How to Get Glowing Skin from the Inside Out

Beautiful, healthy, glowing skin – is there anyone who doesn’t want that? A balanced complexion isn’t just beautiful, it can also signify the state of your health, youthfulness, even your happiness or stress level. Of course, these messages are happening on a subconscious level, but they are so pervasively accepted, that taking care of your skin is a drive that’s become a billion dollar industry – all working from the outside in and not always working well at all.

Achieving truly healthy skin isn’t as simple as buying fancy creams and committing to invasive procedures. In fact, the key to getting what you want on the outside isn’t on the outside. Getting the healthy happy skin you’ve always wanted starts by focusing on the inside out!

Our skin is our largest organ and its health is endangered all the time. Between exposure to the elements, stress, pollution, poor nutrition and of course, natural aging, our skin is constantly fighting for its health.

So how can we maintain healthy, glowing skin when the odds are stacked against us?

By giving our skin the attention and care it so rightly deserves.

Reduce inflammatory foods

Inflammation isn’t just the root of disease, it can also be the root of many skin ailments including acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis and more.  Just as reducing inflammatory foods can positively affect your other systems, the effect of reducing inflammatory foods can be read on the surface of your skin!

Try removing common inflammatory foods for at least 4 weeks to start to see an improvement in your skin’s health.

Increase your water intake 

We know that water is essential to helping our bodies function best, but did you know that it is the best way to ensure that nutrients are delivered effectively and toxins are flushed out? Especially if you’re experiencing skin conditions, it’s important to make sure that you’re helping your body to rid itself of toxic residues and components that could be causing these symptoms. Make sure you’re getting enough hydration every day by eating and drinking adequate amounts (remember there’s water present in everything you eat and drink, especially if you’re juicing or consuming lots of fruit and veggies) and drink water whenever you feel thirst coming on. In spite of the classic “8, 8-ounce glasses” per day advice, there’s really no magic amount of water everyone needs to consume per day to stay hydrated. But, research suggests that women could safely consume a total of approximately 2.7 litres (91 ounces) of water from all beverages and foods each day and that men could safely drink about 3.7 litres (125 ounces) daily.

Glutathione IVs

Glutathione is an antioxidant that is naturally synthesized in the body. As a superior antioxidant, it’s known to help flush toxins from the body. When blended with vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals and administered intravenously, this combination can brighten the skin safely, as opposed to topical skin brighteners that can damage, inflame, discolour and irritate, or microdermabrasion, which irritates the skin and can increase hyperpigmentation.  Learn more about our IV treatments here.

Collagen

Most of us are deficient in collagen! Daily collagen consumption will help to maintain internal collagen levels. Try bone broth soup made with high collagen base like chicken feet, or some collagen powder in your smoothie!

Far-infrared Sauna

In my practice, I’ve found that using a sauna helps direct your circulation to your skin, which brings nutrients and other healing factors there to resolve skin problems. Part of it of course is helping the body to remove normal body wastes through your perspiration. My patients who use our in-office sauna are so happy when they find that their skin has much more of that ‘glow’ that comes with improved skin circulation. Call and arrange a 5 or 10 session package and see the benefits for yourself.

Digestive system

Often our digestive system reflects the state of our skin and vice versa.  In many cases, healing your digestive functions can really help allow your skin to improve.  Is your stomach really digesting your foods?  Do you get digestive symptoms?  Are you constipated or regularly experience loose stools?  Simple supports like improving eating habits and adding more fiber-containing foods can be valuable.  Getting your lower bowel cleansed through colon hydrotherapy can help to reset the function and overall environment of your lower intestine which can indirectly lead to improvements in your skin.

Hyaluronic Acid

As much as we can influence our skin health from the inside out, you can – and you should – also take care of your largest organ from the outside in. That way you can meet in the middle, so to speak. Hyaluronic acid is an incredible hydrophilic (water-loving) chemical that is found naturally in our bodies, particularly in our eyes and joints. It’s moisturizing, hydrating properties are why it’s so often used to treat arthritis, cataracts and even dry eyes. Because of this, hyaluronic acid is also an amazing ingredient for healthy, supple skin. Here’s why:

As we age, our skin’s ability to preserve moisture slows down and we start to lose firmness, elasticity and fullness. Hyaluronic acid has an incredible ability to replenish the moisture we lose, helping skin to look and feel softer, smoother and glow because of its super hydration effects.

One of the most studied and proven skin care ingredients, you can find many topical skin care products and anti-aging treatments that feature hyaluronic acid. Along with wearing a suitable SPF, topical hyaluronic acid is a fantastic way to heal your skin from the outside in while you increase your glowing health from the inside out.

Skin Care

While it’s important to have a good skincare regime, it’s also important to know what’s in the products you put on your face. Seek out quality ingredients that will enhance your health, not add toxic burden to your system. We prefer organic skin care product lines, or simply to use organic oils such as olive oil or shea butter. Our office carries the Essence Oils line made in-house. There are lots of good natural care products for your skin, please choose wisely.

Now that you’re ready to take care of your largest organ from the inside out and the outside in, there’s one more thing – and that’s enjoying the self-care process of maintaining beautiful, healthy skin! After all, skin care should be pampering as well as effective.

Here’s one of our favourite DIY masks to help you on your journey to your most healthy skin:

Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-acne Mask to soothe redness and calm reactive skin:

1/4 cup whole grain oats

2 tablespoon warm water

1 teaspoon honey

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

Blend together in a blender and spread on cleansed skin 15-20 mins, rinse off warm and then cool water followed by a natural lotion.

To your good health,

Dr. Rahim Habib ND Naturopathic Doctor