CLEAN BEAUTY - THE BEST APPROACH TO HEALTHY SKIN AGING

May 28, 2018 by Renee Tavoularis

By Paula Simpson

In a society that continues to place heavy emphasis on “anti-aging,” it may be time to rethink this because we know aging is inevitable. Rather, encompassing a philosophy that embraces healthy aging and healthy skin aging using a full spectrum of naturally inspired care, from our inner health to outer appearance and the lifestyle we choose, is becoming a more gratifying way to think and live for many, and it’s called clean beauty.

Here’s why: Outside of genetics, overall lifestyle plays a critical role in delaying or accelerating the aging process. It is also well known that deficient diet, poor skincare, and a toxic lifestyle negatively impact how well we age.

“Consumers are engaging in a more holistic approach to health, lifestyle and beauty, all with a green, clean living mindset.”

The link between wholesome, natural, organic food and beauty is more pronounced than ever, with superfoods marketed not only for health purposes but also as nourishing actives within skincare lines. This ecofriendly and non-toxic approach towards skin health and beauty is fast becoming the preferred route for many to “feel and look” their best.

NATURAL BEAUTY AND HEALTHY SKIN AGING STARTS FROM WITHIN

Nutrition and natural health experts consider that many conditions of poor health may be brought about by one or more of the following:

• Poor digestion. Such as stomach acid insufficiency and/or poor digestive enzyme production/or imbalanced gut microflora
• Food intolerance and allergies. Frequent consumption of irritating foods can lead to allergies with symptoms manifesting in the skin for example.
• Nutrient deficiency. Due to poor diet and/or poor digestion and absorption
• Toxic overload. Although the body is very efficient in eliminating toxins, chronic overexposure to toxins from diet, skin, hair and household products and the environment can overload systems shunting toxins to be stored in organs, fat and skin tissue. 

Overtime, these imbalances may extend to physical symptoms (including the health and appearance of your skin). Recent clinical data has correlated certain skin conditions such as; adult acne, atopic dermatitis and photo-aging with toxin overload, poor gut health and nutrient deficiency.

CLEAN NUTRITION FOR OPTIMAL SKIN HEALTH

To nourish the skin from within, a “clean” organic, unprocessed, non-gmo plant based diet is recommended by leading nutrition and dermatology experts. It's best to select local and organically grown produce when possible with emphasis on “superfoods” that provide the vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants that the body needs for healthy skin and efficient detoxification. High fiber foods, clean water and herbal teas can help draw out toxins through digestive and urinary pathways. 

Choose more of: 

• Deep colored fruits and vegetables – blueberries, pomegranate, grapes, cranberries, broccoli, tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, red cabbage, dark green leafy vegetables, citrus, pears, melons, prunes.
• More Omega-3 fats (walnuts, sesame seeds, ground flaxseed, hempseed, chia seed or oil) Choose high quality olive grapeseed oils for cooking.
• High fiber/low-glycemic foods – higher fiber fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, beans, whole grains over white refined foods. Aim to get 30 g of Fiber per day, but start slowly and make sure you keep your fluid intake up. Best fiber sources come from beans, legumes, fresh produce, whole grains
• Get your protein from non-animal sources like legumes, nuts, and soy. Pea, rice or soy protein alternatives come in many varieties now to optimize amino acid profile! High quality proteins provide amino acids critical to support the structural integrity of the skin. Almonds can even help with both skin health and improved sleep!
• Ginger, Turmeric, Green Tea, Cocoa, Cayenne, Cinnamon- have potent anti-inflammatory and blood sugar balancing effects on the body and can readily be incorporated into foods or taken as a tea.
• Probiotics/Prebiotics found in coconut kefir, fermented foods such as sauerkraut, miso, kombucha, or tempeh, balance gut and skin microbiome and strengthen immunity. By maintaining gut health, nutrients are best absorbed from our food and toxins are neutralized and removed before they can be absorbed by the body (and potentially build up in skin tissue).

CLEAN BEAUTY FOR OPTIMAL SKIN HEALTH

From skin and hair care, to fragrance and make up, consider what the average person applies on their skin and hair every day and you begin to understand how quickly this adds up. According to the EWG, the average person lathers, rubs and sprays 12 products on his or her body every day--and since our skin also acts like a sponge, we can absorb hundreds of chemicals we regularly expose ourselves to. While we don’t really know the magnitude of how cosmetic chemicals can affect us, some we do know are linked to ill health effects. Phthalates and parabens for example, used in skincare and fragrances have been linked as potential hormone and fertility disruptors in the body. If these chemical ingredients can penetrate and potentially impact our inner health, why should we think they are good for outer appearance too? 

Support your skin’s health and lessen your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, by choosing non-toxic, certified organic, plant-derived ingredients which are rich in phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals and are associated with an array of health benefits — protection against free radical damage, enhanced collagen production, increased circulation and cellular renewal, moisture replenishment and retention and significant improvement in the skin’s overall appearance. You can also change your skin care habits and further lessen your prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals.

Many brands offer “natural” based clean beauty products but to be truly confident in the quality and purity of a product, opt for organic based products for cleaner beauty. Certified organic products are verified that they are produced from start to finish without the use of synthetic chemicals.

“Organic ingredients are those grown without artificial chemicals, fertilizers or pesticides, which is healthier for the planet and healthier for our bodies”

Combining clean eating and clean skincare enhances the skin health beyond what one regimen could do on its own, so the visible result is -  Fewer fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration — and a complexion that both looks and feels rejuvenated. 

In Health & Beauty,
Paula Simpson

Paula is a holistic beauty expert who has integrated her expertise in nutrition, natural health and beauty to drive innovation within the medical, wellness and personal care sectors. With global recognition as a formulation expert, Paula has dedicated her time in educating both the medical aesthetic and personal care industries on the importance of nutrition to promote natural beauty and healthy aging. She has successfully combined her scientific and holistic nutrition background to create some of the most successful beauty wellness products and programs available today. As a consultant, Paula’s strength in natural health proved successful for many clients including top celebrities, executives, children and competitive athletes. She is regularly sought after as an industry speaker, media expert and a frequent contributor for many of the leading health, beauty and spa publications worldwide. Paula has been formally recognized as one of the leading innovators & powerful women in the natural beauty industry today. https://paulasimpson.com/

At WELL WITHIN BEAUTY, instead of fighting aging, we prefer to embrace healthy aging — even celebrate it. Our skincare products are created with the belief that wellness and beauty are inextricably linked. Nourishing your skin is an integrative process inclusive of natural organic skincare products, optimal nutrition and mindful lifestyle choices. When these holistic practices converge, you will be ideally positioned to attain optimal wellness and vibrant skin health.

Discover our certified organic, Super Nutrient Touch-free Face Moisturizer, an all-natural touch-free way to hydrate throughout the day. With extraordinary touch-free, hands-free hygienic application, this certified organic skin-plumping moisturizer provides hydration and radiance whenever your skin may feel dull and dry. Instantly smooths, soothes and softens skin - anytime, anywhere!