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By Todra Payne
Every time we watch television or flip through magazines, we’re bombarded with advertisements for products meant to enhance beauty and sex appeal. From $10 mascaras to $100 anti-aging serums, the message is clear: Beauty is obtained from a retail counter. Our looks (and moods) can certainly be enhanced with the right products. But fundamentally, how we take care of our bodies aside from cosmetics makes a big difference in how attractive we are to others. And how we view ourselves. Here are a few tips for looking and feeling your best before reaching for hair gel or lip gloss.
Sleep well
It seems “beauty rest” isn’t just a nice phrase. Recent university studies have shown that cells in the body rejuvenate faster during deep sleep than during waking hours. Many tissues in the body also break down proteins at a slower rate during sleep. Proteins are needed for cell growth and to repair damage from ultraviolet rays and other stressors. This translates to softer skin and less wrinkles. To see the full benefit of a good night’s rest, get at least six hours of shut eye.
Reduce stress
We’ve all heard how excess stress can cause problems ranging from headaches to a compromised immune system. But there are also visible signs of stress. Psychologists and beauty experts agree that ongoing, untreated stress ages us prematurely. One reason is our skin looks dull as muscles constrict under stress, restricting blood flow to the skin. Another reason to keep stress in check? Eczema and psoriasis are irritated by excessive stress. Relax with meditation, yoga and walks in nature.
Eat whole foods
What we consume in our bodies is often visible on our bodies. Weight gain is the most obvious connection, but a diet lacking in nutritional choices - green leafy vegetables, protein rich nuts and seeds, and organic, lean meats can also affect our skin and hair. “When we eat well all of our organs function better,” says, Life and Health Coach, Beth (Bella) Garrison, B.S. C.H.H.C. “Our skin reflects our organ health. For example, congestion in the liver is represented by lines between the eyebrows and darkness under the eyes.” The essential nutrients found in unprocessed foods make a big difference in how we feel and look. So skip the greasy burger and grab a salad.
Get moving
Who doesn’t want shiny, beautiful hair and gorgeous skin? An unexpected way to get both is working out. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at all the ways it’ll help your body beyond weight loss. Fitness experts claim exercise helps the body process and use all of the nutrients from healthy foods. As a result, you’ll get prettier hair, stronger nails and better looking skin. If gyms aren't your thing, consider taking a dance class, riding a mountain bike or learning to ski.
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We all know that drugstores are a great place to find cosmetic bargains. You can save even more by simply timing your purchases. As you start to run low on certain items, keep an eye on store sales ads. Most products go on sale in a 4-6 week cycle. With a little forethought, you can save 20% - 50% on all of your skin care, hair care and cosmetic needs.
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By Alison Gary
Americans are known around the globe for having a disposable culture. We buy, and if we don’t like it, we throw it away. Fabulous shoes that kill our feet, a super cute top on sale that fades and pills after one washing. Toss ‘em, donate ‘em and start anew. The problem is we cannot throw away our skin.
In countries like France, girls are taught from a very young age by their mothers the importance of proper skin care and the benefit of regular facials. They understand that makeup trends come and go, but healthy skin will never be out of style. How many times have we looked at a photo of a fabulous French woman like Catherine Deneuve and wonder how she can look so amazing?
How many times have you gone to bed without washing your face? Just a few minutes of properly cleansing and moisturizing your face each evening will take years off your skin. How about self-medicating your skin woes? Do you buy dermabrasion products from the drug store, acne treatments from the television, skin lightening products from your local Avon lady to end up with the same or worse skin? You can be sure that Ms. Deneuve washes her face every night and consults professionals on how to care for her skin.
Before puberty, our faces were washed along with our bodies and we never had a problem with it. Then oil and acne and rosacea and dry patches began. We used alcohol-based astringents that were advertised during our favorite sitcom and harsh cleansers that showed fresh-faced beauties using them in the pages of Seventeen. We weren’t taught that these industrial-strength products were actually exacerbating the problem. Adulthood came, and soon we were looking for products to stop or reverse aging, recreate the dewy glow of our youth and make our skin be a little less difficult. We sought help in the aisles of Target and Sephora and at the shiny cosmetic counters of our favorite department store. Imagine the skin we could have if we only understood it better.
We often feel that we don’t have the money to spend on a facial or the time to visit a dermatologist if we don’t have a specific problem or condition. The funny thing is we end up spending the same amount or more on products to cover up the issues with our skin. Get to know and understand your skin and its needs with a medical professional and learn what you can do to repair damage and prevent future issues. Instead of buying yet another product to transform your face, invest in a facial at a reputable spa or time with a dermatologist you trust. A certified professional will teach you more about your skin than you have learned in all your years standing in front of the medicine cabinet examining pores and popping blackheads.
Our skin is the one accessory we always wear, and the first accessory that people notice yet we often give it the worst care. You should be babying your skin far more than your car, your manicure or your home décor. Styles change, cars break down and manicures always chip, but your skin is with you forever. The next time you desire a new miracle product, think about your skin history and consider consulting a professional. In the long run it will be a worthy investment toward the one thing we cannot throw away.
Alison Gary is 30-something who believes style knows no age, dress size or budget. She is the author of http://womanwardrobeneeds.blogspot.com/ and you can see her personal style at http://whatsmywardrobetoday.blogspot.com.
