Join me and members of the Menopause Collective chat all things skin, hair and Nails. From the hair on your head and all those places that you’d really rather it didn’t grow. We talk skin and how we can have a glowing complexion as we move into middle life. Drying out in the most inconvenience of places is definitely something that happens in menopause which is almost ironic when you can be dripping wet as you have a hot flush and simultaneously be as dry as the gobi desert. A top to toe tour of essential oils, nourishment from within and how our thoughts can help or hinder our overall wellbeing. Join us for tips and giggles galore as we share stories and enjoy honest, frank conversation. (A summary of the tips are detailed below.)
Join us in the flesh!
Or listen to us while you stroll, run errands, wait for appointments or chill out.
A helping hand for Hair
The essential oil Rosemary is known for stimulating hair growth. Try a twice weekly Rosemary scalp massage just before you get into bed to sleep. Leave this on my hair overnight for best results. Wash hair in the morning if needed. Six drops of the fractionated coconut carrier oil to one or two drops of good quality essential oil to stimulate and invigorate the hair follicles. Lavender is also very good for hair growth, and you could even try putting a drop or 2 of lavender oil into your eye creams to enhance your eyelashes. Brush hair gently with Natural bristle brush and nourish your hair from within with food:
- Eggs for Vitamin A
- Dark green leafy vegetables, carrots, and sweet potatoes for Beta Carotene
- Nuts and Oily fish for essential fatty acids and
- Shellfish, red meat, and pumpkin seeds for Zinc
Glowing Skin
Your skin provides a barrier but also is the reflection of your internal health so if you are glowing on the outside, then you’re glowing on the inside. Skin at this third of our life is very different to how it was the earlier in life. Aromatherapist Claire Ottewell has lined up some essential oils which are particularly good for aged skin or ageing skin:
Frankincense is used for blemishes scars wounds and wrinkles. It is antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory.
Sandalwood is used for acne dry, chapped skin and is antiseptic astringent and bactericidal.
Helichrysum is used for acne dermatitis eczema spots and wounds and is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and astringent.
Patchouli is used for acne athletes foot chat chapped and cracked skin dermatitis eczema open wounds and wrinkles. it is anti-inflammatory anti-microbial antiseptic antiviral bactericidal and deodorant.
Geranium is used for acne, bruises, broken capillaries, congested skin, dermatitis, eczema, and mature skin. it is anti-inflammatory antiseptic astringent and deodorant.
Wild Orange used for a dull and oily complexion, is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic and bactericidal
Source the illustrated encyclopaedia of essential oils by Julia lawless Element books limited 1995
Creams good enough to eat
The best way to apply oils to skin is in creams made with ingredients such as unrefined Shea butter which provides the amino acids to nourish and protect skin. We can mix this together with extra virgin cocoa butter, fractionated coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil. These are all fantastic ingredients for the skin that will allow your pores to breathe but at the same time to provide a barrier against the toxins, the weather and sun damage. These natural products feed the skin, improve elasticity, and can help to manage blemishes and marks.
Out with the old, in with the new!
Try an invigorating and stimulating treat by brushing the skin just prior to showering. I try to do it every day if I can to stimulate the circulation and enhance the lymphatic flow, removing the toxins and sloughing off the dead skin cells. Use a combination of circular and sweeping movements in the direction of the heart aiming towards the lymph nodes at the back of the knees, groin, and armpit.
Nice Nails
Moisturise dry nails when you use hand lotion, rub the lotion into your fingernails and cuticles too. The foods that nourish your hair also will nourish your nails.
Don’t forget your Feet!
Managing the accumulation of dry skin on feet, treating painful cracks and corns is important when it comes to caring for your feet.
Take off your socks and let feet breathe and move your toes. Ideally you should be able to move each toe independently of the adjacent toes. You can practice picking up a loose sock or pencil with your toes to strengthen the foot muscles which support the arches of the feet.
Roll the inside arch of the foot over a tennis ball to massage and release the plantar fascia and if you have a pain or problems act sooner rather than later to prevent it from becoming chronic and thus more difficult to treat.
If you are looking for advice or guidance book a free 20-minute Zoom chat.
Contributors:
Phillipa Butler Chartered Physiotherapist, Pilates and Yoga Teacher and Host
Claire Ottewell Aromatherapist
Jacquie Whur Clinical Hypnotherapist Mind and Motivation Coach
Disclaimer: Please note that any advice we provide in this podcast is for information only, and if you are unsure of its suitability for your specific circumstances, you should consult your medical practitioner if you have any specific health concerns.
