Age gracefully with these tips for radiant skin

(NaturalNews) One of the less desirable parts about getting older is the ageing of our skin. As we grow older, our skin often becomes less elastic, vibrant, and colorful. How quickly this ageing of our skin occurs depends on various lifestyle factors including diet, mindset, sun exposure, toxin accumulation, and topical skin products.

Bottom line, if you want to age gracefully and have radiant skin, you need to take care of yourself internally and externally. Here are some of the best skin care tips to do just that.

80% of your diet should be raw produce

One of the first fundamental requirements is to ingest clean, whole, and highly nutritious fruits and vegetables. These foods are incredibly cleansing, contain a wide array of skin supporting nutrients, and are loaded with antioxidants, which helps slow down the oxidation process in your body (a key factor in ageing).

To start, consume at least a produce-filled smoothie and salad on a daily basis, and give it 30-60 days to show initial results.

Hydrate

Since we are approximately 70% water, it only makes sense that proper hydration will contribute to more supple and ageless skin. Not only does it keep our body "moist", it is also key to cleansing toxins out of the body.

Not any old water will do, however. Stick with approved spring water or a reputable water filter, to ensure you at least eliminate the toxic chemicals typically present in the public water supply. Think one glass of water to every 20 lbs of body weight.

Sweat and exfoliate

A key part of healthy looking skin is to make sure the pores remain open and do not become clogged with oils, dirt, and petroleum based skin products. In addition to that, it is important to give your skin a good scrub to slough off dead skin cells and encourage new ones to generate. This way, any anti-ageing products you use can also be properly absorbed.

Some great ways to sweat include exercise, hot baths, and infrared saunas. To exfoliate, look at loofah's, dry brushes, and natural exfoliating skin products.

Consume skin-promoting nutrients

In addition to a diet containing up to 70% raw produce, you may also focus specifically on other nutrients that are known to help create younger looking skin.

Vitamin A, C, and E

Vitamin A promotes proper repair and maintenance of skin, and any deficiencies can result in a dry complexion. For good, whole food sources of vitamin A, look at fermented cod liver oil, carrots, apricots, kale, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and spinach.

Vitamin C is very effective at reducing free radical damage, such as excessive sun exposure and pollution. Free radicals consume collagen and elastin, fibers that support skin structure, and cause wrinkles and signs of premature ageing. Foods high in vitamin C include camu camu, acerola cherry, guava, kale, red and green peppers, and oranges.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce the effects of excessive sun exposure on the skin. It also reduces the appearances of wrinkles. When applied topically, it can soothe rough or dry skin. Good sources of vitamin E include wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds, almonds, avocados, prunes, spinach, cabbage, asparagus, and astaxanthin.

Omega 3 fatty acids

Essential fatty acids (EFA's) are responsible for skin repair, moisture content, and overall flexibility. Since the body can't produce its own EFAs, they must be obtained from the diet. Quality sources of omega 3's include hemp seeds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and fish oils.

Zinc

Zinc is a very important component to healthy skin by controlling the production of oil in the skin and some of the hormones that can create things like acne. Foods rich in zinc include pumpkin seeds, oysters, ginger, pecans, Brazil nuts, oats, and eggs.

Selenium

Selenium is an antioxidant mineral responsible for tissue elasticity, and it helps prevent cell damage from free radicals. Good sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, wheat germ, salmon, garlic, eggs, and brown rice.

Silica

Silica is a trace mineral that strengthens the body's connective tissues, including those in our skin. A deficiency can result in reduced skin elasticity and a reduction in the body's ability to heal wounds. Good food sources of silica include leeks, green beans, garbanzo beans, strawberries, cucumber, mango, celery, asparagus, and rhubarb.

One also needs to keep in mind that reducing those things that can cause premature ageing of the skin is also important. Limit your sun exposure, eliminate toxic skin products, mitigate stress, and cut back or avoid processed foods, sugar, caffeine, dairy, gluten, alcohol, and conventional meat products.

For a simple strategy on improving your skin and getting rid of dry flakes, especially during the dry winter months, visit Dry Winter Skin? Here's Help. The most important aspect of healthy skin often starts at the gut. Check out Balance your Eco-system.

Sources:

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

http://www.annmariegianni.com

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://www.healingthebody.ca

About the author:
Derek Henry took a deadly health challenge that conventional medicine couldn't solve and self-directed a one-in-a-million health journey that found him happier and healthier than he had been in his entire life. As a result of this rewarding journey, he now spends his time writing, coaching, and educating thousands of people each month who want to enjoy similar results under their own direction.

Find out how you can reverse disease and thrive with a holistic approach.