Let me start out by saying…

This isn't a blog post that gives the perfect how to for flawless skin. Because I don't believe there is such a thing as perfect skin and I want to encourage you to embrace the skin you're in! And part of loving your skin is treating it right. Our skin is the first line of defense against harmful bacteria, so being kind to our skin is about more than just appearance, it’s about our overall health.

Which is why it makes sense that healthy skincare begins with nutrition.

Just like any other organ in your body, what we eat affects the health of our skin.
Nutritional skincare can be as simple as incorporating beneficial foods and avoiding harmful ones.
Due to our bio-individuality, certain foods will have a different affect person to person, although there are some general common guidelines when it comes to nutrition and skincare.

Nutritional Skincare Do’s:

Drink lots of water!

Staying hydrated keeps skin cells functioning properly. Carry around a water bottle during the day, keep it by your bedside at night, take it with you when you leave the house!

Eat healthy fats

These foods are important for brain health and hormone balance as well as skin health! And also soo yummy. Foods like avocado, coconut cream, coconut oil, ghee, cashews, chia seeds, salmon, walnuts…to name a few.

Add collagen

Collagen powder can be added into smoothies, coffee, tea, yogurt, oatmeal…you name it! Foods like bone broth and meats with skin and bone on them are naturally high in collagen as well. Collagen counts for 70% of the protein in our skin!

Get your vitamins

Vitamins A, E, B12, and C to be exact. All are especially important for healthy skin.

You’ll want to avoid:

Dairy

Even if you tolerate dairy, it can often be the culprit for breakouts.

Processed Sugar

Sugar is detrimental to so many areas of our health, including skincare. Processed sugar damages our skin’s collagen.

Gluten

Personally I tolerate gluten okay and try to limit it in my diet. I have to eat a lot of it to notice breakouts, but other people have much higher sensitivities to gluten and it is a common skin health disruptor.

Studies show that what we put on our skin gets absorbed into our body’s circulation system

Studies are showing that actually, even MORE chemicals than we had originally thought are absorbed into our bodies topically. And unfortunately, mainstream beauty products are a HUGE source of harmful, hormone disrupting chemicals. Natural skincare products can be spendy, so I like to make my own! Plus that way I know exactly what ingredients are going on my skin (and in my body!) Here are a few of my favorite go-to recipes

face wash

1 part coconut oil

1/8 part activated charcoal

1/8 part baking soda

lavender essential oil

tea tree essential oil

toner

1 part water

1 part witch hazel

geranium essential oil

Body butter

An adaption from Mama Natural recipe

1/2 c mango butter

1/4 c shea butter

1/4 c cocoa butter

1/2 c coconut oil

1/4 c avocado oil

1/4 c rosehip seed oil

1 tsp vitamin E oil

In a large glass measuring bowl placed inside a pot of water, add everything but the avocado, rosehip seed, and vitamin E oils and melt slowly over low heat. Once completely melted take off heat and stir in avocado, rosehip seed, and vitamin E oils. Place in the refrigerator until completely cooled, then using a high speed blender whip the butter on medium-high until light and fluffy. Transfer to a jar with an air tight lid.

Healthy Skin From The Inside Out