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8 6
EQUANIMITY
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Fall editioN 2012
balance advice
Skincare Education
I
n our society, you see advertisements all over
television, magazines, newspapers, and websites, all
promising a more youthful appearance. They cater
to our search for the fountain of youth. In addition, we
receive advice from family and friends about the latest
and greatest product or procedure that will take years off
of our appearance.
Educating ourselves about what we apply on our skin
is important. One of the most popular products that we
see today in topical skincare is vitamin infused cleansers,
serums and moisturizers. Vitamins are not equally created.
How deep the product penetrates into the skin must be
considered. These two important factors are related to
the quality of the ingredients which can impact their
effectiveness. Clinical studies show that utilizing a specific
and active part of a vitamin source makes an incredible
difference on the effectiveness of the ingredients. The
delivery system that carries these nutrients to the live
cells of the dermis is a key in feeding the skin externally.
A big problem is that most vitamins are only penetrating
the outermost levels of the skin. The skin is the body's
largest organ. One of its purposes is to protect the rest
of our organs. When vitamins are trapped in the outer
layers, they are perceived to be foreign invaders and can
cause inflammation and increase the free radical damage
that causes skin to age.
Educating ourselves about how we apply products to our
skin is just as important. The over exfoliation of the skin
can be problematic. We all want smoother skin for that
glowing healthy complexion to reduce the appearance
of our pores. Microdermabrasion, scrubs and brushes
are commonly used to achieve healthier looking skin. A
colleague once said to me, "No pain no gain" in regards
to microdermabrasion treatments. This is a dangerous
and unhealthy perspective. Microdermabrasion is meant
to be a progressive, not aggressive, treatment. Crystal
and diamond tip types of microdermabrasion can cause
microscopic lacerations on the skin. Having thousands
of microscopic lesions on our skin can cause a breach in
our immune system, which makes us more susceptible
to germs and viruses that are all around us.
One of the most important things I can do for my clients
is to educate them on the best practices to keep their skin
healthy. I educate them about aging from the appearance
on the outside and the structural health building from the
inside. The care of your skin requires consistency from
both sides. This is the key to looking younger and but
feeling younger.
One last reminder about caring for your skin; the
appropriate sunblock is your only true anti-aging product
throughout the year. All other products are simply
damage control.
Skincare
By Stephanie Kirkpatrick
E D U C A T I O N