Do’s and Don’ts of Skin Care
Our skin is a reflection of our overall health. When we are at balance chemically, emotionally, and functionally, our skin glows and looks as healthy as it can be. However when we are stressed, have hormonal imbalance or are overburdened with toxins from our environment and/or what we eat, our skin breaks out. Here are some do’s and don’ts on how to keep your skin looking its best.
Do’s
Minimize the amount of toxins you are exposed to from the environment and from your diet. Yes, this is a point that we emphasize over and over not matter what the topic. This is because their consequences for our health are significant.- Remember your Beta-carotenes. Beta-carotenes are derived from plants and can improve your skin quality and texture.
- Wash your hands before touching your face, washing your face or putting on skin care products. Our hands contain billions of bacteria that can easily be transferred to your face.
- Medical studies have shown that our face shrinks as we age! Taking supplemental calcium can help support fascial structure and delay osteoporosis and prevent the appearance of wrinkles and loose skin.
- Since your skin is a reflection of how well you are nourished, it is important to have good quality vitamins. Make sure that your vitamins are high in antioxidants like glutathione and Omega-3 oils.
- Do facial exercises on a daily basis. Like every part of your body, your face is made
from a collection of muscles. Opening your mouth and imitating a huge yawn is a good one. Of course, the best exercise is to smile as often as you can. - Stay hydrated! Moisturize comes from within.
- Do get yearly checkups and bring unwanted or changing skin tags and skin moles to your doctor’s attention.
Don’ts
- When shopping for skin care products, it is important to read all the ingredients and avoid any that contain “Glycols” or “PEGS” as they contain potentially harmful chemicals.
- Avoid skin care products that are purely white, especially if they claim to have botanicals or plant-based products. We associate white products as being very pure and clean. However this may not be the case with skin care products. All botanicals have a color or hue to them. If the skin care products looks white, and it says it has natural or botanical products, it is because they were chemically faded or made to look white.
- If your skin care product says it contains antioxidants, then make sure it is not in a clear jar where it exposed to light. Antioxidants break down with repeated light exposure. If you are using such skin care products, make sure they are in tube packaging or at least darkened jars.
Do not skimp on sleep. Lack of sleep can make our bodies release free radicals which are not only harmful to our bodies, but to our skin as well.- Do not go to bed wearing makeup. Leaving your makeup on clogs your oil glands and impacts your skin pores, making them larger. Leftover makeup can also lead to inflammation and increase free radicals.
- And lastly, if you do have an outbreak, see your doctor. Do not pop a pimple. Self-care like popping a pimple can deepen the infection and cause permanent damage. Resist the urge, and think about the long term look and health of your skin.
Great skin happens from the inside out. Make sure you are taking care of the basics when thinking about skin. If you need some extra help, give a call.