Beauty from the Inside Out – Skin and Anti-aging

According to TCM, the skin is seen as part of the body’s whole, everything is interrelated and herbs are used to balance qi, blood flow, yin, and yang from inside and out.

For centuries, pearl powder (a preparation of crushed pearls) has been used as a beauty treatment for a youthful appearance.  Used internally, pearl powder detoxifies the system, clears the skin, and adjusts the body energy.  If applied externally, it keeps skin smooth, soft, and reduces dark spots caused by aging. Beanne Extra Pearl Cream – Green is a reputedly good product for this purpose.

Foods can also beautify from the outside.  While cucumber slices over our eyes can reduce swelling, there are many foods that can also help the inside and the outside too!  Avocados, honey, strawberries, pomegranate, and cranberries can all make great DIY facial masks.

Western approaches often focus on collagen production, which can improve the strength of skin and help with skin elasticity and moisture.  Collagen is comprised of the amino acids – glycine, proline, alanine, and hydroxyproline – all known for their anti-aging properties. The Collagen Peptide Facial Mask contains silk peptide, aloe, reishi, ginseng, licorice, and pearl extracts are known to help encourage collagen production in the body.

Another popular approach to skincare involves almond oil, known to support the skin’s natural ability to moisturize, soften, and smooth the skin. Sesame oil is also beneficial for the skin by providing fatty acids, linoleic acid, and vitamin E.  Sesame oil can help reduce the appearance of scars on the skin and is an effective moisturizer.  This oil is also capable of penetrating deep into the pores of the skin, making it good for a massage which also regulates the circulation of blood.  Weleda Calendula Face Cream contains both almond and sesame oils.

Beauty from within

Often Western skincare focuses on wrinkles externally, however, TCM also focuses on the inside to support the skin’s ability to self-heal and avoid wrinkles all together if possible. Beauty-enhancing herbs can help nourish the skin, clear up blockages, and increase blood circulation. Good blood circulation helps carry oxygen and nutrients to the skin, nourishing it and preventing aging. Clearing heat and toxins from the body and skin with herbs can avoid skin issues such as wrinkles, rashes, and acne.

Mushroom for your skin?  Tremella mushrooms are prized for their beautifying and healing properties promoting a healthy complexion and youthful skin. Tremella can be used as an internal skin tonic. Tremella contains fiber, such as acidic polysaccharides, is rich in vitamin D and has eighteen types of amino acids. Amino acids are key to stimulating collagen production. It is traditionally used because:

• is anti-inflammatory
• helps the skin retain moisture
• provides flexibility and flattening effects – preventing wrinkles.

Another excellent anti-aging herb known to combat wrinkles is Rhodiola Rosea. First, Rhodiola helps protect the skin against the stress of ultraviolet rays which can cause premature aging of the skin.  Rhodiola supports elastin production and collagen production, which prevents wrinkling and sagging of the skin.

Of course, beauty isn’t just about skin!  Hair and nail health is important as well. Supplementing with keratin and collagen along with specific minerals and vitamins helps avoid the aging process that can deteriorate hair, nails, and skin.

Pamper yourself from the inside out and revamp your beauty routine for a healthy complexion, radiant skin, strong nails, and shiny hair.

Ever wonder why some people age quicker than others?  How can we slow the aging process?  TCM approaches these questions by identifying the underlying causes of aging.  Stress, lack of sleep, and diet can all contribute to an imbalance of stress hormones.   Environmental toxins also take a toll on our body and skin causing premature aging.

Herbal adaptogens help the body adapt to the strains of daily life and restore homeostasis, the biological process which maintains stability and adapt to changes in the body.  In addition, they also support cell metabolism and the immune system – both important factors in aging.

Anti-aging adaptogens include:

• ginseng
• cordyceps
• Rhodiola
• holy basil
• astragalus
• ashwagandha
• turmeric
• Ginkgo Biloba
• royal jelly
• green tea

Many of these herbs are known to reduce inflammation, boost immune system functions, improve circulation, and fight free radicals.

Stress adaptogens, such as ashwagandha and holy basil, help reduce the effects of stress and lower cortisol levels.

