Secrets in the Steam: Anna Crowley + Food for Skin
This week I chatted with IO esthetician Anna Crowley, who loves to talk food. It’s not a secret that what we eat is an integral element to maintaining bright, radiant and healthy skin.
So giving us more than just food for thought, here are Anna’s tips on how and why we should eat and do right by our skin:
Let’s start with the basics. How does food affect the skin?
We are what we eat! We have all seen and felt the effects of taking good care vs. taking poor care of our bodies. When we eat well, we feel healthy and well balanced. Like it or not, our skin is the ultimate indicator of our well being. Complexions speak a thousand words. See someone with bright, dewy skin? I bet you they eat well!
What should we be eating for a brighter, healthier face forward?
Pack in the antioxidants!
Oh, buzzword, antioxidants. Why is it important to eat them?
The simple answer is that antioxidants protect us from free radicals, which are molecules that destroy healthy cells. Antioxidants help to stave off the skin’s natural aging process of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
What foods are packed with antioxidants?
Antioxidants are found in small red beans, strawberries, artichokes, nuts, spices such as ground clove, oregano, cinnamon. Even the Russet potato has antioxidants!
At our San Francisco spa, each esthetician custom-blends food grade ingredients and products into the facials.
We incorporate food constituents like enzymes, cranberry extracts, sugar and milk “acids,” along with other plant and flower extracts and essences. Many of our backbar (professional use only) products have ingredients such as oatmeal, olive oil, white and green teas, vitamins C and E and even silver! You can find other tasty ingredients such as raspberry, rice milk, and red wine in our cabinets of treats and tricks.
Sounds like breakfast! What are the benefits of oatmeal, silver and honey?
Oatmeal is a natural exfoliant that helps to soothe irritated skin. Silver is antibacterial and helps to aid in infections. Finally, honey is a natural humectant, so it helps to retain moisture and is also an anti-inflammatory.
What are your 3 favorite antioxidant rich products?
1. SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF: With its antioxidant properties and Vitamin C, apple seed extracts and bran oils, it helps to reverse sun exposure.
2. Arcona’s Desert Mist: Packed with Vitamin C, E, witch hazel and marjoram extract, it acts like a shield, working against pollution, chemicals, weather. Apply in the morning.
3. Malin+Goetz SFP 30 sunscreen: A must have. Prevent while we can!
With secrets in the steam,
Sofia
