Skin Care 102

Once a solid basic skin routine has been established, many choose to add extra specialty treatments for specific skin needs.  Eye creams, serums,  ampoules, exfoliation products, even supplements are all excellent advanced choices to add to one’s routine.

• Eye creams work to lift, firm, hydrate and smooth the eye area.  There are also specific creams available to help reduce puffiness and dark circles, however elimination of food and environmental allergies in addition to lymphatic drainage will likely be a more effective treatment.  The skin around the eye area is the thinnest and most delicate skin of the body, therefore most facial creams are too rich and irritating for such sensitive skin.  The ideal eye cream is one that is non-irritating and hydrating with specific ingredients to target your needs- prevention, lifting, smoothing or firming.  Many creams, such as the Dr. Belter Eye lift Complex target all of these concerns.  Some may wish to have separate day and night eye creams; a lighter one to wear during the day that will not smear make up and a heavier night eye cream with plenty of anti aging ingredients.

• Serums essentially provide concentrated skin nutrition.  They are liquid or semi liquid solutions that are used nightly in small amounts under moisturizer to provide a deep dose of vitamins, hydration, botanical extracts and other anti aging ingredients.  Serums deeply penetrate below the surface of the skin to help rebuild from within.  Ampoules go one stop further than serums to provide a single dose of ultra-concentrated anti-aging blends.  Ampoules can be used either once or twice a week or even daily to aggressively prevent or treat aging.

• Exfoliation is key to having smooth, clear and flawless skin.  Exfoliation removes the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin which helps reduce the signs of aging, sun damage, acne and a dull lifeless complexion.  This can be achieved either mechanically- using medical microdermabrasion treatments available here at the clinic or chemically- using things such as Vitamins A or C or glycolic peels.  The frequency and intensity of treatments vary according to skin type and goals.  Call or drop in anytime for a free skin analysis and consultation to determine the best treatment options and schedule for you!

• Nutrition and supplementation play a large role in the appearance of the skin.  A whole foods diet centered around fresh organic vegetables and fruit, whole grains, lean proteins and quality fats while avoiding any food allergies is key.  Supplementation for the skin often includes antioxidants, essential fatty acids, probiotics and other specific nutrients.  Supplements are very individual, so it is best to come in to see one of our naturopathic doctors to design a program for you.

There are many additional skin products one can add to their basic skin regimen once they feel ready.  I suggest to start with the basics and gradually add one or two products that will give you the most benefit and you will be consistent with.  Beautiful skin is possible for everyone, we just all have a slightly different path to achieve it.