Top tips for fresh summer skin

With summer officially just around the corner it's that time of year again when we all start to bear a little more of our skin. After month's of hiding our skin under layers of woolly jumpers and snoods, it's not surprising that our skin may need a little help in looking it's best at those summer weddings and on the beach.

Follow these simple tips to help bring your skin out of hibernation and feeling fresh again, in no time you'll be bearing shoulders in halter necks and the micro shorts will be out in force! Bring on the summer...!

• First things first WATER. Aim to drink at least 1 litre of water every day, whether you prefer it 'neat', filtered or in herbal teas or natural diluted fruit juices is up to you, just ensure that your body has a constant source of this hydrating super liquid. Added bonus: staying hydrated will improve concentration levels as well as helping to keep skin clear
• Reduce liquids which dehydrate such as CAFFEINE in coffee and tea and ALCOHOL. Try an alcohol free mojito (sparkling water, fresh lime juice crushed mint leaves and plenty of ice..delicious). Added bonus: reducing these stimulants will assist in detoxing your liver, which also contributes to healthier looking skin.
• Plump up your skin with ESSENTIAL FATS. Make sure you are getting some omega 3 and 6 in your diet every day from olive oils, pumpkin, sesame or sunflower seeds as well as avocados and oily fish. Added bonus: Essential fats also help keep hair healthy too.
• Brighten your skin with antioxidant rich FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, this time of year is perfect for bright colourful salads and berry rich smoothies. Try blending a punnet of blueberries, an apple, half a banana, some natural low fat yoghurt and a few seeds for a nutritious delicious skin boosting treat. Added bonus: Increasing fruits and vegetables will also increase your fibre intake, great for digestive health.
• Eat plenty of ZINC rich foods such as Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds and oysters (!), zinc is a vital mineral for healthy skin. Added bonus: Zinc is an important immune mineral, to help fight off those summer colds
• Want your arms to look fantastic in that slinky summer top. Try dry brushing your skin and massaging in plenty of natural moisturising cream rich in vitamin E for smooth arms in no time. Added bonus: looking great!
• Finally be kind to your skin and limit SUN EXPOSURE cover up in the sun during the hottest part of the day, wear a high sun cream factor and fake bake as a healthy alternative to sunbeds!

If you would like more information on keeping skin healthy or on specific skin conditions please contact me on info@juliasimmsnutrition.co.uk or visit my website www.juliasimmsnutrition.co.uk