Posts Tagged ‘healthy skin’

4 Quick Skincare Tips Everyone Should Know

Friday, April 10th, 2009

Everyone wants great skin but not everyone knows how to get it. Despite the fact that it takes time to identify your skintype, experiment with products, and find out what works for you, there are basic things out there everyone should know about how to take care of their skin. Here are 4 quick tips you should be aware of if healthy skin is one of your priorities.

1 - Don’t smoke


Your skin is your largest organ and it helps your organs breathe…smoking impairs your skin’s ability to do it’s job by bringing toxins and chemicals through your bloodstream rather than fresh oxygen…not good. Avoiding smoking will give you healthier skin and a healthier body, not to mention nice and shiny hair and a lot less wrinkles down the line!

2 - Try to relax


This one is tough for many people considering the high-tech, fast-paced world we live in but you have to try. Stress, both emotional and mental, can destroy your skin by causing inflammation, flare ups, and more. There are lots of ways to relax but some of the most common and fun are through light exercise like jogging or dance, playing sports (also gives you exercise benefits), meditation, deep breathing, and yoga. Even taking a few minutes to listen to some relaxing music can help. Try it.

3 - Make sure you wash your face 2x a day

You would think most people do this but sadly that is not the case. Many don’t realize how many dead skin cells and how much dust and dirt build up on one’s skin while they sleep or throughout the day. Being sure to wash your face in the morning and at night will ensure proper hydration, removal of bacteria and debris, and keep your skin looking as healthy as possible. Add special treatment products where needed but overall make sure you cleanse.

4 - Use products in moderation - especially makeup


So many people think they need every product and cosmetic out there but this is false. Don’t get swayed by advertising and the girls working the makeup counter at department stores. Use only what you absolutely need and don’t over-apply anything - use enough lotion to cover your face for example, but don’t feel the need to slather it on endlessly - this will only clog your pores more. Also, be especially careful of trying new makeup products; they have so many ingredients it’s hard to know what you’re putting on your skin - and whether or not it will irritate you.

5 Types of Food to Eat for Healthy, Glowing Skin

Thursday, April 9th, 2009

Many people struggle trying to find the right skincare regimen but neglect to realize what they eat has a lot to do with the appearance and health of their skin. While there are supplements you can take if you really want to, you can get most of the same benefits from eating the right foods. Here are 5 types of food to eat if you want healthy, glowing skin.

1 - Low-Fat Cottage Cheese and Yogurt

Low-fat dairy products are one of the best sources of Vitamin A, which is an essential nutrient for healthy skin. Great sources of Vitamin A include low-fat cottage cheese and yogurt. An added bonus? Live bacteria like the kind found in yogurt is excellent for promoting healthy digestion, and healthy digestion is another path to great skin.

2 - Fruits and veggies high in antioxidants


Antioxidants are important not only for great skin, but also for overall health. This is because antioxidants protect the skin cells from damage caused by free radicals found in pollution and generated from exposure to the sun, both of which can cause premature aging. Filling your diet with blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and plums will help you reap the rewards antioxidants provide because these four fruits are known to have the highest total antioxidant capacity. If you want to boost your antioxidant intake, add beans, artichokes, and pecans.

3 - Fish and nuts high in essential fatty acids

Essential fatty acids like omegas are key for healthy skin and this is because they help keep cells and skin lubricated so nutrients and wastes can go in and out and the skin is healthier and younger looking.

4 - Foods high in selenium

Selenium has been shown to be a key factor in skin cell health- if if you get a bad sunburn, if your selenium levels are high you may be able to minimize the damage. What foods are good for getting selenium? The list is a little random - the easy to remember things are whole-wheat products and cereals, but you can also get good amounts of selenium in turkey, tun, and brazil nuts. Yum.

5 - Green tea

In addition to drinking lots of water to keep your cells hydrated, adding green tea to your diet does amazing things for your skin. First of all green tea has anti-inflammatory benefits which can help reduce breakouts and irritation, especially in those with sensitive skin. Secondly, green tea has also been shown to reduce damage from the sun…it really can’t be beat.

Add these elements to your diet and your skin will be looking gorgeous in no time!