Essential Guide to Psoriasis

This guide offers information and advice on psoriasis. We look at what psoriasis is and ways in which you can help to treat psoriasis including changes to your diet. Finally we look at ways in which switching to a natural, organic skin care range, rich in active natural ingredients and plant actives can help to soothe skin that is prone to psoriasis.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is characterised by raised circular plaques or patches of pink flaky skin, especially on the elbows, knees and scalp, although it can affect any part of the body. The exact cause is unknown but it is thought that in psoriasis new skin cells are produced many times faster than normal, resulting in a build-up of thick scales of dead skin. This may be an auto-immune response, possible following bacterial or viral infection, or due to environmental factors. Flare-ups can be aggravated or triggered by medication, excess alcohol, obesity, too much or too little sunlight, poor health, injury, trauma, stress, cold and damp.

Ways to treat psoriasis
Treatment regimes that work well for one person may not help another, but some basic tips are beneficial for most people.

◦ It is generally accepted that there is a link between psoriasis and the nervous system, and managing stress levels, for example by learning some good relaxation techniques and getting a good night's sleep, will usually help.

◦ Using only natural fibres such as cotton and silk clothing and bed linen will help to reduce irritation.

◦ Psoriasis is often improved by moderate exposure to sunlight. Apply a hydrating moisturiser before using a sun lotion. Some sunscreens block pores and aggravate itching and flaking, so choose natural, organic lotions and avoid the sun when it is at its strongest (between 11am and 3pm).

Natural skin care for psoriasis
We offer natural and organic skin care products that are suitable for skin that may be prone to psoriasis. Offering intense skin hydration and made with balancing plant oils and extracts, but with no harsh chemicals, they are much gentler on sensitive skin than many mainstream brands.
A good place to start is Miracle Balm™ - our multi-purpose best-seller!  As the experts in sensitive skin, we formulate all of our products with delicate skin and allergies in mind, including eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. Our scent-free products are rich in natural plant actives to restore, protect and maintain your skin's natural barriers. The result is healthy balanced skin and it's the only result that matters! Cleansing is just as important and our soap-free completely pure and natural cleansing bars are the answer! 

Diet and psoriasis
Psoriasis has been linked with consumption of acid-forming foods and the recirculation of toxins from the intestinal tract. Foods suspected of aggravating psoriasis include animal fats, acids, spices, salt and stimulants such as alcohol, tea, coffee and soft drinks. Increasing your intake of essential fatty acids can often help. Another cause may be overgrowth of the fungal infection Candida albicans. Removing sugars, refined starches, alcohol and yeast-based foods from the diet is worth exploring. A switch to a more alkaline diet and detoxifying your intestines can aid the absorption of nutrients, enhance immunity and improve health.

Cleansing the colon, for example with high colonic irrigation, changing to a diet based on cleansing foods and supplementing with probiotics, has shown remarkable results for many psoriasis sufferers. Combining this with a high-fibre diet helps eliminate intestinal toxins and provides an environment that allows beneficial probiotic bacteria to thrive.

Psoriasis skin care tips

◦ Avoid harsh household products, biological washing powders, fabric conditioners, drying alcohol (ethyl alcohol/ethanol), foaming agents such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and products containing perfume and colouring.  We do not use any of these harsh ingredients

◦ If you suffer from psoriasis of the scalp, take your own brand of gentle shampoo and conditioner when you visit the hairdressers to avoid irritation from branded products. Shampoos containing Bromelain, a protein digesting enzyme found in Pineapple, break down excess dead skin cells, reduce inflammation and calm the immune response

◦ Use only gentle, natural skin care products. Look for those containing Jojoba esters and plant Squalane to restore moisture and sebum balance, Chickweed to help relieve itching, Perilla oil and Shea butter to moisturise and soothe irritation, Chamomile and Calendula for their anti-inflammatory and healing action, and the skin-soothing herb Marshmallow. 

◦ Apply body butter, such as shea butter or coconut oil (solid form) before and after bathing to soothe and moisturise your skin. We offer custom-made treatments for various conditions.

◦ Treat yourself to an Epsom Salt or Dead Sea salt bath. Dead Sea mud can also be used as a body treatment. Try our Mineral-rich Mud with soothing Lavender.

http://www.miracle-balm.co.uk/blogs/news/18896147-essential-guide-to-psoriasis

Essential Guide to Dermatitis

This guide provides information about the most common forms of dermatitis including allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis and seborrhoeic dermatitis. We look at some tips and advice on how to avoid exposure to some of the most common causes of contact dermatitis and at some natural skin care tips.

