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5 | TheBucknerClarion.com June/July 2017 Anything you commit yourself to takes time, work and effort. Perhaps it's the daily grind at work, or maybe it's staying physically fit. Whatever it is, it's something that is taken seriously. So why should taking care of your skin be any different? The National Geographic states that adults carry eight pounds and up to 22 square feet of skin on the body. Skin is the largest organ of the body and deserves consistent TLC. According to Every Day Health, acne, skin rashes, and sunburns are common skincare concerns. Moisturizing, sunscreen protection and exfoliating treatments help prevent skin damage. The Buckner Clarion recently sat down with a skin therapist to talk about proper skincare techniques. Chelsea Huffman, co-owner of Lexington, Mo.-based Reflections Salon and Spa, explained the importance of a basic cleaning regiment morning and night. She also talked about the proper facial cleansing technique to use. "Use upward strokes to fight against gravity," she said. Huffman discourages skipping morning cleanings because the skin undergoes repair at night. "It is important to clean off by-products or things you don't see," she said. American Academy of Dermatology said the morning cleanse removes sweat, bacteria, and dirt from the night before. In the evening, it is important to remove makeup, pollutants and other substances the face encounters throughout the day. You've heard it before, but stay hydrated. Higher temperatures and extended time outdoors leads to internal dehydration, which can result in headaches and dizzy spells. According to the International Dermal Institute, water is very important to the skin because it's the very last organ to receive water from the body. It's also the body's largest organ that protects from daily exposure to pollutants. Because bodies constantly loose water in the summer months, water also helps skin stay lubricated. While it is important to consume at least 60 ounces of water daily, it is equally important to know how much water your body requires. "Our bodies are comprised of 70 percent water," Huffman said. "Most of the people I encounter at the Salon are dehydrated. One very simple but major health tip is to stay hydrated." According to Dermalogica.com, increasing water intake decreases sun sensitivity, which can manifest as flaky skin, dry patches, rashes and other preventable skin ailments. Protecting against sunburn. Today's sophisticated formulas and technology let you select sun protection that works with your skin condition. You can choose oil-free, mattifying formulas, extra emollient formulas for dry skin, or chemical-free formulas for sensitized, reactive skin. The summer months are crucial and sometimes harsh. "Everyone should wear SPF 50 daily. Usually on your arms or on your face, neck, and chest area. Anything above 50, like 70 or 100, really isn't a major difference. At minimum, use 30 SPF," Huffman said. Many use aloe to treat sun burns. "Something without fragrance is best to use so the skin will not become more irritated," Huffman said. "When treating sunburns, stay away from fragrances, scented oils and lotions as a precaution because this can add to skin irritation." According to Health Magazine, ingredients such as coconut oil and honey have great benefits, but not everyone can use them as a natural moisturizer for the skin. "For someone who has an oily skin type, rubbing coconut oil on their face can be damaging – just from natural oil build up. This might cause blackheads and breakouts," Huffman said. Summer sports athletes should keep cleansing wipes. And those with a more sensitive skin type should keep a towel or unscented wipes on hand. "Rice papers help absorb access oils, and removing the sweat or dirt can prevent your pores from clogging," Huffman said. Finding your skin type. A licensed esthetician can tell you if your skin is oily, dry, peeling, or if you have fair skin. Although most people can tell their skin type, Huffman says it's not always straightforward. "It becomes tricky if they have combination skin, which is having dry skin in areas closest to your cheek bones, but across their t-zone, they have oily skin and bigger pores." Another gray area is if they have Summer Skin Care By: Taiylor Sharp, Contributing Writer Chelsea Huffman is co-owner of Reflections Salon & Spa, and a licensed esthetician. oily skin type but they are physically dehydrated. What makes the difference is pore size. Usually if someone has larger pores they tend to have more oily skin, smaller pores are likely to demonstrate a dry skin type. Facial and chemical peels can cause sun sensitivity. "Everybody's face will not react the same way, so doing bare minimum the first day, is a must, to see how your skin is going to react," Huffman said. Realself.com describes chemical peels penetrating beneath the skin's surface, exposing black heads, dirt, and compounds that are not seen above surface. They remove dead layers off the skin in order to create an environment for the skin to really heal. When the old skin is peeled off, it exposes a new layer of undamaged skin, which has a smoother texture and more even color. S k i n t o u r . c o m describes TCA as a relative of vinegar (acetic acid.) When TCA is applied to the skin, it causes the top layers of cells to dry up and peel off over a period of several days to one week. "It's most effective for people with acne, hyper pigmentation, or sun spots," Huffman said. Huffman is a licensed esthetician. She provides the following services: Facials, skin peels, microdermabrasion, lash extensions, massages, and mini facial treatments. She accepts appointments on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and some Saturdays. Connect with her on Facebook, or call Reflections Salon and Spa at 660.259.2709. For a hair appointment, contact Jessi Harlan, Reflections Salon stylist and co-owner, or State Board licensed cosmetologist, Kimberly Markley-Ahrens. Reflections is located at 536 S. Business Highway 13 in Lexington, Mo.

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