This spring, I’ve partnered with the Canadian Health Food Association to develop a natural skin-care routine for each decade. From your 20s to your 50s, your skin-care routine needs to change right along with you, to ensure you continue to glow from the inside out.

Let’s start with the 20s

Acne can often be a concern and rather than use harsh products, I recommend raw or unpasteurized honey. It is packed with nutrients and antibacterial enzymes. You can use it as a mask - find a recipe here. Look for a good quality honey at your local health food store. Use the “Find a Retailer” tool on CHFA.ca to find one near you!

You may be on a budget during this decade and not eating as much of a variety as your body needs, so be sure to add in a multi-vitamin and mineral so your body is getting everything that it needs.

 

Here’s another helpful tip for your 20s, when you might be wearing party makeup frequently: coconut oil is a fantastic make-up remover!

Into your 30s

Big changes can happen in your 30s. Family and a new busy life means that eating a great diet each day doesn’t always happen. Try to focus on a diversity of fruits and vegetables, and where possible reach for these foods rich in Vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production (what gives your skin its suppleness). Vitamin C - rich foods include oranges and other citrus fruits, bell peppers, dark leafy greens and berries.

Protect your digestive system and boost your immune system for healthy glowing skin. Take a probiotic daily. It will make your tummy feel good, keep your body strong and healthy and calm irritated skin because it helps to reduce inflammation in the body.

 

In our 40s we are facing fine lines

We shouldn’t fear our forties, but embrace this time for the vitality and confidence it can give us. It is a time to really go natural with skin care, and to choose products that care for our skin gently.

Start from within: focus on a diet full of antioxidants to fend off free radicals that are associated with aging. Greens, beta-carotene, selenium and fibre-rich vegetables are essential. Eat a rainbow every day to ensure a good balance.

Drink plenty of water to keep the skin moisturized from within.

Into our 50s

This can be a time of change, as menopause hits. Shifting hormones can often mean dry skin so it is especially important to moisturize. I can remember my mom commenting as she went through menopause that she felt like a shrivelled up prune. I recommend Argan oil from Morocco. You may have seen it in hair products, but research shows that it helps improve elasticity in the skin of post-menopausal women.

CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that you can take as a supplement, and has the added benefit of being great for heart health and memory.

Supplementing with Vitamin D is also important, as the skin’s capacity to produce vitamin D from sun exposure is reduced as you age.

Natural beauty products (including those you make yourself), a strong diet and the right supplements can go a long way towards giving you healthy, vibrant skin at any age. And so can the natural glow of a life full of joy. This is a great time to remind you to manage your stress levels, get plenty of sleep and embrace every part of your journey.

For more information on healthy skin, from within, visit CHFA.ca