Got Dry Skin?

If winter makes you think of your dry skin instead of beautiful pale blue skies with crisp fresh breezes, snuggling up in soft, warm blankets, or the opportunity to wear the life out of your favourite boots then it may be time to consider adding some of the following foods into your winter cooking repertoire.

ü  Nuts - almond, brazil, cashew, macadamia, pecan etc

ü  Fresh ripe avocado

ü  Full cream dairy products

ü  Fish - salmon, tuna, sardines, herring

ü  Seeds - pepitas, sunflower, flax or linseed, chia

ü  Coconut and coconut oil

The above foods are all laden with good fats, yes GOOD fats and providing you don’t have any serious allergies or intolerances to them they can be really quite beneficial to your body. Before you all rush out and get coconut ice cream sundaes with piles of whipped cream and nuts on top– that’s not where I was headed...we’ll have a brief chat about the how and why.

You’ve all probably have heard names bandied about such as Omega 3, 6 and 9 and Essential Fatty Acids and cholesterol but do you know what these “good fats” do in our bodies? 

Each individual cell in our body is encircled with a border of cholesterol-type molecules, they ensure the fluidity and flexibility of the cell wall as well as assisting in transporting oxygen and nutrients into the cell for energy production and waste and energy out of the cell. Good fats are also used for a multitude of biochemical reactions within the body including transporting important hormones, transporting fat soluble vitamins such as vitamins A, D, and E, reducing inflammation, improving nervous system and neurotransmitter function in and around the brain and body as well as supporting our biggest organ and first line of defence – the skin by keeping it supple, flexible and healthy.

On the outside - hot showers, baths, air conditioning and heating can all have a drying effect on the skin especially as the humidity drops off during winter. Gently exfoliating with a natural bristled dry skin brush or loofah before getting in the shower will help slough off dead skin cells.  After the shower dry off and apply a natural, nourishing oil such as coconut to the body and rosehip or jojoba to the face, especially at night before going to bed.

 
So, I suppose my most important message here is when eaten in the right forms and as part of a healthy balanced lifestyle (Disclaimer J - by right forms I mean as close to nature intended as possible and healthy balanced lifestyle means with handfuls of fresh healthy green, red, yellow, orange and purple vegetables and fruit in season along with lean meat or fish (organically grown AND free range where possible) combined with at least 30 minutes of exercise enjoyed daily) you will have yourself on the right track to surviving the winter season with beautiful glowing skin that will last you a lifetime...

It’s ours – we need to look after it!

Til next month, enjoy the short, fresh winter we have here in Queensland.

Rebecca

Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm

I was a product tester for Beauty and Lace for this product. Check out my review and others at http://beauty.beautyandlace.net/beauty-chick-chat-carmex-squeeze-tube

Le Tan Flawless Legs

LOVE LOVE LOVE this product!!!! Read my review at Beauty and Lace.


http://beauty.beautyandlace.net/beauty-chick-chat-le-tan-flawless-legs#comment-1316

Origins - Brightening Peel Pads - Exfoliator

I tested the Origins range and absolutely loved this product. Every tub contains 40 circular facial pads, each with a textured surface and containing glycolic acid. These two features combine to provide a gentle exfoliation experience. TIP - double your supply by cutting each pad in half ;-)

In short, MD Formulations Face and Body Scrub look out..., there's a new kid on the block.

Origins describe the product as "These clinically-proven, skin brightening peel pads rival the instant smoothness and radiance restoring benefits of a professional 30% glycolic peel without the redness. Plus they help restore clarity and improve evenness of skin tone."

http://www.origins.com/product/3854/11109/Skincare/Daily-Essentials/Exfoliators/Brighter-by-Nature/High-potency-brightening-peel-with-fruit-acids/index.tmpl

 

 

md Formulations - Face and Body Scrub

This is my number 1 product and always the first thing I pack when travelling. Before make up, clothes, toothbrush, it's this! My sister (43 years young) and I have been using md for years now.

3 reasons I love this product?
...
- EVERYONE can use it.
- The tiny, smooth, synthetic granules ensure a gentle exfoliation with every use.
- The Glycolic compound increases skin hydration and dissolves dry, dead skin cells. Improving the feel and appearance of skin.

My skin is softer, smoother, more hydrated and looks healthier with this scrub. When my skin is in this condition make up is applied easier and last longer.

A must try for everyone!

Something New ...

It is said that ‘a change is as good as a holiday’ and from reading some of the information that is coming out after various studies on mood, brain health, general wellbeing and the perception of happiness it seems to me that this saying is probably spot on. 

Now, I’m not saying major changes like quitting your job or moving countries are required to achieve this feeling or that this euphoric holiday feeling will last forever (let’s face it, holidays are called holidays not everydays for a reason) but simple variances from your normal routine have the opportunity to achieve a similar positive impact.

My sister and I recently took the opportunity to go horse riding, something neither of us had done for at least 10 years, it was so relaxing and unwinding because you had to pay attention and focus on staying on the horse, therefore leaving the daily drone of ‘what should I cook for dinner?’ and ‘did I pay that electricity bill?’ far from reach. 

The benefit of focusing on just what you are doing in this moment (also sometimes referred to as mindfulness) apparently builds new brain cells and neurological pathways if the task is something new to you and requires hand/eye coordination.

So, for the effort of holding on for dear life, smelling a little funky and the sudden development of a John Wayne - like swagger we left for home with new brain cells and sore butts in tow, plus the feeling of having had a really relaxing day. 

So I’d like to suggest in the next couple of weeks you try something new, whether it be taking a guided canoe/paddle board/bike ride along your local waterways while the weather is still beautiful or learning a new skill that you’d always wanted to eg. dancing, guitar, art/pottery classes. Whatever your taste there are plenty of low cost activities out there to stimulate the brain and enhance your happiness.

‘til next time... enjoy!

Rebecca Owen

Naturopath (BHSc)

My sister and I.

Surfing with the horses.

Meet Rebecca - Naturopath

I am so excited!!! Please meet a close friend of mine and fabulous Naturopath - Rebecca :-)

Rebecca is a qualified Naturopath having worked and studied in the health industry for the last 10 years. Her primary focus is to help people find healthy goals and solutions that work for them - as well as enjoying some well placed ‘new things’ in life, after all it’s all about balance isn’t it?

Rebecca will be writing feature blogs for us on a monthly basis and keeping us up to date with what's happening in the health industry. If you have a topic you would like to know about please let me know :-)

Welcome Rebecca :-)