fitness instructor skin

You know how it can be challenging as Indoor Cycling Instructors to convince those in the weight room that it's important to cardio train in addition to lifting?

Sometimes it's the same way for me about skin care, sunscreen and convincing people of our skin's importance in general.

I worked with an instructor other day that wanted to do something about her age/ sun spots. I was excited to see her and had great products in mind that would help reduce her current spots and prevent new ones from forming. When I mentioned sunscreen was the #1 thing she could do to prevent new spots from forming, she said, "No way, I never have, and never will wear sunscreen".

Hmmm, I wondered. Why no sunscreen, ever? (Too psychological for me to figure out). But I did wonder...if we thought about caring for our skin like we do our cardiovascular system, it might hit home.

So, here's a quick look at our skin:

-It's our largest organ and needs to be taken care of!

Age spots, sun spots, or any new unwanted skin occurrence, is a sign of trauma and onset of skin weakening.  Just like we would address high blood pressure/ sugar, weight gain, chest pain, etc., we need to address noticeable changes in our skin.  A note here: if you recognize a new mole, change in an old mole, or any troublesome spot that won't heal, please consult your doctor immediately.

- It's the first line of defense against pollution into our body!

The 'invasion' if you will, of pollutants- free radicals, elector-magnetic rays, UVA and UVB rays and all the other unidentified pollutants flying around.  I used to scoff a bit at this pollution thing (living in Minneapolis and all), but I don't anymore.  All I need to do is look at my car after it's been parked all day downtown Minneapolis.  The build up is rather amazing.  It didn't take long to correlate the fact that this build up was also happening to me...us...on our skin.  Yikes! If our skin is compromised through years of abuse (as mine has been), it can't do a good job of protecting us against pollutants getting into our system. The good news is it's never too late to help it repair and restore itself- much can be done. We can also use products to add additional protection.  These products do not have to be expensive to do a good job.

-It's complicated and has many facets:

The top layer of our skin is the epidermus and the layer underneath it is the dermis, followed by the subcutaneous layer.

Our skin is our biggest organ.

Our skin is our biggest organ.

Cosmetic products work at the dermal/epidermal junction (DEJ).  This is significant because, at the DEJ, the bloodstream and lymphatic system is not affected. (However, cellular renewal and transformation is still greatly effected at the DEJ.)  Prescription (Rx) products work beyond the DEJ, going into the bloodstream and lymphatic system.  For all intents and purposes, we will be discussing cosmetic products working at the DEJ here at PRO/STYLE.

As I tell my daughters, it is SO much easier (and less expensive) to prevent aging (i.e. compromising our skin) than it is to reverse aging (which is possible at different levels depending on the damage).

We have such an amazing and unique opportunity to be in the elements practicing and honing our trade. Whether it's biking, running, walking, swimming, skiing...whatever we're doing, I'd love to hear from you about what's worked and hasn't, what you love and don't, or any questions you have.

And, as always, let me know what you'd like me to post about. Thanks!

Please contact me: amyjo@groupfitnessradio.com, or comment below.

Amy Macgowan
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