Anti aging:Spring Anti-aging Beauty Sins by Lorne Caplan
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We often hear about the items we should carry in our bags and purses to prevent photo aging of skin during the summer months along with a variety of other Summer activities and habits that we must conquer to forge ahead with our anti-aging beauty efforts. What then, about the spring?
As a truly transitional season, we are converted from hibernating humans (at least those of us in the North and Northeast), to individuals willing to brave the wind, humidity and chill of the spring, not to mention the allergy season that is right about now in full bloom.
The previous paragraph touches on a multitude of issues that we have to deal with in order to maintain and even assist our anti-aging beauty benefits. Inflammation is one that jumps to mind as our nasal passages, eyes and throats start to close-up from seasonal allergies. As somewhat of a non-believer in allergies as a whole, choosing to believe that compromised immune systems lend a greater hand to the scratchy/ticklish throats, runny noses, water and itchy eyes, I would recommend changing your diet and exercise indoors with weight bearing exercises as a start. Your immune boosting efforts will also minimize the puffiness of your eyes, blotchiness of your skin and the ensuing breakouts that follow from the humid rain drenched air.
Nothing is simple in this transitional season. While the dry air of Winter can be harsh on skin, it generally doesn’t help spur on the bacteria that aggravates clogged pores, spurring on sebum production and the inflammation that we already talked about. Yes, you can blame the seasons for these side effects of the pretty flowers and blooming greens that cover most lawns in the spring.
Pay special attention to the humidity. Whether in the Northeast, or Southeast, you’ll have to change your daily beauty regimen and consider lighter emollients in your evening anti-aging creams and lotions and perhaps use serums and gels that won’t clog pores or be too heavy for your spring/summer skin.
Keep in mind, that the antihistamines that you will use to suppress the side effects of an aggressive group of allergens, also plays havoc with your skin and organs (especially your brain. That’s why you can now buy so many non-drowsy formulas for Zyrtec, Claritin and other OTC’s). Some puffiness, redness and inflammation may occur in spite of the drugs your system is ingesting. As a naturopath, I’m a strong believer in dealing with the allergies at the source. Your immune system and few herbs are better in my experience than Neti Pots, Quercetin (apples, apples, apples), Omega 3’s especially in flax seeds and fishes, stinging nettle, butterbur and one all around immune booster being astragalus.
It does take a little more effort during these periods of change and since the environment doesn’t switch that quickly, we often have to endure a period of starts and stops. Indeed, skin tends to be more sensitive for some in spring-time because of the increased allergens, humidity and other conditions preparing for the summer heat and humidity. This is a great time to prepare for the summer, beyond the dermatologists thumping on the desk about sun-screen and wide brimmed hats. it’s OK to go outside. Soak up the sun in the renewing springtime, with rich scents that you should enjoy. Following some of the simple advise in this article, will help you enjoy it, instead of staying indoors and extending your banishment during the winter months.
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