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 anyone else, 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 talk about all of this!
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!
Did you know?
"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.
Help reverse the signs of aging!
Help stabilize and reverse the signs of aging on the inside with foods that strengthen, increase and protect collagen. Fresh, natural skin care products like Dr. Lucy Pure Natural Skin Care on the outside. Our products contain the highest quality of naturally potent, plant based ingredients with botanical hyaluronic acid on the market today.
With Love and Blessings!
Rebecca