Our skin is a very precious and important organ. In fact, it is the largest organ in the body and the very first line of defense against foreign invaders. Skin must be nourished and treated with tender loving care, especially as we age.
Unfortunately, far too many people fail to care for their skin and wake up one day noticing that the smoothness, firmness and clarity of their younger days is gone. They may reach for an alluring cream or pill or even a surgical procedure to recapture their skin of the past. Unfortunately, many of these products and procedures fail to deliver and often leave the skin even more damaged.
Here are 3 surefire ways that you can upset the natural balance of your skin and even accelerate the signs of aging.
Over Washing: Yes, it is very important to remove your makeup and dirt from your face using an organic face cleanser or else your pores will become clogged. However, many people over wash, meaning they wash their face more than once a day. Unless you get dirty or are sweating excessively, once a day is plenty.
If you wash makeup and pollutants off of your face before you go to bed, there is no need to wash again in the morning. You can splash your face with some cool water but scrubbing only causes damage.
Dermatologist Shari Lipner M.D. of New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center says that we should just rinse our faces in the morning and pat dry and follow up with a quality organic moisturizer.
Exfoliation: Aging skin tends to be somewhat on the dry side, for some people it is very dry. Exfoliation, or the process of scrubbing skin harshly to remove dead skin cells, can leave already dry skin parched and brittle. Commercial exfoliating products contain tiny micro particles or beads made of plastic that strip the skin of all of its moisture.
If you must exfoliate, try a natural mixture made of brown sugar and coconut oil that will clean, slough off dry skin cells and moisturize at the same time. Refrain from using even natural exfoliating products more than once a week.
Excessive Use of Chemical Peels: Over one million people in the United States had a chemical peel.This invasive procedure involves the application of a strong toxic chemical solution to the skin in a controlled manner. The solution causes a controlled death of skin tissue.
Depending on the condition being treated, the extent of the skin damage varies. Once the peel is finished, new skin regenerates from cells that are deeper in the epidermis or from undamaged hair follicles. The resulting skin is smoother and less wrinkled than the older skin that was virtually peeled off.
A rapidly expanding body of research indicates that the solutions used in chemical peels may have some very dangerous side effects including cancer. Studies done on rats show that trichloroacetic acid (TCA) which is used in chemical peels to improve skin, minimize age spots, sun damage and other discolorations, may be linked to liver cancer. Some studies have even found possible genetic and cellular damage in humans.
If you are set on resurfacing your skin, some dermatologists are recommending less aggressive peels such as a glycolic peel or even laser resurfacing. Laser technology is very specific and different lasers can be used to remedy different skin problems.
You can even use a natural face mask once a week to keep your skin soft and supple.
Feed Your Skin
Just like you feed your belly, you need to feed your skin. Be sure that you are consuming a diet high in antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables and healthy fat. Protect your face from the sun by using a non-toxic sunscreen or wearing a hat. Although some sun is a good thing, avoid overexposure if possible.
Use a high quality, organic moisturizer and organic makeup. Get plenty of sleep, practice facial exercises and learn how to manage stress. All of these things will help keep your skin looking as youthful as possible.
-The Alternative Daily
