Ten Strategies for Gorgeous Skin at Any Age
Posted: Tuesday, November 27, 2007
by Carolyn Zellander
SKINbyCarolz
1. Home Care Regimens
A number of factors determine how we age. Some of these factors we have no control over such as genetics and hormone balance; others . . . nutrition, fitness and how we care for our skin, we can control. No matter how you age or what your age, you can take steps to restore and protect your skin’s appearance and resilience. Simply developing a quality skincare regimen can make a huge difference. A skincare professional (Esthetician) can help you develop a regimen that is right for you and your skin type.
Replenish lipids through the use of a product designed for that purpose and drink plenty of water; every organ in our bodies need water to function properly. Dehydrated cells create damaged cells which form wrinkles. Damaged cells will only replicate other damaged cells, so keep them plump and healthy. How much water do we need? A good rule of thumb: consume amounts equal to one half your body weight in ounces. For example a woman or man weighing 120 pounds should drink at least 60 ounces of water daily. Increase that amount if extremely hot or exercising.
3. Monthly Treatments
Select an Esthetician as carefully as you do your other health professionals. Form a partnership with your Esthetician. Monthly professional treatments allow the professional exfoliation of skin. Exfoliation removes the outer dead skin cell layer (stratum corneum) or some percentage of it. Deep exfoliation accomplishes several things: removes the dead dulling skin cells, rejuvenates by speeding up the cellular renewal process, and ensures better penetration and performance of treatment products. Do not try this at home …leave the deep exfoliation to the professional.
4. Sun Protection
Who needs sun protection? Everyone! Some women of color believe the melanin in their skin protects them, thus eliminating the need for additional skin protection. The additional melanocyte activity does provide some protection; however, no one, absolutely no one, is immune from skin cancer. In addition to three forms of cancer, photo aging (sun exposure plus time) shows up as not just wrinkles, but also age spots; brown splotches; “chicken skin" (the yellowish hue that can appear around the eyes and in other areas); broken capillaries; dryness; cracking; sagging and networks of red, brown and white patches on the neck and chest. Your Esthetician can recommend the appropriate sun protection and corrective products and/or treatment(s) needed.
5. Don’t Over Exfoliate
Be gentle, don’t use harsh scrubs. Excessive peeling destroys the natural protective
layer and, in the long run, (Ultra Violet) UVA rays will break down the collagen. As
Stated in strategy 3, leave the peels to the professionals.
6. Watch Your Diet!
Avoid hydrogenated oils, sugars, spicy foods, excess salts and smoking and alcohol. Hydrogenated oils leach essential fatty acids needed for the lubrication of hair, skin and joints. Sugars are known to produce high levels of free radicals, which in turn threaten the immune system and can slow the healing process. Spicy foods irritate and weaken blood vessels and excess salts irritate colon lining and lead to leaky bowel syndrome. Smoking and alcohol generate excessive free radicals leading to premature aging and skin conditions. Eat first class proteins found in meat, dairy products, or alternative proteins such as soy foods and legumes for cell renewal or repairs, particularly in acne or photo damaged skin. Nutrient deficiencies lead to unhealthy skin conditions and poor health.
7. Vitamin Supplementation
In today’s food market, you will find eradicated and processed foods that destroy digestive enzymes, which are required to extract the vitamins and antioxidants necessary for a healthy body. The Solution? Dietary Supplements. A great number of clients already are using dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, herbs and pre-digested proteins in their daily lives to optimize the health of the skin and body. They are beginning to realize that, in addition to regular facial treatments, healthy skin needs a diet with adequate supplies of both macronutrients and micronutrients in the correct proportions. The skin acts as a mirror for the health of the body.
8. Exercise
Dedicate at least 30 minutes daily for exercise in order to energize the mind and body. Oxygen is an important key to keeping all organs of the body in working order, so keep the circulation going!
9. Relax
Do what it takes to avoid as much stress as possible. Meditate and/or practice a mind body technique such as yoga or Tai Chi.
10. Focus
Keep your mind focused on what is good in your life. Dwell on those things you desire in your life, not those you don’t want or don’t like. Stand at the door-post of your mind and monitor what you allow in …we become what we think about. Always have an attitude of curiosity, learning, gratitude and wonder.
Keep your mind focused on what is good in your life. Dwell on those things you desire in your life, not those you don’t want or don’t like. Stand at the door-post of your mind and monitor what you allow in …we become what we think about. Always have an attitude of curiosity, learning, gratitude and wonder.
Carolyn T. Zellander
Carolyn is an Esthetician and owner of SKIN by Carol Z in Southern CA.
She is also author of the ebook "At Last: One Woman's Journey to Truth"
Http://www.hopeudance.net
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Great Skin care tips........I think they are very helpful, I will definitely exercise them. Thanks for the tips!!
Excellent skin care recommendations/tips. Thank you for posting and keeping us informed!
Excellent skin care tips and recommendations. I was surprised to read the effects of spicy and salty foods. This was so informative and greatly appreciated data. Looking forward to reading many more of your skin care tips.
With all the over eating that happens during the holidays, this article is very timely. Thanks for reminding us to be sensible and diligent about skin care.
Loved the article! Very informative. You answered a lot of the questions I had. Thanks!
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