LET THE HEALING PROCESS BEGIN!

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month I wanted to draw attention to how to take care of the skin post a severe illness or trauma to the body. I know that in a time like this the last thing one may be thinking  is "what does my skin look like" well its more then that! As I have mentioned in the past the skin  in the largest organ of manifestation which means it will reflect and changes or imbalances in our bodies. When our bodies are ingesting high doses of medication, or potentially exposed to things like chemotherapy or radiation the entire organ system of the skin is affected inside and out. I am going to give you a few helpful tips to support the healing process...and to help you remember how to adore yourself from head to toe!
HYDRATE...it is common for the skin to present with signs of dehydration, this is due to the lack of water present in the skin cells. Add a toner or facial tonic to your skin program morning and night to replenish the water back into the skin,  I love Rose Water as a basic facial toner. Avoid toners with harsh alcohols that will only strip or deplete the skin and look for toners that are simple in terms of ingredients, pure and basic. The focus is on getting water back into the skin.
REPAIR...in the skin care world there is a concept of "trans epidermal water loss". Basically what is happening is the water contained in your skin cells and layers of your skin is escaping through tiny micro cracks on the surface of skin. The barrier of the skin needs to repaired to eliminate future water loss. Look for serums or moisturizers that are rich in ceremides, these are small molecules of vegetable lipids that will "seal" the cracks and repair the barrier of the skin. Ricebran extract is a wonderful softening agent for the skin and will help heal traumatized skin tissue.
RENEW...if you read this blog regularly then you know I am a huge advocate of exfoliation and the wonders it does for the skin. In this case exfoliation is crucial to shed away the built up dead, dry and ashy skin so the skin can not only renew itself with new fresh skin cells but more importantly product absorption. Stay away from harsh chemical exfoliants during this delicate healing and repairing phase, use a gentle mechanical face polish or scrub that will not further irritate the surface of the skin. If this process is too much for the skin look for renewing or exfoliating serums with indigents like extracts of Lemon, Orange and Billberry to exfoliate.
PROTECT...keeping the skin at a neutral pH will help prevent the skin from irritants, bacteria or inflammation during this process, look for a cream based cleanser that is moisturizing and healing rich in ingredients like Castor Oil, Urea and Vit  E. I suggest avoiding petroleum based anything..always but especially when the skin is in a recovery process. If washing the face is too stimulating take a small about of cleanser on a cotton round and wipe it all over face and neck.

In terms of the skin on the body I suggest using a gentle soap rich in oils like Olive, Almond ad Coconut. A few times a week perform a full body dry brush exfoliation using upward movements towards the heart, follow with a full body application of pure Jojoba Oil, in fact I recommend this oil application at least once a day.

The paraban issue is a tender topic in terms of breast cancer...the studies go back and forth. I say avoid them, they only are in a product to preserve the shelf life...most reputable companies at this point have eliminated them and replaced.

I dedicate this blog to my Mother, Italia. She is Breast Cancer Survivor going on 6 years...she is my rock and represents the purest form of selflessness, over flowing compassion and unconditional love. I give thanks she is still with us.

SHARE THE KNOWLEDGE AND THE LIGHT THAT IS SELF CARE...I ADORE YOU!