What to eat for an unsettled skin

From former model to nutrition consultant, Michelle den Hollander flew around the world from shoot to show, but also experienced the struggles of having the ‘right’ measurements. This brought her to where she is now, and on Amayzine she shares tips.

An unsettled skin can be caused by various factors. For instance, a woman's cycle can influence the skin. A pregnancy. But also how you eat and drink, stress, or an allergic reaction. In short, it often comes down to hormonal imbalance.

I also sometimes suffer from an unsettled skin. Then I look in the mirror in the morning and am slightly in shock when a breakout appears on my nose or chin on exactly that important day. Often I know what it's about: a) my period is on its way or b) I've taken on a bit too much. The result: stress. Both situations can also lead to a different eating pattern, so: bingo. But since I have completed the Trainer Hormoonfactor course and have started experimenting with skincare products, things have improved significantly.

Did you know that hormonal imbalance can also arise from non-body-own substances that enter your body and behave like hormones? Think of xenoestrogens (which are chemical), phytoestrogens, and non-hormonal medications. You can find that xeno in soft plastic packaging of liquids, pesticides, or as an additive in cosmetics. The phyto you get through food, via hops (yes: beer) and soybeans.

That’s why I prefer natural skincare. Products without aluminum, alcohol, parabens, and xenoestrogens. And for natural shower gel, shampoo, face cream, body lotion, makeup, and a zero-percent deodorant. There are now enough natural variants that are simply available in stores.

But what else can you do to keep your skin healthy?

DO’S

1. Drink enough water and occasionally switch to green tea, which is also a good antioxidant.
2. Eat at least 400 grams of vegetables per day, preferably broccoli, spinach, beets, cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes.
3. Eat 2 pieces of fruit per day, preferably avocado, kiwi, apple, orange, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and pomegranates.
4. Get enough Omega-3; found in fatty fish, flaxseed oil, and nuts.
5. Ensure sufficient sleep.
6. Exercise.
7. Eat healthily.
8. Use good, natural skincare.

DON’TS

• Sunbathe for too long.
•  Smoke.
• Eat refined sugars.
• Eat processed foods.
• Drink caffeine.
• Stress.

So get away from that laptop and take a nice walk in nature (relaxation and exercise in one) with a bottle of water in hand (hydration) and finish with a visit to the supermarket and drugstore to stock up on the right products for radiant skin. And from now on, don't just read the labels of your food products, but also of your body care.

Every two weeks, Michelle shares tips on Amayzine about healthy living, know-how about healthy eating, and her own story. Already curious? Read up on Michelle’s Good Food.