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Newsletter: Spring 2008 edition(PDF, 1397kb)

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Simple skin care resolutions for health and glow

We are all interested in keeping our youthful looks. So we scour the internet and shops for the latest fad creams, thinking that by spending £50+ on a facial cream or anti-cellulite treatment, the promise of looking ten years younger in 10 days will be ours. Of course I am a sceptic and I find the anti-ageing, stop the clock, age reversal claims preposterous. The plan old truth is that it’s impossible to reverse or halt the ageing process. But while we may grieve at this prospect, we often forget that if our skin is ageing, then so is the body and organs.
However, not all is lost. If we remember to take a holistic view we can not only revitalise our complexion, but feel healthier as a bonus. A healthy, rosy glow to the skin promotes vitality and a youthful look. Research and medical professionals recommend practical steps to help maintain the health of the skin as it ages. Most are endorsed, but I advice that you fit in all recommendations as they are based on experience and sound knowledge. They are simple, common sense and cost effective. This includes minimising our skin and body exposure to sun, excessive stress and lifestyle hazards (such as smoking and excessive alcohol).

Drink plenty of water (and more)

I regularly bark on about how important it is to drink water, but if you are really wanting an anti-ageing product for your skin, then this is it. Nothing works better to plump up your skin, prevent spots, promote a healthy glow and support the elimination process.

Stop smoking

Research generally shows non-smokers have younger looking skin than smokers, whose skin often appears prematurely aged due to wrinkles over the lips and around the eyes. Skin tone is often sallower and drier with an uneven texture. General health can also be affected, as smokers eat less healthy and natural foods and resort to high salt, high fat produce for flavour. Some studies have linked smoking to an increased risk of skin cancer. Whilst a more fragile skin is less able to cope with excessive exposure to sun, smokers tend to sunbathe more than non-smokers.

Protect your skin

Sun damage is ageing and irreversible. Clinical studies show that sunscreen can retard the progress of various forms of skin cancer. However, the protection must be of a high SPF factor and applied regularly. Sunscreen may also inhibit other changes to the skin such as pigmentation and uneven texture, both very ageing. Look for products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as these ingredients will help guard against the sun's longer and shorter-length rays.

Do not squeeze your spots

Spots are a sign that all is not quite right with the skin and sometimes with the body. Spots are a result of stress, unhealthy diet and lifestyle, allergies, pollution etc. But whatever the reason do not try to put things right by squeezing them! This can actually push bacteria deeper into the skin and create an infection. And please, think about where your hands have been before you start as you could be introducing further bacteria causing inflammation which can result in pigmentary changes and scaring.

Through away old, used products

Cosmetic regulations do not force companies to print expiration dates on product labels. European regulations now require products to display a graphic of a jar being open. However, not all brands show this or advise on shelf life. Also, unless you contact the company for a date your purchase was created (which is unlikely), you could be buying a product which is already months old. Whilst this is not necessarily a problem, think about the artificial ingredients used to allow a product to last so long.
Using creams can mean that people may transfer bacteria from their fingers to the product. If your product contains water, this can lead to the growth of micro-organisms. It is therefore advisable to discard a skin care product one year after opening.
Micro-organisms can also grow in mascara tubes (creating the risk of eye infections) and on lipsticks. It goes without saying that you should never share these products with your girlfriends. Once opened, discard mascara after three months and lipstick after 6 months.

Reduce stress levels and increase sleep

It is well documented that stress can cause havoc with our health and skin but when we deprive ourselves of a good night sleep our immune system may be weakened and our skin takes longer to recover. Intense or long term stress can lead to mental and physical symptoms such as anxiety and depression, digestive problems, palpitations, and headaches and migraines.
Our skin can show obvious signs of stress and sleep deprivation such as dark shadows, eczema, spots, dry patches, and even psoriasis. Sleep requirements vary from person to person, but it should be between 6 and 8 hours, but your body and skin will tell you how much you need.

Simplify your skin care routine

Using too many products on your skin can cause inflammation and soreness, and even permanent damage. In our search for eternal youth and a smooth blemish free complexion, we often use too many products at once, which contain harsh ingredients: vitamin A, salicyclic acid, lactic acid, abrasions, etc. Whilst being a strong barrier, our skin is too fragile to withstand this kind of abuse. The best we can do is strengthen and feed it with antioxidants such as vitamin E, green and white tea, plant extracts and good nutrition.
Use a natural cleanser suited to your skin type. Nourish and protect with a therapeutic day cream. Rejuvenate with an antioxidant rich preparation in the evening and apply by massaging well into the skin for a few minutes. Once a week, deep cleanse and apply a moisturising or clay mask. Not only is this simple regime kinder for your skin, but if you choose organic, you will be limiting your exposure to potentially harmful ingredients, using products which are not tested on animals and are much kinder to the environment. Not to say much lighter on the pocket!

