I’ve spent just under two years faking it! Yes I confess I have been faking my fresh dewy complexion with the help of great vegetable and essentials oils. This time last Christmas I was sleep deprived, I had been for 18 months. I had a baby/toddler not sleeping through the night. I was officially setting up my business and getting used to life as single Mummy. Needless to say that sleep and healthy eating was the last thing on my ‘to do’ list. But there is only so far a good facial routine can get you. What’s the use in looking great if you feel rubbish inside; and 40 was literally about to knock at my door.
But as fate would have it, I spend my Tuesday evenings sharing clinic space with a great Nutritionist, Debra Whelehan from Live Well Nutrition. So when Debra came up with the idea to join forces and come up with a workshop that would be of interest to women everywhere, I jumped at the chance. So, one Tuesday evening we sat down and came up with a workshop that would benefit anyone wanting to improve their skincare routine by taking a holistic approach; the ‘Supercharge your Skin’ workshop was born.
Like me, many of us have demanding lives and this means taking care of ourselves falls way down our agenda, but what I have finally put into practice is that by taking a bit of time out for yourself not only do you look great, but you feel great too, and that’s something we can all benefit from. So if you missed the workshops we held in spring and autumn here are our top tips to help you feel and look great this winter.
Define your skin type for each season – We have 4 seasons in the UK, so your skin type will change depending on the time of year. Mine tends to be more dry in the winter and combinational in the summer months. I also suffer from eczema which generally flairs up when I’m stressed or in the Autumn and Winter months. I occasionally get the odd breakout when I’m due on.
Eat essential fats - Omega 3 found in oily fish (salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines, anchovies), walnuts, flax and chia seeds helps to lubricate cell membranes and moisturise the skin. They are also anti-inflammatory so can help with conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Think colour and always include some protein with every meal or snack - Eating a rainbow on your plate each day helps to provide vital antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and beta carotene) that protect the skin from damage. Protein is needed for the production of collagen, which keeps gives the skin its plumpness.
Don’t be afraid of oils – Oils are great for moisturising and balancing the skin. Many people who have oily skin think that oils will make their skin even oilier and cause breakouts. The key is to find the right oil for you. There are many oils that regulate sebum production. Hazelnut Oil is one of them; it’s reputed to have astringent properties. Mature skins tend to benefit from Macadamia nut or Rosehip oils, whilst dry skin, eczema or psoriasis sufferers find that Avocado oil added to a blend can help hydrate and reduce inflammation especially when mixed with German Chamomile Essential oil.
Avoid “The wrinkle monster” - Processed, refined sugars bind to proteins causing loss of structure to the skin which makes it brittle and leads to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Lastly Massage, Massage, Massage – Why? Because not only does it brings fresh nutrients and oxygenate the skin, but it removes dead cells from the top layers of the epidermis and strengthens and relaxes the many muscles in your face, giving you that healthy glow that we all crave.
Thanks to these workshops I now no longer have to fake it. At 40 I finally feel great, when I’m short on time (which are most days) I pack my Nutribullet with nuts, seeds, green leafy veg, and super sweet fruit and blast. Then with #hurricaneToddler in tow I’m ready for the day ahead. Though I will never be without my beloved oils. I may no longer have to fake it but I want to give my skin the best chance of looking good for as long as I can.
The Supercharge your Skin Workshop will be back next Spring.