Body & beauty

How to get a perfect complexion

A fresh, healthy-looking complexion – it’s a simple enough request. Hannah Tudor talks to expert dermatologists and holistic gurus to fix your skin woes.

A fresh, healthy-looking complexion – it’s a simple enough request. Hannah Tudor talks to expert dermatologists and holistic gurus to fix your skin woes.
It’s the time of year when the hot weather forces us to strip off extra layers of clothing. This is a cause of emotional distress for some as having anything other than perfect skin can feel debilitating. Skin problems should not be taken lightly as a recent study published in the Archives of Dermatology found that people with conditions such as psoriasis are at a 44 per cent higher risk of suicide, depression and anxiety. But don’t panic, managing them is easier than you think…

SOS 1 Acne

Acne is often due to a hormone imbalance. This causes an over production of sebum (oil) which leads to pores becoming blocked and bacteria forming in the skin hair follicles – causing spots. Lauriane Etienne, director of skincare at The College of Naturopathic Medicine claims food is a fantastic hormone regulator: “To combat acne, firstly address your diet. Cut out processed foods and go for a diet which includes plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. Eat small daily quantities of nuts and seeds, and try to eat oily fish regularly. Eliminate fizzy drinks, cut down on alcohol and caffeine and ensure that you replace these liquids with up to two litres of water a day. Herbal teas such as dandelion and nettle can help your liver eliminate toxins.” Lauriane’s second approach is to get your heart racing and find time to destress. “Hormones are also affected by exercise, so get off the bus early and walk. Take up a hobby or treat yourself to a relaxing therapysession such as reflexology. Acupuncture is also said tohave good results for acne, by helping suffers rebalance.”

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Potion: Aromatherapist Louise Carta suggests the following blend for acne: 50ml of jojoba, two drops of tea tree, one drop of lavender essential oil, one drop of juniper berry essential oil and one drop of grapefruit essential oil.

Pills: Try taking vitamin B. Scientists have found a link between excess sebum production and altered skin reproduction as an indicator of an inability to properly metabolise fats, caused by a lack of B vitamins.

Treatment: Regenlite (NLite) laser treatment triggers the immune system to reduce inflammation and can repair tissue and soften scarring. Visit dermclinic.co.uk for more information.

Products: OY! Cleanser, Make-up Remover and Moisturiser, £9.95, is not exclusively for young skin but is specifically for hormonal complexions. Use daily to help eliminate spots. Glo therapeutics Spot Fix Blemish Treatment, £14, can be used directly on problem areas. It combines zinc and eucalyptus oil which will help to dry up blemishes.

SOS 2 Rosacea

Sufferers of rosacea experience enlarged facial veins, redness on the cheeks, chin and forehead. You may also have facial flushing, dry spots and redness of the eyelids. Try to avoid foods high in natural histamines such as cheese, fish and spinach and tyramine-rich foods, which includes anything aged, pickled, fermented or dried. Up your intake of wholegrains, seeds and nuts. Fruits such as cherries, blackberries and blueberries are vascular constrictors which can help reduce redness. Protein from nutsand pulses also has cooling properties. Dr Brian Newman, leading rosacea and spider vein removal specialist warns that you may have to watch the weather: “For rosacea sufferers, the sunshine canplay havoc with their skin. Avoid humid conditions where possible and don’t overdo the workouts – pace yourself while training as overheating can trigger a flare-up. Try to keep cool when exercising. Maintaining a constant temperature will help reduce the risk of flare-ups.” Herbalist Pamela Spence says that limeflower can be used topically to help skin regenerate and to smooth rough patches while reducing irritation. “It’s a great nerve tonic and can also help alleviate stress where this is a causative factor,” she advises.

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Potion: Aromatherapist Louise Carta suggests a facial oil of 50ml of sunflower essential oil, one drop of rose, one drop of yarrow, one drop of geranium and two drops of frankincense.

