Struggling with sore red skin? Now the temperatures have dropped our skin can really suffer from chapping, soreness, red and dehydrated skin sometimes even with spots!

Touchy skin can be very uncomfortable as well as making you feel a little down, but luckily a few simple changes to your skincare routine will make all the difference to how you look and feel.

You may think that staying indoors will protect your skin from the cold winter air but indoors can be just as damaging to your skin. When we go outside we take the time to moisturise our skin and protect it with scarves etc but indoors we forget to care for it.

Large differences in temperature can easily break capillaries on our face leaving us with permanent flushing so going from extreme cold to central heating or in our heated car can do lots of damage. Try not to have the car hot air blasting in your face or sit too close to an open fire.

Keeping hydrated is the key so lots of fluids are important, fruit juices for vitamin C to protect those capillaries and lots of green or herbal teas and vegetable soups will help your skin, just be sure to let them cool a bit so they are not boiling hot, it’s tempting when it’s cold but if you have to blow it to drink it, it’s too hot!

Your skincare regime is very important now as if your skin gets too dehydrated your protective layer of the skin will damage and TEWL transepidermal water loss will happen. This will leave your skin unprotected and open to all sorts of problems that can take time to heal so prevention is always best. However, if you already are suffering these simple changes will bring it back to health soon.

Cleansing is super important as it keeps your skin clear and healthy but if you use water based protects like gels and washes it can soon feel itchy and sore. If you really like the feel of water on your face the best option is to use an olive oil based pure soap which will give some hydration. The water is the problem, as it is very drying especially if you are in a hard water area. We recommend Intensive Calming Face Wash a non- foaming and super hydrating product perfect for adding to your face washing water as it is infused with calming lavender, soothing comfrey and added glycerine a powerful humectant that will leave your skin feeling soft and comfortable, less irritated and red and has the plus of naturally controlling spots or rashes.

Used along with an oil based cleanser your skin will be deeply cleansed without stripping it of its natural oils and will leave your skin’s PH unchanged so is non-irritating and actually hydrates and protects the skin barrier. This one single change to your routine, even if you do nothing else will bring immediate relief, comfort and wellbeing. We recommend Intensive Deep Cleansing Oil that is 100% natural and uses skin friendly sweet almond oil and Golden Jojoba along with soothing botanicals to bring calm and comfort.

Our 12 years experience of helping sensitive skin clients along with the opinion of the best beauty editors around the world have concluded that everyone should be adding an oil based serum to their skincare regime, particularly in the winter and as we get older, that’s over 40 years old. Water based moisturisers are made with 70% water so actually dehydrate the skin! ( good to know our moisturisers use floral waters and glycerine to keep top up skin hydration levels) Simply using one drop of these precious oils directly to damp skin or added to your moisturiser will give immense protection and avoid skin water loss.

This time of year we recommend Intensive Skin Rescue Serum a special blend of 21 plant oils and anti-inflammatory herbs and flower extracts including organic super food Chia seed , antioxidant Pomegranate and anti-aging Rosehip oils that will protect and heal the skin, keeping it healthy and glowing all winter.

All of this can be boosted by using a pure silk pillowcase, I have been using one for years.

I recently had to repurchase as mine was so old and while I was waiting had to use a cotton pillowcase, wow what a difference. Cotton absorbs moisture so you wake up with a dry, tight feeling and lined face and dehydrated hair, but silk is the opposite, it doesn’t absorb and is very smooth and cool to sleep on so you wake with a less dry and sore face, less lines and better hair. It is hypoallergenic too so perfect for us sensitive souls.

I can recommend the Alaska Bear 100% Mulberry Silk Double sided pillowcase, give it a try I think you will be amazed at the difference to your skin.

The most important thing is to enjoy each season whatever the weather so I hope this advice will help you to enjoy it even more knowing that you are making the best of yourself and your skin.

Yours naturally,

Penny x

If you have acne or hormonal flare ups you’re not alone, it affects up to 80% of people at some point between the ages of 11 and 30 and although hormonal spots are most common during the teenage years, it sadly can continue into adulthood, and some may even experience it their entire life

It is usually appears on the jawline, chin, neck and can show as spots, often big and can be blind under the skin’s surface and cyst-like – can be painful to touch and hard to treat.

