Healthy Skin From Within
By: Angela Viesti
Our Outer World is a Reflection of our Inner World
The skin is the barrier that protects us from external organisms and detoxes our bodies. Just this week, America’s sweetheart, Jonathan Van Ness, aired an episode on his podcast, Getting Curious, about healthy skin and one of the key takeaways was that our skin is a reflection of our body’s inner condition—a window to our health if you will. It makes sense, then, that having healthy skin is not just about the right topical products or cleansing routine, but about the importance of taking care of ourselves holistically, from the inside out.
What Goes In Must Come Out
As mentioned above, our skin is responsible for decontaminating our physical vessel and we have the power to aid in this process by consciously choosing what we consume. I’m not one to lecture on any particular diet or way of living, so instead, I’ll share some fundamentals that anyone, with any lifestyle, can begin applying to see clearer, more supple skin:
Boost your water’s hydrating power - By infusing cucumber and lemon into it, you add vitamins and antioxidants to your water that help you stay hydrated and flush out toxins. Add a pinch of Himalayan pink salt to boost mineral content and balance your pH levels!
Limit intake of inflammatory foods - Foods with added sugar, gluten, pesticide residue, saturated fats, and processed ingredients cause inflammation and our skin reacts accordingly. Even those of us without serious food allergies are impacted by the presence of inflammatory foods which can lead to systemic inflammation causing our bodies to go into overdrive and expending valuable energy trying to return to a state of homeostasis.
Replace junk foods with fresh foods - If we’re more conscious and aware of ingredients and food choices, it’s possible to make small changes over time that help our skin heal. Buy organic when possible and avoid the Dirty Dozen. Opt for antibiotic-free humanely raised dairy, poultry, and meat products. Cook more meals at home and experiment with new ingredients to keep things interesting!
Stay regular! - You take your dog out every day to handle his business, don’t you? I won’t get graphic here, but you, too, should be going at least once a day, especially if you want clear, glowing skin. If that’s not already happening, start eating more fiber, which should be simple if you cut out the junk and start eating more fresh produce and less processed food. Seeds, beans, lentils, green veggies, and fruit are all rich in fiber. Avoid red meat, pork, and processed foods and notice how they affect your body’s digestion when you do eat them
When in Doubt, Sweat it Out
Getting sweaty and exercising regularly helps pump fresh oxygen through the bloodstream. While only trace amounts of toxins appear to be excreted in sweat, sweating increases blood circulation, which contributes the body’s overall function and helps clear clogged pores, revealing glowing skin within! It’s important to stay active, but if you overdo it you can cause a stress response in your body which can lead to hormonal imbalances and overeating, a combination notorious for causing acne breakouts and skin irritation. Aim for 30 minutes of light-to-medium cardio a day and adjust based on your energy levels—sometimes resting is more beneficial than exercise!
Another great way to get sweating is in a hot spring pool, Jacuzzi, or sauna, or by taking a hot bath or shower. These methods are more relaxing than cardio exercise, which can be a great compliment to your workout, or a nice alternative when you need a break. After I get home from a busy day or after a run, I love dropping a Kush Queen Shield for Immunity bath bomb with 100mg of CBD in my tub and jumping in. I always sweat considerably when I take a CBD bath, which feels cleansing and helps me stay present. A little meditation music, candles, and a joint round out a super healing at home spa experience.
Support your Body, Support your Skin
Another favorite skincare technique of mine is dry-brushing, known to stimulate the lymphatic system (our body’s internal filtration system), and gently exfoliate the outer layer of the skin. Take a dry brush with natural bristles and begin brushing upward from the feet up every morning. Your skin will tingle after you’re done which feels incredibly refreshing! Afterwards, take a warm shower to wash away the dead skin cells and pump some Soaked shower gel onto a poof or shower gloves and lather up! Let the CBD penetrate your skin for a few minutes before rinsing off to receive the full benefits of every ingredient. You’ll walk out of the shower with baby-soft skin and pain-free muscles!
Now that we’ve done all of this work to help make our skin healthy from within, we must do our part to protect it on the outside. To fight bacteria, acne, inflammation, and signs of aging, DEFYNT Anti-Serum is a must before and after a workout or sweat sesh, and underneath makeup and before bed. The hyaluronic acid, organic botanicals, vitamins, and full-spectrum CBD work synergistically to keep skin looking fresh and dewy. Add a layer of sunscreen on top before a day out to block UV rays from burning your skin and reapply as needed. Keep a bottle of DEFYNT in your purse or gym bag so you can glow on the go!
One Day at a Time
Remember that nothing happens overnight, so don’t get discouraged if you get off track or don’t see results right away. We’d love to know if any of these tips have helped you on your journey to healthy skin! Keep track of your progress and share your skincare routine with us by tagging @kushqueenshop & @kushqueenco in your instagram posts and stories.
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