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Summer Care Do you like the sunshine, but feel rather fond of your skin, too? By heeding the advice of Amy Turnbull, ND, you won't have to choose between the two! Her tips should help you minimize skin damage during the summer and also help your skin look its best all year round: - The sun will age your skin faster than almost anything else, according to Turnbull. So wear sunscreen every day during the summer — even in this climate. Spread sunscreen over as much of your skin as possible.
- Drink lots of water to nourish your skin and prevent dryness.
- Avoid smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke. Toxic chemicals, cigarette smoke or car exhaust can block the skin's pores and make it difficult for the skin to release toxins. The skin is the body's largest organ and constantly eliminates toxins through its pores. The freer the skin is of toxins, the clearer it appears.
- Every day, take vitamins A and E or an antioxidant formulation such as ACES formula, which has vitamin A, C, E, selenium and zinc. These supplements help prevent skin damage. (Bastyr Dispensary carries this and many other antioxidant combinations over-the-counter.)
- Take cod liver oil, which supplies the skin with vitamins A and D. One or two teaspoons per day are adequate for most people, but check with your health care practitioner. Pregnant women or women at risk for pregnancy should avoid large amounts of vitamin A.
- Eat foods that support the liver, which helps the skin to detoxify. These include eggs, dark green leafy vegetables and root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, beets, onions and garlic.
- Use a dry skin brush (which can be purchased at PCC) before you take a shower in order to open pores and slough off dead skin. This will help eliminate toxins and will make your skin look shinier.
Writer: Sydney Maupin, Staff Writer
Contributor: Amy Turnbull, ND
Date: 2002 Take the next step to holistic, natural skin care. Make an appointment today.
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