It should be noted that there are other forms of dermatitis which, although they may be aggravated by contact with various substances, are generally caused by internal constitutional issues.
These include eczema and psoriasis, and although methods of dealing with these conditions may be similar to dealing with contact dermatitis, the root causes of these conditions are quite different.

What is dermatitis?
Dermatitis is one of the most common skin disorders which affects the body. Dermatitis is a broad term that covers a range of inflammatory skin disorders, including eczema. There are two types of contact dermatitis that occur more commonly in adults: allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. Seborrhoeic dermatitis often affects babies but can affect adults as well and is more associated with a fungal infection that a contact reaction. Let's look at these individually.

Allergic contact dermatitis

This type of dermatitis usually develops over a long period of time through regular contact with substances such as perfume, skin care products, make-up and metal alloys containing nickel. The best form of prevention is to identify the cause of the rash and avoid it.

Body care tip: To prevent allergic skin reactions to nickel, apply a thin coating of clear nail varnish to the surface of metal in jewellery, watch straps and studs on jeans.

Irritant contact dermatitis

Contact with irritants such as household cleaners is the usual cause of this form of dermatitis, which more usually affects adults.  As with the allergic form, the best prevention is to avoid contact with the problem chemical. Always wear rubber gloves when handling chemical cleansers and household detergents, or better still clean your home with a micro-fibre cloth, hot water and natural cleansing agents such as lemon, vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. Keep your hands well moisturised with organic hand cream.

Hand wash and contact dermatitis

Many people find that soaps and hand wash can often cause skin irritation. This is a form of contact dermatitis and it is particularly common in those who use hand washes and sanitisers regularly as part of their job; perhaps in a hospital or kitchen, where cleanliness is vital.

Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) is a foaming agent used in many personal care products, and Triclosan - an antibacterial agent, are both known causes of contact dermatitis and are present in many hand washes.

Many commercial hand sanitisers and sterilizers contain high levels of alcohol (ethanol or ethyl alcohol).  Whilst this is very effective at killing pathogenic bacteria, it is also very drying to the skin and can aggravate many of the symptoms associated with dermatitis. To avoid exposure to these chemicals, choose one of our natural hand washes. We use natural antibacterial ingredients such as essential oils of Tea Tree and Lavender, as well as Propolis to effectively kill harmful bacteria.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis

Seborrhoeic dermatitis can affect babies and adults. In babies it often known as cradle cap and can affect the scalp and nappy areas and quickly spread to the face, neck and armpits. It is not usually sore or itchy.  In adults it looks very much like dandruff and can spread from the scalp to the face where flakes of skin can be shed from the eyebrows. This type of dermatitis is more common in men than in women and is often associated with a fungal infection. Seborrhoeic dermatitis usually clears after a few months but natural salves and oils can speed up the process. Products containing Hemp oil and Calendula are ideal.

http://www.miracle-balm.co.uk/blogs/news/18895903-essential-guide-to-dermatitis

The Ugly Truth about Beauty Products

Would you eat your skin care products? Of course not! But you might as well..

You see, we forget that our skin is the largest organ of our body. It is semi-permiable, which means it absorbs and transports nutrients along with other matter from its surface directly to the bloodstream, inner organs and beyond. Most mass produced skin care products are filled with a myriad of chemicals which disrupt vital functions of our endocrine system as the chemicals are absorbed by our skin. This results in unnecessary secretion of hormones that carry out essential bodily functions and can lead to many health problems which are not necessarily skin related. Diabetes, growth disorders, osteoporosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome are just some ugly examples of this.. Natural and organic skincare products are not only much safer because of their harmless content, but are also beneficial for the health of your skin!

We wonder how we end up with allergies or why our hormones are all over the place! Think again - our endocrine system is very sensitive. Chemicals and foreign substances present in most mass produced skin care products can trigger our whole body systems to react when everything is meant to work together, in harmony. It is so simple - if something is wrong with us on the outside we need to look for the cause within - on the inside!

Choose 'Natural' and go for 'Organic', but always check the ingredients first. Do you recognise everything on the list when buying organic skincare products?

Another tip - real organic skin care products do not have a long shelf life. If they do - it is only because chemicals have been added to them!

