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In some circumstances you can calm your eczema symptoms by making small amendments to your diet?
Change your diet to help control eczemaWhat are some beauty benefits of lockdown?
Although many of us (including myself!) may be missing getting dolled up for a night out with friends, taking a break from things such as wearing makeup, and using straighteners, curlers and other devices on the hair, can actually be a good thing. There are many beauty areas which may benefit from having some time off, such as:
- Nails
- Hair
- Skin.
Read on to find out how these areas can benefit from reduced grooming!
1. Nails
Now is a great opportunity to free your nails from constant nail varnish and acrylics! Clean everything off very thoroughly, then apply cream, rubbing it in well and paying attention to your cuticles.
The cuticles will benefit from regular applications of cream, and gentle easing back from your half-moons. Take the opportunity of being at home to apply cream every time you wash your hands. Discolouration from constant nail varnish will gradually grow out. From now on, always apply a clear base layer before using colour!
You can also take this time to pay more attention to the condition of your nails. This may become more apparent once all the varnish or acrylics have been removed!
Cracked or brittle nails can be a sign of many macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies.
The body uses a variety of nutrients in order to grow healthy nails. Iron deficiency is a common cause of cracked nails, especially if this occurs on your toenails as well as fingernails. This can also cause nails to be pale, ridged or flaky.
Iron deficiency isn't the only nutrient deficiency associated with cracked nails though. Low vitamin D levels can also cause this problem, and this may be a concern for many during lockdown as exposure to sunlight, and therefore vitamin D, is reduced. In addition to this, vitamin D deficiency can also cause peeling nails.
To keep levels up, make sure to include sources of vitamin D in the diet such as oily fish, products fortified with vitamin D like cereal, almond milk, red meat, mushrooms, eggs, and cheese, and perhaps include a supplement into your daily routine like our Balance Mineral Drink.
Likewise, soft and weak nails may result from a lack of protein, B vitamins, calcium, or fatty acids; as these nutrients are required to build strong, healthy nails.
A deficiency in zinc could lead to depressions in the nail plate known as Beau's lines1, as well as white flecks on the nail surface.
If you are experiencing any of these nail issues, make sure you are consuming a varied diet rich in fresh foods and lots of fruits and vegetables. This will help to keep up your levels of essential nutrients, which will improve your nail health and health in general.
Nutrient sources to keep your nails healthy!
| Iron | Meat, beans, nuts such as pine nuts, dried fruit such as apricots, pumpkin seeds, wholegrains such as brown rice, dark green leaf vegetables such as kale and spinach |
| Protein | Lean meats like chicken and turkey, fish, dairy products, eggs, legumes like fresh peas, fresh beans and soybeans, nuts and seeds, soy products |
| Calcium | Milk, cheese and other dairy foods, broccoli, cabbage, soya beans, tofu, nuts |
| Zinc | Meat such as beef, shellfish such as oyster, pumpkin seeds, nuts such as cashew nuts, dairy foods such as ricotta cheese, eggs |
2. Hair
Hair can be left to air-dry naturally more often when not having to face the world with a professional 'look' every day. Try plaiting or pinning hair whilst still damp to achieve waves or curls (going back to time-honoured techniques used before tongs were a thing!).
Take the time to give your hair a really good conditioner session. Scalp massage is great for stimulating hair growth, and can also help you to feel calm. Even better if someone else can do one for you!
For something a bit different, you could even try making your own homemade conditioner. If you suffer from dry, frizzy or damaged hair, this banana hair mask could help:
| Banana hair mask | |
| Ingredients | One banana, three tablespoons of honey, three tablespoons of milk, three tablespoons of olive oil and an egg |
| How to | Mix all the ingredients well and make a paste. Apply the paste on hair and leave it for 15-30 minutes and then wash it off |
My self-care tips for keeping your hair healthy at home:
In my video I discuss how to keep your hair healthy at home, including how to make an interesting homemade conditioner! Read on to find out more beauty benefits to spending more time at home.
Brittle hair can often be the result of too much styling and colouring, which may be less of a problem during lockdown with hairdressers closed and many of us rocking the more natural look! During this time, damaged hair may have a chance to repair itself.
Brittle hair can also signify poor nutrition, so take this opportunity to focus on good eating techniques and try to stick to unrefined foods. In my previous blog "What to eat for healthy hair", I discuss nutrients which are essential for healthy hair, and give examples of how to incorporate these into your diet.
If you suffer from a dry or flaky scalp, this may be a good time rethink your regular shampoo. Many ingredients in shampoo can be irritating on the scalp, so it may be beneficial to take the time to investigate 'cleaner' products.
Our Neem Shampoo contains extracts of neem leaves and can help to soothe dry, irritated and flaky scalps.
3. Skin
Skin can benefit from lots of things during lockdown, such as less make-up, increased intake of vitamin C, improved sleeping patterns, and more water!
Start on an initial programme of 1.5 litres of water daily, and incorporate fruit into your breakfast to up your vitamin C intake. This can work wonders for the skin, and can be a really fast fix for improving skin issues.
Try out natural techniques such as skin brushing, massage, and face yoga too. Getting into the habit of these whilst you're at home and not rushing out of the house as fast as possible will 'set' you in helpful ways.
Also, be extra-diligent with cleansing and creaming routines, and investigate the products you use: have they passed their use-by? Do they actually suit you? Do you know what's at the back of your bathroom cabinet/at the bottom of your make-up bag?
Pay attention to your feet too – regular creaming is good for rough skin, and maybe you can persuade someone to massage them for you!
In my previous blog "3 top foods for wrinkles", I discuss some important foods and nutrients that you can include in your diet for healthy and youthful looking skin.
