Healthier Skin Naturally in 7 Days or Less

Many people think that drastic measures are required in order to have flawless, youthful skin. Nothing could be further from the truth. It's possible to have better looking skin starting with things you already have in your home; no cosmetic surgery or expensive makeup required!

Healthy skin is moist and produces adequate amounts of oil from the sebaceous glands, producing a natural "glow." Plump skin cells fit together like a carefully constructed mosaic, where each one has its own place. When skin cells dry out, however, they begin to lift and separate at an angle, giving skin a dull, flaky look that makes the skin appear older.

The two main causes for dry skin are environmental factors (weather, chemicals, the use of the wrong personal care products) and poor diet. In order to look great on the outside, you must first treat yourself right from within. A regular balanced diet is the number one defense against wrinkles, outbreaks and dry skin conditions. However, certain foods have properties that are most important for that glow that we crave. Here we'll talk a bit about some of these foods, and you'll see how quickly you can achieve radiant skin without breaking the bank.

Most moisture for your skin is provided through your bloodstream. The bloodstream is responsible for pumping nutrients and minerals into your system which are carried through that moisture. Without being properly hydrated, nutrients and minerals in your bloodstream may never reach your skin, making them useless in keeping your skin youthful. The oil that your skin produces is not directly responsible for moisturizing, but instead helps to keep moisture in. An inadequate amount of oil will allow excessive evaporation or the moisture in your skin, allowing it to dry out quickly.

Foods rich in protein are essential for skin regeneration and repair. Not just any protein will do. The Atkins diet, which boasts of it low carb dieting results, allows for many types of protein that can cause damage to your skin. Any kind of processed meat, such as bacon, hot dogs or deli meats are loaded with preservatives and salt that will do nothing but pull moisture from your skin. Better sources of protein would include seafood (salmon in particular is a very good choice), lean fowl (turkey, chicken) and vegetable protein. Veggie protein is often overlooked, as American society is accustomed to "meat with every meal." Try tofu or beans as a high quality protein source. Morningstar Farms makes an excellent veggie burger that even meat lovers would crave if given a try!

Another healthy practice is to eat lots of raw foods every day. Canned and frozen vegetables may provide some nutrients, but only raw veggies and fruits will contain the enzymes necessary to prevent free radical damage. If you absolutely must cook vegetables, steam them lightly and eat al dente.

Certain vitamins and minerals are crucial to youthful skin, including sulfur. In its natural form from foods such as garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus, sulfur with help to keep skin smooth and youthful. You can also take an L-systeine supplement which will also provide adequate amounts of sulfur for healthy skin. A lack of either Vitamin A or B can make your skin chapped or cracked. Beta-carotene is as good for your skin as it is for your eyes. Don't limit yourself to carrots; any type of yellow or orange vegetable is loaded with them. Good examples are squashes and peppers.

Alpha-hydroxy acids are responsible for keeping your skin pH balanced. You can get them from foods such as apples, grapes, blackberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes and milk. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) found in fish (especially salmon), dark leafy vegetables (kale, collards, dandelions) and flax seeds are also extremely important for your skin. Lactic acid helps to improve your skin's moisture content, while glycolic acid removes dead skin cells that make your skin look dry and flaky. Eating foods containing these two EFAs will assist in healthy, glowing skin.

If you're willing to spend a little (just a little), there are a couple of supplements that will powerboost your healthy eating habits. If you find that you can only take one supplement, let it be Vitamin E. It prevents the formation of free radicals and helps repair skin cells damaged from scrapes, burns and bruises. Aloe Vera is another skin healer as well as moisturizer, and can be used topically from the aloe plant, or consumed as a juice found in supermarkets and health food stores. Kelp is an excellent source of nutrients due to its absorption from sea water and is available in several forms.

Junk foods should especially be avoided when trying to maintain healthy skin. Eliminating soda, sugar and other empty-calorie foods will not only improve your skin's appearance, but will help take off the extra pounds. Fried foods are especially bad, because hot-processed oils (such as those found in the supermarket) actually create free radicals and can destroy that look you've been working so hard for. Alcohol and caffeine should also be avoided, as these and other types of diuretics make the body lose fluids and essential minerals, which dries out your skin.

Each of these foods and supplements are easy to find in your local supermarket or health store, and will cost you much less than the myriad of skin care products which promise unrealistic results. In just a few days, you'll notice that your skin will begin to produce adequate amounts of oil naturally, and will no longer show signs of being dull, scaly, flaky or tight. Chapping and cracking during the winter will be much less likely to occur as well. Most importantly, these tips will help you to slow down the effects of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots, enlarged pores and sagging skin.

About The Author

Burgundy Shank designs Nutrient Rich Handmade Soaps that contain skin-loving Vitamins such as A, B, C, D, E, and K. She specializes in custom soaps for those with allergies and sensitive skin conditions. You can download the FREE Report "The Top 10 Ingredients to Avoid in Your Personal Care Products" by joining her online newsletter, "Beauty Secrets from Around the World" at http://www.burgundysoap.com.

info@burgundysoap.com

---

Are Tanning Lotions What You Need To Make Tanning Beds safe?

Long debates on advantages and disadvantages of tanning beds and... Read More

Natural Ways to Treat Stretch Marks

Pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman's life. One... Read More

Hair Extensions - the Truth About Instant Long Hair

Hair extensions - a few hours in the salon and... Read More

Skin Care, Body Rhythms, and Sleep

Most of us are all too familiar with that "dreaded"... Read More

What is Digital Nail Art?

How is the procedure performed?After the nails are given a... Read More

Natural Beauty: The Benefits of Holistic Skin Care

What is holistic skin care? It's a regimen that recognizes... Read More

Mineral Cosmetics from the Dead Sea

Does the idea of using chemicals and preservatives on your... Read More

The Role of Alpha Hydroxy Acids

You have probably heard a lot about AHAs, or alpha... Read More

Sun Protection

The skin has a defence mechanism against sun-damage, in the... Read More

Risks Of Tanning Beds - Not All They Are Hyped Up To Be

The risks of tanning beds aren't all that it's hyped... Read More

The Search for Youth: A Boomer Phenomenon?

Looking younger has become an increasing obsession. Many Baby Boomers,... Read More

How To Establish A Base Tan Without Getting Burned

Lets face it. A nice tan makes you look and... Read More

Natural Rosacea Products & Rosacea Medications : The Common Thread

If you are one of the thousands of men and... Read More

How To Apply Your Makeup

How To Apply Your MakeupSTEP 1: FOUNDATION: After Cleansing, Toning... Read More

Getting Rid of Cellulite - The Best Anti Cellulite Creams, Treatments and Remedies

It is estimated that about 95% of all women have... Read More

A Cheap and Natural Way to Healthy Skin

Healthy skin happens when we eats good foods, have enough... Read More

The Laser Hair Removal Process

Laser Hair Removal is becoming more popular then ever for... Read More

The Evils of Tanning Beds

OK, so you've had a few days of steady rain,... Read More

What is Botox and Whats the Use

Botox is an injectable substance that is a medical grade... Read More

Natural Skin Care Mask

Healthy skin is one of the most common health and... Read More

How to Improve Your Skin?s Elasticity

If you are a woman in your late 30's or... Read More

Look Years Younger In Minutes

Now whether you are just beginning to notice your first... Read More

Great Looking Skin

Maintaining great skin can be a challenge if you don't... Read More

Indoor Tanning Beds - All You Wanted to Know!

So you are nearing the end of your search for... Read More

Celtic Tattoos and Their Popularity

The history of the Celtic peoples goes back thousands of... Read More