Recommended sunscreens

The Best Sunscreen in the World -- La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL

This is arguable, of course. But even dermatologists we've read tout La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Lait SPF is the best sunscreen in the world. I've read many who say they use it themselves. Why does this sunscreen work so well? Because of the chemical "Mexoryl," well-known all over the world to protect skin from wrinkle-causing UVA rays. (Most sunscreens only protect against UVB rays). How good is Mexoryl? "It produces a product which gives us almost perfect protection against sunshine," said Dr. Vincent DeLeo, chairman of dermatology at Columbia University to ABC News.

Best Body Sunscreen -- Bull Frog Superblock

We told you about the best sunscreens for the face. But what about the body? Experts swear by Bull Frog Superblock Sun Block. Its long-lasting lotion protects even the fairest of skin types.

Extra tip: Sunscreen isn't only for the face. We read in O magazine that dermatologists report seeing too many women with hands, necks and chests that looked 20 years older than their faces. These women were diligent to keep their faces out of the sun but forgot to protect their hands, necks and chests as well.

 

Best Facial Moisturizer with SPF for Dry Skin -- Eucerin

If you can't afford the $47 pricetag for La Roche-Anthelios XL tinted creme, I highly recommend Eucerin Extra Protective moisture lotion SPF 30 Eucerin combines sunscreen with moisturizer. If you have dry skin, it's a solid bet. It contains the "gold standards" of skin protection -- microfine zinc and titanium oxides. This will guard skin again aging UVA rays and skin-cancer causing UVB rays.

  Best facial moisturiser with SPF for oily skin- Aveda

Best Facial Moisturizer with SPF for All Skin Types -- L'Occitane

 

 

 

Best Organic Sunscreen: Dr. Hauschka Skincare Sunscreen

 

 

 

Best Drugstore Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock

The reviewers over at Makeupalley.com rave about Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock. It goes on lightly, doesn't turn an oily face into a greasepit and best yet, it won't cast "ghost glow," the annoying white cast that some sunblocks give. Neutrogena products are now made with Helioplex, which, like Mexoryl, offers ultra protection from the sun's UVA rays. Most sunscreens on the market only offer protection from UVB rays, but it's the UVA rays that can wreak havoc deep within the epidermis and causing some bad skin cancers.

 

 

glow as you go~ 

20 Beauty Secrets every Teen should know

There's nothing worse than getting advice from older people, we know, we know, but the truth is some advice is worth taking and keeping, especially when it comes to fun beauty tips. We've been reading fashion magazines and testing beauty products for years. In this time, we've read 1000s of beauty tips, tried 1000s of products, but only a few are worth keeping around. So, here we share with you the 20 things we wish we knew when we were teenagers.

1. Skip the foundation If you have acne the first thing you want to do is slather on the thick foundation. Don't. Foundation is for women over 35. Not only will it cover up your natural beauty, but foundation on a teenager looks anything but natural. Instead, cover up blemishes with concealer, then follow with a powder or tinted mosturizer. Tinted moisturizers tend to be lighter than heavy foundations.

2. You pat concealer in, you never rub it in We know this from watching the Tyra Banks show. When applying concealer, put a bit on the pad of your middle finger and pat it in. Never rub. Got acne? Pat the concealer on top of it.

3. Play up your lips or your eyes, never both If you are wearing heavy eye makeup, go for nude lips with just a bit of gloss. Prefer the drama of dark lipstick? Keep face light (stay away from heavy blush) and wear only mascara on your eyes and a light eyeshadow. Don't heavily line your eyes. Play up both and you'll look like a clown.
And never, ever line lips in a darker color than your gloss or lipstick.

4. Less is more Ever notice how some of your friends look best with no makeup at all? No matter your age, too much makeup makes you look worse. If you wear foundation, powder, blush, liner, mascara, eyeshadow, lip liner and gloss on an everyday basis, then you're overdoing it. Tone it down: All you really need is a great mascara, concealer for blemishes and gloss. Add a pop of blush in winter.

