You Glowing Thing, You!

We all want healthy, happy skin that glows from the inside out. But how do we get there? By eating all the right things and using all the best products? Heck no! We get there by taking care of ourselves from the inside out and making sure our insides are working properly before we start slathering our faces with a million different potions (I’m looking at you, ten step Korean skincare routine.)

What does that mean? 

It means that before we start putting things ON our skin, we need to make sure our diet is on point and we’re getting enough sleep and water. And guess what? That’s actually not that hard to do! Just by making a few small changes to our diets and lifestyles, we can see a world of difference in our skin. Here are a few things you can do to get started:

Eat your way to good skin! 

Dark, leafy greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and E which are all essential for healthy skin. They also contain antioxidants that help protect your skin from free radicals that can cause premature aging. You can’t go wrong with a big ol’ salad loaded with kale, spinach, and chard. Yum!

Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is a great choice for those looking to improve their skin health. Omega-3s are essential for maintaining moisture levels in the skin and preventing dryness, which can lead to inflammation and premature aging. They can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Not a fan of fish? You can also get your omega-3s from flaxseeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds. Just make sure to add them into your diet in other ways, like sprinkling them on top of yogurt or blending them into smoothies.

Avocados are another excellent source of healthy fats, and they're also packed with vitamins C and E, both of which are great for the skin. Vitamin C helps brighten the skin and even out its tone, while vitamin E provides protection against environmental damage. Together, they can help keep the skin looking young and radiant. You can add avocado to all sorts of dishes, from salads and sandwiches to tacos and burritos. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try making avocado toast! 

Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin cell turnover, which helps keep the skin looking smooth and clear. It can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines over time. Sweet potatoes are delicious roasted or mashed, but you can also use them in soups or stews for an extra nutrient boost.

Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that gives them their characteristic red colour. Lycopene has been shown to protect against sun damage, which is one of the leading causes of premature aging. So if you're looking to keep your skin looking young and radiant, make sure to add tomatoes into your diet on a regular basis. You can toss them into salads or pasta dishes, or simply eat them raw as a delicious snack. Yum!  

Walnuts are another great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which as we mentioned before, are essential for maintaining moisture levels in the skin and preventing dryness. They're also high in zinc, a mineral that plays a role in cell reproduction and wound healing—two things that are important for keeping the skin looking its best. Add walnuts to oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast or use them as a toppings for salads or main dishes. Or, if you're feeling really festive, try making your own homemade trail mix! 

Drink plenty of water. 

This one is a no-brainer but it’s so important! Staying hydrated flushes toxins out of your system and helps keep your skin cells plump and hydrated. Win-win! Our favourite refillable glass bottle is the BKR. It’s sustainable and won’t leach toxins into your water like plastic bottles do. 

Decrease alcohol intake. 

Yes, that glass of wine or prosecco at the end of the day can be a rewarding way to unwind, However, too much alcohol can leave skin dehydrated and inflamed. Alcohol inhibits collagen production and speeds up the aging process of the skin and internal organs. Moderation is the key to a healthy balance.    

Get your Zzz’s.

Sleep is when our bodies repair themselves, so it’s essential for good health overall—including the health of your skin. When you don’t get enough sleep, it shows on your face in the form of dark circles and dull, lifeless skin. So hit the hay early tonight and enjoy some beauty sleep!

Manage stress levels. 

Stress wreaks havoc on our bodies in so many ways and one of those ways is through our skin. When we’re stressed, our cortisol levels rise which can lead to inflammation and breakouts. Oof! So try to find some time each day to do something calming like meditation, yoga, reading, playing with a pet, or taking a relaxing bath. Your skin will thank you for it!

By taking care of ourselves from the inside out, we can achieve healthy, happy skin that glows from within. Just by making a few simple changes to our diets and lifestyles, we can see a world of difference in our complexions. So eat your greens, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep, and manage stress levels for starters—your skin will thank you for it!

A balanced life is a good life and the result is gorgeous, dewy skin from the inside out.