Beauty is Skin Deep

Let's talk about skincare. This is what I consider to be part of "recovery". The ideal goth look includes well-maintained skin - like that of a marble statue. I think the idea comes from a romantic notion of reflecting artwork. Also, there were a lot of high exposure photos that were published in Carpe Noctem and Propaganda and Newgrave magazines. Photography like that usually diminishes imperfections.

Biotin & Collagen

If you want two types of supplements that will help your skin, hair, and nails - go with biotin and collagen. For biotin, you should look for a 5000-10,000mcg high quality biotin. Sports Research Biotin 5000mcg is what I use and can be ordered through Amazon or their website. Collagen powder can be found at the grocery store or online. I use Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides unflavored, which can be mixed into any beverage.

Biotin is Vitamin B7 and it's used to support keratin synthesis. This helps your skin and hair. Collagen helps to improve your hair, nails, skin elasticity, joints, ligaments, and tendons.

Sagging Skin Recovery

If you have lost enough size to have a sagging skin issue, you can help your body tighten the skin. First, start taking biotin and collagen on a daily basis. This will help with internal support. Another thing you can do is to increase circulation to the sagging skin areas. To do this, you can schedule weekly massages, schedule cupping, perform skin scraping with a body plane or gua sha scraper, or do hot/cold therapy (sauna, then cold bath). Stay a little extra hydrated. Stop smoking and reduce sun exposure. Use a firming cream. Also, keep exercising to help your body.

Sagging skin can occur with rapid weightloss. The body will recompose itself, but it does take time. Elastin is the protein in the skin that can firm up or stretch out. If you have been overweight for an extended period, then your elastin is stretched out. It will firm up.

Tonight is a face mask night.

Skin Routines

A skin routine is something that you do on a regular basis to manage your skin. Three things that I do is use a body wash containing charcoal, use a facial cleanser, and once or twice a week I use a detox face mask. For body wash there are a few types I use. It just has to contain charcoal or my skin is not happy. The facial cleanser I use is Clearasil and I use it every time I take a shower. For the face mask, I use Formula 10.0.6 Draw It All Out. Some people have a lot more to their own routines. Mine is pretty simple.

I have to say that I really like charcoal skincare products. Charcoal will help absorb toxins and remove impurities. I used to get breakouts on my back (years ago), but when I switched to charcoal body wash things cleared up fast. If you have issues with breakouts, try product with charcoal.

Eating For Better Skin

If you want to eat foods for natural support for better skin, try these.

• Fatty Fish - Fatty fish contain good fats like Omega-3s that help maintain skin thickness, elasticity, and moisture. Those Omega-3s can also help reduce inflammation and sun sensitivity. Fatty fish also contain Vitamin E which supplies your skin with antioxidants. Types of fatty fish would be salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, tuna, and anchovy.

• Avocado - Avocados are high in healthy fats. These fats can help maintain skin flexibility and moisture. Avocado has Vitamin E and Vitamin C. Vitamin C can help the skin produce collagen and reduce wrinkles.

• Walnuts - Walnuts contain essential fatty acids. Its the only nut that contains both Omega-3 and Omega-6. They also contain zinc, which helps your skin function as a protective barrier. 28g of walnuts per day is a good amount to consume.

• Sweet Potato - Sweet potato contains beta carotene, which can be converted to Vitamin A, and it contains carotenoids. Vitamin A is an antioxidant which acts as a skin protectant. Carotenoids function as a natural sunblock. Beta carotene will actually add a healthy glow to the skin.

• Red or Yellow Bell Pepper - These bell peppers contain beta carotene and Vitamin C.

• Broccoli - Broccoli contains minerals and nutrients that can help improve skin, as well as zinc, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. It also contains leutin, which acts in a similar fashion to beta carotene, and sulphoraphane, which is said to be an anticarcinogen and acts as a powerful protective agent for the skin.

• Tomato - Tomatoes contain Vitamin C, all the major carotenoids, and lycopene. Lycopene acts in a similar manner to beta carotene.

• Dark Chocolate - Dark chocolate contains 50-90% cocoa solids and is usually noted for its rich bitter taste. Dark chocolate contains a high level of antioxidants. It can also reduce scaly skin and improve skin blood flow. You could have 1oz of dark chocolate 70% (or higher) for best results.

• Green Tea - Green tea is known for improving skin health and acting as an anti-aging agent. It contains catechins which act as the main source of skin support.

• Red or Black Grapes - Red and dark varieties of grapes contain resveratrol. Resveratrol is an anti-aging agent and reducer of free radicals.
  

Meal ideas:

• Loaded Tuna Melt - Make your tuna salad with tuna, tomato, avocado, and yellow bell pepper.

• Baked Salmon with Steamed Broccoli

• Baked Brie with Roasted Grapes and Thyme

• Dark Chocolate Mousse

• Sardine Spread (for bread or crackers or bell pepper)

Readers - I'd love to hear what you think about or do for skincare. If there is anything you would like to hear more about, just let me know.