5. Natural hair is always hot If you have super dark hair, lighten your look by going a shade darker or getting lighter highlights. Blonde? Try highlights, especially framing the face. We see too many teens lightening their hair several shades and the look can be super-tacky, not super-fabulous. The trick is to let people assume you were born with sun-kissed hair, not that you gave yourself a bad dye job from a bottle. More hair color tips here.

6. Vaseline is your best friend Vaseline is a great, cheap eye makeup remover. It's also great for fixing chapped, scaly lips. Slather on a bunch of Vaseline, then use a toothbrush to massage lips. Wipe the excess off on a tissue. Your lips will be smooth and soft.

7. You can never go wrong with layers Long layers are great for any hair type: Super curly, straight or wavy. It makes thin hair appear thicker, curly hair appear manageable and wavy hair appear just-got-back-from-the-beach sexy. Just make sure you don't get too many layers cut in. Too many short layers is dated.

8. Acne? Get thee to a dermatologist, stat Biggest mistake people with acne make? Not going to a dermatologist. Forget those $150 jeans you covet. Getting rid of those pimples will be the best investment you'll ever make. And the only guaranteed way to do it is with a dermatologist.

9. Spend money on key beauty products Not sure what to splurge on and what to save on? I give you the scoop in this article. See if you should splurge or save on cleansers, mascara, concealer and more.

10. Buying foundation or lipstick? Test it first There are some beauty products you simply must try out at a department store or Sephora before you buy. These include: Foundation, lipstick, blush and powder.
Buy these products in a grocery store and you'll be lucky if you picked the right color for your skin tone. What you can get away with without testing: Mascara, eye liner, most basic eye shadows and lip gloss.

11. When can you skip sunscreen ? Never Here's a trick we wish we knew: The first beauty product you should apply every day is sunscreen, even if it's cloudy or rainy outside. Why? Good habits start young and if you use sunscreen now, you'll have gorgeous skin when you're 50, 60, 70. Remember, the sun's UV rays can penetrate clouds and car windows.

12. Wrapping hair around the barrel creates waves There's nothing cooler than long, layered waves. To get them, wind hair AROUND the barrel of a large curling iron. Reverse direction for each 2-inch section (wind up for one, down for another).

13. Self-tanner will always stink Unfortunately, even the best ones smell. Your best bet is to apply self-tanner a good 24 hours before an important event and take a shower (don't loofah) to wash off any smell. For really big events like a dance or wedding, consider a professional spray tan. These are pricey and don't last long, so make sure to do it a day before the big event.

14. Don't let nails go Not into manicures and pedicures? No worries. Just make sure to keep nails clean and the same length. If you do want to paint them, don't keep the polish on until half of it's chipped away. Also, there's nothing worse than too-long toenails. Keep nails clipped between pedicures! People tend to judge others by the care they put into their hands and feet.

15. Don't line the inside of your eyes It will make your eyes appear smaller. Instead, line just at the lash line. Also, an obvious line doesn't look natural. Smudge the line just a bit.

16. Oily hair? Invest in a dry shampoo If you have blonde hair, sprinkling a bit of baby powder on your roots and at your crown will soak up excess oils. If you have brown hair, you might be better off with a dry shampoo for your hair color.

17. Shave legs at the end of the shower Cut down on nicks and cuts by making shaving the very last step in your shower or bathing ritual. Nine more shaving tips here

18. Know your best feature and play it up What feature do people comment on most? Play it up. If you're told you have Angelina Jolie lips, make sure to wear gloss and play with bold lipstick colors. If it's your eye color people love, find eyeshadow colors that complement them and make sure to wear mascara. Also, know what color shirts look best on you and go shopping.

19. Scrubs are great for dry skin If you have dry, itchy skin in winter, invest in a scrub and handmitts and scrub away in the bathtub. Make sure to slather on a thick moisturizer afterward. For dry, callousy feet, buy a pumice stone. They work better than any of the other wimpy options on the market.

