• Going  To Bed Without Cleansing

Did you know that it is so important not only to wash your face at every morning but also at night? We'e all gotten used to washing our hands a gazillion times a day, but when it comes to our face I highly recommend just twice a day. Yes once in the morning and before you go to bed. Here's another great tip (do it right after dinner before you relax so it's done before you get comfy). Bacteria builds up on your skin when you sleep, so you need to wash it off in the morning. And of course, at night you'll want to wash off every trace of makeup, oil dirt and whatever other environmental pollutants may have landed on your face during the day, so your pores don't get clogged. Actually your skin ages quicker if it's not clean.​

•  Using Irritating or Harsh Chemicals
  

Have you ever spent the night in a hotel and woken up to one side of your face being red and irritated? I sure have. The reason? Hotels tend to use harsh detergents when they launder the sheets and towels. This is a good thing for hygiene, but not when it comes to your skin. Chemicals that are commonly found in laundry detergent and other cleaning products can be irritating to the skin, as can certain synthetic fragrances. Exposure to these chemicals can lead to redness, sensitivity and even breakouts. People who have sensitive skin are the most effected and will likely experience more irritation than others. 
The best way to help protect your skin is to simply stay away from these common irritants. Carefully select your cleaning products and detergents to help limit exposure. Be conscientious of everything that comes into contact with your skin. If you get a reaction, you’ll know what you need to avoid in the future. Wearing moisturizer can also help, and so can cleansing your skin morning and night with the right cleanser for your skin type (Ask me what cleanser you should use if you aren 't sure).

• Sun Exposure

We all know the importance of avoiding the sun’s damaging rays, right? We know that the sun’s ultraviolet rays are responsible for breaking down collagen and elastin in your skin. It’s the collagen and elastin that keep your skin looking smooth and plump. (I know, most people hate the word ‘plump’ when it comes to their body, but it’s a good thing for the skin—really.) The sun’s rays can also affect your skin’s pigmentation, resulting in age spots and uneven skin tone. Of course, skin cancer is always on the forefront of our minds, and should be reason enough to protect our skin each and every day. (the sun doesn't discriminate so even if you have dark skin you can get skin cancer).
So what to do? It’s easy, really. You can avoid exposing your skin to the sun. There are some great options when it comes to protective clothing. A big, fabulous hat with a 2–3 inch brim is ideal, and so are sunglasses. It’s always best to avoid the sun in the middle of the day, as this is when the sun’s rays are the strongest and can cause the most skin damage. Always wear your daily SPF moisturizer with at least SPF 30. I have a great one if you want to try www.arbonne.com/Pws/donnawalter/store/AMUS/product/RE9-Advanced-Prepwork-Soft-Focus-Veil-Broad-Spectrum-SPF-30-Sunscreen-4681,12449,1103.aspx If you’re going to be in the sun for an extended period of time, don’t forget to reapply sunscreen throughout the day for maximum protection.

•  Smoking

You would have to live in a cave if you haven’t heard that smoking is bad for you. When it comes to skin, smoking can be your worst enemy and the catalyst for fine lines and wrinkles. In fact, the term “smokers face” is used by doctors to describe a person’s face who shows the common signs of smoking. The skin of someone who smokes generally isn’t healthy, and frankly it doesn’t look very healthy either. It can wrinkle easily, especially around the eyes and upper lip, and it can look dried out and dull. Smoking causes blood vessels to constrict, and as a result they get narrower. This isn’t a good thing, as it’s these very same blood vessels that feeds the outer layers of your skin. 
When you smoke, the living layers of your skin are less apt to receive proper amounts of oxygen and nutrients that are required to stay healthy. And then, you guessed it, here come the wrinkles.
Smoking also can prevent your skin from snapping back into shape due to the thickening of elastin fibers. The more you smoke, the greater the damage to your skin. For the sake of maintaining a more youthful appearance, and most importantly, for the sake of keeping your lungs strong and healthy, put down those cigarettes at all costs.

​There are so many things out there in the big, wide world that are common contributors to skin damage. Be conscientious of everything you put in an don your body to ensure you are doing your absolute best to take care of it. Skin will age naturally and there's no reason to help speed up that process. Let's do our best to avoid those things than can cause skin damage, so we can age well.