Be careful and choose your organics wisely. Your skin will thank you for it! 

http://www.miracle-balm.co.uk/blogs/news/18104519-the-ugly-truth-about-beauty-products

Essential Guide to Oily / Greasy Skin

http://www.miracle-balm.co.uk/blogs/news

A Guide to Combination Skin can be found here.

A Guide to Dry Skin can be found here.

A Guide to Mature Skin here.

A Guide to Sensitive Skin here.

This guide offers information and advice for those with oily skin. We understand the causes of oily skin and the best ways to care for it. We have advice on the best skin care for oily skin and also how changes in your diet can help to bring oily skin under control.

Natural products for oily skin

We have developed a range of natural products for oily skin that contain plant actives such as Willow Bark extract to gently balance your skin and bring sebum production under control. Propolis rebalances the skin flora and phyto (plant) actives from Lavender and Tea Tree extract reduce the risk of spots by preventing blocked pores and banishing bad bacteria. Made without harsh, stripping chemicals such as alcohol (ethanol), found in many high street products, these natural products instead use a gentle approach to help skin to regain its natural balance and tackle those over-active sebaceous glands.

Our Anti-Blemish Moisturiser is ideal for oily/greasy skin types as it reduces outbreaks, controls sebum production and has a healing soothing effect on the skin.

Our Mineral Rich Mud Mask with Tea Tree and Lavender is a gentle scrub as well as a detoxifying and deep cleansing mask which is ideal for oily / greasy skin.

Sometimes oily skin types can be prone to acne, in which case our 8 Week Acne Programme will offer a very effective and permanent relief!

Characteristics of oily skin

Oily skin has hyperactive sebaceous glands, working overtime to produce excess oils and sebum, and cellular renewal is speeded up too. This results in shiny skin, visible pores, pimples, blemishes, acne and inflammation. Oily skin can be due to poor diet, fluctuating hormone levels, hormonal contraceptives and choice of cosmetics. Humidity and hot weather can make the skin even greasier.

The flow of sebum or oil often increases during adolescence, pregnancy and after menopause, again because of hormonal changes. The problem can occur at any age but tends to decrease with age. One advantage of oily skin is that it ages at a slower rate than other skin types.

As oily skin feels oily and greasy, most sufferers avoid oily and rich skin care products. This isn't always a good thing because many natural oils have many rebalancing and anti-bacterial benefits! It is a common misconception that oils are oily but most oils are actually acidic as they contain mostly acids!

Caring for oily skin

◦ Use plenty of warm (not hot) water and a gentle, yet effective cleanser to stop the pores clogging. A Birch and Willow Bark Facial Cleanser Bar is natural and rich in active plant nutrients which give a rebalancing and anti-bacterial results.

◦ Avoid astringent lotions and irritating alcohol-based toners that strip the skin of natural oils. Your oil glands will just work harder to compensate for the oils lost.

◦ Avoid mineral oils and silicone as these ingredients can block pores, preventing the skin from breathing and trapping dirt - it is just like wrapping your skin in cling-film.

◦ Wash your face morning and evening which is essential, but no more or you will over-stimulate your skin to produce more oil

◦ Always rinse your face thoroughly

◦ Use a facial micro-fibre cloth or a muslin cloth, which works well as a gentle exfoliator to dislodge dead skin cells and cleanse the pores. Remember to wash the cloth thoroughly every day.

◦ Use a rebalancing active moisturiser, especially if your skin is prone to spots and blemishes. Our Anti-Blemish Moisturiser is ideal for moisturising, rebalancing and controlling the production of sebum. 

◦ Apply a deep-cleansing mineral mask, such as our mineral rich Tea Tree and Lavender Mud twice a week

◦ Never apply make-up unless your skin is thoroughly cleansed, and remove all traces of make-up before you go to bed. 

Diet for oily skin

◦ Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits

◦ A deficiency of vitamin B2 can cause oily skin. Good sources include brewer's yeast, whole grains, beans and nuts.

◦ Buckwheat, black beans and whole rice are rich in iron, which can rejuvenate the skin

◦ Add plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet

◦ Drink lots of filtered water to both keep your skin hydrated and flush out toxins

◦ Avoid saturated and hydrogenated fats, fired and highly seasoned foods, soft drinks, alcohol, sugar, chocolate and junk food

A Guide to Mature Skin

Watch this space for upcoming Guides to other skin types but today we will cover all aspects of Mature Skin.

