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Who would ever have thought that a silk pillow case could get me so excited! Well have you ever woken up with a ‘sleep-crease’ on your face? I do every day (on my left side damn it!). For reasons completely unrelated to my daily ’sleep crease’ I bought a silk pillow case (well just because I love the feel of them) and my ’sleep crease’ was no more. Woohoo – you can bet I was happy!

So I have done a video blog about Slip Silk Pillow Cases:

To read more and view this product go to Slip Silk Pillow Case.

Yesterday I received this e-mail from a mother concerned about her daughter’s skin breakouts: My 12 year old daughter suffers from pimples splashed all over her forehead and just a few blackheads on her nose. Is there a reason that it’s her forehead mainly and what is best to treat her skin? Thanks.

Following on from my previous blog about facial diagnosis I thought it a timely question and so have put my reply below:

Skin breaks out because everyday toxins aren’t being eliminated properly by the

Teen Skin Care needs to be simple

other detoxification pathways of the body. The reason breakouts usually occur on the forehead is related to digestive congestion or poor detoxification. Often this comes back to a diet high in sugars and processed foods or fats. If the breakouts are more cyst like in appearance it can related to high dairy intake. There is also her age to take into consideration. Hormonal changes will be making themselves known I am sure and this may also be affecting her skin. Usually it is the liver that can’t cope with the combination of toxins from the diet and an increase in hormones that have to be broken down and so the skin is affected.

While this all sounds quite full on, if she increases her water intake and cuts down on any processed foods and sugars she may find that it will settle down.

Black Soap

Encourage her to wash her face daily to remove oil. Black Soap is ideal for teenagers as apart from being a great cleanser, it is also mildly antibacterial and very gentle on skin. If she does need a moisturiser a light gel such as the Mukti Aloe Gel is all she will need. It contains no oil and so won’t contribute to congestion.

If you think she needs to take stronger steps to clear her skin, and you will know best what she eats etc, then Karen Fischer’s The Healthy Skin Diet outlines an excellent and relatively easy to follow program that doesn’t restrict foods a growing teenager should have.

Dear readers, please let me know if you have any further questions or comments as I would love to hear them. And if you have used products that help your skin with breakouts, we would LOVE to hear about them.

Do you ever wonder why no matter how much sleep you get, the dark circles under your eyes never seem to get any better? Or why your cheeks are flushed even in winter? Or even why you seem to get blackheads on your nose and can’t get rid of them no matter what topical creams you use? These issues are actually signs that your body is giving you, and using facial analysis, you can work out what the root cause of your dark circles and flushed cheeks and finally do something about it.

From Greek medicine to Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), facial analysis has been used as an indication of the health of the organs or to provide useful clues as to the systems involved in any health issue. In particular TCM has a detailed map of the face including lines, organ zones and colour indications. Using TCM facial analysis principles with relation to skin conditions, the map and colours of the face can help indicate the underlying causes and support the choice of treatment.

Skin conditions that affect the face such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and acne don’t usually affect the entire surface of the face. The affected areas are often confined to particular areas or zones so just by looking at your face you can find out more about the underlying cause of any skin condition. This technique is not confined to skin conditions. It can also be used as a tool to assess wellbeing or to improve skin tone in general.

Face - Organ Map

As a guide, go over each zone of the face and look for any changes in colour (from your normal skin tone), deep lines (that aren’t part of the normal aging process), congestion (pimples, blackheads, milia, whiteheads) or puffiness. Below is a guide to the key areas of the face and their associated organs. Included are key indications about lines and colours that provide additional information.

The pleasure of a morning cuppa had been increased by the emergence of the many health benefits from tea of all kinds – black, green and oolong (white). Heart disease, gum disease, cancer and even weight loss. In addition to these health benefits tea has emerged as a significant therapeutic ingredient active against skin damage.

The many medicinal properties of tea are attributed to phytochemicals called polyphenols of which catechins are the

Green Tea

principle subtype. White and green tea has the highest concentrations of catechins with up to 25% being standard. While black tea contains 4% on average. There are many types of catechins but those that have been studied most extensively in relation to skin phyto-ageing are epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).

Research assessing the benefits of green tea for skin has shown that topical application can reduce sun damage. Green tea does not have a UV ray blocking effect like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide however there is a synergistic effect when combined with either of these ingredients. The benefit is achieved by blocking free radicals and reducing inflammation and apart from reducing sun damage it may also help slow the skin aging associated with sun damage.

The findings above applied equally to white tea in clinical trials. Interestingly, while black tea contains less than a quarter of the EGCG of green or white tea, it also has a protective effect against sun damage and reduces erythema (reddening of the skin). Based on these findings it is worthwhile considering a sunscreen that contains green, white or black tea extract.

Green tea in particular has been showed benefits for papulopustular rosacea. The particular study used a lotion containing a

Devita Optimal Rejuvenation with Green Tea & Centella to support rosacea affected skin

tea extract which produced a 70% improvement in rosacea when compared to use of a lotion containing the base ingredients alone. The most significant finding was a reduction in inflammatory lesions when compared to placebo.

While not focused on topical application an interesting result using oolong tea was achieved in patients with chronic atopic dermatitis. Patients in the trial maintained their standard dermacological treatment and at the same time drank 3 cups of oolong tea per day that had been steeped for 5 minutes. After only one month of treatment, which is a relatively short period of time, 63% of patient showed marked to moderate improvement and the response was still evident 6 months after the trial in 54% of patients. The authors of the trial suggest the antiallergic properties of the tea polyphenols are responsible for the result.

One study that looked at the role green tea may play in slowing photoaging gave participants a 10% green tea cream and 300mg supplement twice daily or placebo over an 8 week period. However, while there was a significant improvement in elastic tissue there were no obvious visible signs of skin improvement. Given the trial was only 8 weeks, longer supplementation may be required for clinical results to become obvious.

Another quite specific use for green tea is to reduce the skin damage from of radiotherapy. Skin toxicity is a common side effect of radiotherapy for solid tumors. In one study a green tea extract made by steeping a green tea bag in water was applied to damaged skin. It showed that green tea supported the restitution of skin integrity by inhibiting inflammation and mediating local immune responses. In addition the higher catechin content of green tea may be responsible for the considerable antibacterial effect often seen in super-infected skin lesions common to hospitalised patients. This study shows potential for green tea to have greater benefit than just reducing inflammation, in particular an antibacterial effect which significantly widens the scope of use in skin conditions such as acne and skin infections.

The benefits for green tea are numerous and particularly effective in the area of sun protection and phytodamage. The issue with the use of creams that there is generally no indication of the percentage of extract in the cream and it could be anything from waving a tea bag over the top to significant levels up around 10%. In addition, the quality of extract may not be known or not specific for skin application. For example, the green tea extracts that are beneficial contain more caffeine (although

Remedica Hydra Mist

this isn’t the only active required) where as EGCG or catechins are required (as far as we know from clinical trials) to help slow sun damage.

Tea Tips

• Look for sunscreens that contain green, white or black tea for the additional phytoprotective effect
• Make your own tea treatment at home by brewing quality organic green or oolong tea and freezing into icecubes or put into a spritz bottle and refrigerate. Alternatively use our Remedica Hydra Mist with a base of green tea.
• Use the left over tea bags as soothing patches for eyes
• Make up your own green tea cream by adding the chosen extract to a base cream. Base it on the extract making up 10% of the final mix. Use an extract standardized to EGCG.
• During Summer, make up a pot of green tea, add some ice cubes and honey to taste. Refrigerate and drink throught the day.

The concept of products that make an “instant” difference is I think for many women the Holy Grail…and yes, I would love to find it. Maybe I am impatient but I want to see a difference in my skin particularly when I wake up in the morning looking like I have been dragged through a hedge backwards (ok it doesn’t happen often but when it does, I want to put on a product that makes it all go away). Seriously though, skin cells take between 90-120 days to turn over (be replaced by new skin cells)  so most skin care takes that amount of time to see a visible ongoing difference – this is how long it takes for real skin change/improvement to happen. I am not saying you won’t see changes sooner but anything less is usually temporary.  However, as I have discovered there are some exceptions, products that give your skin a quick lift, often short-lived but enough so that I can walk out of the house without serious luggage under my eyes. So dear readers, here is my list of instant saviors and pick me ups:

La Mav Line Perfector

This product has an immediate tightening effect on skin

I discovered the benefits of this cream one morning after a very late night. Despite reading the ingredients I hadn’t quite realised that it has a rapid effect on fine lines and wrinkles. The natural active Rhizobian gum, which is a hydrolysed biopolymer naturally produced by microorganisms living in plant roots has an immediate tightening effect on skin…it has been described as a Botox-like effect. The tightening effect lasts about 4 hours. The other ingredients in the product have ongoing skin nourishing effects so this product isn’t just about the short term effects….but it is a definite benefit!

