Sunday, September 16, 2012

How to get healthy, glowing skin naturally

Do you want a beautiful complexion with clear, glowing skin? Some of us are blessed with amazing genes that gives us healthy skin no matter what we do, but for the rest of us, whether you want to clear acne, clogged pores, or simply get that lively glow of healthy skin, here are some natural tips to get youthful, radiant skin.
  • Vitamins and foods for healthy skin- Make sure you are getting plenty of vitamin A and C. Vitamin A keeps skin healthy, soft, and reduces oil production. Foods that are high in vitamin A includes sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, carrots, milk, eggs, and apricots. Vitamin C is crucial for making collagen, your skin's support structure, and so it may reduce wrinkles. For vitamin C, you can eat oranges, kiwi, apples, grapefruit, strawberries, whole grain cereals, and red peppers. Other important foods for a healthy skin diet are nuts and salmon, which are high in Omega-3 fats, helping your body absorb vitamins and lessening any skin inflammations, along with dark chocolate, green tea, grapes, and cranberries to give your skin an extra radiance. To get youthful skin, eat selenium, found in turkey, Brazil nuts, and whole grains. Also, tomatoes are the best source for the anti-aging lycopene. For more firm skin, get your ellagic acid from raspberries, strawberries, pomegranates, and pecans. Eating oysters helps skin cell renewal and repair with its zinc, but it also keeps your nails, hair, and eyes healthy.
  • Eating Healthy- Remember that what you eat is reflected on your skin. If you put good in, you'll get good out. And if you eat a diet high in junk food, this may be why your face is always breaking out or you have unhealthy skin.
  • Exercise- Working out not only gives you a great body, but it can give you healthy, beautiful skin as well. Exercising sends extra oxygen to your skin giving you a glow. Also, the endorphins you produce during cardio exercise protects cell damage. And that's not all. Exercising reduces stress, which is linked to acne, dryness, and wrinkles.
  • Keep hydrated- Drink lots of water to keep your skin from being dehydrated. Also, use lotions to ward away dryness.
  • Sun Protection- Do not ever use a tanning bed. Also, when you're out and about under the sun, protect your skin with a sunscreen with SPF-15 or higher.
  • Chemicals- Try to limit the chemicals you put on your face. Try not to use foundation because it clogs your pores and keeps the bad stuff in. With cleansers, washes, and scrubs try to get products that are made with only natural ingredients. Also, if you want to stop using chemical products entirely, consider using aloe vera or honey, both which leaves your face feeling refreshed and beautiful.
  • Steam your face- An easy and cheap way to open clogged pores and soften skin is to steam your face. It feels wonderful, but remember like everything else it takes time to make a visible difference. To steam your face, first boil water. After the water is in full boil, remover the pot from the stove and sit with your face over the water and a towel over your head to keep the heat and moisture in. Stay like this for 10-15 minutes and after you steam is the best time to use a facial mask because your pores are wide open. Also, you can steam your skin with a hot shower. You can steam your face twice a week. Also, it's good to add thyme, peppermint, or lemon (for oily skin); chamomile or lime (for sensitive skin); rose, rosemary, or lavender (for normal skin). Green tea is another good thing to add.
  • Beauty sleep- Get a good 8-10 hours of sleep to feel and look refreshed.
  • Don't smoke- Smoking can lead to skin cancer and even if it doesn't, your skin will suffer and age considerably.
  • Keep skin clean- Never go to bed still wearing make-up. Also, use a natural wash every night. Exfoliate twice a week by gently massaging in circular motions.
Don't expect to miraculously have amazing skin overnight. It takes time.

A few all natural recipes

Dry skin:
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons rolled oats
Mash the banana and mix in yogurt, honey, and oats. Blend well.Damp skin and smooth the mask over skin. Leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Instant Radiance
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon pomegranate juice
  • 1 small handful of dry short-grain rice
Gently rub rice onto damp face for 3 minutes using circular motions. Rinse and pat dry.Then, combine the honey and pomegranate juice and apply to face. Leave it on for 15 minutes before removing with a warm, damp washcloth.
Liven Your Complexion!
  • 3 medium sized strawberries
  • 1 tablespoon honey
Cut strawberries into small pieces (without stem) and mash until softened. Combine with money. In small circles, massage the mixture onto your face for 3 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
Repair UV Damage
  • 10 blueberries
  • 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
Mash up the blueberries (with a spoon or food processor). Mix with the yogurt and apply to face. After 15 minutes, rinse it off.

No comments: