Hopefully, you had the chance to read my previous post, “Clear Up Your Skin Part I.” As I mentioned there, achieving clear and radiant skin is absolutely possible with a holistic approach. By holistic, I don’t mean being overly alternative—though hugging a tree isn’t a bad idea! What I really mean is looking beyond just drugstore products. Consider what’s on your plate, reflect inwardly, and get active! Here are more tips to help you become even more stunning than you already are:
1. Incorporate Healthy Fats. Your cells are essentially built from fat, so it’s crucial to consume the right types. Let’s first talk about the fats you should avoid: rancid, denatured fats. These unhealthy fats, which are detrimental to your hormonal balance, skin health, and cardiovascular health, often come in clear plastic bottles filled with yellow liquid. These unstable oils should not sit on store shelves for months. I won’t delve into their processing here, as that’s a topic for another post! Moreover, many of these oils leach plastic into the oil, which can disrupt hormones.
Also, stay away from fried foods (like fries and onion rings) cooked in vegetable oil. If you consume animal fats in products like meat, chicken, or Greek yogurt, ensure they are of high quality. Toxins are stored in fat, so non-organic options may contain these harmful substances.
What to include in your diet?
– Avocados
– Raw nuts and seeds (in moderation, since excessive amounts can be acidic—even when soaked)
– Fatty wild fish like salmon, mackerel, or sardines
– Extra-virgin olive oil
– Organic coconut oil
– Hemp seeds and hemp oil (great for reducing inflammation with GLA fatty acid)
– Leafy greens (surprisingly, they are a source of anti-inflammatory omega-3s!)
– Raw, unpasteurized goat cheese (in moderation, and only if you’re not sensitive to goat milk products, as they can provide anti-inflammatory benefits unlike cow’s milk)
Try to include a healthy fat in every meal. Examples include adding coconut oil to your morning smoothie or almond milk with quinoa porridge, sprinkling hemp seeds on your lunch bowl (take them to work if you eat out!), and drizzling extra-virgin olive oil on sautéed kale. It’s easier than you think!
2. Detoxify Your Liver, Improve Your Skin. Junk food ultimately burdens your liver with toxins. Consuming non-organic foods (especially meats and chicken), birth control hormones, and foods with preservatives and additives sends these toxins to your liver. A congested liver can result in eczema and skin breakouts. Since your skin is a detoxifying organ, helping your liver detoxify can improve your skin’s appearance. Consider using a dry skin brush to aid detoxification. Here’s a video to learn more about it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJmdY0v6oNE. I’ll share more detox foods in part III.
3. Get Moving. Exercise is key to promoting good circulation to your cells. Physical activity stimulates your lymphatic system, essential for detoxification. Efficient detoxification helps your skin glow as toxins are removed before reaching your liver. Better circulation also ensures vitamins and minerals reach where they’re needed most.
Feel free to browse my YouTube channel for supplement recommendations that support healthy skin. Here’s to a beautiful day!
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Hey Joy!
You’re amazing, and I’m so thankful for this post. Regarding hemp seeds, are they the same as hemp hearts? Would chia seeds be as beneficial? Or is there a specific reason you mentioned hemp seeds?
Thanks,
Kate
Hi Joy, apologies for a second comment! I found this controversial post on coconut oil. I’ve been persuading my husband to use just coconut and olive oil. What do you think of this ‘scientific’ critique of coconut oil? Would all oils fare similarly under such scrutiny? [Link to post]
Adding to Point #3, twists and side bends in yoga can help ‘wring out’ organs like the liver for detoxification.
I’m curious about Kate’s question. Coconut oil has mixed reviews. I know it becomes trans-fat at high temperatures, but is it better than other oils when used cold?
Hi Joy,
In your video on supplements for healthy skin, you mention probiotics and hormone-based contraceptives. I assume probiotics don’t affect birth control effectiveness, right? Is there a recommended way to take these pills, or any timing needed between them?
Thanks,
Kim
That’s correct, Kim—probiotics don’t affect the effectiveness of birth control pills.
Hi Joy,
What makeup do you use? I try to stay natural but use a bit of blush and mascara. Any suggestions for clean, natural products?
Thanks!
Hi Joy! I have recently developed acne on my shoulders and back, whereas it used to be on my face. Do you know why? What should I do if a painful pimple doesn’t form a head but becomes a brown scar instead?
Thanks!
[Link to post for more information]