Green Tea Spritz

Green Tea has a potent antioxidant effect as well as reducing inflammation on burnt or reddened skin. When stored in the fridge, the low temperature of the tea will also have a cooling effect on hot skin. For this reason it is ideal for those with rosacea or any skin redness, sunburn or irritation.

Make your own spritz at home by brewing quality organic green tea. Leave it for 5 minutes to steep then let cool. Once cool pour it into a spritz bottle and refrigerate. Use liberally as required. Each brew lasts about 3 days. Alternatively you can freeze the tea into ice cubes. Don’t apply a frozen cube directly to the skin. Wrap in a cloth and gently apply to the affected area. The cube will melt onto the skin having the same effect as the spritz.

Chamomile Tea Bags

This is another fantastic home remedy that is useful for sore, tired or puffy eyes. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial effects which help soothe sore eyes. You need to steep the bag for 3 minutes in hot water. You can either drink the tea or once cool, use it to bathe your eyes. Put the tea bags in the fridge and when you are ready, lie down and place one over each eye. Relax.

Remedica Sensitive Visage

Soothing to red, inflamed skin

This oil and hydrosol based serum is a gentle nutritive for sensitive or inflamed/irritated skin. It contains a potent combination of anti-inflammatories (St John’s Wort, Chamomile) and antioxidants (Green Tea) which will help quickly reduce patchiness and redness and soothe irritation. Used long term, it will help strengthen damaged and chronically inflamed skin.

Lemon Detox Drink

Now I know I bang on and on about the usefulness of the Lemon Detox Drink but it really is just so effective for increasing skin moisture – both oil and water content. The healthier the fatty membrane of the skin cell is, the more moisture it contains. One recent example of the success of this drink is a lady who came into to the store with chronic skin dryness. Her skin had been dry for years. Interestingly she wasn’t coming for skin care but for massage and it was the massage therapist who asked me what her client could do about it. I gave her client the recipe for this drink and a jar of Remedica Vanilla & Shea Body Butter and thought no more about it. The next week, the massage therapist had noticed a significant improvement in her clients skin since her visit the week before. The client, as you can imagine, was delighted and continues with her “skin hydration” program.

Mineral Make Up - my savior

Minerelle Make Up

One of my fallback saviors for red, patchy or just tired skin is my mineral makeup. Usually I just brush on a light layer but if my skin is not looking its best, I know I can apply several layers of  makeup without looking like I have spac-filled my face. To do this, I use a small multi brush and put a layer of Minerelle over any red, patchy or dark areas on my face e.g. under my eyes, over breakouts or broken capillaries. I then apply a light layer of makeup over the top using the powder brush and gently blend the colour in. Personally I cannot go past Minerelle as my favorite make up for both everyday use and the days I would rather not leave the house!

Remedica Vanilla & Shea Body Butter

Great for dry skin

I know I mentioned this product above but it deserves its own segment. In Winter the skin on my body tends to dry out. I drink lots of water and have my good fats but the humidity in Brisbane is so low in contrast to the Summer months, that it really plays havoc with my skin. Remedica Vanilla & Shea Body Butter is my answer. Based on pure Shea butter it is so nourishing but without the greasy feel. And it smells great. I have done a video blog about this product which discusses the benefits of Shea butter in general. View the video here.

So they are my pick of instant skin pick-me-ups. I would LOVE to hear about yours. What home remedies or products do you use?

More on deodorants and sweating…

This post is actually a response to a comment on the blog Aluminium & parabens in deodorant – no thanks! and it raised an issue I have often come across -  some people sweat a lot regardless of temperature and deodorant use. It can be frustrating as not much seems to help and the sweat marks on shirts can be embaressing. This question is from one of our readers:

In my experience; I sweat at lot, all the time and all year round. Generally exhausting myself, hot & humid temps, but also, oddly enough, being in quite cold air conditioning makes me sweat under the arms (which I find strange). So there is nowhere to run!

I have tried almost everything and I can’t find anything that works too well, luckily I end up smelling like the deodorant I use & I don’t pong. I am using Redwins at the moment, it is okay I guess, waiting for it to dry on my skin is sometimes inconvenient. Rexona is crap, it’s like spraying talc and breathing it in too much is not pleasant either, I’m sorry I bought it in the first place.

