Summer is fading fast, as are our tans.
Whilst feeling the sun on your skin is great, those days spent by the pool and on the beach, will have played havoc with your skin.
September is the perfect time to take a stock and look after your skin and give it a boost before the party season kicks off in November.
We have some easy to follow ideas that will make your skin look and feel great.
A good place to start is to take a step back from alcohol. We aren’t saying go cold turkey and don’t drink at all, you can if you like, but alcohol offers no health benefits and needs to be monitored. As well as dehydrating your skin it can also make the facial blood vessels dilate, which can lead to spidery red thread veins and the exasperation of skin conditions like Psoriasis and Rosacea. Swap the sangria for sparklingly water and if you do drink, keep it to one or two.
The same goes smoking – stop now and you will be thankful on so many levels.
Eating at least five portions of colourful fruit and vegetable a day is the aim if you want to feel healthy and have a complexion that glows. Fruit and veg that comes in rich, vibrant colours are packed full of health boosting antioxidants that protect the skin from the free radicals that cause fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation.
Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are packed with folic acid and iron. They also contain the Vitamin C need to absorb the said iron.
The orange in carrots, mango and pumpkins comes from the carotenoids that help produce the collagen that keeps our skin looking smooth and feeling soft – something you need after a summer of fun.
If you want to keep acne at bay, go for blueberries. These little beauties will help the body eliminate toxins and clear blemishes and spots.
For flawless skin, as well as a strong immune system, stock up on Vitamin C. This super vitamin helps form collagen and elastin, which are essential for keeping skin looking plump, smooth and youthful as well as protecting against UV rays and pollution. Blueberries, broccoli, oranges, kiwis, strawberries and sweet potatoes are all great sources and of course help you reach your colourful five a day.
Keep and Eye on Vitamin E as this natural moisturiser not only protects skin from cell damage and but also supports healthy skin growth and can help protect against heart disease, cancer, and age-related eye damage. Foods high in Vitamin E include avocados, dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, shellfish, fish, plant oils, broccoli and squash.
We know carbs give us energy, but it is vital to eat the right ones. White bread, pasta and cakes have a high GI index so increase insulin levels, which can damage collagen and accelerate wrinkles, something no one wants. Beans, pulses and oats all release sugar into the blood stream slowly leaving you fuller for longer and giving you sustained energy during the day and amazing skin.
Some people think you need to cut out fat if you want to look good, but that just isn’t the case. It is vital to include fat in your diet and it is best to get them from the essential fatty acids. These are found in avocados, oily fish, nuts and seeds and are the ones that will keep your brain working and your skin moisturised.
Your entire body needs water to function, and your skin is no different. Aim to drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day and remember that even mild dehydration can make your skin look dry, tired and grey as well as enhancing fine lines. If you find it hard to drink enough water, keep a bottle with you when you are out and a jug in the fridge with added lemon and cucumber and you will be surprised how easy it is to reach your target.
Give these ideas a try and let us know what you think.
Team Pure Beauty.