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Monday, November 28, 2011

Exercise and the Skin

Thanksgiving was great, right?  The turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, dinner rolls, pumpkin pie.  It tasted so delicious, I inhaled it all.  But by the end of the meal, we all were laying back in our chairs, too full to move.  Belts were loosed, and waistbands groaned at the force of our bloated bellies.  I decided not to wait for New Year's - my resolution was happening early.  It was time to start a running routine.

The benefits of exercise for your heart, muscles, and bones are indisputable.  As I puffed along Turnberry circle, I started thinking about how exercise benefits skin, as well.

Sweat it out
When we run, bike, box, step, zumba, or spin, we sweat.  Sweat functions to cool our body off, but it also flushes and rids the skin of toxins, such as free radicals.  The increase in blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the skin, as well.  But if sweat sits around on the skin, bacteria can follow.  For people with acne prone skin, cleaning your face/chest/back right after your workout, and removing sweaty clothing can help prevent a breakout.

Say ohm
There's no doubt about it: exercise reduces stress levels.  And if you haven't heard by now, too much stress is not a good thing.  Higher levels of cortisol (increased in stress) can worsen many medical conditions, including skin: eczema, psoriasis, acne, hives, etc.  (See my post on stress and the skin for more information).  Increased cortisol levels may also be linked to increased sebum and oil production, making acne worse.  Keeping levels low through diet, exercise, and breathing may help improve your skin's appearance and overall health.

Dimples
No, not the ones on the face.  I'm talking cellulite.  While nothing has been proven to get rid of it completely, tightening muscles and toning can improve the appearance of legs and derrier. 

But a caveat--  Exercising outside means sun exposure.  Avoiding peak hours (10 am - 3 pm), wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen, and sun protective clothing are all vital to help prevent skin cancers and sun damage. 

So who's joining me for a jog?

Monday, November 21, 2011

You look tired...

Nothing says “I’m tired,” quite like dark, hollow, undereye circles.  “I’m fine,” you insist.  “I got a full night of sleep!”  Your friend looks at your with sympathetic eyes.  “Mmm, hmmm, riiiiight.  Poor thing…” she coos. 

The truth is, sleep (or lack there of) is only one factor contributing to the appearance of hollows under the eyes.  Genetics, allergies, broken blood vessels, and volume loss all play a role.  Although this is a difficult area to treat, there are things that help.

Hollows in the “tear trough” area (the area between the eye and upper cheek) can be improved by replacing volume with filler.  Hylauronic acid fillers, such as Restylane, Juvederm, and Perlane, work well in this area because they are softer fillers.  They are injected deep to restore volume from bone and fat loss.  Deep injections prevent lumps from being seen.  These filler last about 9 months to a year.  Although they improve the hollow, filler won’t do much for the dark color.  Fillers have FDA approval to be used in naso-labial folds.

Eye creams help to hydrate the underye area and temporarily plump the area.  Hyaluronic acid creams fill in fine lines.  Creams with caffeine, like RevaleSkin Replenishing Eye Therapy, help to constrict the area, reducing puffiness.  One of my favorites is the TNS Essential Illuminating Eye Serum, which contains growth factors and antioxidants.  The growth factors have been scientifically proven to stimulate collagen.  Creams can be kept in the refrigerator and then applied; the cold helps to further constrict blood vessels.

If seasonal allergies are an issue, taking a daily non-drowsy antihistamine can help.  Sleeping propped up on two pillows helps decrease fluid accumulation beneath the eyes.  Compresses with chamomile tea can be soothing.

Finally, with any skin condition, taking care of your overall health is essential.  Sleeping a full eight hours, eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants (green tea, vitamin C, vitamin E, resveratrol, acai, blackberry, etc), exercise, and stress relieving activites (yoga, breathing) are vital to a youthful, energized, beautiful, you!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Winter skin

Just as we change our clothing with the changes in weather, the cooler temperatures also call for changes in our skin care regimen.  Crisp outside air, blowing wind, and indoor heat can lead to chapped lips, cracked hands, and dry skin.  Keeping your skin well hydrated can help prevent these with a few easy changes to your regimen.

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize: can’t say it enough.  Keep a tube of cream in your purse or pocket.  I like Eucerin, Cerave, and Cetaphil creams for over-the-counter brands.  For creams available in physician’s offices, Lipikar by La Roche Posay is very hydrating.  Many people use lotions, but often, the alcohol found in formulations can be drying.  Also, fragranced products can be irritating and drying, as well.  Toss the "violet lavender rose summer blossoms bouquet" scented lotion.

Harsh soaps can play a role in stripping the skin of its protective lipids.   Mild, fragrance-free cleansers, like Dove and Cetaphil are great.  Avoid using very hot water in the shower, which actually can dry the skin.  Moisturize as soon as coming out of the shower, while skin is still moist.

Fragrances are hidden in other places, too.  Strong detergents can often cause dry skin and rashes.  Perfume-free clothing detergents are a better way to go.  And avoid using dryer sheets in the dryer, which can also irritate skin.  People with sensitive skin also are often irritated by wool, so wearing a cotton shirt under the sweater, or avoiding wool all together can help.

Lips are sensitive to temperature changes.  Constantly licking lips actually dries the lips further, and saliva can be irritating to the skin surounding the lips, causing "lip licker's dermatitis."  I've said it before, and I'll say it again: forget dogs, Aquaphor is man's best friend.  It's perfect for moisturizing cracked heels, dry elbows, lips, and pretty much anywhere else.  That goes for kids' skin, too, which can be extra sensitive, especially if Junior has eczema (see the eczema post for more info on that condition).

Winter's here, folks, so pull on your Missoni for Target hats and mittens and enjoy - just make sure your skin stays hydrated and soft underneath!