Many of us are skin conscious.  We want our skin to look young and healthy and we actively seek to protect our skin from whatever possible harms there may be in our environment.  Well, our ksin is our largets organ performing several functions.  It primarily protects us against the invasion point for the release of toxins from our bodies.  Thus our skin is worthy of our protecttions and care.

Now, if you have ever found yourself coveting the gorgeous skin of fashion models and celebrities in today’s magazines, here are some tips that will help you reach your beautiful skin potential.

Tip #1: Drink Water

It is often said that the simplest path to clear and supple skin that is to drink plenty of water.  Water has long been considered the most effective natural treatment or an almost free treatment for any skin condition because of its being alkaline, with pH 7.3. Water is present in the spaces between all the cells of our body.  Water is more prevalent within organs, of course, and let us not forget that skin is an organ.  The skin secretes sebum (oils) and sweat to lubricate hair’s growth, help control body temperature, and give skin a slight waterproofing to prevent saturation.  With improper hydration, the sebum and sweat glands don’t work efficiently.  You may actually produce excess oils when your body knows it it dry.  Your skin needs water in order for it to function and look its best, thus doctors and nutritionists recommend that a daily intake of between 6 to 8 glasses of water per day is highly needed.

Tip #2: Watch Your Diet

Nutrition plays a vital role in skin health too.  Specific foods such as acidic foods and dairy products are said to be potent in causing an allergic reaction or in the very least a sensitivity in some people.  Also, one of the widely debated topics in the area of nutrition today is chocolates.  While no conclusive studies exist that link chocolate to skin issues such as acne, the old wives’ tale continues.  Whatever the result may be, the best recommendation is just to follow a nutritious diet that has a number of fresh fruits and green-leafy veggies, as well as fiber.

Tip #3:  Consider Exfoliants

Many experts say that exfoliating your skin is another great way to attain a beautiful skin. Invest in a good body exfoliant or “loofah”, as it is commonly called, as it is capable of eliminating the dead skin cells from your body.  This can be done daily so long as the sloughing action isn’t overly aggressive, but should at least be done once or twice a week to free the skin of its dead and dying outer layer, giving the new skin cells the space to develop and to breathe. What’s more, exfoliants help to prevent ingrown hair from developing.

However, it is necessary to avoid using any body exfoliant on the skin on the face.   The main reason for this precaution is that the facial tissue is more sensitive and finer than those tissues of the body.  There are products on the market specifically designed for facial use.

Always follow manufacturer’s directions because some exfoliators have a stronger grit than others and treatments should be performed with days between to avoid exfoliating off the fresh new skin.

Tip #4: Consider a Healthy Routine for Facial Care

When it comes to facial skin care, getting into a healthy beauty routine is best.  Most of the doctors today highly recommend that you cleanse, moisturize and tone your skin twice every day.  Remember that the skin of the neck is as delicate as that of the face, so whoever you cleanse and treat the face, include the neck in this routine.

Before going to bed at night, always remove all makeup.  It was found out that during the night, the skin goes through a process of elimination and cannot breathe properly if it is clogged with make up.  Clogged pores lead to blackheads or encourage pustules to form, which are the clogged sebum and sweat ducts that commonly are referred to as zits.

When it comes to shaving for men, some men may experience shaving rashes.  For many, these rashes are the result of ingrown hairs due to just how naturally curly the facial hair is. There are a lot ways to avoid rashes.  Perhaps one of the best is to make sure that when shaving, the razor strokes are following the direction of hair growth.  Tone the skin after shaving to encourage skins’ pores to close which restrict hair follicle movement and invasion of foreign substances.

Also, scarring on the face can sometimes be unsightly.  To heal a scar, it is recommended that you use jasmine or neroli essential oils diluted in carrier oil.  This is deemed effective for elimination facial scars, and it even works on stretch marks.   However, if you noticed that the scar or stretch mark has gone silver or white in color, note that it cannot be removed by these methods anymore.  Although if it is pinkish or red in color, there is a great possibility that it can be healed simply.

