Your skin is the largest organ on your body and it can be seen by everyone. When your skin looks good, you radiate health. We assume most of you shower daily, use cleansing products, before applying at minimum some moisturiser and at most, many other products and cosmetics. You have good intentions, keeping your skin clean, protecting and enhancing it, but do you really know what you are putting on your skin? Or what affect using these products has on the environment?
If you want to keep a youthful and healthy glow there are some things you should consider when looking after your skin:
1. Get A Good Shower Filter
If you don’t have tank water, your water is treated with chlorine to kill certain bacteria and other microbes, but this chlorine is highly toxic. Chlorine also strips protein from your skin and hair, leaving it dry and itchy. Also, other chemicals such as fluoride and copper can be found in treated water, along with some pathogens and viruses that have been lurking in old plumbing. This is why it is a good idea to use a good quality shower filter that effectively removes chlorine, hydrogen sulphide and reduces bad odours, while softening the water.
Remember, you're trying to clean your skin and hair. The last thing you want to do is add in more toxins that will age your skin, dry your hair, and make you break out. Use warm water when washing your face and cool water to soap off.
2. Eat well
It is important you eat well to ensure you are getting all the nutrients your skin needs to stay healthy. You may be eating your fruit and veg, but could they be part of the problem? Some foods contain high levels of pesticides, which long term can have an effect on our body. Some fruit and veg has been stored for long periods of time, which means they have lost their vital nutrients and minerals, but it also could mean that they were introduced to stabilisers to prolong their life. This is why buying natural and organic, local and in season is important for both your skin and the environment.
Look for foods high in Vitamin E such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, extracted oils, and fatty fish. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant, offering protection against damage and helping your skin keep soft and supple. Also, look at getting your daily allowance of vitamin A through foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and dark, leafy vegetables. Needed for maintenance and repair of your skin.
3. Drink Lots Of Clean Water
I know you have heard this before, but it is important. Drinking water throughout the day will keep your body hydrated and ensure it effectively flushes toxins away from the skin and into the kidneys instead. Remember, your body is around 70% water and with little water, they will not be able to function well or perform everyday activities of renewing and repair of the cells in the skin.
4. Use Organic Skin-Care Products
Use skin-care products that are free of toxins and chemicals. Many skin products contain numerous toxins, not natural to the skin and some products create free radicals that attack your body with more toxins. Constant use of most commercial skin-care products will cause irritation, dryness and other skin problems, but sometimes they take years to manifest.
When looking at what you use (moisturiser, cleanser and cosmetics) don’t forget items like your shampoo, conditioners, body wash/soap, lip balm, sun protection, etc. Use products that will nourish, protect, and clean your skin with nutrients that are as natural and organic as possible. When you do this, you are also protecting our waterways.
5. Protect your skin from the sun
This is something we all know about, but many of us don’t protect our skin appropriately. Sun protection needs to be applied throughout the day to ensure protection against UV-A and UV-B. A safe and eco-friendly solution is to use the finest and most gentle natural extracts. Sunscreens should be free from titanium dioxide, sulphates, petrochemicals, parabens, artificial preservatives and fragrances. A natural sunscreen that uses organic ingredients and is safe to use on both the face and body is what you should be using.
We hope these suggestions have given you something to think about and hopefully they become a part of your routine when looking after your skin. The bonus is by following these tips your will be looking after the environment too.
Take care of your skin and the environment,
Attracta & the earthly passion team.