Most people are looking for beautiful, radiant skin to help give them the confidence they need to go about their daily lives. When you have great skin, your age truly doesn’t matter as you will look and feel both healthier and younger. The problem is that every day we are exposed to a variety of factors that can affect our skin such as pollution, overexposure to sunlight or an unhealthy lifestyle. Many women choose to invest in beauty products to counter these effects or even pay for salon treatments, but this can be expensive and certain products may even damage your skin more. Here are some easy but effective ways to help your skin glow.
You should try to regularly exfoliate your face as this process will help remove impurities, excess oil and dead skin cells. It also preps your skin to be cleansed and toned. When using a cleanser, use gentle circular motions for several moments as this will help remove makeup, get rid of any excess sebum (oil) and improve your blood circulation. You can also look for a cleanser that doubles as an exfoliator, but always avoid cleansers with fragrances, colors or deodorants and those that have “antibacterial” on the label.
The best way to apply toner is to add a small amount to a cotton ball and then rub it on your face so that you eliminate all of the excess dirt.
Moisturizer will help your skin stay hydrated but you should always choose one carefully. Moisturizers that contain natural oils like almond or rosemary are ideal and it should also contain an SPF of 15 or more. Your moisturizer should also contain humectants (urea, propylene glycol or glycerin) as these attract water, improving your skin’s hydration. Another thing to look for in your moisturizer is alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) as these help the turnover of dead skin cells, reducing age spots, wrinkles, acne and dryness.
Watch a video for skincare routine and product recommendation:
Taking a long, hot shower can remove moisture from your skin. Instead, always use lukewarm water and keep it to 15 minutes or less.
When using your cleansing cream, don’t just limit it to your face. Your neck and chest can also get signs of aging, dryness and wrinkles so you should always use a facial cleanser followed by a facial moisturizer.
When selecting your soap, try to avoid ones that contain heavy deodorants. You should be looking for ones with added fat as the moisturizing layer will stay on your skin even after your shower.
At night, you should apply a thick moisturizing balm or cream to both your feet and hands before covering them with socks and thin gloves. This will help them stay hydrated.
When you are showering, you should always opt for a loofah as it will prevent the bumps associated with ingrown hairs and eliminate dead skin cells.
Use powder to prevent bacterial growth, itching and chafing anywhere that your skin meets skin.
You should avoid eating carbohydrates with a high GI (like sugary drinks and cookies) as they will increase insulin production and this can accelerate the wrinkling process by damaging collagen. Instead, opt for slow-releasing carbs such as porridge and beans. These will release the sugar gradually so you are not only satisfied for longer, but will also have a steadier supply of energy.
Our bodies can’t produce essential fatty acids (omega-3s and omega-6s) so we must ingest them. Omega-3s have a strong effect on the condition of our hair and skin so you should always be sure that essential fatty acids make up around 15% of your daily diet. Some foods that contain omega-3s and/or omega-6s include salmon, tuna, sardines, nuts, seeds, soya beans, prawns and organic eggs. You should also avoid processed fats that will cancel out the benefits of essential fatty acids.
Antioxidants can protect you from getting minor infections and even prevent serious diseases like cancer. They also help fight free radicals, which can damage collagen. Remember that collagen is responsible for our skin’s plumpness and elasticity, so antioxidants are essential.
Watch a video for some super foods for your skin, then read on for more:
| Vitamin A |
Vitamin A keeps our hair and eyes healthy and keeps the skin supple. You can get it from eggs, oily fish, whole butter and whole milk. |
| Vitamin C |
Vitamin C helps the body produce collagen, which is responsible for skin’s elasticity. Great sources include tomatoes, strawberries, kiwis, peas, potatoes and peppers. |
| Vitamin E |
Vitamin E fights free radicals and helps the skin keep moisture. Some good sources include sweet potatoes, avocados, whole grains, peanut butter, nuts and seeds. |
| Beta-carotene |
This is the plant version of vitamin A. You can get it from orange fruits and vegetables as well as dark green veggies. |
| Vitamin B Complex |
B vitamins help with skin metabolism and keep it smooth and moist. Some sources include peanut butter, whole grains, soya beans, bananas and oily fish. |
| Selenium |
Selenium counters dry skin and protects against free radicals. Some sources include whole grains, beans, Brazil nuts, mushrooms, seafood, meat and cheese. |
| Zinc |
Zinc speeds up healing and helps both collage production and the immune system. Great sources include seafood, whole grains, mushrooms and cheese. |
| Iron |
Iron helps the body form hemoglobin which is the red pigment found in blood. You can get it from red meat, eggs, liver and seafood. |
Water is essential as it flushes toxins out of your body, making your skin glow. Because of this, you should always try to have between 6 and 8 glasses each day. You can also have herbal tea or non-caffeinated drinks instead.
Regular exercise improves the surface of your blood vessels, helping bring a natural glow. It can also help remove toxins and bring in fresh oxygen. In addition, exercising will make your body stronger.
If you sleep in one position, it can lead to the formation of wrinkles and they won’t always go away after you get up. If you sleep on the side, they will form on the chin and cheeks and if you sleep face down, you will get a furrowed brow.