Although oats are commonly eaten at breakfast time in porridge or muesli, they are often used in baking, too – especially in bread and biscuits. Besides containing lots of fibre, oats are an incredibly nutritional grain containing potassium, iron, thiamine, magnesium, zinc, calcium and vitamin E, amongst other things. Oats are easily digested, they are a great source of energy and because of their fibre content, they’re good for people who suffer from constipation.

Using oats in muesli

Dr Bircher-Benner, known for his clinic in Zurich, is the man who devised the oat-filled muesli ‑ a complex carbohydrate breakfast. His muesli breakfast included rolled oats that had been soaked in apple juice for several hours – combined with lemon juice, chopped almonds and grated apple.

He chose to focus on oats because of their nutritional and fibre content. The fibre in oats was found to be different from the fibre found in wheat bran – the ‘gooey’ substance was thought to improve various diseases including diabetes and heart conditions.

Variations of this muesli recipe include adding yoghurt and honey or even fresh cream. One could also add chopped up fresh fruit or soaked fruit, as well as various nuts and seeds.

Using oats on your skin

Oats are good for exfoliating your skin. Grind down a batch of rolled oats and mix the oats together with an egg. Massage the mixture over your face, while avoiding your eyes. Leave the oats mask on your face for about 10 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. Freshen up with some cold water afterwards.

You can apply oats to the rest of your body, too. If you don’t like the idea of using egg, then add some water to the ground oats. By rubbing the oat mixture over your skin you’ll help sooth rough areas.

Strawberries are as good for your skin as they are with champagne. They’re packed with antioxidant vitamins to help combat ageing, they contain natural exfoliating substances and they’re very soothing to irritated skin. If you have dry skin, puffy eyes, rough heels or acne, read on for some berry-based skin fixes that take minutes.

Dry skin

Strawberries, cream and honey – you may feel tempted to eat this face mask rather than put it on your skin. Honey and cream are both excellent natural moisturisers that keep tired skin supple and nourished. At the same time the salicylic acid in strawberries exfoliates, giving the skin radiance. Mash or blend two large strawberries, a tablespoon of heavy cream and a tablespoon of honey. Apply to clean skin for 10 minutes, avoiding the eye area.

Puffy eyes

Strawberries help with puffy eyes and their lightening effect on the skin helps combat dark circles. Blend strawberries with cucumber and a little aloe vera gel and use as an eye cream morning and night. Keep the mixture in the fridge for no more than three days. For an even quicker remedy, simply slice up a strawberry that’s been kept in the fridge and place a slice under each eye for 10 minutes.

Rough heels

Nobody wants rough, dead skin on their feet exposed when wearing sandals in summer so exfoliating often is a must. Try mixing eight strawberries, two tablespoons of olive oil and a teaspoon of coarse sea salt into a paste. Massage well into your feet and rinse well before applying your favourite foot cream.

Acne

To help with acne, blend half a cup of sliced strawberries, a tablespoon of live yoghurt and a few drops of tea tree oil. The strawberries will help by exfoliating while the yoghurt and tea tree oil will kill bad bacteria. Leave the mixture on your skin for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

Bruises happen. When you bump into something – or something bumps into you – blood vessels deep underneath the skin are damaged, and blood from these damaged blood vessels pools near the skin’s surface. This is what causes the blue-purple colour of a bruise. Bruises aren’t pretty, though, and if they’re in a visible spot you may want to cover up to hide them. Try the following steps and you may not have to.

Ice the bruise

If your skin isn’t broken, put ice on a bruise before it forms. Ice will constrict your blood vessels, meaning less blood will seep into the skin. Ice will also reduce swelling and numb the area, reducing pain. Put a cold pack on the injured area as soon as possible and hold it there for 15 minutes. If you don’t have an ice pack, use a small bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel.

Then heat it

Twenty-four hours after icing the bruise, apply some heat. This will dilate blood vessels, improving circulation. The body’s natural mechanisms for removing the blood in a bruise will be sped up, and your wound will recover faster.

