The
Media tells us there are hundreds of products we can't live without,
yet many women with beautiful skin have spent their lives washing
with water alone. Is that enough? Probably not, but if you're longing
for radiant skin, it may not be as difficult to achieve as you thought.
The following skin care guide will help you attain that healthy
glow.
Cleanse
It's that easy. You should wash your face morning and night with
a gentle cleanser. Water alone cannot remove the grime that clogs
pores. Some experts recommend using a lipid, or "soap-free
cleanser" in order to remove dirt but retain the skin's natural
radiance. You may need to look for a cleanser specific for your
skin type (see Quick Tips). When drying your face, blot with a towel.
Moisturize
Healthy skin is hydrated skin. Apply a good moisturizer after cleansing
your face and any other time your skin is feeling a little dry.
At night the body regenerates the skin's natural oils; when the
skin is too dry the body compensates by secreting more oils which
could make your skin greasy and prone to blemish. Thus the moisturizer
you use at night should be thicker, with more oil than your daily
cream (Marchese). But don't rely on moisturizers alone; dry skin
is a good indication that your body is dehydrated and needs more
water. H2O is the best product for your face, and it's free.
Note: When searching
for the right cleansers and moisturizers Sandra Marchese Johnson,
MD recommends avoiding skin care products with 10 or more ingredients.
This is a good yardstick for finding the most gentle and natural
products for your skin.
Protect
from the Sun
The media often portrays healthy individuals as being tan. Unfortunately
too much sun exposure can be damaging and dangerous. The Melanoma
Center says melanoma, the most dangerous of skin cancers, is "the
second most common cancer in women between the ages of 20 and
35, and the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 25 to
30" ("Melanoma Statistics"). That alone should
discourage us from being reckless in the sun. But if that isn't
enough, too much exposure also causes sun spots and reduces the
skin's elasticity, advancing the effects of age. To protect yourself
be sure your daily moisturizer or sunscreen blocks UVA and UVB
rays and has an SPF of 15 or greater. Apply 30 minutes before
going outside and reapply if you are in the sun for more than
two hours at a time.
Miscellaneous
Treatments
Aside from cleansing and moisturizing there are other optional
facial treatments that can enhance your skin care regime. The
necessity of the following treatments often depends upon your
skin type and personal needs.
Astringents and Toners. Astringents
and toners are cleansers to be used after washing the face; they
remove dirt, make-up and even cleanser residue caught in the pores.
An astringent is a cleanser containing alcohol. Often those with
oily skin are encouraged to use an astringent after washing their
face. Astringents should be used with caution; the alcohol can
leave the skin dry, causing the body to overcompensate and secrete
even more oils. A toner is a cleanser that balances the pH levels
in the skin. Many experts recommend using alcohol-free toners
to promote skin hydration. Rosewater is a great natural toner.
Facial Masks. There
are different facial masks for different skin problems. Some claim
to moisturize dry skin, other claim to erase wrinkles, while still
others claim to eliminate blemishes. While these products may
work, facial masks are described by many experts as the most optional
step in a skin care regime. Regardless of how beneficial they
are, applying a facial mask can be refreshing, giving you a moment
to pamper yourself physically and mentally.
Exfoliants. Facial
exfoliants are designed to remove dead skin cells, promoting new
skin cell growth. Facial exfoliation can be done with scrubs,
loofahs, masks, cleansers and creams. Because exfoliation can
sensitize the skin you should not exfoliate every day but once
a week at most. Exfoliants are best used by those with oily, normal,
and dry skin but should be used with caution by those with sensitive
skin.
Steam Treatments. A
steam treatment not only hydrates the skin, but it opens pores
and detoxifies. You could buy a facial steam bath from the department
store or boil some distilled water at home, add various herbs
and steep before draping a towel over your head as you sit above
steaming water.
Facials. A facial
includes various combinations of the above treatments, often with
a face massage. This is a good way to kick-start a new skin care
regime or give your old one a boost.
A
Healthy Lifestyle
When asked to share her skin care secrets, Mindy Shoemaker from
Seattle, Washington explained, "To me, skin care is a whole
body experience. It's truly not just "skin deep". I
have found that nutrition plays a very important role in how.
. . skin looks and feels."
Mindy is right; good skin care starts with a healthy lifestyle.
