Bodyworks - top-to-Toe Maintenance

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Bodyworks - top-to-Toe Maintenance

JUST AS the skin on our faces need attention, so the skin covering the rest of our body also deserves to be treated with care. The hands and feet are constantly abused by extreme temperatures, while the arms, legs and chest all need regular restorative treatments.

Poor circulation is the root of some of our most common skin complaints, especially during the winter months. Cold feet and hands, chilblains, dull skin and cellulite are all linked to sluggish blood flow. Poor circulation tends to be inherited, but the problem is often exacerbated by climate and lifestyle.

Skin glows when blood flows freely through the tiny capillaries lying close to the surface. Poor circulation is often associated with pallid complexions. When skin is cold, the trouble worsens – to reduce heat loss, these blood vessels contract to prevent blood reaching the surface.

Vigorous exercise is one of the best ways to generate heat in the body and bring a fresh supply of nutrient-rich blood to the skin. Brisk walking, running and swimming are all good to get the circulation going in all areas of the body.

To stimulate circulation in specific problem areas like upper thighs and buttocks, brisk brushing of the skin with a body brush or loofah is good. With long, upward sweeping movements, start at the feet and work up the legs and across the hips and bottom. If you have sensitive skin, use a mitt and body wash while showering, as water will minimise friction.

For good effect you will need to body brush daily, twice if possible. After a warm shower or bath a spray with cool water and ideally alternating with warm and cool again is wonderful for the circulation.

Professional massages are most effective for toning the skin. Using specific movements and techniques, the circulation and lymphatic drainage is stimulated thereby bringing better colour and texture to the skin, not to mention relieving aches and pains and bringing relaxation to tight muscles and emotional tension both of which interfere with blood flow. The result is our skin looks and feels better, ages better and our overall function is improved no end.

by Lynne & Sarah Dark of Zest health & beauty