Holistic Summer Skincare: how to nurture your skin from within

When we think of skincare, we typically think of products that relieve skin conditions, enhance the skin’s appearance or provide environmental protection. While all of this is a part of caring for skin, we need to go beneath the surface to more effectively treat and support this important organ.

Many skin conditions, diseases and disorders actually start in the digestive, lymphatic, immune or endocrine systems. Systemic inflammation can throw hormones off balance, cause gut issues, and impair cognitive function, causing internal disruptions that can manifest as skin symptoms.

When we heal the cell through detoxification and support, we’re able to reduce widespread inflammation in the body and improve the integrity of the skin. The best results are always achieved with a holistic, proactive approach to overall health and wellbeing; the solution isn’t only skin-deep.

Lifestyle & Nutrition

The culmination of all our daily habits and the things we put into our bodies has a significant impact on our health and wellness. Without supportive routines and nourishing food, the body becomes more susceptible to illness and disease; healthy lifestyle, mindset and nutritional practices are foundational to building more resilience and vitality in body and mind. Summertime has big, expansive, busy energy, and if we’re not mindful of the choices we make through this season, we may find ourselves dealing with increased inflammation that can manifest in a number of ways, including as skin disturbances.

To support your skin this summer, keep food and drinks light and cooling and reach for ingredients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, like berries, healthy fats and leafy greens. Enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, choosing local, seasonal produce whenever possible. Avoid inflammatory foods (like refined sugar, processed meats, refined carbs, and alcohol) and include turmeric in meals and drinks for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Stay well hydrated and include trace minerals to improve absorption. Learn more about the Ayurveda of summer and how to find balance through the hottest months of the year.

Essential Fatty Acids

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (in the right combination) are essential for skin health and appearance. Certain omega-3s have been shown to reduce UV-induced photodamage, signs of skin aging, and inflammatory responses. Omega-6 essential fatty acids support the function of the skin barrier and structural integrity of the skin.¹ Our favourite essential fatty acid supplement is Pure Form Omega Natural, an organic, plant-based, fish-free, cold-pressed, essential fatty acid source of omega-6 and omega-3.

Skin Circuit

All of our biohacking tools in the Longevity Lab will help to support skin health by encouraging better balance of all your body’s systems and reducing inflammation, but we recommend this powerful circuit (three-therapy combo) to best support your skin at the cellular level. The skin circuit includes LED Light Therapy, Nebulizer and the IonCleanse Foot Bath.

LED Light Therapy – These treatments help with the production of collagen, reduce acne, promote wound healing and tissue repair, reduce inflammation and pain, and encourage the production of ATP. This is a safe and effective biohacking tool with multiple uses, but is primarily used to support skin health.

Nebulizer – Glutathione is most commonly nebulized at the Longevity Lab. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant comprised largely of three amino acids: glutamine, glycine, and cysteine. It is naturally produced in the body but may decline as a result of poor nutrition, stress, and environmental toxins, as well as through the aging process. Glutathione is effective in reducing oxidative stress and cellular damage, encouraging healthy cell turnover and promoting skin health from the within.

IonCleanse Foot Bath – This device uses a patented dual polarity array to pull heavy metals and glyphosate out of your body, aiding in the detoxification process and giving your skin a boost. The device ionizes the water molecules, which act like tiny magnets in the water to create the initial draw of oppositely charged toxins from the body. Gentle detox is instrumental in promoting cellular repair and supporting skin health.

Glow IV

Vitamin IV therapy is a safe and effective method to bypass the digestive tract and oral administration of nutrients. Determining the right treatment for each person depends on their genetics and the environmental factors they are exposed to, so it’s important to consult with a naturopathic physician. When we see inflammatory issues with the skin, it’s often indicative of an internal imbalance. Our Glow IV is packed with vitamins and nutrients designed to encourage healthy, glowing skin from within. If you’d like to learn more about the best vitamin IV therapy for you, please book a consultation with one of our naturopathic doctors in our Vancouver clinic.

Skin Products

The most important consideration when it comes to skincare is whether it will contribute to your toxic load. Many skin care products contain toxic substances like parabens, phthalates, fragrances and oxybenzone, which can cause endocrine disruption and worsen skin conditions. Always read the ingredients on the label and choose natural, non-toxic products that support the integrity of the skin. At Divine Elements, we offer a natural skincare line that’s locally and sustainably made, non-toxic, and affordable – visit us at our clinic in Kitsilano to browse our products!

Detox Fix Program

A build-up of neurotoxins in our system, trauma, and infections are common contributors to toxic overload and can often show up as skin conditions. When there are elevated levels of inflammation in the body, our systems face a greater challenge in detoxifying and achieving homeostasis. We need to eliminate the sources of toxicity (including those chemical-laden skincare products), heal the cell, and continue to support natural detoxification through healthy dietary and lifestyle practices to achieve better whole body balance. Our Detox Fix program takes an upstream approach to detox, investigating the root cause of illness rather than simply treating the symptoms that present.