By Jamila Harris
From PHN Issue 56, Spring 2024
I know how difficult it is to maintain certain beauty standards as a woman incarcerated. I was once incarcerated and missed the certain regalness that came with the privileges of being a lady, such as pedicures and manicures, having a stylist do my hair, and seeing a dermatologist or esthetician for skin care. Who doesn’t miss a jazzercise or yoga session or an afternoon at a
massage parlor with close friends? Incarceration takes away many of these privileges. However, there are basic tips and best practices that can still be exercised anywhere for good health and skin. I am sharing some of these basic tips, and although we cannot buy nail polish, makeup, and most of our hair products from the commissary, these tips will still help to maintain the beauty
in you.
- Stay Hydrated. Our bodies are made up of up to 60% water. Therefore, drinking plenty of water is essential to remaining hydrated. Remaining hydrated also helps regulate body temperature, allows cells to multiply, flushes body waste, and lubricates joints.
- Protect Your Skin from Sun Overexposure. This is a challenge that works while being incarcerated since most of our freedom is restricted from being outside too long. It is recommended that between five and 30 minutes of daily sunlight is the most beneficial without worrying about overexposure to the sun’s UV light.
- Minimize Stress. This can pose the most challenges while incarcerated. However, practicing basic deep breathing may help ground yourself and alleviate stress. Engaging in hobbies such as art and music, meditation, exercising, yoga, and prayer helps minimize stress. Minimizing stress is also a phenomenal tool for healthy skin and good health.
- Exercise. Exercising is a fantastic way to get your blood flowing and deliver oxygen throughout your body’s cells.
Exercising is also a great stress reliever and increases the dopamine (the “pleasure” or “reward” chemical) in your brain.
If you can’t find an exercise group to join, then basic stretching techniques and simple movements such as increasing your
walking or dancing will help. - Practice Good Eating Habits. Avoid foods or reduce the intake of foods that are inflammatory. Too much of these foods can be unhealthy for you and may also irritate your skin, such as fried foods, refined sugar, and processed food. Increasing your intake of plant-based products and fruits may also allow your skin to maintain its healthy glow and youthfulness. To support
good skin care and health, some dermatologists have highly recommended certain superfoods that are rich in antioxidants
(antioxidants are chemicals in food that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage) such as blueberries, strawberries,
and kale. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, are also highly recommended by some dermatologists. If these
specific foods are not available where you are incarcerated, then simply increasing your fruit and vegetable intake and
staying away from processed and fried choices can help. These are five basic tips for maintaining good health and skin that I
hope will help you to maintain the best version of you. We cannot control our circumstances while being incarcerated, but we are in control of how we manage and take care of ourselves. So, make sure that you take care of yourself. I’m sending prayers for a prosperous 2024 for all.
Prison Health News 