This really needs to be addressed, but I am not a doctor!

I am, however, an esthetician.

So while I can give you very good advice on what will improve your skin, it is not my place to talk to you about hearth health or bone density. So let’s first go over some general information that relates to my specialty – skin.

There are many things that can and will effect your complexion. As far as nutrition goes here are a few things that you should always be doing:

Drink lots of water - Staying hydrated can have a huge impact on how your skin looks. Just keeping your water intake high can affect your complexion as well as the best antiaging nutritional supplements out there.

Forget about the old “64 oz” a day requirement – you should be drinking 64oz plus an ounce for each year. So if you’re 30, drink 94 oz a day.

Eat the right foods – You know this, but I have to say it again…Eat right! Not only will your skin look better, but you will have more energy, have a stronger immune system, and you will feel better overall. You know what I am talkig about – low fat, high fiber, high nutrition. Dark Leafy greens and colorful fruits should be a part of your diet EVERY DAY!

Don’t Smoke – Okay – this one is a “no-brainer” for your general health, but smoking is also terrible for your skin and facial complexion. One of the best antiaging techniques? Don’t smoke. Forget about all the big health risks (cancer, emphysema, etc) and let’s look at what I really know about – your skin.

• Smoking creates “pucker wrinkles” on your upper lip
• It stimulates oil production
• It stimulates facial hair growth
• It adds toxins to the skin
• It has been linked to dark circles under the eyes

In short, it is BAD for your skin

Okay, now let’s go over some basic antiaging nutritional supplements and how they work.

As you begin to age, you will need to up your intake of various vitamins to help combat part of the normal aging process. Since aging makes the body use nutrients less efficiently, sometimes it makes sense to use an antiaging nutritional supplement.

Here are some of the big ones to be aware of…

Take a stand against Osteoporosis. Vitamin D is essential to keep bones strong and dense. As women age, we really need to take care to keep our Vitamin D levels high. Don’t spend all day in the sun! Rather take a supplement to help your body along. Depending on your age, you may need 200IU to 600IU of Vitamin D – definitely one to discuss with your doctor.

Make sure that you have a nice high intake of calcium as well – also of great importance for bone health.

Heart Health is a big deal. B viitamins have been linked to heart health. Homocystine is a compound that is known to contribute to heart disease and B vitamins like B6 and B12 can keep this compount in check. Folic acid (leafy green vegetables) is also a must have nutritional element.

What about general antiaging nutrition?

It’s all about antioxidants.

It’s going to sound funny, but oxygen actually plays a role in cell destruction. Little oxygen particles slowly destroy cells. Think about it like this – a shiny metal bucket is slowly rusted over time. This is what oxygen does to your cells. Antioxidants combat these oxygen particles, or “free radicals” and prevent cells from being damaged.

So eat lots of antioxidants! Good antiaging nutrition includes antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and beta carotene. Okay, so I am an esthetician, not a nutritionist, but the information here is all part of a strategy to keep your SKIN healthy. The other benefits from antioxidants, hydration, and a healthy diet are just very powerful incentives!

Be careful of all of the hype out there surrounding antiaging nutritional supplements.

WebMD has a great article on antiaging products. A quick, worthwhile read.

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To get started toward great skin, a common sense first step is to come see me so that we can make sure you use the right products and the right techniques. We’ll also get your skin set up with a good starting point.

Now….let’s talk a little more about these steps for an at-home regimen…

I know that this sounds simple, and it is. But…you need to use the right skincare products.

Without using the right facial skincare products for your regimen, you may actually do more harm than good! So let’s take a look at each part and help you learn just what it is that will make this work.

Cleanser – think of this as your preparation work. You have to remove all the dirt, makeup and all manner of gunk off of your skin and out of your pores before the toner, moisturizer or sun protection will work. You can’t moisturize dirty skin! Your cleanser should not contain any alcohol at all. It is important not to dry out your skin and disrupt your moisture and ph balance.

Toner – the next step in preparing your skin for the good stuff. Toner will prepare your skin to receive moisturizer and protective layers. The biggest mistake I have seen (with bad results) is when my clients use an alcohol based toner. Remember: Alcohol = bad! Often toner will just remove any left over cleanser residue and often includes a mild moisturizer like hyaluronic acid.

Moisturizer – this component does the heavy lifting. You need moisture in your skin for it to be healthy. I have had so many clients and friends so backwards on this. Just because you have oily skin does not mean you shouldn’t moisturize! In fact, no moisture might just be your oily skin problem! So you say, “Huh? Too little moisture makes my skin oily?”

That’s exactly what I am saying. If you constantly deprive your skin of moisture and then exacerbate the problem by using alcohol based toners and drying cleansers, you may well be stimulating your skin to produce more oil. Great skin care is all about balance.

Protection – From the SUN, that is. I see more sun damage on more faces – you wouldn’t even believe it. I see so much of it, I now have my husband pointing out people on TV…”Look at the sun damage on her face, honey…” Well, I’ve done a good job at teaching him, but it’s you I’m trying to help! The sun is great – it keeps us healthy and makes us look vibrant and energetic.

Just not too much of it.

After you have cleaned out your pores with a properly balanced alcohol free cleanser. After you have gently applied an alcohol free toner. After you have moisturized (even if you have oily skin). The it’s time to apply sun protection. This will vary depending on your pigmentation, but I recommend at least spf8 for your sun screen. This may even be part of your moisturizer, which is fine.

These steps should be taken every day. And don’t forget to clean your makeup off every night before bed! Then, once you are doing your part at home, come in for a professional facial.

I’ll help you by making sure you have the right products for your skin and ultimately to have GREAT skin.

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