People often wonder why they don't look as good as many celebrities. Well, here's the inside scoop: These so-called natural beauties work at it. Their beauty, in large part, is due to how they take care of their bodies. They make sure to exercise on a regular basis, they make healthy food choices, and they put long-term gain ahead of short-term gratification. They also indulge every now and then--because they're only human--they do what it takes to make up for it.
HOW TO GIVE YOUR SKIN SOME LOVING
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
No doubt you've heard this many times. Think of moisturizing as adding a protective sealant to your skin that prevents water from escaping. Some moisturizers even gradually release water into the skin. Surprisingly, it is not dry skin itself that causes wrinkles; rather, it's the cell damage that occurs deeper beneath the skin's surface that causes skin to break down and form wrinkles. Skin tends to get drier as you age, and it becomes more susceptible to damage and infection. So, counteracting dry skin by moisturizing really does help to slow down the aging process.
Moisturize from within
Drink water for better complexion. The more you drink, the better your skin will be. Some people will debate this direct correlation, but the facts are that drinking water, just like exercising, helps to increase blood flow. And as with exercise, better circulation is better for the skin. Drinking water also helps to flush toxins out of the body, and we know toxins are bad for the skin. Toxins lead to blemishes. So, fewer toxins equal fewer blemishes, which equates to smoother, prettier skin. How much water do you need? Just pay attention to your body; it will tell you when you need water. If your lips are parched or your nose is itchy and dry or you're simply thirsty, you need more water--not soda, water!
Get off that couch
Most people think of exercise as a way to cut calories or get rid of fat or strengthen their muscles. But it's also terrific for your skin. Whenever you improve your circulation, you improve your skin since healthy, glowing skin depends on good blood flow. Also, sweating during exercise is one of the most natural ways to get rid of those terrible toxins.
Restore with sleep
They call it "beauty sleep" for a reason. Sleep and beauty really are interrelated. Everything regenerates when you sleep. Your mind renews, your cells renew, and your skin renews. Never feel guilty about sneaking a nap or sleeping in. If you feel tired, it's your body telling you it needs time to repair. You'll be rewarded with healthier skin when you wake up!
Shed the dead skin
It's important to exfoliate twice a month to remove the dead cells on the top layer of your skin. Dead skin is the chief reason for skin appearing dull and dry, so when you exfoliate, you immediately gain more youthful luster to your skin. The increased blood flow that results from invigorated skin also helps stimulate collagen growth. Dead skin also tends to block pores and trap bacteria, so regular exfoliation can also help control acne. Do not exfoliate more than twice a month. Overexfoliation can be damaging to your skin. If you begin to strip away healthy cells in addition to dead cells, this can lead to an outbreak of acne. The best indication that you're overexfoliating is if your skin feels irritated or you see increased redness. Your skin should be pleasantly tingly, not burning, after exfoliating.
Create your own tropical paradise
You don't have to go to the tropics to achieve the benefits that humidity and moisture provide to your skin. You can create your own tropical paradise with a humidifier and a few plants. Or you can invest in a miniature fountain, which is a more aesthetically pleasing humidifier. Whatever you buy, the point is to moisten the air with H2O. This is particularly important in the winter when the dry air from heaters sucks the moisture from your skin. Also, did you know that your skin dehydrates when you sleep? And dehydration causes skin to sag. So, if you don't want to run your humidifier all the time, use it only at night. Placing some plants around is also nice, not only because they liven up your surroundings (quite literally) but also because research has shown that plants help you feel more relaxed and prompt you to breathe deeper, allowing more oxygen to enter your system. Plants also help to remove chemicals--toxins--from the air.
Indulge in a night of beauty
I'm all about pampering with facials, massages, and whatnot. But I do not believe it has to cost a mint. Give yourself a break both physically and financially by staying home one night a month to indulge in a "night of beauty". Luxuriate in a hot bath filled with body oils while drinking a seltzer with mint. Give yourself a home facial. It's all about letting go of the tension and thoroughly relaxing so that you breathe deep and easy. The increased oxygen in your blood is a wonderful boost for your skin.
The best news is that our skin cells are constantly regenerating. So if you have problem skin or you've damaged your skin, there are many, many things you can do, starting today, to have better skin. You can minimize damage or get rid of it altogether, thanks to the technological advances in skin care.
HOME FACIAL RECIPE:
To give yourself a facial, follow these steps:
1.) Put on some relaxing music.
2.) Boil some water in a quart-size pot, with or without chamomile herbs.
3.) While you're waiting for the water to boil, cleanse your face and then grab a very large towel or blanket.
4.) When the water comes to a boil, remove the pot from the stove and place it somewhere where you can sit comfortably with your face leaning over it.
5.) Remove the lid and let some of the initial steam escape before putting your face into the steam.
6.) Cover your head and the pot with the blanket or towel.
7.) Sit in your tent of steam and breathe deeply for seven to ten minutes.
8.) Pat your face dry, apply moisturizing mask, and leave it on for fifteen minutes.
9.) Remove the mask with cool water.
10.) Follow with a good moisturizer.
Voila! you now have happier, supple skin!
There's a couple of things that can make a huge difference to the health of your skin. The first is to Vita-Mineralized. The best way to get vitamins and minerals is by eating a balanced, colorful diet of fruits an veggies and by taking your supplements. Vitamins and minerals are catalysts. Once they're absorbed into your body, they go to work setting off a chain reaction in other parts of your body to produce necessary elements we need to function. It's as if you're treating your internal system to a good workout. Much like a good trainer, they make sure your body gets what it needs to look your very best and ensure everything's working properly on a molecular level. Most importantly, these food sources contain the antioxidants our body needs to fight those nasty little free radicals. Another thing you can do for your skin is get plenty of protein. Protein is the natural building block for healthy collagen, and as we all know, collagen keeps your skin firm and toned.
- Free radicals, which are unstable molecules, are produced in our bodies as a result of many things: over-exposure to UVA rays, radiation, smoking, environmental pollutants, alcohol, injury, aging, strenuous exercise, and chronic disease. Once these free radicals form and begin attacking our bodies, they can do some real damage--- to our skin, our heart, and other organs. In general, they weaken the immune system and make a person more susceptible to the development of cardiovascular diseases and even cancer. So you want to make sure you're getting plenty of antioxidants to counteract these malicious free radicals. Antioxidants exist as vitamins namely (A, C and E), enzymes, and other compounds in foods.