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By Todra Payne,
I’ll admit I love reading which makeup looks are in fashion for the holidays. The plum lip color that lit up the runways during Fashion Week is my absolute staple this season. But as someone whose skin is wrecked by cold weather, I need to pay extra attention to skin care. Hydration is my biggest concern this time of year.
My summer skin care routine with foaming cleansers and lightweight moisturizers aren’t the answer in winter.
Here are my simple, budget-friendly choices for keeping my skin radiant through the season into the New Year. I bet they’ll give you lovely skin for those holiday photos, as well.
Jojoba Oil - Although called an oil, jojoba is technically a wax. But don’t let that scare you away from this gentle all-in-one beauty product. Jojoba oil comes from a bean that is native to Mexico, Arizona and Southern California. With a structure similar to sebum (fat and keratin secreted by the body as lubricant for skin), jojoba oil doesn’t clog pores. Removing makeup and dirt with jojoba oil gives your skin a gentle cleansing that is free of any harmful chemicals. As a bonus, jojoba oil is very moisturizing, so you won’t experience that tight, “stripped” feeling you get with foaming cleansers. Just squeeze a few drops on your palm and massage your face. Remove with a wet, warm wash cloth. Four ounces of organic jojoba oil sells for about $8.00.
Rose Water - When rose petals are distilled for their fragrant oil, the water (or hydrosol) that is left over is what we know as rose water. This rich, lovely scented floral water maintains skin’s pH balance and hydrates tired skin. It diminishes redness caused by enlarged capillaries and eases stinging caused by dry skin. To use, simply store rose water in a spritzer bottle (in the fridge) and spray a thin film all over the face. Allow to dry and follow with a rich moisturizer. Your skin will absolutely glow. Rose water can be found for $3 - $6 at the supermarket in the specialty food aisle.
Rhassoul Clay - Homemade clay masks can work as well as the top selling masks from high end beauty lines. Why? Because you can get the exact same ingredients in bulk for a fraction of the cost. Rhassoul Clay was used as a beauty treatment among nobility in Ancient Egypt and Rome and today it’s used by luxury resorts around the world. This rich red/brown clay draws out impurities, improves skin’s elasticity and texture. Mix with distilled water to make a thick paste, apply to skin for ten minutes and rinse with warm water. Buy it in bulk from www.MountainRoseHerbs.com for just $9 for a one pound bag.
Baobab Oil - This exotic oil, extracted from the seeds of the fruit that bloom ona tree native to Africa, is popping up a lot in skincare lately. Here’s why: Baobab oil contains Vitamins A, D, E and F which moisturize and help rejuvenate damaged skin cells. Because it’s rich in omega fatty acids, baobab also fights free radicals which cause pre-mature aging. It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, which means it works well under foundation. Instead of buying a pricey skin cream with 5% baobab oil, opt for a bottle of USDA Certified Organic baobab oil for just $15 at your local health food store or online. It’s the perfect winter moisturizer for all skin types.
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By Todra Payne
I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that “anti-aging” is big business. Everything from face moisturizers to cellulite creams boast that they’ll keep you looking younger longer. But the promise of youth doesn’t come cheap. Walk through any department store’s beauty section and you’ll see retouched photos of (young!) celebrities hawking hundred dollar anti-aging potions. As a beauty expert, I’m certainly not against products that assist women in looking good. I just caution to use discernment when spending your hard-earned money. Not every product does what it claims. And remember to think outside the box (or bottle) when it comes to looking your best. The following tips give you resourceful ways to keep your youthful glow - and your cash.
Facial Exercises
We know how beneficial it is to exercise the body, but few of us think to exercise our facial muscles. Smile lines, frowns between the eyebrows and downturned lips are all telltale signs of aging. If you’d like to tighten those muscles without implants or injections, muscle exercises, done just ten minutes a day, can work wonders. Although there are books and videos for sale on the techniques, just search for “facial exercises” or “facial yoga” on YouTube and you’ll find dozens of free videos demonstrating how it’s done.
Sleep On Your Back
Every women’s magazine has told us to get plenty of beauty sleep. But our sleep position is as important as how long we rest. Sleeping on your back, instead of your side or stomach, keeps you from forming permanent “sleep lines” on your chin and cheek. Sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated also keeps your eyes from becoming puffy. Initially, it’s a challenge to change your sleep position, but condition yourself each night to roll over onto your back when you find yourself in another position. Eventually, it’ll come naturally.
Drink Lots Of Water
I know. We’ve heard this one. A lot. But I think it bears repeating since we’re still reaching for Diet Coke far more than we are water. The beauty benefits of drinking water are well documented. When we don’t keep the body hydrated, we see signs through wrinkles, dry skin and lost skin elasticity. Of course, there are other health risks beyond the beauty aspect. So no matter how you look at it, water is a necessity for life. It doesn’t have to be expensive bottled water. If your tap water isn’t tasty, pick up an inexpensive pitcher and filter system. Your body will thank you for it.
Meditate
Stress is a major part of why we age prematurely. Counteracting stress through meditation is one of the best ways to reverse the clock. A study recently published in the International Journal of Neuroscience showed that individuals who were 50 years old who practiced meditation for more than five years had a biological age of 12 years younger than their real age. That means they looked and felt 43! With just fifteen minutes of meditation a day, you can calm the mind and rejuvenate the body. I doubt any anti-aging cream could make such claims.
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