Holistic Methods For Healthy Glowing Skin

The University of Iowa Hospital's dermatology department compares healthy skin to a multi-layer cake covered by a sheet of plastic wrap to keep it fresh. The "plastic" -- or the outer layer of skin -- is known as the stratum corneum, made up of dead skin cells mixed together with natural oils created by underlying live skin cells. The oils and dead skin cells hold water to keep the skin smooth and supple. When this layer becomes damaged by environmental factors, your skin becomes dry and dull, even raw and cracked. Pursue a holistic approach to heal your body's largest organ and restore its glow.

Healthy Skin

Many factors can affect your skin's health. Some are internal, such as stress, alcohol, deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, bad nutritional habits, dehydration, hormones, and collagen and elastin loss. External factors such as sun or UV ray exposure, smoke and other forms of air pollution, free radicals, harsh weather and lack of sufficient care affect your skin's health, too. Even the positions you sleep in, gravity, the act of smoking and the facial expressions you habitually engage in can affect your skin. Avoid detrimental factors as much as possible and integrate healthy habits into your lifestyle to help your skin have the glow of health.

Lifestyle Factors

To encourage healthy skin, avoid taking long, hot baths in soapy water. Extended bathing and harsh soaps can remove protective oils. Instead, use mild soap with natural ingredients in lukewarm water. Don't rub yourself with a towel, but gently pat yourself dry. Apply a shielding lotion to your skin after drying off and reapply every four to six hours to help maintain the protective layer. Be vigilant about the ingredients contained in lotions and avoid those that could worsen your skin's condition. By spraying an herbal or floral water mist on your skin several times during the day, you can replenish lost moisture. Lavender water is particularly helpful for dry skin.

From the Inside Out

Because your skin's health depends on your overall health, it's important to eat and drink foods that nourish you. Foods rich in vitamin E -- such as leafy green vegetables, legumes, cold-pressed vegetables oils, nuts, seeds and whole grains -- help prevent cell damage by inhibiting the oxidation of fats. A balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds, and good quality protein is a cornerstone of good health. Foods high in sulfur, such as garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus, help keep the skin looking young and smooth, according to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Stay well-hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of good quality water each day. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they are dehydrating.

Herbal Help

Use herbs such as chamomile, lavender and peppermint in a facial sauna. Simmer two to four tablespoons of fresh or dried herbs in an enameled pot in two quarts of water. When the pot is steaming, place it on a trivet or thick towel, and from a comfortable distance away, let it steam your face for 15 minutes. Then splash your face with cold water and let your skin air-dry. Apply a good natural moisturizer. Use a facial mask of 1 teaspoon green clay powder, available at health food stores, and 1 teaspoon raw honey weekly on your face to remove dry surface skin cells. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water and apply moisturizer.