What is the definition of healthy athletic skin?

Healthy Vanity...

The basic essentials of what is termed "healthy skin" are quite basic. What actually constitutes the societal holy grail (ultimate goal) of healthy radiant skin is as follows:

* smooth, firm and elastic tone
* free of creases or deep lines
* has some healthy reddish tint (regardless of skin color) from profuse blood circulation
* ample water holding capability (no dehydration)
* uses little or no cosmetics (elle' naturelle)
* has no skin cracks
***clear blemish free skin is the number one factor in attraction based on psychological studies in 170 different human cultures.

Biologically, such skin has the following characteristics:

* a strong well formed blood microcirculation (exercise contributes to this)
* strong collagen and elastin fibers (prevents skin sagging)
* ample water-holding capabilities (don't deprive your skin of inadequate water consumption)
* has adequate, but not excessive natural oils

The key to healthy skin is maintaining the skin's acid mantle which is commonly known as PH balance (P)otential (H)ydrogen and a rapid turnover of skin cells (which a fitness warrior has the edge on so long as they are properly removed). These cells rebuild damaged collagen and elastin to maintain your skin's strength and resiliency, but must be removed by exfoliation to reveal new skin cells. This will also contributes to ample water holding capabilities.

Any damage to the biocirculation of capillaries and small blood vessels impairs proper nutrient flow to the skin, thus leading to aging and lackluster. Damaging skin rays will contribute to aging and cheap skin care products and cosmetics. Lack of proper skin care products for the fitness lifestyle can dull or clog skin's pores resulting in acne and dullness.

Use a sunless tanning lotion or bronzer than a tanning bed if one must have bronzed skin. Tanning beds and unprotected sun exposure causes a weathered leathery appearance of skin very common with athletes.

No harsh soaps should be used or are necessary, even for removing sweat, dirt and oil from a workout. Harsh soaps will strip your skin of essential oils. Avoid cheap synthetic, chemical based ingredients and products with alcohol. Alcohol is unnecessary for clearing acne and a common mistake among athletes. The leading cleanser for the fitness lifestyle is The Stellar Performance Post Workout Cleanser

Most people think it costs a fortune to have celebrity looking skin. A common misconception as most celebrities use lines that are marked up for 'staus quo", and have top notch photographers with air brushing techniques. One who does not have the same budget as a celebrity or renowned athlete can use products just as good, if not better in quality and dedicate a little extra time to their skin. Think of your skin care regimen as importantly as your workout regimen and you will look as fit as you feel. Healthy skin compliments a healthy physique.

By Sandy Alcide

fitness athlete skin care

It's sad but true: in the world of skin care, its usually the big companies with the big advertising budgets coming out with big hits.

Fortunately for the little guy, there is certainly room in the market, at least if the tremendous success of Motion Medica skin care is any indication. Reported by
New York Fitness magazine Motion Medica is said to be used on the 2010 stages and runways. Motion Medica's new Antioxidant Endorphin Rush Serum creates a dewy, healthy glow finish on the skin with a formula so pure some say you can even eat it, although not suggested by it's creator Sandy Alcide who remains discreet with her famed clients.

Apparently it seems this product has an addictive spell on its users.

How steroids affect the skin

Its not to be concluded that any athletic persons or dedicated bodybuilders who have the following skin ailments use anabolic steroids. But if a person contemplating anabolic steroids, for any reason, the skin can reveal negative side effects of the drug.

Corticosteroids (topical steroids) prescribed by doctors, are absorbed into the skin in the form of creams, ointments and lotions. Corticosteroids stop these cells from producing various inflammation causing chemicals that are released when the skin reacts to allergens or irritation.

Anabolic steroids have few medical uses. Their primary use is to promote weight gain and muscle development in animals. Rarely prescribed to humans, the muscle building (anabolic) and androgenic effects of these drugs make them appealing to athletes and bodybuilders. Taken orally or topically, these steroids steroids come in the form of tablets, capsules, a solution for injection or cream to rub into the skin.

Although a muscular body may be appealing, these steroids have been associated with less appealing side effects for the skin such as acne, course or dry skin, cysts and very oily skin. These side effects of the skin can occur if these steroids are taken orally, injected or applied topically.
Inappropriate use of anabolic steroids stimulates the oil producing glands sebaceous glands. Over-production of this sebum leads to acne. The most "stubborn" acne is called cystic acne. This is a severe form of acne where pimples develop into small cysts. Cystic acne is caused by excessive build up of sebum in the pores and is not caused by hygiene or the lack of.

Cystic acne can affect the face, chest, back, shoulders and in rare cases, the upper arms. If cystic acne is not treated in the early stages by stopping the abuse of steroids, and with prescribed antibiotics, it can lead to permanent scarring, also known as "potholes" on the skin, most commonly on face and upper chest.

Another apparent side effect is skin becoming dry or rough, with a "scaly" appearance. There are a couple of reasons for this. While using steroids the side effect for rough skin is caused by the pores in the skin becoming larger. This is more prominent in women because they usually have smoother skin than men. If a person is suffering from acne brought on by very oily skin, a natural tendency is to overly cleanse the skin stripping the skin of it's natural oils, especially when harsh soaps with chemicals are used.

Another reason to stop the abuse of this drug is a possible, but less common side effect caused by long-term use of steroids is Cushing's Syndrome, which causes dark or purplish marks or bumps on the skin that can effect both men and women.

Exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle. It can make you look and feel stronger and healthier.

These benefits can outshine any drug for a healthier post workout glow to the skin!

By Sandy Alcide. Biochemist and Athlete Skin Care Consultant. Founder of Motion Medica skin care. Copyright 2014. You may use this article or portions of it but you must include this paragraph and a link to www.MotionMedica.com

Your skin care shouldn't feel like a workout

Introducing the new Stellar Performance Post Workout Cleaner for athletes and all fitness lovers.

Multi-action botanical cleanser infuses your skin with powerful antioxidants, antibacterial, astringents and moisturizing properties.

Sweat toxins out and cleanse nourishing ingredients in with scientifically proven ingredients for your fitness lifestyle.
Your skin will look clean and healthier in just 30 seconds.

Paraben and Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Free.

Food requirements for healthy skin

Topical skin care products help your skin look radiant and healthy, but your skin still needs to "glow" within and that means eating the right skin loving foods.

Selenium. This is a mineral that is useful by your body to create protein with antioxidant properties. The best source for this skin loving mineral is Brazil Nuts. Other nuts will do but Brazil Nuts are found to be the best source of selenium. Whole wheat, turkey and fish are helpful sources too.

Antioxidants. Yes, I know, we hear so much about antioxidants. But you need antioxidants to protect your skin from pollution and UVA radiation. Include these foods in your diet that are chock full of antioxidants perfect to help your skin battle free radicals.: Citrus fruits, cacao, blueberries (organic-non organic are loaded with pesticides), prunes, leafy green vegetables like kale or spinach. And, drink your white tea and green tea.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Those of you who worked with me on your skin care regimens know that I'm big on Omega-3 fatty Acids for radiant skin. By helping to maintain healthy cell membranes they battle pre-mature aging by keeping your cells hydrated and free of toxins. Some best food sources are wild salmon just watch the bones), chia and flax seed, walnuts and sardines.

Liquids. Although almost all fitness lovers realize they need plenty of hydration, I'm often surprised at many athletic persons who don't consume enough fluid. Thirsty? if so, it means your skin is also. "Juicy" fruits and vegetables are great for hydration and pack vitamins for healthy skin. Include watermelons, strawberries, apples and cantaloupe in your diet. And, obviously, drink plenty of filtered or spring water.

Next time you indulge in these foods remember you are not only doing your body good, but your skin will show it too!

Sandy Alcide

Why is my sports bra causing acne breakouts and how to cure it?

This is a frequently asked question that can't be answered in 2 or 3 sentences.

Your sports bra is not the only blame of your acne.

It's actually a type of acne called Acne Mechanica. It's a a form of acne caused by aggravated heat from exercise by covered skin from a sports bra (less air circulation).

Constant repetitive "friction" and pressure causes Acne Mechanica. Tight clothing, such as sports bras that are made with synthetic fibers as opposed to breathable cotton, don't allow the skin to breathe, thus causing Acne Mechanica to form.


Fitness lovers wearing tight headbands, sports bras, bikers'shorts, helmets and backpacks are most likely to get Acne Mechanica.

The best way to avoid this acne is to get a better fitting sports bra. Your sports bra is not suppose to move or "bite into" the skin. You may need to switch from your current brand. A better fitting sports bra will stop the "friction" caused by constant movement of the bra thus causing this acne.


The most popular class of athletes who become victim to Acne Mechanica are runners, triathletes, sports players who wear shoulder pads and/or helmets, hats and (cyclists) have this acne on buttock area from the bike seat.

When you have Acne Mechanica, you should use a liquid cleanser that is not formulated for masses of people, but one that is formulated for a post workout and will return skin to it's proper PH after exercise. Use dermatologist recommended the Stellar Performance Post Workout Cleanser by Motion Medica. This cleanser has a complex formula to kill bacteria causing acne from sweat. Over time, if Acne Mechanica is left untreated it can cause permanent skin scars.

By Sandy Alcide. Sandy is a Biochemist and President of the American Athletic Skin Care Association. Athlete Skin Consultant Founder of Motion Medica skin care. Pioneer of fitness beauty products. Sandy is an esthetician specializing in skin disorders.Copyright 2010 All rights reserved. You may use this article for your blog, website or newsletter or portions of it but you must include this paragraph and a link to www.MotionMedica.com

What is the best vitamin for your skin?

Vitamin A.


New dermatological studies researched by the American Academy of Dermatology, Duke University about the power of vitamin A for your skin.

Vitamin A is one of the most important vitamins for skin. Not only does it work as an anti-oxidant it also helps to fight free radicals. Vitamin A plays a strong role in strengthening the protective tissue of your skin and repairing skin tissue. Skin tissue protects the body from water loss and dehydrated skin. The skin tissue also uses specialized pigment cells called melanocytes to protect the body from ultra-violet radiation and helps regulate body temperature and metabolism.

Vitamin A is also known to help fight off damaging effects from physical stress on the body and sun exposure that is common with an athletic lifestyle.


If your skin is dry or rough with a combination of acne, white/blackheads you are probably lacking sufficient vitamin A. For persons 18 years and older the daily recommended dosage of vitamin A is 10,000 IUs.

The best sources of vitamin A include animal products such as oily fish, eggs, cheese and non fat milk.

Vegetables, provide carotenoids which the body can transform into retinol (a vitamin A acid). The best sources of carotenoids include yellow, red and dark green plants such as carrots, spinach, bell peppers, kale and turnip greens.