The Ultimate Beauty Secret
There are a lot of cosmetic brands that would lead you to believe that makeup is the only way to achieve a dewy and smooth complexion. I’m not knocking these brands because like so many other women, I enjoy putting on makeup and that girly feeling I get when I discover a product that looks great on me. However, beauty isn’t just about putting on makeup, it’s about having healthy skin. I must admit, I have a secret obsession with great skin and skincare products. If a brand offers skincare perfection, I’m all in. I am on the constant hunt for products that will help my skin look and feel its best. After all, our skin is our largest organ and we should do all that we can to protect it. Taking care of your skin requires more than great skincare products; it also requires us to take care of our bodies from the inside out.
Here are five key things that help me keep my skin healthy.
1. Drink Green Smoothies
Beauty starts from the inside out. For me the old adage is true - whatever I put in my body, is reflected through my skin. So to jump-start my day, I start with an 8 oz. green smoothie. Green smoothies have a number of health benefits. Not only are they refreshing, but they are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants; which give the skin a natural glow. Kale and spinach are my greens of choice. I mix the greens with coconut water, and fruits; such as avocado, apples, pineapple, green grapes, green apples, or banana. This is one of my secret weapons to get my body to function properly on the inside, in order to look great on the outside.
2. Daily Skin Care Regimen
Day after day our skin is exposed to elements and pollutants that can be very harmful. That’s why it is essential to start each day with a skincare regimen. Each morning, I wash my face with a fragrance-free cleanser. I then apply eye cream, sunscreen, and a moisturizer that contains retinol; which removes dead skin cells and promotes cellular turnover. At night, I remove my makeup by using baby wipes. I’ve found that fragrance-free baby wipes work better than most makeup removers and are really gentle on my skin. I then repeat the morning routine, excluding the sunscreen. I also switch my moisturizer and use one specifically designed for the nighttime when our bodies are repairing and regenerating themselves while we sleep.. The key is to find products that work best for you and stick to a routine that you can achieve daily.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
How many times have you heard that drinking plenty of water will help your skin look better? I’m sure you have heard it over and over again. Well, it’s true. When I drink lots of water my body is hydrated which is evident in my skin. It looks dewy and smooth. When I don’t drink enough water or am drinking too many sugary drinks, my skin appears dull and lackluster. Each day I try to drink at least 8 glasses of water. When I get bored with plain water, I add lemon juice for flavor.
4. Exercise Regularly
Exercise has so many benefits for the body. Not only does it help me achieve physical fitness, it is a great way to improve the appearance of my skin. When I exercise my body emits endorphins that cause me to feel good and release some of the daily stress. I also work hard enough to cause my body to sweat, which releases toxins through my skin. As good as exercise is for my overall health, there are days when I don’t feel like putting my body through a rigorous workout. However, the long-lasting benefits outweigh the temporary pain of getting through it. So, I lace up my sneakers and get moving.
5. Get More Rest and Less Stress
When I don’t get as much rest as I should or stress about the many things that I have going on at any given time, it shows up both on the inside and the outside of my body. Lack of sleep and stress causes breakouts, and let’s not talk about the lack of a natural glow. My skin starts to look as tired and stressed as my body feels on the inside. Because I plan to live a long healthy life, I remind myself how important it is to stress less and get plenty of rest. I don’t get a chance to sleep for eight hours every night, but I do make it a priority to get at least seven hours.