Fi Jamieson-Folland shares secrets to help your skin glow…naturally
We’ve all heard the clichés…’beauty’s more than just skin-deep’; and ‘our radiance comes from the inside-out’.
However, what does this actually mean when it comes down to it? Just what exactly can we be doing to help our skin be as healthy as it can be, in a natural way?
This was a question I asked myself, when I noticed about a year ago that my skin seemed to be lacking a bit of ‘tone’, and I felt changes in the texture in a few areas of my cheeks etc. I could tell that something was up, although I wasn’t sure what. I’d heard the customary response that these kind of changes were something to expect turning 40 etc, yet I had a niggling feeling that there was more I could be doing myself.
Being curious, I decided to do some research. I was pretty clear on several keys already, such as the impact that being in a polluted environment can have on our skin. I remember travelling in Europe a few years ago and being shocked at the amount of black ‘stuff’ that came off my face when I cleansed my face at night, and the amount that was also coming off in the morning cleanse!
So what did I find? I discovered the 4 indispensables for naturally glowing skin…
1. – we all know that ‘we are what we eat’. In fact, ‘we are what we ate!’
Have you ever eaten a rich meal, and not been surprised when in the next day or two, your skin feels oilier than usual, or even shows signs of spots? This direct relationship between what we put in, and what comes out is something that’s probably familiar for each of us.
Current research is showing that we also need the right kinds of micro-nutrients – like phytochemicals, antioxidants, enzymes and co-factors. Not only do we need these, they also need to be in the right form and in right amounts for our cells to absorb them, and then use them to grow healthy cells, on our insides and our outsides.
2. 2. 2. 2. It’s no secret that we need to drink lots of water daily. Although we may be surprised when we realize just how much is enough. Plus, it could well be an eye-opener when we actually stop and measure how much and what we’re actually drinking!
Bare in mind, it’s pure water we’re talking about, rather than tea/ coffee/ cordials or fizzy drinks. It’s true – how much and what we’re drinking each day directly affects our skin’s overall vibrancy, including its plumpness and ‘bounce’.
It’s no wonder really, given our skin cells are made up on 44% water!
Protect 3. Protect against the elements including sun and strong wind. Interestingly, aging spots that can be seen on our skin are technically caused mostly by sun damage. So using a sunscreen that ticks all the following boxes is also a big tick for our skin-protection – natural, paraben-free, clinically-proven, and moisuriser-based. And this means daily use, regardless of the weather! Plus using our common sense and avoiding exposing our skin (especially our face) in harsher environments including wind.
4. Care – including gentle cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing. These steps get rid of obvious dirt, and also bacteria and dead cells, and protect our skin cells to help them retain their moisture.
I can hear you saying ‘surely! It can’t be that simple!’ Surprisingly it is. Although it’s like anything; ‘the proof of the pudding…’so experiment for yourself.
Final top tips that I’ve personally found helpful, for stunning skin –
Warm vs hot water – hot can actually strip delicate oils from your skin
Eyes – be super gentle when touching this area, as the elasticity of these cells is less than the rest of our face.
Pat dry – rather than rubbing. This helps your cells keep their moisture.
Shave with care. It’s ideal to soften your skin first in the bath or shower, with a clean, sharp razor.
Beauty sleep – not just a cliché!
Move – exercising helps optimal amounts of oxygen to reach your cells. This directly affects the vibrancy of your skin.
Fi Jamieson-Folland D.O, is a Lifestyle Consultant, with over 20 years experience in Europe, Asia and New Zealand as a qualified osteopath, certified vegan, raw, gluten-free chef, educator, writer and health mentor. She lives in Auckland with her husband Chris, relishing an outdoor lifestyle and time with family and friends.
As seen in Pink Bust article 2.14