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 Sandy Alcide is a cosmetic chemist,Licensed Esthetician and the CEO of Motion Medica Botanical Skin Care. Sandy has been a skin care consultant for fitness models for over 10 years. She is the only Certified Oncology Skincare Esthetician on Long Island. Sandy is a resident of Nesconset and she can be reached via her website. www.MotionMedica.com |
| When I visited France years back, I was struck by the fact that I see so few people (both teens and adults alike) with acne. I have to believe this is due to the lower stress lifestyle they live and less consumption of processed, high-sugar foods compared to Americans. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats all followed with some good wine. I do believe that to a certain extent you are what you eat, and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can make you look and feel your best. The French do not practice extreme dieting, which can thin the fat pads in cheeks, lower eyelids, and temples, leaving you with a gaunt look; aggressive dieting followed by weight increase is the worst. It loosens facial elasticity—and, like ligaments are less likely to return to their natural position, and you chance losing a tight, taut look in your face. Make sure you're eating the right things. Rid the simple carbs and inflammatory foods like fried, candy and ingest foods rich in protein, vitamin C, and zinc, which your body needs to synthesize collagen. A plant-based diet rich in zinc-packed foods including toasted wheat germ is best. The French practically invented the facial, so caring for their skin has been part of their culture for a long time, considering there are facial salons on almost every corner in France. I discovered that women, men and teenagers are diligent about washing their face every night before they go to bed. Having wine at most meals is a standard French tradition. A glass of wine is used to enhance a meal and for enjoyment. The French do not overindulge in alcohol. Overindulging leads to dull, tired skin, including capillary damage and a rough texture due to dehydration. The French invest in quality skin care products. There is no doubt the French take their skin seriously, and they don’t skimp on the quality of a skin care product. That’s not to say the price of skin care products are exorbitant, but they really focus on quality. There are many French manufacturers that make amazing skin care products, and this is an area French women will invest in. However, Skin care products can take 6-8 weeks for you to truly see results, and the French know this. The French are not into immediate gratification the way Americans are – they are far more patient when giving their products and treatments time to work. The French age gracefully and confidently. Americans are obsessed with beauty, to the point of taking extreme measures (such as excessive cosmetic procedures). French women feel aging is about working with what you have, and enhancing, not completely altering it. They embrace their femininity, as evident by how they will opt for heels in public and rarely wear sneakers. (I was spotted as an American with my Keds sneakers). They have a confident bounce in their step and feel comfortable in their own skin. It’s never too late to change your skin care regimen. Just be diligent and patient and you will eventually see results. |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 