Skintelligence

Skintelligence is understanding what makes your skin behave in the way it does and knowing how to restore balance-is the key to healthy, radiant skin.

Unlike other organs, the skin is visible-a map of your life, complete with freckles, spider veins, open pores, spots, scars, and laughter lines. Because it's exposed to the sun, cold, wind, and pollutants, the signs of stress will soon show if you don't take care of it. While the condition of the skin is undeniably affected by the external environment, diet, lifestyle, hormonal changes, and the passage of time also play a part in its behavior at any give time.

It is important to be able to recognize your skin's tendencies and characteristics so that you can treat it accordingly and restore balance, but accept that these won't remain constant. Skin may be drier during the winter than the summer, and may be prone to oiliness and breakouts at different times of the month or because of change of diet or lifestyle. Smoking, too much alcohol, and too little sleep can all have a negative impact on the skin's health, making it look dull and dehydrated, while stress can trigger sensitivity and lead to outbreaks of exzema and psoriasis.

Information provided by: Jemma Kidd, Make-up Masterclass-the beauty bible of professional techniques and warable looks.

Beauty Mistakes That Age You

Mistake #1: Using an under eye cream that contains fragrance and certain preservatives.

Instead: use eye creams that do not contain common irritants and ingredients that could cause breakouts (including lanolin, SD alcohol, mineral oil, artificial colors and fragrances; also try applying cold compress for puffiness.

Mistake #2: Washing your face before your hair in the shower.

Instead: Wash your hair before washing your face because chemicals and oils from your hair products can drip down on your face and clog pores.

Mistake #3: Not moisturizing the neck.

Instead: Make sure to moisturize your neck as well as your face. Neck skin is thinner than the skin on your face. Look for creams with Vitamin A.

--Information provided by the Dr. Oz Show.

Super Foods for Super Beauty

Last year a reported $2.5 billion was spent on cosmetics and skin care products; $10 billion was spent on cosmetic procedures.

Natural beauty boosters can be found in your own home or at the grocery store.

1) What food protects the skin from the sun?

Answer: Pink grapefruit- contains lycopene that helps protect the skin from sun damage. To benefit, eat 1/2 a grapefruit once a week.

2) What food helps prevent wrinkles?

Answer: Red peppers-"natural botox" is very rich in Vitamin C. Has 2x the amount of Vitamin C as an orange. To benefit, eat 1/4 cup a day.

3) What food helps prevent acne?

Answer: Collard greens-rich in Vitamin A it helps the skin naturally exfoliate itself and works to prevent blemish formation. Vitamin A is said to be the most successful skin remedy. To benefit, eat 1/2 cup cooked once a week. Can use in salads or as a side dish.

4) What food helps prevent dry skin?

Answer: Trout-rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. To benefit, eat 1-2x/week.

5) What food helps reduce redness and inflamation?

Answer: Capers-contain a natural phytonutrient called Quercetin. This acts as a natural antihistamine and has anti-inflamatory benefits. To benefit, eat 1 tbs 2x/week.

--Information provided by the Dr. Oz Show.