#linesallowed

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 REFLECTION, continuing on from last week...

  My second career is in para-medical aesthetics, Dermatology (think skin problems, acne and cancer.. not botox and fancy facials!) After years in the field of nutrition I felt this would be an interesting transition as the two career fields dove tail nicely.  

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Over the years I've helped children, teens, men, and women, look and feel better about themselves and to be pro active with regards to their health . 

 Diabetes, heart disease, eating disorders and weight loss, obesity.. that was my past. Helping people to figure  out to improve their health and well being.  To be WELL.
WELLNESS: FREEDOM from illness

Of particular interest to me are women and how they perceive maturity or aging.  Cover it up, tighten it up, reshape it, but whatever you do don't show it because according to our media led culture it is not the preferred state to be in.

If I ask you to define beauty, what would you say?

A few words that represent BEAUTY to me would be:

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A sparkle in the eyes

Laugh lines!  They represent a life that's been lived well!

Character

Confidence

Peace

Wisdom

Our beauty can be enhanced if we are happy, sleep well, manage our stress, eat and exercise in moderation.

Make up is fun and can make us feel pretty.  Drawing attention to our natural beauty rather than trying to cover something seems like a reasonable approach.

#linesaloud

A new series for you.  

To discuss whatever you want regarding skin, nutrition, body image, or exercise.  Just light hearted general information here, nothing heavy.

This has been the question of the week in my office:

"Now that summer is over, my skin is breaking out and I'm feeling dry.. even my hair is dry"  

42 year old female

As the season changes, so does our skin.  Level of humidity, what we eat, increased stress, and hormonal fluctuation all factor in to how our skin is looking.  

As we get older the rate that our skin naturally sloughs off slows down so it's easy for our pores to get clogged.  Cleansing with an exfoliating cleanser, or one with AHA may help increase cellular turnover, however it can also irritate sensitive skin so be careful what you use.  I usually recommend sampling a product prior to purchasing it. 

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Foods containing vitamin C and oils coming from fish, nuts, and avocado are important for skin health and can keep the skin and from feeling too dry. 

As we mature, estrogen levels drop causing a reduction in natural oil production and a thinning of the skin.  To help out, we can switch to a rich, and emollient filled lotion.  Weekly exfoliation with a gentle scrub (micro beads are best) might also help. If you have skin sensitivities or any areas where the skin is raw, irritated, or sore, stay away from any type of scrub.  A visit to your Dermatologist or Medical Doctor is recommended if a skin problem becomes chronic or worsens.  

Hair can feel dry and lack luster particularly if grey hair is showing up.  The cuticle gets thick or course and will not reflect light the way it used to.  Ask your hair dresser about glosses and masks for your hair and go easy on all the processing. A healthy diet rich in essential fatty acids will also get your locks looking lustrous! 

If you'd like to ask a question, feel free to contact me. Make sure you tell me your age.. or at least what decade you are in :) so I can get an idea of where you are at with regards to skin needs. 

 I will use your name (and blog) ONLY if you ask me to, otherwise your comment will be posted as the one above is. 

trouverlesoleil@gmail.com

Have a wonderful week ahead and see you next week for some Halloween fun with Susan!

xx

leslie