Chapter 10
The FACE Program: A Closer Look
Dwell in possibility. - Emily Dickinson, American poet, 1830-1886
At this point, you have all of the information you need to put the FACE program into action in your daily life. By now, you already understand the "why" of using diet, exercise, and supplements to modulate these four important aspects of skin metabolism. Now comes the "how" of putting the program into practice-and it couldn't be easier.
Step 1
Each day, you'll want to perform some type of exercise or stress management, such as meditation or yoga. Both will control cortisol levels, but physical activity will also modulate blood-sugar levels and exposure to free radicals and eicosanoids.
Step 2
At every meal, you'll want to follow the "Helping Hand" approach to eating, so that each time you eat, you're consuming a balanced blend of carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Try some of the delicious recipes included in Appendix A. Each is balanced according to the metabolic control principles that I advocate with the FACE program (see Chapters 6 through 9).
Step 3
Select a supplement regimen to address one or more of the aspects of metabolic control as outlined in the FACE program.
Using the FACE Program to Prevent, Reduce, or Eliminate Wrinkles
If you are most concerned about wrinkles, then a regimen focused on cortisol control (the first step in wrinkle development) and glycation control (the second step in wrinkle development) should be your objective. This means selecting one or more supplements from Chapter 6 ("Supplements for Control of Cortisol") and a supplement from Chapter 8 ("Supplements for Control of AGEs"). You may also want to select one of the "adaptogenic" supplements known to control both cortisol and blood sugar, such as ginseng or cordyceps. (See summary of supplements, below.)
Using the FACE Program to Prevent or Treat Acne
If acne treatment and prevention is your main concern, then you'll want to focus your supplement choices mostly toward cortisol control (to reduce oil overproduction) and also toward control of free-radical damage (Chapter 7, "Supplements for Control of Oxidation") and control of eicosanoid-induced inflammation (Chapter 9, "Supplements for Control of Eicosanoids"). (Also, see summary of supplements, below.)
Using the FACE Program to Deal with "Problem Skin"
If your concern is generalized "problem skin," such as rosacea, dermatitis, or eczema, you will want to focus your supplement regimen on controlling cortisol (Chapter 6, "Supplements for Control of Cortisol") and controlling inflammation (Chapter 9, "Supplements for Control of Eicosanoids"). There is less need to focus on free-radical modulation or blood-sugar control. (See summary of supplements, below.)
Summary of Supplements
For Controlling Cortisol (Chapter 6)
- Beta-sitosterol
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
- Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
- Epimedium
- Damiana
- Magnolia bark (Magnolia officinalis)
- Kava kava (Piper methysticum)
- Ginseng
- Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
- Rhodiola rosea
- Schisandra
- Valerian
- Theanine
For Controlling Free-Radical Damage (Chapter 7)
- Antioxidants
- Vitamin A
- Spirulina
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- Vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols)
- Beta-carotene
- Green tea (Camellia sinensis)
- Flavonids/polyphenols
- Lycopene
- Lutein/zeaxanthin
- Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)
For Controlling Advanced Glycation EndProducts (Chapter 8)
- Chromium
- Vanadium
- Zinc
- Alpha-lipoic acid
- Gymnema sylvestre
- Banaba leaf
- Bitter melon (Momordica charantia)
- Panax (Asian) ginseng
- Fenugreek
For Controlling Eicosanoid-Induced Inflammation (Chapter 9)
- Linoleic acid
- Evening primrose oil
- Borage oil
- Boswellia serrata
- Bromelain and papain
- Flaxseed oil
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- White willow bark
Step 4
Visit www.cortisolconnection.com to let me know how you're doing and to receive updated scientific information as well as specific recommendations for topical cosmetics and dietary supplements.
Let's take another look at how the various factors addressed by the FACE program interact.
It is vitally important to keep the interrelated nature of metabolic control in mind. The most effective regimen for promoting skin function, health, and appearance is a multifaceted one that simultaneously addresses as many aspects of metabolism as possible.
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