Smart Beauty

(ARA)- When searching the Internet for “skincare” more than 62 million results come up—proof that skincare is a significant subject to so many people.

If further proof is necessary, a recent survey by Garnier found that 98 percent of women agree that having healthy skin is very important to their self confidence.

Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on costly injections and treatments, dermatologists tell us the best way to care for skin is to take care of your entire body. “To optimize your skin, optimize your diet,” says Ellie Krieger, MS, RD, a registered dietician specializing in nutrition and health communications. “A healthy diet is the true foundation for healthy looking skin.”

Krieger and dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD, have partnered with beauty company Garnier on their new skincare line, Garnier Nutritioniste. Krieger and Madfes used the strategy of keeping things simple in advising on product creation.

Nutritional truisms such as eating a diet rich in whole grains, vitamins and minerals go hand-in-hand with the science of skincare.

“Eating well is critical for your skin to be able to repair itself properly. Focus on lean protein, grains, healthy fats and lots of colorful fruits and vegetables each day and avoid high-fat, salty snack foods and refined sugar,” Krieger said.

“You should also use a sun block daily to decrease damage from the sun’s harmful rays as they can thin your skin and make redness more prominent,” Madfes added.

Drinking eight glasses of water every day, just like Mom said, turns out to be good for your skin as well. Water helps to maintain the skin’s elasticity and suppleness.

Other healthy activities that can make your body happy and your skin glow include:

* Exercise! It improves circulation and blood flow throughout the whole body.
* Get enough sleep. Your body renews itself while you’re sleeping. If you are not getting enough sleep your skin can show it through dark under eye circles, puffiness and breakouts.
* Don’t smoke. Smoking can accelerate the skin’s aging process and contribute to sallow skin and wrinkles in addition to numerous other negative health effects.
* Take your vitamins. A daily multi-vitamin provides the recommended daily allowance of, among others, vitamin C -- which helps hold cells together, vitamin A -- which supports skin growth and immunity, lycopene -- an antioxidant that protects cells and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are important for normal tissue function.

Madfes and Krieger recommend Garnier Nutritioniste products such as Skin Renew Daily Regenerating Serum and Nutri-Pure Detoxifying Cream Cleanser precisely because they include such “dermatological-nutrients.”

In addition to building beauty from the inside out, women should pay particular attention to their skincare regimen. Careful cleansing and moisturizing can help deliver radiant, smooth, even-toned skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

A good moisturizer with added vitamins and nutrients works as a barrier to block out pollutants. Moisturizing regularly will provide a seal over the skin to keep moisture from escaping and also slowly release moisture into the skin. Using a gentle cleanser, without perfumes and dyes, will prevent skin irritations as will patting skin dry after cleansing.

Finally, cleaning and replacing cosmetic brushes and applicators regularly will help avoid introducing germs and bacteria into a carefully planned skin care routine.

Dermatologists and nutritionists confirm that the saying, “Beauty comes from within” is true after all. Eating right, exercising and reducing stress makes your body healthier and that shows in your skin. Once you’ve got that glow, simple skin care practices can help keep it and even enhance it.

Courtesy of ARAcontent
 

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