A glowing complexion

Here are a few tips to keep your skin soft and glowing

Hydration is so important, especially in the hot summer months. It supports skin elasticity, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and prevents dryness. Being well hydrated can also help to prevent sun damage.

Drink plenty of water with a small pinch of salt added – don’t worry, you won’t taste the salt! Every one of the cells in our body has a sodium channel on the outside, in order to open that cell to allow water in, there must be sodium present – it’s like the key to the lock. Adding that tiny pinch of salt to your water means all the cells in your body are able to be opened and therefore can become well hydrated. As well as drinking plenty of water, use a good quality moisturizer on your skin daily.

Adding collagen to your daily regime is great for improving the condition of your skin, especially as collagen production naturally declines as we age. Collagen is found within connective tissues and skin and plays a very important role in tissue repair, hydration, elasticity and wrinkles.

Eating foods that are high in zinc, antioxidants and vitamin C are vital to achieve glowing skin – lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and plenty of seafood are excellent summer meals and will provide you with so many nutrients to ensure healthy, glowing skin. If you’re not getting enough of these nutrients through your diet, or your gut health or absorption is compromised in any way, it’s always a good idea to take daily supplements to ensure all of your nutritional needs are being met.

Including bone broth in your daily diet is also a good idea because it is full of nutrients and can also improve the integrity of your digestive system and therefore your absorption of essential minerals and vitamins.

Don’t be afraid of the sun! Be careful with length of exposure and be mindful of the time of day you’re in the sun, however do make sure that your skin is able to enjoy the vitamin D – a deficiency can result in dry skin and you’re more likely to suffer from dermatitis, acne and rashes. Vitamin D also supports skin immunity, and if you carefully increase sun exposure from early in the summer months, your skin is able to tolerate more time in the sun as a tan is protective. If you do happen to get burnt, aloe vera gel is soothing and healing – a tip is to keep it in the fridge for extra cooling power.

Starting your day with a smoothie that includes fruit such as berries, avocado and kiwifruit, vegetables like spinach, cucumber and kale, high zinc seeds such as pumpkin seeds plus coconut water and collagen powder is an amazing elixir to give you glowing summer skin.