September
2008
How to Get that Natural Glow
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
From the Inside Out…
We’re showing a little skin today at MDA. No, it’s not another photo of Mark’s abs, although the last picture did elicit a rousing response. We’re talking glow, color, clarity, tone. Sound like a beauty ad? Well, it certainly could be except for the fact that there’s nothing to “buy” except a healthy primal lifestyle.
Mark advocates the Primal Blueprint for many dimensions of wellness: healthy aging, disease prevention and therapy, physical fitness, sexual health, and mental well-being. But what if it helped you look good too? No need to suddenly feel guilty or vain. (We don’t.) We know you’re in it for the health, and so are we. Consider it the icing on the cake. It’s doubtful any of us are out to be the next cover model on Vogue or GQ (although you never know – anyone?). Nonetheless, who doesn’t want to enjoy a little extra, natural boost?
So, what is it exactly about the Primal Blueprint that can help impart that natural, healthy glow?
Anti-Inflammatory Advantage
Acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea. Common skin conditions such as these are often rooted in or exacerbated by inflammation. Yes, we know about the Perricone prescription diet, and the main concept behind it is pretty simple: reducing systemic inflammation curbs inflammatory conditions that afflict the skin layers. Anti-inflammatory diet? Sound familiar? We’re all for people learning about avoiding inflammation anywhere they can, but we just don’t see it as a “secret” prescription. A low-carb, high omega-3 fatty acid diet can minimize inflammation and maximize skin health. As for general aging, inflammation plays a major role in that as well. Over time, inflammation breaks down collagen which causes the skin to lose its elasticity and sag prematurely.
Fewer Toxins
As always, the less “bad” stuff your body has to fight, the healthier it is. Back to the inflammation point here: inflammation is a natural immune response to what it perceives to be attack, including that of unwelcome invaders like common pollutants, pesticides, and even food additives. Oftentimes (especially in children), skin ailments like eczema are rooted in unknown allergies to synthetic food additives (e.g. artificial colorings) as well as natural but problematic food components like casein and gluten. Better skin can be as simple as a “cleaner” diet.
Nutrients, Nutrients, and More Nutrients
A powerful punch of antioxidants further fight free radicals. As for the myriad of topical creams out there, we’ll leave the scrutiny to other. For our purposes, research suggests that a nutrient-rich diet (and wise supplementation) literally feeds skin from the inside. Some of the key nutrients for that “healthy, glowing, younger-looking complexion?” Try vitamins like A, C, E, and the B-complex as well as other nutrients like zinc, alpha-lipoic acid, DMAE, CoQ10, and (once again) omega-3s. Vitamins C and E are known for offering sun protection and reducing the damage of sunburn. Vitamin C, DMAE and alpha-lipoic acid help protect skin from the aging ravages of free radicals from sun exposure, pollutants, and other stress. Others like vitamin A and zinc help regulate healthy and well-balanced oil production for skin that’s soft and supple without being too slick.
Hormonal Balance
As anyone who’s suffered from a hormonal imbalance (or been a teenager) knows, the ups and downs of hormonal production can wreak havoc on your skin. And it’s not just a matter of the good old sex hormones. Endocrine system disruption from a variety of medical conditions can impact skin health. Hormonal imbalance can result in skin that’s dry, flaky and prematurely aging (as can happen with hypothyroidism) to overly lubricated by natural oils (as in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). (Too much of a good thing isn’t always so good.) The Primal Blueprint, as we’ve said somewhere before, works with the body’s natural evolutionary functioning to promote consistent hormonal balance – from insulin to T3. For those with more serious diagnoses of hormonal imbalance, knowledgeable and creative medical treatment (with an individualized program of lifestyle and alternative therapies in tandem with appropriate conventional remedies) can make a world of difference – for your skin and overall health.
Add to all of this, a good night’s rest. How can we talk about great, glowing skin without mentioning your grandmother’s classic advice? We’ll throw in some daily stress reduction ala Primal Blueprint to boot.
Feeling particularly appealing on the PB plan? Got glow and want to share? Interested in feedback on a current skin condition and its tie to lifestyle? Shoot us a line and share your thoughts.
Admina Flickr Photo (CC)
Further Reading:
Flame Thrower: Top 10 Natural Ways to Reduce Inflammation
A Visual Guide to Foods that Fight Inflammation
Best Skin Tips for Cool Dry Climates
What’s All This Talk About Inflammation?
[...] are serving (be careful around these parts), eggs may keep you from looking like one, the right foods trump the “best” HBA products (try a green roof), just kidding (again), line of the [...]
One year ago, my 13 year old daughter started experiencing acne. It was heartbreaking to see this outgoing, happy girl become quiet, introverted and self conscious. I thought it might be diet related, so I researched online and discovered the book, “The Clear Skin Diet.” And by omitting milk and anything with high fructose corn syrup, adding omega 3 fish oil, cod liver oil, and making her more aware of a nutrient rich diet, plus exercise and rest (very PB) the results have been amazing. And best of all, it put her in control.
My grandmother had a special treatment for skin and acne involving eggs, though it didn’t involve eating them. Her method was to rub raw egg all over the skin, let it dry for an hour, then wash it off. My sister and I were subject to this treatment several times in our youth. Don’t know that it ever helped with the acne, all we noticed was that our bodies smelled like rotten eggs for the next few days. Eating them is probably a better approach.
I’d also add eating lots of good quality saturated fats with fat soluble vitamins. Butter and butter oil do great things for my skin. Not to mention my mouth.
Debs
Food Is Love
“Reducing systemic inflammation curbs inflammatory conditions that afflict the skin layers”.
This is good to know. Thankyou!!
I try to make sure I am taking anti inflammatory supplements, and your master formula certainly helps curb these common conditions.
I’d add daily UVB-rich midday sunlight dosed according to one’s skin tone. In my early forties with a pale Irish complexion, I still don’t have any crow’s feet or necklaces because I was never a sunbather. My exposure to the sun came from ordinary outdoor activties. A fair, red-headed colleague ten years younger has multiple forehead lines and deep neck creases. At a previous place of employment I worked with two 30-ish fit, bronzed California natives who already had crow’s feet. Yikes!
I used to have very dry skin. Moisturizers, bodylotions etc. (all “for very dry skin” ) didn’t help much.
Until i found Mark’s blog about a year ago and changed my diet ( i used to eat “very healthy”= lowfat & vegetarian).
Now my skin looks and feels much better, i can even go without bodylotion if i want to.
My complexion has improved as well, I don’t look like I just crawled out of a coffin anymore. I’m still quite fair-skinned, but I don’t look sick anymore.
i’d add coconut oil, both inside and outside too
M