Four Steps To Healthy, Beautiful Skin
Healthy, beautiful, glowing skin is something that everyone wants, but not everyone knows how to get. The basics of skincare are, well, basic: from washing and pampering, to eating a healthy diet, here are four simple steps to better skincare today.
The first step in skincare is cleaning. There are many different soap options, but not all are appropriate for every type of skin. The best types of skin cleansers are those that are soap-free; soap-free options gently cleanse the skin without stripping away natural moisture. This type of gentle cleansing is great for all skin types, and should be used daily on the body, and twice a day on the face. Look for natural cleansers whenever possible, and remember: soap-free is best!
After cleansing, the next step in caring for facial skin is to apply a gentle toner. While cleansing removes impurities and opens pore, using a gentle toner will diminish the pores and then restore the pH balance of the skin. (When pH levels are balanced, skin is better able to hold moisture and maintain optimum health.) Toners are generally poured on a soft cotton pad and then applied lightly to the skin. Toner should never sting or burn; as far as skin care goes, "feeling the burn" is never ideal!
The third step in all-over skin care is moisturizing. An essential ingredient in moisturizer is sun protection. Apply gentle, light moisturizer all over skin, and make sure that the moisturizing lotion, creme, or gel has at least an SPF rating of 15. (But remember to apply more sun block throughout the day-SPF wears of eventually!) As with all skin-care products, the gentlest ones are those that are natural, and that have been allergist tested to be free from toxins and harsh compounds.
The final piece to the healthy-skin puzzle is not something that is applied to skin, but works from within: a healthy diet. Fruits, green, leafy veggies, and some types of whole grains provide antioxidants which work to rebuild skin cells. Fish is high in vitamins that promote skin elasticity, and may help skin stay wrinkle-free. Drinking lots of water each day also helps maintain healthy skin. Most physicians recommend at least eight to ten glasses of water a day to hydrate the body and skin, as well as flush out impurities. Finally, a list of don't eats: Caffeine, alcohol, and diets heavy in sugar and fat can be detrimental to skin, and should be consumed in moderation.
The first step in skincare is cleaning. There are many different soap options, but not all are appropriate for every type of skin. The best types of skin cleansers are those that are soap-free; soap-free options gently cleanse the skin without stripping away natural moisture. This type of gentle cleansing is great for all skin types, and should be used daily on the body, and twice a day on the face. Look for natural cleansers whenever possible, and remember: soap-free is best!
After cleansing, the next step in caring for facial skin is to apply a gentle toner. While cleansing removes impurities and opens pore, using a gentle toner will diminish the pores and then restore the pH balance of the skin. (When pH levels are balanced, skin is better able to hold moisture and maintain optimum health.) Toners are generally poured on a soft cotton pad and then applied lightly to the skin. Toner should never sting or burn; as far as skin care goes, "feeling the burn" is never ideal!
The third step in all-over skin care is moisturizing. An essential ingredient in moisturizer is sun protection. Apply gentle, light moisturizer all over skin, and make sure that the moisturizing lotion, creme, or gel has at least an SPF rating of 15. (But remember to apply more sun block throughout the day-SPF wears of eventually!) As with all skin-care products, the gentlest ones are those that are natural, and that have been allergist tested to be free from toxins and harsh compounds.
The final piece to the healthy-skin puzzle is not something that is applied to skin, but works from within: a healthy diet. Fruits, green, leafy veggies, and some types of whole grains provide antioxidants which work to rebuild skin cells. Fish is high in vitamins that promote skin elasticity, and may help skin stay wrinkle-free. Drinking lots of water each day also helps maintain healthy skin. Most physicians recommend at least eight to ten glasses of water a day to hydrate the body and skin, as well as flush out impurities. Finally, a list of don't eats: Caffeine, alcohol, and diets heavy in sugar and fat can be detrimental to skin, and should be consumed in moderation.
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