A well-known skin adaptogen is the Chaga mushroom, used in Russia and Scandinavia for its high antioxidant value and anti-aging properties.  Chaga is a source of melanin, a color pigment found in human skin which helps protect us from UV rays found in sunlight.  Chaga can also improve circulation and reduce inflammation, helping skin look and feel youthful and healthy.

Try adaptogens for a different approach to beauty and anti-aging.

Help your skin blossom

The winter months can leave skin dry and itchy. In TCM, this is caused by internal imbalances between Qi, blood flow, Yin, and Yang.  Balancing your internal organ systems, releasing toxins from the skin, and building your Yin level in the blood can all help nourish and relieve dry, itchy, red skin.  Toxins can be released from our skin and body by cleansing it from the inside out with herbs and antioxidants.

Herbal remedies, such as Wolfberry, address the problem from inside.  Wolfberries are a potent source of vitamin A as wellbeing a source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant used for wrinkles, dullness, and brown spots.  When applied topically, it can increase collagen production.

Collagen is a protein responsible for the skin, tendons, and cartilage in the body.  Collagen with hyaluronic acid has been shown to strengthen skin and elasticity, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Collagen peptide is a pure herbal extract with natural anti-aging skin benefits.

Other antioxidants beneficial to the skin include:

• Green tea, to prevent collagen breakdown
• Retinol, to improve collagen production
• Vitamin E, to protects cell membranes from oxidative and UV damage.

Other simple things you can do to help your skin include:

• Eat skin-healthy foods such as avocado, olive oil, honey, pumpkin, salmon, and spinach
• Shower with lukewarm (not hot) water for a shorter time to reduce moisture loss
• Use natural moisturizers such as pure coconut or almond oil
• Stay hydrated by drinking sufficient water every day!

Eat your way to beautiful

Get ready for date night with a diet full of foods that make your outside look as good as you will feel inside. Want to do wonders for your skin and hair? It isn’t a face mask or homemade shampoo we are talking about here. Not to knock those great natural beauty DIYs, but you can reap the benefits of your food and eat them too! Certain foods and herbs can help you eat your way to beautiful.

Olive Oil

The antioxidant polyphenols in olive oil quench damaging free radicals and those who consume olive oil have shown 31% fewer signs of aging compared to those who used other oils.

Oatmeal

Eating a breakfast full of sugary carbs, which tell your body to make insulin and increase the production of androgens, can cause skin glands to secrete more oil, which in turn can cause pimples. However, sweetened with fruit, oatmeal can be an excellent and filling breakfast that actually benefits your skin.  No time to make oatmeal in the morning? Try making overnight oats – sans the sugar of course.

Almond or Nut Milk

Basically, any milk that is non-dairy. Dairy causes inflammation, which can make wrinkles, rashes, and acne worse.

Walnuts

Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids called alpha-linolenic acid. It has been found that these deficiencies in this type of fat can cause dry, scaly skin associated with eczema.

Maca Root

Maca contains an array of beauty and health benefits. It has been found to reduce breakouts, strengthen your hair and increase collagen production. Maca contains iron and iodine, both needed by your thyroid, which when working properly,  helps with skin health and hair loss due to thyroid imbalances. In addition, it also calms the mind, boosts stamina, and revs up the sex drive – just what you need on date night.

Shiny hair, strong nails and glowing skin all need nutrients to happen, maca is full of vitamins and protein. Maca can be taken in supplement form or in powder form and added to smoothies, so it is super easy to incorporate into your existing diet.

Salmon

Want shiny, full hair? Fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are all packed with omega-3. These healthy fats give you the luxurious mane you yearn for simply by eating them regularly. A delicious method of beautiful hair without all the fuss.

Dark Chocolate

The perfect excuse to indulge in chocolate. Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidant properties in cocoa flavanols. Studies show that dark chocolate can help hydrate skin, improve circulation and reduce skin roughness.

Typically foods rich in omega-3 and antioxidants are beneficial to skin and hair health. Who knew it could be as easy as eating certain foods to help you look beautiful every day?