We usually have a choice: we can accept what's happening to us
or we can empower ourselves and try to modify the situation.
Genetics, past and current behaviors, gravity and time are tough
adversaries but there are actions you can take to lessen their
influence. Here's what you can control to resist those pesky
fine lines and wrinkles.
Basically your skin reflects external factors and the care
you're taking of yourself. If you're sick or stressed or
stretched or tired, these conditions show. Your skin, especially
on your face, may appear dull or drawn and show blemishes and
signs of aging.
Personal care- Try to squeeze in a few minutes, twice a
day, to do the four or five simple steps for healthy skin:
cleanse, exfoliate (lightly), freshen or tone, moisturize and,
in the morning, protect. Many brands, like Mary Kay Inc., are
combining the cleanse-exfoliate-freshen steps into one with a
comprehensive facial product. You'll start to see the results of
increased personal care in clearer, smoother skin within two to
three weeks. That's a great return on investment for a small
amount of time spent.
Diet - We all know the benefits of a good diet.
Generally, when you're healthy so is your skin*. You can follow
a special diet for a desired result or just get your daily quota
of vegetables, fruits, bran and water to improve your skin.
Hydrating the skin from inside, by drinking sufficient water,
and from outside, by using moisturizers, helps plump up the
skin. (Facial moisturizers may contain humectants which draw
moisture. When used around the eye area, humectants can cause
puffiness. For the eye area, choose specially-formulated creams
to moisturize.)
Exercise - Diet and exercise; we've heard it before. For
the skin, exercise results in increased circulation (oxygenation
and cell turnover), sweating (removal of toxins) and improved
skin tone, among others. Exercise reduces stress which helps
with outlook, attitude and even facial expressions (good ones).
Sleep, rest, relaxation - Being well-rested enhances our
bodies and looks. If a good night's sleep is a luxury, fit in a
short break during the day to recharge. Do something that suits
your lifestyle and personality with the goal of temporarily
relaxing your body and quieting your mind.
Sun exposure and the environment - External factors
affecting your skin include direct sun, poor quality air, heat,
cold, humidity, dryness.
To prevent bad effects from exposure to the sun, wear a
sunscreen or sun block on unprotected skin year around. Select
one that's been approved by the Skin Care Foundation with an SPF
of 15 and over. Ingredients that are considered particularly
effective include Parsol 1789 a.k.a. avobenzene (a sunscreen)
and titanium oxide & zinc oxide (sun blocks).
To reverse damage from past sun exposure, consider products that
exfoliate the skin and stimulate collagen production. These
include mechanical exfoliants such as microdermabrasion (Mary
Kay Inc.), retinoids or Vitamin A derivatives (Renova and
Retinol) and antioxidants.
Other behaviors - In addition to poor diet, lack of
exercise, insufficient sleep, unprotected exposure to the sun
and environment, cigarette smoke and excessive alcohol
consumption wreak havoc on skin, especially the delicate skin of
the face and neck.
That's a quick introduction to the factors that affect the
health and aging of our skin and the conditions we can control.
Stay tuned for more details!
*For specific skin conditions, please consult a board-certified
dermatologist.
© Copyright 2006. Charlotte Maddox. All rights reserved.
About the author:
Charlotte is an experienced independent beauty consultant with
Mary Kay Inc.
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