Feed your summer skin from within

Sun, sea and sand can wreak their own havoc on the skin, triggering conditions such as prickly heat and causing sunburn. But help is now at hand in the form of Karen Jessett - author of ‘Clear Skin’ and founder of acne-advice.com whose diet and exercise tips are as essential to healthy summer skin as slapping on the sun cream.

Healthy skin from within – how diet & exercise can help

Be more active - 30 minutes exercise a day not only improves your physical health, but also helps to reduce stress, which can enhance skin health. Exercise also boosts circulation which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the skin

Feed your skin from the inside out - Evening Primrose Oil supplementation has been shown to improve skin elasticity, moisture, smoothness, firmness and to ease irritated skin, great if you’re prone to dryness during warm weather or sun exposure. Try Efamol Evening Primrose Oil
Antioxidants such as selenium play a crucial role in repelling and reversing sun damage, but we don’t get enough of this vital nutrient in our diet. The average intake of selenium in the UK has fallen from the recommended intake of 60 micrograms per day to just 34, due to low levels in our food. This has lead for calls to enrich soil and fertilisers with selenium to boost public consumption. Selenium-ACE is a convenient one-a-day supplement to help boost intake of selenium and the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, which are known for their anti-ageing properties

Silica – which is found naturally in the skin - has been shown to improve skin elasticity. Wassen Silica-OK combines silica with nine other nutrients which help enhance skin, hair and nail health

Avoid eating too much flour, bread, and meat such as beef and pork. Too much of these foods can make the digestive system sluggish and may cause the build up of toxins, leading to acne.

Instead, incorporate skin boosting ingredients into your diet. Foods with high levels of antioxidants are particularly beneficial to the skin - try avocados and olives in salads, fresh fruit juices, and blueberries or strawberries in smoothies.

We are often told that drinking water is good for our skin, but in the summer it is particularly important to keep hydrated. When the skin is dehydrated pores can become blocked and this can cause spots. Remember that herbal teas also count toward your recommended eight glasses of water a day - try chamomile as this is also known to have a calming effect, which can help combat stress.

Beauty Sleep & Relaxation - Try to limit stress as this affects both the quality and appearance of the skin. Ensure you take time out to relax and consider ways to diminish stressful situations or triggers.

Ensure you are getting good quality sleep. This will not only help reduce tired circles around the eyes, but sleep also gives skin the chance to recuperate by ensuring faster cell growth and renewal.