External skin care

You could have the most efficient skincare routine, but without a good diet and limiting your environmental expose it’s unlikely to make a great deal of difference. Yes unfortunately there are a whole lot of factors that affect your skin health. To keep your face looking as youthful as possible, you need to properly cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize your skin while never leaving the house without at least 30 SPF sunscreen. Firstly determine what type of skin you have, knowing your skin type is absolutely necessary in order to make a right decision about a proper skin care or treatment, which is suitable for your particular skin needs. Skin types: • Oily skin • Dry / dehydrated skin • Combination skin • Sensitive skin • Aging or Sun-damaged Skin The Basic 3-Step Skincare Regimen • Step 1: Cleansing Daily cleansing is always vital, even if you don’t wear makeup. The reason for cleaning is to help remove dirt and oils that clog your pores which can lead to blackheads and spots. • Step 2: Exfoliating Is a process of removing the build up of dead skin cells , clear blocked pores and stubborn dirt. The purpose of exfoliating is to remove dead skin as well as to help prevent you looking flaky and spotty. Two methods: • Physical : which is grainy substances that works on the surface • Chemical: which is normally fruity acids which break down the intercellular “glue” that holds dead cells together. • Step 3: moisturising Everyone needs to moisturise, even people with oily skin. By using moisturises one isn’t adding moisture as such but rather raining moisture. A good moisturiser will help retain water and protect it from damaging effects of pollution , sun and other environmental factors. Tips: • Oily skin: oil free but rich in hydrating substances such as micro sponges or propylene glycol. These help bind water to skin. • Dry skin: richer moisturiser will leave the skin protected and adds oil and water to it. (but this does not have to be a thick, oily moisturiser)

Essential skin oil

Surprise Surprise fat is good for you, well the right fat that is. The right kind of fat is totally essential for optimal health, as well as good skin tone and texture. Yes that’s right fat is good for you – so keep an eye out on the amount of polyunsaturated fats or oils as theses help give you your omega 6 and 3 intake. The key to your omega intake is to try and get both in at a balanced amount. Studies have shown that diets rich in the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid are associated with less skin dryness and thinning. Omega 3 Important omega-3's include α-linolenic acid (ALA) {found flax and pumpkin, as well as walnuts}, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) {found in fish oils}, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA are essential for healthy skin and hair, and helps regulate oil production in your skin. Having plenty of this essential fatty acid in your body keeps your skin hydrated and prevents it from drying and flaking. Omega-3 fatty acids can also help protect your skin from damage, by means of acting as an antioxidant that protects your body against these substances. Omega 3 not only protect against sun damage, they actually help repair it. When you're exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays, EPA can help prevent the release of enzymes that destroy collagen, warding off sagging skin and wrinkles [source: Health Magazine]. Omega 3 have great anti-inflammatory properties, omega-3s can also help relieve skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema. While you're using omega-3 fatty acids to keep your own hair and skin looking radiant. Omega 6 omega-6 helps to promote hair growth, support skin health, improve nerve and vascular function, and acts as a natural antioxidant Although we need these essential lipids, omega-6 fatty acids are far too plentiful in modern diets. Omega-6 fatty acids can be found in leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts, grains and vegetable oils (corn, safflower, soybean, cottonseed, sesame, sunflower). How to improve your skin with the omega’s Step 1 Determine the recommended amount of omega-3 fatty acids you should consume daily. According to MayoClinic.com, average adults with no history of heart disease should consider consuming between 0.8 to 1.1 grams daily. For youth under the age of 18, there is no established amount, so you should consult a physician for a suitable dosage depending on the age and weight of the child. Step 2 Consume fish and plant sources of omega’s. Fish – omega 3 - Herring - mackerel - salmon Amount 2 servings a week Plant –omega 6 - Flax seed oil or seeds - Soya bean - pumpkin seed oil or seeds - walnut seed oil or seeds Adding a tablespoon of seeds or nuts to your diet daily Precautions If you are taking certain heart medications or suffering from a bleeding disorder (such as hemophilia or von Willebrand's), you should not be taking DHA/EPA supplements except under the advice of a physician. Supplements containing EPA are not recommended for infants or small children without healthcare provider surveillance because they can upset the balance between DHA and EPA during early development. This suggests that pregnant women should also be cautious about taking fish oil supplements and clear their use with their OB/GYN or nurse midwife. Fish oil may be associated with side effects such as abdominal discomfort and loose stools. In addition, they may lengthen bleeding time slightly. Those taking blood-thinning medications should discuss the use of fish oil capsules with their medical professional. Consumption of DHA/EPA may also increase antioxidant requirements in the body. Taking extra vitamin E along with omega-3 may be helpful. Consult your healthcare provider before adding any new herbs or supplements to your existing medication regime.(http://www.dermaharmony.com/skinnutrition/omega3.aspx)

