Modern medicine is phenomenal for the advances in science. The histology and physiology of skin has been scientifically proven time and time again, but the fact of the matter is that we do not love our skin like we should.
We do not appreciate and nurture our skin (the Integumentary System) as if our organs depended on it. Would you subject your vital organs to the maltreatment and daily stresses that we over expose our skin to? Would you lay your kidneys out in the sun all day? Would you put your liver in a tanning bed or deprive your lungs of oxygen?
Commit to your skin as you would an intimate relationship; cultivate and nurture the relationship so it can evolve and blossom into something beautiful. Your skin will forever be a part of your very existence; here are some basic tips for a loving and rewarding relationship:
1. Cleanse, exfoliate, tone, moisturize and BLOCK the sun.
2. Drink 8 – 8 ounce cups of water to flush out the impurities. Waste not want not!
3. A great sun block with UVA & UVB protection. Re-apply every 2-4 hours depending on the amount of protection. Spray tan instead of tanning beds. If you must do beds, use BLOCK and yes, regardless of your ethnicity you need protection.
4. Get plenty of rest. Eight hours of sleep will make the bags pack-up and go on their merry way. In addition, rest restores & rejuvenates the entire body, especially your skin.
5. Multi-vitamins are great to supplement what you may be lacking in your diet. Eat for life.
6. EDUCATE. Ask your skin therapist or beauty consultant about product ingredients. Look up the ingredients in your favorite moisturizer.
7. Throw out products every six months. Do you keep food in your refrigerator that is spoiled or expired?
Taking care of your skin has a reward and a return that is priceless. Aging is natural and is attributed to wisdom, but you can control how well you age. Grace is a better reward than costly procedures that still leave you with the skin you are in.
Drenary L. Foster is an Advanced Skin Therapist at The Edge on Central | A Salon & Spa. 1300 Bank Street | Little Italy | 410.342. EDGE (3343) | www.theedgeoncentral.com
