Beauty From All Angles

Kristin has been working in the natural products industry for over fifteen years as an expert in holistic beauty products
 nutrition and supplements. Also a fitness instructor, she is passionate about the mental and physical benefits of fitness and encourages people to reach their goals while having fun. She just completed her first book, a memoir. Follow her on Twitter @kristinjoylavin or visit her website: www.kristinjoylavin.com

I’ve been working in the natural beauty industry for nearly two decades. While I love experimenting with different products, there are a few tried and true things that really work and are part of my beauty regime.

Oils
The oil balance of your skin is a really important part of it’s elasticity and suppleness. Having too much can result in pimples while not enough can cause aged and/or dry looking skin. I try not to strip my skin of it’s natural oils so I only wash my face once per day, at night. Washing with a gentle face cleanser will wash off the day’s makeup and dirt and it’s a great place to begin a nightly face routine. While your skin is still damp, follow up with a nightly moisturizer, a face oil like 100% argan oil or a targeted serum for your skin issue. If your face has already dried then spritz a beautiful all natural toner or mist before you apply your moisturizer, oil or serum. This preps the skin for uptake. Imagine a dry sponge and how much less it absorbs than a slightly moist one.

Detox your skin
Eating lots of healthy fruits and vegetable along with healthy oils from avocado or coconut is very beneficial for your skin. Use all natural and/or organic beauty products which will help skin absorb beneficial ingredients rather than harmful chemicals from conventional brands. Vitamin C serums help build collagen while offering protection by squashing free radicals. Check your local health food store for great organic brands like John Masters Organics.

Hydration
Water will keep your body and skin hydrated and supple looking. Filling up internal cells with water will keep the skin from looking saggy and dry.  Drink about 8 glasses per day of filtered tap water out of a glass not plastic which leaches chemicals into the water.

Exfoliation
There are a few ways to exfoliate at home. You can try a gentle facial scrub or an alpha hydroxyl acid mask. Many of these are made from fruit like pumpkin or berries. The acid and scrub loosen dead skin cells so that your body can make new ones. This kind of cell turnover is great for regeneration and helps prevent wrinkling.

Sun Exposure 
Always wear a hat and/or sunscreen with a non toxic sunscreen ingredient from minerals like zinc. Limit your direct sun exposure to an hour or two a day. Then stay shaded where you won’t burn.

External Beauty Treatments
Getting a professional facial can really slow the aging process and help your skin produce collagen. There are many treatments to choose from including micro dermabrasion, micro needling, facial massage, extractions, light therapy and much more that help with the anti-aging process. Your esthetician can help choose what protocol to use with you based on your needs and preferences. Plus it feels great and is very relaxing.