Albuquerque, NM

I love youtube for it always presents the unexpected. When we approach the skin lets expand beyond the conventional. These videos open our eyes and ears to the multiple dimensions of our skin. We can not separate our skin form the world we live in: the air we breathe, the food and water we drink, our lifestyle and our heart, breath, and mind.

I often ask friends, “Stressed?” and they light up relieved and respond, “Oh yeah!” Why relieved? I give them a chance to unload, even if only briefly. What’s this got to do with skin?

Natalie Merchant, see video above, “Take a look at my body, take a look at my hands, there’s so much (here) I don’t understand…as if I’m becoming untouchable”.

If you watch the three videos, you will see many images and words expressing the life of us as skin. If we don’t move ( perhaps even reach out or stretch our limbs), don’t play, ignore love or matters of the heart, over time time we engrave our stories deep within our skin: and it shows. So pamper yourself babies. I also loved the videos for the water involved: skin rejoices within waters. Skin is about connecting and accepting and releasing. Watch the first video again. We need to connect. We need to keep connective tissue healthy: elastic. At all ages. Whether you dance, sing, or simply breathe when you connect your inner self, love and joy, with the world and a few people around you your being will grow stronger, more vibrant and healthy. Skin is about how you touch…

So back to the title: Skin food. Life ain’t perfect, sometimes on may not sleep enough, do what they love enough, etc. We may develop rough spots, dry spots, or dry all over. Our skin needs food too. Deal with your stress in any of the million ways possible. Reduce stress. go to myitthings.com/photoqueen for more ideas.

Good stuff for skin: alpha lipoic acid, coq10, dmae, oils,silica, vitamins and minerals, probiotics. Vitamin C. Fruits and vegetables. Essential fatty acids. Holy basil.

If you have sensitive skin, then the more you can do with diet and supplements: the better. Too many products will aggravate. Skin food is a great product by Weleda, that hits rough spots, and many sensitive skin folks can use it. Try applying 30 minutes to 1 hour before bed to let it soak in for awhile. You can also use it before hiking or gardening. The results usually are quickly noticable and long lasting. It very thick and rich: a little goes a long way, and is not part of a daily facial makeup routine.

Also oils are fabulous. Especially if you choose healthier products that are pure, natural, or organic. Wash the skin, apply oil, let it soak in and apply an equally healthy cosmetic. As some oils may prepare the skin to move other substances deeper and more quickly into the skin, if the other product is chemical based or more toxic, then you are just poisioning yourself faster: not the best routine for sensitive folks ( or anyone else for that matter).

If you are switching from chemicals to more natural products: find the gentlest product first while your body adjusts. You can try others as your health improves.

Have fun: Use barley grass powdered as a mask. You’ll be bright green. Or juice a salad or blend it (fruit or vegetables) and plaster wherever. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wash or shower off. Soak in beer, or more politically correct, in hops. Lots of B vitamins will swim right into you. Buckwheat flour makes a wounderful joint mask, cools and soothes the skin and joint. Wrap plastic around the paste to keep it moist and make it easier to clean off. Result? Smooth soft skin. Option: apply some oil an hour or so later.

Probiotics internally will create a stage where your body can deliver nutrients easily to the skin. Ditto aloe juice. Use liberally. Also you can use aloe topically. Wash off when it is dry or feels too sticky.

Assssk yourself 20 heart questions, return to the beginning videos. Love comes in many forms. What can you do to up your loving potient?

Blogsville: about-sandiegoca.com
about-seattlewa.com

Another remedy: come to NM and enjoy our spas!