One of the problems with skincare is that it is often too late to repair the damage done when it appears on our face or body. Or at the very least, the cost is greater, the road to recovery longer, and more invasive or stronger repair methods are needed.

Fortunately, scientists have developed an imaging system that analyses skin and predicts how it will age. It’s called Visia Complexion Analysis, and not only can it predict how our skin will age, but the rate at which it will. It provides a snapshot of what damage has already occurred, and can thus provide a realistic assessment of our skin. The system looks at the major issues in skin aging - brown spots; pores; the bacteria underneath the skin that causes acne, redness, and uneven skin tone; as well as wrinkles, and UV damage. It’s a great way to quantify the effects of our environment and our current skin care regime.

Beauticians and store consultants are then able to really tailor a preventative program to address problems before they appear on our face. One advantage, aside from the obvious one of actually having products that will be highly targeted, is that money can be saved by not spending on products we think we need - but actually don’t.

This technology highlights the importance of preventing skin problems before they occur. The subject of beauty foods and beauty supplements, and anti aging, is vast. But as a general rule, nutrition, and specifically antioxidants, play a vital role. For example, scientists have found that by drinking blackcurrent juice, the Japanese women participating in this study reduced the bags (discoloration) under their eyes. Their skin also sagged less. And it was the polyphenols, which are antioxidants, that were responsible for this improvement in the dark circles under their eyes.

Blood flow to the face improved, which would also be great if you suffer from a sallow or dull complexion. Added benefits to drinking blackcurrent juice are the boost it will give to your whole body. Blackcurrents are a great source of vitamin C, and have been shown to reduce eye strain.

So don’t overlook the benefits of adding skin nourishing foods to your diet. They can have a more powerful effect over time than the topical skin creams we so often reach for when we want to slow down the effects of time on our faces!

References:
http://www.labtechnologist.com/news/ng.asp?id=59494
Australian Healthy Food, February 2006.

Do you suffer from acne? If you enjoyed this article on a holistic approach to a beautiful skin care program, you’d enjoy these articles on natural acne treatments and acne home cures. Learn natural approaches to treating acne, and why its important to heal it from within.

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The skin is quite an amazing organ. Weighing in at almost nine pounds, on average, the skin is the first line of defense for the body. The trouble is that we are not born with a user manual for our skin. To compound the issue, the most education people receive on the subject come from marketing messages produced by the skin care industry. As you will discover, the skin, although an amazing organ, is not that complicated to take care of. Below are the 5 essential things you should know about taking care of your skin.

1. The purpose of skin is to protect you and to excrete wastes. It takes oxygen and nutrients from the blood (not the air or any topical treatment) to help keep it healthy. It also expels oils, toxins and sweat through its pores. All of this, plus heavy moisturizers and creams and the pores can become clogged.

2. To keep your skin healthy, start on the inside first. Eat a healthy diet complete with plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables that a high in fiber, water and antioxidants. In addition to eating properly, avoid excess alcohol and all tobacco products.

3. Keep your skin by cleansing with warm or lukewarm water. Splash the water on your skin gently and never expose your skin to extreme temperatures. Very hot or cold water can damage the tiny blood vessels in your skin, called capillaries. Also, while bathing avoid getting shampoo or other hair products on your skin because they can cause irritation. Remember to include your neck as part of your facial skin care.

4. When trying out products on your skin, always test with a small area. No matter what the claims on the product label (allergy-free, hypoallergenic, etc) you can still have a reaction to a new product.

5. Consistently follow a simple yet effective skin care regime. Cleanse, tone and moisturize.

Cleansing is very important because clogged pores usually precedes acne and blemishes. A cleanser should be slightly acidic to avoid stripping oils from the skin. Work the cleanser into your hands and then gently apply to your skin. Splash plenty of lukewarm water on your skin to remove the cleanser. In certain circumstances, you may need to cleanse twice. An example would include if you were wearing heavy cosmetics and/or cosmetics for a very long time.

Toning is the most important part of the skin care regimen. Toners are composed of mostly water and a little alcohol. They tighten the skin and help prepare it to receive the moisturizer. Make sure to check the ingredients and get one that contains cetyl alcohol. Any other kind of alcohol is too strong for the skin. The best way to apply a toner is with a spray bottle. It does not need to be wiped off either.

The last step is to moisturize. No matter if you have dry or oily skin, you still should moisturize. Make sure the moisturizer you choose is nonalkaline cream, lotion or gel. The type you buy should be based on your skin type. If you have dry skin, you can use a heavier product. If you have oily skin, go with a lighter product such as a gel. It is also good to use one that has UV protection (at least SPF 15). Depending on your lifestyle, you can also you a day cream and a night cream instead of a single product.

Proper skin care doesn’t have to be complex, expensive or time consuming. These 5 essential principals will go a long way towards helping you keep your skin looking its best. Of course, some people have more severe skin conditions and they should always consult a dermatologist for professional advice.

Our goal is to help you find ageless skin care advice. Visit Anti Aging Skin Care for more information on natural
skin care and the best skin care products.

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