I am also wondering, can clothing affect the smell of your sweat? I find if I am wearing my favourite shirts, that I’ve worn quite a lot, the fabric tends to get a quite pungent stench under the arms and it’s not nice. Quality of the fabric? Pesticides from the cotton?? I am not sure. Have you heard of this before?

Thankyou for sharing your wisdom!

In response, I replied:

Sweating year round, even in airconditioning is not as uncommon as you might think. From a naturopath perspective it is generally related to sympathetic nervous system dominance and can be managed or at least minimised by supporting the parasympathetic nervous system. To do this effectively it is worth seeing a naturopath just in case there are underlying factors that are contributing to sympathetic NS dominance. In my case (yes this was a problem for me in the past) Buteko breathing helped because it pushes the body into parasympathetic drive and these days I only sweat when the weather is hot. Buteko breathing is also good for stress and low grade anxiety.

Underarm Sweat

Excess sweating can also be related to electrolyte inbalances that affect the water distribution in the cells leading to too much extra-cellular fluid (water outside the cells) and not enough intracellular fluid (water inside the cells). Using quality electrolyte drinks such as Endura in moderation can assist with correct fluid balance and minimise sweating. This is particuarly important if you sweat a lot in hot weather or after exercise.

From a nutritional perspective stimulants such as coffee and sugar will make the sweating worse so having a low GI diet certainly helps. Nutrients that support the parasympathetic nervous include choline, vitamin B5 and B1. The Lemon Detox Drink is an excellent source of choline and is a good way to increase your levels.

Sweating is not necessarily linked to body odour. As with the reader above  sweat doesn’t necessarily smell strong, however, over time clothes will retain a smell that is difficult to get rid of.  Body odour as opposed to sweating can be related to a diet high in animal products, particularly red meat. Cleansing your system by reducing red meat, doing a detox or using chlorophyll will help signficantly reduce body odour.

With regard to your clothing, yes the materials your clothes will affect the smell. Bamboo and synthetics can be particularly bad. Hot water washing (although not as environmentally sound) for the items of clothing in particular will help. Of course wearing loose cotton clothing can also help.

Deodorants, even anti-perspirants don’t generally help a great deal. I used to just go for one that smelt nice as like you there was no smell just the sweat. That is why I love the Lavera Wild Rose Spay – it smells like Rose perfume!

Helpful Hints:

I found a couple of ehow entries about how to remove sweat stains and how to remove odour from clothes

If you have any personal experience, things that have worked or other questions about this or any other topic please let me know.

Have you ever looked in the mirror the morning of a big event only to discover a huge pimple or noticed that your skin is unusually red and blotchy? Don’t stress, it will only make it worse! It could actually be the case that stress was the trigger for your breakout in the first place. Stress affects our lives in all ways, some motivational and positive, others subtle and more insidious. While not historically recognised as a contributing factor in skin conditions, there is now growing body of evidence to show that stress has potentially harmful effects on the skin. From acne to eczema research shows us that during times of acute stress, rashes and breakouts become worse, sometimes significantly so. It also points to the potential role of chronic low-grade stress as a causative factor in persistent skin conditions.

Stress can affect our appearance in a number of ways including increased perspiration, brittle nails, dry, thinning hair and sensitive more reactive skin. Where there is an existing skin condition, worsening can be seen in the following ways:

• Acne lesions and breakouts become more inflamed, last longer and take longer to heal
  

  Stress causes skin changes

• Worsening of the inflammation (redness) and dryness in eczema and rosacea
• Increased tendency to flushing and blushing
• Increased incidence of congestion and oily skin due to sebum production
• Increased sensitivity to irritants and infections agents

These effects are primarily caused by the impact of stress on skin permeability. In most chronic skin conditions there is an abnormality in the skin’s permeability barrier. The body responds by trying to repair the barrier and in the process initiates an inflammatory process in the deeper layers of the skin with the result of worsening skin symptoms. Even in people without existing skin conditions, stress has the ability to reduce skin permeability and increase dehydration and sensitivity. This may go some way to explaining why some people react to certain topical agent only some of the time; generally skin permeability is normal however during times of stress it is affected leaving skin more vulnerable to irritation.

Dry, stressed skin is stressful in its own right!

