Photography by Kim Baker

Photography by Kim Baker

Psychologists have done the math for us: we have 1/10th of a second to make a first impression. Our face is the first thing someone sees and subsequently forms an opinion about what kind of person we are. Their subconscious will determine if we appear intelligent, dominant, healthy, kind or trustworthy.

More specifically, our skin reveals much about our stress levels, diet and even how much sleep we get.

After spending at least the past decade exploring a deeper understanding of what it takes to achieve healthy-looking skin, I began seeking out skin care professionals to help me in my pursuit.

One of Denver’s leading skin care experts, Martin George, was kind enough to sit down with 303 to answer our skin- and nutrition-related questions. Martin heads the herbalism program at Denver’s School of Botanical & Medical Aesthetics, is one of a handful of Dr. Hauschka-licensed estheticians in the country, and runs a booming holistic skin care and wellness practice.

303 Magazine: Between your private skin care practice and position at the school, you keep yourself pretty busy. What keeps you inspired, and how do you juggle it all without letting stress affect your own skin’s appearance?

Photography by Kim Baker

Photography by Kim Baker

Martin George: They say if you love what you do you never work a day in your life. That can be said for me. I’m constantly inspired by helping clients achieve health, beauty and self worth while teaching students how to do the same for others.

I deal with stress and skin with a healthy amount of self love, a sense of humor, a decent diet and an amazing skin care routine. For me, balance is the journey. My skin always tells me when I am out of balance inside or out, and I work to correct that imbalance.

How important is nutrition for our skin?

Your skin is an expression of your physical and emotional well-being. Nutrition is an absolutely essential piece of the healthy, beautiful skin puzzle. Long-term goals around aging, acne and many other skin conditions can only be achieved by using nutrition as medicine. We truly are what we eat, but also what we do and how we feel and think.

If you would, name for us one daily habit we can change today to improve our skin.

I tell all my new clients that if they are going to change one thing, it should be their cleansing routine. Many people use harsh surfactants and abrasive tools to achieve a “squeaky-clean” feeling. I recommend balanced, non-surfactant cleansers with gentle application. It’s a ‘first do no harm’ concept. Our skin has a remarkable ability to heal itself if it is not recovering from what damage we do to it daily.

Along that same vein, what would be your number-one food suggestion essential for glowing skin?

Photography by Kim Baker.

Photography by Kim Baker

 

It feels impossible to name one thing for all people. Just as the same medicine wouldn’t be appropriate for all people. In general a diet high in fiber, antioxidants, and water and low in simple carbohydrates or dairy products will lend itself to healthy, glowing skin.

It sounds like most of us need your help. Where can we find you for our own skin care needs?

My private practice at Indigo Salon is in Capitol Hill. While I teach students skin sciences, facials and herbal medicine, I will also be offering one-night community classes open to the public at the school beginning in April.

We who live in Colorado are presented with a slew of unique challenges in caring for our skin. If we tackle those issues from the outside with moisture, sunscreen and a dedicated daily regimen, it only makes sense that we ought to consider how to nurture from the inside as well.

Remember: you have 1/10th of a second. What does your skin say about you?

PT-color-headshot-I3Jodilyn Stuart is the Health & Sports Senior Staff Writer for 303 Magazine, owner of ModaBody Fitness, and has been a professional fitness geek since 1997. If you have questions, feel free to email at: Jodilyn@303Magazine.com