1. Eat This, Not That
Food has a direct affect on our bodies, including the look and feel of our skin. We all love yummy, salty, cheesy, or sweet snacks, but it’s important to moderate your consumption of these guilty pleasures. They should be more like special treats rather than everyday foods that you incorporate in your diet. Besides, there are plenty of healthy AND delicious treats out there! They work double to satisfy your sweet tooth and repair your skin. Here are a couple of our favorites:
Tomatoes! They contain plenty of Vitamin C and lycopene, which help protect skin against harmful sun rays and eliminate skin-aging free radicals. This 5-minute lunch recipe from Alexandra’s Kitchen is perfectly simple, not to mention filling!
Cocoa can work wonders for your skin. It contains antioxidants called flavonals that reduce skin roughness and further protect you against skin damage. Studies show that consuming a few ounces of dark cocoa each day will improve the overall appearance of skin (great news for chocolate lovers). Dark chocolate is an awesome way to get your daily serving. Nuts are also amazing for your skin (check out 5 Brazil Nuts Health Benefits) – almonds are known to help treat skin disorders like acne and eczema. For a quick snack that will satisfy your nutty-salty-sweet cravings, try these chocolate dipped nut bites from Gourmande in the Kitchen.
2. Keep it Clean!
Dirty skin doesn’t look good on anyone. Maintaining clean skin is probably the most important step to healthy, soft skin. Here are a few suggestions based on skin-type:
Dry
You probably experience a lot of weathering, chaffing and ashiness of the skin. You want to achieve soft, moisturized skin with no tightness, flaking, or scaliness! St. Ives’ products are perfect for any skin type, but especially yours because of their extra-moisturizing agents. Try their top rated Intensely Hydrating Body Wash in Creamy Coconut, it is available online and at most drug stores. For your face, try their award winning Blemish & Blackhead Control Apricot Scrub to buff away dirt and dry skin, revealing a radiant glow.
Oily
Your skin type is most likely to develop acne and pimples because of the excess oil present. You need a product that isn’t oil-based or too creamy. You want pore-less, finished look with less shine! Neutrogena’s Deep Clean Gentle Scrub is oil-free and has tiny micro beads that exfoliate surface skin, and doesn’t clog your pores. Aveeno Clear Complexion Cleansing Bar is a great soap to use, as it contains blemish-fighting salicylic acids, soy, and vitamin C that prevent overly shiny skin without drying it either.
Combination
Yours is a mixture of the two. This type is extra tough to handle – you don’t know what to predict! You may get extra dry on your cheeks and forehead, but have an extra oily t-zone! Exfoliation is your key to smoother, supple skin. Clinique Exfoliating Scrub is water based, and works amazingly for combo skin because it simultaneously de-flakes and refines, while leaving skin refreshed and happy looking. For your body, try Origins Gloomaway Grapefruit Body Buffing Cleanser that eliminates oils and takes care of those dry patches too. Love!
3. Look to Nature
The natural world around us supplies us with remedies for just about everything! Become a kitchen beautician – do some research on natural cures for your skin woes. Homemade products are a great way to save money, and if you have sensitive skin, this may be the best way to go! Try some of these DIY masks from Organic Authority:
Cucumber Mask – “Cucumber cools, soothes and hydrates the skin. Wash and slice a chilled cucumber into thin circles, then apply to the entire surface area of your face, even on top of your closed eyes. Relax and let the coolness soak into your skin.“
Avocado Mask– “Halve an avocado and chill the half you will use (eat the remaining half with your lunch). Cover the surface area with plastic wrap to prevent browning if you prefer. When nice and chilled, mash and mix with 2 teaspoons of honey. Apply to the face and relax for at least 30 minutes.”
Peach Mask– “Peel and pit one ripe peach and cut into small pieces. Add one egg white and whip thoroughly. Apply to face for 15 minutes and follow with a cool rinse.“
Check out some other DIY Facial Masks.
4. Don’t Pile on The Make Up!
Speaking of nature – let’s talk about your makeup. Caking on loads of it every single day is abusive to your skin! It is a known fact that it clogs your pores – no matter what the advertisement says. It doesn’t allow your skin to breathe the way it should. It actually makes what you’re trying to cover up even worse, so you’ll end up having to use more and more each time you apply! If you feel you absolutely have to wear it, try saving it for work or special occasions. Go for a more clean, natural look, and remember that you’re beautiful! Also, check out our Short Guide on Looking Gorgeous Without Make-up.
5. Stay Stress-Free: Keep Calm & Carry On
You’ve got a big test, dance recital, or presentation coming up, and to make matters worse, a big fat pimple is sitting center stage in the middle of your forehead! No doubt is stress one of the leading causes of skin problems, and many other disorders and diseases. If your skin is suffering because of stress, try taking a breather! You don’t necessarily have to take the whole day off to visit the spa, but try giving yourself a 10- minute break every other hour. Enjoy one of those healthy snacks that we mentioned earlier! Avoid pulling all-nighters – you need your sleep to be as successful, sharp and savy as you need to be. Before you know it, you’ll be rested, alert and stress free! Check out these 4 stress relieve techniques.
6. LOVE Your Skin
Finally, you have to be comfortable in your own skin NOW to be able to love it when it’s clear, or else you’ll never see how truly beautiful you are!
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