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5 Top Tips to Help Safeguard Your Complexion From Heat of the Sun

By MARY BERKERY

SUMMER can be a difficult time for the skin. Hotter weather, more sunshine and city pollution all take their toll on our complexions.

And it's not just outdoors that creates havoc - air conditioned of fices and homes leave skin feeling dull, dry and lacklustre.

But according to Mary Berkery, a leading holistic beauty consultant, there are five easy steps to take to ensure your skin stays gorgeous and glowing during the summer months.

1. Hydrate your skin
Mary says: "Drink at least one litre of water each day but remember to drink between meals rather than during meals.

"Drinking water with your food dilutes the digestive juices, making it more difficult for your digestive system to function at its best level."

2. Oxygenate
Mary explains: "Getting enough oxygen is crucial for crystal clear skin," Mary explains.
"It helps the dilation of the blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the extremities and improving the condition of the skin."

Mary says there are lots of easy ways to increase your oxygen levels.

"Aerobic exercise, a brisk walk in the open air and even some deep, relaxation breathing will all help to oxygenate the skin.

"Another good tip is to add oxygen based nutrients to the diet - a product like Cellfood, which is available from health food stores around the country, is easy to take and will give city skin a much needed boost."

3. Alkalise the Diet
Mary reveals: "Alkalising the diet is one of the most important steps towards healthy, glowing skin.

"Acidic substances such as coffee, alcohol, sugar, red meat and cigarettes upset the skin's natural balance by stripping it of essential nutrients.

"Increase the alkaline content of your diet with foods like root vegetables and delicious green juices, which offer a myriad of health benefits in addition to great skin.

"Contrary to popular belief, unlike other citric fruits like orange, fresh lemon and fresh lime are not acidic - and adding some lemon or lime to water is a great way to start the day.
"Don't overdo the dairy products as this can lead to dull, doughy skin which is prone to whiteheads and blackheads.

4. Balance your skin by allowing access to the natural elements
Mary explained: "Nowadays, we are increasingly conscious of the dangers of UV rays and we're encouraged to cover our skin.

"This is good advice and an SPF is important. "But the skin also restores its own innate balance and harmony through some exposure to fresh air and to the sun.

"Bathing the skin in natural elements has a renewing effect by increasing stimulation, helping to shed dead skin and providing important nutrients such as Vitamin D. "And of course sunshine creates an increased sense of well-being and inner radiance that is reflected in the complexion.
"The best advice is to avoid the sun's strongest rays - half an hour in the morning or early evening will provide the skin with adequate exposure to the elements."

5. Nurture your skin with natural ingredients
Mary says: "City skin benefits from regular treatments so it is a good idea to arrange a facial once a month.

"Remember to use natural products that are rich in anti-oxidants like plant oils and botanical herbs to help combat the effects of city living and being away from nature.

"Organic, biodynamically cultivated products like Dr Hauschka are best in order to truly feed the skin.

"Choose a skilled practitioner who understands the importance of natural ingredients and effective, soothing techniques for city skin, allowing you to truly relax into the experience.

"For a natural product that you can use at home, try Dr Hauschka Quince Day Cream, available from pharmacies and health shops nationwide, priced EUR19.90, which restores the skin's natural moisture balance."

posted by Cheryl Levesque @ 2:05 PM