While getting my nails done the other day I heard it again. One of the most popular questions to come my way – ever. “What is your #1 beauty tip?”.
It is so unmistakeable, obvious and important to me and it is total skin care. I’ve mentioned it before and knowing your skin type is very important when choosing the right products and getting in the right habits. Take a look here at past skin care articles.
Now, what’s the first thing you notice when meeting new people? Their eyes? Hair or clothes? Not likely. It’s their skin. Tone, color, evenness and beauty. Or worse, its flaws and unattractiveness. So why not focus on the skin for a little. Think about it this way. If we were magazines and the cover didn’t appeal to you would you pick it up off the newsstand and flip through the pages? Not this chick. It’s gotta look good on the cover in order for me to consider it. Now this isn’t the case in all relationships I know but packaging is important and our skin is our packaging. So what to do about it?
Be proactive and start taking care of your epidermis now. I’m not just talking about your face either. These tips go for your entire body baby. Start with these easy to follow guidelines.
1. Protect your self from the sun. The sun as lovely as it is has long-term damaging effects that are literally impossible to correct. Stay out of the direct sunlight during high-intensity (usually the hottest) hours of the day. In this part of the world that means 11 AM to about 4 PM. If you must be out during these times and it’s hot enough to wear, like nothing, don’t. Wear some clothes or at least a hat that keeps those rays out of and off your face. An obvious but overlooked tip is to use sunscreen. Choose a wide-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) greater than 30. Some even have moisturizers in them to help keep your skin pliable all day long. Going for swim? Reapply after your dip even if it’s “waterproof”.
2. Stop that smoking! I know another smoking rant but hey if you want great skin you have to quit the cancer sticks. Smoking accelerates aging of your skin and increases the likeliness of nasty wrinkles. Smoking also thins tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin decreasing the blood flow, limiting the oxygen and vitamins that your skin needs. What happens after that? Your skin losses its strength and elasticity making for a very stiff looking (like leathery) smile.
3. Moisturize, moisturize and moisturize. Did I say moisturize? Day and night and in between if you have to. Good products help keep the water in and nasty stuff out. Remember to know your skin type and get the right product for your skin. A great way to know whether or not you need a moisturizer is to wait about a 1/2 hour after getting out of the shower. If your skin feels tight and dry or rough, you should apply a moisturizer. In serious cases and during the winter moisturizers with oils can help greatly. Also, look for a product with a good SPF rating. A good way to take care of two tips in one.
There are a few more tips like good overall hygiene, a good diet and plenty of rest. These 3 I find make an immediate impact. With a healthy skin routine, good moisturizing product and if necessary a little help from some delicately applied makeup you will certainly glow.