Charlotte Bronte’s novel Jane Eyre was one of my favorite books in college. Who doesn’t enjoy a compelling love story? With the latest film version of Jane Eyre set to premiere March 11, I am reminded of the classic peaches and cream complexions from the early 1800s.
You too can have great skin a la Jane Eyre. Dr. Steven E. Zimmet, MD RVT FACPh, and dermatologist at Zimmet Vein & Dermatology, shares the best ways to achieve that healthy, timeless complexion. Makeup artist Crystal Glass, founder of Crystal Glass Makeup, contributes her tips for making your skin look free of imperfections, no matter how it currently looks.
Every complexion needs a healthy skin care regimen:
Sun rapidly ages your skin. Dr. Zimmet says, “A good quality sunscreen is an absolute necessity for preventing sun damage, lowering risk of skin cancer, and maintaining optimal skin health. Select a sunscreen that provides good protection for ultraviolet A and B rays. Hats are useful, and do outdoor activities early or late in the day.” Hats and sunglasses help prevent crow’s feet and sun spots. Know how your skin reacts to weather, and adjust moisture accordingly. Research product ingredients before use, as fragrances may cause allergic reactions.
You are what you eat. Dr. Zimmet says, “Most of us eat too much food without significant nutrient benefit. Food should be varied, fresh, natural (as unprocessed as possible), and easy to digest. I lean toward a vegetarian diet, avoiding smoked foods and red meat. Most people don’t drink enough water; filtered is best. I prefer vitamins in wholesome organic foods rather than supplements. Supplements lack many important nutrients that are in whole foods. Many don’t get adequate essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3. Omega-3 may improve eczema and skin health. Good sources are flaxseed and cold-water fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel. Studies reported that cow's milk increased acne prevalence, and there was a positive association between a high glycemic diet, hormonal mediators, and acne risk.” Eat a diet high in antioxidants with leafy greens, vitamins, and fruits like tomatoes and organic grapes. Coenzyme Q10 is a wonder-working antioxidant when ingested and applied topically. Minimize caffeine, alcohol, and sugar intake, as they dehydrate skin. Drink 64 ounces of water per day.
Dr. Zimmet suggests, “Drink enough water, have a healthy diet, and seek a good balance of work, exercise, relaxation, and quality sleep.” Get at least eight hours of sleep, don’t smoke, and minimize stress, as stress wreaks skin havoc. Skin is most supple with regular exercise. Avoid frequently touching your face; oils from your fingers can clog pores, and too much skin-tugging can toy with skin’s natural resilience.
From invasive to gentle, Dr. Zimmet lists your options. “Botox is an injection treatment done to improve lines of expression. Chemical peels improve surface pigmentation, blocked pores, acne, and skin texture. Pulsed light rejuvenation: intense pulsed light and a KTP laser improve splotchy pigmentation, broken capillaries, rosacea, and the luster/creaminess of skin. Thermage: a non-invasive treatment used to tighten, contour, and smooth skin on the face, eyelids, and other areas. Fractionated CO2 laser, such as Active FX and Deep FX: a major advance in the treatment of aging, sun-damaged skin, and acne scars that offers greater reduction in wrinkles, skin-tightening, and scars than non-ablative techniques.” Are you dissatisfied with your skin care regimen? Consult your dermatologist, and ask about dermabrasion or microdermabrasion.
Look positively creamy with makeup! Crystal says, “Airbrushing your foundation is a great choice. The foundation will cover problem areas, and leave skin looking flawless. Look for airbrush foundations with a silicone base, as these will mimic the skin's texture, more so than water. Temptu is my recommendation, and they have an at-home system. Or use a crème foundation and mineral powder together. Pat your sponge into the crème foundation, then lightly smooth across your face. Continue until face is covered. Next use a mineral powder with a touch of illuminator, and buff powder in circular motions with a regular-sized kabuki brush, or large powder brush. Avoid matte mineral powders, as they won’t give you that dewy, creamy look.” Foundations with peachy undertones help cancel brown pigmentation. For redness, try a slightly thicker foundation, and apply with a brush. Use a concealer for problem spots, and set with a powder. For uneven skin tone, a moderate foundation with micro-pigments is best.
Once you’ve obtained that creamy complexion, give your cheeks some warmth. Crystal says, “Crème and loose mineral blushes are very natural-looking and easy to build upon for that perfect shade.” Try adding a peach or mocha blush to the apples of cheeks. Apply a powder blush for a soft look, or go with a cream for more color.
Clinique’s Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Pinky Posy ($20, www.clinique.com): Pink Posy is a bright, warm peach, perfect for glowing cheeks.
L’Oreal’s True Match Naturale Blush in Shimmering Bronze ($15.25, www.lorealparisusa.com): This mocha bronze gives you just the extra hint of color you need.
As Dr. Zimmet says, “Determine what works well for you, and remember that prevention is always better than cure.” It’s time we bring back that timeless creamy complexion. You can always apply a bronzer if you get a sun-kissed itch!
Roxanne Baker is a staff writer at EndlessBeauty.com.
Comments
You got it all pretty much covered up. I never seem to be able to keep a healthy diet and that's my big problem, my skin could use some improvements. In fact, I am thinking about some laser therapy courses, this way I get to better control my skin issues and hopefully I'll be able to start my own business.
Great post really - I think that beside all the care it´s very important to use right cream for wrinkles and your skin will look beautiful long time!