NATURAL MOISTURIZING FACTORS [NMF's]

One of the primary element in keeping skin healthy is making sure the outer layer of the skin is intact.

That structure is defined and created by skin cells that are held together by the inter cellular matrix.


The inter cellular matrix is the glue or mortar between skin cells that keeps them together that prevent individual skin cells from loosing water and or sagging, to create the smooth appearance of healthy skin.


The components that do this, are often called moisturizing factors [NMF's]


While the oil and fat components of the skin prevent evaporation and provide lubrication to the skin's surface, it is actually the inter cellular matrix along with the skin's lipids [sebum] content that gives a good deal of its surface texture and feel.


The inter cellular matrix is the skin's first line of defense against water loss. 


When the lipids and NMF's content  of the skin are reduced, surface roughness, dehydration, fine  lines, itchiness make the skin feel and look uncomfortable.


The longer the skin's surface layer is impaired, the less effective the skin's inter cellular matrix becomes, the deeper the skin damage. 


When certain ingredients  in my formulations are used  in  my cosmetics products, they appear to help stabilize and maintain this complex intercellular matrix, although none of those very good NMF's and lipids can permanently affect or change the skin, they are great at temporarily  keeping depleted skin feeling comfortable and moist.


More important, all these natural ingredients can help support the intricate levels of the skin by keeping it intact.

Using moisturizers with NMF's allow your skin to do its job of repairing and regenerating itself without the complications brought on, when the skin is suffering from dryness, environmental damages,  abuses, negligence etc.  


Have an enchanted NMF's day !

THE SKIN CARE DIET

We've all heard that chocolate leads to breakouts - despite the fact that years of research have never proven the connection, although the link between diet and skin care are real. 

Nutrition affects the workings of our entire body so our largest organ, the skin, is certainly influenced by what we choose to eat.

On a cellular level, we can improve our skin through proper nutrition. 

We want to make every cell as healthy as possible to create the best environment for the skin to work efficiency.

The location of the break out may point to a particular problem, on the cheeks may result from the consumption of acidic foods, on the jawline overabundance of dairy in the diet, etc.

Some diet choices are recommended with any skin type or condition.

• Avoid empty calories and junk food  which makes skin dull, dry and unhealthy
• focus on  organic fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains,  herbs, oils, butter, yogurt, cheeses,  natural sugars, nuts, seeds,  use variety to get full nutrients for beautiful skin
• no processed foods or  artificial drinks sugar loaded of any sort.
• consume only meat  that are certified hormone and antibiotic free red meat or white meat 
• consume wild caught fish as much as possible for good natural source of Omega3s  especially good for dry  flaky skin
• drink filtered or distilled water avoiding as much as possible  soft plastic bottles and chlorinated water. In our time water pollution is our biggest problem. do not add to pollution.
• alcohol, coffee, tea, wines all good  in moderation
• no need for supplemental vitamins if following proper diet as above, unless under medical supervision.
• as a rule,  if the food you eat does not die,  it has no value for the skin care  beauty regimen   [fresh foods do not last long they are perishable]

Smoking is very damaging to skin, depletes oxygen, dehydrates, creates deep wrinkles over time around the mouth, and yellow plaques deposit [nicotine]  below skin surface. Plastic surgeon will not do surgery on a smoker. 

Fried foods encourage inflammation in skin to avoid as much as possible. 

Experts agree that nutrition is most important to healthy skin regardless of any condition one might experience. 

The human body is constantly replacing all its cells, the nutrients we eat provide the foundation. 

Eat vitamins and minerals rich foods and new skin cells will grow healthy and strong.

Nobody can be forced to eat a certain type of food  and it is unrealistic to tell someone not to eat a certain type of food.  


Maintain a food log for a week or two and note any skin changes that seems to be affecting the diet. 

It is our job to improve our overall health and beauty inside out, and,  it is never to late to start.

Better late than never.