Get your Glow on! Glowing Skin before, after & forever

Get your Glow On!
Before, After & Forever
At age 46 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and that changed everything in my world. Thus began the physical and mental challenges with an unexpected education. I’ve embraced my body changes, scars and life in menopause and I am grateful for my 15 year Surviverversary and all that I’ve learned. A blessing in disguise one might say, as I’ve learned that what you put IN and ON your body directly affects the mind, body and soul.

Embracing Change
Wisdom and confidence may grow as you age but the same isn’t true for many of your hormone levels before, during and after menopause. Lower levels of estrogen have a big impact on your skin. Less estrogen makes your skin prone to thinning, sagging, and wrinkling. Also, the air we breathe, food we eat, where we live, the job we do, sun’s radiation, medications, chemicals we are exposed to and pollutants all have an affect on the aging process. And these things can expose us to free radical damage which can negatively impact our cells and their ability to repair themselves. Fortunately, you can relieve some of the skin-related effects of aging and environment by taking care of your specific skin care needs.

Your Skin and Menopause
Menopause causes many changes. Your body stops making as much collagen. You lose some fat under your skin and your skin’s elasticity drops. That, combined with dryness caused by hormonal changes, can cause sagging — especially around the neck, jawline, and cheeks along with fine lines and wrinkles. 

LOVE the Skin You’re in
As you age, your skin gets drier and it can really benefit from extra moisture. The key is using a cleanser and moisturizer that’s right for you. No matter what our age, we all want smooth, soft skin that looks radiant and healthy. But the reality is, our skin is aging every day. And, THE FACT is that it is easier and less expensive to target the signs of aging by caring for your skin at an early age than trying to minimize the signs of aging after they appear on your face. Here’s some tips on how to help your skin look and feel its best:

• Stay away from harsh cleansers that can cause over-drying of the skin.
• Use products that are appropriate for your skin type.
• Don’t forget your neck and chest. Your neck starts to show folds and wrinkles thanks to the angle you hold your head to your phone these days.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated.

Rain or Shine, You Always Need SPF
Even though skin cancer and wrinkling are caused by the amount of sun you got in your 20s, 30s, and 40s, you still need to protect your skin. Why? Skin may have less natural protection than when you were younger, as well as the hormonal changes of menopause. After menopause, your skin gets drier because the oil glands aren’t as active and wrinkles may be more obvious.
You should ALWAYS use a SPF of 30 or higher every day on your face.

Skip The Long, Hot Showers. Yes, I said that.
Studies show that cold water may stimulate blood flow, boost mood, promote healthier skin and hair, and more. This may boost your immune system, relieve depression, make you more alert, keep your hair healthy, relieve dry skin and help with recovery after a workout. Begin by slowly lowering the temperature at the end of your shower. Get the water cold enough that you start to feel uncomfortable. Stay underneath the water for 1 – 2 minutes. Breathing deeply will help decrease your discomfort in your mind. Each shower try to make the water slightly colder and last for another minute or two. After 7 to 10 showers, you’ll find that you might even look forward to turning the hot water down. I really do this! And don’t forget to put on moisturizer designed to help fight fine lines and sagging on your face and jawline while your skin is still damp for a brighter appearance overall.

Face It!
When caring for our skin, dermatologists’ opinions matter — A LOT. Time and time again, Retinol dominates their charts thanks to its remarkable ties to the appearance of healthy aging. The drawback? Retinol is known to trigger unwanted sensitivity on the skin and becomes unstable when combined with other key ingredients (case in point: Vitamin C, also highly praised by dermatologists).
Enter Bakuchiol. A groundbreaking plant-based alternative to Retinol that’s just as effective in targeting signs of fine lines and wrinkles, while being much better tolerated on the skin. It also pairs beautifully with Stabilized Vitamin C to achieve collagen-supporting benefits through moisturization and Plant Stem Cell Extract. Arbonne sources Bakuchiol from its native environment of India and works with local suppliers who grow the Babchi plant without pesticides and ensure sustainable harvesting through third party certifications. This trio can be found in our AgeWell Skincare line.

Hit the Spots
Age spots on the face, hands, and chest can look more obvious around menopause. You can help prevent them by using sunscreen EVERY DAY.  Already got spots? Fade them with exfoliating products that shed dead skin cells, which can be dull and flaky. This vegan powerhouse duo reduces the signs of aging and keeps your skin looking youthful and fortified:

• DermResults – An Illuminating Skin Therapy which helps reduce the appearance of oxidative damage from environmental stressors such as pollution, weather and ozone. That means reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots over time for more radiant, even-toned looking skin.
• Daily Radiance Peel Pads supports natural cellular renewal through gentle acid-based exfoliation.

Helping Hands
Your hands lose moisture, collagen, and fat during menopause. (why is it so easy to lose fat in my hands and not anywhere else?) This can make veins more obvious and skin more wrinkled. Plus, your skin can look see-through and bony. Reduce the look of wrinkles with Shea Butter Hand Lotion for replenishing hydration back into your hands. It glides on easy for a smooth finish with no greasy residue.

Eat Your Antioxidants
Collagen gives your skin its youthful plumpness and keeps your skin tight. As your estrogen levels drop, so does the collagen in your skin. Eating foods with antioxidants may help make your skin stronger from the inside out. Look for brightly colored fruits and vegetables (they get their color from these healthy compounds) and try to eat every color of the spectrum.
Try our SkinElixir Collagen Builder and BeWell Superfood Greens to help you harness the rainbow to healthier looking skin.

Look for Balance
Stress can also make your skin drier and more sensitive. It can trigger conditions like psoriasis. If you’re stressed out, you might even forget your skin care routine. Try yoga, meditation, and other stress-reduction techniques to help you relax.

Work It Out
Exercise does more than just tone your muscles. It helps skin in two ways. First, it relieves stress. Second, exercise also boosts circulation, which begins slowing with age. The extra oxygen and blood flow can help your skin look brighter and health

Sleeping Beauty
Getting enough sleep helps your skin look fresh. Sleep can help prevent dark circles under your eyes and it also gives the rest of your body a chance to recharge. Lack of sleep can change your hormone levels and metabolism in many of the same ways that aging does. So, shoot for a solid 7 to 9 hours of shut-eye every night.

How I Know
Because of my past medical issues and a series of events that changed the direction of my life, my journey landed me at Arbonne. With Arbonne I know that what I put on and in my body is safe not only for me but everyone. My mission is too educate and enlighten others to live the healthiest and cleanest life by sharing the gift of Arbonne. How may I serve you today?

Content provided by Women Belong member Robin Bohrer