By Jessica Sepel

Your skin is really an expression of what is happening on the inside!

My top tips:

1. HYDRATE– Aim for 2-3 liters of water a day and a coconut water post training/exercise.

2. EAT CLEAN

  • Learn to eat through the rainbow! Enjoy colourful foods, especially your greens!
  • Choose organic where possible to reduce pesticide exposure that can create toxic build up.
  • Drink hot water with lemon every morning to cleanse your insides.
  • FEED YOUR SKIN THE GOOD FATS: OMEGA 3’s! Fabulous as an anti-inflammatory and for hormonal balancing. Can be found in: fish, eggs, flaxseeds, chia seeds, avocado, walnuts, almonds. I add 1 tbsp. of chia/flaxseeds to my daily smoothie/yoghurt/oatmeal.
  • Eat enzyme-rich foods such as sprouts and raw foods.
  • Avoid excess caffeine.
  • Eat foods with antioxidants. Antioxidants are the best resources your body has to fight disease and ageing by reducing damage and inflammation. Inflammation is a leading cause of wrinkle formation. Some of the best sources of antioxidants include:
    • Blueberries
    • Pomegranates
    • Acai berries
    • Goji berries
    • Spinach
    • Raspberries
    • Nuts
    • Seeds
    • Purple grapes
    • Dark chocolate (70% or higher cocoa content)
    • Organic green tea

LESS OF: Because they are INFLAMMATORY, DEHYDRATORS and create toxic build up! Nasty!

  • SUGAR
  • WHEAT
  • GLUTEN
  • DAIRY
  • ALCOHOL
  • CAFFEINE

Cut out all processed and packaged foods!

I would suggest those really struggling with their skin, especially with eczema- to completely cut dairy and gluten for a 1-2 week trial period.  See how you go and report back!

3. STRESS LESS – Stress causes all kinds of hormonal havoc. The best way to rebalance our hormones is to actually BREATHE and create a calm environment. Do yoga! Slow down! Practice deep breathing daily!

4. SUPPLEMENT with zinc, fish oil, primrose oil, vitamin C and E. With guidance from a nutritionist!

5. CLEAN OUT YOUR GUT 

  • Colonic- if you want to go there!
  • Daily probiotic- to restore the good bacteria.
  • Take a break from alcohol and coffee.
  • Quit sugar.
  • Reduce wheat and gluten containing foods.
  • Green juice daily.
  • Careful with fruit! Choose lower sugar fruits like: berries, green apples and grapefruit. Avoid dried fruit, mango, watermelon and dates for now!
  • Use chlorella or a potent green powder – to clean your insides! (Found at most health stores). Synergy Natural is the best!

Advice: See a nutritionist or naturopath to get guidance for a good gut and liver cleanse. They will work with you to ensure your body eliminates toxins efficiently through the liver and kidneys, so impurities don’t flood through the skin.

6. SLEEP- Give your body a chance to regenerate new cells, please! Eight hours!

7. CHOOSE NATURAL, CHEMICAL FREE SKIN PRODUCTS like Evohe and Kora, or make your own!

I was given a book that contains yummy natural skin recipes. It teaches you how to make your own skin products. Buy online, Feed Your Skin. This is delish!

Here’s a good natural face mask recipe that contains nutrients that create the glow!

Mix together:

  • 1/2 avocado- good source of omega 3, vitamin E + rich in antioxidants.
  • 1 tbsp manuka honey- anti- microbial.
  • 1/2 lemon, juice – rich source of vitamin C.
  • 1/2 banana mashed- rich source of potassium ( great for fluid retention and bags under the eyes) and beta carotene ( which turns into Vitamin A).

Apply mixture to skin and leave for 20 minutes.

8. EXERCISE AND SWEAT IT OUT BABY!  Gets the blood flowing! Releases stored toxins and impurities.

9. EXFOLIATE – Get rid of the dead cells. Use a dry brush for circulation and lymph drainage. Keeping your blood flowing and promoting lymph drainage can help keep your skin glowing!

How to use a dry brush:

  • Use a soft, natural bristled brush.
  • Dry brush before your shower every morning.
  • Use a light pressure as you brush.
  • Starting at your feet, brush in small movements up towards your heart.
  • When you are done, take a shower.

10. Minimise makeup and use of fake tans. They usually contain ingredients that create hormonal havoc and promote toxic build up. Look out for natural, chemical free alternatives.

 

Website: jessicasepel.com

Instagram: @JSHealth