When looking at the internal support of the skin we can see that all of the foods we eat will have some impact on the skin but there are however, six vital elements for skin health and balance. When we are low or deficient in one, the others are all affected. They need to be in constant balance for skin health.
You could be abundant in one nutrient, but deficient in another. This deficient nutrient will affect your ability to use the nutrient you have in abundance.
Think of it this way: you are only as strong as your weakest link.
So what are the SIX Essential Nutritional Elements for Skin? Read below:
Water
Both the inside and outside of our skin are very reliant on water. Deep down, our collagen and elastin fibres rely on correct water levels in the skin to maintain the moisture and flexibility of our skin. On top, our skin contains enzymes that rely on water in order to remain active. Without water, enzyme action is drastically reduced and the skin will suffer.
This is where our Skin Soaking comes in. It’s not just about the water we drink – although that is super important too! The health and beauty of the skin is dependent on this top layer of our skin being sufficiently hydrated. Unfortunately, it is difficult for these top skin layers to tap into the body’s internal reservoir of water. Because of this the hydration of the epidermis is more influenced by the environment in which we live (air conditioning, etc) and the skin care products we choose to use.
TIP: Add lemon to your water in the morning to boost hydration. Add Skin Soaking to your skin care regime morning and night.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s)
This is the most commonly deficient nutrient. EFA’s are important for skin, hair, wound healing and immunity. Both Omega 3 AND Omega 6 are beneficial to the skin. Omega 3 is great at solving dry skin (think eczema!), though Omega 6 is the most imperative for those suffering from skin disorders. Oils high in Omega 6 help to prevent congestion and dissolve existing blockages (think acne, eczema, dryness, sensitivity!). They help to protect the skin, to form a smooth, healing and non-irritating layer over the skin. This helps to keep your hydration in, and keep out the damaging factors.
TIP: Your moisturiser from within, is your EFA loaded Bestow Beauty Oil. Generally 1 tablespoon a day, mixed into food.
B Complex Vitamins
B Complex vitamins must be present in the body, so it can utilise EFA’s. These go hand in hand, and are non-negotiable when dealing with skin conditions.
B Complex Vitamins are water-soluble so must be supplied to the body on a daily basis.
Not only do they help your body utilise EFA’s, they are also help the oil produced by your skin gets out (not trapped) onto the skin surface.
TIP: Take 2x Janesce B Complex Vitamins a day. One for breakfast, and one for lunch. These contain 50mg each of B2 and B6 for optimum skin health.
Zinc
Zinc is a trace mineral, required in the body by more than 2000 enzymes (70 enzymes in the skin rely on zinc!). Unfortunately this is also one of the most common deficiencies, and in NZ, most likely needs to be supplemented. Being deficient in zinc can cause your skin to become weak, age faster, heal slowly (whether wound or acne!), look dull, or split nails/hair. We need at least 15mg per day.
TIP: Our Janesce Zinc Repair supplement contains all you need to address any Zinc deficiencies. Get your zinc levels tested by us, or by the Waimauku Pharmacy – it’s a simple taste test and will take less then 5 minutes!
Vitamin A
Why do we need Vitamin A? Because it aids in the growth, maintenance and repair of all skin! It keeps your skin cells growing strong and able to heal quickly, thus ageing gracefully. You need Zinc to metabolize Vitamin A – so make sure you are not deficient in either. We have the Janesce Zinc Repair that will address both of these concerns.
TIP: Our Janesce Zinc Repair also contains your Vitamin A supplements for healthy skin. 1 per day with breakfast, lunch and dinner is a good place to start (your therapist will recommend specifically for you). Also increase both yellow and orange fruit and veges, as well as dark green leafy veges!
Vitamin C
Most of us are pretty familiar with Vitamin C. But do you know specifically what it does for skin? It plays a major role in the formation of collagen (anti-aging fibres!). It boosts wound healing, strengthens your capillaries, helps with the absorption of iron (we need this to make sure our skin received the right supply of oxygen!). And of course, it’s a major antioxidant!
TIP: On rising in the morning, drink the juice of ½ a lemon in warm water, approximately 20 minutes before breakfast. Oh! Don’t forget to add more fresh fruit and vegetables to your diet!
The IBX system is designed for weak and damaged nails. This intensive strengthening treatment works so you can build up length and durability, starting from the INSIDE OUT.
