It’s finally summertime in Chicago which means it’s time to put on our favorite pair of sneakers and enjoy the city. During this time of the year, it’s easy to find ourselves itchy and flakey from a sunburn, sweaty from yard work, or suddenly covered in acne from all those tasty treats we’ve been enjoying. So how do we protect the largest organ of our body while ensuring we can have fun this summer?
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Listen to Your Gut
Ensuring you have balanced gut health can have a positive impact on your skin. The equilibrium of yeast and bacteria in your gut is so vital, it has a name – the micro-biome. When an imbalance between bacteria and yeast occurs, an individual can suffer from skin inflammation and other problems such as acne, dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis.
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Cut the Cheese
Did you know high dairy intake can have a direct impact on acne breakouts? The food we enjoy can have drastic effects on our skin. In addition to dairy, sugar can adhere to the amino acids found in collagen, leading to an aging effect while individuals with a gluten intolerance might suffer from psoriasis among other autoimmune diseases. If you find yourself suffering from dry, flakey skin, treat yourself to omega 3 rich foods such as fish, wild rice, and spinach.
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Soak Up the Sun
This seems incredibly counter intuitive. How many times have we been told to lather sunscreen, wear the big floppy hat and rash guard, and beware of the summer sun? As difficult as it might be to believe, relaxing in the sun for 20 minutes every day between 10 am and 2 pm sparks vitamin D production, leading to happy, glowing skin. Only use protection when needed and be mindful of the ingredients in your favorite sunscreen. Choosing natural products ensure your body can still produce vitamin D while providing defense against the sun’s rays. A little sunshine also prompts melatonin construction, prompting a better night’s sleep.
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Break a Sweat
When you exercise and sweat regularly, your body releases toxins. Finish in a hot shower with your favorite sponge to exfoliate and rinse those toxins down the drain.
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Supplement as Necessary
If you feel you are not getting enough vitamin D or omega 3 fatty acids, do not hesitate to supplement with high quality vitamins. If you suffer from eczema, rashes, and severe acne, you may want to consult your doctor to see if you have a zinc deficiency.
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Hit the Snooze Button
Getting 8 hours of sleep per night helps minimize signs of aging, decreases under eye bags, and protects the integrity of your skin ensuring your barrier properties remain strong.
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Hydrate Often
Drinking 8 glasses of water per day will further help flush out any toxins, keep you hydrated throughout the day, and leave you with glowing skin.
Utilize these tips and tricks to keep your skin nourished from the inside out and take advantage of all the festivities Chicago has to offer. To learn more about how to get to the root cause of your health concerns, click the button below to schedule an appointment!
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