Close Banner

This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

A Holistic Esthetician's Guide To Dewy, Radiant Skin

Author:

Megan Kelly

January 06, 2017

By Megan Kelly

mbg Contributor

Megan Kelly is a functional nutrition practitioner based in Denver, Colorado.

Photo by Stocksy

January 06, 2017

Who doesn't want glowing, healthy, youthful skin? With the right treatment from the inside out as well as the outside in, incredible skin is achievable for everyone no matter what issue you may be struggling with.

As a holistic esthetician, I address the root cause of my clients' skin issues and provide a customized protocol to completely transform not only their skin but their entire body. The following guidelines are the most powerful ways I have found to get healthy, flawless skin.

Diet

You cannot have glowing, healthy skin without balanced hormones. Most skin issues have to do with imbalanced hormones (too much estrogen and testosterone) and/or gut issues. Adjusting your diet is the No. 1 step you need to take to see changes in your skin.

Healthy hormones and a healthy gut = healthy, glowing skin.

The goal is to eat foods that are anti-inflammatory, gut-supportive, and hormone-balancing while avoiding foods that harm the gut microbiome and cause inflammation and toxicity in the body.

Avoid: Dairy, sugar, refined grains, vegetable oils.

Eat: You must give your body the building blocks it needs to produce hormones correctly. Make sure you have healthy fats, proteins, and vegetables at every meal to ensure your body has all the nutrients it needs to produce the correct ratio of hormones as well as detox excess hormones. You also should consume gut-supportive foods to ensure a healthy microflora and gut function.

Healthy fats: avocado, avocado oil, coconut, coconut oil, olive oil, grass-fed butter or ghee, fish oil, wild-caught fish, sprouted nuts and seeds
Protein: complete proteins—plant or organic animal products
Vegetables: all types of vegetables and leafy greens, especially cruciferous veggies, which detox excess estrogen from the body
Probiotic food and drink: coconut water kefir, sauerkraut, beet kvass, kimchee

Three skin superfoods

Bone broth: Bone broth is all the rage these days, and for a good reason. It is full of healing essential amino acids, minerals, collagen, and gelatin that support every function of the skin.1 It has been shown to reduce wrinkles, even skin complexion, as well as support healthy hair and nails. Bone broth is a true beauty food. If you want a staple bone broth recipe, try this immune-boosting marrow broth.
Turmeric: Turmeric is a master spice with healing benefits to the entire body, especially the skin. Turmeric improves circulation 2 to all organs in the body and is one of the most anti-inflammatory substances you can easily take. Turmeric is wonderful for acne, eczema, or even for those wanting to keep a youthful glow.
Probiotic liquid: My favorite probiotic liquid is coconut water kefir. This elixir contains minerals and specific probiotic strains 3 that are especially healing 4 to the entire body. Coco kefir is especially beneficial for acne and uneven skin tone. It can be found at most health food stores.

Water

Looking to reduce wrinkles and have that natural glow? This is truly my No. 1 secret weapon. Creams and lotions are wonderful, but very few things will bring visible results faster than increasing your water intake. Although drinking more water 5 is a common suggestion, few people actually implement this wonder cure for flawless skin! Drinking at least half your bodyweight in ounces of water each day (preferably more) will plump up your skin, significantly decrease wrinkles, provide a youthful glow, and clear acne. Seriously. Try it.

Circulation

Beautiful skin means consistent blood flow to the face. Being sedentary is terrible not only for your entire body but especially your skin. If you want your face to have more of a glowing, awake, plump look, get more blood flow to your face.

The two best ways to do this are:

Massage: Massaging the face is an excellent way to improve circulation and blood flow as well as drain the lymphatic system, which decreases puffiness and wrinkles. The easiest way to do this is to massage your face as you put your products on.

Exercise: Exercise brings oxygen, blood, and nutrients to every cell and organ in the body.

Exfoliation

To keep youthful and soft skin, exfoliation is key. However, most people overdo it with the scrubs, tools, and chemicals. Keep in mind that the skin is delicate and needs to be treated with care to prevent dry, dull, and uneven skin with broken capillaries and redness. One of my favorite ways to do this is by using baby washcloths to gently rub dead skin away and bring new skin cells forward followed by a bentonite clay mask for a bright and even skin tone.

Spot treatment

Let's face it, there are times when you wake up with an unwanted visitor. To quickly relieve an acne breakout, place a piece of ice or cold spoon on the spot. This will decrease the redness and inflammation. Next, apply a clay mask. This will draw out impurities and begin the healing process.

The 30-day healthy-skin challenge

Avoid refined grains, dairy, and processed sugar.
Have vegetables, protein, and healthy fat at each meal.
Move your body every day (even just a brisk walk or 100 jumping jacks).
Massage your face every time you put lotion on.
Drink half your body weight (or more) in ounces of water each day.
Exfoliate three times a week by gently rubbing the face in circular motions with a baby washcloth.
Drink bone broth as many days of the week as possible.
Consume turmeric daily or coconut kefir daily.