Yesterday I wrote about doing a wardrobe check – to clear out what is no longer useful and keep only what works to bring out our best selves for a more polished look.  Now I want to talk about polishing up our complexions.

Change of season means using lighter products and doing a makeover check.  First off…

I’m told that half of all women wear the wrong shoe size (can that be true, really?) and two thirds wear the wrong size bra (we know we’re really 34B but we’ll buy a 34D…wishful thinking?).  And I don’t know exactly how many of us use the wrong facial products but I’m guessing the numbers are pretty high.

Do you know your skin type?

Maybe you think you do but chances are your skin type falls into more than one category.  Even those of us with so-called “normal” complexions experience flare ups and we all have battles from time to time.  Some more than others.   Skin is a living organ and it mirrors what’s happening in our lives and in our bodies.  It constantly changes – hormones one week, stress the next.  Taking medication, a change in diet, smoking, drinking, not sleeping, all of it can effect our mood and in turn, our skin.

General classifications are normal, combination, oily, dry, sensitive.

Most people will experience combination skin at some point. The ‘T Zone’ around the nose, forehead and eyes is naturally a bit oilier than the rest of the skin on your face, so one way to find out what mood your skin is in is to clean this area with a light cleanser, followed by a good toner and then leave it for a couple of hours. The results may not be what you’re expecting.

If you find that the skin is very tight, it may be that you need to start using a richer formula for a while to deal with any excess dryness.

Sensitive skin usually benefits from something lighter, like a gel or serum, while skin prone to breakouts or redness may need special attention with regular masks designed to soothe and cleanse the pores.

Then there are problem conditions like acne, rosacea or eczema which can really get in the way of you and your best self. They make you tend to want to hide from the world.

Did you know that you can help ease your problem situation and in some cases clear it up entirely by abiding by some dietary tips and some simple at-home remedies?

This according to skin care guru *Kate Somerville:

Dietary Tips for Treating Acne: be wary of dairy, white sugar, white flour and saturated fats.  Milk contains steroid hormones and other compounds that can contribute to clogged pores, inflammation, and acne.  Sugars boost insulin which can increase oil production and the growth of  pore-clogging cells.

At-Home Remedies for Treating Acne: Find products with different active ingredients to target acne like sulfur, benzoyl peroxide, tea-tree oil and salicylic acid.  it’s essential that products don’t strip or over dry the skin because it will over-compensate by producing excess oil.

Dietary Tips for Treating Rosacea: diet plays a large role in rosacea.  Avoid trigger foods such as caffeine, white sugar, white flour, alcohol and spicy food.  Eat food that encourages the growth of good bacteria like leafy greens, high-fiber foods and probiotics.

At-Home Remedies for Treating Rosacea: Look for products containing calming agents like mineral masks, aloe, lavender and green tea.  For severe rosacea see your dermatologist, there are great topical antibiotics available.

Dietary Tips for Treating Eczema: If you’re having a severe eczema breakout, stop eating all dairy, wheat and sugar.  Eat whole, unprocessed foods and stay away from acidic items like tomatoes and vinegar.  Drinking lemon water will keep you hydrated and make your system more alkaline which is crucial when you’re battling eczema.

At-Home Remedies for Treating Eczema: bathing is better than showering when your skin is dry, because a shower can actually strip oils.  Make sure the temperature isn’t too hot and avoid products with fragrance.  Try adding goat’s milk or colloidal oatmeal to your bath and apply your lotion, oils or eczema cream as soon as you get out of the tub to seal in hydration.

*At the Kate Somerville “Skin Health Experts Clinic” they use blue and red LED light therapy which aids in treating and clearing up acne, eczema and rosacea.

 The treatment is supposed to stimulate cell growth and has an anti-inflammatory effect, which heals and relieves pain.  Have any of you tried it?

I guess the answer to perfect skin is to never eat sugar, dairy or fat and get at least 8 solid hours of sleep every night, don’t drink any alcohol and try not to stress.  But hey; we’re only human.

What kind of skin type do you think you have?  If you don’t mind sharing I’d like to know and also how you deal with any specific skin care problems.