GET YOUR SKIN GLOWING-Dr. Vivian Oputa
Great Skin is about what you ingest, how your body processes it and the routine care you maintain. Dermatologist and Skincare expert Dr. Vivian Oputa of Dermacare here breaks down, in simple terms, things you may have heard, but have never taken seriously because you felt they were tedious and unachievable.
You could have great skin for life if you stick to a routine that works for you. After age 30, skin cell renewal slows down and layers of dead skin build up, leading to a dull, lackluster appearance.
Skin reflects well-being and care starts from within, which is why a balanced diet with vitamins to fill nutritional gaps and drinking enough water determine how healthy the skin looks. Here are some basic dos and don’ts:
Do: Start your day with lemon juice in warm water and drink 3 litres of water daily.
Constipation takes toxic waste back into your bloodstream, leading to breakouts and rashes.
Do: Tackle this by increasing the fibre in your diet; consume adequate water as well.
Do: Exercise improves circulation, increases oxygen and nutrient delivery to the skin, expelling toxins.
Don’t: Smoking reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and nicotine inhibits the absorption of Vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production. Wrinkles and Sagging are the consequences of smoking and nicotine consumption.
Don’t: Alcohol dilates and weakens capillaries, causing bruising and splotches.
Don’t: Salt promotes water retention, triggering a bloated, puffy look.
Don’t: Stress compromises the immune system, the body goes into the fight-or-flight mode to preserve life by redirecting blood flow to vital organs, thus reducing flow to the skin. Chronic stress increases tension lines on the face and associated insomnia speeds up the aging process as skin regeneration, which goes on during sleep, is disrupted.
Do: Sleep. A sleep-deprived person looks older and more haggard. Sleep deprivation also causes the facial skin to sag, with shadows appearing under the eyes.
Do: Your twice-daily basic routine should consist of three steps; consistency provides the best results and any product used on the face should also be applied to the neck and décolleté.
Step 1: Cleansing
A cleanser helps remove oil and debris from the surface of the skin and may come as soap (liquid or bar), cleansing milk or cleansing cream.
Step 2: Toning
A toner, also known as an astringent, freshener or clarifying lotion, is used to re-acidify your skin, preparing it for your moisturizer.
Step 3: Moisturizing
Moisturizers come as creams, lotions or gels, depending on the requirements of the skin type. Eye creams are formulated for the delicate eye area. Sunblock should be applied after daytime moisturizing.
Extras
Extra treatments to add once or twice a week are:
- Exfoliation with scrubs to remove the build-up of dead cells and stimulate circulation, giving the skin a healthy glow
- Use of treatment masques
- Steaming
- Monthly Professional Consultations
Remember to treat your body with care!
#GetGlowing
….. Culled from Octoober 2015 edition.
