From Tragedy to Triumph in Skin Care
Houston socialite Gail Gross was baking a meat loaf. But when she checked it, some 45 minutes later, it wasn’t done because the pilot light in the gas oven had gone out. She bent down and stuck her head below the broiler to relight it.
In the split second it takes to strike a match, the whole thing blew up in her face. Literally.
The doctors called it a penetrating burn, which meant the outer layer of skin, though red and blistered, would eventually heal without benefit of plastic surgery, which it did.
The under-layer would be permanently damaged, doctors explained, and her face would age prematurely.
Gross, a skin-care consultant for Continental Airlines and a beauty columnist, spent the next seven years researching the science of skin care. The result: “Beautiful Skin: The 8 Basic Steps to a Lifetime of Glowing Health” (Fawcett/Columbine: $8.95).
Winding her way across the country to promote her book, co-authored by Honora Finkelstein Ph.D, she spoke of her amazing recovery and how she is not aging at an accelerated rate, but actually slowing down the process and “growing younger every day.”
Q: What exactly does your eight-step program for healthier, younger-looking skin consist of?
A: The skin is our largest organ, and if our eyes are the mirrors of our souls, our skin is the mirror of our health. It reflects everything that goes on inside our body. For instance, if your skin is yellow, it could be a sign of liver problems. Diabetics will often have spots on their ankles. Healthy skin requires that all the major body systems--glands, circulation, digestion, respiration and elimination--be working well.
The program includes: nutrition and vitamin therapy; elimination of common poisons; exercise; sex; facial cleansing, moisturizing and makeup; environmental protection, and rest and relief.
Q: You mention elimination of common poisons. What do you mean by that?
A: I mean you should keep your body clean. Tobacco, alcohol, drugs, caffeine, sodium in the form of salt and other food additives and sugar are all bad for the hormone system. And a hormone imbalance can cause a variety of skin afflictions--from acne to collagen breakdown. Smoking, for example, constricts blood vessels and dries the skin’s outer layer. Taking sulfa drugs can cause eczema, and tranquilizers will often cause the skin to shed. Drink hot water with lemon to keep your system flushed.
Q: Can eating sensibly really make your wrinkles less noticeable?
A: Balancing the diet is the key to skin health and beauty. Whether your skin is dry, oily or a combination of the two, nutritional benefits can smooth the skin and the wrinkles--and prevent premature aging. Bran will balance oiliness and dryness, eggs promote healthy collagen and legumes can help prevent wrinkling, drying and pigmentation due to age.
Q: In a nutshell (Gross recommends nuts for healthy hair and nails as well as skin), what is a sound nutritional diet?
A: Ideally, caloric intake should consist of 60% grain, 20% vegetables, 10% fruits and 10% protein. Vitamin supplements are also important. If you opt to use them, remember they should be taken with meals; otherwise, you’ll lose 50% of their value.
Q: What’s one of the best things you can do for your skin?
A: Exercise raises stamina, increases circulation and slows down the oxidation of the cells. And sexual activity is a specialized form of exercise that will not only achieve the same effects, but will use muscles that normally wouldn’t be used throughout the day. It also stimulates hormones in the body that cause the skin to flush and perspire--cleansing, nourishing, relaxing and softening the skin.
Q: Many doctors are against exfoliation. Do you recommend it?
A: In moderation. Once a week is sufficient, otherwise it can stretch and break down the skin.
Q: More and more young women are leaning toward the natural look. Is makeup bad for the skin?
A: Definitely not. The natural girl is doing herself a disservice. If she can’t tell now, she will by the time she’s 38 or 40, when she’ll look much older. Makeup acts as a mantle between your skin and the outside elements. Too much sun, wind, heat or cold can make you old well before your time.
Q: In our busy, hurry-up world, what part does stress play in corrupting our complexions?
A: The emotional component of stress, the disruption of the body’s hormone balance and its occasional suppression of the immune system, all affect the skin’s condition. Strain shows. Most skin disorders from acne to eczema are triggered by stress.
Q: Is it necessary to spend a lot of money on facial products in order to have beautiful skin?
A: No. Beautiful skin is the result of life style, not money.
Q: If we follow this program, do you honestly believe that you can slow down the aging process by up to as much as, let’s say, 10 years?
A: Absolutely. I’m living proof.
