Sometimes less really is more… Often when we are young and first discover cosmetics and beauty products, we go a little overboard. If we liked a product we used layers of it to make sure everyone could see it. Going to my daughter’s ice skating performances and ballet recitals- the makeup is comical. As her instructor says, “You need to have enough makeup on so that the audience in the very back row can see your pretty faces.” As we mature we realize that the makeup is really hiding the pretty faces. True beauty comes from within and what we present to the world as our beauty  begins with beautiful skin, not tons of makeup.  Often when we try to cover up our flaws, we accentuate them. Not just the physical issues like the fact that foundation makes your fine lines more apparent, but also the emotional cover up. What are we trying to hide with all those products?

photo courtesy of Google Images

It is time to stop hiding and get back to basics with healthy, natural beauty. Don’t cover up the problems, fix them and move forward. Not long ago actress Julianne Hough decided to take off the make-up she has so publicly worn for years. In a recent interview she said, “Now I’m more make-under than makeover. As a professional dancer, I was constantly in full makeup with my hair curled…extensions and a fake tan…now I’m always reminding myself that less is more.”

Get Julianne’s Look From Start to Finish

Naturally Flawless Skin

1. Proper Nutrition is important for maintaining optimal skin functions and preventing inflammation, photo-aging and other skin disorders. Adequate amounts of nutrients in our diet such as vitamins A, C and E and the ratio of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids are essential for healthy skin. Without these nutrients skin is more vulnerable to damage, inflammation and pre-mature aging.

*TipMango is a perfect skin health food- rich in a variety of phytonutrients, vitamins A, C and E, as well as omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which are necessary for healthy skin.

2.  Dedication to Daily Skin Care.

Exfoliation is the step you are most likely to skip, but you shouldn’t. Without exfoliation, your other skin care steps are not as effective. Exfoliation is simply the removal of dead skin cells on the outermost layer of your skin. This step allows for better absorption of facial products, a smoother skin texture and the revealing of younger skin cells.

*Tip- If you are short on time choose an exfoliating cleanser that matches your skin type. Sensitive? Try a product with a micro bead. Normal to Oily? Try a product with Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA).  If you have 15 minutes, go for a use-at-home peel like hey honey “take it OFF” exfoliating honey peel off mask.  Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, then peel off and you’ll feel like you just got a facial. With Alpha Hydroxy Acid  for cell turnover and the addition of honey extract- this mask is really effective and super nourishing. I use it 3 x a week & whenever I have an event where my skin needs to be in optimal shape.

Foaming Cleanser - CleansersCleanse: Cleansing is different than exfoliation and is an essential step to healthy skin. During the day, your skin is exposed to environmental dirt and grime as well as any make-up you are applying. Even while you sleep dust and bacteria can accumulate on your skin, so it is important to wash your face both first thing in the morning and before you head to bed.

*Tip-Leave the exfoliating cleansers for the AM. In the evening, choose a gentle cream or foaming cleanser that washes away impurities and moisturizes your skin like SkinCeuticals Foaming Cleanser- available through skin care professionals or online at www.skinceuticals.com

Nourish: It is important to use skin nutrition products with proven ingredients to help protect your skin, repair past damage and prevent future damage. Look for a combination of antioxidants, peptides and humectants. Antioxidants- (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Idebenone) have been shown to minimize the damage caused by free radicals, which are a major contributor to skin aging. Peptides –help reduce wrinkles and renew the skin’s outer layer by encouraging cell turnover while stimulating collagen production and improving skin thickness. Hyaluronic Acid-(HA) This is a super moisturizing substance that already exists in your body and is abundant in youthful skin. HA fills the gaps between collagen and elastin fibers and helps transport essential nutrients to the live cells of the skin.

*Tip-Look for a skin nutrition product that contains a combination of these ingredients in adequate concentrations to save you time and money.

What’s Your 303 Option? This section is dedicated to local brands, here in Denver.

  • AdvanSkin DermCorrect Serum, $75-I love this all-in-one skin nourishing product for daily use. DermCorrect contains 12 active ingredients to fight aging and protect the skin, including peptides, antioxidants and HA. It is light weight and absorbs quickly. I quickly noticed an improvement in skin tone and texture and all around softness.
  •  AdvanSkin HA Serum, $36-For the dry winter months ahead, the Hyaluronic Acid Serum from AdvanSkin is ideal. It is super hydrating and helps your skin maintain moisture throughout the day, perfect for Colorado’s climate. This is an added boost of moisture that helps your skin stay protected.

*Tip-AdvanSkin products are available online. 303 readers can go to www.advanskin.com now and receive a sample size of DermCorrect and HA Serum for free.

3. Natural Looking Make-Up 

With your skin cleansed and nourished, you are ready for fresh, natural looking makeup. This is where you want to stay dedicated to the “less is more” attitude.

*Tip-If you must use a foundation, use a natural mineral makeup that won’t clog your pores like Advanced Mineral Makeup by Annie Mayo, Celebrity Makeup Artist. These products are antibacterial and free of talc, perfumes, parabens, dyes and preservatives. I like the pressed powder compacts because they provide light, breathable coverage and contain spf protection. Advanced Mineral Makeup is available in Denver at Skin Sense 101 or online at www.advancedmineralmakeup.com

To finish the look, put on your favorite nude lipstick and natural color mascara- but don’t overdo it! Free yourself by letting the real you show up.