20. Remember: Beauty is mostly internal Think about a girl you know who's overweight yet all the guys love her. Why? Because she's confident. If you aren't wearing makeup and your toes haven't been repainted in weeks, if you're happy and smiling you will still be 10 times prettier than the mopey cheerleader sitting next to you in class. Trust us (wink).


glow as you go~

ABC on how to pick a Sunscreen

If you have ever been to the sunscreen aisle at your local drugstore, you know how overwhelming it can be: SPF this, UVA that and then throw in UVBs in the mix and the sunscreen confusion begins!


Choosing the Right SPF: In Sunscreen SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The higher the SPF number, the better protection against the sun's harmful UVB rays. The SPF number lets you know how much longer you can stay out of the sun without burning. For example, if it takes 15 minutes for a person to burn, an SPF 15 will allow them to stay out in the sun 15 times longer without burning.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing an SPF of 15 or higher for maximum protection. SPF is available in levels from 2 to 60. Does highest mean the best protection? Not necessarily. An SPF of 50 only provides 1 % to 2 % more protection than an SPF 30.


UVA and UVB Protection:    The label of the sunscreen will indicate the UVA or UVB protection. UVA rays are responsible for the aging effect of the sun; however, overexposure to UVA rays can cause skin cancer. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and skin cancer. Choose a product that states, "UVA/ UVB," protection or has "broad spectrum" protectant.


Waterproof vs. Water Resistant: If you are looking for a sunscreen to use while in the water, choose a sunscreen that is "waterproof" or " water resistant." "Waterproof" sunscreen should provide protection in the water for 80 minutes, while "water resistant" provides only 40 minutes of protection.







Glow as you go~

10 Stylish Rules to Live By

Check out these rules every fashionista should follow. Every fashionista should know what fits the body, how to put pieces together and how to present yourself. Part of being confident is feeling good in your skin.
RULE 1: Look in the mirror and say to yourself everyday "I love you". Please don't let yourself become cocky. Its good to be reminded of our strengths and weaknesses on a daily basis. Its also pro-active to remind ourselves what needs work in our lives. RULE 2: Surround yourself with a great group of friends. That is right! Get rid of people who don't add value to your life, in the long run, it's worth it.
RULE 3: Edit your closet each season. It is always good to donate the clothing that can be refused and rid yourself of items that are falling apart. Its helps refresh your wardrobe and makes you aware of the key pieces you need to purchase for that season.
RULE 4: Say please and thank you, hold the door for the person behind you and don't forget to hand write a thank you note when its appropriate. Why do all of these things? Because having good manners never goes out of style.
RULE 5: Find a good tailor in your area and utilize them. I dont care what you pay for an article of clothing. Its isn't going to look great if it isn't tailored for your body. It's money well spent when you realize how uniquely different you look.
RULE 6: When shopping, purchase classic pieces first. This way you have a good basis for your wardrobe. These pieces should fit you well and become staples to base outfits off of. Trendy pieces should be kept to a minimum each season, because they easily go out of fashion. Buy only a few that you really love. Not only will this keep your closet from getting crowded it will help save your money.
RULE 7: Remember that even on a budget you can look good. These days you can buy clothes everywhere. Shop in your price range and know what looks good on your body and suits you.
RULE 8: Dress your age. This is a very common advice. 50-year old women do not need to be wearing a halter tops and mini skirts. Likewise 20-year-old women do not need to be showing their mid-drift and ass cleavage. Part of dressing your age and being sexy is showing just a hint of skin. Trust of when i say its more appealing than seeing all of your supposed assets.
RULE 9: It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. It is much better than showing up at an event and being the only person in jeans. If you walk into a room in a great dress and terrific shoes and everyone else is wearing jeans and a t-shirt don't even think twice about it. People are going to look at you and think wow she looks great. Just be comfortable in what you are wearing and enjoy it.
RULE 10 : Finally, when recieving a compliment say "Thank you". It is not stylish or attractive to say "this old thing?". Enjoy the compliment and even if you don't believe it saying thank you will make you feel better. After a time you will start to believe that you do look good. Its a great confidence building exercise.


