Our skin is able to play an important role in maintaining the body’s homeostasis. Skin has the ability to cool or keep warm through proper release or conservation of water, assists in maintenance of body temperature and protecting us from disease. Skin is made up of two important proteins that keep the connective tissues from deteriorating; collagen provides firmness to the skin while elastin gives flexibility. Foods that we eat contribute to building a meshwork of important collagen and elastin at the dermis. As we age the skin loses its moisture becomes dehydrated, wrinkled and sagged, both exercise and a healthy diet promotes the longevity and overall health of the skin.Collagen is made through the presence of Vitamin C and while zinc maintains both collagen and elastin.  Include these foods in your diet: Tomatoes, Oranges, Guava, Berries, Kiwi, Red Peppers, Brussel Sprouts, Cantaloupe, Nuts, Olives, Dark Chocolate.

Fish for Omega-3 come in a variety with salmon and  tuna  leading the way as excellent foods for building collagen and elastin in the body, keeping the health of cells strong so that proper blood flow is promoted throughout the body.

Prunes and Blueberries are chocked full of antioxidants excellent for combating free radicals which could otherwise work against the body so that illness could be more prevalent.  Prevent these damaging free radicals by eating ¼ cup of berries (blueberries), or 6 prunes, both which are ideal to optimize antioxidant intake.

Likewise Vitamin K is equally critical to healthy skin, it is a fat soluble vitamin stored in the liver and can be consumed in a variety of foods without exaggerating the serving size.  In most cases a daily serving of ½ cup of a dark green is sufficient for what your body needs.

Vitamin K1: Dark green vegetables (Asparagus, Broccoli, Cauliflower), Leafy Greens (Kale, Collards, Spinch), Green Tea, Cantaloupe, Banana’s, Kiwi, Berries, Apricots

Vitamin K2: found in chicken, salami, ground beef, hard and soft cheese butter.

The list and purpose of Vitamin K show’s why this important vitamin needs to be a part of our daily intake.

1. Restores health of skin. If topically absorbed, helps to build up the skin around the wrinkle or line to actually erase the sight of them.
2. Combined with topical vitamin A reduces:  bruises, scars, skin burns, rosacea and dark circles under the eyes.
3. Promotes Prothrombin then thrombin for proper blood clotting and wound healing.
4. Aids in curing osteoporosis. Blood is made in the bone. By having vitamin K present bones become stronger, aids bone formation and repair
5. Prevents certain kinds of cancers that affect the inner linings of the organs, promotes flexible organs, fights against hardening of the arteries.
6. Important role in the intestines as it helps to change glucose into glycogen(carbohydrate) thus promoting healthy liver function.  (If not present it would result in abnormal or internal bleeding.)
7. Eat fresh salads, fruits and vegetables in order to optimize on the quality of food and vitamin. Cooking foods high in vitamin K causes the compounds to be leeched and reduces the overall benefit of both food and vitamin.

Easy to Make Topical Facial:

• ¼ cup Rose Water
• 2 Tbsp Sea Salt or try brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp Honey

Combine all ingredients.  With a soft cloth apply mixture to face working in small circles. Rinse your face with warm water and pat dry with a towel, do not rub dry.  Skin scrub only twice a week for optimal skin health.

Homemade Facial Ointment (Cream)

• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• ½  tsp Honey
• 1 tsp Green Tea (tea water squeezed from wet tea bag)
• 6 drops Lemon Juice
• 1 tsp Rose Water

Combine all ingredients.  The  apply  to face and neck, or entire body.  After 20 -30 minutes rinse face with warm water and pat face dry with clean towel. This routine can be followed twice a day, one may choose to still include a moisturizer during the day if so desired.

Home Remedy Eye Serum

• 6 drops Lemon Juice from fresh lemon  
• ¼ tsp Honey
• ½ tsp Rose Water

Combine all ingredients and apply under eye on orbital where dark circles and wrinkles are most prominent. Can be used 1-2 a day.

• Honey is utilized to draw in moisture.  Add 1/2 tsp more if your skin is “Dry” and 6 drops of lemon juice.
• Rose water softens skin.
• Olive oil provides vitamin A and E to promote building of skin proteins.
• Green tea has antioxidants to fight against free radicals that come in contact with your skin.
• Lemon juice is high I vitamin C which stimulates new collagen and elastin in the skin.

Skin cells are rejuvenated every 30 days, utilize the homemade facial cream and see immediate results, noticeable softening and fading of facial lines within 10 days.