Improving Your Skin with Infrared Heat
The skin is the body’s largest organ, make sure you treat yours with the love and kindness it deserves! Radiant skin and a flawless perfection are desired by many and not only does your skin act as a window to your health but it also protects your body. Our skin is made up of three layers and the outermost layer is called the epidermis. Beneath the epidermis lies our dermis, which contains the sweat glands, hair follicles and connective tissue. One step deeper we have the subcutaneous tissue or hypodermis, which is made up of connective tissue and fat (WebMD). What’s your skin care routine? Many take wonderful care of the skin on their face (um, is that a pimple?!) but the skin on your body is also important. Infrared sessions can treat both at the same time incorporate a mild cleansing and toxin release of the skin. Common skin concerns include, dryness, fine lines, acne, rough texture, age spots and ingrown hairs. But don’t worry… because that can cause breakouts, too! Uh-oh! Here at FIT we follow a 1-2-3 skin beautifying regime and thought we’d share so you can explore a new way to achieve skin rejuvenation with infrared!
1. Exfoliate
As we age the body tends to slow down and this includes its ability to shed skin cells and generate brand new ones. Over time this can cause the skin to feel dry, appear dull, contribute to excess oil, clogged pores and acne. The exfoliation process removes the dead skin cells from the skin’s surface and allowing the new cells underneath to receive the benefits of moisturizing products. To choose an exfoliator that’s right for you, consider the health and sensitivity of your skin and make sure you check the ingredient list, the more natural, the better. We like to do a manual exfoliation 2-3x a week, any more than that may be too much! A manual exfoliation means that you are using a scrub in the shower to buff away those lifeless cells. To do this you’ll need to ensure that you choose a scrub with smooth, round granules to avoid irritation. If you are unsure which exfoliation technique is best for you, ask your esthetician, they’re the experts. FIT Tip: DIY dry brushing can assist with exfoliation, cellulite reduction and a natural skin detox. 
2. Moisturize
Skin care professionals say that it’s best to apply your moisturizer right after cleansing the body. It’s also a good idea to try turning down the hot water because extra hot showers can steal away moisture and create even more dryness. When you’re finished bathing, gently pat the skin dry, leaving a trace of water and locking the moisture in by applying your favorite lotion (or FIT Booster!) to slightly damp skin. FIT Tip: Try using aromatherapy moisturizers or pick a scent that you love. Ah, soothing hydration for the body and soul.
3. Infrared Sessions
During an infrared session blood flow is increased (Imamura, 2001). This increase can lead to many beneficial effects such as promoting cell growth and organ functions, rejuvenation of skin, and maintenance of healthy blood pressure. In his 1999 text, “Reversing the Aging Process – an Enlightened Doctor’s Discovery”, Dr. Fouad I. Ghaly, M.D. explained that because or bodies radiate far infrared heat, “The spectrum of light that appears to be most resonant with cell tissues seems to lie within the far infrared spectrum. Infrared exposure can also lead to improved circulation and studies suggest that far infrared can stimulate the production of cell tissue and rapidly promote the regeneration of skin.” Infrared heat therapy may also be useful in the treatment for skin tightening, anti-aging and photoaging. Infrared sessions may well improve the condition of the skin through increased metabolism, oxygenation of tissue, and increased blood flow that may delay the effects of photoaging. In addition, studies indicate that infrared therapy may promote wound healing as it has been used effectively for patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease (J Card 2010, JACC 2007). Click here for more tips on infrared and skin beautification.
Now that we’ve given away our secrets for a stunning complexion we hope you are inspired to follow the instructions above and book an infrared session. Beautiful skin complements everyone and summers just around the corner so make sure you can show yours off!
Sources: National Geographic, Skin “Reversing the Aging Process – an Enlightened Doctor’s Discovery” ©1999 by Dr. Fouad I. Ghaly, M.D.