Prop up your feet

Blood runs downhill. The blood in a bruise is no exception. Putting your feet up will limit the amount of blood from the bruise that moves to other areas. Propping up your feet will also help with swelling.

Eat C

You could be deficient in vitamin C if you bruise easily. Vitamin C keeps your skin and blood vessels in good condition. Boost your C intake by eating citrus fruits, peppers and green leafy vegetables, or take a vitamin C supplement every day to build up the collagen in your skin.

Vitamin K cream

Vitamin K cream helps your blood clot. Ask your pharmacist for a tube and then apply it to the bruise a few times a day until it clears up. Boosting your intake of vitamin K will also help prevent bruising. Add more green leafy vegetables, broccoli and some seaweed to your diet.

If your bruise is still bothering you after following all these steps, you can always use make-up to cover it up.

Acne is a common skin problem that causes pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, sores and pustules to form on the arms, neck, back and face. It is due to increased hormonal changes in the body and mostly afflicts those between the ages of 13 to 17. It can also carry on into adulthood and is both painful and embarrassing. Many have debated whether food can actually cause or solve acne and you will hear different answers from different experts. The truth is that although food is not the only factor causing acne, it can aggravate it and eating healthily will benefit your skin whether you have acne or not.

How does food affect your skin?

One of the main functions of your liver is to detox your body of all unnecessary and harmful toxins. If there are too many toxins for your liver to process, an alternative route of detoxification is the skin. Acne can show an imbalance in the body caused by too many absorbed toxins, which will only make the condition worse.

What foods should you avoid?

Foods which may aggravate your acne are dairy products, processed foods, refined carbohydrates and caffeine. In other words, junk food, instant food, chocolates and coffee (which dehydrates the body). Much of the processed food on the market is high in fat, but contains little to no nutrients and full-cream dairy products are also very high in fat, giving your liver extra work to do.

Good food

Foods which can ease the stress on your liver and are more beneficial to your body are fresh fruit and vegetables, fibre, oats, lentils and anything rich in vitamins and nutrients. Food rich in beta-carotene which can be converted to vitamin A is especially good for your skin. These are vegetables, orange coloured fruits such as tangerines and red fruits like tomatoes.

Acne affects your most public feature, the face, and can cause emotional trauma to those affected. Drink lots of water to keep the body hydrated and make sure you sleep for at least eight hours a night to ensure that your body is fully revitalised each day.

Manhattan dermatologist Francesca Fusco virtually glows. You don’t want to take health advice from someone who doesn’t practice what she preaches, but take one look at Dr Fusco (see her on a CBS segment here) and you’ll likely be sold. Named ‘New York Super Doctor’ four years running by the New York Times, she is assistant professor in dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and contributes regularly to Marie Claire, Shape, Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health. Here’s what she has to say.

No more yo-yo dieting

‘Rapid gains and losses of 10 or more pounds stretch the skin, making it slower to bounce back, so preserve your face by maintaining a healthy weight. If you’re already starting to see sagging, heat and ultrasound technology – like the FDA-approved Ultherapy – will do the trick.

‘It heats up the collagen deep within the skin and allows it to contract and shrink, giving you a tighter look. The procedure takes an hour at your doctor’s office, and you’ll see full results in four months.’

SPF, SPF, SPF

‘I owe my spotless skin to my mom, who was vigilant about keeping me in the shade and applying sunscreen. And I’ve maintained the same SPF-wearing habits in adulthood. Every day I dust a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen powder over my regular SPF day lotion and makeup to deflect light, make my skin look flawless, and add an even stronger protective layer. It’s also handy for controlling midday shine in oily skin types.’

Caffeine for tired eyes

‘Dark-circle products that contain vitamin K or caffeine (both of which stimulate blood flow to prevent pooling around the eyes) are effective if you use them every day. Pop the product in the refrigerator – cold temperatures constrict blood vessels and make puffiness go down.’

Think retinol

‘If you use only one anti-aging product, make it topical vitamin A, which unclogs pores, prevents the buildup of dead skin cells, diminishes lines, lightens dark spots, and makes skin glow. Apply a pea-size amount of a topical vitamin A cream to your face every night unless you’re pregnant or breastfeeding – it can be toxic to babies.’