Limit your spending

Many people reason that expensive products equate premium results. However, beauty manufacturers are not required to publish studies on the efficacy of their products so consumers are not really able to make an informed choice. They cannot really determine whether the expensive product works better than the less expensive item containing similar ingredients. Premium products usually contain more perfume (which invariably is not natural) and is heavily packaged. Achieving good skin care is not proportionate to the amount of money you spend. You will be spending on marketing, packaging and even celebrity endorsements.

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Lemon and honey body scrub

• 1 small cup of natural brown sugar
• Half cup of vegetable oil such as sweet almond, sunflower or olive oil
• 2 tblsp of runny honey
• 1 tblsp powdered milk (optional)

Sieve the sugar into a bowl to remove any lumps or hard bits. Add the powdered milk (if used) and mix in the oil. Add the lemon juice and stir. Finally add the essential oil and honey and mix until you have a thick grainy paste. (Note: you may need to adjust amounts for required consistency).

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Honey and mustard salad dressing

This is my favourite dressing for salad and so much better than the shop bought version (which invariably contains unnecessary additives). If you make it a little thicker, add it to roasted vegetables and as a marinade for fish or meat.

• 4 tblsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tblsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (or wholegrain mustard if you don't like it hot
• 1 tsp raw unrefined honey
• 2 tblsp of runny honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Clove of garlic (if using as a marinade)

Place oil, vinegar and mustard in a small bowl and mix well. Add the honey and then salt and pepper to taste. If using garlic, mince through a fine grater and add to mixture. Use as required. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Variation: add fresh chilli for a refreshing kick and macadamia nut oil for a lighter consistency.

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Lemon facts

The lemon has long been valued as an antiseptic and vitamin C source. In the past, it has been used to treat malaria and typhoid, and as an antidote to meat and fish poisoning. It is well known as a treatment and preventative measure against scurvy and was traditionally taken on long sea voyages and the juice given to sailors.
Lemons are highly nutritious and provide a superb tonic to the circulatory system. They are helpful when treating sore throats, coughs, colds and influenza and help reduce associated temperatures. With their vitamin C content and rich citrus flavonoids (water soluble plant substances which protect vitamin C against oxidation), lemons have excellent antioxidant properties and can assist the healing of wounds, strengthen the walls of the capillaries and blood vessels, and has a hypertensive effect on arteriosclerosis.

There are many nutritious substances in lemons such as vitamins A and B, potassium, phosphorus, silica, fructose, manganese and copper, all working to help strengthen the immune system, make collagen, keep skin and joints healthy and may even help to prevent cancer.
Lemon juice is a natural disinfectant and antiseptic, and before modern chemical based cleaners, was used in laundry, glass, household and metal cleaning.
It is an important skincare ingredient and the juice can be applied direct as an astringent and bactericide.

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Food additives to avoid

Aspartame, otherwise known as Canderel and Nutrasweet is widely used as a sweetening additive in thousands of foods and drinks. It is 200 times sweeter than natural sugar and is often listed as ingredient E951.

Whilst there are governments, health authorities and medical researchers globally that support the use of aspartame in our food and drink, there is substantial research that shows it to be unsafe and toxic, and likely to be responsible for the global rise in Multiple Sclerosis and Systemic Lupus.
Aspartame was originally discovered in 1965, and research indicated that it may cause cancer in rats. In 1980, it was reviewed and classed as safe but vital raw data was ignored. Aspartame was approved for use as an additive in 1981.

Upon digestion, it breaks down into chemicals including phenylalanine and methanol (which belongs to the same class of poisons as Cyanide and Arsenic) and then to formaldehyde and formic acid. There is much controversy on the effects that these chemicals have on those that consume aspartame sweetened food. The symptoms of, what is now known as, Aspartame Disease include spasms, shooting pains, cramps, numbness in limbs, joint pains, dizziness, vertigo, anxiety, headaches, tinnitus, blurred vision and blindness, and symptoms of Fibromylagia.

In the UK, products which contain aspartame must list the chemical as an ingredient and carry the warning “Contains a source of phenylalanine”. Phenylalanine depletes Serotonin and therefore can cause depression, panic attacks, rage and violence. It is also life threatening to those with Phenylketonuria, which causes problems with brain development.

Worryingly, research shows aspartame is deadly to Diabetics, causes Alzheimer’s disease in women as young as 30, and could even be responsible for Gulf War Syndrome. Given the research and the fact that Monsanto who create aspartame are also the largest GM food company, I would suggest steering very clear of any foods containing this E-number.

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