7 surprising things that are good for your skin.

We all know the basics for a healthy lifestyle: eat a diet with plenty of fresh produce, get enough sleep, exercise, avoid stress and keep alcohol consumption to a minimum. But when it comes to our skin, not all is as it seems! Here are seven surprising things that are beneficial to our skin’s health.

1. Meditation.

Life moves so quickly these days. You’ve finally managed to squeeze in a few minutes daily to incorporate meditation. You turn on your favorite meditation app, turn down the lights, close your eyes, and tune in for some much-needed focus and mindfulness.

Why it’s good for your skin?
When you take deep, focused breaths while you meditate, you oxygenate your blood and help give your skin a healthy glow. Oxygenation boosts cellular health and slows the bodies’ aging process. Meditation also reduces stress - and stress is a major aggravating factor to many skin problems such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, dry skin, and premature aging.

Integrate aromatherapy in your skin care routine to help you unwind! Suggested products: Luzern La Nuit Hydra Cleansing Emulsion, Mary Cohr Softening Essences Body Care, Payot Relaxing Cleansing Body Oil or PodoSensé Relaxing Lavender Sea Crystals.

2. Music.

You know the feeling. You’re listening to a particularly powerful piece of music. The piece builds and there it is. That shiver.

Why it’s good for your skin?
Goosebumps, also known as a frisson, are a physiological reaction caused by the contraction of tiny muscles attached to each hair follicle. Besides helping you stay warm, when goosebumps are brought on by strong emotions caused by powerful music, for example, the chemical dopamine is released by the brain. Studies have shown that dopamine plays a part in increasing microcirculation, reducing inflammation, and may even help the skin heal faster!

Add a little exercise for your skin while you groove! Suggested tools: Luzern Guasha Stone (coming soon!), Payot Face Moving Tool or Gym Beauté.

3. Bacteria.

You know that healthy bacteria are essential to digestion, but did you know that they’re also good for your skin?

Why it’s good for your skin?
Probiotics - also known as “good bacteria” are live bacteria and yeasts much like those that reside in a healthy digestive system. Though we may not realize it, bacteria also reside on our skin and play a role in keeping our skin healthy. Like certain medications can upset our gut bacteria (such as antibiotics), harsh cleansers and antibacterial products can strip the skin of this beneficial bacteria, potentially aggravating chronic skin conditions and irritation. It is not surprising then that there has been an increase in skin care containing probiotics that help balance the skin’s natural bacterial protection. Suggested products: Luzern Serum Absolut Recovery, Payot Crème no2 Masque Peel-Off or Crème no2 L’Essentielle.

4. Sex.

Like you needed another reason to have sex, but here it is!

Why it’s good for your skin?
Pleasurable sex reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol in our bodies. Cortisol contributes to increased oil production which can lead to breakouts, inflammation and aggravate other skin conditions. A reduction in cortisol levels can also improve levels of collagen in the skin. Furthermore, pleasure during sex increases levels of estrogen, oxytocin, and prolactin - which can help keep hormonal break outs at bay.  And let’s not forget that a vigorous lovemaking session boosts circulation for that natural post - coital glow!

Prolong that glow with a delectable body moisturizer. Suggested products: Mary Cohr Exquisite Oil or Payot Elixir Sublime Cream.

5. Sweat.

You know that your daily workout benefits your body and your overall well-being but hate how sweaty you get.

“Stop right there!”

Why it’s good for you?
Sweat gets a bad reputation for contributing to clogged pores but sweat has so many health benefits for your skin! Sweat balances the pH of your skin and rids your skin of impurities such as dirt and oil. The water and naturally occurring uric acid in sweat help with hydration and the minerals in sweat naturally exfoliate your skin. The key is to cleanse your skin soon after you finish that workout, otherwise all those impurities the sweat helped expel will be reabsorbed by your skin - potentially leading to those clogged pores we associate with sweating! Suggested products: Luzern L’Essentials Pure Cleansing Gelée, Mary Cohr Perfect Gel Cleanser or Payot Moisturizing Foam.

6. Chocolate.

Chocolate often gets categorized as a junk food. We’ve all heard that eating too much chocolate is bad for your skin. But is this really true?

Why it’s good for your skin?
It’s the type of chocolate you eat that makes a difference! Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more) is rich in vitamins, iron, flavonoids, and calcium which nourish and help hydrate your skin from within. Also, since eating chocolate generally gives us pleasure - it helps reduce stress hormones which - as we know by now - contribute to skin irritation and premature skin aging. Furthermore, cocoa butter, extracted from the cocoa bean, has a delectable scent, melting texture at body temperature and antioxidants that make it a popular ingredient in skin care. Give yourself a luxurious, deeply hydrating foot treat! Suggested products: PodoSensé Hydrating Whipped Butter.

7. Caffeine.

Your daily dose of caffeine helps you rise and shine and face the day like a champion. But did you know that caffeine is often found in skin care as well?

Why it’s good for your skin?
Applied topically, caffeine constricts blood vessels for an immediate “tensor” effect and acts as a diuretic to reduce puffiness which makes it a popular additive in eye creams. Caffeine has also been shown to stimulate enzymes that break down fat cells to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. Suggested products:

• Eye creams: Luzern Force de Vie Eye Contour or Mary Cohr Eye Fresh.

• Body treatments: Mary Cohr Gommage Peau d’Orange or Payot Herboriste Gelée Minceur 3-en-1.

So, turn up the tunes, eat some good chocolate and work up a sweat doing - you know. Your skin is reaping the benefits and now you know why!

*Please consult with your skin care professional which products are right for you.