mitchbodyglow says so~

How To Treat Dry, Flaky Skin

Dry skin is as a result of inadequate amount of oil being produced which is necessary to keep the skin hydrated and lubricated.
There are ways to control your dry, flaky skin.
* Those with dry skin have to learn a different method and technique to wash their face that will prohibit an excessive drying of the skin. If you can do it, avoid using normal tap water when washing the face. The mineral deposits in normal tap water can cause your skin to become even drier. Instead, try using mineral water when cleansing your face. Mineral water can be purchased very inexpensively at almost every grocery store, so keep a supply handy. Also, never wash your face with hot water, which can also serve to dry out the face. Finally, never use normal soap to wash your face. Instead invest in a cleanser that is made for dry skin users. When cleaning your face, do not use anything that could irritate your dry skin, like a washcloth. Instead use your fingers and rub the cleanser into your skin using a gentle and circular motion. Instead of roughly drying your face with a towel, pat your skin dry, leaving the skin a little damp. Be sure to wash your face both day and night.
* One very important step that anybody with dry and flaky skin never wants to miss is moisturizing. Again, you will need to invest in a moisturizer that is made for dry skin. Apply the moisturizer to your slightly damp skin immediately after washing. You will want to apply the moisturizer all over your face, as well as your neck area in upward strokes. Remember, moisturizer is not only for the daytime. You will also want to apply the moisturizer to your skin after washing your face before going to bed.
* You will want to use a facial mask designed for dry skin once a week. This will help remove the dry, dead skin cells that have accumulated on your face. If your entire body feels dry (as it might in winter), you can use a salt scrub to help exfoliate your entire body, which will rid your body of the dead cells, causing fresh new cells to surface.
* Have you ever seen the face of somebody who has smoked for years? It often has a leather-like appearance. Avoid smoking at all costs. The nicotine found in cigarettes causes the small blood vessels and capillaries to become smaller which, in turn, deprives skin of nutrients.
* Try to stay out of the sun as much as possible. Sunbathing dries out the skin, causing irreversible damage and drying. When out in the sun, always use sun block and reapply according to the directions.