We all now that we are suppose to drink 1/2 our body weight in ounces. Are you doing that? And do you know why you need to do that?
While our bodies are sleeping that's when we are in the healing or repairing stage. So when I wake up the first thing I drink is a cup of hot water with a slice of lemon to rehydrate my body, and get things moving.
Drinking plenty of water is key in  keeping our body and organs happily functioning, and hydrated skin is just as important for a healthy complexion 'cause as you know the skin is the largest organ.
​Have you ever gone too long without hydration and felt the stress on your body? The human body requires adequate hydration to carry out essential functions necessary for survival. Most people can only live approximately 3 days without any water at all. Makes sense since the human body is composed of 70% water. Besides flushing waste out of your body and helping your violet organs function optimally, hydration also helps nourish your skin. If you want to fight off wrinkles and give your outer layer a healthy glow, don't allow yourself to get dehydrated. 

​Here are 5 key benefits linked to hydrated skin: 
 

1. Improved skin elasticity – Skin elasticity is skin’s ability to stretch and snap back to its original shape. Loss of skin elasticity causes skin to look saggy, crinkled, or leathery.
2. Reduced wrinkle appearance – improved hydration plumps up deflated skin cells and irons out wrinkles – this effect can be achieved in a short space of time with good skincare ingredients.
3. Balanced oiliness –Dehydrated skin can be oily.  Your skin has the ability to detect hydration levels and a lack of moisture signals sebaceous glands to produce oils. This feedback mechanism can be regulated by increasing hydration.
4. Improved skin defences – healthy, hydrated skin is better equipped to defend itself against environmental aggressors. With the aid of added anti-oxidants, fighting off free radicals becomes even easier.
5. Improved detox function – healthy skin cells have the ability to flush out toxins and the by-products of metabolism that result in dull skin. The ability for skin to detox is reliant on effectively hydrated skin.

​If you have a hard time drinking water, try adding a slice of lemon or cucumber, or some berries and a mint sprig to add more flavor. 
​Want to schedule a skin consult? Give me a call 484-354-0338
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​This is one of my favorite salads that I make and my guests love it to. It's perfect for summer, especially when you can get fresh corn on the cob. (These amounts maybe adjusted depending on size of jicama)

1 jicama peeled 
1 large carrot 
2-3 corn on the cob, roasted on grill
1/2 can of black beans drained
1/2 red onion chopped
chopped parsley or cilantro (optional)
juice of 2 limes
1/4 cup of EVOO
1/4 tsp of cumin
s & p to taste

Shred the jicama and carrot in a food processor and place in large bowl. Add black beans.
Cut corn off the cob directly in bowl. Add onions and parsley, cumin, salt and pepper. Add lime juice and extra virgin olive oil. Adjust seasoning to your liking. I like serving with tacos. Enjoy!

Well, we are 6 months into this crazy pandemic. I don't know about you, but I'm over it. I'm over having to wear a mask in public. I take care of my skin, but now I am noticing breakouts that I never had before and I know the cause is from my masks. So here's what I am doing to help treat my skin.

• You know I'm a huge proponent of drinking lots of water; 1/2 your body weight in ounces is recommended. This will help  flush out toxins of all our organs. Remember, our skin is our largest detoxing organ.
• Make sure you are using products that don't contain fillers like parabens, mineral oils and all the other harsh chemicals that my cause health issues along with clogging your pores.
• Are you washing morning and night? It's so important to take off your makeup before you go to bed. When your skin is dirty, besides clogging your pores it actually ages you quicker.
• Use a spot treatment on your blemish; here's what I use

       https://www.arbonne.com/pws/homeoffice/store/AMUS/product/Intensive-Acne-Spot-Treatment-4417,8593,217.aspx

• Make sure you are relaxing, whether it's enjoying a walk, yoga or meditation to decrease your cortisol levels.
• If you are not succeeding with your skincare goals, come see me and let's work together so I can help you have smooth, and glowing skin.
• Your nutrition plays a huge role on how your skin looks. Try and avoid processed foods and sugar. If you need help reading labels please reach out. That's one of the services I offer as a health coach.

Stay safe and best of health,
Donna

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