Skin Saviours

Part 1: Understanding Antioxidants Ones cells are under attack by free radicals day in and day out Over the last few years more and more research has confirmed that many common diseases are associated with deficiency of antioxidant nutrients and can be eased by taking antioxidant supplements. So by giving yourself optimum antioxidants protection, you can slow down your visible ageing and also reduce your risk of developing disease. Firstly what are antioxidants ? Antioxidants are chemicals that protect cells by neutralizing external forces (such as damage from the sun, pollution, wind, and food intake) and internal factors (for example, emotions, metabolism, and the presence of excess oxygen). Common antioxidants are Vitamins A, C, E, and beta carotene.

Why do we need them? Antioxidants protect skin by limiting the production of free radicals, which can damage skin cells. Antioxidants in skin care products can do a lot for the health and appearance of your skin, including reducing the signs of aging. From calming inflamed skin to tightening and toning, antioxidants offer great benefits from natural sources. Top 5 reason for antioxidants and skin care are: 1. Anti - Inflammation : calming of inflammation. Antioxidants, such as alpha lipoic acid and others found in pine bark and green tea, produce valuable anti-inflammatory results by increasing circulation and cell metabolism. Reducing inflammation promotes more even skin tone and helps keep acne and wrinkles at bay. 2. Skin firming: Antioxidants may actually reverse the effects of aging by improving skin health and rejuvenating its appearance. Coenzyme Q-10, or CoQ-10, is a common skin-firming antioxidant. 3. Reduced appearance of wrinkles: Although it is nearly impossible to make wrinkles disappear, skin-care products with antioxidants can help plump out the skin and make it appear more youthful. Most antioxidants are great for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, but vitamins C and E are especially beneficial. 4. Scar treatment: Reducing the appearance of scar tissue is another important benefit of antioxidants in skin care. Scar tissue has a different cell structure than that of healthy skin, making it rigid. Many types of antioxidants, including those found in aloe and an onion extract called allium, increase blood flow to scar tissue, minimizing the look of the scar and blending in the development of new skin. 5. Repair of sun damage: We all know that too much sun is dangerous, but it can also be bad for your skin's appearance, drying it out and damaging cells. Antioxidants that stimulate blood flow in the skin can help encourage the growth of new cells and make sun-damaged skin appear younger. Tropical applications are not a 100% reliable and that Their effect depends on skin permeability, other ingredients in the cream and many other factors. It appears that increasing oral intake of some antioxidants may additionally protect skin from free radicals. A combination of an antioxidant rich diet along with topical antioxidants will help prevent free radicals from damaging your cells and will encourage more beautiful skin. By making an effort to include more antioxidant rich foods in your diet ( red/orange/yellow vegetables and fruits ; purple foods; green foods and seeds ) and applying topical antioxidant to the surface of your skin you will be one step ahead of those pesky free radicals One can also take a broad spectrum antioxidant supplement daily: Recommended vitamins: • Vitamin A 2500 -6600 mcg • Glutathione (reduced) 25 – 75 mcg • Vitamin E 66-660mg • Vitamin C 1000 – 3000mg • Co – Q10 – 10-50mg • Lipoic acid 10-50mg • Anthocyanidin source 50-250mg Please remember to refer to you health consult before supplementing. Next week – skin saviours – essential oils (omega’s 3,6,9) Ref : http://www.overstock.com/guides/Top-5-Benefits-of-Antioxidants-in-Skin-Care http://technorati.com/lifestyle/article/what-can-antioxidants-do-for-your/ http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/09/010903092015.htm P.Holford - solve your skin problems

