Winter can be a challenging time for bothersome skin conditions. Dryer air from heating combined with hotter showers and cold air outside can all affect the moisture levels of our skin.
Our skin is the largest organ and is made of three layers, each layer has varying moisture levels. The term barrier function is used to describe the skins outer layer protective mechanisms, one function is through regulating skin hydration. When this is compromised and the skin becomes dry we can be more prone to skin conditions flaring. There are some steps you can take over winter to help nourish your skin from inside and out to ensure that protective moisturising layer is not compromised.
Fish Oil
Fish oil provides essential fatty acids (EFA’s) in the form of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Our body cannot create its own EFA’s so it is important to obtain them from our diet or through supplementation. Our skin is made up of three layers and essential fatty acids have roles in both the outer and middle layers. Fish oil can be helpful for calming redness and dryness through assisting the skin barrier function to lock in moisture.
Hemp Seed Oil
Like fish oil, hemp seed oil also provides essential fatty acids, however in the forms of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) and LA (linolenic acid). Hemp seed oil offers an alternative for those that prefer not to take fish oil capsules.
Collagen
Collagen is a very versatile protein with many benefits and has a number of actions in maintaining skin health. Collagen provides support to the lining of our stomach; our skin and gut have a direct connection. The health of our gut can directly impact the health of our skin. Studies have shown that collagen supplementation supports skin hydration and elasticity. Hyaluronic acid is a molecule involved in aiding skin hydration by retaining water molecules. Collagen supplementation has been shown to support hyaluronic acid production in the dermis (middle layer of the skin).
Manuka Oil Cream
Manuka Oil Cream offers nourishing properties with jojoba oil and almond oil to help with the integrity of the skin barrier. Calendula infused olive oil offers actions for skin moisture levels, working to maintain the skin barrier function and may promote healing of any compromised skin. Chamomile offers calming properties when troublesome skin conditions persist. Manuka oil offers actions against further complications that can sometimes occur with common dry, red and irritated skin conditions.
Colloidal Silver Cream
A blend of colloidal silver, shea butter, almond oil, jojoba oil, calendula oil, avocado oil and cocoa butter offers actions to help in hydrating and supporting the skin barrier function. Combined with lavender essential oil aiding to calm red, irritated skin. Customers use our Colloidal Silver Cream for a range of purposes, I personally use it as a hand moisturiser and find it helpful for combating winter dryness.
Turn Back Time Cream
Turn Back Time Cream offers a rich hydrating option, particularly for mature skin types; by aiding the skin barrier function through hydration. Coenzyme Q10 and marine collagen are found in the Turn Back Time Cream which offer benefits of slowing the visible signs of ageing.
Diet
Is also an important component of skin health. Consuming foods rich in essential fatty acids is particularly helpful for skin hydration and assisting the skin barrier function. Following a whole food diet and ensuring you are drinking enough water throughout the day is a good foundation to establish for skin health. Skin conditions can have various causes, working with your local naturopath is advisable for ongoing skin concerns.