Love the feet. Do-it-yourself home pedicure tips

1- Soak It Up The first thing you should do is soak your feet in warm (not hot) water in your bathtub, a small foot tub or foot bath for five to 10 minutes. "Add a few drops of essential oils like rosemary and peppermint to invigorate your feet during an early morning pedicure, or add drops of lavender or rose to help relax them after a long day," suggests aesthetician Stephanie Tourles, author of Natural Foot Care (Storey Books, 1998). A few drops of tea tree oil or clove oil in your foot bath can also help treat fungal infections, she says, and a couple of drops of pine, tea tree, lemongrass or eucalyptus oils can banish odors. Then, as your feet are soaking, use a toenail brush to clean your nails and feet.
2 - Scrub-a-Dub-Dub Once the warm water has softened the skin on your feet, gently scrub the bottoms--concentrating on the heels-- with an exfoliating scrub and pumice stone or abrasive pedicure file. You can also use a natural oatmeal-based exfoliator, suggests Tourles. Simply mix 1 /4 cup of oatmeal with 1 /8 cup of water until it is the consistency of a grainy paste, then gently rub it all over your feet in small circular motions. Be careful not to exfoliate too much of the outer skin away. This thick layer acts as the body's protection--which is why many podiatrists advise against using a callus razor (a special device used for shaving dry skin from the feet).
3- Cuticle Control Dry your feet, making sure to get between the toes, an area that can become a breeding ground for bacteria and cause infection if not dried properly. Then massage a cuticle cream into the cuticles, or use almond, avocado or olive oil around the base of your toenails. Gently push back the cuticles with an orange stick, but don't cut them since they provide protection between your nail and nail bed, the whole piece of skin that the nail is attached to. It runs from the bottom of the white tip of the nail to the base of the cuticle. (You can also take the orange stick and gently run it along the undersides of your toenails to clean them.) Finally, place a tiny drop of one of the cuticle oils onto each nail, and buff them to increase their strength and shine.
4 - Rubbing It In Using small, circular motions, massage your feet and ankles with a moisturizer mixed with a touch of your favorite essential oil (like rosemary, peppermint or eucalyptus), or just massage a little coconut, olive or avocado oil mixed with essential oils into your feet. If you want, you can splurge on a footsie roller (see "Editors' Picks," p. 98) and give yourself a home foot massage. (A rolling pin will also do the job.) Roll each foot over the device for about five minutes, and then slip on a pair of cotton socks for about 15 minutes to help your feet absorb the moisturizer.
5 - Short and Sweet It's much easier to cut thick toenails after moisturizing (which is why this step comes now). Cut them with a straightedge toenail clipper, leaving the nail length closer to the tips of your toes than to the nail bed. (If you cut them too short, they're more likely to grow into the skin, causing painful ingrown toenails.) Then file and shape your nails, making sure to file them in one direction. Sawing back and forth will weaken nails, causing them to split or break.
6 - Pre-Polish Prep Clean the oil and debris from both the tops of your nails and beneath them with a piece of cotton wrapped around an orange stick that you dip into a non- ace-tone nail polish remover (it will be stated on the label). Be sure to separate your toes with cotton balls or foam toe separators to keep them from rubbing against one another and smudging the polish.
7 Polished to Perfection Once you've moisturized, filed and cleaned your toenails, apply a clear base coat of polish--this will help your pedicure last longer. Then apply two coats of color and finish with a top coat, which will help set the polish. For natural-looking toenails, give them a French pedicure. First buff them to a nice luster, then use a white nail pencil (available at any drugstore) to paint a white stripe over the top of the nail tips and finally paint a pale pink polish on the surface. No matter what type you use, polish takes at least 15 minutes to dry. Use the time to put your feet up and relax.
Do this regularly so ur skin doesnt become flaky. In no time, you'll have soft, beautiful feet.

How to get a good sleep to achieve healthy youthful skin

If you want to be more youthful, nice glow in your skin, and no puffy bags under your eyes, you must have a sufficient sleep. Sufficient sleeping definitely rejuvenates your body and makes you feel refreshed with energy. Sleep is absolutely necessary to make you physically and mentally healthy. During your deep sleep cell growth and cell repair activities in your body are being taken up. Not only that, during sleep only your body is reserving energy needed to the immune systems to fight against infection.

During your sleep only healing and repairing process in your body is being taken up. Like good nutrition and exercise, sleep is also essential for maintaining your youthfulness and beauty. On the contrary if you don't have sufficient sleep, your nervous systems are affected with the result you become so drowsy and lack of concentration and you won't be active in your routine. When you are deprived off sleep, you will be looking older than what you are, and your skin will look dried.

 "If you dont take full sleep till a long time then skin of your face will get loose which will make you look bad so it is necessary that you take atleast 7-8 hours sleep everyday and on hoiliday if possible take 10 hours sleep because when we sleep then face also takes air. I am not talking about breath but i am saying that face takes air through small air holes which are in face and this thing makes face look fresh.
Also sleep makes your face charming and makes your face skin tight. So do not deprive yourself of good sleep because you will also be depriving yourself of youthful beauty.


