New Ways to Refresh Your Skin this
Spring
TORONTO, May 26, 2015 /CNW/ - Beauty is more than
skin deep. In fact, the role our internal health plays in our skin
health is just as important as what we put on the
surface. Canadians are becoming increasingly aware of what
they lather on their outer layer and are searching for more natural
solutions. Just in time for spring, the Canadian Health Food
Association (CHFA) has released the top five tips for natural skin
health.
"As our bodies change through the decades, our skin care routine
needs to change too," says CHFA Holistic Nutritionist, Michelle W. Book. "CHFA recommends a
holistic approach to promoting radiant, healthy skin; including
protecting your skin on the outside, and nourishing yourself from
within by eating specific organic foods and taking natural health
products to promote healthy skin."
CHFA is excited to be spreading the word about how Canadians can
refresh their skin this season with these top five tips:
1. Try tea for tender skin
Tea consumption has long been associated with anti-aging and
anti-cancer benefits, and new research suggests that drinking
certain teas may benefit our skin. The skin-benefits of tea are
linked to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic
effects of compounds found in tea, called polyphenols. These
natural compounds have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and
inflammation caused by sun exposure. Green tea in particular, has
high levels of a potent polyphenol known as EGCG. To unlock the
anti-aging power of green tea you can use it topically as
well. Click here for a fun DIY Green Tea & Raw Sugar
Exfoliant recipe.
2. Nourish skin from the inside with natural health
products
The first and most commonly cited vitamin for skin health is
vitamin C. This vitamin is essential for stimulating the formation
of collagen. Extensive research has shown collagen helps to reduce
the appearance of skin wrinkles and improves skin texture and
strength. Another common "skin-sational" nutrient is vitamin A.
Vitamin A is the most important nutrient for the healthy growth of
new cells. Despite this, Health Canada reports that many Canadians
do not get enough vitamin A from diet alone. Vitamin A is one of
the first-line approaches for stimulating collagen synthesis in the
skin, promoting strong connective tissue and, in turn, producing
fuller, healthier skin.
A few lesser known natural health products that boast benefits
to skin health include: vitamin B3, or nicotinamide and Spirulina.
Numerous studies have found that topical application of
nicotinamide can improve the appearance of age spots, reduce
wrinkles and improve skin elasticity. Spirulina is a
blue-green algae superstar that is often found in tablet form or as
an ingredient in Greens powder supplements. As a natural health
product, Spirulina plantensis is high in protein, vitamins and
antioxidants, and is highly nutritious. NASA considered it as a key
food source for long-term space travel.
3. Opt for natural oils to lock in moisture
Natural oils give our skin a radiant glow. Complementing our
body's natural protection with oils like coconut oil, sea buckthorn
oil, argan oil, and foods rich in omega-3s, like salmon and
mackerel, can help protect our skin from drying out. Healthy fats
from plant-sources, like avocados and olives, also help our body to
produce these important oils. Sea-buckthorn oil is rich in a host
of nutrients and phytonutrients that have been shown to improve
skin hydration and promote healing. This shrub's orange berries
have been used throughout the world to nourish, revitalize, and
restore damaged skin. Best of all, it can be applied topically or
taken as a supplement.
4. Align your skin care routine with your moral
compass
From food to natural health products, to
clothing, ethics are more than ever a top-of-mind ingredient. This
link has led to a boom in natural body care products carrying a
variety of certifications. Certifications can give consumers the
confidence their purchase is organic, sustainable, cruelty-free,
vegan, or gluten-free, among others. Many cosmetics may carry an
organic certification, from a third party certifier, for the entire
product or for certain ingredients. Some products are also created
using sustainable practices, bearing cruelty-free and eco-friendly
certifications. Spring is a great time for Canadians to visit their
local health food store to learn more about natural and ethical
approaches to improve their skin.
5. Adapt your routine to age 'au naturel' through the
decades
As we grow older, our bodies go through tremendous change.
Hormonal ups and downs, temperature extremes, and natural signs of
aging, like wrinkles, begin to appear on once-youthful skin. At
each life stage, our nutritional needs also shift. Getting the
right nutritional balance can help us to enhance overall health and
maintain beautiful skin as we age. Because of this, we need to
rethink and refresh our skincare routine as we age to ensure we
always glow from the inside out.
"Maintaining the health of our skin is essential and it
takes a holistic approach to skincare to promote radiant, healthy
skin," says Book. "Our skin is the window to the world and tells
the story of our life. CHFA wants your skin to tell a story of
health and wellness this spring and throughout your life."
CHFA is proud to be spreading the word about how Canadians can
refresh their skin, naturally, after another long winter. This is
an opportunity to shine a spotlight on natural health products and
their many benefits. It's also a great time for those
interested in healthier living to visit their local health food
store to learn more.
About CHFA
The Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA)
is Canada's largest national trade association dedicated
to the natural health and organic products industry. The
association represents manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers,
distributors and importers of natural health and organic products,
including foods, vitamin and mineral supplements, herbal products,
sports nutrition products, and health and beauty aids. With a
membership of over 1,000 businesses across the country, CHFA
represents an industry that contributes more than $6 billion to the Canadian
economy.
SOURCE Canadian Health Food Association