Skin detoxification: not just a pretty face

Your skin is your biggest critic. It lets you know when you've been hitting the booze too hard, when you haven't been removing your makeup, when you've been eating too many processed foods and have had too many late nights. But did you know it can also be an indicator of problems going on internally?

Inflammation, leaky gut, IBS, gluten intolerance, allergies, stress, adrenal fatigue, candida overgrowth, and autoimmune diseases are just a few examples of problems that can manifest themselves internally, causing break-outs, acne, cysts, eczema, rosacea, dermatitis, psoriasis flare-ups, rashes, premature aging and many other complications on your beautiful skin. So what to do when your skin is anything but perfect?

Assessing your diet, potential allergies, inflammation and stress levels is a great start in determining what could be causing your unwanted skin problems. Improving your diet to include large amounts of antioxidants and bioflavanoids, limited sugar and dairy and eliminating gluten may be a good start. An elimination diet and allergy test may also help point you in the right direction of what your body might be reacting to.

Adrenal fatigue and stress is another contributing factor of imperfect skin. Assessing your stress levels and supporting your adrenals is so important in ensuring optimal health and longevity, with stress being the leading cause of age-related disease including dementia and Alzheimer's. Not to mention the toll it takes on your skin when your immune system is down and inflammation is high, allowing free-radicals to destroy collagen causing fine lines, wrinkles and sagging.

Exercise is always an important aspect of any detoxification and anti-aging program. Sweating allows toxins to be released from the body through the skin as well as releasing endorphins so you look and feel great! YogaFit is fabulous for its' toning, strengthening and meditative components, and cardio and resistance training assist in weight loss and disease prevention.

There is also an abundance of herbs, vitamins and minerals that can assist you in your journey of obtaining beautiful skin, including Vitamins A, C and E, zinc, prebiotics, probiotics and antifungals as well as liver cleansing herbs and anti-inflammatory supplements.

Benefits: taking a holistic approach to improving your health has so many benefits other than just beautiful skin and anti-aging. You'll notice an increase in energy, better mood, decreased stress and increased ability to deal with stress, as well as weight loss.

If you're looking for beautiful skin or any nutritional advice, make an appointment to see Pip and Melanie at the Double Bay Clinic or call 02 9363 3663 and we'll create a bespoke program for your needs.

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