There is a lot of cover-up, application of filters, and photo shopping of skin these days, so you hardly need to have beautiful skin naturally.
But, if you want lovely, smooth, hydrated skin, there are a few things I can recommend.
In the health world, there is a lot of talk about getting “real” Vitamin D from the sun. In order to do that you must be at the middle latitudes, and expose your naked body to the sun’s rays between 10-2. The sun must also be at the correct angle to reach our bodies to stimulate Vitamin D. There are a number of problems with this advice. Many of us don’t live in the correct geographical locations. Many people work, and cannot sunbathe in the middle of the day, naked or not. And people with pale, Northern European skin, will burn quickly, which creates the potential for skin cancer.
Our early ancestors may have gotten all the Vitamin D they needed from the sun, at least in the warmer months. But our modern lifestyles make it difficult to do many of the things that would be ideal for our health.
Fortunately, there are natural and synthetic sources of Vitamin D. Cod Liver and other Fish oils are good natural sources.
The little-known secret to get the full benefit of D is that healthy fats (called Vitamin F) must be consumed, also. So, having plenty of fats from organic butter, virgin olive oil, raw coconut oil, and avocado really helps the entire body, including brain and skin. Notice that people in the middle latitudes, Islanders and Mediterranean people, eat diets rich in natural oils.
When I had a practice in the high dessert of Sun Valley, Idaho, I could barely keep Fish Oil on the shelf. Many of the women loved the outdoors life, and their skin reflected it in dryness, wrinkles, and early aging. Once they started taking fish oil, they were delighted with the improvement, and often bought bottles of Cod Liver Oil to share with friends and family. Cod Liver Oil has the advantage of containing both Vitamin D and the balancing Omega 3 oils-a perfect package for beautiful skin.
I live in a cold, dry winter climate now. And I do take Cod Liver Oil. But I also discovered an inexpensive line of natural skin care that is my new favorite. I am very fussy about what I put on my skin. I want pure ingredients. Skin is a two-way street. It excretes sweat and toxins, and it absorbs anything it contacts. This new line of skin care is from Australia, where some of the finest natural products are produced. The facial masque I love right now is called Sukin Rich Moisture Facial Masque. It has pomegranate and Quandong (fruit from a sub-tropical tree), jojoba, alow vera, Vitamin E, and shea butter. It has not sulfates or synthetic fragrance, but a lovely light scent that doesn’t linger. (Real scents dissipate quickly.)
I love natural products that really work. When I recommend products people always want a link so here you go. (full disclosure-this is an affiliate link)
The big cosmetic companies charge a fortune for products that promise a lot, and plenty of money is spent on marketing them. I don’t like them, nor the heavy perfume they usually have. So, I look for smaller companies that make skincare gems from ingredients that come from Nature. I first bought a Sukin moisturizer at a salon on a cruise ship. I was thrilled that I could purchase it online when I returned home.
Skin needs care inside, and outside. Be sure to look in the mirror with a loving eye, not a critical one. Even if your skin isn’t perfect, by some standard you have set, your face is your calling card to the world, and deserves your love and admiration.