Submitted by Cynthia
I’m sure most of you know that your skin is the largest organ in, or in this case, on your body averaging roughly 20 square feet per person! Because it interfaces with the environment, your skin plays a key role in protecting the body against pathogens and excessive water loss. Its other functions are insulation, temperature regulation, sensation, synthesis of vitamin D, the protection of vitamin B folates and detoxification. When the skin is severely damaged, it will try to heal by forming scar tissue which is often discolored and de-pigmented. Other irregularities in your skin are often good indicators of something gone awry internally in your body.
So what’s best for your skin? Proper diet paired with exceptional external care will protect your skin against signs of dryness, breakout, and severe signs of aging. A healthy diet, plenty of sleep and a skin care routine will help you to achieve glowing, healthy skin.
Do you remember the old saying, “You are what you eat?” It’s true! Cocoa hydrates, yogurt provides protein, while pomegranates protect, and green tea calms. A potent antioxidant, flavonol, is found in dark chocolate… can boost luminosity in your skin. Polyphenol antioxidants, found in pomegranates, fight free radicals and regulate skin’s blood flow. Green tea has a high amount of EGCG, an antioxidant, which is proven fight inflammation.
Sleep is another crucial step towards great skin. Experts suggest 6-7 hours for men and 7-8 for women. Our skin depends on a healthy sleep schedule; one that is restful and supportive. It’s also best to use a pillowcase material that allows the skin to breath such as cotton, linen, or satin. If your skin is acne prone, satin is especially recommended as it does not absorb oil that will sit on the surface of your pillow.
Visit your esthetician monthly. A professional facial will deeply cleanse and exfoliate your skin allowing at home products to work more effective. Monthly visits will also give your skin care professional an opportunity to monitor how effective your at home regiment is working and make any necessary adjustments. These deeper treatments also promote healthy cell turnover which provides healthy, glowing and toned skin. If you can't make it in every month, you should at least come in with the changing of the seasons.
If you don’t have a skin care routine, get one! Even a basic one will yield good results. As a general rule of thumb, you should always use a cleanser, toner and moisturizer from the same skin care line as they are formulated to work with each other. Your skin care specialist knows what products will suit your skin type. They will also stress the importance of daily protection from the sun advising you to always have at least an SPF 30 or higher ….even under your make up!
The combination of professional skin care products and monthly treatments with your esthetician will give you maximum results for smoother, firmer, clearer, more hydrated looking skin!