When exposed to stress, hormonal and chemical levels increase. Hormones in the brain trigger the release of adrenalin and norepinephrine, creating the classic flight or fight response – our body’s are readying for an emergency, which most of the time doesn’t occur. Glucocorticoids are also released from the adrenal glands, and when stress is ongoing it leads to the decrease in skin barrier function. Interestingly, while a decreased barrier function often causes water loss, increased oil production can also occur due to the role of stress in the disruption of normal hormonal balance and an increase in substance P. So yes it is possible to have moisture dehydrated skin and be oily (usually through the T-zone) at the same time.

In addition to stress directly affecting skin permeability, chronic stress can also affect the functioning of the immune system. Stress down regulates the immune system making us more susceptible to infection. It also plays havoc with skin conditions that have immune involvement such as psoriasis, eczema, cold sores and shingles, most commonly causing worsening skin condition. Stressed individuals are also more likely to eat and sleep less healthily or be more likely to drink more alcohol further suppressing the immune system.

So how does stress reduction help with the treatment of skin conditions? Firstly, it helps by decreasing the release of

Dull, Dehydrated Skin

pro-inflammatory hormones, which results in less inflammation, redness and rash like symptoms. It also reduces blood vessel hyper-activity resulting in less frequent skin flushing, which is particularly important in rosacea. Time will see an improvement in skin permeability, which means greater hydration and less sensitivity. Oiliness will improve as hormones settle back to normal. This may take up to 3 months. Reducing stress will result overall in better condition both for those with existing skin disorders as well as those with normal skin.

Taking the time to incorporate some simple stress reducing techniques into your daily routine will help improve the condition of your skin:

• Avoid excessive consumption of stimulants such as coffee and soft drink. One caffeine-containing drink per day is ample. For those that are particularly sensitive, drink green tea instead of coffee.
• Exercise can significantly reduce stress levels. The release of endorphins following exercise increases feelings of
  

  Rob's Satsang - singing meditation

  happiness and wellbeing. In addition it increases circulation and therefore nutrition to your extremities, including your skin.

• Meditation or breathing techniques. Meditation reduces cortisol release and increases immune function – ideal if you are suffering from a skin condition. If you are a beginner, take a class in Buteko breathing or follow a guided meditation.
• Alcohol and smoking suppress the immune system. Smoking has many detrimental effects on the skin and so is best avoided completely. In moderation, alcohol consumption may help reduce stress however it is a fine and individual line, so stick to physician guidelines – one standard drink per day for women and two for men.  In addition, try to go without at least 2 days per week.

Check out our natural solutions to dehydrated and sensitive skin.

Related Articles:

Why Me – Sensitive Skin Solutions

Topical Ingredients by Skin Type

Natural Solutions for Dehydrated Skin

Is your skin ready for summer? Summer is a time for sun, increased exercise and outdoor activity. After months of jackets and long pants, our skin needs a little bit of care before exposure to the Australian Summer sun. Advance preparation is a good idea before you pull out your summer clothing and expose your skin. Follow these guidelines so you are ready to smartly and safely enjoy the sun and make the most of your skin this season.

• Moisture is essential

It is important to remember that skin behaves differently from season to season and so your skin care routine should change to suit the difference in weather. In many parts of Australia there are effectively only 2 seasons: dry and humid. Our skin reacts dramatically to changes in humidity and so using the same skin care routine all year round will not help maintain well hydrated skin.

As the humidity rises in summer so does the moisture content in our skin. This is great for those who tend to dry or dehydrated skin types. Skin will feel more supple and hydrated. For those with normal to oily skin, you will notice that oil production increases in the warmer months and if not careful, skin congestion may increase.

During the summer months all skin types require lighter moisturisers. It is best to avoid moisturisers rich in waxes and butters and favour lighter lotions as these will provide adequate moisture content without causing congestion. Depending on skin type, it is also a good idea to change your cleanser from a cream cleanser to a light foaming cleanser or gel (avoid cleansers containing sodium laurel suphate) as they tend to more effective for removing built up sebum (oil) as well as daily grime and pollution.

For those with normal to oily skin, use cleansing masks and gentle exfoliation to reduce the likelihood of blocked pores and congestion. For those with dehydrated skin use a night oil based serum followed by a lighter day moisturiser. This will ensure adequate skin hydration without resorting to heavy creams more suited to the cooler, drier months.