Detox for clear skin

Clear, radiant skin requires more than lotions and potions and to simply put, what you put into your body comes out on your face. The body eliminates about one-third of its bacteria, viruses, and toxins–through the skin. When the organs of elimination become overwhelmed, the skin picks up the slack. The body pushes toxins through the pores to the surface of the skin, where they do less harm systemically. Overall that’s good news, but at skin level, those toxins can clog pores and cause irritation, leading to breakouts, redness, and inflammation. Testing your detox potential Skin problems are just one sign of poor detox potential, the following detox capacity questionnaire is based on Bland’s research. (P.Holford – solving your skin problems). Score 1 point for every symptom you occasionally have, and two for frequently Head headaches; faintness; dizziness; insomnia _____ Eyes watery or itchy eyes; swollen; red or sticky eyelids; bags of dark circles; blurred vision _________ Ears itchy ears; ear ache; ear infection; drainage from ear; ringing in ears; hearing loss ____ Nose stuffy nose; sinus, hay fever, sneezing attacks,excessive mucus ________ Mouth chronic coughing, gagging, loss of voice, swollen tongue, mouth ulcers _________ Skin acne; hive; rashes; dry skin; hair loss; flushing or hot flushes; excessive sweating ____ Heart irregular or skipped heartbeat; rapid; chest pain ____ Lungs chest congestion; asthma; bronchitis; shortness of breath; difficulty in breathing _____ Digestion nausea or vomiting ; diarrhoea ; constipation ;bloating feeling ; belching ; passing gas ; heartburn ;stomach pain ____ Joints/muscles aches or pains; arthritis; stiffness; feeling of weakness or tiredness ______ Weight binge eating / drinking; craving certain foods; excessive weight; compulsive eating; water retention; underweight _____ Energy fatigue; sluggishness; apathy; lethargy; hyperactivity; restlessness _____ Mind poor memory, confusion, poor comprehension, poor concentration; difficulty in making decisions; slurred speech; learning disabilities _____ Emotions mood swings ; anxiety ; fear ; nervousness ; anger ; irritability; aggressiveness ; depression ____ If you’re total score is: • above 25 – you may have a detox problem and you should Improve your diet. • Above 50- your detox potential is under par • Above 75 you should consult a health practitioner Detoxification – a two step process Is a complex process called biotransformation were complex set of chemicals processes or pathways that can recycle toxic chemicals and can turn harmless? In a nut shell detoxification can be described as the garbage men of the body and can be split into 2 stages: Phase 1: getting your rubbish ready for collection Phase 2: putting the rubbish out and collection of it

(http://www.google.co.za/imgres?q=detox+pathways&num=10&hl=en&biw=1192&bih=568&tbm=isch&tbnid=FBYu9QBYttqNYM:&imgrefurl=http://www.leakygutcure.com/blog/detoxification/detoxing-your-body/&docid=1w6KFkbsbkB0tM&imgurl=http://www.leakygutcure.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/liver-detox-pathways1.jpg&w=300&h=228&ei=RJz0T7aZCcuJhQei5JjOBg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=540&vpy=266&dur=1241&hovh=182&hovw=240&tx=115&ty=122&sig=111600216878004967654&page=1&tbnh=114&tbnw=148&start=0&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:10,s:0,i:103) Detox diet A full body cleansing detoxification addresses the root of congested skin. Signs that the skin is overburdened include: • sallow skin • age spots • adult acne • redness and inflammation • wrinkles and sagging skin • dark circles and puffy skin around the eyes • chronic dry skin • chronic bad breath or body odour Step 1: remove or lessen the toxic load for about two weeks. Step 2: beneficial foods • Fruits – have the highest detox potential. However go easy on the bananas and avoid dried fruit for the two weeks. • Vegetables – all are great, especially peppers, beetroot, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, red cabbage, carrots cucumbers, cauliflower, kale, sweet potato, spinach, tomato & watercress. - White potatoes & avocado eaten in moderation - And the vegetables should make up the bulk of your two weeks diet • Limit : The following foods should make up no more than 1/3rd of two week diet. Grains, fish, white meat, nuts & seeds • Avoid – for the two weeks - Gluten grains ,red meat and dairy , refined foods, sugar ,salt,alcohol,caffine drinks Detox supplements Supplementing the nutrients that help your body to detoxify is a great way to speed up the benefits of this rejuvenating diet. There are certain supplements that are required in phase 1 and phase 2 see figure 1. Help support detoxification by supplementing your detox diet with following: - Multivitamin - Antioxidant – vitamin A,C,E ,selenium ,zinc - Vitamin c 1000mg - Milk thistle 100mg - MSM – 1000mg Please remember to consult your health care therapist about supplements, especially if you are on other medication.