Healthy Looking Skin

7 Steps to Healthy Looking Skin

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Creating free radicals is just part of our being. The production of free radicals is a by-product of cell metabolism. Our bodies are normally able to cope however with an excess of free radicals they can be harmful to the cell structure which in turn accelerates ageing and illness and impeding healthy looking skin.

Anti-oxidants help to soak up excess free radicals. Sources of Vit A, C, Selenium and Vit E are Fish, Carrots, Fruit & Veg, Sunflower Seeds, Almonds, Sweet Potatoes and Liver.

Other factors which contribute to the production of free radicals are environmental pollution, household chemicals/cleaners, smoking and stress.

No.1 Sun Damage

It is common knowledge that contact with UV (ultra violet) rays can cause sunburn, premature aging, age spots, pigmentation, and skin cancer including melanoma, the most serious type.

No.2 Don’t Smoke

Smoking is associated with premature wrinkling. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow and oxygen.

No.3 Use natural creams/oils with vitamins and essential fatty acids

Lack of vitamins and EFA’s can make skin lifeless, blotchy, dry, or oily. Vegetable oils nourish the skin, contains vitamins and essential fatty acids.
Vitamin A treats acne, skin wrinkling and pigmentation caused by chronic sun exposure.
Vitamin C for detoxifying, healing wounds and scars. Required to produce collagen.
Vitamin D is formed in the body with the help of sunlight and cholesterol. It is rich in antioxidant and anti-carcinogen properties and may help to prevent cancer.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant.

No.4 Essential fatty acids

They are essential building blocks of cellular membranes, to allow efficient transportation of nutrients. These will help to enhance collagen and elastin in the skin helping to slow the ageing process. Omega 3 (Fish oils) have powerful anti-inflammatory compounds.

No.5 Keep your Skincare Products Simple and Natural

It is recommended that you use natural and organic aromatherapy skincare products with vegetable derived ingredients and organic pure essential oils. Market leaders spend far more money on the packaging and advertising on high street brand names than on the ingredients. They often contain parabens, SLS, mineral oil, synthetic and other chemical ingredients which over time can harm and damage your skin.

No.6 A Balanced healthy Diet and exercise

A combination of balanced nutrition and exercise/movement can greatly improve the appearance of the skin by keeping the blood circulating and delivery nutrients and eliminating waste. It is important to have a balance between exercise and rest. People with skin disorders such as acne, rosacea, and psoriasis often suffer from constipation and other digestive disorders. Adequate consumption of water and fibre are important. Too much sugar in the diet can break down the fibres and elastin causing skin to become dryer and losing the skin’s youthful look. It is an anti-nutrient and impedes the absorption of nutrients.

No. 7 Stress

Stress causes constriction of the blood vessels, creates free radicals and acid environment, disrupts hormonal activity, and impedes the absorption of nutrients and normal cellular activity. Stress disrupts the PH balance of the skin and also the acid/alkaline balance in the body. This manifests in dry irritated skin and rashes.

Carrier Oils For Skin Types. Which one are you?

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Carrier oils contain vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids (EFA), and many of them soften and improve the condition of the skin. Some of them are also highly effective in treating irritated, sensitive conditions such as eczema and psoriasis as well as helping to reduce wrinkles and scar tissue.

What EFA’s

Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid or omega-9

Linoleic acid (LA) is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid. Important for cell membranes.

Linolenic acid. There are two forms:

Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid

Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 unsaturated fatty acid. These are closely related to omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, which are called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Helps to reduce plaque build up in arteries.

For Oily, Acne Prone Skin

-Grapeseed

This oil is highly moisturising and is light for use in skin care. Contains Linoleic acid. Ideal for acne or oily skin. Suitable for those with nut allergies.

-Jojoba

A liquid wax which resembles the skins sebum. It will not block pores. Excellent rejuvenating and anti-wrinkle properties, known for treating ageing and inflamed skin. High in Vitamin E.

For Sensitive Skin

-Apricot Kernel

Easily absorbed by the skin without leaving it feeling oily. Rich in both oleic acid and linoleic acid. Good for all skin types, especially sensitive, dry and dehydrated skin.

For Combination Skin

-Sunflower

It’s main components are linoleic acid and oleic acids with high amounts of Vitamins A, D, and E, also has beneficial amounts of lecithin and Carotenoids. Rich in nutrients and antioxidants.  Also, an important source of gamma alpha linolenic acid (GLA) which helps in preventing thinning of hair and alopecia.

For Normal Skin

-Sweet Almond

High in oleic and linoleic acid. Sweet Almond is an excellent massage oil, and is especially suited to dry, sensitive and irritated skin. It is softening and nourishing to the skin.

For Dry, Mature Skin

-Avocado

Rich in essential fatty acids and very nourishing for dry, ageing skin.

-Olive

Composed mainly of oleic acid and palmitic acid. Olive oil has the exceptional ability to penetrate the skin and lock in the natural moisture of the skin.

For Scars and Damaged Skin

-Rosehip Seed

Excellent for treating tissue regeneration and many skin conditions including scars, burns, stretch marks, eczema and psoriasis.

-Calendula

A valuable infused oil from the marigold flower, used for treating wounds, scars, burns, inflammation and other injuries as it aids in tissue regeneration.

Carrier oils contain vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids (EFA), and many of them soften and improve the condition of the skin