Mineral Makeup
Some say that you can trace every sickness, every disease and every ailment to a mineral deficiency.
When I ask ladies what they want to see when they look in the mirror, the answer from most is "bright, soft, blemish-free skin". Once we've had a chance to get acquainted, I begin breaking things down. This includes their lifestyle, skincare regimen, and diet. I assume that by this point in life, most of them have a vague idea that minerals are important for their health, but just incase they are not aware, I try and make it quick but informative.
The Breakdown
There are over 20 minerals that are important in helping support physical health and wellness. Most are required in very small quantities, but are necessary for maintenance of life. And each of these minerals have a small job that makes a big difference in the development of healthy skin and it's function. Additionally, six of these minerals are particularly key for promoting and nurturing a clear, glowing complexion. Here are the minerals I recommend and how to use them for achieving soft, radiant skin while fighting disease and facilitate healing when needed.
Copper: Copper plays a key role in maintaining skin's well-being by stabilizing the skin's protein (we discussed the importance of protein in an earlier post). Collagen is made from proteins, and it gives the skin it's firmness. Together with Vitamin C and Zinc, Copper helps to develop elastin. Skin with healthy levels of both collagen and elastin isn't just more youthful, it's stronger.
Consumption: The best way to get Copper into the body is by eating green leafy vegetables (spinach, mustard greens, kale), seeds (sesame, sunflower, pumpkin), nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans), vegetables (squash, eggplant, tomatoes, sweet potato, bell pepper, beets, avocado), almost all beans, and some fruits (kiwi, pineapple, pears, raspberries, strawberries).
It's also helpful to take a supplement. The daily recommended dose for women is 9mg per day.
Zinc: This mineral has more than one health benefit. When it comes to the skin, Zinc is able to reduce inflammation, protection from UV damage (also known as a good natural sunblock), reduce the occurrence of acne, and speed up the healing of breakouts.
Consumption: The best way to get Zinc into the body is by eating meat (beef, pork), and seafood (crab, lobster, oysters).
If taken in supplement form the daily recommended dose for women is 8mg per day.
Selenium: This power-packed mineral fights inflammation and free radicals (first causes of aging) thereby helping to slow aging. When taking with Vitamin E, it works to heal the skin which lessens the healing time of acne breakouts and post surgery procedures. Selenium is also needed for skin's elasticity ( skin's ability to stretch and then bounce back). Selenium also protects the skin from the sun, lessening the chance of sunburn which lowers your risk of skin cancer.
Consumption: The best way to get Selenium into the body is by eating Brazil nuts, tuna, sunflower seeds, and brown rice.
If taken in supplement form the daily recommended dose for women is 55 mcg per day.
Manganese: Another superstar, this mineral supports collagen production and fights free radicals which keeps skin healthy and resilient. Together with Zinc and Copper this powerhouse can repair and soothe aggravated skin.
Consumption: The best way to get Manganese into the body is by eating leafy greens (collard greens, kale, spinach), nuts (almonds and pecans), oatmeal, and dark chocolate.
If taken in supplement form the daily recommended dose for women is 2mg per day.
Silica: "The skin sweetheart." Silica is required to produce collagen (our natural filler). I could probably stop there, but there's so much more. It's a natural anti-inflammatory (relieves skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis), keeps the skin hydrated, and is a strong carrier of oxygen (which helps with acne because bacteria cannot live in the presence of oxygen).
Consumption: You can bolster your intake of Silica by eating leafy greens, apples, cucumbers, celery, and asparagus. But the only way to get enough of the mineral is to supplement.
Recommended dose for women is 20mg per day.
Sulfur is one of my favorite minerals to apply during an Acne Detoxing Facial. It inhibits bacteria from acne, promotes healing of breakouts, and reduces inflammation.
Although, it takes time (12 weeks) to see the results in the mirror, you should start to notice a brighter complexion, a youthful glow, along with firmer and hydrated skin. Your overall health should improve as well.
With that being said, I think we all need to add a few more leafy greens, bright berries, summer vegetables, fish, and nuts into our shopping cart.
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