Women have an innate need to feel beautiful. In general, we spend more time on our appearance than mucking out barns or building fences. Yes, we can also do those other things. And we do: broken plumbing, household DIY, car repairs – all the standard non-beautifying tasks. However, there is not one honest woman I have met who does not care about her beauty. When I meet with women to address their health, it always boils down to what they look like: their weight, skin quality and ultimately the assessment of their appearance in their own eyes.
This brings us to the next question: “What is real beauty?”
Real Beauty vs. Make up Beauty
Real beauty is what can be defined as natural without artificial layers. It is our natural appearance without the additions such as make up. Real physiological beauty is a direct reflection of our internal environment – our health on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Real beauty is actually the sum total of our holistic health.
The Skin Always Tells the Truth
The skin, hair, eyes and mucous membranes are the most truthful storytellers of the health of the body. Our skin, which includes our scalp, is the largest organ of the body. It acts as the last safety exit mechanism for toxin and impurity release. Therefore, what we see on our skin is a clear indication of what is taking place in our bodies.
Your skin is affected by many factors and these all affect the quality of your life:
Eating for Skin Health
Food for the skin comes primarily from collagen, elastin, antioxidant micronutrients, natural oils and botanicals. These compounds are found in the highest levels and most bioavailable form within biogenic rood which is food in its most natural, unprocessed state. Think of a tomato on the vine – the most biogenic state. Think of tomato sauce heated, flavourants and preservatives added and recooked – one of the least biogenic states. The more biogenic food you eat, the greater your input of collagen, elastin, antioxidants and micronutrients will be.
Antioxidant micronutrients specifically beneficial for the skin include: Vitamin E (tocopherols), Vitamin A (beta-carotene – responsible for the pleasing colour of radiant skin), Coenzyme q10, Vitamin C, Di-methyl-amino-ethanol (DMAE). All are available in supplemental form, but these compounds are the most accessible and bioavailable in raw vegetables, lentils, pulses, sprouts, fruit and healthy animal products (e.g. white fish, eggs, free range red meat).
Natural oils that have been used for centuries by the wise and wealthy to preserve skin and body health include, but are not limited to: evening primrose oil, wheatgerm oil (Triticum aestivum), aloe vera, chamomile, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, shea butter, avocado Oil, palm kernel and grapeseed oil.
Natural botanicals (herbs, flowers, fruits and seed oleates) provide the most healing form of cleansing and rehabilitation tools for the body. Examples of botanical extracts include bearberry, grapefruit seed, arnica, acerola, barley, gingko biloba, horse chestnut, lumiskin, apricot seed, avocado and marjoram.
These natural oils and botanicals are the foundation of Africa Grace Botanical Skincare which is why our pure products give such amazing results! We now also offer a Herbal Tea specifically for radiant, healthy skin which aids the release of impurities.
Real Beauty is All-Encompassing
However, beauty is definitely far more than just skin deep. When a woman is healthy on every level, she is truly beautiful. Her skin doesn’t need make-up, but she can choose whether to use it or not. She exercises regularly and her sleep is deep and sufficient. This woman drinks more water than coffee and likes to taste her food – extra sugar and salt are not necessary. Healthy food is her medicine but she still enjoys her odd slice of cake or chocolate with friends and there is love and joy in her heart which is seen in her actions. Stress may be a part of her life, but she releases it frequently through the activities that help her to breathe, rest and reflect. Her relationships are healthy: they are good for her soul, and she feels a greater sense of purpose in her work than duty or paying the bills. She is a normal lady, just like you and me. But she tells herself that she is beautiful, especially on the days that the mirror disagrees.
This woman is a sister, mother, friend or… you! And she invites us to join her.