Thankfully, lifestyle factors, including your diet, can play a powerful role in controlling and reducing symptoms.

This article reviews the best diet for hormonal flare ups, spots and acne, including foods to eat and avoid, as well as supplements and skin care that may help.

Hormones play an important role in the development of spots and acne, which is why it’s often referred to as “hormonal acne.” It typically occurs during adolescence due to increases in sex hormone levels during puberty, regardless of gender.

Women also experience acne later in life related to hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy premenopause, and when using hormonal birth control.

Inflammation and diet are thought to play a role as well and there is strong evidence that some dietary changes make a significant difference.

Blood Sugar Control

Avoiding blood sugar spikes by following a low-glycemic-index diet to control hormonal skin problems and acne is one theory that has gained momentum in the science world.

The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how slowly or quickly a food spikes your blood sugar levels.

Choosing foods with a high GI, such as white bread, sweets and ice cream, fizzy drinks can cause dramatic fluctuations in blood sugar and can make skin worse.

Eating sugary foods increases levels of insulin, which is a hormone that moves sugar out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy. This stimulates the release of other hormones, such as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1).

This increase in hormones leads to hyperkeratinization and excess sebum production, which can worsen spotty skin and acne.

Some studies have shown significant improvements in hormonal acne in people following a low-GI, high-protein.

It is important to know that though acne is widespread in Westernized populations following high-GI diets laden with sugary foods, the condition is rare in populations eating traditional diets that don’t include refined sugars or processed food, so it makes sense to cut out as much refined foods as you can.

It is thought that milk and dairy in general promote insulin secretion and the production of hormones, such as IGF-1, which is known to be a major contributor to acne development.

Eat Nutrient Dense Foods.

Following a nutrient-dense diet is one of the best ways to treat and prevent hormonal spots and acne naturally. Given that inflammation causes spots and acne, choosing foods that reduce inflammation is vital.

Anti-inflammatory omega-3 fat sources, such as fatty fish and chia seeds are better for the body than potentially inflammatory omega-6-rich fat sources like soybean oil.

Filling your plate with colorful vegetables and fruits is another way to tame inflammation and reduce acne or spots. These foods deliver anti-inflammatory antioxidants and vitamin C, to your body.

Considering that acne is closely linked to Western diets high in processed foods, choosing whole foods and limiting or avoiding highly refined products is important when trying to treat your acne through diet.

• Vegetables: broccoli, spinach, Kale, chard, peppers, zucchini, cauliflower, carrots, beets
• Fruit:  Blueberries, grapefruit, oranges, apples, cherries, bananas, pears, grapes, peaches, kiwis
• Whole grains and starchy vegetables: Sweet potato, quinoa, butternut squash, brown rice, oats, buckwheat
• Healthy fats: whole eggs, olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, nut butters etc.
• Plant-based dairy alternatives: cashew milk, almond milk, coconut milk, coconut yogurt (unsweetened)
• High-quality protein: salmon, tofu, chicken, turkey, eggs
• Legumes: any beans, chickpeas, black beans, lentils, kidney beans
• Anti-inflammatory herbs and spices: cinnamon, black pepper, parsley, garlic, ginger, cayenne, turmeric
• Unsweetened drinks: water, sparkling water, herb teas, hibiscus tea, lemon water, green tea is particularly beneficial to the skin.

Foods to avoid

Dairy products, refined foods, and high-sugar foods and drinks should be eaten occasionally and not every day.

• Milk and dairy products: milk, cheese, yogurt
• Highly processed foods: fast food, frozen meals, meal bars, sugary cereals, chips, microwave meals, white bread, white pasta
• Sweets and sugary beverages: candy, cake, fizzy drinks, cakes, biscuits, table sugar, energy drinks, sweetened sports drinks, juice

In conclusion: Eating a wholefood and nutrient dense diet will help reduce inflammation in the body and skin and will assist the body to naturally control sebum and keep skin clear.

Controlling Stress

It is vital to control stress levels as stress disrupts your hormones making breakouts worse.

Simple daily strategies can help such as yoga or meditation, even if you can only find 10 minutes out of your day you will reap the benefits, and trying to get out for a walk in nature has been proven to reduce stress almost instantly. Leaving the office at lunch time and going for a walk or eating outside will help stress levels enormously.

Skin Care

The right skin care can play a crucial role in containing and even avoiding hormonal breakouts.

Using natural products that are specific to your skin concern is vital and should contain ingredients that are non-comedogenic so won’t block pores. Products should use skin friendly anti-inflammatory plants and herbs that along with an anti-inflammatory diet will with continued use balance the skin and bring it to a normal condition, remember we are all born with perfect skin.

Look for ingredients that contain Green Tea a natural anti-oxidant that is good in skincare and not just in your cuppa.

Liqourice and pomegranate are both potent anti-inflammatory herbs and should be in your skincare

Penny Badger Botanicals Skin Care uses a host of anti-inflammatory herbs and skin friendly plant oils with products specifically formulated to help problem skin.

We have had great success with helping customers with problem and spotty skin by following our suggested lifestyle and diet tips and using the recommended products for oily and acne skin.

More information can be found at www.pennybadger.com

Author: Penny Badger

Penny Badger Botanicals

Supplements can play an important role in keeping your body and skin healthy when used in conjunction with a healthy diet.

Nutritionists suggest that problem skin such as rosacea or eczema often require special supplements to control digestive issues in particular, but these supplements can be very expensive when used long term, so is there an alternative?

Thankfully nature provides all of what we need in its original form which can easily be added to your daily diet although taking a broad multi-vitamin is a good idea as an insurance that we are getting a little of all vitamins and minerals.

Extra supplements suggested for problem skin include flaxseed, magnesium, digestive enzymes and acidophilus and all of these expensive supplements have a natural cost effective alternative available from your local health shop or supermarket.

Flaxseeds are packed with omega 3 and very beneficial to skin health, but you don’t need to use capsules as Golden Linseed available from health shops is exactly the same thing. Flaxseeds/Linseeds need to be eaten fresh or it can go rancid so you can easily grind a tablespoon in a coffee grinder or small processor every morning and add to your cereal or smoothie, it’s that simple

Flaxseeds/Linseeds also contain recommended levels of magnesium so no need to take a separate supplement.

Digestive enzymes supplements can be substituted by eating pineapples, papayas, mangoes, bananas, kiwis, avocadoes,raw honey, ginger, sauerkraut, miso and kefir. These fruits and vegetables all breakdown the fats in your food and make it easier to digest helping nutrients get to your skin more easily and will also help with indigestion and IBS problems.

L. acidophilus occurs naturally in the human body as well as many fermented foods, such as sauerkraut and miso. Manufacturers also add L. acidophilus to yogurt and other dairy products L. acidophilus is a probiotic bacteria that naturally occurs in the human gut and other parts of the body. This bacteria helps the digestive system break down sugars, such as lactose, into lactic acid.

Trillions of bacteria and other micro-organisms live in every person's gut research indicate that consuming probiotics can help improve the balance between the beneficial and harmful bacteria that live in the gut. This may help to support digestion, helping indigestion and IBS as well as provide other health benefits, such as boosting the immune system.

Good health is available to everyone on any budget, you just need to eat as much variety as possible and include these highly nutritious foods in your daily diet, your body and your skin will thank you for it.

For more information about caring for your skin go to www.pennybadger.com

Penny Badger Botanicals Skin Care

Counter-intuitive as it sounds, plant oils can be your saviour when you suffer from spots, breakouts or acne. Traditional anti-acne products contain anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and soothing compounds but are often harsh and dry the skin making the skin worse by producing more oil. This causes the skin to over-compensate for the reduction of oils by producing even more, which in turn worsens the congestion.

But unlike some popular spot-fighters, oils contain all of the anti-inflammatories and are also packed with vitamins, amino acids and anti-oxidants to heal, protect and hydrate sore skin and no skin drying so they won't clog your pores and make you go even oilier.

Obviously some oils are better than others, so to guide you through the maze of oils these are my top favorites at clarifying the skin and keeping spots at bay.

Jojoba Oil is extremely light, and the nearest in molecular structure to our own natural sebum and a perfect for oily skins, as it tricks the skin into stopping the overproduction of its own oils. Jojoba can also penetrate deep into the skin so is a great way of getting essential oils and actives into the skin to do their magic.

