Healing Connections

You know the old adage “you are what you eat”? It applies to your hair and skin, too. It makes sense when you think about it, that your body looks its best when all its parts are well nourished with a healthy diet. Of course going for variety is always a good idea, since it ups your chances of hitting all your vitamins and minerals, but making sure you’re getting certain nutrients will definitely enhance any beauty regime. So, here are the basics that will have you glowing from head to toe.

For Your Skin:

Omega 3s
Omega-3 fatty acids (the wonder class of nutrients, found in soybeans, nut oils and fish like salmon, that’s been in the news for its heart benefits) are key to maintaining a soft and youthful skin texture, thanks to their ability to strengthen the cell walls-meaning they help your cells retain more moisture. And when you throw in their anti-inflammatory benefits, they’re a must-have for any beauty diet.

Lycopene
Lycopene, a caretonoid (or fat-soluble pigment) found in cooked tomatoes (think marina sauce and stewed tomatoes) is one of the best things you can eat to ensure pretty skin. This anti-oxidant ups your skin’s natural sunscreen, protecting it from the sun from the inside and heading off signs of aging. In fact, in a 2001 study, volunteers who ate tomato paste for 10 weeks were less likely to show sunburned skin cells when exposed to ultraviolet light than the control group. That means that down the road, you’ll have fewer sun spots and fine lines.

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Exfoliation has its benefits, but it is important to be gentle with sensitive or thinning skin. If exfoliation is done too harshly, it can irritate the skin’s inner layers. Look for natural and gentle methods to exfoliate. Harsh is not necessarily effective. If you routinely cleanse your skin, why exfoliate? Exfoliation removes those dead cells that leave your skin looking dull and lifeless and gives your skin a smooth and healthy radiance. Exfoliation also exposes fresh cells and promotes the growth of new ones. This keeps your skin looking younger and gives a softer, smoother appearance and takes the hard edge off of wrinkles. That’s a plus at any age!

Facemasks cleanse deeply and remove the build-up of products that clog pores. A good mask will nourish, moisturize, and replace minerals. If a mask includes toning, it shouldn’t dry or tighten the skin. It should leave your skin feeling soft and resilient with a healthy, glowing appearance. Applied on a regular basis, a mask can re-hydrate dry skin or soak up excess oil and tighten pores on oily skin. Be sure to use one that is appropriate for your skin-type.

Facials cleanse, hydrate and renew your skin. They are deep skin treatments that help minimize blemishes, acne and wrinkles while restoring moisture. Facials vary by skin type, age, and desired treatment. Choosing a facial that is right for your skin type involves different natural skin care products and ingredients that are used for specific purposes. An example would be an aromatherapy facial in which natural essential oils are used for specific curative properties. Facials are also very relaxing and help clear skin congestion and improve its functions. Doesn’t that sound luxurious? Jasmine and lavender may be just what the Dr. ordered!

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There are two things that all women want. Do you know what they are? Here are a few hints for Number one! The first thing all women want has a rock-musical by the same name and countless songs have it in their titles: from Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young’s “Almost Cut My Hair” to Led Zeppelin’s “The Girl I Love She Got Long Wavy Black Hair”. The Cowsills performed a song about it; the lyrics went like this:

“Oh give me a head with hair Long, beautiful hair Shining, gleaming, Streaming, flaxen, waxen”

That’s right – BEAUTIFUL HAIR! Hairstyles play a large role in a woman’s appearance. Women often use hairstyles to make a statement or to attract a mate. There is an entire industry dedicated to the care, preservation, and presentation of hair.

The true purpose of hair, however, is certainly not cosmetic. Hair was meant to provide protection against heat loss by trapping air adjacent to the skin and create insulating layer. Men, especially those living in extremely cold or windy areas, use their beards and hair to help keep them warm. Many mammalian species produce thick, winter coats for protection to adverse conditions.

Hair fiber forms a barrier which helps protect the epidermis from abrasions and harsh UV rays. The specialized hair of the eyebrows and eyelashes give protection to the eyes by sweeping away dust, debris and fluids. The hairs in our nasal passages trap harmful, airborne particles, preventing them from reaching the lungs.

The hair follicle plays an important role in the survival of mammals. The total number of hair follicles for an adult is estimated at five million, with one million of those being on the head. The only external areas of the body lacking hair follicles are the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. Some hair follicles are surrounded by a highly developed network of nerves which provide useful information about our environment.

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