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Tips for a health skin this summer
By Guiomar Campbell | Sotaque Brasileiro, Number 1, Year 1, Summer 2003
SSummer means vacation, camping and lots of outdoor activities. The sun, however, remains the biggest villain to skin health. Sunbathing, at times considered dangerous by experts - between 10 am and 4 pm - contributes to loss of elasticity and premature aging of the skin. Excessive exposure to sunlight can also cause the appearance of unwanted spots or even the appearance of skin cancer.
In addition to attacks from the sun, the skin is exposed to environmental pollution and suffers from the effects of inadequate nutrition, as well as emotional and mental stress. Some perfumes and cosmetics may also contribute to an increase in sensitivity and development of skin patches.
The skin(insert a comma) is the largest respiratory and excretive organ of the human body and accounts for 16% body weight. It is the limit, and the interface between the individual and the environment. What to do to maintain good skin health?
The tip for this summer is to protect yourself from the sun and eat light foods such as vegetables, fruits and grains rich in beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and Omega 3. Also, moisturizing facial masks, and massage and scrub the body daily. Always have sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) equal to or greater than 15. Apply it generously 20 minutes before sun exposure and, if necessary, wear a wide-brimmed hat. It is suggested to avoid the sun between 10 am to 4 pm for the reason that the sun is at its hottest between those times
According to Michael Downey, a writer and specialist in holistic medicine in Toronto. A research article published by the British Journal of Nutrition showed that fruits and vegetables contain an excellent anti-oxidant, lycopene, which prevents burns caused by ultraviolet rays. So eating tomatos or drinking two cups of tomato juice a day protects the skin and avoids the redness caused by exposure from the sun. For those nasty mosquito bites, a drop of rosemary essential oil should be applied directly to the affected spot, which will remove the swelling, itching and redness.
"A very simple procedure that people always forget to do is to rub the skin before or during bathing. Stimulation of the skin hydrates the epidermis and increases the oxygen, making it easier for the skin to breathe. Healthy skin, works more efficiently in the protection and elimination of toxins. Massage the dry skin with a brush or a firm natural sponge from head to toe, in a circular motion. Avoid products that contain fragrance such as scented shampoos and soaps, as these dry the skin even more," says the owner of a spa in Toronto.
CHOCOLATE WRAP
The famous "chocolate wrap", is increasingly more popular in health spas. It consists of a mixture of natural chocolate powder, lemon balm essential oil, lavender, grapefruit , cornstarch and water or distilled flower water. The result is a creamy paste of high therapeutic value. The herbalist Irith McConnachie suggests applying this chocolate spread throughout the body, wrap it with a hot towel for 20 minutes and then rinse. This "chocolate wrap" is considered an excellent anti-oxidant that eliminates toxins and regenerates the skin and also prevents aging.
"To reduce the drying effects of chlorine and salt in the hair and skin, prepare a solution with one gallon of mineral water, 20 drops of rosemary essential oil, lavender and basil. Apply to wet hair before and after swimming. This helps prevent the impregnation of the salt and the chlorine in your hair, "says Beth McCormack, author and aroma therapist.
Have a healthy summer!
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