Most of us have been told since childhood to eat our fruits and vegetables. Without a doubt, they benefit our health with vitamins and minerals as well as being a great source of hydration.
There are many factors that affect the skin’s appearance, genetics being one of the primary influences. Sun exposure, air and water pollution also influence the health and the skin’s appearance. Pollution, stress and the sun can cause damage to the skin at the cellular level and this may affect the appearance by leading to fine lines and wrinkles. While it’s not possible to prevent all damage from happening because it’s inevitable that we all will be exposed to pollution, the sun and stress, it is possible to lessen the effects of these stressors.
Image by HOerwin56 from Pixabay
Increasingly, vitamins and minerals are being touted as beneficial ingredients in skincare and for the hair. Unfortunately, for most topical treatments, the research is still inconclusive and based on a small sample. Most dermatologists and skincare experts agree that eating nutrient dense foods will build a good foundation for healthy skin, adding skincare treatments that are rich in vitamins and minerals can help to address issues - such as dullness - and will over time improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.
As with many nutrients, vitamins and minerals work synergistically and often need the presence of each other and in the right amounts to be truly effective. Combined with the fact that modern farming techniques have stripped minerals from most soil, it has become almost impossible to get the vitamins and minerals we need to thrive solely from food. (Regenerative agriculture is one tool to address this.)
The quality and type of ingredients in skin care is such an important factor because the skin is one of the largest organs that absorbs what we put onto it and takes components deeper into the body. This ability to absorb helps us when it comes to ingredients rich in vitamins and minerals, but causes harm when it comes to ingredients that are toxic or interfere with the immune or endocrine systems.
Most of us don’t have access to develop personal relationships with the farmers who grow our food, or the means and the space to grow our own food. Luckily for us, vitamins are absorbed by the skin and will serve as a nutrient treatment for the skin. Many of our products contain these essential vitamins and are formulated to not only absorb into the skin but to be effective in their treatment of issues.
Image by Vitamin A
Abundant in a variety of food sources from whole milk and yogurt to eggs to beef liver. Vitamin A in the form of Beta Carotene is also available in many vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, cantaloupes and leafy greens. On the systemic level, Vitamin A ensures that the immune system functions, aiding vision, and keeping the skin healthy.
Image by Hironmoi Borah from Pixabay
Vitamin C
Most of us know to take vitamin C when they are coming down with a cold. This vitamin has been researched and found effective in lessening the severity and length of colds. A powerful antioxidant, the immune system needs Vitamin C to function properly. Vitamin C is found in so many foods, and adding a daily serving of vitamin C rich foods like - strawberries, lemons, guava, parsley, and rose hips - to your diet will ensure that your system and cells have access to this health promoting vitamin. In skin care, the vitamin also plays a role in collagen synthesis. Collagen is a building block and as we age, the skin produces less collagen. As an antioxidant, it lessens the harmful effects of free radicals.
Image by Cock-Robin from Pixabay
Vitamin E
As a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin E works hand in hand with Vitamin C to fight free radical damage. Vitamin E can be found in plant and animal foods. This vitamin is very concentrated in sunflower seeds and oil, salmon, and avocado. It also plays a role in the synthesis of collagen and elastin. As a fat soluble vitamin, it can be very soothing to inflamed skin.
Our Aspen & Shea Butter Moisturizer contains vitamins A, C & E and Vitamins C & E are a key ingredient in our Rosewater & Vitamins Eye lift cream
Magnesium
The mineral magnesium is essential to many functions throughout the body. It is present in many enzymatic systems and plays a role in muscle and nerve function, energy regulation and bone development and too many other functions to list. It is found in many leafy vegetables like spinach and whole unrefined grains. I enjoy a soak in epsom salts which are also known as magnesium sulfate. Along with being necessary for healthy functioning the absorption of magnesium through these salts is thought to promote relaxation and reduce stress. I love soaking in epsom salts, which are found in our Effervescent Bath Salts w/ Jojoba & Silk Proteins. There is some research pointing to the need for adequate levels of sodium, and potassium to improve the utilization of magnesium.
Our Natural Mineral Deodorant also contains magnesium. In this form it neutralizes the odor causing bacteria that forms when we sweat. Unfortunately, this form - magnesium hydroxide - doesn't absorb into the skin.
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