Geelong’s cold and blustery winter can play havoc with our skin. Here are some natural remedies to protect our skin winter blues, provided by our Naturopaths Beverley Windsor & Claire Lewtas.
Beverley Windsor
| 
Claire Lewtas
|
Zinc*
Most of us know that zinc benefits the immune system. However did you know zinc plays a wide and diverse role in the body including maintaining a healthy digestive system, blood glucose control, liver detoxification, improving taste sensitivity and maintaining healthy skin at all ages?
Zinc is required to build all new tissues in the body including regeneration of skin cells.
It can be especially helpful at improving acne due to its ability to inhibit enzymes that can lead to hormonal imbalances. Conditions such as rosacea and psoriasis, which have an auto-immune element, may benefit particularly from zinc supplementation as it also supports the immune system as well as helping to regenerate skin cells.
Zinc also plays a role as one of the most important and powerful antioxidants in the body. Antioxidants have been highlighted as key elements in reducing and preventing the aging process. They have a long history of use in skin care products and may be just as useful when consumed.
One of our favourites is Ethical Nutrients Zinc fix powder, which has a combination of zinc and vitamin C (another skin nourishing nutrient due to its role in collagen production).
Vitamin E*
Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant in its own right and has the ability to regenerate other antioxidants. Vitamin E can neutralize free radicals that can cause inflammation and damage to many surfaces of the body, inside and out. Vitamin E is a fat soluble nutrient which means it’s often found in an oil form. It also means it’s particularly useful in preserving cell membranes of all cells, including skin cells. The oil itself can be quite hydrating and rejuvenating for the skin.
It is a popular ingredient in many moisturising preparations, is used to alleviate dry and cracked skin, assist in skin repair, prevent stretch marks and diminish the appearance of scars. It is involved in many biological processes in the body and is particularly important during tissue inflammation and tissue injury.
There are eight different forms of vitamin E so to get the best out of your vitamin E supplement look for one which contains all eight. Vitamin E capsules can be taken orally or pierced and applied directly to the skin. We recommend practitioner products available in-store. Alternatively you might try Blackmore’s Natural Vitamin E cream applied directly to the skin.
Vitamin C*
Vitamin C assists wound healing and also assists the assimilation of zinc. In some clinical trials topical applications have been found to be beneficial for sun damaged skin after three months of use. Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties play a key role in collagen production. Clinical trials have also shown a significant decrease in hyperpigmentation of the skin. Its anti-ageing properties are related to it being an antioxidant and its reduction of reactive oxygen species that interfere and destroy collagen and connective tissue structures. Vitamin C has been found to improve fine wrinkles, tactile roughness, laxity and tone.
We recommend Moo Goo Vitamin C Eye Serum that has a 50% olive oil derivative, 25% vitamin E and 25% vitamin C in a highly absorbable fat soluble form. Also try Ethical Nutrients Zinc fix (with vitamin C).
Silica*
This mineral provides nutritional support for collagen formation, which is important for healthy connective tissue including hair, skin, nails, bone and cartilage. Silica can be used internally and externally. When topically applied it may provide symptomatic relief of mild to moderate acne. Liquid silica is best or try Q-Silica capsules.
Fish Oil
Fish oil contains omega 3 fatty acids which have been found to be useful in atopic dermatitis. Some clinical trials have found up to 30% improvement after four months in the overall severity of atopic dermatitis and reduction of scaling. A high strength clean fish oil liquid is best and available in-store.
Probiotics
There is also very promising research with probiotics and atopic eczema. Significant improvements have been found with some of the Lactobacillus strains. Probiotics also improve digestion and immunity. Emerging evidence is showing how important the microbiome of the gastrointestinal tract is. Antibiotic use reinforces the importance of replacing the friendly bacteria for our optimal health including our skin health. A good multi-strain probiotic that has 9 strains of friendly bacteria and is dairy and gluten free is available in-store.
For more information or to find out if these supplements are suitable for you, visit Community Care Chemist and speak to our friendly professional pharmacists and naturopaths. After all, the best skin care begins with a WHOLE HEALTH TREATMENT.
*Use only as directed and always read the label
*Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet
*Vitamin supplements can only be of assistance if the dietary vitamin intake is inadequate
