Skin can recover from a

DOES your skin have the January blues? Not only can the grey days at this time of year leave you feeling down in the dumps but it can play havoc with your complexion too. Central heating, overdoing it at Christmas and a lack of sleep and sunlight can leave skin dull and dehydrated. Thankfully some simple steps are all it takes to beat the skin blues.

l Research shows that a Mediterranean diet filled with fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, fish, nuts and olive oil – with reduced amounts of meat and dairy – can boost the mood.

What is more, a diet rich in nutrients can give skin radiance too. However, eating too many refined carbohydrates can increase sebum production, leading to blocked pores and breakouts.

Cut down on sugar, cereals, cakes and biscuits and replace

lthem with fruit and vegetables. An omega-3 fish oil supplement can help balance oil production too.

B vitamins help the body to produce the happy hormones serotonin and dopamine. They also boost the skin’s circulation.

Keep your levels up with whole grains such as wholemeal bread, spinach, kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, salmon, tofu, eggs and pecan nuts.

lVegetables high in beta-carotene such as carrots and sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A, which helps promote cell turnover.

lAntioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries and kale boost the skin’s natural barrier, protecting against pollution and lifestyle damage.

lIf your skin looks dull, a lack of zinc may be to blame. Up your intake with bran, wholegrain and multigrain cereals, or treat yourself to a square of dark chocolate.

lSmooth wrinkles with skin-friendly oils such as olive, rapeseed and flax. Add a spoonful to smoothies or drizzle over soup.

lNew research shows that 25 per cent of over-55s admit to drinking no water during the day, which leads to dehydrated skin. Keep a bottle of water with you and take a sip from it often.

lSKIN SAVIOURS

Little changes to your daily routine can prevent spots and blemishes.

First and foremost, getting enough sleep is key as it is during our slumber that our skin repairs itself.

lIf your skin keeps breaking out, retinoids – derived from vitamin A – can significantly improve the skin.

Try La Roche Posay Redermic (R) Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Treatment, £29.50 (laroche-posay.co.uk). Use before you go to bed to increase cell turnover, keeping skin clear.

During the day try HSSC Clean Tech Renewal Lotion, £35 (harleystreetskinclinic.com), from our own range.

Packed with a powerful combination of AHAs it sloughs off dead skin cells, unblocks pores and controls breakouts.

lAvoid pressed powders, as well as liquid foundations. Instead choose

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