A Guide to Combination Skin can be found here.

A Guide to Dry Skin can be found here.

A Guide to Sensitive Skin here.

This guide offers information and advice for those with mature skin. We help you to identify the best natural products for your skin and also advise on caring for mature skin.

Our range combines the miracle of nature with the brilliance of science for optimum skin regeneration, moisture balance and deep hydration. Our unique skin care regime is rich in powerful youth-boosting botanicals and scientifically tested active ingredients to target wrinkles, age spots and cell breakdown, working in synergy to help defy the turning of time.

Caring for mature skin:

The rate at which your skin changes with age depends on several factors, including your genes and your state of health.  Natural, or intrinsic, ageing - the effects of gravity, hormonal changes and time itself - cannot be avoided but it's not just age that gives us lines - exposure to the sun, poor diet and nutrition, loss of muscle tone, smoking, increased stress and environmental changes all affect the condition of your skin.  You can try to prevent your skin ageing prematurely or slow it down with proper skin care routine and a positive state of mind! 

◦ Limit your exposure to strong sunshine and use suncream of at least SPF15

◦ Never wash your face in water that is too hot as it can dehydrate your skin and cause broken thread veins

◦ Avoid irritating ingredients based on mineral oils, which can draw natural oils out of the skin, and products with alcohol (ethyl alcohol/ethanol) which will make your skin feel even drier.

◦ Avoid moisturisers with absorbent chemicals designed for the creams to dry into your skin! Unfortunately most high street brands have those.

◦ Cleanse your skin morning and evening with a natural gentle cleanser. Cleansing is the first step in your skin care routine. For healthy looking and beautiful mature skin, thorough cleansing twice daily will effectively stimulate cell renewal, lift impurities, accumulated oils and all traces of make-up. Cleansing also stimulates blood circulation, prevents clogged pores and removes any accumulation of dead skin cells that would otherwise affect the absorption of nutrients into your skin. We use organic ingredients rich in antioxidants help to protect the skin from free radicals, nourish and regenerate the skin, improve elasticity and prevent wrinkles.

◦ Never over-exfoliate mature skin with harsh exfoliants or chemical peels as this can thin your skin even more. Regular deep but gentle exfoliation is essential for mature skin as it stimulates circulation, promotes cell renewal and refines, revealing soft, smooth and radiant skin. Well exfoliated skin also allows moisturisers, serums and oils to penetrate the skin more efficiently. Aggressive exfoliation and chemical peels should be avoided as these treatments can often cause redness and irritation by triggering an inflammatory response - which can actually accelerate premature ageing. Our organic exfoliator/maskcontains natural ingredients such as calming Lavender, Mineral-rich Clay to gently lift and dissolve dead skin cells, brighten and illuminate your skin.

◦ Use a moisturiser rich in active plant nutrients.  Always apply your moisturiser to your face, neck and décolletage with light tapping, upwards motions while your skin is still slightly damp, or have a stimulating facial massage to stimulate blood circulation and allow the actives to absorb more effectively into your skin. This helps to lock in moisture and also stimulates the blood circulation in your skin. As we age skin loses hydration, resulting in reduced firmness and elasticity and the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Intensely hydrating organic serums optimise moisturisation and are vital to accelerate the skin's natural renewal process. Nourish and rejuvenate with a potent organic moisturiser, such as Miracle Balm™.  

◦ Apply a detoxifying face mask followed by a thick layer of rich moisturiser once a week - ideally after a bath - to give your skin a well-deserved boost.  Leave the mask on for 10 minutes, rinse off and apply a thick layer of Miracle Balm™ for at least 30 mins. Then wipe it off with a warm cloth.

Sleeping your way to younger skin 

Resting your face on the pillow in the same way every night for years can lead to sleep lines.  Over time, these lines become etched onto your skin and do not disappear when you get out of bed. Women who sleep on their sides are likely to see these lines appear on their chin and cheeks.  Those who sleep on their back do not develop these wrinkles since their skin does not lie crumpled against the pillow.

Sleep is extremely important in skin regeneration processes, as most of these take place only when we sleep! Lack of sleep reflects majorly on our skin health. Moist new cells are produced deep in the basel layers of skin and travel upwards to the epidermis (the layer of skin that we see). On their way, the new plump moist cells loose a little bit of their moisture when they come in contact with pollutants and hazardous chemicals used in our skin care and make up. That is why it is so important to support them not only by moisturising, but giving your skin correct nutrition. Miracle Balm™ does exactly that!

