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The only thing more aging to the skin than sun is cigarette smoke. Ninety percent of the ageing your skin experiences is the direct result of your sun exposure history. You may not even consider yourself a sun worshipper but most of the damage we accumulate is as a result of everyday activities like walking to the mailbox or driving (car windows do nothing to block UV rays!) Use sunblock on exposed skin every day, not just when it's sunny. Apply sunscreen 30 to 40 minutes before exposure to allow the active ingredients to begin working.
Your skin needs lots of water to function properly as an excretory organ. Avoid dehydrating beverages like diet sodas, coffee, black tea and alcohol. Sip small amounts (3-4 ounces) at a time, don't gulp the proverbial "Eight 8-ounce glasses." Demineralized skin can't truly benefit from the water you drink so you may want to take a calcium/magnesium supplement daily. Once mineral salts are restored you'll notice a difference.
Your morning cleansing removes waste excreted during your skin's nightly self-cleansing process. An evening cleaning ensures removal of dirt, oil, pollution and makeup. Don't overcleanse and always use toner to prevent dehydration from tapwater residue (picture the glass door in your shower if you think that water leaves your skin "clean.") If you're very oily you may benefit from a light mid-day cleansing as well.
Overmoisturizing can lead to clogged pores and even sagging skin. The correct formula is one that balances water and oil levels in your skin. Moisturizer should make your skin feel comfortable, not tight and not overlubricated.
If you're on a low-fat diet make sure you get enough essential fatty acids (EFA's) or your skin can become dull and dry. Evening Primrose Oil is rich in EFA's which also help relieve PMS. If your skin is acne prone avoid iodized salt and sodium heavy foods, and switch to organic dairy products and meats to avoid hormonal additives. Eruptive, red skin will be exacerbated by spicy foods and an intolerance for dairy products underlies many acne conditions that appear to be "cystic." For skin prone to dilated capillaries, bioflavinoids (found in C Complex supplements) help strengthen vascular tissue and reduce redness and bruising.
Overstimulation from scrubs and hot water is a prime cause of dilated capillaries on the face, dehydration and flaky skin. Use warm water for cleansing and avoid washing your face in the direct spray of a hot shower. Loofahs should never be used on the face, a plush washcloth is much gentler.
While "picking" may seem like it would be helpful in clearing pores this common nervous habit actually creates further breakouts and scarring. A certified hypnotherapist can help you stop the habit. Continuous contact with a telephone receiver can also cause breakouts. Tartar control toothpaste may cause breakout around the mouth so brush your teeth before cleansing rather than after. Fabric softening dryer sheets are infused with machine grade oil which is dispersed onto your laundry. Better to avoid using them on linens. Look for lighter hair products if you tend to see breakout around the hairline or on your neck. Change pillowcases nightly.
Stress creates disease and ages the tissues of the body, especially the skin. Exercise, massage therapy, yoga, aromatherapy, breathwork and meditation are highly effective against stress.
Your skin will tell on you if you're sleep deprived or exhausted. Without adequate sleep your body can't restore and repair itself. Not only will you live longer your skin will look better too.
As with exercise anything you do to your body must be done regularly in order to achieve and then maintain results. We can help you determine a realistic home care and clinic treatment schedule. While initial results can be dramatic the progressive improvement after about one year of regular facial treatments is truly remarkable. Let us help you achieve the skin you deserve to have!
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