Spring has finally arrived and after months of hibernating, it is time to do some “spring cleaning” on your skin.
The combination of dry indoor heat and heavy moisturizers can leave your skin looking patchy and dull. Usually, your hands and face are what will be most affected because they are the most visible. Skin is your largest organ and the first line of defense against injury, disease, and contamination. Sensible healthcare begins with caring for your skin from the inside out. Below are some ways to help your skin develop a radiant, healthy glow.
Drink Enough Water
You will never have beautiful skin if you don’t drink enough water! The only difference between a grape and a raisin is moisture. Hydration makes a big difference. At the very least, most health authorities recommend eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. It’s the “8×8 rule,” which is easy to remember.
Eat Your Vitamins
What you eat is just as important for your skin as the creams you apply on it. Your skin regenerates every 28 days. That means that the foods you eat will be reflected on your face 28 days later! The best types of foods are those rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and antioxidants: such as tomatoes, kale, sunflower seeds, carrots, rosemary, yellow bell peppers, and kiwi. Also, fatty fish, grass-fed beef, or walnuts that are rich in omega-3 help keep your skin healthy and full.
If you are not able to add enough of these vitamins and proteins through the food you eat, we recommend taking fish oil or collagen haluronic acid supplements. These help develop the building blocks for your connective tissues that hold your skin together. If you don’t have enough of these in your diet, your skin will not be able to regenerate itself.
Exfoliate and Maintain
As winter comes to an end and you begin feeding your skin through a vitamin rich diet, it is the perfect time to get an exfoliation treatment done to remove the buildup of dead skin on your face (and hands). Harsh scrubs and chemical exfoliation can be too strong for older women, that is why at BioBalance Health we exfoliate through natural pancreatic enzyme peels. These dissolve the dead skin on your face tenderly, without burning or harming any of the live skin. We offer this treatment in our office, but you can also exfoliate at home with enzyme peel masks that can be purchased over the counter.
One of our favorite exfoliation treatments is JetPeel. This pressurized application of saline solution exfoliates the face, neck, or hands. It removes dead skin and provides much-needed hydration, leaving your skin glowing with a bright color. It is similar to dermabrasion, but does not cause downtime. The treatment usually lasts two to four weeks. In addition to the basic saline solution infusion JetPeel provides, we can add hyaluronicâ acid which plumps up the skin, making you look much younger. We can also add Vitamin B, E and C which helps feed your face, especially if you have sun damage, infusing them under the skin where they can be picked up by the living skin cells.
After one deep cleansing treatment, you can maintain healthy, young, and fresh looking skin by washing your face and using a toner twice a day. This habit will prevent a buildup of dead skin throughout the summer. It is best to use a cleanser containing an alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acid.
Protect Your Skin
Once you have exfoliated and allowed your new skin to shine through, it is important that you protect it with sunscreen. Many  sunscreens contain dangerous chemicals such as PABA, which acts as a carcinogen while changing cells and accelerating skin damage. Women are encouraged to avoid these types of products, especially when nursing, pregnant, or trying to become pregnant. Healthy and safe sunscreens are ones that contain natural sunblocks, zinc and/or coconut oil. Heliotrope is also safe and effective. While some sun exposure is healthy, we must be careful with how much we are getting on a daily basis.
Switch Out Your Products
Believe it or not, our skin actually changes its consistency with the seasons. During the summer months, you should change to a lighter formula. For example, someone using products for “dry skin” should change to a regimen that is specifically made for “normal skin.” Those using face wash for “normal skin” in the winter should switch to use products made for “oily skin” in the spring/summer. The heavy formulas you were using in the winter could lead to skin care concerns such as clogged pores, whiteheads, blackheads, and acne in the spring. Store your winter products by tightening their lids and keeping them in a cool, dry place, ready for next fall.
Vitamin C is especially crucial during the warmer months where you are exposed to the sun often. Not only is it important in your diet, but your skin also absorbs it from the outside. Look for a serum that contains Vitamin C as an active ingredient and use it daily. This will help continually exfoliate your skin and keep it looking plump and firm.
Treat Sun Damage
Every time you expose your skin to the sun for an extended period of time, you leave with a mild burn. It makes sense to treat this sunburn with a repairing lotion or ointment just like you would treat any burn. After prolonged sun exposure, you should wash your skin and apply a collagen cream to help repair the damage. This will help contain the skin’s moisture and limit the damage.