I remember, as a kid, watching The Jetsons on Saturday morning cartoons. In one particular episode Mrs. Jetson was talking on the phone with a friend. Only, her phone had a camera and visual screen (kind of like our modern-day skype).  A gust of wind blew in through the open window. She let out a shriek as her phone mask flew off her face revealing curlers in her hair and cold cream on her face.

Let’s be honest. We all want to look our best and to literally put our best face forward. Masks and cold cream aside, there are many things we can do daily to improve our skin’s glow and texture. Your skin is truly a reflection of what is going on in your body. If you are really healthy your skin will be beautiful. If you have health issues, your skin will almost always suffer.

1)      Eat your veggies. Veggies provide so many vitamins and minerals for overall health. I’ve never known anyone who ate too many veggies. Eat a wide variety and avoid the peas, carrots, potatoes rut. Remember to eat at least one fist-sized serving of veggies (not including fruit) for every 25 lbs of your body weight. Veggies also provide fiber. Fiber helps your body get rid of toxins through the intestinal system and reduces the amount of toxin that needs to come out through the skin.

2)      Drink water. Water is the best choice for hydration on a daily basis. Skin cells that are dry shrivel up and are much less resilient. Be sure to drink ½ oz of water for every pound of body weight every day. Drink more in hot weather or if you are physically active.

3)      Moisturize. If you are in Alberta you need moisturizer for sure. Our climate here is as dry as the Sahara desert. Use an excellent quality moisturizer twice a day.

4)      Consume Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids. These nutrients keep your body cells well oiled and supple.

5)      Eat silica. Your best sources of silica are apple skin, pear skin, and cucumber skin. Silica is great for hair, skin, and nails.

6)      Use sunscreen and SPF judiciously. Your skin needs a little unprotected exposure to the sun every day. Early morning or late afternoon, when the sun’s intensity is less, are good times.  Go out for 30 – 60 minutes without sunscreen, in non-peak times of the day. Allow several hours before you wash skin that was exposed to allow your body time to make and absorb Vitamin D

7)      Quit smoking. Quit drinking coffee and non-herbal tea. These all contain components that destroy anti-oxidants and collagen and THAT leads to wrinkles!

8)      Get enough sleep. Have you noticed that your skin looks less well when you are tired?

Judith Cobb