Diet for mature skin

◦ Drink lots of water and eat plenty of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, oily fish and/or flax seed oil, and eat brown rice at least twice a week.  These are easily digested and help eliminate the toxins that contribute to premature ageing.

Also:

◦ Drink lots of filtered water and non-diuretic herbal teas.

◦ Limit alcohol and caffeine, which have a diuretic effect and can aggravate dry skin.

◦ Supplement your diet with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids from evening primrose oil.

◦ Snack on sunflower and pumpkin seeds and nuts.

◦ Include plenty of oily fish in your diet or buy unrefined, cold-pressed vegetable oil such as flax seed oil. These oils can be used daily on salads and baked potatoes, or mixed into cold dishes.

◦ Eat plenty of yellow and orange vegetables and fruits, rich in antioxidant vitamins C and beta-carotene, green leafy vegetables and wheat germ, sources of vitamin B5.

◦ Increase your intake of vitamin E (found in avocados, wholegrains, nuts and seeds), which is an antioxidant that protects the skin from aging and maintains elasticity.

◦ Ensure your diet includes zinc, which is involved in hundreds of enzyme reactions essential for skin health. Natural sources include oysters and sesame and pumpkin seeds.

◦ Garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus are high in suphur, which helps to keep the skin smooth and youthful.

◦ Avoid fried foods, animal fat and hydrogenated vegetable oils, which increase the production of destructive free radicals.

◦ Avoid soft drinks, sugar, chocolate, crisps, or other junk foods.

So why choose organic?

More and more people are eating organic food and using natural health remedies, but many people don't apply the same logic to their skin care and still buy high street cosmetic brands without considering what goes into them. With up to 60% of a substance being absorbed through the skin in as little as 26 seconds, it is easy to see why what you put on your skin is just as important as what you put in your body. We believe you should be aware of exactly what you are putting on your skin so you can feel safe knowing your face care products won't harm your skin, health or environment, whilst also seeing the results of cutting-edge botanicals working to defy the signs of ageing.

According to the Chemical Safe Skincare Campaign, the average woman will introduce 175 chemicals to her blood stream every day through use of cosmetics alone. Isn't this shocking? These can cause a build up of toxins which the body is not equipped to deal with. An organic skin care range offers a natural alternative, helping you to look and feel healthier. 

Our organic beauty products are created from natural and organic ingredients and are suitable for women who have sensitive skin or allergies. We do not use any skin-drying chemicals, alcohol, synthetic fragrances, methylisothiazolinone, parabens, petrochemicals, SLS/SLES (sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate) or any other unnecessary synthetic substances. Our skin needs products which actively work for immediate results but also provide long term benefits to fight the signs of ageing and defy the turning of time. Using an organic skin care range for mature skin enables you to experience the unique combination of the miracle of Nature and the brilliance of science for optimum skin regeneration, moisture balance and deep hydration, whilst targeting the key signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, age spots, skin hydration and cell breakdown.

http://www.miracle-balm.co.uk/blogs/news/18875651-essential-guide-to-your-skin-mature-type

Essential Guide to Sensitive Skin

Watch this space for upcoming Guides to other skin types but today we will cover all aspects of Sensitive Skin.

A Guide to Combination Skin can be found here.

A Guide to Dry Skin can be found here.

As the experts in sensitive skin, we formulate all of our products with delicate skin and allergies in mind, including eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. Our 100% natural and chemical-free range is rich in natural actives to restore, protect and maintain your skin’s natural barriers.  The result is healthy, soft and glowing skin.

The key to maintaining healthy skin is achieving the optimal balance.  We achieve this with a skin-matched complex of plant (phyto) actives to restore the pH, moisture and balance the sebum.

See our full range now.

Characteristics of sensitive skin:

Sensitive skin reacts to both heat and cold and so burns easily in the sun and reacts to the wind.

Sensitive skin is usually thin or fine-textured with blood vessels lying close to the surface. As a result, it is easily affected by chemical and atmospheric irritation which can lead to blotchiness, redness, dehydration and irritation. Sensitive skin is prone to dermatitis, inflammation, dryness, stinging, itching or blistering.