Lotions: S.O.S Barefoot Botanicals Moisturising Bath Oil, £21.95, contains bran oil and evening primrose. Adding this oil to your bath will soothe irritation. Lavera Neutral Face Cream, £7.99, has a cooling action.

Pills: Try upping your intake of probiotics, like these Renew Life Ultimate Flora 50 Billion, £34.99. There is evidence that rosacea sufferers don’t make enough stomach acid. Probiotics can help support this function.

Treatment: Vein thermocoagulation uses radio frequency to destroy the blood vessels which reduces the red appearance of rosacea. For more information visit drnewmansclinic.co.uk

SOS 3 Eczema

Eczema is a form of allergy and cases of it are on the rise. It seems that increasing exposure to allergens, such as house dust mites, have been the main causes of this increase. According to Margaret Weeds, dermatologist for Essential Care, using natural skin care products is vital. “The skin’s lipids (fatty substances that hold skin cells together) tend to be less abundant with eczematous skin,” she says. “This may be due to excess removal of lipids through use of harsh soap and detergents.” Eczema brings with it an ‘itchscratch cycle’ which Margaret suggests stopping with herbs. “Chamomile has been shown to be as effective at reducing inflammation as mild hydrocortisone (steroid), but without the negative side effects,” she says. Other herbs such as calendula and aloe vera have proven powerful skin-healing capabilities.” As with most skin conditions food allergens could be a factor. “Triggers such as cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, gluten and food additives (like flavourings, colours and sweeteners) are common culprits,” advises Margaret.

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Potion: Aromatherapist Louise Carta suggests the following blend: 30ml sunflower oil, 20ml of calendula oil, two drops of chamomile, one drop of yarrow, one drop of lavender oil and one drop of juniper berry.

Lotions: Elave Intensive Cream, £10.20, (from peachethical.com) contains glycolic acid and alpha hydroxy acid, which is vital for skin health. Inlight Night Balm, £37, is great to slather on before you go to bed.

Pills: Higher Nature Skin Support, £25.40, contains key vitamins for skin repair.

Clothing: Opt for natural materials such as cotton and silk. An alternative to chemical based detergents are Soap Nuts, £5.19, from eco-essentials.co.uk

SOS 4 Psoriasis

Affecting around three per cent of the population, psoriasis can occur at any age and develops because the outer layers of skin reproduce too fast which causes inflammation and dryness. The patches become thickened and are normally covered with what looks like dry silvery scales. Excess body weight and a poor diet have been linked to psoriasis so addressing your diet is vital. Foods belonging to the nightshade family (tomatoes, aubergine and peppers) contain an inflammatory compound, which can be an irritant. Managing your stress levels is also vital. Dr Mark Atkinson offers the following advice in Nutrition Solutions For Optimising Skin, (£5.99, highernature.co.uk): “Whilepsoriasis is regarded as an autoimmune disease, stress plays a role in both triggering and exacerbating it. The first step to managing your stress is to recognise you are stressed. I find ‘4/7 breathing’ to be particularly helpful. You breathe in to the count of four and out to the count of seven.The longer out-breath triggers the body’s relaxation response.”

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Treatment: Light therapy, also known as UV phototherapy, reduces inflammation and slows the rate of skin cell production.

Creams: Orba psoriasis cream, £12.99, is specifically designed for psoriasis sufferers. It is fortified with vitamins A and E which help to combat dryness.

Supplements: Milk thistle – psoriasis has been linked to high levels of toxins and this herb has been shown to support liver function, which detoxes the body.

Pills: Skin Nourishment, £10.95, helps maintain moisture and balance from the inside.

Further info

Louise Carta is an aromatherapist for thearomatherapycompany.co.uk
Pamela Spence is also known as ‘The Scottish Hedgewitch’. Visit medicalherbalist.net for more information.
Orba Originals skincare is specifically for problem skin. Visit orbaoriginals.com