Let’s face it, as we age our skin ages, too. With time, it becomes more difficult to maintain the wrinkle-free skin we once took for granted. The bad news is that aging is unavoidable. The good news is that there is plenty you can do to revive the youthful glow of young adulthood.
Aside from regular exercise, adding supplements, superfoods, exfoliation, and hydration into your daily routine is crucial for your skin’s health. If you’re overwhelmed thinking about all of these changes, don’t worry—we included simple in the title of this article for a reason!
Here are 12 simple (we promise!) ways to keep your skin healthy and glowing all year long:
Supplements
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is essential to healthy skin but also benefits eye, reproductive, and immune system function. For a focus on healthy skin, try adding a Vitamin A serum or an ingestible supplement into your daily routine. When purchasing Vitamin A serums and supplements, look for Vitamin A that is made up of retinoids. Skin is a retinoid-responsive organ and the addition of Vitamin A will help diminish acne and fine lines while giving your skin a boost of hydration.
Vitamin C: There is a reason that Allure calls Vitamin C the “holy grail of skincare ingredients”. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that limits the damaging effect of free radicals and repairs damaged skin cells. When applied topically, Vitamin C accelerates the production of collagen and elastin, natural protein fibers that keep skin plump and firm which prevents premature aging. Check out Allure’s list of Vitamin C serums and supplements to find the product that works best for your lifestyle and budget.
Vitamin E: The addition of Vitamin E to your diet will help treat a variety of skin conditions like acne and psoriasis while limiting the effects of aging due to sun exposure. When taken as a supplement, Vitamin E is delivered to the skin by sebum, the oily secretions produced by sebaceous glands. This necessary nutrient is also available as a serum, which can be combined with Vitamin C. Vitamin E serum absorbs quickly into the skin, acting as a moisturizer for dry patches commonly found on cuticles and elbows.
Probiotics: Skin health starts from the inside and keeping your gut healthy is a great way to produce the glowing skin you crave. Probiotics are live bacteria that keep your body balanced while boosting skin glow and health. According to women’s health expert, Dr. Amy Myers, conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, and acne are often manifested by something happening deeper in the body. When the gut is healthy, skin issues tend to resolve, as well. Probiotics are found naturally in foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and kombucha, but can be taken as an oral supplement, too!
Superfoods (and Herbs!)
Coconut Water: Coconut water is the natural liquid found inside of coconuts and is made up of water, Vitamin C, electrolytes, and a small amount of carbohydrates. Using coconut water on the skin locks in hydration, controls oil without irritation, and acts as a gentle cleanser for even the most sensitive skin. For healthy, glowing skin without the use of harsh chemicals, try using coconut water cleansing wipes, creams, and tonics to purify your pores. All-natural coconut water won’t strip away the natural oils that protect your skin from damage.
Chlorophyll for skin: Chlorophyll is naturally found in plants and contains vitamins and antioxidants that benefit skin health. When ingested daily, chlorophyll-rich foods help to reduce inflammation and scarring while limiting bacterial growth on the skin. Foods such as green beans, spinach, arugula, peas, and leeks are a great source of chlorophyll. You can also purchase chlorophyll supplements like tablets, liquids, and sprays, if veggies aren’t your favorite. However, natural foods are your best bet when it comes to increasing chlorophyll in your diet, as chlorophyll supplements are not regulated by the FDA.
Turmeric: According to Byrdie, Turmeric is one herb that seems to heal everything—especially skin. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial herb with soothing, detoxifying, and exfoliating properties. It helps decrease inflammation, puffiness, and reduces acne scarring on the skin. Byrdie suggests using a Kasturi turmeric to avoid side effects such as skin staining. For best results, mix Kasturi turmeric with milk, honey, apple cider vinegar, or gram flour to create a DIY face mask that will keep your skin glowing and healthy.
Fatty fish: Cold-water fatty fish such as herring, salmon, and sardines are a great source for omega-3 fatty acids. Unlike some fats, omega-3 fatty acids work with the skin instead of against it. Medical News Today states that researchers have found that omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of non-melanoma skin cancers, limit damage from ultraviolet radiation while providing an abundant source of Vitamin E, a crucial antioxidant that protects the skin from inflammation and free radicals.
Exfoliation
Exfoliation, by definition, is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin using a granular substance or exfoliation tool. While your skin regenerates skin cells every 30 days, exfoliation can be worked into your daily skincare routine to help keep your skin nourished and bright.
If you’ve never used an exfoliator before or are looking for all-natural exfoliation products, La Bloom Beauty’s Exfoliation Set is your new best friend. Filled with organic essential oils, vitamins, and minerals, La Bloom’s Rose Hand Scrub and Coco-Vanilla Lip Scrub will keep your hands and lips soft, supple, and moisturized all year long.
Skin Brushing: The benefits of dry brushing are endless, especially during summer months. To debloat, smooth skin, reduce cellulite, prevent bumps, and keep your skin glowing, invest in an organic dry brush for daily use. Head over to La Bloom Beauty’s blog for more on the benefits of dry brushing and how to work it into your beauty routine.
Hydration
Bloom Face Mist: Keeping a travel-sized face mist with you at home or while you’re out and about is a great way to keep your face invigorated and hydrated all day long. For the perfect pick-me-up, try La Bloom Beauty’s Bloom Face Mist. Made with all-natural ingredients like Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel as well as Rose, Sweet Orange, and Eucalyptus essential oils, this lightweight mist cleans and refreshes your face with just a few spritzes. Take a peek at La Bloom Beauty’s blog for more information on how to work a hydrating face mist into your daily schedule—at home or on the go.
Coconut Oil: Like Elle magazine says, the hype of coconut oil isn’t new. However, while you may know that there are health benefits to all-natural coconut oil, you may not know that it can be used to hydrate both skin and hair. Organic coconut oil contains vitamin E, amino acids, lauric and caprylic acids, all of which form a barrier on the skin. This barrier helps to preserve the skin’s natural flora, the living organisms on the body that help prevent disease. It helps lock in moisture to keep both skin and hair nourished and vigorous when used correctly. To avoid blockage and residue, use organic coconut oil as a daily makeup remover or monthly deep scalp cleanser.
The Bottom Line
Exercise isn’t the only thing that will keep your skin healthy and glowing. Adding supplements, superfoods, exfoliation, and hydration (we’re not just talking about water!) into your beauty routine is the best way to regenerate the youthful appearance you crave.
Though there are several ways to achieve healthier skin, keep it simple. Start by introducing 1-2 vitamins into your diet at a time or swap out chemical-based skincare products with all-natural alternatives that will help your skin, not hurt it. All skin is different. Find the routine that works best for you!
Now, go get your glow on!
