5 tips for healthy skin by mayoclinic.org

Don't have time for intensive skin care? Pamper yourself with the basics. Good skin care and healthy lifestyle choices can help delay the natural aging process and prevent various skin problems. Get started with these five no-nonsense tips.

1. Protect yourself from the sun

One of the most important ways to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. A lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems — as well as increase the risk of skin cancer.

For the most complete sun protection:

·       Use sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. When you're outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours — or more often if you're swimming or perspiring.

·       Seek shade. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.

·       Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. Also consider laundry additives, which give clothing an additional layer of ultraviolet protection for a certain number of washings, or special sun-protective clothing — which is specifically designed to block ultraviolet rays.

2. Don't smoke

Smoking makes your skin look older and contributes to wrinkles. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — the fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity. In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — can contribute to wrinkles.

If you smoke, the best way to protect your skin is to quit. Ask your doctor for tips or treatments to help you stop smoking.

3. Treat your skin gently

Daily cleansing and shaving can take a toll on your skin. To keep it gentle:

·       Limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm — rather than hot — water.

·       Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers.

·       Shave carefully. To protect and lubricate your skin, apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving. For the closest shave, use a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it.

·       Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on your skin.

·       Moisturize dry skin. If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer that fits your skin type. For daily use, consider a moisturizer that contains SPF.

4. Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. The association between diet and acne isn't clear — but some research suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates might promote younger looking skin.

5. Manage stress

Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To encourage healthy skin — and a healthy state of mind — take steps to manage your stress. Set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. The results might be more dramatic than you expect.

Source: Mayoclinic 

My favorite products for this week

Products #1: Sand Your Ground Clarifying Mud Exfoliation Mask

My friend recently got me this mask by FarmHouse Fresh. It is a clarifying mud exfoliation mask for all skin types. It can be used either as a mask, if you don’t want to scrub, or an exfoliator if you want shiny smooth skin. Also you can use it as both by exfoliating, then letting the mud dry before rinsing.

As my previous product reviews, this mask is easy to use as well. You start by splashing water on your face to make sure your face is wet. Secondly, apply the product with your fingertips onto your skin and slowly exfoliate in a circular motion. You may rinse your face instantly, or wait for the mud to dry then rinse it. Continue to use the product 2-3 times a week and you will start noticing the amazing results.

The product can be purchased on the brands official website here.


Product #2: Sponge

This sponge is a lifesaver! It works as a facial massager and cleanser. The sponge circulates the blood flow in your face, as well as cleansing the surface of your face. It saves you a visit to the dermatologist or the spa for a facial. I really recommend this sponge because it is very easy to use. You can apply solution or just use it with water.

This is a basic video to show you the products and steps I use to do my weekly facial at home.

Frank Body Scrub

I recently purchased a body scrub from Frank Body. Frank Body is an Australian brand that focuses on body scrubs, and are made locally. The scrub comes in 4 different flavors:

1. Original Coffee Scrub
2. Coconut Coffee Scrub
3. Cacao Coffee Scrub
4. Peppermint Coffee Scrub. 

The multi-purpose scrub instantly became one of my favorites! The scrub targets dry skin, cellulite, stretch marks, eczema, psoriasis, and scarring.

What I really liked about the product and thought was very beneficial is that the product may be used for both body and face. Also, the product may be used by both males and females of all ages as the product is completely organic and free of chemicals and perfumes. The brand is very affordable, as each pack of the scrub is about 5KD.

The product is easy to use, by applying a small amount into the palm of your hands while you’re having your shower. Massage the scrub into your skin in circular motion on the areas with problems. The scrub may be used 2-4 times per week, depending on your skin type. I noticed instant results as my skin became very smooth and hydrated.

I highly recommend this product as it suits all skin types, whether you have oily or dry skin. I will be continuing using this product since it gave me a magical effect on my skin.The product is very easy to purchase. Visit the website above, and then choose the flavors you like, and follow the steps of ordering online. You will receive the product at your door step within 3 days. Also, you can visit their facebook page to know more about the products they offer.

For any inquiries, feel free to contact me on my email.