10 natural ways to pep up your skin

Easy on the hip pocket and simple to do, natural skin therapy could be the key to achieving your most glowing look yet.

The skin is the biggest organ we have, and while there is a wealth of products out there to make to help us look after it, there are also some natural skin therapy options we can use, too.

Here are a few things to help keep your skin happy and healthy that are organic and easily accessible.

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Salt water

A quick swim at the beach can be a great natural skin therapy option as it leaves your skin feeling salty and amazing and it has some pretty powerful healing properties, too, according to Sydney naturopath Genevieve Mlotkowski.

“It can soothe eczema as it helps with inflammation,” Genevieve says.

“Salt water is also really good at drawing oil and dirt out of the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and fresh. It can almost be like a facial.”

Collagen

One natural skin therapy ingredient getting a lot of attention right now is collagen.

It’s a natural protein that helps connective tissue within the body — essentially the building block for bones, muscles and skin, Genevieve explains.

“You can get it as a powder … and add it to your food or protein shake,” she says.

“It’s a simple and natural thing to use and it will help with fine lines and wrinkles.”

Infrared saunas

Using infrared heat lamps can raise your body temperature effectively throughout the body, not just on the surface like a traditional sauna, Essendon Natural Health clinical naturopath Natalie Earles explains.

“The infrared warming light tends to warm the body deeper than just the surface level skin,” Natalie says.

“So, you’re kind of sweating from the inside out, which is very cleansing.”

Skin brushing

We all know brushing our hair is good for the scalp to get rid of old dead skin.

So it stands to reason dry brushing — exfoliating skin using a special firm-bristled brush — on other parts of our body can be an effective natural skin therapy.

It helps unclog pores, increases blood circulation and promote lymph flow/drainage.

“In winter, in particular, dry skin brushing can be really helpful,” Natalie says.

“Try dry skin brushing a few times a week.

“That will help get rid of the dead skin and promote lymphatic flow.”

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Omega-3 boosting foods

Omega-3 fatty acids may provide benefits for the skin, when applied topically and when consumed.

Research has shown it can help fight inflammation and aid skin hydration.

“You can take a supplement to get omega-3 but you can also get it by eating things like salmon, chia seeds, nuts, eggs and avocado,” Genevieve says.

“These foods will replenish good essential fats moisturising your skin from the inside out.”

Staying hydrated

Not getting enough water can leave skin dry, itchy and looking dull.

Research has found regularly drinking up to two litres of water a day may help with dryness and roughness.

But it’s not clear whether drinking more water than recommended daily has any additional hydration effects.

Sea buckthorn oil

A small medicinal shrub growing at high altitudes in the Himalayas is hailed as holy due to its various health properties.

“They make the oil from these little golden berries,” Natalie says.

“It’s my top recommendation for hydrating the skin, especially in winter.”

You can apply it topically or use an edible version, which may also have other benefits such as lowering your blood sugar.

Argan oil

This ancient oil had its time in the sun a few years ago, but despite falling off the must-have list, it shouldn’t be overlooked.

Rich in natural vitamin E and antioxidants, it hydrates, helps with elasticity and makes skin super smooth.

Studies suggest it may also help prevent stretch marks when applied to the skin during pregnancy.

Singing

“It sounds a little bit funny, but singing is supposed to be really good for the skin because it gets the blood flowing,” Genevieve says.

Some people refer to singing as a “natural facelift”, saying it makes skin look healthier and improves muscle tone in your face.

Quit drinking

We all know alcohol, although it can be pleasurable, is not very good for our bodies.

Alcohol dehydrates you and leaves your face looking bloated and puffy.

Genevieve recommends cutting back or ditching the booze completely to see instant improvement in your skin.