The good stuff for your skin!
I am a 37 year old woman with two small boys, a full time job, and a husband I want to continue to date. My hormones are changing and my level of stress is different than it’s ever been. From dry and oily spots, wrinkles, and breakouts, I am doing everything I can to age gracefully. The problem is not letting it ALL show on my face. And I don’t know about you, but “Fighting the Signs of Aging” is not the battle I want to fight. I just need my skin to look more like 37 and not 73. How hard is that?!
Luckily, I was introduced to Erin Meier, a medical aesthetician, a few years ago and had my eyeliner and eyebrows done with permanent make up. That has been a game changer on my “get up and go routine,” but sometimes makeup alone can’t hide the dark circles, discoloration, or weird acne I thought would go away as an adult. The good news is Erin has shared some secrets to keeping my skin looking its best, and I plan to share all the good stuff with you!
“Feed your skin with the good stuff and the results will be great skin!”
Healthy Diet
First, feeding your body the good stuff is key. Considering your skin is the largest organ in your body, we really should prioritize our diets more. Eating greasy and/or sugary foods can lead to breakouts, inflammation, and premature aging. While juggling all of life's many tasks, that fast food take out needs to go on your “To NOT Do List.” Not only will you be wearing those decisions on your waist but also on your face. Prepping healthier meals takes more time, energy, and effort, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
Hydration
The Fountain of Youth people are talking about is flowing with water, yall! That’s it! Drinking plenty of water each day helps with the elasticity of the skin which fights wrinkles, reduces scarring, and keeps your skin moisturized! Water will help flush toxins, balance pH levels, and reduce clogged pores. As elasticity continues to build, the less your skin will sag. Did you know that the older you get the harder it is to stay hydrated? Approximately 80% of disease and illness are linked to dehydration. So, get a super cute, extra-large water bottle and get your drink on.
Beauty Sleep
Beauty Sleep really is a thing! According to Matthew Walker, PhD, neuroscientist, and author of Why We Sleep, if you want your diet and hydration to be the most effective, you must get a full night's rest. In a sleep study, judges were asked to conduct a “beauty contest” of a series of portraits. They did not know that half the people photographed were sleep deprived and the other half were not. The judges consistently chose the portraits of people who had adequate amounts of sleep as healthier and more attractive. It seems obvious that well rested faces would be more appealing.
Sometimes it’s hard to shut the brain off and relax. Walker suggests putting the phone down about an hour before bed, turning down the air temperature, and keeping your room dark. Looking a little haggard? Go to sleep; doctor’s orders!
Our skin is the strongest defense against the outside world. Therefore, a good skin care routine is a must for protecting yourself and keeping this barrier in tack. If you are new to the game, consider a dermatologist as your matchmaker. They can set you up with quality products that will give you the best results based on your specific skin care needs, lifestyle, and sensitivity to the products. Switching to quality skincare products can be a big investment; however, as one product runs out, you can replace it with one of higher quality. This will allow you to “date” the skincare line before you decide to make a bigger commitment.
Face Mapping
You have upped your skin care game, but those pesky pimples are still popping up.
Ugh, what’s a woman to do?
It might be worth trying the ancient Chinese practice of face mapping which can lend a unique insight into your health. Depending on the location of the blemish, you can determine the root cause and eliminate the triggers. Keep in mind, I am not a doctor! Consulting with a dermatologist or physician is best if you have any concerns.
All in all, I am working on feeding my skin the good stuff! I am preparing meals more, drinking lots of water each day, regularly getting 8 hours of beauty sleep, and transitioning to more quality skin care products. My confidence is growing and so is my motivation to tackle the stressors of everyday life. And that cute guy I married can’t keep his hands to himself saying, “your skin is sooo soft!”
Written by: Tiffany Walker, September 6, 2022
Tiffany Walker has a Master’s Degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. She is an Instructional Facilitator for Mid-Del Public Schools in Midwest City, Oklahoma. She taught English Language Arts to middle schoolers before that. She is happily married to an outdoorsy guy and wrangles two rowdy boys: 6 and 4. She has been trying things that scare her, like freelance writing, for several years now.