beauty

Maintaining Moisture

One of our skin's jobs is to help maintain moisture balance, while collagen (the protein that holds our skin cells together) helps support the skin and provides a firmer appearance.

As we age, skin cells simply become less effective at retaining moisture. Oil production slows, the skin loses its protective layer, and moisture evaporates more quickly. To help the skin retain moisture, it is imperative we use a moisturizer each morning and again each night.

While any moisturizer will provide a level of benefit, finding the right lotion is most important. One of the most popular recent discoveries is multiple peptides (a group of amino acids). New peptide technology seems to trigger the body to produce the collagen it needs to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Skin retains moisture and its youthful appearance. Look for moisturizers that contain multiple peptides at your health food store.

David Pollock

Correcting Skin Imperfections

The skin generates new skin cells and sheds dead, lifeless cells daily. This natural process reduces the appearance of fine lines, superficial scars, uneven skin tones, blemishes, and even light age spots. When we're young, skin cells replace themselves every month. As we age, this process slows and can take up to twice as long.

We can speed the process of skin replacement with exfoliation. Using a face scrub two to three times each week will instantly create a more radiant appearance. In time, you'll see fewer and fewer imperfections.

Traditional facial scrubs use a walnut shell powder to slough away dead skin cells. Health food stores are now also carrying exfoliation products made with crushed bamboo or crushed olive seeds. These grains are very small, non-irritating, and provide a type of mini-micro-dermabrasion you can use at home for fresh, radiant skin.

D.P