In this special series, guest writer Dr Libby Weaver shares her health insights.
When you see someone with a radiant complexion (in real life, not through filters!), it’s often a reflection of much more than a clever highlighter or a well-applied primer. Truly glowing skin stems from deep within, influenced
Skin that is dull, dehydrated, prone to breakouts or blemishes, dry or ageing rapidly is often an indication that we need to address something internally. Your skin, hair and nails – even our eyebrows – serve as visible indicators of your overall health, revealing much about your body’s internal processes. These “beauty bits”, as I like to call them, tend to suffer when your body is under prolonged stress, as survival functions – like producing stress hormones – take precedence over keeping your skin radiant. If we pay attention, our skin can provide valuable clues about what’s happening inside.
A common scenario these days, however, is to cover up something about our external appearance that we feel is lacking. We put concealer over dark circles and blemishes, false nails over soft, flaky ones, fill our hair out with extensions or tattoo eyebrows on when ours begin to thin. While these things can certainly be fun and make us feel good, my concern is that if we don’t also view these things as messages from our body, we miss the opportunity to correct the problem from the inside out. It can mean that a minor imbalance or nutrient insufficiency only becomes more significant and therefore may end up taking much longer to correct.
Internal Health
We are also bombarded with advertising by the multibillion-dollar skincare industry that tells us to focus on external solutions – promising glowing, youthful skin with creams, serums and treatments. While what we put on our skin matters too (more on this later) and can play a part in our complexion, there truly is no better way to support our external appearance than by making changes that support excellent internal health. True, lasting radiance comes from within and no amount of topical solutions can substitute for a body that is nourished and thriving.
What you eat literally becomes a part of you. Nutrient-dense foods filled with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants support skin health at a cellular level. For example, vitamin C aids collagen production for firmness and elasticity and also helps prevent its breakdown. The human body can’t store vitamin C so we must obtain it from what we eat each day. Omega-3 fatty acids maintain moisture and reduce inflammation, and zinc helps heal wounds and prevent breakouts. Filling your plate with colourful vegetables, nourishing fats and quality proteins lays the foundation for vibrant skin.
Dehydration is another common culprit behind dull skin. Insufficient water intake or too much caffeine and alcohol can leave your skin parched. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and including water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon and leafy greens in your diet. Your skin is also a mirror of your gut health. If your gut microbiome is unhealthy or digestion is impaired, it can show up as acne, rosacea, or other skin conditions. Support your gut with prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods such as vegetables, particularly artichokes, garlic, asparagus and sauerkraut. Including foods like bone broth and hearty soups and stews can be a great strategy if your digestion is compromised.
Stress & Sleep
Chronic stress and poor sleep can also wreak havoc on your skin. The stress response triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol, which increase your body’s demand for nutrients and mean less nourishment is directed towards your skin health. Persistent stress hormone production can also drive inflammation and shortening of telomeres, which are two components that drive accelerated ageing. Lack of sleep, on the other hand, interferes with your body’s natural repair processes, leaving skin dull and looking tired. To address stress hormone production, consider your perceptions of pressure and urgency while also prioritising time for rest and downtime for you to do things that bring you joy. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night to give your skin (and your body) time to regenerate.
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When it comes to skincare and makeup, remember that what we put on our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream. This means products that contain synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances or other potentially concerning ingredients will add to the load of substances (consumed or absorbed) that require detoxification prior to elimination. Choosing natural products wherever possible can help minimise this burden, allowing your body to focus on its natural repair and renewal processes. Look for skincare and makeup that are free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances and unnecessary additives to support both your skin and overall health. After all, what you put on your skin should be as nourishing as what you put in your body.
Mindset
Glowing skin is about more than just nourishment and your skincare routine, it’s also about how you feel. When you’re happy, calm, confident, and/or living with purpose, it shows. Taking time to do things you love, connecting with loved ones and practising gratitude all contribute to that inner glow that no product can replicate. So, the next time you look at your skin and think it’s looking a little tired, consider what it might be trying to tell you.
Dr Libby Weaver PhD is a nutritional biochemist, 13 times bestselling author and international keynote speaker. For more on supporting yourself inside and out visit Drlibby.com
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