Glow as you go~

The different skin types

What your skin needs in the way of treatment and preparation depends upon its type- and that depends upon texture, colour and condition.
There are three textures- oily, dry and balanced, often known as normal. Many skins are a combination of oily and dry. To determine skin type, cleanse skin thoroughly and using a magnifying glass in strong light, examine it closely.
TEXTURE: Oily- Caused by overproduction of sebum by the oil glands. Affects darker skins mostly; but even a light skin is inclined to go sallow. Skin shines constantly, is coarse and has enlarged pores. It is often plagued by breakouts, blackheads, and acne.
Trying to remove all oils from the skin only encourages greater gland activity. It is important you remove only excess oil from the surface. Too enthusiastic a treatment with harsh soap or cleansing lotion will often dehydrate the epidermis, leaving the skin in a flaky condition.
Dry- Three different things cause dry skin: dehydration, insufficient amount of oil secretion and ageing. It affects 85% of all light skinned women. Skin is generally of a fine texture, but looks and feels tight and drawn. It chaps, flakes and peels easily, and even at an early age may show wrinkles and lines. Contributory factors to this condition are: use of wrong cosmetics, strong soaps, exposure to heat and wind, air-conditioning. One of the most importants steps in dealing with a dry skin is to try and avoid further dehydration by sealing in moisture. The lack of natural oils must be compensated by rich external lubrication.
Balanced- Exists when oil, moisture and acidity are harmonious. It is ideal but rare. Skin is fine textured with no visible pores, smooth to touch, neither wet nor greasy. It has a tendency to become more dry with time, so it needs assistance to retain the status quo.
Combination- This is really skin in transition between dry and oily state. It gives off too much oil in the T-area of forehead, nose and chin;the rest is particularly dry around eyes and on cheeks. The dry and oily areas have to be treated seperately.

COLOUR: The colour of the skin depends on the degree of pigmentation. Light skin tones are graded from pale to pink, beige to rosy; dark skin tones go from olive to caramel, brown to black.

CONDITION: Sensitive- Usually dry skin plus. Fine textured often with a transparent, the upper layer being particularly thin and sensitive and likely to develop broken capillaries. Reacts quickly to both external and internal influences- sun, wind, emotions, food and drink. Needs usually dry skin care plus extra protective lubrication. Watch for any allergies.
Blemished- Usually oily skin plus. Troubled with pimples, sometimes to the intensity of acne. Needs usual oily skin care plus attention medicated preparations that dry and heal- and professional advice.