And her final tip: exfoliate the skin. Often.

Sun Awareness Week has just passed and experts are still emphasizing the fact that there is no such thing as a safe tan. In the UK over 70,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year and it’s thought too much exposure to the sun is responsible for most of these cases. Four out of five cases of skin cancer are thought to be preventable and skin cancer in children is on the increase. If you think tanning beds are fine, your daily moisturizer is all the protection you need and you don’t need your skin checked by a doctor, read on.

Myth 1: Tanning beds are safe

You may have heard that tanning beds are safe because they emit UVA rays that don’t burn the skin. While this is true, it’s UVA rays that are responsible for deep skin damage that contributes to skin cancer and wrinkles. If you really want to look tanned, use self-tanning creams and bronzer.

Myth 2: My moisturizer protects me

Moisturizers and makeup with built-in SPFs are fine – as long as you won’t be spending much time in the sun. Sunscreen needs to be applied very liberally to work (the accepted guideline is a marble-sized dollop of sunscreen for the face and a golf ball-sized dollop for the body) and it’s unlikely you will use that much product on your skin. Sunscreen also needs to be reapplied every two hours. So if you’re planning a day out, use sunscreen combined with products that don’t offer sun protection. Just be sure to check with a dermatologist that your makeup won’t interfere with your SPF.

Myth 3: I don’t tan and I don’t need a check-up

Everyone, no matter how careful they are about sun protection, needs to have their skin checked by a dermatologist who specializes in skin cancer once a year. Also use the ‘ABCDE’ system to examine yourself:

‘A’ is for asymmetry. If the two sides of a mole are different in colour or shape you should see a doctor.

‘B’ stands for border. Watch out for uneven or blurry edges.

‘C’ stands for colour. A normal mole is the same colour throughout.

‘D’ is for diameter. Melanomas are usually the size of a pencil eraser.

‘E’ stands for evolving. Any changes in your moles should be monitored.

For more information take a look at the British Association of Dermatologists’ printable sunscreen factsheet.

If you have some unusual marks or bumps on your skin you will want to understand what they mean and how to get rid of them. While itchy red bumps could just be a bad case of fleas and beauty spots are completely harmless, you may want to examine them a bit closer. Unusual marks and bumps on your skin sometimes go away quickly but if they persist you may want to consider getting them checked out by your dermatologist.

Razor bumps

Red, itchy bumps that appear on your face, neck, armpits or legs after shaving are razor bumps/burn. Razor bumps can also appear a couple days after shaving as the bumps are caused by ingrown hairs or a skin irritation. If razor burn is a common problem for you consider waxing instead of shaving or use a hair removal cream. Certain aftershave creams also help to reduce redness and razor bumps.

Moles and skin tags

Almost everyone has moles on their skin which appear in the teen years and continue to grow into adulthood. Moles come in a variety of shapes and sizes and while most moles are harmless you will want to keep an eye on them. Skin tags are similar to moles but are flesh coloured and protrude from the skin. Skin tags often occur in multiples. If skin tags and moles change shape drastically or become itchy it may be best to get them removed.

Freckles and birthmarks

Freckles and birthmarks are unique markings that are not harmful or dangerous but big marks can be unsightly. Birthmarks are formed before a baby is born whereas freckles are caused by melanin in the skin reacting with the sunlight. People with fair skin and freckles should be careful in the sun as they can burn easily.

Exfoliation is, simply, the removal of dead skin. Why then is this a glam diva’s secret?  Because, by removing dead skin cells on the surface of your skin, you improve the overall texture of the skin and unclog pores, keeping your skin healthy and preventing break outs.  Removing the upper layer of dead skin also makes it easier for your skin to absorb moisturiser, which will result in soft, moist and radiant skin.

What should I use?

In this day and age skin care is made specifically to target certain skin type, so chances are there is an exfoliator on the market that is ideal for you.  While a person with dry skin may use a gentle product once a week, someone with oily skin may look at using something more abrasive as often as daily to prevent oil build up.  Ideally a normal or combination skinned person would exfoliate twice a week at least three days apart.

