Skin Care for Spring

by Deb Dittner A s you prepare for the warmer temperatures of spring and the sun shining down upon your face, you must also prepare for skin care challenges. With temperature change and the increased sunlight, skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, and eczema can flare due to an increase in oil production and sweat.

And then you also have seasonal allergies which can occur when plants begin to grow causing allergens and the release of pollen into the air. This can trigger a histamine reaction showing itself as rosacea, rashes, and generalized irritation. During winter months when hibernation occurs for animals, our oil production decreases, hair and nail growth decreases only to be awakened come spring. So how do you make variations in your skin care routine to help alleviate these problems? A variety of small and simple changes in your diet and skin care procedures will help.

One of the most important strategies is proper hydration. Pure filtered water helps to hydrate from the inside out. Changing your moisturizer from the heavy winter types to a lighter, calming moisturizer will hydrate the skin and provide a layer of protection from irritants and pollution.

Spring time also brings an increase in much needed sun exposure. Protection in the form of sunscreen is important but must be chosen wisely void of chemicals that can cause irritation and other damage. Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

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by Young Living comes in 10 and 50 SPF and is free of harmful chemicals. Badger Sunscreen is another good brand. When choosing a sunscreen, look for non-irritating and hypoallergenic.

To decrease the effects of sun damage, consider using a Vitamin C-rich facial mask approximately once per week. Vitamin C provides a protective anti-oxidant barrier, assist in sunscreen protection, and decrease sun-induced damage. Another product to repair and soothe skin irritation is using a Manuka honey mask. This will calm and restore the skin while providing antibacterial properties. A yogurt mask is another great treat for the skin allowing for healing to occur. Allow these masks to sit on the skin for approximately 15 minutes then rinse with warm water.

In spring you also begin opening the windows to let in the fresh, crisp air along with pollens and other irritants which can cause puffiness, redness, and dry patches. An air purifier helps to rid the home of pollens and accumulating dust, and is especially useful in the bedroom. A variety of houseplants can also provide a natural purification of indoor air quality. Some plants I love to incorporate are snake plants (also known as mother-in-law tongue), peace lily, English ivy, and the broadleaf lady palm to name a few.

And of course, you need to eat whole nutrient dense foods including greens (kale, collards, mustard greens and dandelion greens) slightly steamed as these will aid in detoxifying the liver again nourishing from the inside out. These seasonal transition foods help to detoxify and cleanse allowing support of the liver and gallbladder. And don’t forget lycopene-rich watermelon both hydrating and skin protective.

Now that you’ve taken care of your skin…let’s enjoy spring!!!

11 Healing Springs I #107 I Spring ‘20 Deb Dittner, a Family Nurse Practitioner, Reiki Master Teacher, and Holistic Nutrition Counselor has been a longtime advocate and provider of integrative and holistic practices. She has experience in family health, sports medicine, holistic nutrition, pediatrics, women’s health, college health, and holistic counseling. Deb was the nutrition consultant for several players on AHL hockey teams. Her work with them lead to her book, “Body Balance Empowering Performance”, in which she explains nutrition in the simplest way using common sense so you can choose your foods wisely. She incorporates genetic testing with the team to personalize nutrition aimed at improved performance. These test results encourage you to eat according to your genes for life. Deb emphasizes a holistic approach towards creating optimal health through integration with medical protocols. She will personalize your daily nutrition while exploring the necessary tools needed to create a lifetime of balance. Food changes everything. Imagine what your life would be like if you had clear thinking, energy, and excitement every day. For more information, you can go to http://www.debdittner.com or call 518-596-8565.