Healthy skin starts within! Learn how to eat for good skin and the best non-toxic skincare routine to achieve glowing skin all summer long

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Whether you live in the cool, Northern mountains or the humid, Southern region, Summer is sure to bring warmer weather across the nation. While I’m a Summer gal through and through, there’s no denying the negative health effects of hot temperatures and humid air. If you’re anything like, my typical glowing skin often takes a hit at the start of Summer. Luckily, there are several practices you and I can put in place to achieve glowing, Summer skin. Consider this your guide to the best non-toxic skincare routine for summer!

COMMON SKIN PROBLEMS

So many women share with me that they notice skin disruptions along with their digestive and autoimmune symptoms. This doesn’t come as a surprise to me and can be expected because your skin is directly impacted by the health of your microbiome. Not to mention, most skincare products on the market contain harmful chemicals and endocrine disruptors that alter hormones.

THE ROLE OF INFLAMMATION

Inflammation on the inside will always result in inflammation on the outside. Conditions like eczema, acne, rosacea, and psoriasis are all inflammatory skin conditions that are directly correlated to the gut! This is because the gut and skin are two innervated organs with crucial immune and neuroendocrine roles that are uniquely related in purpose and function. Both organs are essential to the maintenance of physiologic homeostasis.

WHY SUMMER CAN WRECK HAVOC ON YOUR SKIN

Our skin has many essential responsibilities, so it’s wise to do your best to keep your skin in tip-top shape. The skin acts as our body’s first barrier of defense, blocking pathogens from entering into the body and bloodstream. It is also the body’s largest organ, allowing sweat to excrete toxins from the body. 

Not only do the Summer months bring hot weather and humidity, but also excess exposure to the sun’s rays, chlorine water, and topical sunscreen- all of which have the potential to harm our skin. As a result, we can quickly develop skin problems, like acne, eczema, hives, folliculitis, dry skin, and more. So, what can you do to protect your skin this summer? 

BEST NON-TOXIC SKINCARE ROUTINE

1. Stock Up on SPF

SPF can help protect your skin from short-term sun burns and long-term sun damage. I recommend investing in a high quality, non-toxic SPF for your skin- especially your face. Implementing a daily SPF moisturizer or non-toxic SPF foundation is one of the best things I’ve personally done to protect my skin. The Detox Market has great, non-toxic SPF products. 

2. Consume More Antioxidants 

Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in the body. These free radicals can increase as a result of stress (physical or mental), processed foods, environmental pollution, heavy metals, alcohol, and more. If you enjoy the occasional (or frequent) Summer cocktail at the pool, it’s a good idea to up your antioxidant intake. Top antioxidant glowing skin foods include: dark chocolate, organic berries, dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, organic oranges and apples, and green tea. 

3. Hydrate From the Inside-Out

It’s imperative to drink enough water all year long, but especially during the hot, Summer months. Aim to drink half your body weight (pounds) in ounces of water per day. To kick it up a notch, add electrolytes or sprinkle sea salt in your water. I like Trace Minerals electrolytes. The best summer skincare always starts with proper hydration!

4. Moisturize After Swimming 

I highly recommend moisturizing with coconut oil or natural cocoa butter after swimming, especially when in a chlorine pool. Chlorine is known to dry out the skin and exacerbate skin problems. Keeping the skin moisturized can help calm and hydrate the skin. However, even before moisturizing, it’s important to rinse off the chlorine in the shower. Leaving chlorine on the skin not only dries it out, but can also lead to nutrient deficiencies and the chelation of heavy metals.  

5. Exfoliate Regularly

You can regularly exfoliate your skin to shed dead skin, promote detoxification, and encourage healthy skin repair. My favorite ways to exfoliate skin include dry brushing and applying homemade sugar scrubs. When exfoliating, be sure to do so gently and don’t over do it. Aim to exfoliate a few times a week and no more. You can use many ingredients that you probably have around your house to exfoliate (such as coffee grinds and honey) and create your own glowing skin home remedies. If you are like me though and just want something quick and easy–try one from Ann Marie SkinCare. They literally make you glow and radiate after you use it for a few weeks. 

6. Rinse with Cold Water

Using cold water to wash your face is a great way to reduce skin inflammation by shrinking pores and providing hydration. Take it a step further by ending your shower with a cold water rinse. This practice is known to stimulate endorphins, improve mental alertness, increase blood circulation, and boost the immune system. 

7. Use a Facial Mask

Applying a facial mask once a week helps draw out toxins from the skin. Charcoal or clay masks are a great way to cleanse the skin from impurities and bacteria. However, using facial masks too often can result in dry, cracked skin, so use them no more than once a week. After use, always moisturize with a non-toxic moisturizer or facial oil. I suggest something that is high quality, pure, and of course, non-toxic. Again, Ann Marie SkinCare makes the best kits for high quality non-toxic skin care. 

8. Go Make-Up-Less

Wearing less makeup during hot and humid months can help decrease your risk of skin breakouts. Opt to go make-up-less as often as possible. And when you do wear make-up, always use non-toxic makeup products such as what you can find on the Detox Market (a one stop shop for non-toxic makeup). Read more about my favorite non-toxic makeup brands here. 

9. Eat Your Omega 3’s 

Ideally, we should consume omega-3’s and omega-6’s in a 3:1 ratio. However, today’s average American diet is high in processed, sugary foods, which increase our omega-6 intake drastically. To increase your omega-3 consumption, eat more whole, raw, natural  foods, like: wild-caught fish, grass-fed meat, flaxseed, walnuts, hemp oil, and avocado. Learning how to eat for good skin will work wonders!

10. Opt for Non-Toxic

As mentioned earlier, non-toxic skincare and make-up is a must. However, it doesn’t end there. In addition to make-up, look for the following non-toxic products. moisturizer, hand soap and lotion, body wash, hair products, cleaning supplies, laundry detergents, and other common household items. I also encourage you to opt for organic produce, as often as possible. Keeping your toxic burden as low as possible is an amazing way to ensure healthy skin all year long. Need a place to start with a non-toxic lifestyle? Visit our favorite non-toxic beauty and lifestyle brands in our Resources For Your Success. This would be a great place to start! 

NONTOXIC SKINCARE THAT WORKS

This Summer, I encourage you to implement these top skincare tips to boost healthy, glowing skin. If you are looking for a new brand to fall in love with, Ann Marie SkinCare is the top choice for purity and quality with the best ingredients compared to any other brand. You can try their one time only “Go and Glow” set with my absolute favorite antioxidant lip balm and wild fruit face serum to promote radiant and subtle skin from lip to cheek! The kit is normally $60 but you can grab it this month for only $19.99.

GLOWING SUMMER SKIN RECAP

There you have it! Start with correcting and balancing your gut first, your omega 3:6 ratio, hydration, and replenish nutrient deficiencies. Then practice a combination of both non-toxic topical and dietary modifications to your routine for glowing skin.

The good news is that one of the first things I notice in my clients once we start correcting bacteria and nutrient imbalances is radiant skin. Healthy has a glow and it all starts on the inside ladies (and gents)!

Besides getting serious about your gut health, which one of these summer skincare tips are you going to commit to for glowing skin?