Skin is the envelope of the body. Our skin serves several purposes; a protector (barrier against the penetration of pathogenic agents, protection against the sun, protects our inner organs and functions), the primary contact with outside elements (water, for example), and of course, its sensory functions.
Our skin is a reflection of our health and wellbeing. Poor diet, physical and/or psychological lethargy, exposure to natural elements (sun, wind, cold) and pollution, not drinking enough water...all of these affect our skin, causing it to become dehydrated, and lose its elasticity and softness. Before you know it, wrinkles and lines appear.
So, here are my top 9 secrets to keeping your skin youthful:
1st secret: exfoliation. This is the most basic beauty care for your body, and should be done twice a week to eliminate dead skin cells. Exfoliation also supports better absorption of skin products which you use. Your skin will respond: it will be immediately softer!
2nd secret: clean your skin well to eliminate dirt (dust, excess sebum, make-up...).
3rd secret: hydrating creams! Your skin, just like your entire body, is made up of more than 60% water. Each day, your skin loses water. The purpose of hydrating care is to protect your skin: a hydrating cream contains essential oils and emollients, which prevent the skin's natural moisture from evaporating, so that your skin remains hydrated!
4th secret: avoid overheated environments which cause dehydration. Humidify ambient air.
5th secret: limit prolonged sun exposure which damages your skin.
6th secret: shower with gentle shower gels to avoid the over-drying effects of hard water.
7th secret: night cream! At night, you are calm and your skin can relax in the dark - in an atmosphere where the temperature and moisture content are constant. As a result, the skin is more receptive to nourishment at this time. Applying a night cream will help your skin regenerate and build defenses against deficiencies which appear with time, as well as protect it from free radicals.
8th secret: a balanced and varied diet. To renew itself and to function well, your skin needs essential nutrients, such as vitamins (vitamin A, C and E which are antioxidants: they protect your skin by trapping free radicals which "attack"), trace elements (selenium - also an antioxidant), copper (supports elasticity of the skin), and zinc (supports cellular renewal and cicatrization). A balanced diet also includes some "healthy" fats (omega-6 and omega-3). Your coach's advice: opt for fruit and vegetables, sources of vitamins and minerals, and vegetable oils rich in fatty acids such as omega's 3 and 6 (sunflower oil, grape-seed oil).
9th secret: Take advantage of the fresh air, go outdoors, oxygenate yourself!