Skin sensitivity is easily stimulated by stress, alcohol, spicy food and harsh climate, which all cause dilation of the fine blood vessels close to the skin surface, as well as chronic dehydration and often irregular oil production. Cosmetics and skin treatments containing alcohol, perfume, detergents or other harsh ingredients can all cause irritation, leaving the skin red and blotchy.

Sensitive skin care:

Before using a new facial care product, test it first by applying a little to the inside of your forearm or on your neck behind your ear. If no reaction is observed after an hour, apply it a second time to the same area and leave on for 12 hours. If there is no inflammation or irritation after this time it should be safe to use on sensitive skin.

Use a moisturiser designed to restore, protect and maintain your skin’s natural barriers. Irritation is linked to low levels of Squalene, your skin’s natural moisturiser. Our completely natural skin care is cleverly formulated to increase squalene levels and maintain skin hydration for a minimum of 8 hours.

Avoid liquid make-up as these often contain harsh preservatives. Instead choose pressed mineral powder with SPF15 to protect your skin from UV-light.

◦ Avoid saunas, steam or rubbing affected areas, which can exacerbate the problem

◦ Install a water filter system as chlorine is a very common cause of skin problems

◦ Room air filtration can also be very helpful to clear the air of airborne allergens

◦ Avoid harsh skin care products, including large-grained exfoliating scrubs and detergents such as sodium laurel sulphate (SLS). These can graze the surface of the skin, making it more permeable to other irritants.

◦ Avoid products containing potential allergens such as harsh preservatives and synthetic fragrance. For those with extreme sensitivities, even natural essential oils can trigger a reaction.

◦ Cleanse morning and evening with a gentle alcohol-free and soap-free natural cleansing lotion, rinse thoroughly and pat the skin dry with a very soft towel. Apply facial cream when skin is still damp to lock in moisture.

Diet for sensitive skin

◦ In some cases foods or food additives may cause skin irritation

◦ Drink plenty of pure, unfiltered water daily to help your body detoxify

◦ Increase your consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish and flax seed oil

◦ Supplement your diet with Evening Primrose oil and Vitamin C

◦ Avoid too much spicy food and alcohol

◦ Cut out junk food and avoid additives such as food colourings, as they can trigger inflammation

http://www.miracle-balm.co.uk/blogs/news/18875539-essential-guide-to-your-skin-sensitive-type

Essential Guide to Dry Skin

Watch this space for upcoming Guides to other skin types but today we will cover all aspects of Dry Skin.

A Guide to Combination Skin can be found here.

This guide offers information and advice on dry skin care. We look at the reasons for dry skin and at natural products for dry skin. We also look at the best dietary supplements to help reduce skin's dryness and what foods sufferers of dry skin should avoid.

100% Natural products for dry skin

Our innovative blend of plant actives deeply hydrate your skin by delivering an instant moisture infusion that lasts at least 8 hours. Our pure, gentle products are perfect for those with dry skin.  We guarantee a very high level of biologically active plant actives to soothe, nurture and renew your skin, helping to maintain a healthy skin balance in our 100% natural skin care.  All our products are 100% free from skin-drying synthetic ingredients, alcohol and harsh chemicals.

See our dry skin care products now.

What is dry skin?

A slowing down in sebum production results in dry, flaky and easily chapped skin. The problem is exacerbated by environmental factors such as strong sunshine, wind, cold, extremes of temperature (two-thirds of women in the northern hemisphere suffer from dry skin in the winter months), air conditioning, central heating, atmospheric pollutants and strong exfoliators, which strip the skin of moisture. Harsh cosmetics, alcohol-based personal care products and excessive bathing with strong detergents such as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) all add to the problem.

Dry skin can be a sign of dietary deficiencies, especially of essential fatty acids and vitamins A and B complex. Alcohol and caffeine are both diuretics and can dehydrate the skin. Dry skin can also be the sign of an under-active thyroid. Certain medications, such as diuretics and antihistamines contribute to dry skin.

Dry skin care

◦ Avoid going from very hot to very cold environments

◦ Keep rooms moist, especially in winter by placing bowls of water by the radiators, or use a humidifier

◦ Avoid excess exposure to strong sunshine, and apply a good sunscreen to exposed areas of your skin

◦ Get plenty of sleep, as cellular repair is at its greatest when you are at rest

◦ Regular exercise will nourish and cleanse your skin from within

◦ Choose a gentle, alcohol-free cleanser, such as an our Scrub and Smooth Bar rich in nourishing oils

◦ Avoid harsh exfoliators, strong detergents and very hot water

◦ Dry skin needs regular stimulation with massage and a balancing facial serum, such as Miracle Balm™ which is rich in oils, anti-oxidants and plant actives.

