Spring sunshine hints at the warm summer months to come and thoughts of peeling back our layers of winter clothing.

Your skin can really suffer during winter, being stifled under vests and thick jumpers or exposed to harsh cold weather and by spring it can feel dry, flaky and dull.

Natural skincare products are great for cleansing and moisturising whilst eating foods that nourish your skin from within can help redress a wide variety of chronic conditions including sensitive skin, acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Your skin is covered by a fine layer of natural oils which protect it from damage and retain moisture in the top layer of skin cells. This natural oil barrier is affected by harsh skincare products and a diet low in healthy fats and water.

Including cold pressed flaxseed oil in salad dressings, smoothies or yoghurt, drinking plenty of water and eating fresh oily fish, nuts and seeds several times a week tops up your levels of healthy fats and maintains your skins hydration and oil balance.

Even if you have oily skin you still need these fats otherwise your skin produces more oil to compensate for a lack of them.

Eczema is derived from the Greek work ‘exzein’ which literally means ‘to boil over’ and skin looks sore, red and inflamed. From a naturopathic viewpoint, your skin is a reflection of what is going on inside the body and if your liver and bowels are not getting rid of wastes properly, this will affect your skin!

Food intolerances are frequently a factor in both eczema and psoriasis as they can trigger your immune system and produce skin inflammation.

Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables and dark green leafy veggies provide minerals, antioxidants and fibres that support your liver and bowel health and help your skin to heal and recover. Green juices made with fennel, watercress, parsley and cucumber are an easy way to get skin boosting nutrients into your day.

Vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc are warriors in the fight against wrinkles. They have been shown to protect and maintain collagen, the substance which plumps up skin keeping it firm and supple. Collagen production declines from your mid-30’s onwards so including kiwis, strawberries, peppers, parsley, avocados, Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds is vital for looking after the collagen you have left!

Cellulite is a real problem for many women (we suffer with it more than men folk!) and is caused by sluggish circulation in your lymph, the clear liquid that carries fat molecules and wastes around the body.

Unlike blood flow which is regulated by the heart, lymph doesn’t have anything to pump it around the body so it stagnates easily. Drinking plenty of water and keeping active are essential for healthy lymph flow.

Dry skin brushing is a useful technique; before a bath or shower brush your skin with a bath brush, using upward strokes that aim towards your heart. Your skin will feel tingly and invigorated and the lymph will get moving!

- Sally is a York based Nutritional Therapist who enjoys helping people make positive changes to their health and wellbeing with foods, supplements and lifestyle changes.

Find out more at nutritioninyork.co.uk where you can get her free information-packed report Your 3 Easy Steps to All Day Energy, and start feeling better today.