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| It is essential to drink at least two quarts of pure water a day to help eliminate substances that would otherwise clog the pores. Adding a squeeze of lemon or lime or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar helps to keep the blood flowing smoothly, bringing nutrients to the skin. Fresh vegetable juices of carrot, beet, celery, spinach, parsley and cucumber will make your skin glow. Another excellent skin tonic beverage is barley water. This is made by slowly simmering one cup of washed barley in two quarts of water for two hours. Strain, flavor the water with a bit of lemon juice and honey and drink as a nourishing and cleansing tonic for your skin. The softened barley can be eaten much like rice. |
| Be aware that alcoholic beverages, caffeine-containing sodas and coffee can dehydrate your skin. |
| Foods that may be harmful to the skin include fried foods, refined carbohydrates, wheat products, tomatoes, citrus fruits (especially oranges and grapefruit), chocolate, strawberries, peanuts (and peanut butter) and high-fat foods. Moreover, overeating causes blood to be diverted to the stomach to aid digestion, thus leaving the skin lacking all the nutrients it requires. |
| Since good skin health begins from within, various vitamins, minerals and other nutrients can also help. |
| Vitamin A helps to preserve the skin's elasticity, regulate sebaceous glands, protect against infection, and stimulate collagen formation. A deficiency may result in dry, itchy skin, with dead skin cells likely to clog the pores, resulting in breakouts. |
| The B complex vitamins help to keep stress from showing its ravages on our skin. A deficiency is sometimes revealed in cracks around the mouth, corners of the mouth and eyes. Wrinkles over the top lip are often an indication of a vitamin B2 deficiency. |
| Vitamin C strengthens the capillaries, promotes healing and increases skin elasticity. It is also necessary for collagen production. |
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