How To Create Radiant Glowing Skin (Part 1)

The skin is the largest living organ of the body. It is elastic, flexible tissues that have specific work to do and made up of three specialized cell layers designed especially for those functions:  

• The DERMIS, or inner layer
• The EPIDERMIS, or outer layer
• The SUBCUTANEOUS, or fatty layer

 The Epidermis

• Constantly sheds cells that are replaced by new ones formed in the dermis. This occurs faster in younger skin.
• Has a topmost layer called the stratum corneum, which consists of cells bound together by lipids (complex oils).
• Is the only layer that benefits from skin care products.

 The Dermis

• Contains sweat glands, which eliminate impurities. They can be the site of pimples or blackheads if bacteria, which collects there, is not removed.
• Contains sebaceous glands which produces an oily substance called sebum that forms a coating on the skin’s surface (this coating is natural and healthy and it is where your glow will come from).

 

 

Many factors can cause harmful effect to the skin. Sun exposure, pollution, and stress are the major contributors to creating negative effects. Dependent upon heredity, hormones and age, any of these environmental and man-made assailants can accelerate wrinkling, cause uneven skin tone and age spots, or aggravate existing skin conditions.

2) For radiant glowing skin, WATCH YOUR DIET

Remember that your diet contributes to the overall health and suppleness of your skin. Being sure to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet is essential. I live by the philosophy, so within, without. Whatever you put in you, will be on display for all to see. If you are not eating correctly or taking good care of yourself, this will show itself on the surface of your skin.  Also since your body is made up of 60% water, it is important to keep yourself thoroughly hydrated and drink plenty of fluids to flush the impurities out of your system and through your pores. If your busy schedule does not allow for a balanced diet, make up the deficiencies through vitamins and minerals. I take Biotin which is an essential Vitamin B to support healthy skin, hair, and nails. I take up to 5000 mcg daily when I remember to do so, but at minimum, I take 1000 mcg.  For beautiful skin, take care of it from the inside out. In addition, I eat plenty of fruits, i.e. oranges, apples, plums, strawberries, grapefruits, as well as dark green leafy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, kale, etc. I limit my red meat intake and allow for more fish due to the omega fatty oil that is in fish. Lemon and hot water act as a great detox to remove and impurities from your system as well.

3) For radiant glowing skin, INVEST IN QUALITY INGREDIENTS

It is important to invest in quality ingredients. Read the labels of the products you buy to be sure that you are putting natural botanical ingredients on your skin as well as in your body. As you can see from the diagram above, whatever you are putting on your body is entering your pores all through your capillaries, into your blood stream. This also means avoiding harsh, drying and man-made chemicals in your products like sulfates, alcohol, and things you can’t even pronounce, as these ingredients will strip the natural moisture and oil that comes from the sebaceous (oil) glands that keep the skin moist, supple and cool. Using harsh chemicals and man-made assailants like sulfates will accelerate wrinkling, uneven skin tone and age spots. In addition, avoid products like mineral oil and petroleum based products that prevent moisture (water molecules) from entering your pores  Your goal is to understand your skin type, i.e. normal, dry, combination, or oily and develop a simple regimen tailored around it.

Many (synthetic-based) companies will not like what i’m about to say, but when you invest in a cleansing system that uses all or mostly natural and botanical ingredients, you can use the same product for cleaning your face, your body and washing your hair. Although your purchase may be initially pricey on the onset, you will get more bang for your buck  and you will get more value out of the product, which will prove to be cost-effective in the long run as opposed to buying cheap products for each individual category of your grooming needs, which is ineffective and inefficient due to the fact that your are spending more money in the long run while damaging your skin and drying out your hair at the same time. Natural botanical ingredients will reveal fresh, smoother, clearer and brighter skin as well as keep your natural hair texture soft, easy to manage and moisturized.

In part 2, I will focus on steps you can take on the outside, products I use, and my regimen to reveal skin that glows…naturally. Stay tuned!