Tips for a Natural Glow All Year Round from Holistic Health Coach, Ali Fiorella
Who doesn’t love a good tan and naturally glowing skin?! Most of us would say it’s one of our favorite parts of summer… and as summer is coming to a close, we all want to hang on to every last bit of it! I’m no exception, but as a health coach, I have found taking a holistic approach to skincare is the key to keeping my natural glow all year round and I’m sharing my favorite tips so that you can too!
Typically when we hear the word skincare we think of the products that we use topically, but skincare goes beyond just the surface and what you put on your skin! Just as I describe holistic health to my clients, there are many factors of your life that impact your health and well-being and in working through any health issues we must address the root cause in order to heal… and the same goes for your skin! If you experience any common skin conditions like rashes, acne, or dryness, topical products usually only treat surface level symptoms, rather than the underlying cause. If you want naturally healthy and glowing skin, you’ll need to focus on how you’re fueling your body and what’s going on internally! For example, your gut health is directly linked to the health of your skin, and there’s even a term for it… it’s called ‘the gut-skin axis’! I won’t get too technical here, but it’s the bidirectional pathway between your gut and your skin, through which the two interact with one another! Inflammation in the gut can lead to inflammation in other parts of the body, disrupting hormones, your nervous system and even your skin! What’s going on externally with your skin is actually a great reflection of what’s going on internally!
Yes, we still need to use skincare products for maintenance and to help us look and feel our best… but it’s not the only thing that matters! So, how do we support our internal health for that external glow?!
Here are my top 5 holistic skincare tips for achieving optimal skin health and a natural glow all year round!
- Hydration- is essential for the proper functioning of our body, beautiful skin and a healthy gut! Making sure you’re drinking an adequate amount of water for your body is key to hydrated and glowing skin. The more you sweat the more essential minerals you lose, which are required for hydration. Replenish with electrolytes naturally from Pink Himalayan salt, coconut water, and bananas to maintain balance in the body and optimize hydration.
- A healthy diet- full of colorful fruits and vegetables, rich in antioxidants and fiber, along with probiotic rich foods to nourish your gut! Quality protein and healthy fats also play an integral role in your gut and skin health! Collagen, which you can get from things like bone broth or powdered supplements, contains important amino acids for your gut and skin health! Limit processed foods and sugar, which are linked to inflammation, leading poor gut and skin health.
- Stress management- is key for holistic wellness, as the body and mind are deeply connected. Regularly use stress management tools like, exercise, journaling, spending time outdoors, or breathing exercises. Stress leads to inflammation, thus hormonal and gut imbalances, often resulting in skin issues and symptoms. Practicing some of these things can lead to better internal health that shows up externally as well!
- Clean & natural skincare products- because yes, the quality of what you put on your skin does matter! It’s our body’s largest organ! What the focus should be on here is quality clean products that are free from toxins and chemicals that can enter our body through our skin, posing a threat to our internal health. EWG's Skin Deep database is my favorite resource for detecting harmful ingredients and finding healthier alternatives!
- Sun protection- using a clean mineral based sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage. Look for products that contain zinc oxide as the active ingredient and be sure to read the label and make sure it’s free from toxic ingredients! Remember to wear SPF daily all year round, especially on your face!
I hope this inspires you to both choose quality skincare products and protection, while also focusing on nourishing yourself more holistically… not just for glowing skin, but for glowing health too!
Ali Fiorella is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach with an advanced certification in gut health. She empowers women to prioritize their health and understand their bodies in order to feel more energized, elevate their mood, and gain confidence in making the right decisions for their health. Her coaching and expertise encompasses holistic health, nutrition, gut health, mindfulness, and self-care to help women become allies to their body and mind and feel empowered in their health and lives! Visit Ali's web site at: https://www.alifiorella.com
