Connections to Health

THE ISHTA HOLISTIC HEALTH CENTRE

CONNECTIONS to HEALTH

Maintaining healthy, glowing skin

during the winter

The winter has begun with a bang and early. Beautiful though it is, it takes its toll on your skin. I've noticed I have the odd patch of dry skin appearing and need to do something about it immediately. Maybe you are in the same position.

The skin is the largest excretory organ of the body and as such needs to be kept in tip top condition. Our diet will have amazing affects on our skin. It needs lots of essential fatty acids to keep the membranes of the cells supple and moist, so ensure you are taking plenty of omega 3's in either a fish oil format or a good vegetable source of oils. I tend to take fish oils and Udo's Ultimate Oil Blend. I find this combination great during the winter months. I prefer Udo's oils as they are extracted and kept in the best conditions possible, they are cold pressed and once they are bottled they are kept cold in a fridge, in fact they should be in the fridge when you buy them, if they aren't do not buy them. Once at home keep your oils in the fridge. Use the Udo's oil on your salad, vegetables or in a smoothy and use the recommended amounts. I know it appears expensive but it will make for a more comfortable winter. This information applies to children as well as adults, just alter the amount used according to their age and size.

Also eat plenty of high quality foods, fresh fruit (include avocados), vegetables, nuts, seeds, fish, game (especially wild game, it is high in omega 3's) and drink lots of water, which can be warmed.

Next get the skin brush out and use every morning before your shower or bath, this will remove the dead layer of skin stimulate the lymphatic system and give your body a refreshing wake up. Follow with a warm shower or if you are feeling brave alternate warm and cold bursts of water to improve the circulation to the skin.

Lastly get outside when you can there is nothing like the feel of the fresh air on your exposed skin.

These are simple and quick to apply and at the end of the winter your skin will thank you for it and be ready for some spring sunshine and you will feel loads better.