Twelve reasons for problem skin

As a bride your beauty is not only about lotions and potions it’s about making healthy lifestyle choices.

1. The Sun. Without protection from the sun’s rays, just a few minutes of exposure each day over the years can cause noticeable changes to the skin. Freckles, age spots, spider veins on the face, rough and leathery skin, fine wrinkles that disappear when stretched, loose skin, a blotchy complexion, thick wart-like, rough, reddish patches of skin, and skin cancer can all be traced to sun exposure.
2. Smoking. Cigarette smoking causes biochemical changes in our bodies that accelerate aging. 10 years of smoking is statistically more likely to develop deeply wrinkled, leathery skin and an unhealthy yellowish hue to their complexion than a nonsmoker
3. Lack of exercise: Living a sedentary life contributes to aging skin, because exercise helps to tone your muscles and get your blood flowing which is important to nourishing the skin.
4. Weather: Cold winds and low temperatures contribute to aging skin by making skin dry. Extreme changes in temperature shock the skin just like going in and out of door in winter. Heaters and air conditioning can make the skin very dry
5. Facial Expressions. Repetitive facial movements actually lead to fine lines and wrinkles. Each time we use a facial muscle, a groove forms beneath the surface of the skin, which is why we see lines form with each facial expression. As skin ages and loses its elasticity, the skin stops springing back to its line-free state, and these grooves become permanently etched on the face as fine lines and wrinkles.
6. Gravity. Gravity constantly pulls on our bodies. Changes related to gravity become more pronounced as we age. In our 50s, when the skin’s elasticity declines dramatically, the effects of gravity become evident.
7. Sleeping Positions. Resting your face on the pillow in the same way every night for years on end also leads to wrinkles. Called sleep lines, these wrinkles eventually become etched on the surface of the skin and no longer disappear when the head is not resting on the pillow. People who sleep on their backs do not develop these wrinkles since their skin does not lie crumpled against the pillow.
8. Stress: Stress and worry cause frowning, and over time the muscles in the face actually conform to that movement. Be aware of your stress level and use relaxation techniques and do activities you enjoy this will help you look and feel younger.
9. Lack of sleep: Too little sleep makes you look and feel tired with dark circles and bags under the eyes, and sagging skin. The average adult functions best with around 8 hours sleep each night and maintain a sleep routine that includes going to bed at the same time each night.
10. Nutrition . To have a balanced diet eat healthy and follow your Canadian food guide, drink 8 glasses of water daily and support your diet with vitamins and minerals.
11. Skin Care. When was the last time you had a professional facial care that included a deep cleansing, pore care and balancing of the skin. Having your monthly facial may slowdown the ageing process.
12. Home Care. The soap and water days of your grandparents are over. Pollution, nutrition and lifestyle make it necessary to properly tend to your skin both day and night.

Glowing vibrant skin is determined by the health and lifestyle decisions you make every day. Talk to a certified skin care professional about what you can do to prevent you not looking your best for your special day.

Written by Jessica LoRusso, Certified Master Esthetician