Why Valentine's Day Is Good For Your Skin:

This is what happens when your the only one running a busy site. Things get lost in the shuffle. This is a great email I received from my friend Kacy on the benefits of Valentine's Day. Well even though Valentine's day is long gone these pointers are definitely worth keeping around for long after. Enjoy the read.

Dr. David Bank Discusses How Your Skin Can Benefit from Valentine’s Day Essentials

Are you looking forward to cupid’s arrow striking on February 14th or planning to avoid Valentine’s Day all together? Dr. David Bank, President of The New York State Society for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, suggests getting on board with Valentine’s Day this year as it can offer some undercover skin therapy. Below Dr. Bank breaks down some Valentine’s Day basics and shares their surprising positive skin benefits. 

• LOVE: “Valentine’s Day is about showing love so hang out with your significant other, your friends, or family and your skin will feel the benefits as well,” says Dr. Bank. Being with loved ones makes you relaxed and happy which helps your stress level- especially if you’re feeling alone on Valentine’s Day. The greatest deterioration of the barrier function can be seen on those with stress as it causes muscles tension, break outs, or a haggard appearance. Anything that reduces stress is going to lower stress hormones, which in turn, lowers blood pressure, providing great benefits for the skin and your overall health.

• SEX: Endorphins are released when you have sex; the same hormones that are released when you exercise that do wonders for your health, stress levels and overall appearance. For women, estrogen levels also increase, giving skin a glow and making hair shinier. Sex in itself is also a good exercise that helps increase circulation and blood flow in the skin which contributes greatly to a radiant appearance.

• MASSAGE LOTIONS: A massage is a wonderful way to relax but it can also do wonders for your skin. “Massages can improve circulation in the skin which can revive your glow and radiance,” explains Dr. Bank. “They’re also a source of exfoliation, sloughing off dead skin as you rub.” With the right massage oil, your massage will also leave skin soft, smooth, and nourished. Dr. Bank suggests jojoba oil, almond oil, or grapeseed oil which are light and less likely to clog pores or go for evening primrose or coconut oil if you need something more moisturizing.

• SILK SHEETS: Not only do smooth, silky sheets feel great, their natural qualities have positive effects on dry or sensitive skin. Silk is hypoallergenic, helping to prevent dust mites or other irritants that can cause rashes and allergic reactions from settling.

• RED WINE: Red wine contains reservatol, a natural compound found in the skin of red grapes, which studies have shown can activate sirtuins in the body. Sirtuins are a natural occurring enzyme in the body that can prolong the life of cells and essentially work to inhibit the effects of aging on the skin.

• CHOCOLATE: Though most days of the year, stuffing your face with a box of chocolate can be a curse on the body, Dr. Bank reminds us that “chocolate doesn’t trigger break outs!” Indulge in that heart-shaped box for the day if it makes you happy.