Glow as you go~

Steps to achieve a glowing natural look

Aren't we lucky to be living in a time when we can take such good care of ourselves and preserve our skin's youthful glow for many years? That being said, we can all up-level our skin care routines in '07.
You don't have to be perfect every day—here are a few ideas to get you started. Just making one improvement will get you started on your way to healthier skin.
1. Use a cleanser that doesn't foam or lather too much
The reason for this is that an ingredient used to cause lather and foam is sodium lauryl sulfate. It is very drying and dehydrating. It is much better to use a cleanser that is not too foamy...as a rule the more foamy, the more drying.
2. Resolve to wear sun protection every day
Sun damage is cumulative. Whenever you are outside and it is daylight you are exposed to UVA/UVB, so wearing sun protection every day will insure that you are protected from the environment. You will have less wrinkles, less "sun" spots (hyperpigmentation), and less redness in the skin (permanently dilated capillaries).
An SPF 15 is good for year round, and a 30 for the spring/summer is ideal. If you are doing a lot of outdoor activities then you may want a 45 and/or a physical block such as a hat and sunglasses. If you are treating hyperpigmentation or undergoing any peels/microdermabrasion or using Retin-A or Renova then you definitely want to wear a high SPF and a hat.
3. Cleanse and moisturize your skin in the morning and evening
It is important to wash your face in the morning to remove the dead skin cells that accumulate at night. Research also shows that while we are sleeping our body is in "repair" mode. This includes the body's largest organ (our skin).
If you are always too tired when bedtime rolls around, try washing your face when you get home or doing it after dinner. In this case it is better earlier than never! Washing away the dirt, grime and dead skin cells and nourishing your skin with the correct moisture and nutrients will give your skin a chance to repair while you sleep! Even if you have oily skin this is an important step. Remember even oily skin can become dehydrated without the proper moisturizer.
4. Drink 8 -10 or more glasses of water a day
It is best to drink half your body weight in ounces every day...so if you weight 120 lbs. then you should be drinking 60 oz of water every day. Now, if you are consuming coffee or alcohol then definitely drink more water. If your cells are not hydrated, both internally and externally, they will dry up and cause premature aging.
Some ways to enjoy the water more: add organic lemon, drink herbal teas (my personal favorite is rooibos...also known as "the skin" tea, peppermint, chamomile, etc.), add minty green chlorophyll to the water (this is available at Whole Foods or any health food store). If your body is dehydrated, it will show on your skin in the form of dry lines around the eyes and lips (thin skin areas will show dehydration first).
Try to avoid sodas, excessive coffee or black tea and of course excessive alcohol! Remember: if you are thirsty you are already dehydrated!
5. Use topical antioxidants
This gets confusing sometimes as there are so many forms of antioxidants out there. How do we know which is the best one for us?
Vitamin C has been shown to prevent premature skin aging by fighting free radicals, fading skin discoloration, and actually increasing the sun protection in a sunscreen!
In addition to Vitamin C and pomegranate, other powerful antioxidants such as Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q 10, Grapeseed Extract, and Alpha Lipoic Acid are powerful allies in the war against free radicals. When used before sun exposure, Vitamin E reduces redness and swelling of the skin, results in less destruction of lipids and fewer sunburn cells. When Vitamin E and Vitamin C are combined in high concentration, topical products offer amplified sun protection.
Epidermal Growth Factor is plant-derived and offers amazing results. EGF is used to regenerate aging skin. Topical creams containing natural EGF and bioengineered EGF were found to produce better results on skin than expensive plastic surgery or botox when used twice daily for 4-6 weeks. Skin cells that have aged can be transformed into youthful, vibrant skin cells.
6. Exercise
Just put on your walking shoes and go for a brisk walk, dance, skate, run, hike, bike, swim...whatever you like to do! It will keep you limber, toned and keep you strong. Your skin will benefit as the increase in circulation brings blood flow to the surface, carrying nutrients and flushing away toxins. Your skin looks younger, has a glow and is healthier.
Also positive endorphins and other hormones that are released when we exercise have been shown to reduce stress...which is one of the leading causes of many skin disorders including, eczema, acne and rosacea. It is also thought that exercise slows down aging. So move more, be younger, look better!
7. Exfoliate
Exfoliation...I am amazed at how popular this one little word has become, which is good since as we age cellular turnover slows down. Notice how children's skin is always so luminous and glowing? But what are we to exfoliate with?
My pet peeves are abrasive scrubs that are on the market because while yes, they give the immediate result of a smoother complexion, over time it has been shown that abrasive scrubs that are massaged into already open pores such as the ones on the sensitive areas of the nose or cheeks can be made larger by the act of rubbing them with some of these particles (such as walnut or apricot shells—these are abrasive like wood!). These scrubs can cause microscopic tears in the cell wall and break down its integrity leading to the dreaded and preventable premature sagging and loss of elasticity.
