Have you noticed that there seems to be a skin care product for every problem we may have?
There is something for oily skin, something to add oil to the skin, something to lighten and something to darken and on and on. You name it, there is a product for it. At times this can become overwhelming. How do we prioritize what products we need most, what we want most and what we can afford?
There are five things that you can do today that will not break the bank, that are free and can make a big difference in the appearance of your skin.
First you need to get enough sleep. We have all heard the term of getting our “beauty rest” and yet we consistently deprive ourselves of much needed rest. We need at least seven hours of sleep each night. While we are sleeping our skin re-hydrates internally. Our puffy morning eyes are due to a water imbalance that would normally be corrected with enough sleep. While we sleep, our cortisol levels decrease. Cortisol is the stress hormone that causes premature aging. So, do your skin a favor and get that much needed rest.
Next is water. We all know that proper hydration is key to healthy skin, but even when we faithfully drink our eight glasses of water and wash our face religiously, our skin can still lack the hydrated look we crave. If this is you, then try soaking in sea water. Salt water absorbs many of the toxins in our skin, and can unclog our pores and exfoliate. If you can’t get to the beach, the next best thing is to make your own salt water elixir. Add 3 cups sea salt and 1 cup baking soda to a bathtub of warm water. Trust me your skin will thank you.
Sunlight is another essential skin booster. Have you ever felt your spirits rise with the sun? Our bodies need sunlight to provide the essential vitamin D. Vitamin D helps to prevent premature aging and is best when absorbed from the sun. Now I know you are thinking, what about the UV rays and all the damage caused from sun exposure? Luckily, all you need is ten minutes of sun exposure each day to get all the vitamin D that you need. Get those ten minutes in, then grab that sunscreen.
Air quality is also a huge factor in our skin health. Our air is full of free radicals that are caused by pollution. Even if we are not in the city, the winds can blow the pollution and spread it everywhere. The air in our home can be even worse. Free radicals attack our cells and DNA and accelerates aging. We can’t escape the air so how do we lessen the effects of pollution on our skin? The answer is simple, get back to nature. Plants and trees clean the air for us, so the best place to find clean air is in mother nature. Also adding air-purifying plants to your home, changing air filters often and using air purifiers can also help.
Last, De-stress. The fastest way to de-stress is to simply smile. Smiling actually improves the skin by stimulating blood flow and increasing oxygen to the face. Also, smiling boosts the serotonin levels in our body which will reduce stress and relieve areas on the face that are prone to wrinkles. Smile lines are much more attractive than scowl and furrowed-brow lines. Remember to stop, take several deep breaths throughout the day, and smile.
So, if you are looking for some simple, effective and inexpensive ways to boost your skin, get more sleep, try a saltwater bath, get out in the sun, return to nature and smile. Your face will thank you!