Project Glow with Jessica Cox

Before we get into picking Jessica’s brain for her top tips for a healthy glow, we better tell you a little bit about why you should take her advice & run with it. Jessica Cox is an accredited practicing nutritional practitioner with a Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition) and over a decade of clinical experience. Jess is the founder and business owner of the successful JCN Clinic based in Brisbane, Australia. The JCN Clinic treats all facets of health conditions, though specialises with ongoing digestive issues and food intolerances. Jess is well respected within the public space of health and wellness for her no fad approach and utilisation of evidence based nutrition.

Professionally, Jessica has an immense passion for food therapy and therapeutic nutrition. Over her years of practice she has developed extensive knowledge in dietary planning, nutritional supplementation and the utilisation of food as a medicinal tool. Jessica’s passion for treating digestive conditions and related health issues has become her area of speciality and true niche in the industry. As a result the JCN Clinic has proudly built its name as an exceptional leader in the area of digestive health and wellness.

As a nutritionist, what is your top 3 tips for clear skin?

1. A balanced diet filled with lots of plant based foods with macronutrient balance of quality fat, protein and carbohydrates is essential. Consume quality fats such as essential fatty acids found in oily seafood, nuts, seeds and certain plant oils such as flax and hemp,rich source of omega 3, along with monounsaturated fats and polyphenols found in extra virgin olive oil. These types of fats down regulate inflammation and keep our cell membranes nice and fluid, therefore preventing dryness and flaking. Protein is also essential when it comes to maintaining health skin. Protein makes up the structure of our cells like biochemical building blocks. Quite often our diets can be lacking in quality protein resulting in poor skin vitality.

1. Healthy skin starts with a healthy gut! Sorting out any underlying gut issues is paramount. From there, aim for a diet rich in nutrients that support the detoxification process of the liver and gut. This includes cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, kale and cabbage for the liver along side a variety of fibre rich vegetables, fruits and grains for the gut. Combined these foods ensure toxins are excreted, broken down and eliminated without burdening our skin.

1. Consume foods rich in zinc and vitamin C. Zinc is well known and researched for its skin healing abilities. Research shows deficiencies of zinc results in poor wound healing and are also associated with acne. Foods rich in zinc include pumpkin seeds, sardines, quality red meat and oysters.Vitamin C is essential for the collagen health. Vitamin C is the most abundant antioxidant within the skin and is used in various enzyme reactions to protect the skin from free radical damage. Fruit and vegetables are very high in vitamin C, with stand outs being lemons, strawberries, capsicum and kiwifruit.

What is your favourite skincare right now?

I keep it really simple. Your skin is a reflection of the inside so if I am eating well an staying hydrated then my skin will reflect it. I generally cleanse twice a day with either a cream cleanser by Asop or Tailor Skin Care and use a sunscreen moisturiser during the day and a richer moisturiser at night with added vitamin C by Tailor. I exfoliate 1 -2 twice a week (if a remember!) too.

Jess is also the creator of the Jessica Cox website and blog, which is an expression of everything she loves rolled into one, including her passion for creating recipes that catering for food intolerances. Jessica and her team are available for consultations at her clinic based in Brisbane, along with Skype and phone consultations for national and international clients. Contact Jess with any queries or questions at here or email reception@jessicacox.com.au. Source great food ideas and more by following Jess on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest.