Helping women enhance their complexion using cosmetic acupuncture, I am often asked how they can help keep their youthful glow when life makes it hard! Stress, lack of sleep, and wacky hormones come hand-in-hand with motherhood, and they take their toll on our complexions.
Here are some natural ways to generate fabulous skin from within:
Bone broth
A.k.a. stock, bone broth is a bit of a cult hero at the moment. Made by gently boiling bones for several hours, numerous vital nutrients are extracted that are nourishing, healing, and easily absorbed. Bone broth is considered to be a gut-healing superfood. Being rich in gelatine and collagen, it is the ideal skin food. It’ll also help strengthen your bones, teeth, and digestive system, making it the ultimate anti-aging tonic. It’s easy to make, and easy to use everyday as a base for soups and sauces.
Royal Jelly
This is a common ingredient in many skincare products, and for good reason. Royal Jelly helps replenish skin moisture, regenerate skin cells, and provides naturally occurring B vitamins. It can be taken in supplement form, and will act as a general wellbeing tonic, as well as adding lustre and vitality to your skin.
Zinc
Zinc plays a very important role in the body. It is particularly helpful for the skin. It helps repair damaged tissues and heals wounds. It is also very helpful for acne and hormonal skin breakouts. Oysters are a wonderful source of zinc, and it can also be found in meat, fish, nuts and legumes.
Lysine
We all know we need collagen to keep our skin youthful and firm. It is the glue that keeps everything in place, adding structure and support to our skin, muscles and blood vessels. In order to make this collagen, our body needs amino acids to create it - most of which it can make itself, except for Lysine. Healthy sources of Lysine include organic meat, fish lentils and nuts.
Vitamin C
The ultimate antioxidant, Vitamin C helps repair your cells from free radical damage. Vitamin C also helps with circulation, ensuring your skin gets all the nutrients it deserves. It also partners up with Lysine to help create collagen. Citrus fruits, kiwis and berries are excellent sources of vitamin C.
Fiona O’Farrell is a licensed acupuncturist and naturopath and runs The Gate Clinic in Greystones, Co. Wicklow. For more information call 01 201 7210 or visit www.thegateclinic.ie.
