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Getting glowing skin isn't rocket science. But it does
require persistence. Very often the glow of the skin is misunderstood and
widely misinterpreted, thanks to the advertising and media. A glowing skin in
reality does not look like the computer enhanced faces that you see in the
television and print advertisements! What you want in reality is a healthy skin
that looks soft, supple, radiant and is free from tiredness, dullness and
blemishes.
Here is a ‘Holistic Lifestyle’ to follow in order to ensure
a healthy, glowing skin forever!
Skin care
Face wash – Wash your face with tepid or lukewarm water.
Pick a face wash or cleanser that contains AHA – Glycolic for dry or mature
skin and BHA – Salicylic for oily or combination skin. These AHA and BHA help
to keep the dead cells gently exfoliated. The AHA keeps the cell renewal rate
high and the BHA decreases the sebum production and has an anti-inflammatory
effect.
Moisturise - The moisture level in the skin affects the
overall health of your skin. Sebum and hydration are two different things. Even
oily skin needs an oil free moisturiser.
A well hydrated skin renews rapidly and absorbs the topically applied
creams well.
Protect – The importance of a broad spectrum sunscreen can
never be stressed enough. Wear it daily, even if you are indoors. Oily skins do
well with a zinc based physical block which helps in keeping the acne under
check. Use a tinted block if you like light coverage. Alternatively you can mix
your favourite liquid makeup base with your sunscreen.
Replenish – The night time is great for regeneration and
neutralizing any damage that happens in the day time. Choose your night routine
especially well. Cleanse and tone your skin to get rid of all the makeup, dirt
and grime. Cleansing and toning is especially important in oily and acne prone
skin to reduce the bacterial load and pore clogging sebum. Your night replenishing cream should contain Retinol
and Glycolic if you have a mature skin. Salicylic or Tea tree oil based lotions
work well for oily and acne prone skin. And pigmented skin requires ingredients
like Lactic and Arbutin.
Scrub – A scrub is best done at the end of a warm shower.
Limit it to once a week for 3-5minutes.
Pick a scrub with polyethylene beads if you have normal to dry skin. A
scrub containing aluminium oxide crystals is more suited for oily skin. Avoid
scrubbing acne prone skin during an acne flare and if it is sensitive from
topical medical treatment.
Face masks – A scrub can be followed by a face mask
application for 15-20 minutes. Thermal clay, Fuller’s earth and egg white masks
are good for oily skin. Dry skin requires masks that have ingredients like
honey, milk/ coconut cream, Vitamin E and Olive oil. Masks made from citrus
fruits, berries and turmeric are good skin brighteners.
Diet
Water helps in detoxification. 6-8 glasses a day ensures
adequate hydration. Antioxidants present in Green tea and colourful fresh
fruits and veggies act as free radical scavengers. These prevent premature
aging and hormonal and UV related pigmentation. 2-3 cups of green tea and 3
portions of fresh fruit/salad taken daily can do wonders for your skin.
Snacking on a handful of nuts is another sure route to healthy skin and hair.
Exercise/ Meditation
The skin is a mirror of not only the external but also the
internal environment of your body. Stress has no doubt become a way of life. A
daily routine of a blissful 30 minute meditation can stabilize your rushed mind.
A Cardio workout of your choice can sweat out the toxins and get the blood
flowing to every closed capillary of your skin.
Beauty sleep
Your night snooze is called the ‘Beauty Sleep’ for a good
reason. Your regenerative process is at its peak during this time. So keep
those lights switched off from 11pm -6am and wake up to a Glowing You, within
and in the skin!
Keep looking beautiful.
xoxo
