Skin Proofing
In our world of masks and sanitisers, it’s hardly surprising that our skin is feeling Irritated, sensitive and possibly a little confused. The changing weather doesn’t help either and until spring really does show her beautiful self once again, rather than the occasional teasing visit, we need to continue protecting our skin from winter’s elements.
While it can be tempting to pile on multiple products, in the hope that at least some of them might soothe and nurture the skin, in many cases you are doing more harm than good and leaving your skin even more irritated and sensitised. The new buzz-word in the industry is ‘Skinimalism’, which essential means cutting back on product by adopting the ‘less is more’ mantra that I have long adhered to.
Skin microbiome
My latest book GLOW: Your Complete Four-Week Plan for Healthy Radiant Skin has a full chapter dedicated to gut and skin health, but the world of science is changing by the day, as is the crucial role the rainforest of bacteria, fungi and viruses that make their homes in our gut and skin play in our health at large.
Since the characterisation of the body’s intestinal flora was made official via the National Institute of Health (NIH) Human Microbiome Project in 2008, there has been an explosion in gut research. We now know that taking care of our gut is the number one priority in our bid to relieve the debilitating effects of chronic stress, obesity and other diseases on our lives - and our skin and brains and immune systems (over 80% of which lives in the gut). In essence, when we invest in our gut, our body at large thrives.
Gut-Brain-Skin Axis
Egg yolks feed the skin barrier
We also know now that the skin has a microbiome of its own, being home to millions of microorganisms that act as the body’s primary defence from the outside world. There is active two-way communication between the gut and skin and eating in tune with our gut enhances the resilience of the skin’s own microbiome.
The brain and gut are closely connected too through an active two-way system. is now accepted that anxiety and stress lead to intestinal permeability and gut dysbiosis, which in turn, can result in skin irritation and inflammation. Certain skin disorders are more commonly in people suffering from gut issues, while there is also a strong association between gut dysbiosis and acne.
The road to happier, healthier skin is about understanding the link between our overall health and our skin as our complexion can be a valuable indicator of what’s happening on the inside.
Tips for happier, healthier skin
Nunaia’s gentle and thorough Superfood Cleansing Balm
Feed your gut – feed your body.
Eat a diverse variety of plants, fermented ‘bacteria-promoting’ foods with live bacterial cultures including live yoghurt, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, kombucha and prebiotic foods that fertilise our existing gut bacteria and encourage the development of a diverse community of microbes. Recent studies are showing how immersing ourselves in nature, we surround ourselves with trillions of new microbiota that provide an endless choice of microbes for our gut bacteria to further enhance our immune system and overall wellbeing.
Cleanse and exfoliate correctly and carefully, with minimal disturbance to the super sensitive skin barrier – the outermost later of the skin’s epidermis. Overdoing these steps using harsh products that strip the skin can lead to irritation, skin inflammation and worse in years to come. So stop now!
Eat more foods that nurture the skin barrier including lecithin-rich egg yolk, pomegranate seeds, blueberries, edamame beans, nuts and green leafy vegetables. [More here]
Your skin needs all the moisture it can get at this time of year. Cleanse gently yet thoroughly every evening (and morning if your skin needs it). I love cleansing balms especially during winter, as they are gentle and effective with little to no aggravation. Currently I’m loving the beautifully natural and ethical Irish Nunaia Sacha Incha-enriched Superfood Cleansing Balm, overflowing with vitamins, essential fatty acids and Marcula for brightening and the natural antioxidant-rich Ischga Marine Cleansing Balm overflowing in the skin-loving benefits of Scottish seaweed to melt away the day’s grime and pollution.
Ischga antioxidant-rich Marine Cleansing Balm
Do not rinse with hot water – it burns the skin adding to existing irritation. Use tepid water and cleanse thoroughly.
Easy on the acids (AHA/BHA etc): They can strip the skin
Check ingredients and focus on the natural - I always turn to brands I can trust when looking for advice or to solve a problem.
Hydrating parched skin does not necessarily mean lathering on the moisturiser. Many of these creams are simply occlusives that trap water into the skin, with few other benefits. Look for products, night creams most especially, with added antioxidant and retinol that will help repair the skin barrier and replenish the skin through the night. Im using Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic and Retinol Ant-Ageing Moisturizer - while it is doesnt tick all the natural boxes, I trust the ingredients and my skin is loving it.
Oils and balms are very comforting on dry winter skin. There are so beautiful ethical brands our there - do your research. More here.
And most importantly - MOVE your body - for me it’s yoga - but whatever works for you - do it every day.
“In essence, wearing both my dietitian’s hat and my cosmetic science expertise, the happiest most vibrant skin is one that is nourished mostly by the foods we choose to put into our bodies– especially those that keep our gut microbionta thriving - so get this right and what we choose to apply on our skin will work even better.”
