It has been said that you are what you eat. Increasingly, that truism is shaping many aspects of good health, including skin care aimed at promoting a youthful glow. Amazingly, some relatively simple changes in diet can greatly improve skin’s appearance.
Facial cleansing with water, upon waking, then using a gentle cleansing product before bedtime, will assure removal of the day’s dirt and makeup. Toner may follow, depending on individual preference, as many are now less drying, formulated to offer additional hydration and remove makeup traces left behind after cleansing. The final, and necessary, step is moisturizing, beneficial to all skin types. With products designed to work with various complexions, a lighter weight moisturizer may be applied for daytime, especially pre-makeup, while a heavier cream can be applied for sleeping. Additionally, using an exfoliant, 2-3 times a week, sloughs off dead skin cells, stimulates cellular energy and promotes a nicer looking complexion.
What else does skin favor? Avoiding excessive sun exposure keeps it younger looking. Facial sunscreen is a smart daily habit, and many moisturizers and makeup foundations include it, making things easier. Besides applying sunscreen to exposed areas when sunning more than 15 minutes, an overall body lotion applied after showering will keep everything feeling suppler.
In the morning, after face washing with water or a gentle cleanser, following with moisturizer is critical. Light textured moisturizers are preferred when preceding makeup; those used at bedtime, after cleansing to remove dirt and makeup, are often thicker and creamier, conducive to sinking into skin layers during sleep. Although toners can be added between cleansing and moisturizing, they are optional and subject to individual preference. They are now formulated to be more hydrating, as well as refreshing.
Skin responds well to a daily cleansing and moisturizing regimen. Products should be age and complexion compatible. Washing with water suits skin that has been cleansed the preceding evening. Following with a toner to refresh is optional, while using moisturizer, preceding makeup, is crucial to creating a barrier that replenishes and locks in hydration for suppleness. A similar bedtime routine includes a gentle cleanser to remove makeup and dirt, followed by a toner if desired, then concludes with a moisturizer to penetrate skin layers during sleep.
Happy skin is rested, relaxed, and the beneficiary of blood circulation enhanced by exercise. Skimping on sleep or exercise promotes stress, antagonistic to good skin, promoting lines and wrinkles.
Nothing makes skin happier than treating it kindly with diet, cleansing, and moisturizing; but getting enough rest, having time to relax, and getting the blood pumping with exercise will ensure more beautiful skin with fewer wrinkles at any age. Furthermore, keeping it protected from overexposure to the sun will maximize skin-loving efforts and pay off dividends in aging with grace and beauty.
This was written by a leading dermatologist, who specialises in anti-aging treatments and skin care. Has recently reviewed and recommends the following product: dermalogica age smart