The Secret to Healthy, Radiant Skin

by Andrea Candee, author, Gentle Healing for Baby and Child

Oftentimes, the body�s internal health is reflected in the skin. Show me a person who has been brought up with antibiotics, a dairy laden diet and chronic constipation and I�ll show you a person with skin problems: acne, boils, cysts, etc.

Healthy diet, a full body herbal detoxification program and lots of water offer a good combined approach to skin repair from the inside out even for teenagers, caught in the middle of hormonal flare-ups.

From the outside in, the key to glowing skin is daily exfoliation and hydration. The external environment deposits its toxins into our pores as our internal ecology tries to rid itself of toxicity through the same pores, producing a build up of dead skin cells. Daily exfoliation with a gentle, creamy herbal scrub accelerates new cell production while decreasing build up of dead surface skin cells which produce clogged, lackluster looking skin. Care must be taken to use an exfoliant gentle enough for daily rather than weekly use as is indicated on many scrub labels. (Feel free to contact me if you need help in locating a scrub for daily use). Oily skin benefits from use morning and night while normal to dry or sensitive skin is fine with a once a day cleansing.

Facial products primarily composed of a cosmetic quality aloe vera gel are most beneficial to the skin. (Again, feel free to contact me if you need help in locating a cosmetic quality aloe). Properties that enable the aloe vera plant to withstand the desert climate are imparted to the skin, keeping it well hydrated. The whole plant product moisturizes, is anti-inflammatory, refines fine lines, reduces pitting and scarring, promotes uplift and radiance.

Aloe biogens have the unique ability to help skin renew itself. Working with the skin�s metabolism, they increase nutrient absorption and oxygen exchange. Aloe contains zinc, a powerful anti-viral agent; anti-oxidant substances, vitamins A and C, copper, selenium, magnesium; and polysaccharides, a group of molecules responsible for bringing renewed luster to the skin.

The secret to healthy, radiant skin, therefore, lies in:

• a healthy diet
• a well functioning colon
• 8-10 glasses of water each day
  
• daily exfoliation and hydration