This time of year can be especially hard on your skin.  The weather starts to change and brings along with it dryness and irritation. You skin can become red and itchy, and breakouts can occur.

Here are a few tips to help keep your skin soft and smooth during the coming fall and winter months.

WATER

Keeping your body hydrated is one of the easiest ways to keep a glow.  Water helps to flush toxins out of the body and keep your cells oxygenated.  Stay ahead of the game by carrying a water bottle with you.  Try to drink at least 2 – 2.5 litres of water every day.

If you drink caffeinated beverages, you need to replace the amount you drank with the same amount of water.  Coffee and other caffeine-laden drinks function as a diuretic and cause you to lose water from your body.

OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS

Eating healthy fats can help to diminish inflammation associated with acne.  They are a very important part of a healthy body.  Some excellent sources of Omega 3’s are:

flaxseeds/flaxseed oil

salmon

chia seeds

sardines

cod liver oil

walnuts/walnut oil

fresh basil

herring

mackerel

grape leaves (canned)

If you need to supplement, flaxseed oil or omega 3 fish oils are a good addition to your daily regimen.

INCREASE CIRCULATION

Your skin is maintained by small blood vessels that need good blood flow to function properly.  Exercise is probably the best way to increase your heart rate and thereby increase your circulation. Other things that can affect blood flow:

Smoking

Vascular disease

Anaemia (low iron)

Edema

*If you need help to manage any of these issues, contact your naturopathic or medical doctor.

NUTRITION

Supplements that are essential for healthy skin include: Vitamin A, C & E, Biotin, minerals such as Zinc, Selenium and Copper.  Other beneficial nutrients are Milk Thistle & Dandelion, Ginger, Turmeric, Red Clover.

SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

Avoid using products containing alcohol (which can further dry out your skin).  Use products that are natural and free of harsh chemicals.  Good products do not need to be expensive.  Coconut oil can be a fantastic moisturizer and apple cider vinegar can be diluted with water and used as a balancing toner.

Something else to consider…

ADRENAL FATIGUE

If dry skin, breakouts, food sensitivities, hair loss, fatigue, stress (physical, emotional and/psychological) are factors in your life you may want to have your cortisol and other thyroid hormone levels checked.  It is difficult to diagnose by the use of just one or two tests — your naturopath or medical doctor will have to look at your symptoms in combination with test results to come up with an accurate picture of your adrenal health.