Self-care is essential to maintain overall well-being, and it can even turn back the clock on your skin, making it look and feel more youthful. At UltraPure Cosmetics, we've discovered some important tips that can make a significant difference in not only your skin but also your energy levels, brain chemistry, and weight.
Join us on this journey of self-discovery as we explore the effects of getting run down, eating poorly, and not exercising on our skin. While these self-care tips may seem basic, it's always good to review them and remind ourselves of their importance.
1) REST! The Importance of a Good Night's Sleep for Your Health
Getting enough restful sleep, ideally 7-8 hours a night, is crucial for your overall well-being. During sleep, the body has the opportunity to rejuvenate itself, regulating hormone production and promoting hormonal balance. Growth hormone, which is known as the "youth hormone," is released during sleep. Additionally, tissue repair occurs during sleep, including repairing daily skin damage from UV light exposure. Sleep also helps to reduce the negative effects of cortisol and "bad" neurotransmitters like epinephrine and norepinephrine, which can be elevated during times of stress. Conversely, a lack of sleep can result in elevated cortisol levels, carbohydrate cravings, and weight gain.
2) STAY OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT!
Skin damage is the result of cumulative UV exposure over the course of time. Exposure to UV light can accelerate the signs of aging and make you look older than you are. The sun is the major cause of unwanted premature aging changes in the skin. Skin changes caused by the sun are called "photo-aging". The average individual accumulates most of their lifetime UV exposure during the formative years ages 10 through 20. It is characterized by uneven skin tone, dilated blood vessels, freckling, deep wrinkling, with thickened and sand paper like skin texture. We recommend using a chemical free sunscreen daily, for direct and indirect sunlight.
3) EXERCISE!
Try to get in at least 3 workouts per week for an increase in energy and stamina! If you haven't worked out previously, start with a moderate walking routine and build yourself up to 10,000 steps per day! Buy an odometer so you can track your daily steps. It makes a difference! Building muscle not only helps you burn more calories, but it also increases circulation and delivery of nutrients to skin cells, washing away potentially damaging toxins. Another benefit is giving skin the optimum conditions for making collagen, the support fibers that help keep wrinkles and lines at bay. Fibroblasts are the collagen-producing cells in the skin, they become fewer in number with age and get lazy, skin becomes less firm, drier, and even more wrinkled. However, add an exercise routine to your beauty regimen and you infuse skin cells with oxygen as well as other nutrients. Both set up ideal conditions for collagen production. But perhaps the most dramatic effects of exercise are on acne-prone skin. Doctors say working out provides many benefits that can help clear the skin. Exercise mediates the production of testosterone-related hormones such as DHEA and DHT. There's a lot of indirect evidence that shows that when you exercise your level of stress diminishes. So your adrenal glands are producing less of these male-type hormones that are part of any acne flare-up Exercise can help control it. By reducing stress, it tends to quiet the adrenals. There is less hormone output which in turn helps control acne.
4) EAT RIGHT!
Cut out sugar, fast-foods, packaged foods, deli meats (with nitrates), and soda. These foods produce an inflammatory reaction in the body which speeds up the aging process.
Eat more nutrient dense whole foods that really pack a punch. Best foods to eat for healthy skin include those with good fats like salmon, nuts, egg, and avocado. Other good choices include lean meats like chicken and turkey, yogurt, fresh fruits (including berries), veggies, and beans.
Protein is essential to cellular repair. You also use protein to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Protein is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.
Research indicates that women need at least 65 grams of protein daily. Without adequate protein, our bodies enter into an accelerated aging mode. Diets heavy in carbohydrates crease a highly visible inflammatory effect on the face and body (skin sagging, dull skin tone).
5) DRINK PURE WATER!
Hydrate yourself (soda, tea, and coffee don't count), drink purified or spring water. Try to drink at least 8 - 8 oz water per day or more (even better with an organic lemon wedge, this helps the body to detox excess/stagnant bile in the liver). Without water your organs cannot function. If you don't drink water you cannot metabolize fat, nor can your body flush away wastes from its cells. A dehydrated body provokes the development of aging, inflammatory compounds. In addition, mild dehydration will cause a 3% dip in baseline metabolism, resulting in the gain of one pound of fat every 6 months.
a) Start each morning out right with a cup of warm filtered water, add 1/2 organic lemon, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar and a dash of cayenne pepper. This will help you detox your liver and give you more energy to start the day. Your skin will reap the benefits as well.
b) If you must have your morning brew, switch to "super-foods" coffee. Forget Starbucks, and buy organic coffee instead. Coffee is one of the most pesticide sprayed products on the market. This coffee will "infuse" all these amazing super foods into your body quickly. The coffee acts like a carrier. I have to give credit to Danette May (Health and Wellness Coach) for sharing this recipe!
