The air is getting colder which means you may be experiencing drier skin than usual. Has someone just turned on the internal heating at work? Is it extracting all the moisture from the air making your skin itchy, tight and sometimes even red and blotchy? If so, welcome to winter for so many of us. This year I promised myself I would get a head start on my winter skincare routine. I want my skin to feel hydrated and supple. The way it does in summer. If you are feeling the same way, we need to start now. This way, by the time winter is in full swing, our skin will be feeling protected and nourished. So what needs to happen? An expensive night cream? A facial? Actually…. no, not at all! That might help you out a little bit but funnily enough, when caring for your skin, it’s important to start from the inside out.
Firstly, hydration, hydration, hydration! Are you drinking enough water? In winter our water intake tends to drop off. Sadly, this is the worst timing for our skin. Water is a key factor to achieving beautiful, supple skin. Hydrating every cell of our body is so important. It causes the cells to swell and eventually when the skin cells receive that vital H2O, they will respond by plumping up nicely. Water is also a much needed ingredient for organ function. It will help to eliminate all the waste from the Kidneys, the Liver and the Intestines. When these vital organs are being flushed out properly with water’s help, toxins will be eliminated effectively from the body and not through the skin, which is the other channel for elimination. Side note: try to drink pure, filtered water where possible. This will reduce your toxin exposure load. Also, drink from stainless steel or glass drink bottles. It is a better choice than plastic. If the cold weather makes you crave something warm, experiment with caffeine free herbal teas, soups or even a mug of hot water with a twist of fresh lemon.
Secondly, try including some Collagen in your diet. It is a secret weapon. Collagen helps skin to maintain elasticity and it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Interestingly, Collagen works on your insides too. It supports the mucous membranes of the Gastrointestinal Tract; proving once again that healthy skin comes from the inside out. Collagen can be found in protein rich foods like beef, chicken, fish and eggs. Try and buy organic where possible. This way the exposure to pesticides and artificial hormones will be reduced. You can also buy Collagen in a powder or supplement form. Please seek advice from a Healthcare Professional as to which product is right for you. Make sure it’s pure. It’s important. Many products contain excipients and fillers which can be harmful to the body.
Thirdly, have you considered antioxidants? Free radicals are a fact of life but minimising their toxic load on the body will contribute to improving your skin quality. Some examples of free radicals include stress, pollution, poor diet, smoking, exposure to cleaning products, perfumes and believe it or not, makeup and face creams. In winter please consider increasing the amount of antioxidants in your diet. Dark, leafy green vegetables, brussel sprouts, blueberries, pomegranates, bananas, avocados and almonds are all champions that will fight hard to protect your tissues against free radical damage. Vitamin C is another major player. It is a very potent antioxidant that is geared towards boosting the body’s own Collagen production. This in-turn will result in healthier, winter-proof skin.
Fourthly, it wouldn’t be an article about skincare if we didn’t examine Zinc and Vitamin A. Zinc plays an important role in skin integrity, connective tissue formation and wound healing. It also helps to boost the Immune system which is very appropriate at this time of year. So, pop some fresh oysters into your diet. They are incredibly high in Zinc. Vitamin A supports healthy skin cell growth and healthy skin membranes. It can be found in eggs, fortified grains and yellow and orange fruit and vegetables.
Wow!! Healthy skin really does start from the inside out. I’m not saying that you should walk past the beauty aisle next time you pop into your friendly Chemist Outlet but please always read the label first to see what you are really putting on your skin. Especially if you are prone to skin conditions like Dermatitis, Psoriasis or Eczema. Remember the skin is an organ and it will absorb any toxins that sit on its surface. Pure Vitamin E cream might be a nice treat for your skin after you have washed your face thoroughly with warm water and a face washer.
Lastly, remember to always look beneath the surface to improve your skin quality. I’m starting now, how about you? Don’t wait until winter is well and truly at your door. Prevention is better than cure. Healthier skin will have a holistic flow on effect to many other parts of the body too.