Skincare Basics (the inside story)

Good nutrition is essential for the skin to maintain and repair itself. Fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains and fatty fish such as salmon are full of antioxidant vitamins, nutrients and oils that are good for the skin. Remember, the brighter the fruit or vegetable’s colour, the greater its antioxidant value. Be sure to drink six to eight glasses of water a day to help maintain your skin’s moisture level.

Recent studies have shown that certain antioxidants are especially beneficial for the supportive structures of the skin. Among these are lycopene (from tomatoes, pomegranate and watermelons), proanthocyanins (from grape seed) and - in the case of older women - isoflavones from soy. These are now available in supplements especially formulated for the skin.

Your overall health and well being directly affects the appearance of your skin. In particular, the health of your liver impacts the skin’s translucence and tone. Avoiding alcohol and ensuring you consume lots of fresh produce (especially asparagus and beets) will help keep the liver healthy. The herb milk thistle is also beneficial for the liver. Milk thistle contains an antioxidant substance - silymarin -which has been shown in hundreds of studies to help support the vitality of the liver. You can find a number of milk thistle formulas, such as Webber Naturals® and Holista®, in the pharmacy at London Drugs.

Your mental well being also plays a significant role in the appearance of your skin. Stress is the enemy of a glowing skin, making the overall appearance dull and drained. Here’s why: When we are under stress, the body produces stress hormones as part of the "fight-or-flight" response. These hormones direct blood away from the skin and towards the body’s core to support the heart and other muscles. The skin is therefore deprived of oxygen and nutrients normally supplied by the blood and, over time, takes on a dull and lifeless appearance.

Whether or not you smoke and/or drink is closely aligned with the appearance of your skin. Alcohol, and the chemicals in cigarettes draw blood away from the surface of the skin. Over time, a smoker’s skin will take on a yellow cast. The facial contortions associated with smoking - pursing of the lips and squinting - accelerate the development of wrinkles.

Your level of activity also helps determine the quality of your skin’s appearance. When you exercise, you breathe deeper, which helps increase the skin’s blood supply. The increased blood flow brings needed nutrients to the skin cells and takes away potentially harmful toxins. Increased blood flow also supports the formation of collagen - the tissue that underpins the skin, making it firm and resilient. Increasing your activity level also helps reduce stress. Exercise is particularly beneficial for people with acne because physical activity mediates the production of the testosterone-related hormones that are believed by dermatologists to be an acne trigger.

Skincare Basics (the outside story)

What you put on your skin is just as important as what you supply from within. Many ingredients of skincare preparations, including sunscreens, are absorbed into the skin and bloodstream. These include preservatives such as parabens, frequently used in skin preparations and cosmetics.

Products that are left on the skin, such as facial makeup and skincare creams and lotions are of greatest concern because of the long exposure time on the skin. The longer the skin is in contact with these preparations, the greater the opportunity for the parabens and other possibly harmful preservatives to enter the bloodstream. The newly discovered estrogenic effects of specific synthetic chemicals, including parabens, have caused growing concern among researchers due to the effect of these chemicals on the endocrine system - particularly in relation to a woman's risk of breast cancer.

Plant ingredients are common in skin care preparations and makeup, and should always be organic, to avoid the absorption and build-up of harmful pesticides and other environmental toxins.

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