Recipe: Organic coffee beans - brewed
Add coffee and these ingredients in blender. Top with frothed almond or coconut milk. Delish!
1 tbsp organic cacao powder.
1 tbsp Organic Coconut Oil
1 tbsp Maca
1/2 tbsp Turmeric
1/2 tbsp Biocell Collagen
1/2 tsp Cinnamon - Optional/to taste
1/2 tsp Nutmeg - Optional/to taste
1/2 tsp Cardamom - Optional/to taste
6) DE-STRESS YOURSELF
We live in a stressful world, so anything you can do to take that edge off...whether its reading your favorite book, getting a massage, working-out, taking a bath, sauna, or doing meditation. Stress produces cortisol in the body which can produce excess fat around your waistline, as well as these other negative skin issues:
a. Itchy, ugly rashes
Your epidermal skin cells lie on top of each other and are packed tightly together, forming a strong barrier that blocks the penetration of bacteria and other pathogens. When you are under stress, however, this protective outermost layer of skin becomes impaired. Tiny cracks in the skin make the skin more permeable, allowing harmful bacteria to infiltrate the deeper layers of skin. These bacteria produce a protein that activates the immune system, leading to eczema and psoriasis.
b. More severe acne
In one study, researchers at Stanford University examined the severity of acne in 22 college students during final exam week. Students who were more highly stressed by their exams had worse acne than calmer, less stressed students. In other research, relaxation therapies have been shown to reduce the severity and incidence of acne.
c. More deadly skin cancers
In studies on mice at Johns Hopkins University, chronic stress sped the formation of skin cancer when mice were exposed to ultraviolet light. In a different study completed at Yale University, people with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, were more likely to have gone through stressful life events during the years leading up to their diagnosis than people who did not have skin cancer.
d. More severe dermatitis
The stress hormone cortisol acts as a powerful steroid that shuts down one part of the immune system (making you more susceptible to colds and flu) but cranks up another, making you more susceptible to allergens. In a Japanese study of 26 patients with atopic dermatitis, patients experienced a reduction in their symptoms - even when they were exposed to the allergen that triggered them - for two hours after watching a funny movie. The laughter produced by the movie probably reduced levels of stress hormones.
e. Cold sores
Stress affects many different immune cells negatively, which causes flare-ups of immunity-related skin conditions such as cold sores (along with psoriasis, eczema, shingles, and viral warts).
f. Frown lines
Repeated frowning causes frown lines, and most people frown without knowing it. You can try to will yourself to smile, but if you are under chronic stress or have many negative thoughts and emotions, these forced smiles won't last. Indeed, a natural, long-lasting smile comes only from positive emotions that make you want to smile.
g. Dryness
Stress reduces the lipid barrier on the skin, allowing fluids to evaporate and leading to dryness.
h. Dullness
When the stress response kicks in chronically, skin cells take longer to reach the skin surface and flake off, allowing dead skin cells to build up and causing your skin to look dull.
7. Take Your Vitamins!
Supplements For Great Skin:
a) Multivitamin/Mineral ensures you are getting your daily requirements
b) EFA’s (Essential Fatty Acids): Skin benefits of Essential Fatty Acids include
enhancement of cell membrane structure and function, barrier maintenance and recovery, anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory effect and penetration enhancement..
c) Antioxidants: antioxidants work in the body to help reduce and repair the damage caused by the elements.
Sun damaged skin is one example of something antioxidants can help repair and rejuvenate. In addition to foods, consider using antioxidant creams and lotions. If the body is being treated with antioxidants from both the inside and the outside, it will certainly begin to reap the benefits. Not only will skin tone and appearance improve, but the other health benefits of antioxidants will be generated as well. Coming soon: Ceramide-Rich Body Treatments.
d) S-Acetyl-L-Glutathione: This is the master antioxidant in the body. This nutrient helps prevent cross-linking from occurring in the tissues of the skin. It also helps stabilize blood sugar levels, may escort heavy metals out of the body and detoxifies the liver (just to name a few).
e) Reseveratrol/Tumeric: Potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Helps ease pain too.
f) Greens: Taken either in pill, powder or liquid. Greens can help the alkalize the body creating better overall health and vitality (disease cannot live in a state of alkalinity). Greens also help detoxify. As a result, skin looks more clear and has better light reflection and luminosity.
8) TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN DAILY!
Your daily routine should consist of cleansing, toning, treatment and moisture (if necessary) twice daily. Also incorporate weekly exfoliation to brighten, refine, tone, smooth, and clear skin.
a) Cleanse:
Cleanse face both morning and night. Be sure to cleanse after working out to remove built up toxins on the surface. Choose a gentle cleanser for your skin type. We always recommend using two (or more) cleansers for different circumstances. Your skin's need change (almost daily).
- Coconut Milk Cleanser: A creamy fragrant coconut milk lemon facial cleanser that instantly transports you to an exotic vacation!
- Wild Honey Cleanser; perfect for even the most sensitive skin types! This low lathering gel cleanser gently rids the skin of impurities while imparting a velvety softness to the skin.
- AHA Mint Exfoliating Cleanser: perfect for normal/oily/acne/combination skin conditions. A combination of gentle Alpha Hydroxy Acids (derived from milk and fruit acids) in a refreshing mint gel base. Men LOVE this cleanser.
- Bright Skin Nourishing Cleanser: evens out skin tone over time. Inhibits enzymes in skin that produce brown pigment. Great for all skin types.
- Probiotic Gel Cleanser: gel cleanser promotes a healthy microbiome on skins surface, as well as produces a natural exfoliation and hydration benefit.
b) Toner/Tonic/Spray Treatments:
Toner, Tonic or Treatment Sprays hydrate the skin, can prepare the skin for other treatments, may reduce inflammation, and can set your makeup. These toner treatments contain a plethora of lovely skin-thriving ingredients.
- Niacinamide Pore-Refining Toner: A refreshing toner designed for normal/acne/oily skin conditions. An infusion of Peppermint, Lemon, Lemongrass, and Rosemary. Featuring Niacinamide and Edelweiss Extract which has been shown to be beneficial in reducing the look of larger pores.
- Phyto-C Age-Repair Infusion Spray: A hydrating, anti-aging Vitamin C (MAP and Acerola) facial toner / treatment that helps brighten, hydrate, and refine....some refer to it as "the miracle worker!" Rich in antioxidants, this protective facial tonic is literally a skin saver!
c) Exfoliation:
Incorporate weekly exfoliation into your regime to boost anti-aging!
- Stem Cell Masque: A super-food gel facial masque that gently exfoliates (with Prickly Pear and Pomegranate Enzymes), and rejuvenates with 3 plant-based stem cell extracts. Skin feels renewed, refreshed, brightened, rejuvenated, and deeply hydrated.
d. Rejuvenate with Active Treatment Serums:
UltraPure Cosmetics has formulated several highly active bio-nutrient serums that work overtime to help minimize lines and wrinkles, restore firmness, improve skin tone and help the overall condition of the skin.
- Line Erase Peptide6 Serum: a anti-aging, firming, and regenerating serum that helps mature skin look younger. This potent formula contains 6 smart peptides that work in synergy to give you precise, proactive results which addresses targeted skin conditions.
- Drenched In Moisture: an exotic liposomal facial emulsion (cream) that offers ceramides and continuous moisturization to skin. Skin feels conditioned, moisturized and well cared for.
- ReversAge Serum: pure anti-aging retinol rejuvenation serum transforms skin by utilizing the most technologically advanced skin nutrients available.
- Hydra-Lipid Serum: high-potency Hyaluronic Acid (HA) hydrating serum.
- Beta Fructan Essential Moisture Cream: The perfect everyday moisturizer for sensitive skin. Ideal for all skin types, but specifically designed for sensitive skin. This cream continues to protect skin after the cream is absorbed.
More about UltraPure Cosmetics Skin Care: Pure. Effective. Perfect
- Established in 2005
- Our nutrient-rich active skin care and mineral cosmetics are proudly made in the USA.
- We cater to the most discerning skin types. We offer many gluten and soy free options, among others.
- We choose our ingredients wisely. We scrutinize the source of all raw materials for safety and efficacy.
- We do not test on animals.
- We make our cosmetics in small batches.
Please visit us at www.UltraPureCosmetics.com
