Skincare is at one point vanity, the other a basic physiological need. More than the fancy for a more radiant look, it's a way to care for our body's first line of defense against free-radicals and bacteria. Yeah, I mean, who doesn't know that? All these information are largely up for grabs everywhere and most of us can easily be in the know.
One word of caution is that not all information provided, vastly, in the internet are true. Perhaps it's better to couple this so-called skincare regimen with extra mindfulness. For that I have been scouting ideas from reliable materials or websites. And how do I manage to know that? First, I cannot fritter an ample amount of time just to know if the source is reputable or not, but a little knowledge on website authenticity is a big help. Second, I know by simply relying more on those who walk the talk.
I highly consider Amanda Griffin- Jacob's blog on keeping skincare natural a perfect example of that reliability. Just a short unsolicited plug about her is that she's one of the personalities I know who have sustained a no-makeup look and still look fresh. Besides the pressure to look one for being a public personality. But the point is she manages well to be a beau ideal of good skincare.
I have sourced out a few of her ideas and added other most essential tips I know on this topic:
1. Dry skin brushing
It's an easy and cheap therapy for the skin. While others do not believe in its effects, it is said to essentially improve surface circulation and keeps pores open to allow more metabolic wastes to be excreted. Skin cannot process the waste by itself— pollution, dirt clog pores add up to the difficulty in the elimination of wastes.
I have tried doing this at least once daily from when I first read it in Amanda's blog and it feels just as relaxing, too. There are available body brushes that are only subtle and right for the skin at The Body Shop. Here's also a detailed sample video on how to do dry skin brushing:
I have tried doing this at least once daily from when I first read it in Amanda's blog and it feels just as relaxing, too. There are available body brushes that are only subtle and right for the skin at The Body Shop. Here's also a detailed sample video on how to do dry skin brushing:
2. More raw food in the diet
I was at first reluctant with the idea of eating raw food. Maybe the idea of being full raw food eater. But some of its benefits include: easier and faster digestion, intact essential enzymes that are lost in cooked meals, increased energy, increased mental clarity, better sleep, and more regularity in the bowel movement.
I had an enormous amount of raw food meal experience in Jang Ga Nae, a Korean restaurant in Ortigas. And I felt the miracles of raw food working out well with me. However the idea with raw food is that it doesn't always have to be expensive. You can find those that are available in your locale. The important thing is to prepare it clean.
3. Exfoliate
It results into a firmer, tighter, and smoother look and feel of skin. But avoid over-exfoliation as it will reap opposite results— noticeable dehydration, dryness, skin tautness, redness and itchiness, increased sensitivity, and inflammatory acne and irritation[ www.dermatologica.com]
You can make use of either physical exfoliants or chemical exfoliants. Or make do of natural homemade exfoliants. Clothes or sponges that have rough abrasive texture are examples of physical exfoliants while chemical exfoliants include those products that contain enzymes and acids to remove dead skin cells. Mashed papaya with tablespoons of honey is an example of homemade exfoliant.
Few essential tips about exfoliation is to avoid doing it vigorously to refrain from removing the normal skin flora. In the case of chemical exfoliants, use those that are paraben- free. Paraben is in methyl, butyl, and propyl forms that interferes the functioning of the endocrine system.
I use St. Ives Smoothing Apricot Exfoliating Body Wash, though non- sponsored [laughs*], is a paraben- free product. You can simply work into a rich, creamy lather and rinse. No vigorous exfoliation. It smells good even after rinsing, besides apricots are known to be super-effective antioxidants. But you can also go with exfoliation without stressing too much on this chemicals and antioxidant products.
4. Moisturize
There are good moisturizing products out in the market. But one highly effective way to making our skin alive is through hydration. Water is by far the most essential need of our body. Perhaps second only to air.
I was never much a water drinker before but reaching the point of a health-seeking twenty something made me realize its vitality in the system.
There are also moisturizing products that are organic in source and can be used as daily moisturizer. There is the Moroccan Argan Oil which Daphne OseƱa-Paez and Amanda Griffin highly recommend themselves. It's available at the The Souq Organics Boutique and Taste Central.
I, on the other hand, make use of a cheaper but equally effective brand of moisturizing oil- Karite Huile De Beaute Shea Beautifying Oil from The Body Shop. It has a moisturizing and illuminating effect on the skin.
5. Learn a handful tips from the experts
Elaine of Good Housekeeping Philippines has been releasing a handful skincare tips recently. Among my top picks are:
3. Exfoliate
It results into a firmer, tighter, and smoother look and feel of skin. But avoid over-exfoliation as it will reap opposite results— noticeable dehydration, dryness, skin tautness, redness and itchiness, increased sensitivity, and inflammatory acne and irritation[ www.dermatologica.com]
You can make use of either physical exfoliants or chemical exfoliants. Or make do of natural homemade exfoliants. Clothes or sponges that have rough abrasive texture are examples of physical exfoliants while chemical exfoliants include those products that contain enzymes and acids to remove dead skin cells. Mashed papaya with tablespoons of honey is an example of homemade exfoliant.
Few essential tips about exfoliation is to avoid doing it vigorously to refrain from removing the normal skin flora. In the case of chemical exfoliants, use those that are paraben- free. Paraben is in methyl, butyl, and propyl forms that interferes the functioning of the endocrine system.
I use St. Ives Smoothing Apricot Exfoliating Body Wash, though non- sponsored [laughs*], is a paraben- free product. You can simply work into a rich, creamy lather and rinse. No vigorous exfoliation. It smells good even after rinsing, besides apricots are known to be super-effective antioxidants. But you can also go with exfoliation without stressing too much on this chemicals and antioxidant products.
4. Moisturize
There are good moisturizing products out in the market. But one highly effective way to making our skin alive is through hydration. Water is by far the most essential need of our body. Perhaps second only to air.
I was never much a water drinker before but reaching the point of a health-seeking twenty something made me realize its vitality in the system.
There are also moisturizing products that are organic in source and can be used as daily moisturizer. There is the Moroccan Argan Oil which Daphne OseƱa-Paez and Amanda Griffin highly recommend themselves. It's available at the The Souq Organics Boutique and Taste Central.
I, on the other hand, make use of a cheaper but equally effective brand of moisturizing oil- Karite Huile De Beaute Shea Beautifying Oil from The Body Shop. It has a moisturizing and illuminating effect on the skin.
5. Learn a handful tips from the experts
Elaine of Good Housekeeping Philippines has been releasing a handful skincare tips recently. Among my top picks are:
- Pat (don't rub) your towel all over your body every after shower. And apply lotion while still damp to maximize moisture absorption.
- Blend your foundation downwards or sideways. Upward strokes go against the direction of hair growth, making your peach fuzz (or tiny, facial hair) more noticeable.
- Soak you nails in olive oil for 15 minutes at least once a month to help keep from getting dry and brittle. [Virgin Coconut oil might do just as fine :)]
I wanna know, what other skincare tips can you share?
References:
#1 & 2 skincare tips- glamomamas (dot) com
effects of dry skin brushing- detoxvortex (dot) com
benefits of raw food- zenhabits (dot) net
types of exfoliation- wisegeek (dot) com
information on parabens- livestrong (dot) com
Photo/ Video Credits:
google (dot) com (slash) images- 1st photo
glamomamas (dot) com- 2nd photo
slimcelebrity (dot) com- 3rd photo
keepingitalive (dot) com- 4th photo
asrep (dot) com- 5th photo
beautyeditor (dot) ca- 6th photo
videojug (dot) com