Is your skin feeling dry and irritated? The cold, dry winter weather often leads to poor skin barrier function, resulting in skin inflammation, increased sensitivity, and irritation. Get your skin’s microbiome back in balance this spring with these simple switches.

1. Exfoliate regularly

Try to exfoliate weekly to remove dead skin and renew skin. Create a gentle exfoliant by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground oatmeal with 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of plain yogurt. Gently massage onto damp skin and rinse off with warm water.

2. Keep your skin protected

With longer days of sunshine and blue skies, consider switching up your moisturiser to one with SPF protection. This will help protect your skin from damaging UV rays while keeping it feeling hydrated and healthy.

3. Stay hydrated

Keep hydrated from within by drinking more water. Use a hydrating moisturiser and even consider using a humidifier to keep your skin hydrated.

4 Load up on seasonal fruit & veggies

Packing your meals with nutrient-rich seasonal produce can give your skin a boost. Try adding more Vitamin C rich fruits like citrus, strawberries and kiwi. Dark leafy green veggies and broccoli are packed with antioxidants, which can also help protect and repair skin.

5. Start with your gut

Good gut health can often result in better skin health. Our gut is home to about 70% of the body’s immune system and is key in maintaining immune health and inflammation- your immune system’s first line of defence. Gut bacteria are also responsible for the production of neurotransmitters which send messages through the body’s nervous system. For instance, Acetylcholine is produced in the gut and can influence skin barrier strength. Another neurotransmitter, GABA, helps to modulate sensory signals, including those related to itching.

Eating foods rich in fibre and polyphenols can help to feed and promote the growth of good gut bacteria. An easy way to keep your gut and skin feeling radiant this spring is by enjoying a daily scoop of Care+ Gut Nutrition powder with a 15 ml serving of Raw Honey Probiotic Concentrate with hydrolysed Marine Collagen. Packed with a specialised selection of prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics for gut wellbeing, together with natural functional superfoods such as skin-boosting marine collagen and antioxidant-rich green papaya.