Unless you’re Kate Moss, you’ll know that you can only look your best when you’re looking after yourself. And it’s a beauty rule that only becomes stricter with the test of time. If ageing is catching up with you and your skin, it’s worth asking if the answer is found on the inside. Pam Stone, resident naturopath at supplement specialist company Blackmores, tells us how to get our inner beauty going.

So firstly, what exactly does a naturopath do?

“A naturopath educates and treats a person as a whole. We don’t just look at the specific health complaint a person presents with. We step back and view that symptom in the context of the whole person. We’re never going to get to the cause of that problem by just treating the symptom superficially.”

What are some benefits of seeing a naturopath?

“Often the benefit is getting this sort of holistic approach prior to the need for medication. It’s not to say that patients won’t need to see a doctor or take some other form of medication. But a naturopath can often treat with herbs and nutrients that are very low-risk and have a very low rate of side effects.

Another benefit is that because of the way that a naturopath diagnoses – we look at the eyes, the tongue, the nails, the state of the skin and hair – we can often pick up symptoms before they manifest in an actual defined disease. For example, we may detect early signs of such imbalance as lymphatic, digestive or circulatory problems, or nutrient deficiencies.

But more and more, people are seeing naturopaths not for one particular complaint, but because they simply want to arm themselves with the knowledge and tools to be at optimal health. They want to actually prevent illnesses rather than wait for them to possibly happen. Naturopaths can help people realise the role the diet and lifestyle play in good health.”

You obviously believe in supplements. Which do you most commonly recommend to women?

“Firstly, an antioxidant formula, such as Blackmores Bio Ace Excell. I’m a strong believer in the need for antioxidants for improving the health of the body. So much of what happens to our body involves the process of damage caused by free radicals, whether that’s due to internal processes or the external effects of pollution or the sun or not having the right diet. Antioxidants have been well proven to help slow the ageing process.

I also recommend a fish oil supplement, which delivers omega-3 fatty acids – beneficial for overall wellbeing, but particularly for the brain, eyesight and skin. Vegetarians should take a flaxseed oil supplement instead.

And the third supplement that most women should be adding to their mix is a women’s multi-vitamin mix, like Blackmores Vitality. Even with the best of intentions, it’s often hard to ensure that our diet is giving us the best range of vitamins and minerals each day. A multi is good security and a good nutritional foundation.”

What’s the biggest health problem you see?

“There are two. Either in the hormonal area – whether PMS or menopause or other symptoms that relate back to hormonal imbalances. Or else weight management. Women should see a naturopath as the first port of call in both of these areas because they’ll get advice that is balanced and holistic. You may need to see another health professional later, but it’s best to get the basics right first. It’s amazing how much you can solve problems at this level.”

And what about the biggest health crime?

“Skipping breakfast. It doesn’t have to be a three-course meal but it must be nutritious to set you up for the day and keep your metabolism effective. For instance, a thick slice of good-quality wholemeal organic bread with avocado, or even organic jam or honey if you have a sweet teeth. Other options are scrambled eggs, or fruit with yoghurt and nuts.”

And the biggest health myth?

“I always get asked about fat and I get a little cranky when people cut too much fat out of their diet. We need fat - it’s just that we need to be choosy with the type of fat we have. We must increase our intake of unsaturated fat - like olive oil, nuts, avocado and fish - and reduce the bad fats, the trans fats that are found in processed or fast foods. Women particularly need fat to make hormones, for our skin, and to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins that our systems rely on. Good fats work hard. They don’t settle on the hips. Don’t be scared of them.”

What are your all-time top-three health tips?

“1 – Start every day with a glass of hot water and a squeeze of lemon. It has a detoxifying and cleansing effect and helps keep skin clear.
2 – Exercise. Women need both aerobic (like running or fast-walking - something that keeps heart rate up) and toning or strength work. Do about three to four sessions a week.
3 – Take a women’s multi. It helps maintain good energy levels and ensures you’re getting all the essential vitamins and minerals.”

You recently brought out a skin supplement, Blackmores Radiance – why do we need a skin supplement?

“There are certain nutrients within the skin that the skin relies on for normal function. And the only way we get those nutrients into our skin is internally - via our blood supply. The blood is continuously replenishing the skin with vitamins and minerals that are vital for the function of the skin.

Functions include preventing the skin from free radical damage and oxidation – which helps protect the actual structure of the skin and slow skin ageing – for instance, collagen relies on nutrients such a vitamin C. The skin also relies on good hydration to resist ageing and researchers have found that certain nutrients can increase the hydration effect – things like lutein and lycopene, which are carotenoids. Omega-3s are also very good for skin, by plumping up the skin cells to give greater softness.”

And we can’t effectively get these from skincare?

“Here’s where we need to look at the structure of skin. There’s the outer layer of skin – the epidermis. Underneath is the layer called the dermis, and it’s in the dermis where the collagen and elastin reside and where the damage occurs, causing skin to sag and bag. To influence the dermis level, you need to work from the inside. What you apply externally isn’t going to be absorbed long-term. You might effect some short-term superficial change with certain creams but they’re not really having a deeper-acting effect.”

So can a supplement replace skincare?

“No. And actually, the women who will get the best results are those who are already looking after their skin well. I usually advise women in their early thirties to start taking a skin supplement, to boost their anti-ageing efforts.”

Do you have any other good-skin advice?

“Eat a broad range of vegetables to feed your skin with vitamins and antioxidants. Leafy greens are always great but be adventurous with colours, from red to yellow to orange … Colour denotes the presence of different nutrients in vegetables so it’s good to always have a rainbow.”

You’re also a fan of facial exercising. Can you give us one to try?

“This one is great for toning the throat and preventing a saggy baggy neck - and it’s so easy to do whenever you have a few minutes spare … Sit upright, mouth closed and teeth together. Tilt your head back to look at the ceiling so you feel a gentle stretch in the neck, then all you do is make continuous chewing movements.”

What about one last tip for good health?

“Find positive ways to handle stress. This will be different for different people. It could be a bath, a walk, meditation, a herbal tea. Don’t always reach for the block of chocolate or glass of wine.”