Every year, at least once a year, I like to share seasonal tips for maintaining your skin in optimum condition. With minor exceptions, these skin care basics don’t really change much from season to season, but I like to post them as a gentle reminder that your skin is important and deserves to be taken care of!
For many of you, this winter has been unusually cold and harsh so far, which is all the more reason to review and evaluate your skin care routine to make sure your skin is getting the protection and support it needs to get through the season without taking a royal beating. Sometimes a simple change or addition to what you’re already doing is all that’s needed and can a world of difference in how your skin looks and feels!
Though the weather outside is sometimes frightening, with these quick and simple tips you can maintain a healthy glow from the inside out no matter what the change of seasons may bring. Start with these three:
Stay Hydrated. Drinking fluids is one of the keys to flushing out toxins that can lead to unsightly skin eruptions. It’s also one of the best ways to retain moisture and maintain the elasticity of your skin. Stick to distilled or purified water and herbal teas. Avoid or limit consumption of carbonated drinks; drinks with caffeine or sugar (like coffee or hot chocolate); and high-sodium soups; as these can hinder the benefits of the hydrating fluids you consume. And don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink something, because by that point you are already dehydrated!- Consume Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). These nutrients (sometimes referred to as the “good fats”) play an essential role in the health of your skin, hair, and nails –all of which can turn brittle from exposure to the elements. EFAs help your body form healthy cell membranes that can hold more water inside their cells. The more water your cells can hold, the more hydrated your skin is. A tablespoon a day of quality flaxseed oil can work miracles. If you don’t care for the taste of it alone then combine it with lemon juice and a little olive oil to make a dressing for your salad or veggies. Also, eat more almonds, walnuts, avocados, wild Alaskan or Pacific salmon, and other coldwater fish or consider a fish oil supplement.
- Eat More Antioxidants. Antioxidants consumed through food and supplements play an important role in skin health by neutralizing the free radicals generated by damage from UV rays. A good antioxidant-rich nutrition plan can halt or even reverse the skin aging process! Eat more tomatoes or tomato sauce for the lycopene; eggs for lutein (which is found in the yolk), blueberries, strawberries and foods rich in vitamin C. You can also supplement with Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), which neutralizes free radicals in the body, helps remove heavy metals, and promotes healthy cell function.
