Let's take this challenge together and see what your skin says!
First and foremost I need to say, "don't shoot the messenger!" In reality, I'm not a big sugar or wine drinker, but I enjoy sugar in a cookie, etc. or a glass of good wine just like the rest of you. BUT I have decided to eliminate all sugar and wine until Thanksgiving, because there is no way I am going to stay away from the pumpkin pie!
After Thanksgiving, I will take the same challenge for the month of December until Christmas! So if you want, let's do this together!
Why am I doing this?
To be quite honest with you, the winter months in the Pacific NW can really be hard on me mentally. You see I'm a California girl that transplanted to Oregon many years ago, but the "No Sun" thing can really affect my moods. When a little sun and blue sky peeks out for a minute I feel myself again.
Let's jump right in!
Did you know that sugar depletes your Vitamins A & B?!
Keeping my body away from sugar (which is also in wine), helps me feel happier and healthier!
"Eating a diet of vitamin B-rich foods, as well as taking daily supplements could improve mental health, may help improve mood, and reduce depression and anxiety in many individuals. Foods like fish, lean pork or beef, poultry, eggs, whole-grains, nuts, and milk are high in B vitamins." -Sage Clinic Neuroscience Center
Alcohol and sugar equals lower collagen levels...
Studies have shown that alcohol lowers the levels of vitamin A, B and Calcium in the body, which are essential nutrients responsible for cell turnover. Both Alcohol and sugar lower the skin’s collagen production. Less collagen means less elasticity and firmness and more sagginess and wrinkles. Yikes!
"Alcohol dehydrates your skin and depletes it of vital skin nutrients, such as vitamin A. Without vitamin A, you lose the anti-oxidant boost given to collagen production and skin cell turnover. Dehydration can also cause the skin to appear dull and make wrinkles appear more prominent." -ToplineMD Alliance
Inflammation caused by alcohol and sugar...
Inflammation produces enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, resulting in sagging skin and wrinkles. So in a nutshell, sugar breaks down your collagen and proteins. You know, the substance that plumps, lifts and makes your skin look more youthful!
Alcohol and sugar can also make it harder to build muscle, can cause body aches and hinder muscle recovery just to name a few.
Dr. Harold Lancer, dermatologist to the stars says, “Sugar can weaken the immune system, and a suppressed immune system is bad at fighting off bacteria.”
Ok, so I'll give up alcohol and sugar! How long before I see positive changes in my skin?
Dr. Lancer says people see changes within 72 to 96 hours. They’ll feel better, their color will look better, their skin won’t be so oily and they won’t be so dry. Their circles will be reduced, and they will have an overall perkier appearance.
French Friday Product Spotlight!
Gentle Crème Cleanser
This luxurious facial crème cleanser is a hydrating and replenishing cleanser for sensitive, dry, normal, combination and aging skin types.
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Ingredients like Organic Aloe Leaf Juice, Organic Olive Fruit Oil and Atlantic Sea Kelp are key benefactors for your skin.
Organic Aloe Leaf Juice contains antioxidant properties such as Vitamin A-beta-carotene, C, E, plus 20 minerals and beta carotene which work to promote healthy cell regeneration with anti-inflammatory and anti-allergen properties.
Organic Olive Fruit Oil with its gentle natural oil deep cleans impurities, makeup and unclogs pores.
Atlantic Sea Kelp (Ascophyllum Nodosum) that contains 14 Vitamins, 16 Amino Acids and Minerals, soothes irritation, boosts circulation, eliminates impurities and aids in cell renewal and repair.
Not to mention lavender, calendula, white tea and rooibos tea that have a soothing and healing effect on the skin.
All of these power players come together as a team to gently, but thoroughly, cleanse, soothe, balance, stimulate collagen production and start you on your way to beautiful skin!