Tips for the summer
The hot Queensland weather challenges us to acquire strategies for preventing accelerated aging and skin damage. These tips are important for most of the year not only for summer skin protection and rejuvenation.
Tip # 1: Hydration
Water keeps your skin plumped up and is necessary for your body to produce energy for digesting, absorbing, transporting nutrients and eliminating wastes and toxins from the cells. If you don't drink enough water, your cells will be less able to receive the nutrients they need for energy. Even moderate dehydration decreases the resting metabolic rate resulting in weight gain of two pounds every year. To stay well hydrated 8 – 10 glasses of pure water is recommended. If plain water doesn't appeal to you, try spicing it up with a squeeze of lemon or lime.
Tip # 2: Sun exposure
20 minutes of outdoor activity is the healthy way to ensure the required daily dose of vitamin D from sun exposure. Make sure to avoid the midday burning sun rays. Uneven pigmentation usually begins in the late 30’s because the function of the skin cells melanocytes, that produce the pigment melanin, starts to decline and this makes it more difficult for your skin to fight sun damage. Chemical-free sun screen should be your number one anti aging cream, but remember to thoroughly cleanse your skin once you are back indoors.
Tip # 3: The villains
The latest medical research reveals that inflammation is the key to the whole process of every disease. Consumption of high Glycemic Index (GI) carbohydrates can be linked to accelerated ageing, weight gain and a host of degenerative diseases. This diet-driven inflammation leads to small cumulative changes in your proteins (such as collagen tissues) due to the glycation process that cross-links the collagen fiber, giving birth to wrinkles.
If you like to keep your body swimming suit slim, taut and terrific, and your face younger looking, you must cut down on snacks that contain carbohydrate; dietary sugar and starches such as: ice cream, soda, breads, pasta, cereals, bagels, pastries, rice cakes, potato chips, pretzels, cookies, cakes, desserts, juices and similar foods. These all cause rapid elevation in blood sugar, resulting in a burst of age accelerating cellular reactions. Also stay away from corn-based foods. Corn contains omega-6 fatty acids, which have been found to increase cancer growth. Corn and soy are often genetically modified crops.
Before making your New Year resolutions you may consider the detoxification of the cumulative effect of all these villains so popular in the festive season.
Tip # 4: The good guys.
Antioxidants are Nature’s anti-inflammatory, which means that a diet rich in these age-fighting nutrients will keep your skin summer smooth, supple and youthful. For a beautiful and glowing complexion add colours to your food but to avoid the rapid rise of blood sugar, consume only low GI fruit and veggies that are also high in anti-oxidants:
Rainbow berries and melons but especially cantaloupe are rich in vitamins and anti-oxidants. Cantaloupe also provides unique hydration to the skin. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits and protect the body from free radicals that cause cancer and clogged blood vessels.
All berries are excellent for you - they’re high in anti-oxidants and they actually keep you young. Kiwi fruit is very versatile in the health field; it’s a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E and fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.
When vitamin C levels are depleted, people often feel tired. One study found that women with low vitamin C levels felt more energized after receiving vitamin C daily. "They felt better and they had more energy," said Carol Johnston, PhD, assistant professor of food and nutrition in the family resources department at Arizona State University.
Other low GI foods rich in vitamin C include raw red or green pepper, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
Another healthy recommendation is a small handful of almonds daily. They are rich in manganese and copper, both of which are essential cofactors of an enzyme called superoxide dismutase. This enzyme helps keep energy flowing by inhibiting free radicals inside cells' mitochondria (the energy-producing area of cells). They also contain riboflavin, another important component of energy production. For better digestion soak them in water overnight and use this water to cook rolled oats. I recommended the traditional old fashioned rolled oats. They are loaded with soluble fiber, a key to slowing down carbohydrate absorption and keeping blood sugar levels steady. Personally, I pour boiling water over rolled oats and almonds, allow to soak overnight, adding a dash of natural yoghurt in the morning for my healthy cereal option.
The well known anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 essential fatty acids also help you burn body fat rather than store it. You can increase intake of it by consuming fish daily especially salmon, or by taking a high dose of fish oil capsules. According to Dr Perricone, a recent study suggests that astxanthin- the powerful anti-ageing antioxidant found in high doses in wild salmon - is 10 times more effective than other carotenoids, and 100 times more powerful that vitamin E.
To keep your skin glowing this summer, let’s go sizzling BBQ salmon on a bed of organic green salad (rocket & cos lettuce) dressed with extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Tip # 5: Excellent Skin – how to achieve it
To keep your skin beautiful this summer, avoid using chemically loaded common skin care products. Instead, use chemical-free, organic skincare such as Bio-Pacific. For dehydrated, sun-damaged skin, use Collagen Gel and Placental Plus Cream with superb nourishment of ‘mps’ protein delivered from the sheep’s placenta, exclusive to Bio-Pacific skin care products (available at Joanna’s clinic).
For summer-stressed skin, try our unique Dermatherapy facials that will gently infuse the product to deliver superior hydration and restore radiance, resulting in soft, supple skin.
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