About Me

I have been a teacher of fitness and health for thirty years. In 1989 I was certified for personal training with the National Acadamy of Sports Medicine. I had a gym in Santa Barbara for eight years. Co-owned and created a spinning bike company which manufactured bikes for five years. Also I have worked with nutrition companies for twenty years. Along with many wonderful non famous people I have trained many celebrities, and members of the Royal Family. My own athletic past consists of long distance running, long distance cycling, cross country skiing, down hill skiing, rollerblading, hiking, sand running, track work, and weight training. I have authored two fitness columns in local papers, and have been writing this blog since January 2010.

Monday, March 15, 2010

What to do for Healthy Skin



One of the biggest myths about our skin is believing that what you put on the skin is what will make it healthy. The reality is...it is what you put into your body that can improve the look and health of your skin.

What you eat has much to do with the outcome of your skin. If you are eating foods high in sugar, preservatives, chemicals; essentially processed foods, your skin does not have a good chance at being healthy.

There are certain things our skin needs to be healthy. One of those things is vitamin A which can be found in low fat dairy products. Eating yogurt, cottage cheese, or cheese in a low fat form will provide you with vitamin A.


You have heard me talk about antioxidants numerous times. Well here I go again....fruits like blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, plums, and pomegranates, are high in antioxidants and protect the cells in your skin. This can help your skin from premature aging and sun damage.


Another reason to eat fresh vegetables is the antioxidant content for your skin. Again they help protect your cells, which will keep your skin healthier. Drinking fresh juices (see past blog on juicing) is an incredible way to help your skin. Tons of antioxidants, and other vitamins and minerals will go to work for your skin when you juice.

Foods that are high in essential fatty acids are a great choice to improve your skin. These include salmon, other fish high in omega 3, walnuts, canola oil, and flax seed. These foods help to create healthy cell membranes for plumper, healthier looking skin.

Adding two tablespoons of cold pressed or virgin oil to your diet everyday, will help keep your skin looking young and supple. It will lubricate your skin so to speak, and it is also good for the rest of your body. You need "good" fats for your body and skin to function properly. Avocados are another great choice for good fats for your skin.

Green tea is wonderful for good skin. It has anti-inflammatory capabilities, and protects the cell membrane. Studies show that it may help to prevent skin cancer.

Selenium is another mineral that is good for your skin. It is found in turkey, whole wheat products, brazil nuts, and tuna. Researchers have found that people who eat diets high in selenium have less skin damage due to the sun.

Speaking of the sun...We all know that sun is one of the worst things for our skin. Our skin ages faster when we get too much sun. It is "Free Radical" damage at its finest. Always use sunblock when you are out in the sun if you want to keep your skin from getting old too soon!


Water, water, water, is essential for good skin. You must hydrate your skin from the inside out. Putting creams on the outside will give short term hydration to the top level, but will never penetrate deep into your skin. It is water that is the best moisturizer for skin.

And last but not least....exercise! When you exercise you will sweat, which will push impurities out of your skin. You will never have black heads or clogged pores when you sweat a lot. It also creates circulation, another thing that is good for skin.

Cleaning your skin is important to do. Use products that don't have perfumes and chemicals for best results. Rinse your face multiple times with clean water after washing. It will help to clean your skin better than any cleanser.


So eat the foods listed above, use sun block, drink lots of water, exercise, and rinse with plenty of water. Your skin will thank you for it by being "Beautiful".




Till Tomorrow,
Queenie

No comments:

Post a Comment