IT’S NO SECRET that feeling tired leads to dull and lifeless looking skin. The concept of skin energy is about more than looking refreshed and youthful. Skin that is energized gives off an overall aura and sense of emotional and physical well-being — the way the body exudes energy beyond the physical aspect. In recent years the beauty industry has seen a shift in how women view anti-aging. In addition to focusing on wrinkles and fine lines, women want their skin to reflect their inner youth and state of mind, one that is filled with confidence, energy and vitality.
However, this “inner energy” is sometimes difficult to capture and display in the complexion. In fact, lack of energy is a true skin condition that results from temporary or long-term stress exposure, such as lack of sleep, environmental factors (pollution, free radicals, etc.), poor diet and more, which prevents the skin from performing optimally. The symptoms can be multi-faceted and seen through skin inflammation, dryness, blotchiness, breakouts, damaged complexion, impaired elasticity and increased glycation. That begs the million dollar question…
THE INSIDE-OUT APPROACH
Many vitamins and minerals are essential for optimal health and well-being, which ultimately affects the skin’s luster. Here are a few key properties for skin energy:
Vitamin C is a key vitamin for boosting immunity, which benefits skin energy. Citrus fruits and leafy greens are great sources.
Flavanol is an antioxidant that can help protect heart health. A healthier heart means a better flow of oxygen, which translates into higher energy levels. Minimally processed dark chocolate is a good source.
Selenium is a popular energy boosting supplement, as it can help the body neutralize free radical toxins that can damage collagen and elastin in the skin. Selenium can be found in walnuts, lean meat, fish, eggs and nutritional yeast.
BEAUTY SLEEP
In order to support the body and achieve optimal health, one needs seven to nine hours of uninterrupted, quality sleep every night. Sleep deprivation compromises health and the skin. A lack of rest causes the facial blood vessels to dilate, which leads to dark circles under the eyes. During sleep, the body is in repair mode, and that includes skin renewal as new skin cells replace the older ones.
Part of this process is the production of collagen, which provides structure, elasticity and firmness in the skin, making it look younger, more energetic and glowing. Melatonin is also produced during sleep, and acts as an antioxidant that protects the skin from sun damage, further supporting the appearance of energized skin. Sleep also gives the facial muscles a chance to fully relax, softening harsh lines for a more lively and youthful looking complexion.
For more info on sleep and skin health, see “The 8-Hour Beauty Secret” in our December 2016 issue.
For healthier skin via a boosted immune system, advise your clients to eat plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, particularly foods with a high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value, such as pomegranates, blueberries and cranberries.
STIMULATE THE SENSES
Aromatherapy has endless benefits for beauty, health and overall well-being. By simply smelling and experiencing various essential oils (or a combination of them), the brain becomes stimulated, and depending on the particular healing powers of the aromatic compound, can experience a range of emotions — from calm to energized. There are a wide variety of essential oils that affect one’s energy levels and are natural mood modifiers.
A feeling of being energized and in good spirits is reflected within the complexion. Just as skin is dull and lifeless when one is in need of rest, the skin looks livelier when they’re feeling energized and alert. A state of fatigue can be offset by embracing aromatherapy with key energizing essential oils to help increase energy levels (both internally and on the skin). Aromatherapy devotees believe positive behavioral effects can be induced by scent and transformed into energy. Ginger, peppermint, lemongrass, rosemary and grapefruit are some examples of energizing essential oils.
THE OUTSIDE-IN APPROACH
Healthy skin is the first step to energized skin. Adopting healthy habits and using products filled with key energizing ingredients will help boost your clients’ skin energy levels.
Skin Care DOs:
DO adopt a full skin care routine, including cleansers, toners, serums and moisturizers that are targeted to specific skin type.
DO change up skin care seasonally or as needed to combat different ailments (dryness in the winter, breakouts in the summer, etc.).
DO protect skin from pollution, UV rays and free radicals with appropriate skin care (SPF, pollution-fighting products, etc.)
DO combine skin care routine with healthy habits such as diet, exercise and rest.
Skin Care DON’Ts:
DON’T neglect skin care — the absence of proper care shows in the complexion and skin energy levels.
DON’T skimp on hydration, which is essential for an energized appearance.
DON’T let a good skin care routine replace a healthy lifestyle. When one does not take care of themselves on the inside, it shows on the outside.
KEY INGREDIENTS
The right ingredients are key to boosting the skin’s energy. The following active ingredients are proven to work in topical formulations:
COENZYME Q-10 (CoQ-10) The body naturally makes this ingredient to fight free radicals in cells. Unfortunately it diminishes with age, making skin cells more vulnerable to damage. Damage and stress to skin drains skin energy, as it prevents it from performing optimally. Using skin care products formulated with CoQ-10 helps protect it from environmental factors that can cause a loss of energy.
CREATINE Another important component of the cellular energy system is creatine, which functions as a reservoir for high energy phosphates. The creatine system —and thus the skin’s energy storage mechanism — are negatively affected by aging and conditions of oxidative stress. When this system is not performing optimally, skin has more trouble storing energy within. Skin care products that contain creatine help keep this system healthy, thus keeping energy levels high!
ALPHA-HYDROXY ACIDS (AHAs) This group of natural-based acids include glycolic, lactic, citric and tartaric acids. AHAs gently exfoliate the skin, revealing a more radiant and lively complexion.
RHODIOLA This Scandinavian herb is used in traditional Chinese medicine, and acts as an energizer for skin cells. It’s also proven to reduce skin fatigue, which leads to a dull complexion that lacks energy.
NIACIN, also known as vitamin B3, supports cellular energy production. Skin care formulations that contain topical niacin derivatives enhance oxygenation of the dermis, resulting in energized skin.
COBALAMIN Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, plays a critical role in the pathways of the body that produce cellular energy. Found in soybeans, this ingredient brightens the skin, decreases redness, boosts collagen production and improves skin tone. When these pathways are performing optimally, energy can travel from cell to cell, leading to a visibly energized complexion.
LEAVE IT TO THE PROS
In the spa treatment room, manual massage techniques for both face and body have the power to energize the skin, body and mind. The following techniques provide increased microcirculation, oxygenation and overall energy, leading to more energized skin.
Acupressure: Fingers press key points on the surface of the skin and increase the circulation of oxygenated blood, thereby promoting cellular nutrition and an energy boost in the skin.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage: The gentle, connective tissue massage technique accelerates the movement of the lymphatic fluid. The lymphatic system is responsible for keeping the connective tissue surrounding cells decongested and free from toxins. When cells are clean and healthy, they omit more energy, resulting in a more energized-looking complexion.
Reflexology Massage: Various touch techniques on specific points of the feet and hands restore energy throughout the skin and body and maintain optimal health. Pressure on the major reflex points releases restricted energy flow and improves blood supply, thus releasing endorphins into the bloodstream, providing pain relief and a feeling of well-being.
Swedish Massage: Blood circulation is increased while the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells is enhanced. Lymph circulation is also increased, which speeds up the removal of metabolic waste and inflammation. Swedish massage has been reported helpful in promoting relaxation and an energetic glow to the skin. In a facial massage, five basic strokes and their variations are proven energy boosters: effleurage, petrissage, friction, rhythmic tapping and vibration.
Reiki: This Japanese hands-on healing system works with the human energy bio-field. The practitioner attunes the person’s bio-energy field with the universal life energy to accept Reiki frequency. It is administered with a light touch of the practitioner’s hands upon various parts of the recipient’s body, in a pattern that promotes optimal energy balancing and enhances the natural self-healing processes.
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