Whole Food Skin, Hair & Nail Care

Whole Food Skin, Hair & Nail Care

Reviewed by Irene Pauline Humpelstetter, CNP

Feeling and looking young is something that the majority of us strive for. There are millions of beauty products on the market that promote youthfulness and looking your best, but are they actually good for you inside and out? Instead of applying another expensive cream or paying for a manicure, we think it would be worth going back to the basics of hair, skin, and nail care.

Your Skin

Your skin is the largest organ in your body and plays a huge role in detoxing and, of course, protecting your bones, muscles, and vital organs. While it may seem complex to take care of your skin, it’s actually quite simple. We highly recommend the following:

  • Make sure you avoid direct UV rays because they can change the texture and colour of your skin and also expose you to harmful radiation. It is recommended that you use a natural safe SPF of 30 or higher all year round. (1)
  •  It’s also important to make sure you are getting enough vitamin C and healthy fats as they brighten your skin, fade hyperpigmentation, promote elasticity, restore your skin barrier, and keep skin moisturized. (2) 
  • Cleanse your face twice a day to remove dirt, grime, and bad bacteria.
  • Exfoliate at a minimum once a week to remove dead skin.
  • Use a moisturizer daily to prevent dry or flaky skin and to restore your skin’s protective barrier. (3)
  • Exercise daily to increase blood flow and stimulate the release of toxins from your skin.

Your Hair

Human hair is made from a protein called keratin which is also in teeth, skin, and nails. Taking care of your hair can be a challenge, but there are a few tricks that you can follow to make sure that your locks are luscious and healthy.

  • Avoid washing your hair too often or with hot water. Water causes hair follicles to swell which can lead to breakage and frizz (4) and hot showers dry hair out. (5)
  • Give your hair breaks from styling and heat tools as this can be harsh on your hair and your scalp.
  • After styling, leave your hair alone. Playing with your hair or constant twirling and tugging (even in a ponytail) can lead to hair loss and can damage the hair follicles.
  • Don’t forget to deep condition your hair every week for extra hydration! (6)

Your Nails

Maintaining healthy nails is much simpler than taking care of your hair and skin but shouldn’t be forgotten! Some simple tips follow:

  • Make sure you moisturize regularly and don’t forget about your cuticles! Don’t cut your cuticles, even at a salon, because they provide a barrier from bacteria and fungus.
  • Avoid using harsh nail polish with lots of chemicals as they will dry out your skin and inevitably be absorbed by the body. (7)
  • As we all know, don’t bite your nails! Biting or picking at your nails can damage the nail bed allowing bacteria and fungus to grow and can lead to an infection. (8)

A Balanced Diet

One of the most important things that you can do to keep your skin, hair, and nails in great shape is to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Health and vitality starts from within. No matter what tricks or potions you use, what you put in your body will inevitably affect what your outsides look and feel like.

  • Get lots of sleep! Your body repairs and regenerates cells during your sleep.
  • Make sure you drink plenty of water as it will hydrate your hair, skin, and nails and keep them soft and supple.
  • Consume healthy fats! For example avocados; high in fatty acids, prevents damage, as well as calms dry and frizzy hair. (9)
  • Eat strawberries - high in magnesium, Omega 3 fatty acids, folic acid, and B vitamins.
  • Use coconut oil topically- moisturizes hair, fights bacteria on scalp, prevents hair breakage and splitting, as well as moisturizes and protects skin from bad bacteria or fungus.
  • Use apple cider vinegar topically- A great antifungal solution, prevents dandruff, and promotes shine in hair.

Living Alchemy ZINC and BEAUTY+

Despite these tips and diet suggestions, it can be hard to get all the nutrients you need to promote overall wellness, including hair, skin, and nail health. Living Alchemy formulated Zinc features Koji-fermented zinc and acerola cherry plus coriander as supporting ingredients for nourishing the hair, skin, and nails. Koji fermentation unlocks nutrients within the minerals and allows for easier absorption in the body. Acerola cherry is a potent antioxidant which also helps with collagen production and immunity.

We also have an upcoming product, BEAUTY +, crafted for skin, hair, and nail support along the healthy aging journey. Stay tuned to learn more about the product!

 

References:

  1. Dancer, Rebecca. Jan 23, 2020. 25 Natural Ways to Maintain Youthful, Glowing Skin. MBG Lifestyle. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-8355/15-natural-ways-to-maintain-beautiful-youthful-skin.html Accessed Feb 26, 2020.
  2. Dancer, Rebecca. Jan 23, 2020. 25 Natural Ways to Maintain Youthful, Glowing Skin. MBG Lifestyle. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-8355/15-natural-ways-to-maintain-beautiful-youthful-skin.html Accessed Feb 26, 2020.
  3. Skin Yummies. The 10 Best Ways to Take Care of Your Skin. Sally B’s Skin Yummies. https://www.sallybskinyummies.com/blogs/blogs/17681905-the-10-best-ways-to-take-care-of-your-skin Accessed Feb 26, 2020.
  4. Siegel, Elizabeth. Jan 5, 2016. 11 Rules to Always Follow for Healthy Hair. Allure. https://www.allure.com/story/how-to-have-healthy-hair Accessed Feb 27, 2020.
  5. C., Stephanie. Nov 28, 2018. How to Take Care of Your Hair: 21 Natural Hair Care Tips That Work! Expert Home Tips. https://experthometips.com/how-to-take-care-of-your-hair-natural-haircare-tips Accessed Feb 27, 2020.
  6. C., Stephanie. Nov 28, 2018. How to Take Care of Your Hair: 21 Natural Hair Care Tips That Work! Expert Home Tips. https://experthometips.com/how-to-take-care-of-your-hair-natural-haircare-tips Accessed Feb 27, 2020.
  7. Martinko, Katherine. June 12, 2015. 8 tips for naturally beautiful nails. TreeHugger. https://www.treehugger.com/organic-beauty/8-tips-naturally-beautiful-nails.html Accessed Feb 27, 2020.
  8. Mayo Clinic Staff. Oct 16, 2019. Fingernails: Do’s and Don’ts for Healthy Nails. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/nails/art-20044954 Accessed Feb 25, 2020.
  9. C., Stephanie. Nov 28, 2018. How to Take Care of Your Hair: 21 Natural Hair Care Tips That Work! Expert Home Tips. https://experthometips.com/how-to-take-care-of-your-hair-natural-haircare-tips Accessed Feb 27, 2020.
  10. D’Souza, Joy. Feb 24, 2017. Chaga Health Benefits: 7 Reasons to Consume This Mushroom. Huffpost. https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2017/02/24/chaga-health-benefits_n_14941864.html Feb 25, 2020.
  11. Shubrook, Nicola. March 22, 2018. The Health Benefits of Baobab. BBC Good Food. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-baobab Accessed Feb 27, 2020.
  12. Kandola, Aaron. Jan 30, 2020. What are the benefits of maca root? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322511 Accessed Feb 27, 2020.
  13. Bjarnadottir, Adda. March 8, 2019. Beetroot 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/beetroot Accessed Feb 28, 2020.
  14. Gunnars, Kris. May 14, 2019. Spinach 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/spinach Accessed Feb 28, 2020.
  15. Gunnars, Kris. July 13, 2018. 10 Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric Accessed Feb 28, 2020.
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