Remember, part of an effective skin care routine includes changing to suit the seasons.

• Remove Dead Skin Cells

In winter, our skin is largely covered up and so we tend to give it less care and attention. For this reason, summer skin preparation should always include full body exfoliation. Our bodies shed dead skin cells constantly which his results in a layer of dead skin cells. This layer of cells leaves your skin looking dull, dry and sometimes scaly. Applying moisturisers won’t help create glowing skin unless you remove the dead top layer and in fact, moisturisers won’t even penetrate the skin effectively until the dead cells are removed.

A good broad sun hat (rather than a cap) will help protect you from sun damage

To exfoliate your skin effectively you can use an exfoliation mitt in the shower, a dry skin brush or a body scrub. Use a gentle circular motion on your entire body from the shoulders down and once complete, rinse clean (use a specific face exfoliator for your face and neck). Follow with moisturiser. Continue once or twice a week throughout the summer season and it will help maintain fresh, glowing skin.

• Slip slop slap

The best anti-aging advice you will ever hear is to wear sunscreen. And yet, on any summer’s day at the beach you will still see Australians baking themselves under the harsh midday sun. If you want a glowing tan during summer there are alternative ways to achieve this look without damaging your skin. We will look at these options below. Firstly, when it comes to preventing sun damage there are some important things to remember:

• When buying sunscreen, the Sun Protection Factor measures how effectively the product limits exposure to UVB rays. The higher the SPF, the more protection against UVB rays. Choose an SPF 30+. If you spend time in the midday Australian sun and use any less than SPF 30 and you risk damaging your skin. This causes both an increased risk of sun cancer as well as promoting accelerated skin aging.
• Apply sunscreen evenly all over your face and the exposed parts of your body. While it may sounds obvious, we often miss bits or spread the lotion too thinly over our skin to provide effective protection.
• By the time you feel the heat of the sun, your skin is already burning so apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you go out into the sun.
• There are a number of natural sunscreen alternatives now available. These products use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based sunfilters which sit on the surface of the skin rather than being absorbed.
• Most importantly, don’t forget to wear a hat and cover up with light coloured clothing. Sunscreen lotions will do part of the job at protecting your skin but remember, they are not filtering UVA rays so you need to stay sun smart and keep your skin protected.

Avoid sunburn!

A glowing tan is something that many Australians aspire to but in reality you are best to learn to love the colour of skin you were born with. There is no such thing as healthy tanning, however, if you plan to be out in the sun this summer, slowly introducing your skin to the sun is a good idea. Sun exposure in the early mornings and late afternoons allows your skin to gradually build up some colour without burning. Twenty minutes is enough time. Remember by the time your skin starts to feel hot, it is already burnt.

Faking it! If you decide to use fake tan, choose a natural one. In the last few years a number of all natural fake tanning lotions have emerged on the market and provide a healthier skin choice than synthetic chemical products. If you choose to fake tan, remember that you still need to apply sunscreen!

• Drink plenty of Water

Water is essential for not only providing hydration to our internal organs but also for maintaining skin hydration. Increased sweating, exercise and outdoor activities mean that in the warmer months we can dehydrate quite quickly. By the time you register that you feel thirst, it is likely that you are already slightly dehydrated. The best way to avoid this is to sip water throughout the day ensuring your fluid levels are being continuously topped up. Invest in a good quality water bottle (avoid soft plastic as it leaches chemicals into the water) and take it with you so that you always have water on hand. Adequate hydration is an essential way to maintain skin vitality.

• Nutrition

Rainbow Foods

During the warmer months, we tend to want less hot, stodgy food and prefer lighter meals such as fresh fruit, salads, wraps, juices. When we eat, our body temperature increases and warm food will add to this effect. Raw and fresh foods will help keep us cooler during the summer months. Concentrate on colourful fruit and vegetables, lean protein and good oils as the basis of your summer eating. Not only are these foods ideal for the skin, supplying essential antioxidants and reducing inflammation, they are also sources of essential nutrition for the rest of your body.

• Supplements for Skin health

There are a number of supplements that help provide optimal nutrition and maintain skin health year around…and not just during the summer months!

Beta-carotene – is the orange pigment found in carrots and green leafy vegetables. It is a powerful antioxidant and research has shown that it can help minimise the effect of certain free radicals induced by UV radiation from sunlight. Regular consumption of beta-carotene or beta-carotene rich foods can help to reduce skin aging from sun exposure. Dosage recommendation: 30mg Beta-carotene or mixed carotenoids per day.

