unlocking clearer skin - in conversation with naturopath olivia barron
Having clear and radiant skin is something that many of us strive for. However achieving and maintaining clear skin can be challenging, especially with so many factors that can affect it, such as genetics, diet and lifestyle. I was lucky enough to chat to Olivia Barron, naturopath and instagram founder of @ob.naturopathy, about her holistic approaches and tips to maintaining optimal skin health. Here they are…
So what’s important, and what do we need to do more of…
Hydration is key - specifically 35mL water per kilogram of body weight. This supports optimal waste clearance and increases cellular hydration making your skin more plump!
Eat antioxidant-rich foods - antioxidants neutralise damaging free radicals to which in turn protect your skin barrier. Start focussing on adding in antioxidant rich foods such as berries, parsley, green tea, garlic, onions
Vitamin C - also an antioxidant nutrient. Vitamin C is anti-inflammatory and supports collagen production. Found in high amounts in kiwi fruit, berries, citrus fruits, broccoli, kale.
Focus on healthy fats - these are important for building healthy cell membranes. Found in avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil, hemp seeds and chia.
Zinc-rich foods - alleviates inflammation and prevents scarring. Best sources include legumes, nuts, seeds, oysters.
What should we do less of…
Reduce your alcohol consumption - alcohol increases the body's toxin load and may also raise androgen levels (anabolic hormones linked with acne*)
Watch your sugar intake - sugar raises blood sugar levels and in turn insulin. Insulin increases androgen activity
Dairy products : milk contains growth hormones like IGF-1 which can also increase androgen activity. * Excess androgens can worsen breakouts and acne by increasing the production of sebum, an oily substance released from the skin, which mixes with dead skin cells and dirt particles clogging pores and forming pimples.
& some extra lifestyle tips…
FACE WASHING: avoid over washing your face as this will strip away natural oils and aggravate the surfaces of the skin.
REMOVE MAKEUP: this must be done every night before you go to sleep to prevent clogged pores. It's best to avoid makeup entirely when you're breaking out.
PILLOW CASES/FACE CLOTHS: to avoid the spread of bacteria regularly change or wash your pillow cases and face cloths
PRODUCTS: to avoid congesting your skin stick to light weight moisturisers or natural facial oils. Less is more!
TEA TREE OIL: tea tree is extremely potent and very effective. 1-2 drops mixed into facial oil (I like straight jojoba oil) applied once a day works a treat! This is a great option as your 'moisturiser', so no need to apply anything else
FRESH AIR: being inside in stuffy rooms or having the AC/heater blasting can clog up and dry out your skin. Ensure you're getting outside as much as possible to let your skin breathe!
@ob.naturopathy
Thank you Liv <3 x
