Everything we put in and on our body affects our skin – what we eat, drink and slather on – affects how we look.  Wrinkles! Ugh! Wisdom and experience are better shared in words and deeds, not etched on our face. How many times have we heard “it’s not how old you are – it’s how you feel?”  Well, I don’t know about you, but for me it’s also a lot about how I look too. Even some of the things that are supposed to be good for us like sun screen have a downside. With summer coming, let’s be real … we are not all going to give up using hair and skin care products and we aren’t going to stay out of the sun completely.

But we all want glowing, smooth and supple skin, so let’s talk about some simple – and even fun – things to ensure that we look and feel the best we can.

Skin Care Tip #1 – Vitamin C

Boost collagen production (and your immune system) by putting a little liquid vitamin C (found in health food stores) on your face before you head out for the day. It can go on first before your makeup.  Speaking of natural face creams – love guacamole? Use leftover avocado (scrape the inside of the peel) as a moisturizer after the liquid C or after exfoliating to treat your skin.

 

Skin Care Tip # 2 – Stay hydrated

Since skin cells are mostly water, if you’re dehydrated it will show all over your face. You don’t have to go crazy chugging gallons of water, just make sure to drink water – that’s pure, simple water – and eat lots of water rich foods like fruits and vegetables. Tip: Drink water slowly throughout the day, not just when you are thirsty, especially on hot summer days.

 

Skin Care Tip # 3 – You are what you eat

We all like that healthy summer glow, right?  And no way are we staying out of the sun completely. Sunflower seeds, almonds, as well as bright green, orange and yellow veggies will help you not only on the inside with much needed vitamin E and beta carotene; but they also protect your skin from UV rays. Tip: Pack nuts and seeds or chopped produce for a healthy snack during the day.

 

Skin Care Tip # 4 – Repair your skin

Actually a healthy glow comes from sloughing off dead skin cells, growing healthy new ones and having good circulation.  Zinc contributes to cell production, plus natural cell sloughing; and red blood cells need iron to carry oxygen to skin so make sure to eat beans and dark leafy green veggies so your body has these necessary minerals.

Indeed, we are what we eat and we look like it too. So keep it simple and keep it real. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and veggies, be sensible about what you put on your skin and your body will reward you with healthy looking, soft, supple and glowing skin.