◦ A natural moisturiser fortified with skin-balancing plant actives increases the water content of the skin and gives it a soft, moist look

◦ Use pure mineral water mist to freshen your face during the day

◦ Always apply moisturiser to face and neck with light, tapping, upwards motions while the skin is still slightly damp. This helps lock in moisture and stimulates the circulation.

◦Once a week, use a facial mask to clarify the skin and remove dull, dry surface skin cells, followed by a rich leave-in moisturiser/serum to soothe and calm the skin.

Diet for dry skin:

◦ Drink lots of filtered water and non-diuretic herbal teas.

◦ Limit alcohol and caffeine, which have a diuretic effect and can aggravate dry skin.

◦ Supplement your diet with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids from whole foods.

◦ Snack on sunflower and pumpkin seeds and nuts.

◦ Include plenty of oily fish in your diet or buy unrefined, cold-pressed vegetable oil such as flax seed oil. These oils can be used daily on salads and baked potatoes, or mixed into cold dishes.

◦ Eat plenty of yellow and orange vegetables and fruits, rich in antioxidant vitamins C and beta-carotene, green leafy vegetables and wheat germ, sources of vitamin B5.

◦ Increase your intake of vitamin E (found in avocados, wholegrains, nuts and seeds) which is an antioxidant that protects the skin from ageing and maintains elasticity.

◦ Ensure your diet includes zinc, which is involved in hundreds of enzyme reactions essential for skin health. Natural sources include oysters and sesame and pumpkin seeds.

◦ Garlic, onions, eggs and asparagus are high in suphur, which helps to keep the skin smooth and youthful.

◦ Avoid fried foods, animal fat and hydrogenated vegetable oils, which increase the production of destructive free radicals.

◦ Avoid soft drinks, sugar, chocolate, crisps, or other junk foods.

http://www.miracle-balm.co.uk/blogs/news/18872447-a-guide-to-your-skin-dry

Essential Guide to Combination Skin

Watch this space for upcoming Guides to other skin types but today we will cover all aspects of Combination Skin.

What is Combination Skin?

Typically, combination skin is when some parts of your face are dry or flaky, while the center part of your face, nose, chin, and forehead (called the T-zone) is oily. Combination skin can also describe conditions where wrinkles and breakouts or rosacea and dry skin are present at the same time.

Products for combination skin:

Combination skin requires balancing the dry and oily areas of your skin to promote an even complexion. Our organic skin care collection contains all of the essential elements to achieve this delicate balance. As all of our daily care products are rebalancing, they are perfectly suitable for combination skin. Rebalancing means making the skin's natural balance healthy and eliminating the condition of combination skin. All of our natural skin care products are free from harsh ingredients such as SLS and drying alcohol (ethanol/ethyl alcohol), which can create even more excessive extremes for combination skin.
See combination skin care products now.

Causes & Tips for Combination Skin:

Your skin may be aggravated by changes in the weather, climate, diet, exercise and emotional well-being.

◦ Use a gentle cleanser that does not leave skin feeling tight or dry

◦ If you use a toner, opt for an alcohol-free, water-based kind which contains antioxidants and moisture-binding plant actives.

◦ Treat dry areas (including around the eyes) with a moisturiser containing antioxidants, moisture-binding plant actives and ingredients that mimic the structure and function of healthy skin. A serum-type product may be all your dry areas need to look and feel better. More extreme dryness will benefit from an antioxidant-rich serum rather than an emollient moisturiser.

Diet for combination skin:

◦ Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits.

◦ A deficiency of vitamin B2 can cause oily skin. Good sources include brewer's yeast, whole grains, beans and nuts.

◦ Buckwheat, black beans and whole rice are rich in iron, which can rejuvenate the skin.

◦ Add plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids to your diet.

◦ Drink filtered water to both keep your skin hydrated and flush out toxins.

◦ Avoid saturated and hydrogenated fats, fired and highly seasoned foods, soft drinks, alcohol, sugar, excessive caffeine, chocolate and junk food.

http://www.miracle-balm.co.uk/blogs/news/18872371-a-guide-to-your-skin-combination