Everything from the food we eat to the amount of sleep we get
influences the way our skin looks.
Water. The importance
of water can't be emphasized enough. If the body is dehydrated
the skin is one of the first things to suffer. Excess dryness
causes the skin to loose its elasticity, which in turn causes
premature wrinkles. Drinking water also cleanses the body, washing
away nasty toxins that might manifest themselves in your complexion.
Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to assure your skin's
health.
Vitamins. Vitamins
A, C, E, and beta carotene are antioxidants that repair damaged
skin and strengthen blood vessels. Topical antioxidants are available
but are not the most affective application. Vitamins work best
from the inside out and in their finest form are taken by eating
fruits and vegetables. (Vitamin A: apricots, asparagus, broccoli,
butternut squash, carrots, spinach, tomatoes, etc. Vitamin C:
cabbage, cantaloupe, cauliflower, grapefruit, orange, raspberries,
strawberries, etc. Vitamin E: green beans, chick peas, sweet corn,
sweet potato, avocado, etc. Beta Carotene: carrots, squash, yams,
peaches, apricots, spinach). If you feel your diet lacking in
these vitamins take a daily supplement.
Omega-Three's. Foods
rich in omega-three fatty acids (fish, nuts, and leafy greens)
nourish the skin. Skin cells are constantly being sloughed and
regenerated. An abundance of omega-three fatty acids facilitates
this process, enabling the skin to have a healthy glow. Deficiency
of the omega-three's has also been shown to cause premature aging.
The health benefits of getting sufficient omega-three fatty acids
is far reaching and affects more than just the skin; research
has shown a diet rich in omega-three's can prevent serious illnesses
including heart disease, diabetes, and possibly breast cancer.
Omega-three dietary supplements are available if you are unable
to get enough through your daily diet, however check with your
doctor first.
Sleep. Ah, sleep.
If we could wouldn't we all jump into bed this moment to begin
a skin-friendly sleep marathon? Unfortunately routinely getting
at least 8 hours of sleep is difficult. It is called beauty sleep
for a reason; at night the body heals itself and the skin is no
exception. With sufficient sleep the skin has more time to rejuvenate
and you'll prevent those dark bags under the eyes and dry skin
that can result from sleep deprivation.
Exercise. Healthy
blood flow is vital for radiant skin. The best way to promote
good circulation is with regular exercise.
Quick
Skin Tips
Normal
Skin.
Oh-so-lucky skin. Clear and evenly textured skin with nearly invisible
pores and perfect pH balance. Continue
doing whatever you're doing and cross you fingers it stays this
way forever.
Oily Skin. Wet and glossy skin
caused by abundant oil excretion.
- When cleansing
use hot water to unclog pores.
- Use alcohol-free,
oil-based cleansers and alcohol-free, oil-free moisturizers.
- Don't
over wash the skin (this stimulates more oil production).
- Only apply
make-up designed for oily skin.
- Take a
vitamin B supplement.
Dry Skin. Caused by weather, environmental
conditions or heredity, dehydrated skin has a dull appearance
and may flake and peal.
- Add more
omega-three fatty acids to your diet.
- Use a
moisturizer designed for dry skin and apply frequently (Vaseline
is a great moisturizer for dry skin).
- Use soap-free
cleansers.
Combination Skin. The "T-zone"
(chin, nose, and forehead) is oily while the cheeks are dry.
- Use a
mild cleanser.
- Apply
a quality moisturizer on dry areas of skin.
- Use products
that normalize skin. Often these contain alpha-hydroxy acids
and are anti-inflammatory.
- Apply
oil-absorbing make-up to the T-zone.
Sensitive
Skin.
Skin prone to blemishing or irritation.
-
Use mild skin care
products and tepid water when cleansing.
- Avoid
gritty exfoliators.
- Avoid
washcloths.
- Use chemical-free
sunscreen.
Acne. Oil secretions become blocked
causing blemishes that are inflamed.
- If you
have chronic acne see a dermatologist. Even regular break-outs
may constitute a visit.
- Wash the
face several times a day with a mild cleanser to keep current
blemishes from worsening.
- Every
other day apply medication containing 5% benzoyl peroxide
Wrinkles. Fine lines become more
prominent with age but can be minimized by taking care of yourself
and your skin.
- Don't smoke.
- Protect yourself from harmful
sun rays by using sunscreen and avoiding extensive sun exposure.
