Take a look in the mirror - certain ailments may be staring back a you
GeHORIZONTAL LINES ON THE FOREHEAD
“This may indicate digestive issues,” says Jennifer Young, who owns Beauty Despite Cancer skincare range.
“These can be combated by drinking warm water mixed with lemon juice first thing every morning.”
AGEING LINES AROUND THE MOUTH
“A primary concern for many women is ageing lines around the mouth, which can be caused by smoking,” says Jennifer.
“The effects can be lessened by regularly applying lip balm.” And quitting smoking, of course.
ITCHY EARS
“Itchy ears are often the sign of an allergy or low tolerance,” says Annie Day, a therapist with www.heavenscentbliss.co.uk.
“Psoriasis and eczema here are signs that the person is depleted in vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin.
"Ten minutes with the arms and face exposed will give the body vital sunshine and plenty of vitamin D.”
PIMPLES ON THE FOREHEAD
“This could indicate internal symptoms, such as problems with the liver and stomach congestion,” says Knightsbridge-based skin expert and facialist Nataliya Robinson.
“Drink plenty of water to flush out any toxins. You should also eat more liver-friendly foods, such as leafy green vegetables, and cut out processed foods, as well as caffeine.”
DARK CIRCLES UNDER EYES
“Dark circles that persist despite regular, restful and sufficient sleep may be a result of food intolerances,” says Jennifer.
“Sufferers should remove dairy and wheat from their diet and see if the dark circles lighten.
“Another culprit is alcohol – even in moderate amounts this can cause darkness around the eyes. Try to reduce alcohol consumption.”
DARK CIRCLES ON EYES
“This indicate a possible deficiency of iron in the blood,” says Nataliya.
“Try reducing the amount of stimulating drinks you have, including fizzy drinks, coffee and tea.”
WHITE SPOTS ON EYES
“A series of white spots near the outer rim can indicate a chronic congestion of the lymphatic system,” says Nataliya.
“You should avoid lactose and cow’s milk products.”
RED OR BLOODSHOT EYES
“A red or bloodshot eye can be alarming but is commonly a sign of conjunctivitis or a minor eye infection,” says Boots optometrist Carolyn Norman.
“In the case of conjunctivitis it can be treated using antibiotic drops.
"If it is painful there may be a more serious problem, but in any case you should consult your optometrist or GP.”
SPOTS ON CHEEKS
“These can be caused by not cleaning foundation away properly so the skin becomes congested,” says Helen Ambrosen, LUSH co-founder and product inventor.
“This might be from using a water-based cleanser that does not remove make-up fully.
"Use an oil-based cleanser and take a break from wearing make-up to let the skin breathe.”
ACNE AROUND THE JAWLINE
“Oestrogen is a friend to our skin, suppressing sebaceous activity,” says dermatologist Dr Howard Murad.
“But when levels reduce as women get older, skin lacks lustre and you may experience acne cysts deep in the dermis and commonly found on the jawline and hairline.
“Try eating apricots, shiitake mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and mangos as they all contain vitamin A to normalise the production and life cycle of skin cells,” says Dr Murad.
ACNE ON THE JAWLINE
“Acne here may result from eating lots of dairy, sugar and refined foods, such as burgers, chips, crisps and fizzy drinks,” says Jennifer.
“Eat more fresh foods and replace fizzy drinks with water to flush out toxins. Ensure the affected areas are cleansed thoroughly.”
SORES AROUND MOUTH
“Sores in the corner of the mouth, may indicate a deficiency of B vitamins,” says Nataliya.
“Try introducing more wholegrains into your diet, along with green vegetables and meat – all are full of vitamin B. Alternatively, you could try taking a vitamin B supplement.”
PRONOUNCED FROWN LINE
“A pronounced frown line between the eyes shows the liver is under pressure.
"This could be for physical, environmental and emotional reasons, or an allergy to foods/substances or loss and grief.
"This leads to adrenal overload, known as burnout,” says Annie. “Try gently massaging the brow area with circular moves.”
DRY SKIN/ INFLAMMATION ON THE CHIN
“These are sure signs that there is a problem with the digestive system and bowels,” says Annie.
“Gently massaging in circles and pinching and releasing the chin can help with constipation.”
SMALL BUMPS UNDER THE SKIN
“You may be using too strong a product on the skin,” says Helen.
“Make sure you are choosing the right cleanser. A milder one would be more suitable if you suffer from this.”
DARK PATCHES
“These can be caused by medication or illness so be sure to discuss this with your doctor,” says Jennifer.
“Age spots, on the other hand, may be the body’s way of ridding itself of toxins.
"Eat more fresh foods, drink more water and massage a small amount of castor oil on to existing age spots.”
OILY SKIN
“Oily skin can be caused or worsened by your diet,” says Helen.
“Pay attention to your diet. As you get older, your skin produces less sebum. Choose the right cleanser to keep it under control and use a face mask regularly.”
DRY LIPS
“Dry lips show possible internal dehydration, vitamin B deficiency or you could be low in iron intake,” says Nataliya.
“Check with your GP and hydrate skin by drinking plenty of water.”
PUFFY SKIN
“The skin may be trying to protect itself from a beauty product that is too strong for it,” says Helen.
“Drink lots of water to help drain the lymph system.”