The skin is said to be the largest organ of the body. It is an elimination organ which helps the body rid itself of toxins it does not want. That is why it is a very strong indicator of imbalance in the body.

Just to name a few: Food allergies can result in eczema, rosacea, dark circles or acne. Hormonal imbalances can result in wrinkles, dry skin, acne, hyper-pigmentation and large pores. Jaundice can cause yellowing of the skin. Disruption to the blood’s alkalinity-acid balance can result in skin eruptions in various forms.

Dehydration of the body is seen in dry and wrinkled skin, Thyroid problems can result in the same. Cancer in other organs can cause sallow skin, and skin cancer itself results in a myriad of symptoms of the skin such as moles and discolorations. 

Just as with other organs, when one is out of balance, it can throw others out of balance, resulting in symptoms in both. This is why, if your liver or kidneys are not functioning at full capacity, you will see it manifested in problems with your skin. Look at anyone just off an alcohol binge from the weekend, and you will see a less vibrant complexion, and very frequently, breakouts, because the liver has been over-taxed.

We tend to like to treat the symptoms of skin problems in isolation of the rest of the body. This is typical Western medicine philosophy, but it only makes sense to approach skin healing with a two pronged approach. In Easter medicine, skin problems might be treated with salves and poultices externally, but Eastern practitioners also look to the internal organs, and chemicals consumed internally as a source of the problem. (Including foods)

So, what are some things to consider doing besides eating a healthy diet, for having and keeping healthy skin in your thirties and beyond? Here are my suggestions:

1.Garlic treats infections and acne very well. Applying it externally can burn and cause scarring, so best taken in the form of odorless garlic pills or raw, in food.

2.Bioidentical hormones are miraculous for keeping a youthful, wrinkle-free glow, when your body’s natural hormone production starts to decrease.

3. Drink water!! Water is essential to keep the internal organs eliminating as they should, so there is less demand for the skin to do it. It also keeps skin hydrated. 

4. Eliminate hydrogenated oils and corn syrup from the foods you eat - including sodas. They cause an inflammatory reaction in the body, which results in premature aging, dull skin, and in some people, breakouts.

5. Eat fiber! It helps your body rid itself of toxins naturally (be prepared to poop more). You can also take psyllium in pill form, as well as a myriad of colon cleansing herbs sold at any health store.

6. Take EFA oil pills. Essential Fatty Acids are vital for reducing inflammation in the body and thus, have an anti-aging effect. There is some evidence that they help acne.

7. Eliminate common skin allergens from the diet such as peanut products, dairy, and soy. If symptoms abate, add one food back in at a time and wait two weeks to see if symptoms return, before adding a second food back in. 

8. Take cleansing herbs. I recommend combinations of herbs that are sold as full cleansing kits, to help all internal organs that may be sluggish. You can include a liver detox herbal pill along with heavy metal detox pills which can eliminate excess metals from the bloodstream, that are absorbed through diet and the environment. Copper toxicity is often a culprit of skin problems.

9. Take a multivitamin that includes Vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin C, A, and E. You may need an additional pill with just D, Calcium, Magnesium if you are D-deficient, which many people are!  Some evidence indicates Vitamin D can cure acne. Vitamin C and A have long been known to aid the skin, and Dr. Obagi, of the famous skin care line, thinks magnesium is a skin miracle. 

10. Take B Vitamins. We rarely get enough from our food, and they are vital for overall health, including skin health. B 5, especially is helpful in treating acne, and other B vitamins are good for dry, flaky skin. Do not overdose on these, and consult your doctor on proper dosing, as some B vitamins, in excess can cause liver problems. By the way, alcohol consumption can deplete B Vitamins!

Bonus:

11. For the love of God, avoid the sun! (Enough for Vitamin D absorption, but no tanning!)