Harsh winter winds can leave your skin feeling dry and tight. Here are some natural remedies you can try at home that can help!

Protect from the Inside

Guard against infections and boost collagen with vitamin C.  Vitamin A helps to feed the skin from the inside out and vitamin E is a powerful anti-oxidant which fights skin-ravaging free radicals and speeds the healing of scars.  The minerals zinc and selenium aid the regeneration of skin.  It is also important to have a balanced diet including 5 daily portions of fruit and veg so consider taking a supplement if you feeling you aren’t achieving this.

Exfoliate

Winter skin can all too soon become dull and lifeless.  Exfoliating once or twice a week can restore brightness and radiance.  You can make your own exfoliant by mixing 1 cup of almond oil and 2 cups of Epsom Salts together in a jar and add a little grated lemon zest for fragrance.  The scrub will keep for up to 6 months in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also buy exfoliating scrubs if you don’t fancy making your own.

Moisturise

Look for an oil-based moisturiser which will provide better protection against cold harsh winds.  Avoid butter based shea moisturisers which can clog pores and opt for almond, jojoba or avocado-based products instead. Alternatively coconut oil can be applied straight onto the face. You can also make your own by adding 5 or 6 drops of almond oil to a couple of drops of water and rub into your face.

Chapped Lips

If your lips are chapped and flaky, apply a little honey, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties, and they will soon heal.  If you find this too sticky, try a honey lip balm instead.

Notes:

1. A range of facials, including Collagen Facial, Bee Venom Facial and Rebalancing Facials are available with Helen Shortland.  For a longer facial massage try the half hour Vitality Lift Facial Massage with rosa mosqueta essential oil.

2. All vitamin and mineral supplements, plus a range of natural skincare products, are available from Little London Herbal Stores, 9 Kings Walk, Nottingham, NG1 2AE. Tel 0115 9472854 or visit www.all-ages-vitamins.co.uk.

Helen Shortland is a Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher and Holistic Therapist based at Little London Herbal Stores on Kings Walk in Nottingham city centre. Please ring her on 07748 591690 to book a treatment or visit her website http://helenshortland.com for further information.

Her current special offer for March is a Hydrating Facial for just £23!