I have been seeing a few patients recently who are concerned about their skin. They are either suffering with break out’s, dry skin, sensitive skin, inflamed skin,or they have generally unhealthy looking skin that bothers them cosmetically.

I am a huge fan of ‘Tailor Made Solutions’ as we all know, no two people are alike. Every individual is unique. Our bodies also work in systems, meaning one system is not in isolation, especially concerning our skin. Our skin is greatly influenced by what we eat and drink, how well we eliminate our toxins, hormonal function, what we breath, stress levels, and certain diseases. That’s a lot to keep under control!

Here are some basic tips to help bring out the best looking skin for you:

1. Water

• Water is best source to eliminate toxins, as well as prevent dehydration. This sounds obvious, but many of us don’t consider this when looking at skin changes. 70% of our body content is water based.
• Also remember that caffeine (tea and coffee) and alcohol dehydrate the skin. for every cup of caffeine or alcohol you drink, you dehydrate your body by two cups. Do the scary maths!
• Try avoid flavored water as they contain unnecessary flavourants/ artificial sweeteners/  sugar. I water is too ‘boring’, add a few slices of lemon, cucumber or strawberries. I also love adding torn up fresh Rose Geranium leaves or fresh mint leaves.

2. Raw Fruit and vegetables

• Our bodies crave fresh, raw fruit and vegetables as they provide essential nutrients to the body. Besides vital vitamins and minerals, they provide essential phytonutrients, especially antioxidants.
• Fruit and veggies that are red, blue, yellow, orange and green provide lots of nutrients. The richer and deeper the colours, the more the antioxidant content! Strive for organic produce, but if you’re getting it from a normal grocer, always rinse thoroughly with salt water and bicarb solution
• I recommend we should be getting in at least 7- 10 serving a day, in order to bolster skin healing and rejuvenatation. I like to start or end my day with a smoothie. Its an easy way to get at least 5 serving in! Here is an example of what I had this morning:
  • 1 small yellow plum, 1 large celery stick, 1 large crunch pear, 1/2 cup of cucumber, 2 tablespoons of pomegranite seeds, 1 cm slice of fresh ginger root, 3 tablespoons of raw, organic plain yoghurt, water for consistency.
• Try having at least 4 smoothies a week, and you will see the difference in skin texture and quality!

3. Protein and healthy fats

• Our skin cells are made up of protein and fats. We must supplement our diets with these in order to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier. An easy way to supplement with them is by  eating foods that contain both!
• Healthy fat and protein sources:
  • Raw nuts and seeds
  • Raw Coconut
  • Avocado
  • Raw dairy (milk, yoghurt, amasi, butter)
  • Eggs (free range/ organic)
  • Meat- fish (low heavy metal tested), chicken (free range/ organic), red meat (grass fed)

4. Supplementation

• This is only recommended if the you are not getting enough in your diet. Speak to a health professional about more personalised guidance.
• Skin essentials:
  • Antioxidant vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E
  • Minerals: Zinc and Sulphur

5. Organic Skin care

• Natural skin care can have some blurry lines. The main ingredients to avoid in natural skincare are:
  • Alcohol (this is extremely dehydrating)
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
  • Parabens

• I’m a HUGE fan of organic and natural skincare. I personally use a beautiful range called Esse Organic Skincare. It is South African developed and is COMPLETELY chemical/alcohol free. Its so natural, you could eat it! It’s an international exported range. The difference in my skin texture has been amazing, and many of my patients that use this range agree. I love having it as part of my natural brand.

Remember, your health is in your hands. Start healing your skin from the inside and you will soon see the rewards!