by Anne Dimon
in his book The Courtin Concept Dr. Olivier Courtin-Clarins, medical physician and managing director of the Paris-based Clarins Group – a cosmetic’s company started by his father in 1954 – gives us numerous reminders on how to have great skin at any age. Here are just a few:
1. Beauty is the supreme self-fulfilling prophecy, he writes. Think you are beautiful, keep telling yourself you are beautiful, and you will be. “The brain has a particularly interesting relationship with your skin.”
2. Pollution and life’s many stresses are your skin’s enemies, he says. Avoid pollutants (including cigarette smoke) whenever and wherever possible, and follow the stress management activities that work best for you. He reminds us that those stress-induced grimaces, scowls, frowns and pouts lead to wrinkles not to mention the numerous other effects stress has on our bodies.
3. Taking care of our skin begins with good nutrition. “If your body lacks certain nutrients, your skin does not escape the results.”
4. Exfoliate. He recommends once or twice a week to slough off dead cells and allow toners, creams and products to do their best work.
5. Water. “The star headliner on our list for a skin-healthy diet is colorless, odorless and basically tasteless.” He says it’s ironic that water is one of the most vital nutrients in our diets, yet it is one of the most neglected. “Water naturally rejuvenates the skin.” Plus, he says drinking water will help you lose weight. “Water contains no calories and serves as an appetite suppressant.” One interesting thing that we didn’t know is that thirst tends to decrease with age so don’t wait until you are thirsty to down that glass of water.
6. Don’t underestimate the power of the sun to age the skin. Err on the side of caution by using a sunscreen daily, wearing protective clothing and avoiding as best as one can being out in direct sun between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
7. Recognize the benefits of regular exercise. He says, “with exercise there’s an appearance of physical and emotional vitality that comes from getting your limbs moving, your heart pumping, your blood flowing and your cells oxygenated.” He advises: “invigorating, endorphin-producing, stress-busting exercise must be part of your regimen for beautiful skin and overall health.”
