What Is Your Skin Trying To Tell You?

Do you have cellulite, wrinkles, dark circles, or acne? Is it just a “bad skin day” or is your body trying to tell you something more? My skin has changed so much over the years and I know many of you can relate. From the first pimple (I noticed during my early years of puberty), to hyperpigmentation (when patches of skin are darker than the surrounding skin) that appeared after my second pregnancy. My skin is no stranger to changes or imperfections and we must realize we are not alone.

Before we discuss ways to prevent or improve irregularities of the skin, I want to first try to relieve myself and others of the pressure to change every imperfection you may find on your body. I truly do believe that imperfections are what make us beautiful, and remind us of life’s special moments.

For example, the stretch marks on my stomach and the loose skin just above my c- section scar are considered imperfections. These imperfections remind me of my journey to motherhood. Do I hope and want to make improvements to those areas? The answer is yes. Do I expect these areas to look like they did before motherhood? The answer is no. I now desire my skin to be the best version of what is possible without surgical interventions. To make these improvements, I understand the importance of what I put both in and on my body.

What are some areas of concern for you? Do you think that there is something you can do to improve these areas? Do you know when to seek further evaluation for changes in your skin?

Some changes of the skin are to be expected with age, hormonal changes, and childbirth. But others can be related to poor diet, lack of sleep, sun exposure, inflammation, or cancer.

Below I have listed the most common skin conditions for women and tips to improve those areas:

Acne:

• Limit triggering foods such as dairy, chocolate, and sugar.

• Choose water as your main beverage throughout the day.

• Decrease stress.

• Wash your face.

• Develop a skin routine. The first step in developing a routine is identifying what type of skin you have (dry, oily, or combination) and using skincare products for your type of skin.

Wrinkles:

• Drink lots of water.

• Eat a Vitamin E-rich diet which includes almonds, avocado, broccoli, spinach, and mango.

• Moisturize your skin. Choose moisturizers with Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.

• Protect your skin from the sun.

• Relax and age gracefully!

Cellulite:

• Drink at least 64 ounces of water a day.

• Incorporate dry brushing into your skin routine to help improve circulation.

• Eat food sources of collagen which includes berries, beans, fish, and tomatoes. Show yourself grace. Know that even women with a low body fat percentage experience cellulite.

Dark Circles:

• Get adequate and quality sleep.

• Reduce sun exposure.

• Moisturize the area daily.

• Before trying chemical peels and laser therapy, consider skin lightening creams.

• Keep it simple and grab a cucumber from your garden. Cut the cucumber into thick slices and chill. Place chilled slices over eyes for 5-10 minutes. Finish by washing your face for a spa-like experience.

Eczema:

• Avoid irritants (detergents, soaps, fragrances).

• Change your diet by following an anti-inflammatory diet.

• Decrease stress and anxiety.

Moles/Freckles:

The majority of moles and freckles are not life-threatening. Some are present at birth, or are found in the earlier years of life. If you notice a change in size, shape, color, or the area of the mole/freckle becomes painful, please seek further evaluation.

Stretch Marks:

Embrace the fact that stretch marks are common and natural. If you want to make changes, start by moisturizing the area with skincare oils. If home treatments do not provide the results you are looking for, speak to an expert about options such as micro-needling and laser therapy.

Varicose/Spider Veins:

As a nurse, I am no stranger to compression stockings. It is what most nurses use to get through a 12-hour shift to improve circulation and decrease pain from long hours of standing. Follow a low sodium diet to help reduce the risk of swelling. Elevate your legs whenever possible. Discuss with your provider for medical procedures for the removal of abnormal veins.

As we age, there are many changes we can expect to see in our skin. Some we can learn to embrace, and others we desire to fix to boost our self-confidence. Before considering surgical alternatives, I encourage you to listen to your body and see what simple changes you can make to improve your body from the inside out. Most skin imperfections can be improved with diet changes, hydration, decreasing stress, simple skin routines, and a positive body image. Remember, beauty starts from the inside. “Make Wellness Your Best Accessory”.

Your Sister in Wellness,

Lauren