While external skincare undoubtedly plays a vital role in our beauty routines, it’s essential to balance it with internal skincare
(yes, I did say internal skincare)
In the pursuit of healthy and radiant skin, we often focus on external skincare routines that involve cleansers, moisturizers, and serums that promise us that elusive radiance of healthy skin. However, it is equally important to pay attention to internal skincare—the nourishment and care we provide to our bodies through what we eat, drink, and our lifestyle choices.
External vs. Internal Skincare: A Balancing Act
While external skincare undoubtedly plays a vital role in our routines, it’s essential to balance it with internal skincare.
Imagine your skin as a sturdy bridge, standing strong, connecting the world inside you to the world outside. This bridge has two essential pillars, and they must stand side by side, in balance, for it to remain unshakable. One pillar represents your external skincare routine, while the other symbolizes your internal skincare regimen.
Your external skincare products support the skin’s surface, while internal skincare nurtures and fortifies it from the inside.
What Does External Skincare Mean?
External skincare, our first pillar, is what we often think about when it comes to skincare. It’s the bridge’s visible structure, the part that everyone sees. It involves cleansing, moisturizing, using serums, and applying sunscreen. All those skincare products we know and love! They belong to this pillar.
But here’s the thing – this bridge wouldn’t stand without the second pillar, the often-overlooked internal skincare. Think of it as the foundation hidden beneath the surface, supporting your skin’s health and resilience.
What Is Internal Skincare?
Internal skincare, our second pillar, acknowledges the intimate relationship between our overall health and the appearance of our skin. It involves adopting a holistic approach that combines strengthening the important gut: skin relationship, proper hydration, regular facial exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep to promote optimal skin health. By nourishing our skin internally, we enhance our skin’s ability to repair, protect, and maintain its youthful glow at any age.
Holistic skincare is often greenwashed as organic, fragrance-free, everything-free – you name it. A lot of brands misuse this term when it really acknowledges the interconnectedness of overall health.
The Following 8 Tips are The Core Values for
The Best External and Internal Skincare Routine
1) Get Yourself Enough Omega
Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for overall, not only skin and hair health, but omegas also help to fight depression, inflammation, and heart disease. They have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce acne, soothe irritation, and promote a clear complexion. Incorporate omega-3-rich foods into your diet, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts. Alternatively, you can consider omega-3 supplements if your diet doesn’t provide enough.
2) Exercise Is Essential, and that doesn’t just include
your gym workout
Physical activity improves blood circulation, delivering vital nutrients and oxygen to your skin cells. This helps promote a natural glow and aids in the removal of toxins through sweat. In addition to your body workout, find a facial exercise routine that you enjoy. Also, incorporate a regular facial massage, which increases circulation to your facial tissue, resulting in brighter, youthful-looking skin. By stimulating lymphatic drainage, facial massage moves toxins out of cells and reduces swelling and puffiness – helpful, especially after eating a salty dish and, of course, in the mornings.
3) Incorporate a Custom Gut: Skin Regime
Into Your General Diet
For our skin to be strong, lustrous and radiant, we also need the right bacterial and nutrient balance in our gut. The gut is where 70% of your immune system lies, where we metabolise hormones, where we make nutrients and neurotransmitters, and create detoxifying enzymes and neutralise pathogens.
And guess what? We all have our own unique bacterial gut print!
Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your meals. Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and citrus fruits help fight free radicals and promote a youthful complexion. Limit processed foods, sugary snacks, and drinks, as they can contribute to skin inflammation and breakouts.
4) Nutritional Healthy Skin Supplements
Consider incorporating skin-friendly supplements into your routine. Some popular options for skin health include collagen supplements, which can support skin elasticity and hydration and vitamins A, C, and E, known for their antioxidant properties. Vitamin A and E are responsible for cell regeneration, while vitamin C promotes collagen production.
5) Drink Enough Water
Hydration is vital for maintaining healthy skin. Drinking enough water helps flush out toxins, keeps your skin plump and moisturized, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily and increase your intake if you are physically active or live in a dry climate.
6) Avoid Direct Sun Exposure
I know, you’ve heard it a thousand times, but it bears repeating. Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is crucial for preventing premature ageing and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, even on cloudy days. Additionally, seek shade during peak sun hours, wear protective clothing (hats, sunglasses, long sleeves), and consider using sun-protective skincare products.
7) Alleviate from Stress
I know, it’s easier said than done, but stress can really wreak havoc on your skin, leading to breakouts and dullness. Engage in stress-reducing activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or hobbies you enjoy. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good – social wellness is crucial! Prioritize self-care and take time to relax and unwind. Adequate sleep is also vital for skin rejuvenation and repair.
8) Pay Attention to the Seasons
Here’s why seasonal skincare is non-negotiable: Climate Impact: Weather changes can wreak havoc on your skin. Cold, dry winters strip away moisture, while hot, humid summers lead to excess oil production. Adjusting your routine helps counteract these effects, ensuring your skin remains balanced and comfortable. The changing seasons affect your skin’s needs. It is our biggest organ and needs to be fed and taken care of to be able to stay healthy and resistant. The key is to listen to what your skin tells you daily and adapt your routine to maintain optimal skin health throughout the year.
Bringing It All Together
Your skin’s health and radiance are the result of the balance between these two pillars – external and internal skincare. One can’t stand without the other. Neglecting internal skincare would weaken the foundation, making your skin’s bridge vulnerable. Neglecting external skincare would leave the bridge’s surface unprotected and exposed.
In essence, remember that the secret to outer beauty lies in nurturing both pillars. When external and internal skincare work in harmony, your bridge to beauty remains strong and unyielding. It’s the holistic approach that ensures your skin doesn’t just glow; it radiates with vitality and health.
So, let’s unlock the secret to outer beauty by tending to both pillars of the bridge because together, they create a beauty that stands the test of time. To fast-track this process, check out your own seasonal beauty calendar
Do you want to have your own yearly beauty routine calendar that is adapted to the 4 seasons so you can make sure that the 2 pillars of your external and internal beauty bridge are robust and sturdy?
Until next time, stay beautiful inside and out
