At this time of the year, we have many customers coming in looking to support dry, itchy skin, which occurs for many people in winter. Below are some tips to help support healthy winter skin.

Support your body both on inside and on the outside

Good skin starts with excellent nutrition and hydration. In general, the Mediterranean diet is a good place to start, with plenty of omega 3’s, and a plethora of vegetables and fruit, supported by some wholegrains if desired & warming root vegetables for winter. Omega 3’s are anti-inflammatory and support supple skin. Plant material is generally high in phyto nutrients and minerals which are important for skin health. That being said, you best know your body and what works best for you & whether you are vegan, carnivore, or low carb, just make sure your food intake supports your body and keep away from things like processed foods including the bad oils and sugars in all its disguises.

Hydration is something that can unintentionally change in winter. When its cold, often people drink less – particularly water. Herbal teas that are warming such as those containing ginger can be great, and also bone broth can provide collagen, minerals & warmth. Tepid water can work for some people too, rather than icy cold. A simple cup of boiling water and lemon can work too.

We would like to share an experience from one of our lovely customers

A few weeks ago we had a visit from Chrissy. Her skin was so dry that she was under the care of a dermatologist but wasn’t finding she getting a great deal of benefit. This wasn’t eczema or another skin condition, simply dry and uncomfortable skin. After our free 15 minute consult, we discussed her trying:

• Hyaluronic Acid – taken internally, this nutrient pulls water into the skin and other collagen structures.
• Collagen – taking the right collagen gives the building blocks for skin & the underlying dermis, to replace its spent cells. Collagen also holds water which is why wrinkles are often diminished when taken for at least 6 weeks, preferably alongside vitamin C.
• Omega 3, whether these come from fish, hemp, flaxseed or evening primrose oil, each of these has a role to play. The outside of our cells are made from dietary oils, and in the case of skin, these help them to communicate, maintain the moisture barrier on the skin and also reduce redness and inflammation.
• Zinc and other minerals – in winter our food tends to change often supplying different minerals, and we also become more prone to illness. Zinc is an important mineral for both immunity and skin, as its used to support dividing cells which is occurring daily in our skin. Zinc can be taken as a supplement on its own or in a mineral formulation such as CMD (Concentrated Mineral Drops). Please be aware that not all zinc & mineral supplements are created equally.
• Electrolytes – these are a specific group of minerals that draw water into the correct compartments in the body, including in the skin. Fundamentally they help water to enter into the cells, which includes in the skin. These would mostly be obtained in your mineral drops but you can further supplement if you wish.
• All of these things you can get through a good diet, but there are times when the diet needs support, and that is where we can help.

Topically

Chrissy was using her dermatologist recommended moisturiser. Often synthetic skin care will provide either moisture or barriers, but doesn’t normally contain healing nutrients. Natural skin care is different in that generally, its good enough to eat! Some of our favourites for dry skin are:

• Nude Kiwi, the Brightening Day Cream has both hyaluronic acid & marine collagen. It really helps to draw water into the skin and is definitely one of the best moisturisers I have ever used.
• Living Nature Extra Hydrating Toner. This product is more like a serum than a toner in that it doesn’t contain alcohol or strip the skin, but adds moisture using its key ingredients harakeke. The first time I tried this was on the back on my hand and I watched the wrinkles disappear.
• The Herb Farm Smoothing Exfoliating Cream – this is a gentle exfoliator which helps remove dead skin cells, and supports the skin with lovely nutrients such as vitamin C from rosehips. Vitamin C helps to build collagen and also reduce pigmentation spots.
• Zurma Enriching Face Oil, for an extra top up. This gorgeous oil retails at less than $30 and has such beautiful skin nutrients including carrot seed oil and vitamin E, borage and jojoba. Its primarily made from organic ingredients too.
• All of these products come from small producer New Zealand. All are genuine natural products.

After our discussion, Chrissy decided to purchase hyaluronic acid. She popped in to see us about a month later, to say that her dermatologist couldn’t believe the difference. She couldn’t believe how much better her skin felt.

Reminder – giveaway time

Just a reminder, we are doing a giveaway this month, for a box of Living Nature Skincare products. Just purchase any skin care product to enter, during the month of June. Just enter in store, or we will automatically do this if you purchase online.

Masson F, Skin Hydration and Hyalaronic Acid as viewed at https://europepmc.org/article/med/20435251

Bolke et al, A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study as viewed at https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/10/2494