Article originally published in 30a Review in March/April Issue 2011
Skin. Beautiful Skin. Sensitive Skin. Dry Skin. Wrinkled Skin. Bare Skin. The word “skin” creates so many images…and skin has so many important functions! Skin protects you, cools you, eliminates toxins, allows you to feel touch. Take care of your skin.
Let your skin breathe. Cleanse your skin morning and night. Look for a professional product that is Ph balanced for your skin. By not disrupting your Ph balance as you remove dirt, makeup and excess oils, you will be certain that this process does not dry your skin. Depending on your treatment protocol, you may follow with a toner.
Exfoliation is not just for your face,
but it is terribly important to start there. Everyone wants to eliminate the signs of aging as much as possible. Like the rest of our body, our skin cells work a little slower as we age. In order to trick our skin cells to work a little faster, we can speed up our natural exfoliation process, which then causes our skin to generate new fresh cells to move to the surface. The two basic methods of exfoliation are manual and chemical. A manual exfoliant typically has salt, sugar, or other small grains. These are used both on the face and on the body. Examples of chemical exfoliants include Retin-A, Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid and a variety of milder treatments. Usually these are used only on the face and neck areas, but some products include chemical exfoliants for the body.
Exfoliation also prepares the skin for the application of products to treat skin conditions such as acne, dry skin, signs of aging, discoloration and redness. Every year improved products and technology are developed to treat skin conditions more effectively. Depending on your concerns and conditions, your treatment may include anti-oxidants, peptides, acids, anti-inflammatory and other serums. There are targeted treatments for eye, lip, and neck areas. The latest chemistry works on the size and type of the molecules. This chemistry allows the products to target specific layers of the skin.
Your Esthetician is trained to examine your skin and recommend protocols to improve the appearance and condition. If you have not had a skin analysis and professional products for a while, most certainly you will be pleased with the advances companies have made in skin treatments. There are products to treat every type of skin condition and finding just the right mix is a perfect way to treat yourself in the New Year.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
You have heard it many times before but it is so true. Beautiful skin starts with proper hydration. Plump, fresh skin needs water to make it so. You can hydrate with all types of fluids but of course water is still your best place to start. It is already 2011. Start out the New Year with a gift of a great water bottle and use it!
Once your skin is properly hydrated, do not forget to hold the moisture. The best remedy for the face is Hyaluronic Acid. This miracle serum holds up to 100 times its weight in moisture. It is a found in many products and is also sold on its own. A small drop on you face every morning followed by a light spritz of toner or water will plump up those fine lines and wrinkles all day.
For your body there are many wonderful products to keep the surface of your skin supple. Don’t be afraid to experiment with products to see what works best for you. Shea butter is a great natural product found in many lotions and in many fragrances. In a pinch you can always grab for the baby oil and touch up your elbows, heels and lips. A favorite spa treatment before swimsuit weather starts is an overall “body glow” (exfoliation), followed by a wrap. This relaxing treatment leaves your skin feeling unbelievably soft, smooth and glowing. You can pick from moisturizing, detoxifying, or firming products to maximize the result you seek. Add a massage and a facial to your spa day and you will be ready for summer! But do not forget to finish all skin treatments with sunscreen. Sun damage is the #1 cause of skin appearing older. Proper use of sunscreen 365 days a year is a must for everyone.
The condition of your skin is a mirror of your overall health. Eat Healthy. Exercise. Treat yourself with love and respect.
-Linda Evans, Owner of Beach Ready Spa
