By Dr. Katie Rodan
As summer fades and autumn brings cooler temperatures and more overcast days, some of my patients complain of not looking or feeling their best. Some prefer the look of a sun-kissed glow. Others frequently observe that their mood is affected by the lack of sunshine, a phenomenon known as Seasonal Affective Disorder.Fortunately as we shift seasons, there are some simple solutions to help you maintain that inner and outer summer glow long into winter.
If a little color makes you feel better about your appearance, maintain a subtly bronzed look with a high quality sunless tanner. It’s the healthiest way to warm up your appearance and keep you looking and feeling healthy from head to toe. A slightly darker shade of mineral powder will also give you a warm glow.
Take care of yourself from the inside too by ingesting a vitamin D supplement. The sun isn’t the only source of this valuable vitamin and it’s certainly not the safest. Make an oral vitamin D3 capsule part of your weekly routine. Vitamin D has been linked to a bevy of health benefits including bone health, immune health, skin health, the list goes on and on.
If you still can’t beat the blues, try using an artificial light box specifically manufactured for this purpose. Exposing the eyes to a bright light, can alter your mood by releasing endorphins and resetting your body’s natural circadian rhythm. Simply turn it on and orient it toward your face (I’ve been told especially aim it in the direction of your right eye) as you’re eating breakfast or putting on your make-up.
Give it a week to see if it helps.
Try these three tips and soon you’ll not only stop singing the blues, you’ll be humming a happy and healthy tune!