Geranium helps regulate sebum production so is great for oily, congested skin types. It also tightens skin and promotes blood circulation, helping to heal acne scars and it smells gorgeous.

Lavender has powerful anti-bacterial properties that will soothe and treat pimples.

Roman Chamomile is fantastic for calming breakouts by easing inflammation and redness, and it restores and rejuvenates skin.

All these oils and more can be found in our Intensive Serums that can bring radiance to all skin types.

You can find out more about caring for problem skin at pennybadger.com

Do I have rosacea?

If you blush or flush easily, skin becomes red after drinking alcohol, with exposure to wind, sun, heat or cold or when stressed or upset, have super-sensitive skin, you probably have rosacea. Left untreated symptoms will become progressively worse as you age so it makes sense to get informed and have a long term strategy to minimise triggers and slow down the condition.

Rosacea is a very common skin condition affecting over 14 million Americans so you are certainly not alone.

Figures for the UK are not conclusive but from my own experience, friends, family and customers it is certainly very common over here too.

Rosacea is not infectious, you can't catch it or pass it on except hereditarily of course. If you have northern european celtic genes with skin that burns easily, you are likely to develop it often between the ages of 30 and 50. 

2019

What does it look and feel like?

It comes in different guises with some people suffering terribly with face soreness and burning, others from blushing and redness alone or with spots.

Eyes can also be affected being sore, itchy and watery on their own or in combination with other symptoms.Some people (mostly men) suffer from facial swelling especially on the nose from fluid build up.

Your first avenue to explore is the standard medical system by going to your GP and confirming it is rosacea.

If you have mild to moderate rosacea you will be offered lotions containing metronidazole or azelaic acid, both of these need to be used for at least six weeks before you see results.

More severe rosacea may respond better to a course of antibiotics or your GP may recommend using both together.

Antibiotics will help with the pustules,spots and inflammation but I personally feel that they are a good way to kick start a recovery but not solely a long term solution.

In the short term they will help control symptoms although some people experience light sensitivity. In the long term continued use on antibiotics will lower the bodies resistance to infection.

There is no cure for rosacea so our long term strategy needs to incorporate natural and holistic elements and learn to control your personal triggers.

Just like when you grow organic produce where you feed the plant to keep it healthy and strong to fight off disease, one should feed and nurture the whole body not just the skin to give it the best chance of slowing down symptoms.

Every person has a unique experience with rosacea symptoms and triggers and will have to experiment with supplements, nutrition etc so using natural products and a holistic approach will give all the benefits without any side effects.

All rosacea sufferers have individual ‘triggers’ that make their skin super sensitive, burn and flush but there are some life style triggers that are common to all rosacea sufferers.

Stress is undoubtedly the worst of all the triggers and one that we encounter every day, whether it is in our working environment or family and social commitments or the emotional stress from having to cope with a chronic skin problem.

Chronic stress unbalances your hormones that directly shows in your skin by making sensitive skin more sensitive, oily skin even worse and promotes flushing.

Every time our skin flushes it dilates the blood vessels in the face and over time these vessels weaken and our faces become permanently flushed.

So it is essential to lessen the frequency and duration of these flushing episodes by controlling our stress levels.

When at work or at play it is good to plan ahead so that you are always able to look after our skin and not have to miss out on life’s experiences, this in itself will reduce anxiety and stress.

Be sure to keep a hat and scarf in the winter or wide brimmed straw hat for the summer in your car along with an SPF lotion always at hand.

A fan, bottle of water and mist spray will all keep you cool and lessen flushing episodes.

During the menopause our rosacea can worsen due to our hormones being disrupted so it is even more important to take control. 

What can we do to lessen our stress levels?

One of the easiest ways is to try and incorporate some form of exercise in to your day even just 30 minutes will release hormones that will lessen stress levels naturally. The best form of exercise is gentle so not to get us too hot, so swimming, walking, yoga, pilates and dancing to the radio are all good.

Gentle exercise is great for the skin too, you will find that with regular exercise your skin will look more radiant.

