Seven steps to healthier skin

With professional treatments, you will see a reduction in age appearance, fewer acne breakouts, diminished rosacea and can gain control over hormonal skin reactions.

by Tasia Bausinger — 

Do you want to attain the most vibrant skin you have ever had and keep it? The following steps can help you accomplish this.

Step 1: Get professional advice on skin products — We know we need to cleanse our skin every day, but do you know which products are right for your skin type? Choosing the right cleanser, toner, exfoliant and moisturizer can dramatically change the appearance of your skin — from texture to blemish breakouts. An aesthetician can determine the best products for you.

Step 2: You are what you eat — By eating a balanced, whole-food diet you will see an improvement in your energy and your skin’s healthy glow. The vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber found in foods such as fresh, organic fruits and vegetables will have very positive effects on your skin. Eating processed foods containing high amounts of saturated fat will make your skin look dull and enhance wrinkles.

Step 3: Protect from the sun — With skin cancer rates increasing each year, a vital step in skincare is wearing a full-spectrum sunscreen every day. The sun’s rays not only cause skin cancer, but also can cause age spots to appear darker,  hyperpigmentation, freckles, wrinkles, and a decrease in the skin’s collagen and elastin. Basically, the sun’s rays make you look older and less radiant. It is imperative that everyone, including children, wear at least SPF 15, even if your makeup contains sun protection.

 Step 4: Exercise — Exercising as little as three to four times a week for 30 minutes — enough to elevate your heart rate — can improve your skin. Exercise improves circulation and strengthens the blood vessels, decreasing the chance of developing broken capillaries, and helps improve the skin’s tone and color. Wash your face and neck after exercising to remove sweat and bacteria that can cause breakouts.

Step 5: Drink more water — Keep your body hydrated with water. Water will plump your skin and give it a nice glow by removing toxins. For some people, eight glasses of water a day isn’t enough. You should be drinking half your weight in ounces of water daily. If you exercise, drink more. Dehydration increases the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.

Step 6: Vitamin A — Vitamin A is known as “the mother of the skin.” By eating foods rich in vitamin A, like carrots and pumpkin, you can achieve more vibrant skin. Vitamin A is the main ingredient in Accutane and Retin-A, which are often prescribed by dermatologists to treat acne. Enhance the beauty of your skin with a vitamin A boost or a pumpkin facial.

Step 7: Sleep — Few people get enough sleep. Eight hours is needed each night, as this is when the body heals itself from daily stressors. The proper amount of sleep also improves how we react to stress, another big factor that can lead to unhealthy skin.

These are simple steps you can take to achieve better skin. With professional treatments, you will see a reduction in age appearance, fewer acne breakouts, diminished rosacea and can gain control over hormonal skin reactions. An aesthetician can also answer your skin questions and guide you toward achieving great-looking skin.

Your face is how people remember you, so make sure you put your best face forward.

Tasia Bausinger is a licensed aesthetician at the Center for True Harmony Wellness and Medicine in Mesa, Ariz. Her expertise includes spa and corrective care facials, microdermabrasion and peels. www trueharmonywellness.com, [email protected] or 480-539-6646.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 27, Number 3, June/July 2008.