healing ways
GOOD HEALTH
is More Than Skin-Deep by Paulina Iannotta
M
arch 20 is the first day of spring, but temperatures in Chicago can still be very low, and many people have trouble caring for their skin. Constant temperature changes, frost, wind and UV rays may affect all skin types, making it rough and oversensitive. Here are some internal and external tips on how to enjoy healthy and beautiful skin. Control water temperature: Hot showers are relaxing, but hot water may destroy the protective barrier on the skin, leading to more water loss and dehydration. Skip shower facial routines and continue them by the sink with more tepid water. Avoid over-exfoliation: When skin is feeling dry and flaky, most people will grab a scrub to slough away the rough texture. Constantly dry, flaking skin is a sign of dehydration, so instead of concentrating on exfoliation, focus more on moisturizing and retaining water with lipid-rich barrier repair creams. Use toners: Toners are usually designed to balance the skin’s natural pH; unfortunately, they are often based with alcohol, which excessively dries and degreases the skin. Floral waters and hydrolates are a better option, even for oily skin.
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Properly apply skincare products: It’s important that after we cleanse the skin to immediately apply toner and layer on serum and moisturizer while still damp. This locks in all the moisture, preventing water from evaporating and having that tight, itchy feeling.
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Chicago
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Don’t skip SPF: We may think that wearing sun protection in the winter is unnecessary, but snow can reflect 80 percent of UV radiation. Remember to apply a moisturizer with SPF to avoid damage to the skin any time of the year.
Use a humidifier: The principle of this inconspicuous device is simple: fill with water that turns into steam and releases the moisturizing vapor until the humidity in the room is at an appropriate level—between 40 percent and 60 percent. Nourish from the inside: The condition of our skin is influenced by a proper diet, so it is important that it be well-balanced and varied. Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients take care of our skin from the inside. Drink plenty of water, and avoid sugary and carbonated drinks. If there are issues with dry skin on the face and body, it’s important to check if we are consuming enough essential fatty acids. This may lead to loss of firmness, elasticity, dry skin and the development of psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. The skin’s permeability also increases, reducing its resistance to external factors such as inflammation, infection and contact allergies. These deficiencies in fatty acids can also cause acne, because the keratinization process is disturbed and sebum becomes less fluid, leading to obstruction of the sebaceous glands, the formation of blackheads and the development of inflammation. The pH of the skin changes as well, which may favor colonization of bacteria and fungi, which also induce inflammation. That is why it is so important to properly supply them with the key elements that include omega-3 acids (EPA, DHA and ALA), which have anti-inflammatory properties and regulate numerous processes in the body, including the function of the immune system. Paulina Iannotta, a holistic licensed esthetician since 2010, is the founder and owner of Holistic Skin Expert, in Naperville. See ad in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
