The holidays should be called"chillaxidays"’ because the sole purpose of being away from the daily stress of working, running a household and coping with life in general is to kick back and do only the things you really feel like doing.
Sure, it doesn’t quite work like that, but I will try my best to get out of anything stressful whilst on holiday because it is also ‘me-time’ and I have earned it. Sue me or call me selfish, that is my intention and I am going do a few things I would normally refrain from doing under normal circumstances.
But let’s also get real; you can’t go totally overboard, a modicum of rational thinking must prevail. It would be preferable to drag that holiday body back to work next year without too much damage, so here are a few practical tips on surviving the festive season!
1.Tanning Beds
I know you would prefer not to expose that pale skin to an overdose of hot African sun, but please stay away from tanning beds to solve the problem. CANSA has proven through research that sunbeds and sunlamps can contribute to the development of skin cancer so it is not considered a healthy option for getting a ‘bit of colour’.
2.The Sun
Avoiding the sun in Africa is difficult because outdoor living and entertainment is part of our culture. However, the sun causes eighty percent of photo-ageing and damage to the skin is mainly done by the age of twenty!
In short, stay out of the sun between ten and four pm, use a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) sunscreen every day and invest in some sunglasses, caps or hats. I wish some fashion guru would re-invent those flowing scarves and diaphanous robes that looked so romantic in the early 1920s as it would help protect us from the sun and make a great fashion statement at the same time. Oral anti oxidants such as Pycnogenol, Ovelle,PolypodiumLeucotomas( Heliocare) and Astaxanthin are powerful supplements to take duringyour sun filledholiday asthey raise thelevels of internal cellsresistance to the sun .
3. Sunscreen
New improved anti oxidant Total sunblocks are now available at Skin Renewal . Not only does a Total sunblocksuch as Heliocare 360 protect against UVA and UVB but also against Infra Red Aand High energy visible light . These newly discovered deep penetrating rays causes accelerated ageing. Your daily moisturiser should contain a broad spectrum sunscreen as well.
For a great looking tan, find the best way of faking it! You will be extremely grateful for doing so later in life. Don't forget to take essential VitaminD3 if you are not getting your daily quota of sun rays... See the Vitamin D3 webpage for more information on this vital hormone.
4. The Power of Water
You can slap on lots of moisturiser from the outside, but true hydration comes from the inside and can only be achieved by drinking lots offiltered / mineral water. Your body needs water to deliver anti-ageing nutrients to your system and to flush out toxins that add to the ageing process. Wine or champagne do not count ... Only good oldH2 0 which has been filtered
5. Anti-Ageing Supplements
Consult your Health Renewal doctor for supplements which are essential for optimal health
These supplements, when taken in the right quantity and quality, will help prevent ageing:
- Omega-3 - maintains the structure and fluidity of cells and moisturises from within.
- Ubiquinol / Co Q 10 - supports the body’s energy production and protects from free radicals
- A complete multivitamin (like Phytomulti) that contains Lutein, Vitamin C and E will help restore collagen and hydration in the skin
- Anti-oxidants such as Ovelle/Heliocare and Astaxanthin to improve internal protection against sun damage and burn.
- Health Renewal’s Green Coffee Bean Extract taken a half hour before meals will prevent absorption of sugar and fat and help keep ones insulin levels stable during the festive season.
6. Exfoliation and Moisturising
Exfoliate your face at least twice a week as moisturiser and serum absorption will be better and your skin will glow.
7. Eat Healthily
Of course you know what to do! Eat lots of fresh fruit, veggies and whole grains which are high in anti-oxidants and phytonutrients. Replace the coffee with some green tea as it is a natural anti-oxidant and can also help the body burn abdominal fat.
8. Wonderful Healing Sleep
Getting enough sleep is one of the healthiest things you can do for your body, skin and emotional well-being so get some additional shut-eye on holiday and develop healthy sleeping habits.
9. Destressing
This is probably the most difficult state to achieve and don't forget that unabated levels of stress can cause premature ageing. Now is the time to catch your breathe and take time off for yourself by:
- Practise deep breathing by counting to 8 whilst breathing in, hold your breath for 8 seconds and breathe out for 10 seconds. Do this a few times every day to help improve oxygenation of your unused lower lung volumes.
- Deep tissue massages or even a relaxing massage every other day will help remove the stressed up feeling you have accumulated over your busy year.
- Yoga, meditation, stretching or any exercise such as 30 minute walk will take your mind off nagging problems and also metabolize the extra calories you may be consuming.
10. Recovery If you have ignored all of the above and need to check in for some much needed help, after the holidays, book a consultation with your Skin Renewal or Health Renewal doctors to assess and recommend treatments to repair and prevent long-term damage! In the meantime we hope you have a great time during the festive season and wish you all the best.