Sexy Skin is Healthy Skin!
Photo: Brand X Pictures/Thinkstock
Glowing, vibrant, smooth, soft, radiant. These are all words we use to describe the skin we want to have, when in truth what we really want is sexy skin. Yes, sexy skin.
There is no shame in admitting it. One of our primal drives is sex. Sexy skin denotes you have healthy skin, the type of skin others would love to have and love to touch. Our skin is our largest accessory, something we take with us every place we go. It is completely natural that we would want it to look its best at all times.
What are some of the hallmarks of sexy skin?
Sexy skin is a whole-body concept. Your skin is more than your face—treating that one area alone does not give you sexy skin. Here are other zones to take note of:
Neck, Décolleté & Bust
Sunbathers of yesteryear are now suffering the consequences of their actions when those hours spent basking in baby oil are manifested in mottled, discolored and rough skin. The skin of this area needs to match the skin of the face in texture, quality and color. One trick: Bring the skin care you use on your face down to your neck and chest.
Hands & Arms
Nothing will betray your age faster than your hands. Again, this area is prime for pigmentation issues, as well as uneven skin and dry skin. Many people suffer from a condition known as keratosis pilaris (KP) on the backs of their upper arms, resulting in that "chicken skin" effect. While this is an inherited condition, it can be controlled through the use of an exfoliating body wash and body lotion.
Legs & Feet
Keeping this area smooth and moisturized is the key. You want your feet fit for sandals at any time, and you should never be embarrassed to get a pedicure. The use of exfoliating lotions can cure a lot of what ails this area, but for those who have feet that need a little more attention, try a foot balm with glycolic acid or even 40 percent urea.
Back & Torso
Keep this area hydrated. For those who suffer with acne on their backs, the use of cleansers containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid may help.
There is no shame in admitting it. One of our primal drives is sex. Sexy skin denotes you have healthy skin, the type of skin others would love to have and love to touch. Our skin is our largest accessory, something we take with us every place we go. It is completely natural that we would want it to look its best at all times.
What are some of the hallmarks of sexy skin?
Sexy skin is a whole-body concept. Your skin is more than your face—treating that one area alone does not give you sexy skin. Here are other zones to take note of:
Neck, Décolleté & Bust
Sunbathers of yesteryear are now suffering the consequences of their actions when those hours spent basking in baby oil are manifested in mottled, discolored and rough skin. The skin of this area needs to match the skin of the face in texture, quality and color. One trick: Bring the skin care you use on your face down to your neck and chest.
Hands & Arms
Nothing will betray your age faster than your hands. Again, this area is prime for pigmentation issues, as well as uneven skin and dry skin. Many people suffer from a condition known as keratosis pilaris (KP) on the backs of their upper arms, resulting in that "chicken skin" effect. While this is an inherited condition, it can be controlled through the use of an exfoliating body wash and body lotion.
Legs & Feet
Keeping this area smooth and moisturized is the key. You want your feet fit for sandals at any time, and you should never be embarrassed to get a pedicure. The use of exfoliating lotions can cure a lot of what ails this area, but for those who have feet that need a little more attention, try a foot balm with glycolic acid or even 40 percent urea.
Back & Torso
Keep this area hydrated. For those who suffer with acne on their backs, the use of cleansers containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid may help.
It's About the 3 Cs: Clarity, Color & Cut
Sometimes it is hard to describe exactly what constitutes sexy skin. Just as you know sick or sallow skin when you see it, we are also programmed to identify sexy skin. Sexy skin glows, is iridescent and almost has a glassy look. In fact, you can think of your skin as a gem, and it can be described in almost the exact same way—only using three Cs to strive for, instead of four.
Just like anything worth having, beautiful, radiant skin takes a commitment on your part. Consistency is the key. Choosing a regimen and treatment path that work for you and your lifestyle is of utmost importance. Here are the steps on the road to success:
1. See a Dermatologist
A dermatologist is an expert in the skin, hair and nails. You certainly wouldn't go to a bicycle shop to have your car worked on, so why would you see anyone but a specialist when it comes to dealing with your most vital accessory. Today dermatologists are armed with a whole arsenal of weapons to help in your fight for sexy skin. Advances in treatments such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, fillers and lasers are happening at break-neck speed. What wasn't possible six months ago is totally attainable now.
