The Skin

THE SKIN

The skin is the largest organ in the body. There are many ways that we can keep it healthy, but when we are ill the skin can look pale, spotty and can generally look unhealthy. This can indicate that the insides of our body's are not happy or healthy either. Below explains a bit about the appearance of the skin and what it could mean and also information on how to look after it:

Grey or dull looking Skin
This may indicate a build up of toxins in the body. This could be due to excess smoking and drinking, which both cause dehydration in the body. So if you want beautiful skin then you should give up now.

Oily Skin

This could be due to your diet containing excess fat, especially saturated fat. The amount of saturated fat you eat per day should be below 4g. You should increase the amount of carbohydrate, fruit and veg in your daily diet.

Pimples

This might indicate food allergies or intolerance's of some kind. Your body may be trying to eliminate toxins but can't. Try and change your diet and cut out the foods that seem to cause these pimples. This is all trial and error.

• If you are tired you may need more water or your body maybe lacking iron. You could try taking a zinc supplement or foods that contain it.

To look after your skin and to keep it looking it’s best; make sure that you follow the 3 golden rules of cleansing, toning and moisturising. Always moisturise the whole body after a bath, use an exfoliator such as sea salt and always use fragrance free soap and shampoo. Fragrance free is best for those who have eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis.
The key to nice skin is you must remember the key things that are good for it. These are; vitamins, minerals, a Mediterranean diet is the best one to stick by, fresh fruit and veg, nuts, massage, exercise and water. Oh yes and let’s not forget the 3 golden rules.
There are many natural products and oils that you can use and are usually more beneficial to maintain the health of your skin.

I recommend that you do a regular steam treatment for your face once a week. This will help to unblock pores. Use hot water in a bowl and hold you head over this with a towel draped over your head. Perhaps you could try some essential oils, which also absorb into the skin and works on the nervous system and also penetrates into the blood stream. Once in the blood stream it will work around the entire body.

• Face packs once a week such as banana and honey and leaving on for 30 minutes, help to hydrate the skin.

• Natural yoghurt on the face for 10 mins can help dehydrated skin.

• Flour and sea salt exfoliates the skin. As does Witch Hazel and sugar.

• Aloe Vera is an excellent healer if you have a plant (if not it can be found in as a gel in most supermarkets or health shops). Aloe has many antiseptic and soothing qualities. It is great for sunburnt skin and acts as a great moisturiser to the skin

Handy oils to have

Lavender oil – This is great for burns, and herpes conditions and relaxation.
Tea tree oil - Good for spots.
Jojoba oil – Good for all skin types, great for psoriasis, dandruff and dermatitis
Mandarin and lemon oil - Both have excellent antioxidant properties

Home Recipes for the Skin

Oily Skin: Eucalyptus, sage, mint and lemon cleanser.

• 2 heaped tbsp of chopped lemon peel, sage ,mint, eucalyptus and ½ cup of whole milk.

• Strain into a container and push excess out with spoon.

• Apply to the face with cotton wool. Remove with water

Normal Skin: Rosemary, chamomile and nettle cleanser.

• Add 2 tsps of rosemary, chamomile and nettles to a bowl.

• Add boiling water and leave till cold.

• Apply to the face with cotton wool and remove with water.

Dry Skin: Rose Water, oatmeal and honey cleanser/exfoliator.

• 12 tsp sugar, 2 tbsp rosewater, 1 tbsp of oatmeal,1 tsp of honey.

• Mix all together.

• When applied to the skin, it exfoliates and gets rid of dead skin cells that are causing the skin to be dry.

• Sea salt is great for combination skin.

• Sugar is great for spotty skin.

• Honey is great for ageing skin and skin that has dehydration.

There are so many products and daily ingredients that you can use and find around your home. Do as much as you can to keep the body happy and you will notice the benefits through your skin. Natural products are the best to use. I would personally stay clear of all these expensive products that you see in the shops, they can be harsh and damaging to your skin.

Tracy.