By: Bethany Lambrecht Skin health and aeging of the skin are both influenced by many different factors, including heredity, sun exposure, the environment, health habits, and general lifestyle. Maintaining skin health requires education and proper care to achieve best results.People are born with their skin type, which is determined by genetics and ethnicity. Like everything else, skin changes over time. Generally an individual’s skin will become drier over time. Acne, however, is considered a disorder and can be treated with regular facials, medication, or proper care of the skin. The sun and its ultraviolet rays have the greatest impact on how our skin ages. Approximately 80 to 85 percent of our aging is caused by the rays of the sun. As we age, the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin naturally weaken. This weakening happens at a much faster rate when the skin is frequently exposed to UV rays. While the sun may play a predominant role in how the skin ages, changes in the environment also greatly influence the aging process. Pollutants in the air can change the health and overall appearance of the skin. Smoking, drinking, prescription and illegal drugs also contribute to the aging process. And, can also cause acne which is a primary concern for many clients to seek skin care help from an esthetician. The best defense against these pollutants is the simplest one: follow a good daily skin care routine and if possible regular facials from your esthetician.Facials help maintain the health of the skin and correct certain skin conditions through deep cleansing, massage, and use of masks and other products, and various treatment methods. Providing education and consultations are also a part of a facial to help the client continue treatment of their skin at home. Facial treatments include the following benefits to the skin: Deep cleanses, exfoliates, increases circulation and detoxifies, relaxes the senses, nerves, and muscles, stimulates skin functions and metabolism, slows down premature aging, treats conditions such as dryness, oiliness, or redness, softens wrinkles and aging lines, and helps clear up blemishes and minor acne. Home care is probably the most important factor in a successful skin care program. The “key” word here is PROGRAM. Client’s participation is essential to achieve results. A program consists of a long-range plan involving home-care, facial treatments, and client education.The most important home care preventative and skin health techniques for your skin is to cleanse, tone, moisturize and wear SPF daily. Cleansing your skin daily will help keep dirt and other debris from clogging your skin, toning will balance your skin Ph level, moisturizing seals moisture and protects the skin, and SPF is imperative to keeping your skin healthy and protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Are you ready to take control over your skin? Now that we have a little education, it is time to make our appointment for our next facial!
