ÔWINTER SKIN CARE- OUTER VITALITY
REFLECTS INNER HARMONYÕ
For centuries the female of the
species has fought the outer reflections of aging- wrinkles, age spots, dry
skin and poor skin color. The main defense was usually a moisturizing lotion
applied directly to the skin to prevent dryness. Those that could afford it
might resort to various kinds of surgical procedures to tighten and lift
sagging skin around the eyes and chin. Not many options to choose from. Once,
only a womanly pursuit, men now find themselves needing to take better care of
their skin as well.
Thanks mainly to the revolution in
the natural health care industry, driven by a hungry market of consumers we now
have an entire arsenal of new products available to battle telltale signs of
aging. The shelves now lined with natural beauty care products can make
choosing confusing if you donÕt know what to look for. But before we look at
some of the newest and best products that can help you look younger, letÕs look
on the inside first.
Your skin is the largest organ of
the body, and your skin is a direct reflection of internal harmony and general
health of the system. The skin has several important jobs including insulation,
excretion of certain waste products as well as absorption and, protects us from
the outside world. As we age the skin naturally looses its elasticity through
use and abuse- over exposure to sun and wind, smoking, illness, poor diet and
frowning. Frowning uses 72 muscles in the face, where smiling only uses 12.
Care and feeding of the skin
includes a balanced diet of whole foods- grains, fruits, vegetables and plenty
of fresh pure water. Sulfur containing vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli,
brussels sprouts and kohlrabi are particularly good to help keep the skin
surface smooth. Other important supplements that feed the skin internally
include vitamin B complex, vitamins A and E, and primrose or fish oil. You can
also feed your skin from the surface with things like cocoa butter, jojoba oil,
sesame oil, aloe vera and citrus seed extracts high in vitamins A, C, & E.
Here are some of the yeas and nays
from the experts on skin care:
After age 13 soap is out for the
face. It is too drying and tends to leave a film on the skin that clogs the
pores and keeps the skin from breathing. In its place use a moisturizing
cleanser that does not contain alcohol followed by a toner. The toner will help
tighten pores while allowing the skin to breathe.
Two-three times weekly use a
moisturizing mask of citrus enzyme. My favorite is a green papaya enzyme by Zia
Cosmetics. These enzyme masks exfoliate outer dead skin cells and allow newer
cells to be more fully moisturized. Your skin will have a newer softer feel and
more of a natural glow.
An antioxidant moisturizing cream
with vitamin C is next. Apply twice daily. The new darling of the skin care
world, vitamin C applied externally has actually been proven to help reduce
skin lines.
Another break through is exercising
the face. These exercisers fit in the mouth and exercise many of the major muscle
groups around the mouth, neck and cheeks. Firmed toned facial muscles naturally
reduce sagging and the hollowness that appears in the cheek muscles with aging.
Regardless of your age you can have
more youthful looking skin. Work first with foods, inner balance and peace.
And, remember a smile is always your best beauty cream. Till next, time,
Rebecca.
12/6/08