Alternative Solutions To Winter Stress and Sickness
When you typically think of winter months, you may conjure up lovely thoughts of cosy nights in, or sipping hot chocolate by a roaring fire. But the reality is often feeling rundown due to the blistering cold weather. As with all medical conditions it is best to speak with your doctor first. But if you are looking for an alternative and natural solution to winter sickness and stresses, then the beauty industry is full of great products. Here’s Belle About Town’s guide on complimentary solutions.
Blotchy skin: Nothing helps improve the quality of your skin quite like drinking water and cutting out junk food. But that all takes time. If you want a quick fix then try Masque Bar Anti-Blemish Mud Mask, £6.66. This soothes irritated skin and bumps while helping control excess oil. It works by purifing and and balancing the complexion, leaving skin feeling calm and looking clearer. This comes in three individual packets with the correct amount in each packet to cover your face – so it’s good if you often apply too much product or not enough from a traditional tube.It’s super simple to use, open the sachet and apply the mask evenly over face and neck, avoiding eyes and lips. After 15 to 20 minutes, rinse with water. Buy it from www.boots.com Another great thing you can do to have cleaner and clearer skin, even if you don’t have time for a complicated skincare routine, is to use micellar water. Micellar cleansing waters are great even for sensitive skins but powerful enough to remove eye makeup. Try Avene Micellar Lotion Cleanser and Make-up Remover, £12.50. This no-rinse formula is a must for winter when you’d rather be cozy in bed rather than in the bathroom beautifying yourself. Just keep this and a stash of cotton pads on your bedside time for those times when you come home late and want to drop off to sleep. Buy it from www.escentual.com
Poor Circulation: A poor diet and lack of exercise leads to groggy skin. Soak away your cares and improve your skin with Elemental Herbology Detox Botanical Bathing Infusion Bath Oil, £20. It smells like a spa, which helps to relax your mind and soul. But the real magic is that it helps to reduce fluid retention, invigorate circulation and shift toxins that can manifest as cellulite, leaving you positively energised and revived. It also softens and nourishes the skin. As a by-product I also noticed that my hair was super soft after I had a soak in the bath. But if you don’t have time for a bath, then you can also enjoy this in the shower. Buy it from www.feelunique.com
Cold sore: If you are prone to cold sores then there are many simple step you can take to help prevent a breakout. Replace your toothbrush often as they can harbour the virus in the bristles. Also deal with stresses in your life. The herpes simplex virus lies dormant in the nerve cells just waiting for the trigger to set them off and stress is often a trigger. Also get plenty of rest, and avoid excess consumption of alcohol. But if you do get a breakout then a popular old wives tale is to apply a petroleum jelly to keep the sore moist and to prevent cracking. Try Vaseline Petroleum Jelly Original, £3. Buy it from www.waitrose.com
Chapped lips: Dry lip and winter months seem to go hand in hand. Simple steps you can take to combats this is to use a lip balm. Try the Jojoba Oil Lip Balm by Crabtree and Evelyn.
This convenient pocket size balm,£4, really soothes lips with its fantastic ingredients. The jojoba and soybean oils moisturises dry lips, the gylcerine conditions lips while, beeswax and candelilla wax act to protect lips. It goes on clear so it is also great for the man in your life or a teenager. The fragrance is a blend of lavender and green herbs with a hint of citrus – simply yummy! Buy it from www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk
Headache: Did you know that sometimes, headaches can be caused by dehydration. If this is the case then drink water and try 4head Stick, £4.69, which is a natural headache treatment. It has been specially designed for headaches. Apply it directly to your forehead for fast, effective headache relief without pills. It is suitable for adults and children 6 years and over. Buy it from www.boots.com
Stress: Fragrance plays a massive role in setting your mood. Calm your senses with a reed diffuser – especially in the bedroom – to ensure you have a good night sleep. Always use a reed diffuser when you sleep, and not candles, as a safety precaution. To truly relax the senses try the Garden of Eden Signature Reed Diffuser by Charles Farris, £32 . This will make any room smell of a blossoming garden thanks to its blend of tuberose, lily of the valley, fragrant jasmine and ylang, for a deep, luxurious twist on the scents of the English cottage garden. Buy it from www.charlesfarris.co.uk
Cold: The White Peony Tea by Whittard, £14, is a natural solution for cold symptoms . This subtly sweet and refreshing tea is believed to help sooth cold symptoms as it contains rich, calming antioxidants. White peony leaves are believed to be a natural energy booster. In recent years, white tea has also been linked to a number of health benefits. Containing a high level of the antioxidant EGCG, it is reputed to alleviate the aging process, promoting youthful skin, bright eyes and an all-round feeling of rejuvenation. The tea is also surprisingly high in caffeine, so it’s perfect for providing a bit of a boost. Buy it from www.whittard.co.uk
