Here is a list of my tips for achieving naturally, beautiful skin. There are so many other tips and tricks out there, but this is what I do and what works for me. I hope that it can help you and that you're able to pick up some tips to try for yourself!
See my video here
Hydrate:
Water helps clear the toxins that cause inflammation and blemishes. It also assists in transporting nutrients and oxygen to skin cells, and preventing dehydration, which can cause premature aging. It can even make skin appear fuller since the hyaluronic acid that naturally exists in skin will pull in and hold the water for a wrinkle-plumping effect. Drink 3.5-5 liters of water each day, depending if you’re active or live in a warm climate. To add a little flavour, try a skin-soothing tea like chamomile or mint.
Hard time drinking a lot of water? Eat foods that are hydrating – watermelon, cucumber, etc.
Multi-Vitamins: (or eating a lot of veggies and fruits)
A healthy glow starts on the inside, so get a head start by taking a daily multivitamin with C or E to combat fine lines and pesky wrinkles. For smooth skin, stock up on fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6. Antioxidants are the little warriors that fight off all of the bad stuff that causes premature aging. Vitamin C-rich foods mop up the free radicals that cause wrinkles and sagging, and can help remove the DNA damage they form. While you're reaping the wound-healing and skin-protecting benefits of eating more vitamin C, try smoothing some on your skin as well. Berries are packed with antioxidants which help neutralize free radicals and they also help the body manufacture collagen, leaving your skin firm and smooth.
Green tea:
Green tea is full of antioxidants, which fight off free-radical damage and have proven to be extremely important as an aging preventative.
Omegas:
Increases skin elasticity, lowers inflammation, and puts the brakes on breakouts. High quality oils and fatty acids that aid in skin repair and rejuvenation, which helps slow down the process of skin sagging, getting fine lines, and have blotchy skin. Have it daily to reap their pore-perfecting benefits.
Protein
Protein plays a vital role in the production of collagen and elastin, so feed your complexion by including healthy portions of meat, fish, eggs, cheese, beans, soy and lentils in your diet – or protein powder/protein bars, etc. Benefits your skin, hair, and nails.
Exercise:
Exercise increases blood circulation and pumps oxygen into the skin. It gives your face a healthy glow by increasing blood flow. And when you sweat, it clears the body of toxins and removes dead skins cells so new ones can grow. Without regular exercise you may see an increase in age spots. But make sure you’re not having hair products sweat onto face – wear a sweat band so that your pores don’t get clogged.
SPF:
For skin (and lips). You need to protect both from sun damage and dryness. Also, wear sunglasses so that you don’t have to squint because this will cause wrinkles.
Moisturize (and lips):
Moisturizing after washing your face is so important for hydration and putting the benefits of creams directly on the skin. But, over moisturizing can cause you to break out, and can even give you milia, the tiny white spots that are formed when dead skin cells get trapped. Find a balance between what types of moisturizers your skin needs and how often you need to cleanse your face.
Exfoliate:
To see increased smoothness, improved skin tone, and fewer wrinkles.
Not Smoking:
And not being around second-hand smoke (speed up wrinkle process, sagging skin)
Sleep (Rest!) and Manage Stress:
Skin cells are some of the most rapidly rejuvenating cells in the body. Take away adequate rest, and they suffer. The body depends on sleep for every single thing it does. When skin cells don't turn over quickly enough, our skin looks dull and lifeless, and so do we. AND remove makeup before sleep!
Sleeping positions and silk pillow cases are also huge. Try to not sleep on your face because that will cause wrinkles.
Change your sheets every 2 weeks (minimum) because they become covered in dead skin cells, bacteria, and toxins.
Cooler showers:
Think twice before cranking the shower handle all the way up. Long and steamy showers can strip away the outermost layer of the epidermis, leading to dry, scaly skin. Opt for lukewarm temps instead.
Cold to de-puff the eyes:
Instead of using eye gels to de-puff the eyes, use something cold or natural (green tea bags, cucumber slices) so that the water isn’t being sucked out – that won’t cause wrinkles. Cucumber slices may be the international symbol for eye de-puffers, but anything that's cold will work to tone down under eye bags. The coldness restricts blood vessels, which reduces swelling and puffiness.
Hands off your Face!
I know it's tempting to mess with that pimple, but resistance is key. Popping and picking at the skin on your face will push dirt and bacteria deeper into pores, which only results in more breakouts. Use a warm compress and then q-tips to squeeze a pimple, and only once there is a white-head. Also, keep your hands off your face all together. This will keep bacteria, dirt, and bad oils off of it.
Clean Makeup Brushes:
At least once a month, clean your brushes to rid them of bacteria and decrease your chances of break outs.
Sex!
Boosts collagen production, which keeps pigmentation issues and sagging away
Cut Down on Alcohol:
Alcohol zaps the body of vitamin A, an important anti-oxidant that is necessary for repairing skin tissue. When vitamin A levels drop below normal, your skin will look dry and flaky. BUT – one glass of red wine is loaded with antioxidants and quercetin!
Washing your face:
Over-washing your mug removes natural oils which can actually cause your face to over-produce oil. It's only necessary to wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. If you have dry skin, wash at night, but just rinse with cold water when you get up
De-stress your skin:
Go without makeup as often as you can and wash your makeup off as soon as you’re done for the done.
Smile :)!
Some Products I Use:
Trace Minerals Research Complete Foods Multi
Optimum Nutrition Fish Oil
Tazo Zen Green Tea
Ito En Oolong Shot
Body Nutrition - Trutein Premium Protein Blend - Protein Powder
MusclePharm Combat Crunch Protein Bars
XOXO!
