Skin Fitness
Get Your Skin into Shape
Remember how your mother used to warn you, “if you keep making that face, it will freeze that way?” It ends up, she was right. Only rather than a mischievous grimace from our childhood, it is the expressions we make everyday that end up permanently etched in our complexions.
As we age, our skin loses elasticity, making it harder to return to its original shape after years of smiling, laughing and crying. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to avoid a permanent record of life’s ups and downs. By getting your skin in shape, you can easily prevent many signs of premature aging and even correct some that have already begun. Read on for tips and tricks on how to tone, tighten up and take years off your look.
Drink More Water
Proper hydration is an essential part of any workout, and skin fitness is no exception. Aside from moisturizing the skin from within, drinking eight to ten glasses of water a day will also help flush toxins and increase circulation and elasticity, leaving skin supple, clear and glowing.
Start Fresh
Just as stretching prepares your body for a jog, cleansing prepares skin for your regimen. That is why it is important to look for a cleanser that not only washes away dirt and impurities, but also maintains the skin’s delicate pH and moisture balances. Irritant-free and formulated for optimal ingredient communication, chirally correct cleansers deep clean without stripping away the skin’s natural oils, so you can begin your regimen with a truly clean slate.
Apply Before You Dry
Like a sponge, your skin absorbs products best when it is already damp. To make the most of your topical hydrator, apply directly after cleansing, when skin is still damp (not drenched) and pores are open. This traps in moisture, allowing the ingredients to work more effectively and for a longer duration.
Be Sun Smart
The leading cause of premature aging (wrinkles, lines, discoloration, etc.) is overexposure to harmful UV rays. While it is impossible to avoid sun exposure completely, regularly applying a moisturizer with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher can easily offset potential damage and nourish the skin with essential nutrients.
Be Firm
The best way to tackle stubborn wrinkles and thinning, sagging skin is to target weakened elasticity at its source. By using products designed to firm and tighten problem areas (such as around the forehead, mouth and eyes), we can rebuild skin definition and smooth over the signs of premature aging.
Take Your Vitamins
While most of us are aware of the internal benefits of a daily multi-vitamin, the external benefits on the skin are just as dramatic and well-documented. As our barrier from the elements and often the last stop for toxins exiting the body, the skin is a reflection of our overall health. By taking a skin-specific multivitamin, you can improve your outward health and appearance by fostering a healthy environment within and ensuring that skin is as well-nourished as the rest of your body.