Is it just for my face?

Though the skin on your face may be your primary concern, it is important to carry your routine over the entire surface of your skin.  As you would use a moisturiser on your face and on your body, the same applies when considering exfoliation.

You can use a sponge or loofah and an exfoliating body wash to wash your skin using small circular movements.  You can even make your own exfoliator by mixing some sea salt with your shower gel.  Use a pumice stone on hard dry skin like your feet and heels to finish the experience.  Remember to follow with a moisturiser to prevent the skin drying out after having lost its uppermost protective layer.

How often do I need to do it?

It is important to remember that we exfoliate to remove dead skin cells; one would not want to overdo it or scrub too hard to cause damage to the skin by removing cells that are not dead.

Experts believe it’s best to exfoliate two or three times a week, though if your skin is very dry or sensitive you may want to do it less often.  This should not replace any other part of your skin care routine, though, and you should always follow with a good moisturiser to see maximum benefits.

The lengths we’ll go for beauty can reach extreme heights. Would you slather bird poo on your face? Wrap yourself up in hot hay? Probably not. How about soaking your hair in bull’s semen? While these treatments don’t sound very appealing, many women (and men) swear by them. We take a look at some of the more bizarre spa treatments from around the globe – as well as one that’s a little closer to home.

The Geisha Facial

Japanese geishas have used the Geisha Facial, a treatment made of sterilised nightingale poo, for centuries. It’s said the excrement, which contains enzymes that are important for your skin, exfoliates and brightens your complexion. Victoria Beckham is one of the Geisha Facial’s many famous devotees.

The hot hay wrap

Italy’s Hotel Heubad offers an unusual take on the body wrap. The Original Volser Hay Bath has clients soaking in[M1] a hot water bed (it’s heated to 100 degrees Fahrenheit) while they’re wrapped in wet hay grown in the meadows of Alpe di Suisi – and only harvested between July and August. The treatment is said to detoxify the body, clarifying the skin.

Cactus massage

The Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita in Mexico is home to the Hakaliki Massage. Prickle-free cactus leaves massage a blend of cactus blossom and cactus meringue into your skin. The massage is said to remove toxins and hydrate the skin.

Viagra for your hair

At home in Knightsbridge, London, Hari’s Salon offers a hair conditioning treatment known as ‘Viagra for Hair’. The Aberdeen Organic Bull Sperm Treatment is made up of the semen from a bull combined with protein-packed Katera root and promises to moisturise and repair hair.

We’ll stick with good old seaweed wraps, hot stone massage and Paul Mitchell salon treatments, thank you very much.

When it comes to skin problems, you can either treat your skin with topical remedies or you can treat yourself as a whole, by considering your diet and your emotions. This is because causes and solutions of skin problems often go beyond the skin itself, like eczema and psoriasis. Eczema is often seen as an immune reaction to the environment –which results in itchy and swollen skin. This could be due to something one ate, touched or breathed in. Other factors to consider follow.

Internal factors

If you are not eating properly or if you have an allergy, you may develop skin problems – many people are allergic to dairy and gluten without knowing it. Dehydration and acidity can also lead to skin problems.

A proper balanced diet is essential to ensure your body is getting the nutrition it needs. Your diet should give you enough protein as well as sufficient vitamins, minerals, enzymes and essential fatty acids. Visit a nutritionist for some advice on improving your diet.

Emotional problems can also affect the skin, in which case it would be a good idea to get some help or read up on how to deal with various stresses or traumas. Bach Flower Remedies are useful for skin problems that have an emotional base. Otherwise, cod liver oil is a great supplement to take for your skin.

External causes

Soap can also cause skin problems. You may have a reaction to laundry soap, dishwashing liquid or body soap. Some people may get a rash from their clothes if they were washed in washing powder that is too harsh. Other people may react to wearing synthetic clothes or jewellery.

If your soap is too alkaline, you could add a couple of tablespoons of white vinegar to your final rinse when washing your laundry – it will help remove the traces of soap from your clothes.