I am frequently mistaken for a much younger age, which is then followed by the next two questions: "How old are you?" and "What's your secret?" While it helps that I'm Mestiza and burn just a minimal amount in the sun, (my grandfather reigned from The Philippines), I also take certain steps that allow my skin (the body's largest organ) to keep looking good :
1. SUNSCREEN. Like a religion. Every. Single. Day. Before I leave the house. SPF 30-50. Applied to face and neck. I should really be applying SPF to the tops of my hands as well. 2. WATER. New studies show your body is comprised of 50-75% water depending on your age and gender. I drink plenty of water every day and try to avoid both caffeinated drinks and alcohol, which dehydrate you and your skin. The more water I drink, the better I feel and the more my skin glows. 3. TOBACCO-FREE. I used tobacco for almost ten years and finally decided to give it up in 2012. There are many disadvantages to smoking but the main reason I quit was because I could tell it was beginning to take a toll on my skin. Since ditching the 'cigs I've seen a vast improvement. If you're a smoker and you aren't ready to quit thats fine. You'll quit when you're ready, but until then your skin, body, and wallet will suffer. 4. PRIORITIZE BEAUTY SLEEP. I realize this is a hard one for parents. Sorry, I'm not a parent so you're on your own on that one if you are! Listen to your body, but that whole saying about "Beauty Rest" I've found to be completely true. I always make sleep a huge priority but on those few and far between nights when I get less sleep, it always shows on my skin...especially under my eyes. When I've had adequate rest, my skin glows. I recommend 6-8 hours a night. 5. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT. Consuming fruits and vegetables, that contain Vitamin C and grains, nuts, seeds etc that contain Vitamin E help defend your body (and skin) from free-radicals. If you've gone to the store and it looks like your fruits or veggies are going to turn cut them up and throw them in a freezer bag and then defrost them yourself later. It's far less expensive than buying them from the store pre-frozen. Avoid processed and GMO foods. Fresh, organic is best, I've noticed when my diet is good, it shows on my skin. 6. DON'T FORGET TO BRING A HAT AND SUNGLASSES. Like a true California girl, I'm an outdoors enthusiast. I love the beach, mountains, and desert. So you'll likely find me spending my days off hiking, running, cycling, snowboarding, camping, swimming, exploring etc. and like most of you, I like to hang out at the pool when it's warm out. The second thing I always pack besides SUNSCREEN is a hat and sunglasses. 7. A GOOD SKIN-CARE REGIMEN. Since skin-types vary (dry, oily, combination), a visit to your esthetician or dermatologist is the most informative. They are trained professionals that can properly identify your skin-type and prescribe a regimen that's best for you. There is a link available for a great esthetician on the LINKS portion of this site. Personal favorites are: Dermalogica, Murad, and Bioelements. Along with using sunscreen religiously, I wash, tone, exfoliate (three times/week), hydrate with a non-SPF-before-bed moisturizer, use a mask (once a week), an eye cream (daily) and also a glycolic peel (once a week). I hope these tips are helpful, thank you for reading and feel free to share!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |