Healthy Skin from the Inside Out

By Alice Burron –

Why is it that some people have younger looking skin? It could be incredible make-up, a meticulous skin care regiment, amazing genetics (out of our control) or a healthy lifestyle. Topical skin care treatments are undoubtedly important, but even more so is a healthy lifestyle that ensures healthy skin from the inside out.

Here is your healthy living plan for beautiful, healthy younger looking skin. (And the best thing about this plan is that the secrets to healthy skin are also the secrets to a healthy weight!) Pick one or two health habits to work on. Once you’ve master those, move on and add more. Be sure to track your progress and your skin appearance!

• Manage your stress. Has anyone told you that you look stressed lately? Stress makes itself known immediately in your facial expressions and your skin—through wrinkles, paleness, puffiness or even dark circles under the eyes. Make it a priority to customize a plan to handle stress.

• Take a nap. When possible take a horizontal rest and let the fluids under your skin redistribute. The result is a fresh face and a younger-looking you.

• Avoid processed foods. Examples include canned sauces and soups, pre-made snack foods and packaged easy-to-prepare meals. These foods often have preservatives and additional sodium which can make you look and feel puffy and bloated.

• Space your meals. Keep your blood sugar stable throughout the day by making sure you’re eating consistently to minimize systemic stress from under- or over-eating.

• Cut out refined sugar from your diet. Not only does sugar pack a lot of empty calories, it can take its toll on your skin by possibly giving you a case of bad acne and eczema.

• Stay active. Even low-intensity activity increases blood flow to the skin and increases overall circulation making for healthy, rosy cheeks. Even better yet—sweat it up to cleanse pores.

• Drink lots of water. Raisins look like they do because they’re dehydrated. Don’t create the same condition for your skin. Be sure to consume at least eight ounces of water eight times a day, and increase if you’re more active.

• Keep your food colorful. Eat fruits and vegetables from as many different color groups as possible. Each color provides unique substances; eating a variety of color increases the chances of you receiving the most of their protective nutritional properties.
If you consistently make healthy lifestyle choices but are still struggling with breakouts, rashes, or other skin issues, you may want to discuss those issues with your doctor to rule out other health conditions that may be to blame.

Alice Burron earned a master’s in physical education with an emphasis in exercise physiology from the University of Wyoming. She is an affiliate spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and is an ACE certified personal trainer and certified Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant. Her first book, Four Weeks to Fabulous, is aimed at helping the busy person lose weight using sound nutrition, weight control and exercise principles that are proven successful. Visit her on her website at http://www.2bfit.net/.