Looking Good

Got Figs?

By Cheryl Lohman

PROFESSIONAL HELP: Tips from local leaders in their industry Cheryl Lohman • LOOKING GOOD

Ahh… Fall. That warm-cool time of year when we move away from summer casual wear and dress up a little more, wear a little more makeup, and schedules tend to get a little more structured.

I love September for the full harvest of delicious local fruits and vegetables. Especially figs. I’ll get to that in a minute.

In past Sept/Oct issues, I’ve highlighted what’s possible with Permanent Makeup for cancer patients since October is Breast Cancer awareness month. And while I still provide services to help clients feel whole again, in this issue I want to talk about figs.

What do figs have to do with permanent makeup? Well, nothing really…except I am a Permanent Makeup Artist and I LOVE figs. However, it turns out that figs are a really incredible beauty secret whether you eat them or apply them to your skin.

Figs are an ancient fruit dating back to BC in the Middle East. Figs are known to have medicinal properties, for building muscle, enhancing fertility, and increasing stamina. Figs are used in the Mediterranean diet, one of the healthiest diets in the world.

You can use figs to hydrate the skin and restore its elasticity and firmness. They also help prevent cracked lips and premature wrinkling. Figs have excellent hydration properties.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) are used to refresh and brighten skin and are often used as an ingredient in skin exfoliation products. Figs have natural AHA properties, and when ingested, behave somewhat like internal exfoliants. They promote healthy digestion. And when used externally as a mask provide exfoliation of the skin. (mask recipe below)

Figs are high in are vitamins A, B1, B2, C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, sodium, potassium and pectin. Dried figs contain more calcium than any other fruit. Just a quarter cup contains 100 mg of calcium. The calcium content can help improve nail health, calm nerves and strengthen bones. Dried figs also contain enough potassium to help lower blood pressure.

Using figs can help the skin look younger and more radiant. Their high omega-3 fatty acid content nourishes the skin, fights signs of aging, and reduces acne flares. The high amount of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, helps to lighten and even out the skin tone and aid in collagen production. Here is a recipe for a facial mask you can use at home especially after a summer in the sun.

Take one large fig or two small figs. Cut the fig in half and scoop out its flesh and mash it thoroughly. Add a teaspoon of honey or yogurt to it if you want to enhance the texture of your skin. Apply the mask on your face and keep it on for 5-10 minutes. Wash it off with water and say hello to refreshed skin.

I hope you will enjoy figs whether eating them or for beauty treatments and if you want to continue that carefree summer vibe as your schedule becomes fuller again, consider permanent makeup to simplify your makeup routine. Be sure to have a consultation with a highly trained and qualified artist. This is not a service you want to bargain shop for and you will want to see actual photos of their work.

Seek a professional who is a member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP). This organization sets standards of practice for its members, which assures the public of the highest levels of professionalism and safety. After permanent makeup — you’ll be among those who enjoy a natural look that lasts a long time. Cheryl

www.OregonPermanentMakeup.com

Cheryl Lohman CPCP, is a Certified Permanent Cosmetic Professional and owns Oregon Permanent Makeup in Corvallis

Contact Cheryl: 541-740-1639