Learn to Love the Skin You’re in
Skin Science 101
The skin is the largest organ in the body and comprises about 15 percent of your weight. That means if you weigh 120 pounds, about 18 pounds of that is skin. There are three main layers to your skin. The epidermis is the topmost layer. Its condition determines how “fresh” your skin looks and how well it absorbs and holds moisture. The dermis is the middle layer. The condition of the dermis determines how resilient and elastic skin is. The subcutaneous tissue is the innermost layer. This layer predominantly consists of fat cells that act as shock absorbers and heat insulators.
Skin Care 101
Keeping skin healthy and moisturized does not have to cost a lot of money – or take up much time. However, taking care of your skin is a worthy investment. While there are many home remedies for clearing up your skin – for instance, a product called Zim’s Spa Gloves ( which are lined with a naturally based hazelnut oil formula) can soften hands in about five minutes – going to a professional for advice about your skin and possible treatments is a surefire way to guarantee a healthier glow. Sherry Reese, owner of Skin Therapy of North Florida, is a holistic aestetician and believes that taking good care of your skin means caring for it inside and out. “We encourage our clients to follow a regimen of supplements, keep their stress to a minimum, drink plenty of water in combination with our skin treatments,” said Reese. “We are very hands on with our skin therapy and we do a personal combination of treatments for each client. What I do for one person might be different than what I would precribe for the next client.”
Drink Up
Your skin is about 70 percent water, so it stands to reason that you need to drink plenty of liquids to maintain its health. Doctors suggest drinking eight glasses a day. Drinking adequate water plumps & brightens the skin while helping the body to eliminate toxins, according to Reese. Skin is also 25 percent protein and two percent lipids. That’s one reason eating the right foods can help keep skin looking its best. Reese recommends following a healthy eating plan and making sure to eat breakfast every morning. Reese also recommends taking supplements and suggests a multi-vitamin with additional Antioxidants as a good way to start.
Come Clean
Try not to spend too long in a hot shower or bath. The hot water strips skin of its natural protective barrier and can sap skin of its moisture-especially in colder months, when skin tends to be damaged to begin with. After getting out of the bath or shower, gently but thoroughly dry your skin by patting (not rubbing) it with a towel. Then apply a heavy moisturizer to your body.
Makeup 101
Choosing the right products is also an important part of keeping your skin healthy. Bare Escentuals
is one cosmetic line that uses natural ingredients in all of their products. The line is geared towards those combating skin irritations and customers generally sensitive to chemicals and traditional makeup brands. Skin Therapy provides a complete offering of the Bare Escentuals line in the retail portion of their store. “We are primarily a retail center that offers treatments. And when we choose our products, we base our decisions on what the celebrities are using,” said Reese.
“Skin appearance is affected by addressing the whole body. Nutritional and eliminative deficiencies should be evaluated, along with lifestyle and hygiene practices, stress levels and other environmental influences that can impact your skin,” said Reese. “A balanced program of professional treatments, lifestyle adjustments and a homecare regime including cosmeceuticals and nutritional supplements are combined to activate and support the body’s ability to repair and renew itself.”
