Bodybuilding.com - Let Out Your Inner Diva - Creating A Stage Worthy Face: Part 1.

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You've trained and dieted for months with focus, hard work and grueling determination. Competition is nearly here and it's time to show off your hard work. It is time to prepare for a body that is worthy of stage presentation. To learn more read below.

Let Out Your Inner Diva - Creating A Stage Worthy Face: Part 1.

By: Sara Morin

Part 1 | Part 2

You've trained and dieted for months with focus, hard work and grueling determination. Competition is nearly here and it's time to show off your hard work. Part of that glorious package is the beautiful mug you present to the judges and audience. With a little practice and patience, you can create a flawless, stage worthy face, completing the total look.

Stage makeup is an entirely different application than everyday mascara and lip gloss. There are several steps that are critical to making your makeup last the entire day with minimal touch ups. However, it's important to prep your skin weeks in advance of a show in order to ensure the best possible application and coverage.

Make Yourself Up: Tips & Tricks For Female Competitors & Models!
As a female physique competitor, proper make-up selection and application is one of the most critical aspects involved in one's presentation.
[ Click here to learn more. ]

Skin Care
The Basics

I'll begin with basic skin care. Since most competitors are often working out twice a day leading up to competition, it is imperative to at least rinse your face and wipe down your chest and upper back immediately after finishing to remove sweat and dirt.

Otherwise, your pores could potentially get clogged, causing breakouts. Try to wash your face with cleanser as soon as possible.

Red Blemishes

If you do get a blemish that is red and raised, but hasn't developed that "white head", don't pop it or pick at it. This can cause scarring and additional breakouts by spreading bacteria from the blemish and from your hands. Let it run it's course, but continue to apply either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide topical creams at least twice daily after cleansing.

White Heads

I have found MD Formulations Problem Prone Skin cleanser to work very well.

Dermal Upkeep

Due to the stimulation, skin can react and blemishes can initially occur so it's best to do this at least 3-4 weeks before a competition.

Try to get into the habit of using an oil free high quality non-comedogenic moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15. This will help to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and keep balance in your skin. When the face is over washed, it can become dry and stripped of it's natural oils. The skin will compensate and over produce oil, thus potentially causing a breakout.

Skin Care
Prevention Of Breakouts

If you're one of the unfortunate ones that gets that "monthly" breakout (I suffer from this as well), there are several steps you can take to prevent this from happening.

Prevention is key to stopping breakouts because once a blemish appears, it becomes a waiting game for it to heal, which can take up to two weeks.

Cyctic Blemishes

One way to dissipate this type of blemish is to visit your dermatologist. The cystic blemish can be injected with cortisone which will help to dissipate and break it down almost immediately.
I had to have this done right before the Arnold Classic and I was amazed at how fast the blemish disappeared, in less than twenty four hours.

Sara Morin @ The 2005 Arnold Classic.
I have also found that by taking an antibiotic just before a flare up can help to stave off those nasty red bumps. This is a prescription and you will need to see your primary care physician or dermatologist for consultation.
Typically erythromycin, among others, is a commonly used antibiotic for blemish control. Check with your doctor for additional guidance and information.

Fun In The Sun?
Think Twice

It is important to note that antibiotics can cause photosensitivity, so tanning is not recommended while using this product. Many believe that getting a little sun actually helps clear up acne. This is definitely a myth.

Long term sun exposure greatly increases the risk of skin cancer (including melanoma). Secondly, though the skin dries up initially after sun exposure there may be a rebound later, when oiliness actually increases.

Sunbathing may therefore exacerbate acne in the long run. Use of a non-comedogenic sun screen lotion that has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 is recommended. If you are in the water, it will need to be reapplied frequently as recommended on the package.

Recommended SPF By Skin Type

Skin Type 1 hr 2 hr 3 hr 4 hr 5+ hr

Very Fair /
Extremely Sensitive
15

30

30

45

45

Fair / Sensitive
15

15

30

30

45

Fair
15

15

15

30

30

Medium
8

8

15

15

30

Dark
4

8

8

15

15

Natural Skin Support
Water & Vitamins

As all competitors know, water consumption is also critical to overall health, especially during heavy training and warm weather. Water is also extremely important in supporting healthy skin, body system functions such as digestion and waste removal and aiding fat burning.

Make sure you're drinking at least a gallon of water or more everyday to ensure overall health.

Another important element in supporting healthy skin and system function is taking a high quality multi mineral/vitamin.

This is your insurance policy that will supplement a healthy diet by providing your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs that aren't supplied by your diet.

A supplement that contains antioxidants will help to repair the damage caused by free radicals due to our exposure to pollutions, stress and overall aging.

Click Here For Top Selling Multi Mineral/Vitamin Products.

Once you've established a healthy skin regiment, your makeup application will be that much easier and you'll feel confident and glowing both on and off the stage. Stay tuned for Part II - stage makeup application and touch ups.

Part 1 | Part 2

sherman5@maine.rr.com