A far better alternative is an enzyme polish or alpha-hydroxy deep exfoliant.
8. Switch to mineral makeup
I am a big fan of mineral makeup. I have been using it for years and I highly recommend it for many reasons. First of all as an esthetician I love it because it is good for your skin and protects it from the sun. If it didn't look so good I wouldn't wear it. Put simply, it looks and feels great on your skin! There are no chemicals in mineral makeup and it can be used on the most sensitive skin. It is even recommended by the National Rosacea Society.
9. Juice
Juice. I love juice. I am not talking about the kind you buy pre-bottled in the store. These juices have been pasteurized, as in heated, which kills all the enzymes and most of the vitamins and minerals in the process.
It is best if you can buy a juicer and begin making your own juices. There is a lot of information about juicing in books and on the Internet. In my experience nothing will give you radiant skin like a super-healthy diet with lots of fresh veggies. Juicing is a way to implement that and get plenty of nutrition into the body in a quick and easily assimilatable way even if our regular eating habits are not perfectly healthy all the time!
SKIN LIKE SILK JUICE
Helps encourage collagen and elastin formation
5 carrots
1 apple
one-half inch knob of gingerroot
Trim the carrots. Cut them into 2 or 3 inch pieces. Cut the apple in narrow wedges. Slice the gingerroot if necessary. Process the carrots, apple wedges and ginger in the juicer. Enjoy 3 times a week.
SKIN, HAIR AND NAIL BEAUTY JUICE
This juice is loaded with calcium
1 small cucumber
4 carrots
3 kale leaves
1 quarter green bell pepper
Cut the cucumber into quarters and cut the quarters into strips. Cut carrots into 2 to 3 inch pieces. Cut bell pepper into 1 inch strips. Process the veggies in the juicer. Enjoy 4 times a week.
10. Get plenty of fiber in your diet, eat right, take the right vitamins!
Why fiber? Well one of the ways toxins are removed is to have plenty of fiber as it keeps the digestive system working most efficiently. If wastes are not eliminated, they often get re-circulated into the blood stream and therefore to the skin as a means of elimination which can cause acne.
A diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and adequate protein will help. A good nutritionist can help you with a diet plan. Another option for a sluggish digestive system is a series of colonic treatments.
Some tips for Vitamin Supplementation:
Vitamins supplementation is needed sometimes as a result of our fast-paced lives. Remember this: ACEZ
Vitamin A is required for all epithelial tissue
Vitamin C is needed for all connective tissue and capillaries
Vitamin E protects the fat in every skin cell
Zinc is necessary for connective tissue and immune function
Poor skin elasticity, easy bruising, catching colds and flu easily, and white spots on your fingernails may signify that you need more Zinc.
Some symptoms of Vitamin Deficiency:
Bumps on the back of your arms or the tops of your thighs, sensitivity to light, dry hair or skin, and chronic bronchitis or chest colds all may signify a need for more Vitamin A. Also, not getting enough sun (especially in winter), older age, and a family history of osteoporosis mean you should consume more Vitamin A.
Easy bruising, bleeding gums upon brushing or flossing, premature wrinkling, poor immunity to colds and flu, and achy joints may indicate a need for more Vitamin C. Excessive consumption of fatty or fried foods requires more Vitamin E.
B-6 and Calcium-Magnesium supplementation can also be beneficial for PMS-type breakouts.
11. Get a professional facial every 4-6 weeks or at least 4 times a year
Think of a facial as your best defense in maintaining a healthy and glowing complexion. Try to book a professional treatment at least four times a year at the change of every season. A licensed esthetician will analyze your skin, review the products you are using with you, take your lifestyle into account and recommend the best treatments for your skin.
Your esthetician can also remove blackhead and whiteheads that you otherwise would not be able to. A good esthetician will ask you what your concerns are and then recommend products and treatments that will best support this. There are always new and exciting changes in skincare that we are aware of through trade journals, conventions and classes. We love to share our knowledge with our clients!
12. Get enough sleep
For most of us, 8 hours is optimal. While we are sleeping our bodies rest and repair. Sleep is also the time when our bodies are most metabolically active—the body rids itself of toxins that would otherwise wreak havoc with your skin!
The reason why dark circles appear around the eyes when we are tired is because the eye area has the thinnest skin on the body and when we are tired, circulation in the body slows which means less oxygen in the blood and darker less oxygenated blood. Hence dark circles appear and we need to reach for the concealer.
For insomnia try stress reduction such as yoga, meditation, working out earlier in the day versus evening workouts, lavender infused essential oil, and consciously keep your bedroom a stress-free zone.
Hint: a good custom blended eye cream can help a lot but there is no better beauty treatment than a restful night's sleep.

Glow as u go!