Continued from page 1
Alpha-hydroxy acids are responsible for keeping your skin pH balanced. You can get them from foods such as apples, grapes, blackberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes and milk. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) found in fish (especially salmon), dark leafy vegetables (kale, collards, dandelions) and flax seeds are also extremely important for your skin. Lactic acid helps to improve your skin’s moisture content, while glycolic acid removes dead skin cells that make your skin look dry and flaky. Eating foods containing these two EFAs will assist in healthy, glowing skin.
If you’re willing to spend a little (just a little), there are a couple of supplements that will powerboost your healthy eating habits. If you find that you can only take one supplement, let it be Vitamin E. It prevents
formation of free radicals and helps repair skin cells damaged from scrapes, burns and bruises. Aloe Vera is another skin healer as well as moisturizer, and can be used topically from
aloe plant, or consumed as a juice found in supermarkets and health food stores. Kelp is an excellent source of nutrients due to its absorption from sea water and is available in several forms.
Junk foods should especially be avoided when trying to maintain healthy skin. Eliminating soda, sugar and other empty-calorie foods will not only improve your skin’s appearance, but will help take off
extra pounds. Fried foods are especially bad, because hot-processed oils (such as those found in
supermarket) actually create free radicals and can destroy that look you’ve been working so hard for. Alcohol and caffeine should also be avoided, as these and other types of diuretics make
body lose fluids and essential minerals, which dries out your skin.
Each of these foods is easy-to-find in your local supermarket, and will cost you much less than
myriad of skin care products which promise unrealistic results. You’ll notice a difference in your skin in only a few days. You’ll notice that your skin will begin to produce adequate amounts of oil naturally, and will no longer show signs of being dull, scaly, flaky or tight, and chapping and cracking during
winter will be much less likely to occur. These tips will also slow down
effects of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots, enlarged pores and sagging skin.

Burgundy Shank makes handmade personal care products using essential oils, dried botanicals and other natural ingredients. You can download the FREE Report “The Top 10 Ingredients to Avoid in Your Personal Care Products” by joining her online newsletter, “Beauty Secrets from Around the World” at http://www.burgundysoap.com