Kell 's Blog

It’s finally springtime here in the northern hemisphere and that means we’ll all begin to bare a little more of ourselves as the temps warm up. This naturally makes us turn our attention to the condition of our skin and our body in general. I don’t know about you, but for me, this past winter seemed especially long and cold with more snow than we’ve seen in a long time, at least in the Midwest. Layers of clothing were the norm, and multiple layers of clothing made it all too easy for me to forget to nurture the largest organ of the body: skin. Winter gets a bad rap for making us dry, flaky and itchy, so to combat this, I’ve put together a short list of some of my favorite skin hacks to get your glow on when you dare to bare!

1. Dry brushing.
If you’ve never heard of dry brushing, it’s exactly as it sounds: a process that involves brushing dry skin to remove the dead, flaky layer covering up the smooth, sexy layer beneath. It is best done prior to showering (while dry) and I recommend using a natural bristle brush. Starting at your feet, brush in gentle, circular motions working your way up the body and toward the heart. Daily brushing can help rid your skin and body of toxins and impurities, reduce cellulite, and stimulate your lymphatic system to carry the toxins out of the body. One word of caution: go easy on your tender parts!
 
2.Moisturize.
After showering, lather up with an all-natural body butter or plain old coconut oil. Remember, what goes on your skin may as well be going in your mouth as it is absorbed into the body. For this reason, choose the best quality ingredients you can.
 
3. Rebounding.
No, its not just for kids! Jumping on a trampoline or mini-rebounder is great for skin in that it helps the lymphatic system function optimally, reduces cellulite, helps circulate oxygen in the body, assists weight loss, improves digestion and it’s fun! What better reason do you need, right?

4. H2O.
Yep, it couldn’t get any simpler than this. If you want to look younger, feel better and have skin people remark about, you must hydrate from within. We’ve all heard the standard advice to drink 8 eight-ounce glasses of water a day, but depending on exercise or heat, you may need more. I drink at least 3 liters of water per day, with my first one shortly after I wake up. Having a re-usable water bottle I like makes it go down so much better too I find!

5. Whole foods.
I know, I know. Such a no-brainer, right? But it’s true: you cannot expect to have a flawless exterior when you put garbage food into your system. A diet consisting of processed food laden with too much sugar, sodium and preservatives will clog your pores, promote acne, slow your lymphatic system and your metabolism, and steal your shine. For the most radiant skin you can imagine, eat a colorful diet as close to nature as possible. I’m not saying you can never enjoy a treat but let it be a treat rather than a staple and be sure it’s worth it!

6. Collagen protein.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It provides strength, structure and elasticity to your skin. Collagen production naturally begins to decline as we age but adding this supplement to your diet can reduce wrinkles, boost moisture in the skin and also strengthen bones. There are several great brands on the market but two or my favorites are Vital Protein Collagen Peptides and Primal Kitchen Collagen Fuel.

7. Vitamin D.
Known as the sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D’s antioxidant affect helps your skin grow, repair and protect itself from free radical damage. It is known to have a positive effect on wrinkles and sagging skin and as you may know, the sun is the best source for helping our bodies produce this vitamin; however, we also know that too much sun exposure can contribute to skin cancer. It is for this reason that experts recommend no more than 15 minutes of direct exposure per day and only in the early hours of the day. Beyond this, it is best to have sun protection. It is believed that many Americans are deficient in vitamin D, and if you live in a cold or cloudy environment, or spend most of your day indoors, you may be at an increased risk. If you do fall into this camp, you can always supplement as there are several great brands on the market.
 
8. Self-care.
This is something we each must define for ourselves, but a non-negotiable that should be on everyone’s list is rest, relaxation and play. Getting a massage, a facial, getting out in nature (bonus if you include your pet), or playing with the kids is the best thing you can do for your skin, not to mention your spirit! It’s hard to look and feel amazing in the skin you’re in when you’re exhausted, overworked and emotionally drained.
 
And there you have it! This list is by no means exhaustive, but it’s a pretty good place to start. Have a tried and true hack for glowing skin? I want to hear about! Write to me at kellbrazil@kellbrazil.com and let me know what works for you!