Beautiful skin all winter long
Nov 20, 2007 | 175 views | 0 0 comments | 6 6 recommendations | email to a friend | print
When searching the Internet for "skincare," more than 62 million results pop up - proof that skincare is a subject of great interest.

A recent survey by beauty company Garnier found that 98 percent of women agree that having healthy skin is very important to their self confidence.

So what's the alternative to spending hundreds of dollars on costly injections and treatments? Dermatologists agree that the best way to take care of skin is to take care of the entire body. "To optimize your skin, optimize your diet," says Ellie Krieger, a registered dietician specializing in nutrition and health communications. "A healthy diet is the true foundation for healthy looking skin."

Krieger and dermatologist Dr. Diane Madfes have partnered with Garnier on a new skincare line, Garnier Nutritioniste. They support the claim that eating a diet rich in whole grains, vitamins and minerals goes 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.

Water helps to maintain the skin's elasticity and suppleness. Drinking eight glasses of

water every day is essential to maintaining healthy and beautiful skin. Other practices that can make your body happy and your skin glow include:

-Exercise. It improves circulation and blood flow throughout the whole body.

-Sleep. Your body renews itself while you're sleeping. If you're not getting enough sleep, your skin can acquire dark under-eye circles, puffiness and breakouts.

-Vitamins. A daily multi-vitamin provides the recommended daily allowance of 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.

-Don't smoke. Smoking can accelerate the skin's aging process and contribute to sallow skin and wrinkles.

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 the skin dry after cleansing.

Finally, cleaning and replacing cosmetic brushes and applicators regularly will prevent the introduction of germs and bacteria into a carefully planned skin care routine.

Dermatologists and nutritionists confirm that the adage "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 maintain and enhance it.
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