Skin Deep

Pro tips on maintaining a clear complexion.
Alexis Senior,
When it comes to skin, good nutrition is key to keeping it clear. But the holidays are coming and temptation is everywhere—from that beautiful Thanksgiving meal full of carbs to your favorite aunt’s homemade eggnog. So what can you do in the meantime to avoid skin irritation and breakouts? Professional makeup artist and skin expert Amanda Harvey of Makeup On Hand talks about pimple prevention, diet tips and beyond. 

The Skinny on Skin Care Products
Everyone needs a face wash, mask and lotion that works for their skin. Here are some of our favorites:

 

Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Cream
This herbal-scented moisturizer hydrates and firms skin, while softening established lines and creases. A little goes a long way. $62, Bloomingdale’s,
The Mall at Millenia.

Borghese Fango Brillante
Brightening Mud Mask
The vitamin A and citrus unshiu peel extract in this Italian mud mask promises to remove dead skin cells and make skin look bright and smooth. $67, Nordstrom, The Florida Mall.

First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser
This creamy cleanser is ideal for sensitive skin and quickly calms redness and irritation, plus it’s perfect for daily use. $20, Sephora, The Florida Mall.

Why is keeping skin clear important?

AH: Clear skin is important for your personal confidence. Most acne breakouts are stress- or food-related, and they create texture on the skin. Texture is difficult to conceal because it’s actually above the skin, and that naturally makes people self-conscious. The saying “If you feel good, you look good” is true. And it pertains to skin as much as anything else.

What are your favorite tips to give clients when you’re talking about keeping skin healthy?

AH: Your skin reflects what you digest, so I tell all of my clients to avoid processed foods and foods high in saturated or hydrogenated fats. I also like to suggest doing a dairy-free cleanse for 30 days: no milk, no cheese, no yogurt. Dairy products are inflammatory and can cause or worsen acne. I suggest adding more raw foods to your diet. Eating raw fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to get vibrant skin. Most importantly, keep a simple skin care routine, and stay away from trying multiple products within a two-month period to avoid product-related breakouts.

What are some of your favorite exercises that could help reduce the effects of acne?

AH: Take daily walks or try yoga.
This reduces stress levels and releases the toxins that your skin stores in your body.

What is your biggest secret to having clear, smooth skin?

AH: Burdock root! It’s an herb that helps liver detoxification and digestion, which is major when it comes to skin. It’s full of vitamin C and has anti-inflammatory elements that help clear up your complexion and even out your skin tone. I’d suggest giving burdock root a try to anyone who wants smooth skin, especially people with daily acne or psoriasis. You can find it in capsule form at Whole Foods.

This article appears in the November 2013 issue of Orlando Magazine.
Categories: Health & Beauty