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cell turnover

Associate of Occupational Science in Cosmetology, Cosmetology, Esthetics

Foods that Keep Your Skin Looking Fabulous

We have all heard the old adage “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep.” Well, recent research has shown that is not the case. Beauty actually begins on the inside, specifically in your gastrointenstinal tract. The foods you eat, and thus the micro/macronutrients you put in your body have a direct correlation on how healthy your skin is.

Here are a few things to make sure and keep stocked in your fridge this summer to keep you skin glowing:

Sweet Potatoes
Thanks to the large concentration of beta carotene found in sweet potatoes, they’re great for your complexion, and their protective qualities can even defend against sun exposure (but still use sun block, please).

Kiwi
A perfect summer snack, this tart-tasting treat is chock full of vitamin C (in fact, it contains more per serving than almost any other fruit). This vitamin C, in turn, helps the collagen in our skin stay firm. Other options for vitamin C: broccoli, strawberries, tomatoes, and, of course, oranges.

Sunflower Seeds
More than just a treat, sunflower seeds contain vast amounts of vitamin E, an antioxidant that slows the aging process of your skin, and can keep you looking younger for longer. You’ll also get a ton of Vitamin E from whole-grain cereals, Swiss chard, spinach, and more.

Tea
Full of antioxidants and phytonutrients, tea is a great break from the eight to ten glasses of water you should be drinking a day.

Salmon
This delectable fish is bursting with omega-3 fatty acids, which are proven to stave off the body’s production of inflammatory substances. This, in and of itself, can decrease your number of wrinkles, clogged pores, and troublesome fine lines.

Blueberries

Referred to as one of the “super foods.” This powerful little berry is choc full of antioxidants that help with cell repair and cell turnover.

Associate of Occupational Science in Cosmetology, Cosmetology

Can You Be Addicted To Lip Balm?

By April Genshaw, Master Instructor

I’ve come across this question several times over the years, and have fully declared that I myself would attest to being addicted. At the age of 18 I lost my lip balm at a friends house one night  and actually asked  a gas station attendant if he could cover what I was short so that I could buy a new one. Now that is desperation!

Symptoms could include:
*applying heavy layers of balm before bed
*buying multiply tubes at a time; i.e. hoarding different types in your purse or car
*applying multiple times a day (something must always be covering the lip)
*having a tube in pretty much every room of your house

If any of these describe you, you aren’t alone.There is even a website www.lipbalmanonymous.com
In all seriousness there is science behind this addiction. Lets make this simple…….

Lips are Skin. Skin is complex and has layers. The top layer (stratum corneum) is mostly dead/dehydrated cells. As they die they should naturally flake away. When the cells flake away they send a signal to a deeper layer that will produce new plump cells (basal layer). This process is referred to as cellular turnover, which also slows down as you age. When you use lip balm or lip products it locks in moisture creating a barrier. The lips stay hydrated, but since not as many cells are sloughing away, the basal cell doesn’t get the signal for new cells.

Now, when the balm isn’t present, and the lips are exposed, they suddenly are dried out. The basal layer then is in overdrive trying to catch up. But then…. your lips are dry, so of course, more lip balm! The basal layers gets the “Never mind we’re fine signal” and it’s a cycle. We have trained our lips to rely on this hydrating protective barrier. Decide for yourself if you’re addicted or wanting to continue with your addiction. I personally will continue. I just love the feeling of lip balm/lipstick or lipgloss.  It just makes me Happy! We all have those double lipgloss days.