Page 7 - Cosmetic Facial Acupuncture Booklet

Introduction

Good skin-care is inseparably linked to good general body care. When considering anti-
aging skin-care strategies, it is important to appreciate the degree of this connection, the
many internal and external variables that affect both elements, and the necessity of
adopting an holistic approach for the achievment of optimal results.

The body of literature addressing these concerns is vast and complex. What is presented
here is a very brief summary of some key information to serve the reader as a springboard
for his or her own inquiry and as a useful compilation of need-to-know material related
to general, as well as skin-care specific, anti-aging science.

From this knowledge, the basis of an informed and personalized anti-aging skin-care
program can begin to be derived. We start by considering the critical role of nutrition.

Nutrition

Balanced nutrition is important for
maintaining healthy skin. Mild
deficiencies which can go unnoticed
and not result in overt pathological
symptoms can, nonetheless, impair the
ability of skin to heal and renew itself.

A basic balanced diet is a good place
to start an anti-aging program,
however, there are certain nutrients
that need to be consumed in greater
amounts than would be available
from a basic diet.

The reason why relates to the issue of systemic inflammation. Diets that promote this
reaction, or do little to suppress it, can lead to premature aging, along with a host of other
health problems, due to the associated increase in the level of free radicals that they evoke.
A balanced diet emphasizing a choice of foods having both anti-inflammatory and anti-
oxidant properties constitutes the best possible means of minimizing the risk of such
hazards.

Prior to elaborating on this point further, and to serve as a framework for our subsequent
discussion, we present the following basic dietary tips as suggested in Canada’s Food
Guide. Those wishing to learn more about the guide may access the entire document
through the Health Canada website at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada