Healthy Skin Tips from NYAH Med Spa

Hello Patch Community,

Healthy skin is really one of the most important ingredients for beauty enhancement and it gives us confidence. Knowing your skin type is one of the most important skin-care tips. We have to know exactly what our skin knows in order to be able to provide it with the right treatment and regiment.  Since I can’t see your skin personally at this point, I will try to help you determine your skin type by yourself.  Every day this week I will talk about one skin type.

Today, I will talk about Dry Skin – you have dry skin if your skin has a low level of natural oils and can be prone to sensitivity. The skin has a parched look caused by its inability to retain moisture. It usually feels "tight" and uncomfortable after washing unless some type of moisturizer or skin cream is applied. Chapping and cracking are signs of extremely dry, dehydrated skin. If untreated, dry skin can sometimes lead to dermatitis – inflammation of the skin – swelling and infection.

So, let’s talk about what causes the skin to become dry:

-The oil glands do not supply enough lubrication to the skin.

- Extreme temperatures

- Genetics (oh well, you did not pick your parents – right?)

- Nutritional deficiencies, especially deficiencies of vitamins A and B

- Man-made such as exposure to sun, wind, cold, chemicals or cosmetics, or excessive bathing with harsh soaps

- Dry skin can be a sign of an underactive thyroid.

- Serious skin complications can arise for people with diabetes.

- Certain drugs, including diuretics, antispasmodics and antihistamines

The good news is that just as most causes of dry skin are external, most cures for dry skin are external. With careful dry skin care and vitamins you can usually solve the problem.

 Recommended vitamins:

  Vit A – controls the amount of keratin in the skin, keeping it soft

  Pantothenic acid – stimulates cell growth

  Vit  C – needed to make collagen, the connective tissue essential for healthy skin

  Vit D – crucial for skin health

   Vit E – prevents damage from free radicals, thought to damage the flexibility of collagen

   Biotin – needed for the production of fatty acids, essential for healthy skin

Recommended minerals:

    Copper – needed for the production of collagen

    Selenium – an antioxidant

    Zinc – helps to produce new skin cells

 Recommended nutrients:

    Omega-3 fish oils – prevent cells from drying out

    Omega-6 oils – help to make cell membranes

    Bioflavonoids – improve the action of Vitamin C

Foods to choose:

     Carrots

     Liver

     Mackerel and sardines

     Shellfish

     Fresh fruit and vegetables

     Sunflower seeds

     Pumpkin seeds

     Sweet potato

     Peanuts

Foods to avoid:

     Fried food, which creates free radicals that may damage skin cells

     Alcohol, coffee and tea – all are dehydrating.

Not sure what is the best skin care regiment for you if you have dry skin? I would be happy to consult with you and help you make the right choices for your skin. You can e-mail me at info@nyahmedspa.com or call me at (678) 687-8444.

SkinVitas for the mind……Did you know?

• Under the FDA monograph, no cosmetic manufacturer is permitted to claim a “waterproof” rating in regard to sunscreen.  The highest nomenclature that can be used is “very water resistant” only when the product has successfully completed its criteria for underwater testing, according to the FDA. It requires that product be placed on a human subject and immersed in moving water for 80 minutes. The SPF is then tested for its effectiveness to protect the skin.
• Zinc deficiency could be the culprit if one is suffering from hair loss and weak eyelashes. It is often paired with biotin to support healthy hair growth. You can get zinc in meats, peas, beans, and lentils. Check your multivitamin, it generally contains zinc. Too much zinc can cause an upset stomach. Do not exceed 100mg/day. Excessive amounts of zinc can interfere with iron absorption. You should check with your doctor if you have questions about your zinc intake.

Roxana Pacely                                                                                                                                                 Licensed Aesthetician                                                                                                                                  Owner of NYAH Med Spa