Healthy & Diverse Gut

As you may have guessed, our gut plays a huge role in the health of our skin. A healthy gut is linked to proper digestion and absorption of nutrients (necessary for skin health), as well as overall immune health. A healthy and diverse gut microbiome is important for every function of the body. If there is an issue with the gut it will most likely show up in the skin. This is always one of the first places I look when addressing skin conditions. 

Healthy Skin Microbiome

No doubt you've heard of the microbiome by now. The term refers to the trillions of bacteria living on and inside our bodies, which outnumber our human cells 10 to 1. Not only do these microorganisms influence how we look and feel, but they also play a role in many serious diseases such as diabetes and cancer. While it is thought that our skin microbiome may be one of the most diverse ecosystems in our bodies (with 10 times more species than colonized in the gut), research has shown that it plays a vital role in being able to fight acne and the aging process. 

Some factors that can negatively affect this delicate ecosystem are factors such as stress, diet choices, weather, environment and of course what we put on our skin topically. An overuse of too many products containing too many actives can destroy this delicate balance, leaving the skin inflamed, vulnerable and not able to do its job. Our skin was designed to keep more things out than in, so using biocompatible ingredients that work with our skin, and not against it is key. 

Adequate Sleep

The skin (and your entire body) needs adequate sleep to function properly and be healthy. Sleep is when your body regenerates itself. It is critical for hormone regulation (particularly those relating to collagen production), immune system functioning, inflammation reduction and stress reduction—all of which affect the health of our skin. It is also important to give your skin the best opportunity to heal while you sleep by properly cleansing and applying organic, healthy ingredients that accelerate the natural regenerative process of the skin.

Strong Immune and Nervous System

The immune and nervous system are like best friends in the skin world: they work together to keep your skin happy and healthy. The immune system helps fight infections and other foreign invaders, while the nervous system sends messages to the brain that tell us when something is wrong with our body.

Both systems play a role in regulating the body’s response to inflammation, which is what happens when our body encounters something foreign like an infection or injury. When the immune system detects that there’s an issue in our body, it sends out special cells called macrophages (literally “big eaters”) that gobble up anything they find in order to protect us. These cells then release chemicals called cytokines that signal other parts of our immune system as well as organs like kidneys—just like calling your friends in for backup if you feel threatened. The antibodies produced by these cells are like keys that open up infected or damaged skin cells so they can be repaired or thrown away.

Proper Hydration

Drinking water is an essential part of skin health. If you're not drinking enough water, it can show up on your skin to point where it can look dehydrated, dry and appear to have more wrinkles then you actually have. Water hydrates the skin from the inside out. Dry skin can be itchy, flaky and tight. Drinking enough water can help prevent dry skin by keeping your body hydrated and maintaining the natural oils that your skin needs to flourish.

I think it goes without saying but there is no clean tap water anymore. I recommend investing in a good home water filter that removes heavy metals and toxins and stop buying and drinking from plastic bottles, it isn't good for you, your skin or the planet.

Moderate Sun Exposure

I always say, if you want to see something die, deprive it of the sun. The sun has gotten such a bad rap that we have forgotten that it is one of the most crucial things that supports all of human life. It helps our bodies produce vitamin D, which is essential to keeping bones strong and healthy. Vitamin D also strengthens the immune system and supports skin healthy. Of course getting too much sun can lead to premature aging, so it's important to find a healthy balance between sun and shade. This means that you should listen to your bodies own innate wisdom as to when it has gotten sufficient sun and of course use stable, non-toxic products when receiving the healing sun's rays. Learn More About Sun Health HERE

Mineral Balance

Minerals make up nearly 60 percent of the weight of our skin, so it's no surprise that a deficiency in these critical nutrients can lead to problems. In fact, they affect every cell, organ and tissue in our body. They are essential for our lymphatic system and detox pathways as well as helping to restore hydration and nourishing electrolytes. Minerals are inorganic elements such as calcium, magnesium and potassium but here are over twenty types of minerals that we need every day in order to stay healthy and function properly. Replenishing and balancing minerals are key for the health of our skin and our entire body and its many functions. Unfortunately we are chronically depleted of them in our modern lifestyle so being mindful of ways to add them to your every day is vital but its a fine balance. For example too much of one mineral can deplete another like zinc and copper. Some simple safe ways to make sure you are getting efficient minerals is through diet and supplementation: coconut water, real salt (celtic, icelandic, healthy), lemon water, honey, bee pollen, adrenal cocktails, magnesium, and mineral rich foods such as oysters, sea vegetables, organ meats, and fruit.

Regular Elimination

Regular elimination helps waste products exit our bodies so that toxins don't build up inside us over time; this also helps prevent infections from taking hold under the surface where they may cause breakouts or rashes later on if given enough time to fester. This is even more important in the current environment that we live in where we are being bombarding by a variety of toxins on a daily basis. From the air we breathe to the food we eat and yes the topical treatments we put on our skin, we have to be mindful and do our part to keep our body and skin as clean and natural as possible. Besides doing the other things mentioned here, you can also help assist your body in the removal of toxic build up via regular exercise, fascia work like gua sha, sweating in a sauna, rebounding and red light therapy.

Maximum Nutritional Intake 

The most fundamental part of a healthy skin is diet. It is crucial to avoid  or minimize processed foods, which contain refined sugars, seed oils and toxic preservatives. Instead focus on eating real food, as close to nature as possible. I prefer an ancestral diet, which aligns with many of the blue zones, where people live much longer than most and tend to look younger that the average American. Local, seasonal, organic, free range, and fresh fruits and vegetables in their whole form so that you can get the full nutritional impact of their vitamins and minerals.

Expanded Consciousness

Expanding consciousness helps us achieve greater awareness about how our thoughts shape our reality. This is the reason why I created specific affirmations to go with each TGS product- to help instill a more positive mindset, which reflects on how we feel about ourselves. Self-care rituals create opportunities to make positive shifts, not only from the outside in but from the inside out. Becoming fully aware of what you're doing and feeling in the moment can expand into all aspects of your life. This helps you become more aware when your thoughts are getting stuck on negative loops; instead of focusing on the bad stuff, what's happened in the past or might happen in the future (which may be stressful), focus on how things are right now: Be where your feet are. Focus on the beauty in nature and let nature remind you of your own beauty. It's a practice that brings inner peace that reflects outward. Some other ways to increase mindfulness and expanded consciousness are through acts of self-love, meditation, gratitude, compassion, knowing we are all one/connected, and living in the present moment.

As you can see there are many factors that go into having healthy, vibrant skin. Our skin is a reflection of our inner thoughts, quality of life and lifestyle choices. At TGS we encourage you to go beyond the skin and seek these conscious ways of living so that you can feel confident in your skin and live at your highest calling. 

For a complete list of my Skin Health recommended products click HERE