Tip #5: Heal Your Feet

When it comes to skin care, the feet are often neglected.  So, if care you have no time or desire for a professional pedicure, occasionally fill a basin with warm water and add your favorite essential oil.  Epsom salt feet soaks are also a good home remedy for sore and even cracked, fungus infested feet.  It increases blood flow and dries the weeping of athletes foot.  Soak your feet for about fifteen minutes.  Then, dry them and apply a rough skin remover onto them. Rinse this off and dry your feet well.

Tip #6:  Tie Your Fringe Out of Your Face

For many people, trying their fringes (bangs) out of their faces for a few hours each day is somehow necessary.  The anecdotal evidence support this claim with firsthand stories from women that sought their own ways to manage hairline pore troubles. The belief is that allowing the skin freedom from consistant hair contact will prevent spots from forming on the forehead, especially if you are prone to oily hair.   It is noted that sometimes, these oily deposits on the hair can be transferred to the skin which eventually causes the skin to develop acne or a similar disorder.

Tip #7: Avoid Too Much Exposure to the Sun

One of the most common precautions when it comes to skin care is avoiding too much exposure to the sun.  The harmful UVA and UVB rays will accelerate aging and lead to abnormal cellular growths that can lead in turn to cancer.  Sunburns interfere with the skins’ natural purpose of protection and temperature regulation of the body.  Wear sunscreen daily, and whenever possible, physically protect yourself from the sun such as by using a wide brimmed hat while tending your garden.

Tip #8:  Exercise

Aside from considering a healthy diet, exercising your body also helps keep your skin healthy. Note that a proper exercise does not only keep the body fit by regulating the oxygen; it also improves the glow of the skin as well.

Tip #9:  Take Enough Rest

One common problem that face people is stress; the one which is not normal.   It was found out that when a person is stressed, the adrenal cortex converts adrenal androgens to the hormone testosterone in male and female, which in turn results in overactive sebaceous glands (the glands that secrete the natural oily substance on your skin). These adrenal androgens are released causing a double amount of testosterone, causing the face to be oily, while other areas of the body are still dry from dehydration. Also, it was stated earlier that as you sleep, the skin is undergoing a natural elimination and regeneration.  So, taking proper rest that includes 6 to 8 hours of undisturbed sleep daily is the best way to rejuvenate the skin.

Tip #10: Other Helpful Tips for Skin Care

There are a lot of home remedies for skin care.  One of the most commonly suggested is blending the egg white and honey well and then apply them on the face.  Some dermatologists believe that this makes your skin smooth and helps to reduce wrinkles.

Also promoted with anecdotal evidence is the blending of  turmeric powder with milk and apply on the face.  This specifically removes the tan and assists in reducing the growth of facial hair.   When it is already applied on the face, scrub it off with a good face scrub and then wash with cold water.  Not the extremely cold water.   You can even keep it overnight.

Some experts also recommend blending oatmeal along with curds and tomato juice for facial care.  This is often kept for 20 minutes and washed off with cold water.  This is also potent for removing the tan and keeping the skin light.

Did you know that cucumber juice is an excellent astringent for a beautiful, smooth skin? Applying cucumber juice on the face helps tighten the skin pores.  However, it is necessary to wash it off after 15 minutes for the best result.

Another great tip for skin conscious is to apply Vaseline over the entire body after a shower to lock moisture in. Then, shower again after one hour to prevent cellular suffocation, and repeat this twice a month.

Finally, you can use glycolic acid (mild peel) and trichloracetic acid (medium peel) solutions for an entire face shed of the outer layer of skin to promote the new skins’ growth.  As found out, these peels are safe and not overly aggressive.  They do not necessitate time off from work or social activities, and these peels smoothen, soften and freshen the skin.

Always note that your skin reflects your health.  It is your body’s canvas and one of its most valuable assets.  So, for good skin care, start developing healthy habits that protect and nourish your valued possession from the outer and inner forces.  Your daily habits mean everything as it is the only skin you’ll ever get.

Top 10 Tips for a Healthy Glow

Edited by Elizabeth