OH! Magazine - Australian Version March 2018

REBECCA PHOODIE MASON as an option; just make sure the variety you choose does not contain agave nectar. Of course, the sugar ban also extends to soft drinks and alcohol, all desserts (cakes/sweets). If you must, satisfy your sweet tooth by switching to raw desserts such as those containing cacao (contains magnesium, which can also help with stress levels) and natural sweeteners like honey. Ideally, try and steer clear of all sweeteners if you can. 3. Processed carbs: You can swap white pasta for cauliflower rice or zucchini pasta. You can also try using eggplant slices instead of traditional lasagna sheets. Try and steer clear of gluten free varieties of pasta. You can also swap white bread for spelt sourdough. In terms of supplements to combat stress, you could try: • Magnesium – you can use a magnesium spray or source it from cacao (raw desserts here we come!). • Zinc – you can try zinc drops, but remember they are best digested with vitamin C. • Epsom salts – packed with magnesium, adding these to a bath is a great way to relax and destress. The key to fixing problematic skin is to ensure you have a systematic, long term process for effectively and proactively managing your condition. So ditch the short term ‘quick fixes’ and focus on developing a consistent process that includes regular follow up, so that you can address the root cause and improve your skin condition for the long term. 5. Thinking stress has no impact on your skin Testosterone resides just underneath the surface of our skin, so when we’re stressed, it converts into a more complex chemical we’ll just refer to as ‘DHT’. The DHT tells our oil glands to create more oil, leading to an overproduction and overflow of oil which, in turn, feeds the p.acne bacteria, creating more cemented pustules and pimples. Stress, literally, shows on your face or body so it’s important to try and keep your stress levels in check. Natural management techniques can include: • • • • High intensity interval training (HIIT) – getting sweaty and excreting toxins can help manage stress levels Tai Chi Qi Gong Journal writing. OH! MAGAZINE ( MARCH 2018 ) 23

OH! Magazine - Australian Version March 2018 | Page 23