2. Eat Right, Exercise & Drink Plenty of Water
Yeah, we know everyone is tired of hearing this pearl of information, but there is a reason it is repeated so often—it works! Simply put: Garbage in, garbage out. Drinking fresh, distilled water will flush your system of toxins. Fresh fruits and vegetables, along with a diet high in fiber and low in sugar and fat will do wonders to help you look and feel your best. Exercise strengthens your system, tones the body and oxygenates the cells.
3. Choose The Proper Skin Care Regimen
What goes on your body is just as important as what goes in your body.
Exfoliate. Dry, dead skin looks and feels dull and lifeless. Polishing your skin with a gentle exfoliant gives it an instant glow and shine, as well as oxygenating the skin. It also gives you a smooth palette with which to work in applying your additional skin care products.
Cleanse. No matter what, you need to get your day's worth of makeup and dirt off your skin.
Repair. Everyone needs a repair product to address their specific skin type. Acne and oily-skin patients have different needs than dry and sensitive-skin patients. Everyone should have a fast-acting antioxidant therapy product to protect their skin from damaging free-radicals.
Moisturize/Seal. Moisturizers seal in your repair product, hydrate the skin and repair barrier function. They serve to give your skin that soft, supple feel.
Protect. Nothing will do more damage to your skin than leaving it unprotected to the elements. A broad-spectrum SPF30 or above shields your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays.
Remember: Sexy skin is healthy skin!
The top 10 skin myths—a dermatologist reveals all!
Harold Lancer, MD, FAAD is the expert that Hollywood's most recognizable faces and bodies trust for effective cosmetic rejuvenation. Visit LancerDermatology.com for more information.
Sometimes it is hard to describe exactly what constitutes sexy skin. Just as you know sick or sallow skin when you see it, we are also programmed to identify sexy skin. Sexy skin glows, is iridescent and almost has a glassy look. In fact, you can think of your skin as a gem, and it can be described in almost the exact same way—only using three Cs to strive for, instead of four.
- Clarity: Clear, blemish-free skin with small even pores
- Color: Uniform color
- Cut: Or shape of the skin—tight, not sagging—smooth and wrinkle-free
Just like anything worth having, beautiful, radiant skin takes a commitment on your part. Consistency is the key. Choosing a regimen and treatment path that work for you and your lifestyle is of utmost importance. Here are the steps on the road to success:
1. See a Dermatologist
A dermatologist is an expert in the skin, hair and nails. You certainly wouldn't go to a bicycle shop to have your car worked on, so why would you see anyone but a specialist when it comes to dealing with your most vital accessory. Today dermatologists are armed with a whole arsenal of weapons to help in your fight for sexy skin. Advances in treatments such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, fillers and lasers are happening at break-neck speed. What wasn't possible six months ago is totally attainable now.
2. Eat Right, Exercise & Drink Plenty of Water
Yeah, we know everyone is tired of hearing this pearl of information, but there is a reason it is repeated so often—it works! Simply put: Garbage in, garbage out. Drinking fresh, distilled water will flush your system of toxins. Fresh fruits and vegetables, along with a diet high in fiber and low in sugar and fat will do wonders to help you look and feel your best. Exercise strengthens your system, tones the body and oxygenates the cells.
3. Choose The Proper Skin Care Regimen
What goes on your body is just as important as what goes in your body.
Exfoliate. Dry, dead skin looks and feels dull and lifeless. Polishing your skin with a gentle exfoliant gives it an instant glow and shine, as well as oxygenating the skin. It also gives you a smooth palette with which to work in applying your additional skin care products.
Cleanse. No matter what, you need to get your day's worth of makeup and dirt off your skin.
Repair. Everyone needs a repair product to address their specific skin type. Acne and oily-skin patients have different needs than dry and sensitive-skin patients. Everyone should have a fast-acting antioxidant therapy product to protect their skin from damaging free-radicals.
Moisturize/Seal. Moisturizers seal in your repair product, hydrate the skin and repair barrier function. They serve to give your skin that soft, supple feel.
Protect. Nothing will do more damage to your skin than leaving it unprotected to the elements. A broad-spectrum SPF30 or above shields your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays.
Remember: Sexy skin is healthy skin!
The top 10 skin myths—a dermatologist reveals all!
Harold Lancer, MD, FAAD is the expert that Hollywood's most recognizable faces and bodies trust for effective cosmetic rejuvenation. Visit LancerDermatology.com for more information.
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