- Follow a healthy skin care regime.
- Use products with alpha hydroxy
acids.
- Moisturize. Dry skin increases
the appearance of wrinkles.
- Remember it's easier to maintain
youthful skin than to repair excessive skin damage.
There's a lot you can do to achieve
healthy skin without buying expensive skin care products. Pick
a couple items from this quick skin care guide that you don't
currently practice and try them out for a few weeks. It might
surprise you how quickly your skin glows back at you in the mirror.
Resources:
Johnson, Sandra Marchese. "Skin
Care for Women." 28 May 2001 University of Arkansas for
Medical Sciences. 24 June 2004
"Melanoma
Statistics." Melanoma Center. 20 July 2004. |
Healthy,
Youthful Skin—through the Ages
The best skin care advice comes from women with
great skin. Regarding skin care, the thing most of these women
have in common is attention to hydration, make-up moderation,
and a regular skin care regime. From 24 year-old skin plus, the
following tips are ageless.
Heidi Widmer from Idaho, 24
“Really,
I think healthy skin is all about drinking water. But, I usually
wash with water only in the mornings and oil of Olay facewash
at night cuz it’s not too harsh on your skin and good at
taking off mascara. If I have a break-out, I like Zest (everyone
says you shouldn’t use regular soap on your face, but it
works for me as far as clearing up problems goes). I’ve
tried lots of different face lotions because my skin is usually
dry and Clinic has the best that I’ve found so far.”
Mindy Shoemaker from Seattle, WA, 32
"To me, skincare
is a whole body experience. It's truly not just "skin deep."
I have found that nutrition plays a very important role in how
our skin looks and feels. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables
as well as getting omega 3 fatty acids (from fish and nuts) compliments
what we actually put on our faces. Drinking 6 to 8 glasses of
water every day is important too. And sleep--something most of
us never get enough of is equally as important. It's when our
bodies heal themselves.
In addition to good nutrition, I would say that using a gentle
cleanser and always wearing sunscreen have kept my face clear
and young. Getting an occasional professional "facial"
can be a great boost for the skin as well--a good tune up. Keeping
the skin well hydrated is also beneficial in preventing premature
wrinkles.
Even doing all these preventative things doesn't mean my skin
is perfect. I still get acne now and then. Don't be afraid to
see a professional. That's what they're there for. What I'm learning
through the years is to accept my "flaws" and be gentle
with my skin as I try to be with myself. The body has an amazing
way of manifesting what's really an emotional and/or "spiritual"
illness as a physical ailment. We can learn so much if we look
beyond the surface."
Lisa Davis from Taos, NM, 41
"I
have recently moved to New Mexico from Oregon (where the moisture
made everyday a facial) so my skin care has changed dramatically.
My new regime includes drinking lots of Water, daily Sun Screen,
always Moisturize, and plenty of Sleep. I also rarely wear makeup,
I never thought it looked good on me; I think not subjecting my
skin to the daily tug and pull of makeup application and removal
has actually kept my skin looking young!"
Yvette Arts from Provo, UT, 41
“I
just like the natural approach when it comes to my body. I really
think the most important thing to skin care is the food I eat--making
good skin from the inside out. I do absolutely nothing really
to my face except keep it clean (I love the feeling of a clean
face. I always use a cotton wash cloth and warm water. I use a
mild cleanser in the morning.) and put on a moisturizer (it’s
oil-free, hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic). The only make-up I
do use are lipstick, eyeliner and mascara. Sometimes I use a concealer
under my eyes when I really need to feel like I look good. Mainly
I’m chronic about lipstick and just stick with lipstick.
I have never liked to use foundations or powders (I perhaps may
in a few years when those delightful wrinkles come. However, I
do want to experience wrinkles in all of their glory because I
love what those lines represent.), because every time I do, I
feel like my face is dirty and needs to be washed. A clean face
with a nice moisturizer is all I need. Oh, and yes, throw in that
lipstick!”
Rhonda Barnes from Clarkston, WA, 55
“I
don't do anything special to my face. I never washed with soap
just water until this last year, and I use Mary Kay cleansing
soap in the morning and Avon Nuetura moisture cream. I drink lots
of water and they say that is good for healthy skin. I have just
been very fortunate to inherit my grandmother’s olive skin
and very few blemish problems.”
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