Nine times out of ten, the face is the first thing you notice about a person. The face can tell you a lot about someone.
Have you ever thought about what your face is telling other people? The delicate skin on your face is exposed to the elements every day, not to mention whatever beauty and grooming products you use. And this can take its toll.
Premature aging and wrinkles make you look older than you are. Dark circles under your eye make you look more tired than you are. And let’s face it, nobody feels good when they have blemishes or acne.
The solution is simple; take care of your skin and it will tell only the best stories about you.
1. Proper Skin Care
Never go to bed without washing your face. Whether you wore makeup or not, you still sweat and were exposed to environmental elements as well as other beauty products, like lotion.
Your skin needs to breathe overnight, and washing before bed prevents your pores from becoming clogged. Also, remember the importance of exfoliation. This should be gently done twice a week to remove dead skin cells, so you have a healthier and brighter glow.
There is no need to spend a ton of money on exfoliants. Make your own paste from walnut powder and yogurt, and your skin will be dirt-free and radiant.
2. The Sun
Too much sun exposure can cause wrinkles, sun spots, and other skin problems.
Always protect your skin with sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. This will block UVA and UVB rays whether you are at the beach, pool, walking through the park, or playing in the snow.
Even on a cloudy day, the sun’s rays can penetrate through, so consider wearing sunscreen every time you are outdoors. When it comes to buying sunscreen, be sure to get a nonacnegenic or noncomedogenic version because these are less likely to clog your pores.
3. What you eat matters
Pay attention to what you put on your plate. You should avoid spicy and fermented foods, salt, citrus fruits, and fried foods.
Your taste buds may have to adjust, but blander foods are better for your skin. Eat fresh fruits, green vegetables, and be sure to include sufficient protein, vitamin A, and vitamin C in your diet.
Low sugar intake also promotes healthy skin because it keeps your insulin levels down, thereby allowing cells to maintain a healthy balance.
4. Beauty Rest
Sleep restores your entire body, including your skin. Tired skin gets bags and sags, so aim for at least eight hours of quality rest a night.
A great nighttime routine is to gently wash your face with a mild cleanser and then apply a layer of honey. Leaving honey on your face for ten to fifteen minutes a few times a week helps to restore and soothe tired skin.
5. Hydration is essential
Your body is made up mostly of water, so it makes sense to stay hydrated. Insufficient intake of water can damage any number of systems in your body, and your skin is no different.
Aim for eight glasses a day if not more (depending on how active you are) and eat fruits and vegetables that have high water content. Watermelon, oranges, cucumbers, grapefruit, and strawberries are to name a few.
Rose water is a useful resource to keep on hand, as it maintains pH balance, reduces puffiness, and naturally hydrates your skin throughout the day. A spritz a day can keep tired, sagging skin away.
6. Keep it natural
To truly nourish your skin, use Ayurvedic scrubs. Everything you need is already in your kitchen and your skin will breathe better for it.
All you need is 2 tablespoons of chickpea flour, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, a pinch of both camphor and sandalwood, and some rose water. Remember, that true beauty comes from within, and you should never neglect the power of breathing.
Breathing techniques that incorporate specific rhythms help to harmonize your body, mind, and emotions. Releasing the stress of the day could be just the ticket to keeping pimples and acne away. (1)
7. EXERCISE
Exercise keeps you fit and helps support overall well-being. Regular exercise gives your body the necessary blood circulation it needs and helps to accelerate the removal of toxins from your body. (2)
There is a reason you have that healthy glow on your face after a solid workout session. It is important to remember to use toner before a workout to help reduce oil production and exfoliate afterward to unclog and remove dead cells.
Skincare before and after a workout is essential, so don’t forget the shea butter or olive oil moisturizer when all is said and done.
8. Tackle acne
The best approach to fighting acne is with gentle cleansing three times a day. You want to use a mild cleanser and circular motions as you wash.
When you do notice pimples, avoid popping them. You end up with more redness, swelling, and even scarring.
Usually, you can tell when a pimple is brewing, so just wash the area with rose water and place a chilled green tea bag over the area. It is also a good idea to always clean your glasses or sunglasses to avoid oil clogs in the nose and eye area.
9. Everyday spa
Create a regular skin regimen and don’t forget to pamper yourself.
Make a cherry pulp mask and apply to your face every evening. Wash away with warm water after fifteen minutes to reveal healthy and happy skin. You can even throw on some soothing music and give yourself a 20-minute facial massage.
Depending on your skin type you can use mustard oil, coconut oil, or almond oil to nourish and relax your skin.
10. Healthy habits
As with most things, the more committed you are, the better the results will be. Start making some lifestyle changes to allow time for yourself.
It is not a coincidence that your most stressful moments are accompanied by breakouts. Make time for healthy habits, such as yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises to help calm your mind and body.
Having fewer stress hormones in your body does wonders for your skin and your health.