If exercising indoors use a fan and facial spray to keep you cool and if outside wear a cap, spf and preferably exercise early morning or evening to avoid the heat of the day.

Taking time for yourself is vital to your well being and stress levels, so even if you are super busy with child care, job and husband to care for do try to get some space even for a few minutes each day to recharge yourself.

By prioritising yourself you are taking control and honouring yourself, no one will do it for you ONLY YOU! And as lovely as your family, friends, work colleagues are, people will ALWAYS let you do more if you let them.

It is OK to say NO and let things go, these are the two of the most important things that I have found that really lessens stress.

Don’t say yes to every invitation you receive, don’t feel obliged to do everything people ask you to do and let any bad feelings go, don’t carry emotional baggage with you, you have enough to carry with coping with rosacea.

Emotional stress can build if not acknowledged and will leave you anxious and exhausted. Always thinking about your skin, if you can eat or drink certain foods, always checking in the mirror if you are red or if your make up has come off is frankly exhausting, I know.

One of the best changes in my life has been to take up a hobby as it refocuses your mind away from your skin problems.

Anything that fully engages you is good for your well being and happiness and if more of your day is filled with happy thoughts replacing anxious thoughts you are well on the way to feeling stronger, more confident and less stressed.

At the end of the day, you are not your face, people generally don’t even notice your skin and we are causing our own stress levels by always internalising.

If you do things that make you happy such as creating a lovely garden, painting, singing, writing poetry, being good at something you will not let rosacea ruin your life or confidence.

Aim that next time you are introduced they will say, ‘This is my friend ............., she makes lovely paintings of the sea, has a lovely rose garden etc, you get the idea, take the focus off your skin problems and focus on the things that make you feel good.

It is only your face, not you and with care and attention you can lessen the flushing any way which will calm the skin’s reaction and control rosacea symptoms naturally.

                                       copyright www.pennybadger.com 2019

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If you are suffering from acne or congested, spotty skin you are not alone. Acne has been estimated to affect 633 million people globally, making it the 8th most common disease worldwide. Acne commonly occurs at the onset of puberty and affects an estimated 80–90% of teenagers in the western World. Children and adults may also be affected before and after puberty. Although acne becomes less common in adulthood, it persists in nearly half of affected people into their twenties and thirties and a smaller group continue to have difficulties into their forties.

But did you know that there are proven natural ingredients that can help clear acne skin ? Using plant oils that mimic sebum your skin actually slows down production and if you use natural anti-inflammatory and naturally antiseptic herbs and flower extracts your pores will clear and spots be a thing of the past.

That isn't the best of it, you will also find a radiant and clear healthy skin too!

Find more information and natural acne clearing products www.pennybadger.com

Did you know that almonds have natural calming properties and are fantastic for any one suffering from mild depression, stress and anxiety. They are not only rich in stress-reducing vitamins and minerals like zinc, magnesium and vitamin E but they also provide an excellent source of mineral selenium, a deficiency in this vital mineral has been associated with feelings of fatigue, depression and anxiety.

Lowering stress and anxiety levels are key to maintaining a healthy and youthful mind and body. We can boost the calming properties of almonds by eating them and using them on our skin where the vitamin E and selenium will help fight wrinkles and keep skin soft, elastic and smooth.

Almond oil contains many vital minerals and vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B6, vitamin E and omega 9 making this a very nutritious oil that reduces skin inflammation, a major cause of skin ageing and relieves dry and itching skin even for sufferers of eczema or psoriasis.

Its selenium content protects skin cells from damage by neutralizing free radicals and other skin-damaging compounds BEFORE they lead to wrinkles! Recent studies continue to emphasize the importance of antioxidants and particularly selenium in fighting skin infection and promoting skin health and vitality.

This classic oil is a key ingredient in Penny Badger Botanicals Intensive Deep Cleansing Oil that is both an effective cleanser and helps to reduce signs of ageing by softening and plumping the skin.

Eating almonds and using its oil in your skin care daily will give you the benefits of better health, less stress and a soft, smooth and youthful complexion, a super easy way of staying younger longer!

                                                     Copy right www.pennybadger.com 2019

All rosacea sufferers have individual ‘triggers’ that make their skin super sensitive, burn and flush but there are some life style triggers that are common to all rosacea sufferers.

