How we take care of our skin and when we start taking care of our skin can make a huge difference. The sooner we start with proper skin care, the sooner we can hold back the effects of aging. Almost everyone I meet really cares about how they age, and it shows most on our face.

The foundation of healthy skin starts with nutrition. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables they will provide vital nutrients our skin needs.  Drink plenty of water.  Water keeps the skins elasticity in tact.  Loss of elasticity is the major cause of wrinkles.

Cleansing our skin is another important step in face care.  When choosing a cleanser, make sure it is an organic plant-based product.  Make sure it does not contain paraffin, waxes, and chemicals.  These ingredients cause the pores to get clogged and cause long term damage.  Choose a cleaning system that matches your skin type. We need to cleanse morning and night.  Cleansing removes the impurities we come in contact with during the day.  After cleansing always tone the skin. Toner is a very important step in skin care most people leave out. Toner closes the skins pores keeping the impurities out. It also aids in carrying moisture into the skin.  Exfoliate can be used at night to get rid of impurities deeper and tone the skin. Always finish with a moisturizer.  Daytime moisturizer with sunscreen is helpful. Night time moisture can be a repairing night cream. The purpose of Moisturizer is to replenish and protect the skin.  Even if you have oily skin you need to moisturize also.  Moisture and oil glands are two not the same.  When our skin doesn't get the needed moisture, the oil glands kick into action producing more oil than we need. Oily skin does need moisture.  Proper cleaning is a system cleanse, tone, and moisturize in the morning.  Cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize at night. Always work with the skin in upward motions.  When working around the eye, make sure to use an outward motion on top and inward on bottom.  The muscles around the eyes are circular.  Working in the direction of the muscle helps reduce wrinkles.

Facial treatments can be used weekly.  Treatment penetrates the skin's second layer. Choose treatments according to the skin's needs. If your skin is dry, choose a hydrating mask treatment. If your skin is oily choose a deep cleansing treatment that removes excess oils.   If wrinkles are a concern, use a mask treatment that refines the lines.

Now, let's talk about what causes wrinkles.  Wrinkles come from the lack of elasticity.  Overexposure to sun will harm the skin.  Smoking and large amounts of alcohol will dry the skin.  The elements from our environments can be damaging. Sunscreen will help protect the skin from all of these elements. Sunscreen can be found in some foundations and moisturizers.  Sunscreen is a must.

Getting facials every six to eight weeks can help address your skins issues and get you started on a skin care routine.  If you need help selecting a skin care system for the needs of your skin, call Terri Darrah at Total Image Salon & Day Spa, at 440-9019.