10 Top Tips for great skin all year round

We all want radiant skin! But after a long, cold winter you may need to invest a little time and energy and give your skin the love and attention it needs.

Here are 10 top tips for beautiful, glowing skin all year round.

1. Exfoliate, hydrate and moisturise

After winter the skin can be left drier than usual, so take time to give your skin a daily scrub to remove old dry dead skin cells and really let the tan shine through. No need to buy expensive lotions and potions, a simple, natural bristle brush is all you need. A daily dry skin brush will slough off the dead skin cells and invigorate the skin stimulating the blood circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the surface. This also encourages the removal of ageing toxins.

2. Drink plenty of water

Drinking plenty of water is very important. At least 5 or 6 glasses a day to keep the cells plumped up. Lack of water can stop the skin cells functioning properly leading to a loss of protective oils. These are essential for helping to maintain the skin’s lustre and elasticity. Finally, don’t forget to use a good moisturiser daily to nourish and lubricate the skin.

3. Top up with antioxidants and bioflavonoids

Fruit and veggies are chock full of these vital nutrients that work hard to clear up free radical cell damage caused by overexposure to the sun and the drying effects of winter and central heating. Free radical damage has been associated with premature ageing, so give yourself a little extra insurance against wrinkles by filling your plate with veggies and snacking on fruit.

4. Take a good dose of vitamin C

Vitamin C aids the production of hydroxylysine and hydroxyproline, both necessary for binding the molecules that create collagen, the substance that gives your skin firmness and tone. It also helps to reverse the negative effects of UV radiation preventing sun damage.

A recent study showed that Altrient C, the world’s first liposomal Vitamin C gel supplement, increased skin elasticity and firmness by 61% in just four months, by boosting collagen production to reduce wrinkles and fight against the signs of aging.

5. Keep a portable humidifier in the bedroom

In winter the humidity in the environment is lower which results in dryer skin. Add to this the constant pumping out of central heating at home and in the workplace and you have a recipe for a dry tired looking skin. A humidifier at night can make all the difference.

6. Eat oily fish twice a week

Oily fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines and fresh tuna can help to feed the skin with the omega 3 essential fatty acids that are so important for keeping it lubricated and supple. If you’re not a fish lover try snacking on walnuts for a good supply of omega 3’s or add ground flaxseeds to your porridge or muesli in the morning

7. Love your Liver!

After a long winter, eating heavier food and night’s on the sofa with a glass of your favourite wine can take its toll on your liver. This can lead to the poor elimination of toxins, which is often reflected in the skin. Aim to clean up your act! Clear your cupboards of sugary pre-prepared and processed foods and eat simply. Lean proteins with whole grains and at least 5-10 helpings of fruit and vegetables a day will very quickly bring a glow back to your cheeks.

8. Supplement with Glutathione

If your diet is poor, give your liver a helping hand with a Glutathione supplement. This is a powerful antioxidant and one of the major detoxifiers used by the liver. Unfortunately, we get less than 150mg a day from our food. Stress and a poor diet can eventually lead to a deficiency. Make sure you choose a liposomal formulation of Glutathione as this is one of the most effective ways of delivering glutathione directly to the cells.

9. Keep your bowel moving

An unhealthy diet with little fibre can result in a sluggish bowel. Constipation can overload the liver and is often the cause of poor skin. A healthy bowel should eliminate daily. Fibre helps to promote bowel movement and binds to toxins carrying them out of the body. Make sure you get lots of fibre into your diet. Oats, wholemeal bread, brown rice, whole grain pasta, pulses, beans, fruit and veggies.

10. Get up and Go!

Finally, let’s not forget exercise. One of the quickest ways to get your circulation going. It’s cheap and effective. A brisk 30-minute walk daily, helps to bring oxygen and important nutrients to the skin cells and gives an instant glow. There’s also an added bonus - you have an excuse to wear your sports gear and show off your tan!

Jackie Newson BSc (Hons) Nutritional Therapy

Abundance and Health