Make a Skin-Vestment
Written by Jordan Valdez, ND, RD
Flawless, youthful skin - a reflection of good health and gentle aging. Our skin is our body’s largest organ and the only organ that we wear. This is why investing in the skin is important- it’s going to represent you for a very long time. Most people tend to focus on external care such as skin products and facial treatments. However, naturopathic doctors (ND) would argue that the focus should be on internal care, such as nutrition, hydration, and a functional digestive system. As they say, “a healthy outside starts from the inside.”
Skin issues are often managed with various medications (such as antibiotics) that may bring temporary relief, although they usually have side effects and do not address the underlying problem or provide a long-term solution. Some foundational yet easily-forgettable facial hygiene practices involve washing after sweating, cleaning pillow cases regularly, and avoiding over-cleansing as well as touching the face with fingers and phones.
So, how else do we take care of ourselves to promote healthy, vibrant skin for the long-term? Here are our top tips:
Hydrate your skin cells
Our skin cells require adequate amounts of water for optimal glow. Think about an under-watered, droopy, and dry plant versus a well-watered, perky, and luscious plant. A general recommendation is to drink half of your body weight in ounces per day. You might get fancy with fruit-and-vegetable (e.g. lemon) or herbal (e.g. rose hips) infusions.
Eat an anti-inflammatory diet
The skin cells flourish with whole, nutrient dense foods such as colorful fruits and vegetables, quality protein, and healthy fats. Many skin issues are fueled by consuming food allergies and sensitivities, such as gluten, dairy, and sugar. Talk to one of our NDs about specific testing, diet plans, and nutritional supplementation.
Use only high-quality products
Our skin absorbs – if you don’t want it in your body, don’t put it on your skin. To shop for skin and body products, you can use EWG’s resources including Skin Deep, Verified List, or Healthy Living App. A simple face routine: less makeup, moderate sunlight, wash day/night, and exfoliate weekly. Talk to your ND about therapeutic topicals for the skin.
Get your beauty sleep
Sleep is important for balancing hormones and rebuilding tissues. It’s pretty obvious from a person’s face if they’ve been getting enough sleep. A general recommendation is 7-9 hours of sleep per night at consistent times with a relaxing nightly routine. Talk to one of our NDs about sleep hygiene biohacks and to address sleep related problems.
Heal the gut, support the liver, balance hormones
Digestive disorders (e.g. SIBO, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome), a sluggish liver (“what the liver can’t handle ends up on the skin”), and hormonal imbalances (e.g. abnormal levels of testosterone or estrogen) are common causes of skin issues. Talk to one of our NDs about specific testing and individualized healing protocols.
Detoxify from environmental toxins
Toxins can increase oxidative stress, damage skin tissue, and backup detox pathways. Since we are exposed to hundreds of toxins daily, we must do things to limit exposure and promote detoxification – buy organic, avoid plastics, filter water/shower, sauna, and dry brush. Talk to one of our NDs about specific testing and detox protocols.
Do a series of PRP facials at EmpowerMed
PRP facials use a micropen to drive in PRP with platelets and growth factors to promote collagen re-growth - improving vitality, scarring, wrinkles, and fine lines. The effects enhance over weeks to months as the skin cells continue to regenerate. The number of treatments is 1-3 depending on your skin– call us today to book your appointment!
Contact us today at 760-456-7501 or use our booking link to schedule.
EmpowerMed Clinic is located just off the I-15 and Carroll Canyon within the Fitness Quest 10 Wellness Center of Scripps Ranch, San Diego County, CA.
We serve the communities of North County San Diego, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch, Mira Mesa, Ramona, Scripps Ranch, Santee, and more.