Achieving Luminous Skin & Microcirculation

What exactly is luminous skin? Well it varies in opinion from person to person, but generally luminous skin is an even complexion, that is smooth in texture and surface, and is radiant. The radiance portion goes hand in hand with the smooth texture since a skin 'glow' is apparent when skin is even both in tone and surface, thus reflecting light better.

Microcirculation is a sub category within having luminous skin. It is in reference to the vasculature, and is all about blood circulation and density. The term 'microcirculation' can be applied in other areas of medicine, but in skin care it has a connection to skin radiance.

Luminous skin is more than just brightness, or lightness of skin tone. It's the ability to reflect light, and the only way to make the most out of that is in 2 ways.

Having a smooth, even skin surface is crucial for having a beautiful luminous complexion. Skin that is even in texture and surface (meaning free of acne and other lesions/blemishes) reflects external light better. That is just a fact of science that smoother surfaces do this - so in essence, skin that is properly exfoliated and even looks more radiant and glowing. A great way to have even texture is through effective exfoliation, either manually or chemically depending on your needs and skin type. I've always had success with chemical exfoliation (peels, potent AHAs), and I rarely benefit from scrubs or microdermabrasion only because I find those to be too abrasive. But there is nothing wrong with them, it's just a personal preference.

There are so many great AHA and peel products out there, just to name I few I like and use: Aloette Enzyme Peel, MUAC's Lactic Acid Peel, Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion + Peel Kit, Paula's Choice 2% BHA, SkinBiology LacSal serum, Neostrata glycolc acid products, DDF Holistic Lightener etc.

Microcirculation helps with skin color and luminosity by increasing blood flow in the skin, which nourishes skin cells and aids in detoxification and free radical protection (to some degree, simply by 'charging' up a cell with increased blood flow). The basis of having a facial is centered around microcirculation in that massaging skin with potent ingredients will result in a bright glow. There are products out there that are are designed for microcirculation such as Vichy Oligo 25 line.

A lot of times, dark under eye circles are a result of capillary and blood flow issues. This is in direct reference to microcirculation since cutaneous density of the eye area is quite minimal in comparison to other areas of the skin.

Copper peptides can help with microcirculation indirectly by increasing subcutaneous skin fat and restructuring blood circulation. Skinbiology.com has some great copper peptide serums. Vitamin C can help as well, since it's collagen building, and antioxidant properties can increase density and overall appearence.

I also find that masks do a great job as well - my DIY Vitamin C mask, as well as Niacinamide mask help to create a mild flush from the ingredients and massaging from rinsing.

There are several articles I found, but here are just two studies on cutaneous microcirculation and how to some degree, it has an effect on hyperpigmentation and the look of skin: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119256199/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6631288.html

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