I am a long term sufferer myself and would like to highlight the most common triggers and how to deal with them daily.

Stress is undoubtedly the worst of all the triggers and one that we encounter every day, whether it is in our working environment or family and social commitments or the emotional stress from having to cope with a chronic skin problem.

Chronic stress unbalances your hormones that directly shows in your skin by making sensitive skin more sensitive, oily skin even worse and promotes flushing.

Every time our skin flushes it dilates the blood vessels in the face and over time these vessels weaken and our faces become permanently flushed.

So it is essential to lessen the frequency and duration of these flushing episodes by controlling our stress levels.

When at work or at play it is good to plan ahead so that you are always able to look after our skin and not have to miss out on life’s experiences, this in itself will reduce anxiety and stress.

Be sure to keep a hat and scarf in the winter or wide brimmed straw hat for the summer in your car along with an SPF lotion always at hand.

A fan, bottle of water and mist spray will all keep you cool and lessen flushing episodes.

During the menopause our rosacea can worsen due to our hormones being disrupted so it is even more important to take control.

What can we do to lessen our stress levels?

One of the easiest ways is to try and incorporate some form of exercise in to your day even just 30 minutes will release hormones that will lessen stress levels naturally. The best form of exercise is gentle so not to get us too hot, so swimming, walking, yoga, pilates and dancing to the radio are all good.

Gentle exercise is great for the skin too, you will find that with regular exercise your skin will look more radiant.

If exercising indoors use a fan and facial spray to keep you cool and if outside wear a cap, spf and preferably exercise early morning or evening to avoid the heat of the day.

Taking time for yourself is vital to your well being and stress levels, so even if you are super busy with child care, job and husband to care for do try to get some space even for a few minutes each day to recharge yourself.

By prioritising yourself you are taking control and honouring yourself, no one will do it for you ONLY YOU! And as lovely as your family, friends, work colleagues are, people will ALWAYS let you do more if you let them.

It is ok to say NO and let things go, these are the two of the most important things that I have found that really lessens stress.

Don’t say yes to every invitation you receive, don’t feel obliged to do everything people ask you to do and let any bad feelings go, don’t carry emotional baggage with you, you have enough to carry with coping with rosacea !

Emotional stress can build if not acknowledged and will leave you anxious and exhausted. Always thinking about your skin, if you can eat or drink certain foods, always checking in the mirror if you are red or if your make up has come off is frankly exhausting, I know.

One of the best changes in my life has been to take up a hobby as it refocuses your mind away from your skin problems.

Anything that fully engages you is good for your well being and happiness and if more of your day is filled with happy thoughts replacing anxious thoughts you are well on the way to feeling stronger, more confident and less stressed. Find more information and sensitive and rosacea friendly skin care go to www.pennybadger.com. At the end of the day, you are not your face, people generally don’t even notice your skin and we are causing our own stress levels by always internalising.

If you do things that make you happy such as creating a lovely garden, painting, singing, writing poetry, being good at something you will not let rosacea ruin your life or confidence.

Aim that next time you are introduced they will say, ‘This is my friend ............., she makes lovely paintings of the sea, has a lovely rose garden etc, you get the idea, take the focus off your skin problems and focus on the things that make you feel good.

It is only your face, not you and with care and attention you can lessen the flushing any way which will calm the skin’s reaction and control rosacea symptoms naturally.

This little orange berries grows in abundance on coastlines near the sea where its course and spikey branches loaded with sweet and oily fruit withstands the constant exposure to wind, rain and sunshine.

This sturdy plant is loaded with antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, and studies show that these two nutrient powerhouses can prevent wrinkles and protect the skin from the elements and help repair damaged skin.

Of the essential omega fatty acids found in Sea Buckthorn, one of the main moisturising essential fatty acids is Omega 7 Palmitoleic acid. Palmitoleic Acid (Omega-7) is a natural component of skin. It is considered a valuable topical agent in treating burns and healing wounds so is useful in treating sore red skin that has been exposed to too much sun and wind.

We have included this super ingredient in Penny Badger Botanicals Intensive Serum Rescue to restore health and radiance to stressed, dehydrated and damaged skin.

www.pennybadger.com