Healthy Skin
Friday, October 01, 2010
When I pose the question "what is your biggest beauty concern?" the reaction I usually get is "my skin." From breakouts to dry ares, from dullness to imbalance, our skin can be a stressful situation. Fortunately there are lotions, potions and other solutions out there to put your top three skin issues to rest once and for all.
Prob: Acne
Sitch: You feel that, as an adult, you would like to leave acne, zits and blemishes where you left your stirrup pants: way in your past. Unfortunately just because you are past puberty acne can hit and hit hard. Hormone imbalances, diet and impurities (i.e. free radicals, environmental toxins, stress) can all lead to breakouts.
Fix: Detoxing is a great way to go to rid your skin of buildup and pore clogging nastiness. A facial designed for your skin is the ultimate detox and we highly recommend "Extraction Satisfaction" at Alayne White Spa in Bristol or Providence. For $70, your skin is rid of all that ails you and leaves you with a fresh canvas. Not into a facial service? Go green with Ava Anderson Non-Toxic skincare, which rates a "0" on the Cosmetics Database. Ava fans rave that their skin cleared up using the brand's all-natural skincare products that rely on nature to get the job done.
Prob: Dryness
Sitch: You're itchy, flaky, dry, annoyed. It happens to the best of us and it isn't fun. What your skin is in desperate need of is moisture and plenty of it. Moisture will plump the skin, fade fine lines and wrinkles and give your skin the hydration it craves.
Fix: Be sure you're using the right products, ones that are formulated to hydrate the skin and infuse it with moisture. Many times we steer clear of products that may seem too heavy for fear of an oil explosion but if you are dry, you need to hydrate. Dermalogica makes Super Rich Repair ($77, Facing Thayer, Providence, which targets chronically dehydrated skin and it also inhibits inflammation which can cause dryness and redness. We also enjoy good ol' 100% Jojoba Oil by Desert Essence ($7, Whole Foods, Providence). It absorbs into the skin to make it soft, supple, smooth and never greasy.
Prob: Dullness
Sitch: You glow, at least on the inside; but you want that inner spirit to shine through into your skin. The dullness of your complexion has you feeling glum but not to fear!
Fix: Exfoliate, my friend, scrub on, scrub off. Dead skin can build up on the surface causing dullness and discoloration. The best way to beat this beast is to slough it off. If you want to be bold, go for a Microdermabrasion Facial at The Apothecary Newport ($100 introductory offer!). This treatment will help improve look, texture and overall skin health. A DIY kind of gal? Get thee to the kitchen and mix kosher salt or sugar with olive oil to form a paste. Scrub gently for about five minutes and rinse; easy, quick and it works.
A Few Notes: Your skin is an organ so important health care is vital. Eating enough fruits, veggies and healthy fats will help to maintain skin cell renewal to keep your skin looking its best. If you have major issues, concerns or questions, your best bet is to visit a dermatologist who can help you determine the best course of action.
Got beauty problems? E-mail me at [email protected].
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