Beauty tips for healthy glowing skin

Perhaps you have a momentous event just around the corner,  are having a professional photo taken, or want your skin to look it’s best for a new job.  Here are some tips that will get you glowing and pay back your skin for all the wonderful things it does for you; like act as a barrier against dirt, germs and harmful toxins.  It absorbs energy from the sun converting it to Vitamin D, which is actually a hormone.  Then it sweats when you’re over heated removing toxins from within.  That’s a lot to ask of your largest organ so why not treat it with the respect it deserves!

Here’s how you can show your skin some love.

Use oil as cleanser

As strange as it may sound oil dissolves oil and is a great pre-cleanser to your regular wash and can even be the only product you need on those no makeup days when it’s mostly dirt and pollution that needs to be removed.  There are many ready made versions on the market such as Dermalogica precleanse, Origins clean energy, & Shu Uemura cleansing oils to name a few.

Not all oils are created equal.  There’s the good ones that are nourishing and because they’re derived from seeds, kernels, nuts and plants they possess numerous skin benefits that help to restore barrier lipids that can be depleted in harsh environments or from over washing.  They’re loaded with antioxidants that protect your skin from the environment.  Good ones to look for are grapeseed, olive, sweet almond, jojoba and apricot kernel.

Try this homemade recipe for precleansing – Use 1 Tbsp per application

1/4 cup sweet almond oil
1/4 cup jojoba oil
1/8 cup olive oil
5-6 drops essential oil (optional)

Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate

Exfoliating is key to keeping the dead skin cells from piling up and clogging pores.  It should be added to your routine at least once a week and for those over 40 2-3times would be optimal.  Nothing perks up tired skin better than a lactid acid exfoliant or powder version ground from seeds, kernels, or oats.  Remember, the finer the grit the more gentle and it needn’t be harsh to work.  Find one that works best for you and use it!  The body benefits from a salt scrub enhanced with a few drops of essential oil.  Skip the oily versions if you don’t have time to wash the tub after as it can create a slippery mess.  Good for the body, bad for the tub.

Nourish your skin and body

It is important to nourish your skin from within by adding plenty of nutrient rich oils to your diet which will feed the fat layer of your skin making it appear firmer and fuller.  Coconut oil is a medium chain fat and is excellent for the heart and a great source of energy so add a dollop to the blender when making your favorite green drink.  Another excellent choice is olive oil loaded with antioxidants and oleic acid.

It is also important to feed your skin from the outside with quality oils and moisturizers derived from natural sources and preferably without parabens which can be disruptive to hormones.  While parabens can serve to keep nasty pathogens out of your facial skin care items, on the largest area of the body you’re better off sticking with shea butter, jojoba oil or even castor oil.  Try adding a few drops of your favorite essential oils such as lavender in the evening to help you drift off to Planet Z or grapefruit in the mornings to awaken your senses.  Your coworkers will appreciate the soft scent over a heavy perfume as well.

Treat yourself to a facial

This can be an at-home version although a spa treatment will be a mental treat as well and will help to circulate the blood and drain the lymphatic system reducing puffiness and bloating in the face.  There are many at-home facial  masks on the market designed to deeply nourish such as Caudalie cream mask which harnesses the polyphenol in grapes to treat dry skin or Dermalogica multivitamin masque concentrated with vitamins A,C, E and F.  These can be used in the convenience of your home and usually in less than 15 minutes a week.

Try this recipe made with ingredients from your refrigerator – Makes one application

1/2 avocado mashed (eat the other half)
1 tsp honey
1 Tbsp ground oats
1/2 tsp lemon juice

Mix all ingredients, apply generously to face and décolletage,  find a quiet spot, relax and reflect for 20 minutes before rinsing.

Soon you’ll begin to enjoy the rewards of naturally glowing skin with a fresh even tone and texture that requires minimal makeup.