Your skin – the body’s largest organ – is intricately connected to every body system, and it’s one of the primary indicators of our overall health. When you’re healthy and taking care of yourself, it shows in your skin! That’s why, if you’re after a radiant look and a glowing complexion, you should start by developing healthy living habits that promote skin health from the inside.
How to keep skin healthy
Achieving beautiful skin that comes naturally with a healthy body can sometimes feel out of reach. But it shouldn’t. There are many easy ways to implement healthy habits that will have your skin glowing in no time. Start with these simple steps, and follow up with a consistent skincare routine using high-quality, natural skincare products.
1. Watch what (and how) you eat
Prioritizing a nutritious diet, full of real, whole food ingredients, does more than just promote healthy digestion and help maintain a healthy weight. The food we eat nourishes both our physical bodies and our mental and spiritual well-being. It’s important to make sure we’re choosing the best food, free of chemicals, pesticides and hormones.
Eating healthy can be a challenge, especially in busy times with work and family needing so much of our attention. To make it easier, try meal planning. Start by mapping out – and preparing – a week of dishes ahead of time. Make it fun by trying out new recipes and incorporating new ingredients and dishes into your menu. Sourcing organic produce and sustainably raised meat will ensure that you’re putting only the most beneficial elements into your body, and will support the care of the earth and the animals, too.
Another practice that’s helpful is mindful eating. Make an effort to be present in the moment while you eat, enjoying flavors and textures and a peaceful atmosphere. Also consider cooking with a friend or loved one. Studies show that enjoying food with others can promote healthy digestion, reduce anxiety and instill a greater sense of well-being.
Remember, your skin will benefit from all of these practices – the energetic component of healthy and happy eating will only support the emergence of your natural glow and radiance.
2. Get moving!
Regular physical activity is an integral part of your inner and outer beauty. Besides the benefits of exercise for immune health, it reduces inflammation and increases “feel good” hormones in the body. Plus, the increased blood flow can generate a healthy glow in your skin by releasing stress and toxin build-up.
Yoga is an excellent choice for getting in touch with the body and the breath, and there is a wide range of yoga styles you can choose from. You can try gentle, breath-based restorative practices, or go for invigorating hot yoga classes that push your boundaries of comfort. You can also find meditative, flowing practices, incorporating more challenging strength-building techniques. These flow practices allow you to gauge your own body’s readiness to push, or surrender, all the while encouraging mental and physical relaxation.
If you want to combine two beneficial activities in one, get some physical activity while enjoying the benefits of nature. Fresh air and sunshine are natural mood boosters, and increased blood flow from walking, hiking, running or biking will enhance your skin’s natural radiance. Experiencing the richness nature also is a great way to clear your mind of clutter and the stress of daily life.
3. Practice self care – and get enough sleep
Self care might seem like a luxury, but with the right mindset and tools, it’s doable for anyone. Whether you choose to go for a walk, make time for a nap or cook a delicious meal with your family, you’ll feel the benefits of self care manifesting immediately. And in no time, these practices may even feel effortless.
Aromatherapy is another easy and effective way to enhance well-being and support your emotional state. At a basic level, our sense of smell is linked to the part of our brain that helps manage our stress responses. So incorporating aromatherapy into your life may help you to relax into a sense of calm, breathe easier and manage stress caused by the daily grind.
You might consider trying CBD Hemp Flower is another natural, organic and gentle product that’s becoming more and more popular on the wellness market, due to its versatility, gentle effects, and beneficial properties. Unlike cannabis, CBD Hemp Flower is non-psychoactive, meaning that it does not create unwanted mental, emotional or physical effects. Many users report experiencing better sleep, clearer thought processes, and calm that permeates their being in a very therapeutic way.
And, as obvious as it might sound, sufficient sleep is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support all of your body’s systems. Many organs detoxify and regenerate themselves during the night, so allowing your body ample time to rest and reset is important.
Your mental and emotional well-being is also inextricably linked to sufficient, high-quality sleep. Studies have shown that, over time, a lack of sleep can cause memory issues, reduced concentration and an increased risk of depression and anxiety. It also negatively impacts your immune system, and can cause stress-related skin issues like hives, increased redness and hormone-related breakouts.
The solution? Make time for sleep! Set an alarm to remind yourself to start winding down an hour or two before bedtime – preferably, without electronics. The blue light in many electronic devices such as phones, tablets and smart TVs can impair your brain’s ability to wind down effectively. Set the mood for rest by spraying your pillow with lavender essential oil, dimming lights and connecting with your breathing.
Once you set up habits like these, your body and mind – and skin – will respond with gratitude!