More on Great Looking Skin

Great-Looking Skin Starts With The Right Nutrients And Herbs

Dr. Isaac Eliaz

Beauty may be skin deep, but beautiful skin relies on being deeply healthy. Your skin can’t be flawless unless your digestion, immune system and circulation operate flawlessly. Support your health with the proper selection of nutrients and herbs, and you can count on having stunning skin.
When it comes to skin health, the age-old saying “you are what you eat” is an unavoidable truth. You do your best to protect your skin: It’s the largest and one of the most vulnerable and hardworking organs. Because skin structure is so complex, it needs extra support to keep it healthy and glowing. Skin health is a direct reflection of your overall wellness, and vice versa. That’s why the following recommendations are key not just for your skin, but for total body health; they effectively support long-term vitality on all levels.
Digestive Support
Optimal digestion and a healthy gastrointestinal system are absolutely critical for healthy skin. Healthy digestion ensures that nutrients are properly absorbed and toxins are eliminated efficiently. It increases nourishment to tissues, reduces inflammation, supports balanced hormone and immune responses, and helps detoxify the body.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3s, maintain healthy cell membranes, the gateways for nutrients and waste to enter and exit cells. Look for high-quality essential fatty acids in fish, walnuts, flax seed, olive oil and other sources of healthy fats. Flaxseed oil, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil and other omega-rich oils promote skin lubrication and hydration, rejuvenating the skin by decreasing wrinkles while preventing dehydration. Macadamia nuts contain excellent oils that support skin repair and rejuvenation; coconut oil has strong skin-protecting qualities as well.
Control Inflammation
Poor diet, stress, dehydration and environmental factors can lead to chronic inflammation that can damage fibers that keep skin elastic and supple. Inflammation can also increase toxins in the body. Several traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs can reduce inflammation and underlying infection by clearing “toxic heat.” Most commonly used are jin yin hua (Japanese honeysuckle), huang lian (coptis rhizome) and huang qin (Baikal skullcap), recommended for centuries by TCM doctors to support skin health. In addition, several key botanicals, nutrients and formulas listed below also provide anti-inflammatory effects along with other benefits.
Circulation And Immunity Support
A strong circulatory system is vital to skin health. Foods, supplements and exercises that increase circulation help to bring nutrients to the skin, aid detoxification and help reduce inflammation. Balanced immune activity also supports skin health, particularly for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
Padma Basic, a Tibetan herbal formula, has been shown to help support circulation and healthy inflammation and immune responses. Padma Basic combines tannins, flavonoids, polyphenols and essential oils that naturally boost circulation, reduce inflammation, support balanced immune function and combat free radicals, improving the health, glow and elasticity of your skin.

Increase Antioxidant Activity
Beta-carotene; lutein; vitamins C, E and A; selenium; and lipoic acid are important antioxidants for skin health. Antioxidants are especially effective when used in combination, protecting against skin damage caused by toxins, inflammation and oxidative stress. These and other antioxidants are concentrated in blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, plums, artichokes, black beans, prunes and pecans.
In addition to protecting skin cells from sun exposure, environmental toxins, processed foods and other dangers, antioxidants promote cell growth and repair, help prevent and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve your skin’s elasticity and tone, and protect against further damage. These benefits increase when antioxidants are used topically.

Increase Specific Nutrients
An adequate supply of the minerals zinc and selenium, the amino acids proline and lysine, and the hormone melatonin are critical for strengthening skin health and structure and promoting faster repair of skin damage. Consult your physician before taking melatonin or any natural or synthetic hormone supplements.

Medicinal Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms help balance immune responses, decrease inflammation, prevent damage and nourish the skin. Tremella fuciformis (white tree ear), Cordyceps sinesis and Grifola frondosa (Maitake) are specific mushroom species that offer targeted skin support to help repair, hydrate and rejuvenate.
Good Hydration
Most of us are chronically dehydrated, so drinking plenty of herbal tea and pure, filtered water is essential for skin and overall health. Some experts recommend 3 liters (about 13 cups) daily for men and 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) daily for women. Proper hydration helps clear the body of toxins that cause inflammation and blemishes. Water also helps transport nutrients and oxygen to skin cells, preventing dehydration and protecting against premature aging. Increased hydration can lead to noticeable improvements in skin appearance and energy levels in just a few days.
The Role Of Detoxification
Gentle, whole-body detoxification is a vital step in achieving optimal skin health. Research has demonstrated the positive effects of modified citrus pectin and alginates to remove heavy metals and environmental toxins from the body, without affecting essential mineral levels. In addition, NAC, garlic, cilantro, parsley and Ginkgo biloba promote natural detoxification, reduce oxidative stress and support circulation and vital energy. When taken over time, these ingredients can help to safely and gently remove toxins, contributing to brighter, clearer skin and improved elasticity.
Relieve Stress
Chronic stress is often first reflected in your skin health. The inflammation and degradation caused by ongoing stress hormones can have serious, long-term impacts on all systems of the body. Additionally, tension in facial muscles can cause permanent lines and furrows. My top recommendation for addressing chronic and acute stress includes regular meditation practice, which has been shown to reduce markers of stress and inflammation. The deep breathing practiced in regular meditation exercises can also help oxygenate tissues to promote a healthy glow.
In addition to providing greater energy, clarity and overall health, these healthy habits help revitalize your skin and directly reflect your inner vitality. Learn more by visiting www.DrEliaz.org.