IN TWEET: SPRING AHEAD WITH MARION SIMMS, OWNER OF SKINSENSE WELLNESS IN LOS ANGELES. THESE TIPS WILL MAKE YOUR SKIN GLOW AND YOUR SPIRIT SOAR!
EDITOR’S NOTE: CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING ANY DIET OR EXERCISE PROGRAM. CLICK ON THE HYPERLINKS THROUGHOUT THIS POST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND HEALTHY RESOURCES. I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH GOOD THINGS ABOUT SKINSENSE WELLNESS AND OWNER MARION SIMMS. IF YOU LIVE IN OR PLAN TO VISIT THE LOS ANGELES AREA, DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT OR GIVE THE GIFT OF WELLNESS TO SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT.
I think at this point we are all a bit tired of hearing the terms “detox” and “cleanse.” They tend to pop up around Spring because this time of year suggests renewal and new beginnings. Certainly, an occasional cleanse to give the liver, kidneys and digestive system a break is a great idea but I think a healthier and more realistic approach would be to consider your overall health and lifestyle and make a list of the things you need to improve.
We all have them: less cheese and chocolate, more exercise, less coffee and alcohol, more water and more sleep. Those recurring “must do’s” that we never fully get around to somehow. And guess what: they all affect our skin and our general well-being! So, I am going to suggest a few important steps that may help you.
EXFOLIATE THE BODY: Get that dead winter skin off with some vigorous dry brushing, followed by a good soak and scrub session in the bath tub. Then slather on a body lotion. Gently exfoliate and moisturize the face too. No dry brushing the face please!
FACE TIME: Treat yourself to a customized facial that includes a light peel to get rid of dead cells, rehydrate and rebalance the skin after the stress of winter. Have your facialist take a look at what you are using at home every day. It might be time for some revision. Guys, facials are a great idea for you too!
GET A PROFESSIONAL PEDICURE: Start prepping for sandals and flip flops, hiking and extra time in the gym. Comfortable feet make exercising much more fun!
RENEW YOUR SHAVING KIT: For all you men out there, check your supplies. Invest in a good shaving brush (preferably badger), a single-blade razor, good quality shaving crème/soap ( the old-fashioned type in a tub, not a can), topical salicylic acid and/or Neosporin crème, gentle toner and soothing balm. Finally invest in a silk pillow case to prevent in-grown hairs and facial creasing while you sleep!
EDITOR’S NOTE: IF YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN OR A ROUGH SHAVE AND ARE LOOKING FOR A GREAT SHAVING CREAM PRODUCT THAT WON’T BREAK THE BANK, TRY CREAMO CREAM. I DISCOVERED IT THIS YEAR AND SWEAR BY IT. IF YOU CAN’T FIND IT AT YOUR LOCAL DRUG STORE, CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE SINGLE 6 OZ. TUBES FROM AMAZON OR CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A THREE PACK.
CHECK YOUR SUPPLEMENTS: Make sure you have vitamins E, C and zinc to boost the skin’s immune system. Use fish or flaxseed oil capsules and probiotics for your internal immune system. Add milk thistle if you want to do a gentle liver cleanse and then recharge with ginseng, garlic and ginger.
HEALTHY SHOPPING: When you go grocery shopping add the following to your list: asparagus, blueberries, pineapple, cinnamon, grapefruit, beets, and pomegranates. All of these fruits and vegetables are loaded with anti-oxidants that aid digestion, give you lots of energy and radiant skin.
I know cinnamon is not a fruit or vegetable but it is great for the heart and circulation which you need to stimulate on a regular basis to maintain good health.
EDITOR’S NOTE: IT’S IMPORTANT TO BUY QUALITY HERBS AND SPICES. THAT DOESN’T MEAN YOU HAVE TO SPEND A FORTUNE. I BUY MOST OF MY DRIED SPICES AND HERBS FROM PENZEY’S. IF YOU DON’T LIVE NEAR ONE OF THEIR STORES, YOU CAN ORDER ONLINE. THEY HAVE A GREAT SELECTION OF CINNAMON. MY FAVORITES: CHINA TUNG HING AND THE EXTRA FANCY VIETNAMESE.
HEALTHY DIET: Drink a green juice daily with lots of water to aid in elimination and overall bodily function. Leave out the alcohol for at least one month . Keep the diet light. Avoid meat and dairy; try using almond or hemp milk instead. Stick with fish, legumes, nuts and green vegetables for protein during the same month that you are eliminating alcohol.
BREATHE: Hang out under the trees. Antoni Gaudi called trees the “lungs of the earth” and designed the interior of his Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona in the shape of a towering forest.
Gaudi had a point. Get outdoors and take a walk in the park. Inhale deeply and enjoy the blossoms and flowers that are so abundant at this time of year.
I know you have heard this a million times before but try this easy technique. Breathe in for a count of four, hold for a count of seven and exhale to a count of eight. Repeat four times and you will find yourself feeling much more relaxed and you’ll have a smile on your face.
UNPLUG: Plan face time with close friends. Turn off the phone and enjoy good food, conversation and, most of all, company. Life would be very dull and lonely without the support of good pals.
TUNE-OUT TO TUNE-IN: Finally, I dare you to take a news break one day a week. Listen to music when driving or turn off the sound completely. Use smartphones for necessary calls only and step away from the computer. I know…it’s challenging but, if there is anything you really need to know, you’ll hear about it. A little distance from all the chaos in the world is not avoidance. It gives perspective.
The general idea here is that without doing anything too drastic, you will develop healthier habits that make you feel better, look better and that you will stick with all year long.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marion Simms has been part of the skin care industry for over twenty-five years and has worked in many different capacities including teacher, facialist, business owner, lecturer, consultant and writer. Trained in England, she worked and traveled throughout Europe and South Africa before coming to the United States as a technical director for Guinot. In 1984, Simms opened SkinSense Wellness Spa in Los Angeles, CA and now employs seven other staff members who perform an extensive selection of spa services, including customized facials, micro-current, manicures, pedicures, reflexology, body massage, Brazilian waxing and make-up application. Marion’s philosophy is simple: maintaining your appearance should be part of a full time commitment to preventative health and well-being. Marion's other interests include reading, opera, travel and gardening. She is also a literacy advocate in the Los Angeles Unified District and enjoys working with teenagers to improve their self-image and self-esteem. SkinSense Wellness is open seven days a week and offers late evening appointments Monday through Thursday. CLICK HERE to visit the SkinSense Wellness site. You can also follow Marion on Twitter or check out her Facebook page. Both offer great tip and hints throughout the year no matter where you live.
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