A major indicator of healthy skin is a natural glow. But factors like stressful lifestyles, hectic work schedules, inadequate sleep, lack of nutritional diet, pollution, harmful sun rays, excessive smoking, and drinking alcohol can make your skin dull and dry. All of these are part and parcel of your life, and you cannot run away from them.
However, you can surely prevent them. While you cannot hold on to your age, you can surely slow down the loss of glow and radiance from your skin.
This is where simple preventive tips and homemade beauty recipes come in handy as they are a natural and much simpler alternative to cosmetic products.
NOTE: Once you make changes to your lifestyle, don’t expect an overnight miracle. It takes six weeks for new skin to emerge up to the surface, so the visible benefits from dietary and other lifestyle changes will take just as long.…So have patience and let’s read more about it.
DRINK ENOUGH WATER: It’s told everywhere…drink 6–8 glasses of water a day. It removes toxic substances from your body. Water keeps the skin cells hydrated and moisturized that will prevent blemishes, pimples, darkness, and wrinkles. Further, the skin will get glow and softness just by drinking plenty of water.
HAVE A BALANCED DIET: When we talk about a balanced diet it means choosing a variety of foods from the different food groups – specifically: vegetables and fruits; protein (meat, fish, eggs, beans, soy); dairy (low-fat milk, cheese, yogurt); carbohydrates (starchy foods like rice, pasta, potatoes and bread – preferably wholegrain or wholewheat varieties); and a small quantity of healthy fats such as the unsaturated fat from olive oil and desi ghee. Avoid sugary drinks and foods, and foods with added saturated fat like processed meats, chips, pastries, and pies. Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and to help your body function better.
Treat your skin kindly and optimize your nutrition by eating
-Antioxidant-rich fruit and vegetables
-Healthy fats from oily fish and nuts
-Low Glycemic Carbs
- Optimal levels of the nutrients that are crucial for radiant skin, including beta carotene, omega-3, vitamins C and E, zinc and selenium.
-A varied and balanced diet.
IMPORTANT : DON’T CRASH DIET-Repeatedly losing and regaining weight can take its toll on your skin, causing sagging, wrinkles and stretch marks. Crash diets are often short in essential vitamins and minerals too. Over long periods of time this type of dieting will reflect on your skin. It is always best to eat a healthy, balanced diet. If you’re considering trying a weight loss plan, make sure you have all the facts first – explore expert guides and learn about diet and nutrition.
AVOID AS MUCH COSMETICS AS POSSIBLE– Today, cosmetics are big business. In pursuit of beauty, it is wise to remember that cosmetics can be complex combinations of chemicals. You should try to purchase reputable brands from established sellers—cheap imports or copies bought online may not have been through the proper testing and assessment process and may not contain what they claim to. While the current scientific thinking on many of these chemicals is that they are safe to use, it is up to you to make your own decision. Personally, I always recommend basic natural ingredients.
USE NATURAL INGREDIENTS:
- Aloe Vera: Its gel has nourishing and healing properties that rejuvenate the skin to give it a natural glow.
- Rose Water: It is a commonly used skin toner. It cleanses and refreshes the skin. It brightens the skin tone by stimulating blood circulation. It also balances the pH of the skin.
- Lemon: Lemon contains vitamin C that bleaches and removes tan, making your skin appear brighter and radiant.
- Turmeric: It contains curcumin, which has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also enhances collagen production and keeps your skin supple and glowing.
- Coconut Oil: It works best for dry and dull skin. Coconut oil locks the moisture in the skin and also nourishes it with essential fatty acids. It also protects your skin from UV radiation and enhances skin barrier function. All these factors can make your skin glow.
- Papaya: Ripe papaya contains papain, an enzyme that acts as a mild exfoliator. This gently removes the top layer of dead cells on the face and makes your skin radiant and younger-looking.
- Fuller’s earth(also known as multani mitti): It cleanses the pores of oils and grime, tones the skin, and improves the complexion.
- Honey: It is a natural moisturizer and hydrates the skin. It also reduces the blemishes on the skin. It has soothing, humectant effects and antibacterial properties.. It moisturizes your skin, retards wrinkle formation, and keeps it looking youthful.
- Sugar granules: It provides an exfoliating effect to help to get rid of dead cells. You can use it as natural facial scrub.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is an excellent moisturizer and imparts a natural shine to the skin. The flavonoids and polyphenols present in it protect the skin from free radicals and prevent damage. It repairs the skin and makes it healthy and glowing.
- Green Tea: It can protect your skin from UV rays, reduce inflammation, and prevent premature aging of the skin.
- Milk: It is an age-old formula for healthy and radiant skin. Cleopatra’s beauty routine always incorporated honey and milk. Raw milk contains skin-friendly ingredients, such as saturated fat, protein, calcium, and vitamin C.
- Gram Flour: It gently cleanses the skin to make it clean and bright.
MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN REGULARLY
Cleanse: Washing your face is the first and most important step. It’s vital to remove dirt and any makeup, as they can clog pores and cause issues before applying any products to your face.
Serum (optional): As you have normal skin, you don’t really need a serum unless you have specific concerns to address. However, if you are looking for one, opt for a simple hydrating serum. This will help your skin appear plump and glowy.
Exfoliation: This is an important step that many forget. No matter your skin type, you need to get rid of dead skin cells. Avoid harsh scrubs, as they can do more harm than good. Instead, choose a mild chemical exfoliator, such as mandelic or lactic acid. If you have acne, look for salicylic acid. Use it only 1-2 times a week. You don’t want to ruin your skin barrier.
Moisturiser: To keep your skin hydrated, find a non-comedogenic moisturiser that isn’t too thick.
MASSAGE REGULARLY: Massaging the skin using oils or creams stimulates blood flow to the surface. It helps in replenishing the skin cells. Also, the essential nutrients required by the skin are supplied to it by the blood. Regular massage in upward circular motions will ensure healthy and glowing skin in the long run.
GET ENOUGH SLEEP: While we sleep, our body repairs the damaged cells, replenishes the old ones and maintains your hormones (cortisol) levels. Hence, our body requires at least six to eight hours of sleep daily. This will give healthy and glowing skin and refresh your mind as well.
YOGA: It is celebrated for its stress-busting and strength building abilities – but did you know that it can also benefit your skin? Yoga glow is a thing, and if you practice regularly you’ve probably noticed positive changes in your complexion. Moving your body is medicine. It allows for detoxification by flushing all of the organs, it increases respiration, it lubricates joints and strengthens muscles. Breathing and moving in yoga can help to balance hormones and move waste stagnating in the intestines. All of this leads to healthier, happier skin.
You don’t need a lot of steps for normal skin. Just be consistent and maintain a healthy skincare routine.