Skin care guide

GUIDE TO HEALTHY SKIN

LIMIT SUN EXPOSURE

This is the single most important thing you can do to stop premature skin aging.  Nothing we do breaks down the skin faster than exposure to UV rays.  It breaks down elastin, causing the skin to sag, stretch, wrinkle and lose its ability to return to normal.  Yes, we do need some sun for the vitamin D, but experts recommend no more than 10 minutes per day for a fair skinned person.

Stay out of the sun between 10 and 4. If out in the sun at any time, wear sunscreen. We recommend a physical barrier sunscreen to eliminate skin irritation, provide long lasting water resistant protection and to avoid stinging in the eyes and other sensitive tissue.

EAT HEALTHY

A healthy glow caused by good nutrition is something that no makeup or cosmetic will ever be able to mimic. Limit your intake of processed foods, and stick to fresh (organic if possible) produce, lean proteins, and whole-grains.   The best foods for healthy skin are:

• Avocados
• Fatty fish
• Walnuts
• Sunflower seeds
• Sweet potatoes
• Red and Yellow bell peppers
• Broccoli
• Tomatoes
• Soy
• Dark Chocolate
• Green Tea
• Red Wine (a glass, not a vat!)

STAY ACTIVE

Everyone knows that an active lifestyle promotes a healthy body and mind. Aerobic exercise helps the skin eliminate waste and airborne toxins.  If you live by the sea, get wet!  The salt water will cleanse the toxins and replenish vitamins and minerals. Stay fit an you’ll enjoy the benefits of healthy, glowing skin.

HYDRATE

Drink plenty of water. It’s the most important way to keep your skin hydrated from the inside. Purified water without carbonation will give you the best results. Keep in mind that alcohol dehydrates the body (and skin), so try to avoid it in excess.

SLEEP

There’s a reason they call it “beauty sleep”. The skin corrects itself and rests as you get your zzz’s. You should aim for 8 hours a night.

DON’T SMOKE

Smoking makes your skin look older, gray and contributes to wrinkles. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outer layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients, such as vitamin A, that are vital to skin health. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin.

CLEANSE

Use a soap and sulfate free cleanser, wash skin gently with lukewarm water, close to your body’s temperature. Hot water opens pores and washes away skin’s own oils. Cold water closes the pores and makes it hard to clean the skin effectively. We recommend 2x per day, morning and night, followed by a quality moisturizing cream.

BE GENTLE

Hot water and long baths dry out skin. Pat your skin dry after washing.

MANAGE STRESS

A stressful state of mind comes out in pores in the form of a breakout. Set reasonable time limits, scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. Consider incorporating deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or anything else that makes you feel relaxed, into your daily routine.

ADD MOISTURE

Use a quality anti-aging moisturizer, as it will saturate all layers of the skin by using key ingredients such as: hyaluronic acid, protein activating peptides, and age-reversing antioxidants.  We can recommend a great one if you like.

GOOD NEWS

A healthy lifestyle, combined with a skin care regimen including Dermagenics cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen will prolong your glowing, healthy skin and produce a youthfully moisturized skin texture.