Zinc – a deficiency of zinc can lead to skin problems and delayed wound healing. Zinc is essential for the cell division and protein synthesis so helps maintain skin integrity and resilience. Unless you have a skin condition or have low zinc levels, the zinc provided in an everyday multivitamin should be enough to support skin health (about 5-10mg per day)

Internal lubrication for your skin

Fish Oil – helps to maintain skin suppleness and elasticity as well as keeping a check on inflammatory processes. It is particularly useful to help manage inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and dry skin in general. For skin conditions 4-6g of fish oil per day is required. For maintenance and to help minimise dry skin, 1-2g per day is sufficient.

Grapeseed Extract – another powerful skin antioxidant, research shows that grapeseed extract enhances capillary strength and vascular function, reduces allergic and inflammatory responses in the skin and also reduces skin aging and the loss of elasticity. Dosage recommendation is 6-12g of Grapeseed extract per day.

Vitamin C – is an important antioxidant, quenching free radicals that cause skin aging. Vitamin C is also essential for collagen synthesis. Collagen provides the foundation matrix for cartilage, epethielial skin cells and connective tissue. When applied to the skin, Vitamin C stimulates cell renewal, collagen and elastin production and increases healthy circulation. Suggested dosage: 1000mg per day or as a topical application.

Summer is a time for fun in the sun. You can stay sun smart this summer and with these tips you can maintain healthy skin throughout the season.

I am a recent convert to eye creams but now that I am, I am addicted. My twice daily indulgence is applying the Haven Scent Rosehip Eye Cream to my eye area. However, there are many different choices when it comes to eye creams and each one tends to focus on a different eye issue be it puffiness, dark circles or fine lines and wrinkles. In this video I discuss which natural eye creams are better for each issue and how to choose which one is right for you….or if you even need one at all.

View our natural & organic eye creams.

Recently lots of really interesting things have been popping up and I just have to let you all know. So this blog has exciting news for acne sufferers! My friend Fran Kerr hosts an acne specific site called highonhealth.org and I regularly recommend those suffereing from acne or breakouts check out her site – it holds a wealth of information about how to manage acne using diet, lifestyle, nutritional, topical and even emotional treatments. The great news is that Fran has just opened up a new acne coaching program and I think this is the best acne program I have seen (and that is saying something!). So I have put the details below.

Fran says:

This is the FIRST time anything like this has been offered on the net and I’m positive it’s going to change the way we treat acne in the future.

http://the-clearest-skin-ever.com/signup/

I’ve been itching to work closely with a select few acne suffers for quite some time now. So, I’m really looking forward to working personally with YOU to help you get clear skin for life!

Inside this program, you’re going to learn how to finally get beautifully clear skin and why everything you’ve tried before hasn’t been working.

And as a little extra bonus, I’m going to make sure you’re feeling happier, healthier, more self confident, and enjoying life that little bit more

What’s inside this course?

This is what you’ll get access to on the inside:

• LIVE teleconferences with me AND other health experts (including a naturopath) where you can ask us ANY question you have about your skin…
• Up to one hour of exclusive acne cure coaching videos each week (that you won’t find anywhere else)…
• Dozens of skin safe food recipes (that I personally use) and that won’t break you out…
• Home spa skin care recipes that you can make at home…
• A private members only forum where I’ll be spending a lot time to answering all your questions… personally!
• Audio and video interviews with highly authoritative health experts…
• Audio interviews with PAST acne sufferers who have cleared their skin holistically… and how they did it
• And much MUCH more!

You can get access to it all by going here:

http://the-clearest-skin-ever.com/signup/

Now, there’s just one very important bit of detail that you need to know about…

I’m keeping the doors open for ONLY 2 weeks!

That means, if you are serious about getting clear skin too, you
MUST get on board with everyone else before I close doors again.

Once the doors are shut you will NOT be able to join again for a number of months. And I’m not even sure when I will be opening doors again.

So, if you really want to clear up your skin, make sure you join me today. It may just be one of your most exciting journeys yet!

http://the-clearest-skin-ever.com/signup/

PS: Please note, that because I want everyone to start at the same time, I’ll be closing doors in 2 weeks time from the time of sending this message. So make sure you join me before then, otherwise you’ll have to miss out!