-10mg per day. Grass-fed collagen is another wonderful additive for your skin. I love to add a few scoops to my morning coffee. It helps balance your blood sugar on top of giving your skin a little boost. Probiotics can be another holistic way to help your skin via your digestion. It's well known that your digestion affects your skin. The healthier your guts are, the better your skin can be! Probiotics, albeit not a one size fits all for anyone with any kind of skin issue, can be beneficial.

Another obvious treatment to consider is an ongoing regimen of both a topical skincare routine, but also a visit to a qualified esthetician for a facial. Think of this like dental hygiene. You can't have good teeth without brushing and flossing your teeth daily, and routine dental cleanings are typically highly recommended for ongoing health as well. Your skin needs the same love! The biggest mistake I hear people make is using bar soap for body and face wash - just don't!

Last but absolutely not least to add to your regimen, is acupuncture! Acupuncture has unbelievable benefits for your skin whether its for a pathological issue such as psoriasis or eczema, or for cosmetic purposes. Besides our regular Acupuncture service, we offer three different modalities for cosmetic skin care.

• Facial acupuncture is the use of small acupuncture needles directly in the targeted area. It helps to build collagen and elastin and helps with lifting. This service includes electrical stimulation to the needles to increase the production of collagen and elastin even more as well as cupping for circulation and lymph movement (great for under eyes!).
• Facial injections are the use of two different substances. One is a natural, liquid collagen that helps with wrinkles. When injected into the skin, it is absorbed by the body, giving a natural appearance as opposed to synthetic collagen injections that sit under the skin. We also use a vitamin-rich injection called Made that helps lift, tighten, and smooth wrinkles. The two injections are used together for the best results.
• Microneedling is the use of a pen with very small needles in the tip that vibrate quickly to leave tiny channels all over the face. It is extremely effective for building collagen and elastin (the strongest of the three things we offer) and allows for 2000% increased absorption of facial products for the first few days. This is also the most effective treatment we offer for sun damage and hyperpigmentation.

With a holistic routine for your skin, you can prevent many common issues that arise and get that young, glowing look for longer!