Having a good skin care routine not only keeps our skin looking its best, it is also beneficial for the health of the largest organ of our bodies! Like me, most of us don't have time for an intensive skin care maintenance program! However, you can still pamper yourself by getting the basics right. Good skin care and healthy lifestyle choices can help delay the natural aging process and prevent various skin problems such as wrinkles and uneven skin tone.
Below are 5 basic tips on how to get and keep your skin glowing with health all year round;
1. Protect your skin:
One of the most preventable, yet easily neglected ways is to protect your skin from sun exposure and premature ageing. In Australia, we have one of the highest rates of skin cancer so it's best to protect your skin while enjoying the outdoors. Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF15 all year round and SPF30 in summer. Wear protective clothing such as hats, sunnies and long sleeve shirts in extreme heat. This will help block the damaging sun rays that add to your risk of skin cancer and premature wrinkles.
2. Eat your way to great skin:
Maintaining a healthy diet rich in nutrient abundant foods such as fruits and veggies, whole grains and lean proteins will keep your skin looking its best! As the saying goes, 'you are what you eat' - if you consume junk food on a regular basis, it will most likely show through your skin. Don't forget skin hydration - our bodies are made up of approximately 70% water, so staying well hydrated is important.
3. Think positive and reduce stress:
A high stress lifestyle can make your skin more sensitive and trigger skin problems such as acne breakouts. 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.
4. Detox your skin care products:
Stay away from products containing toxic ingredients such as parabens and petrochemicals. Replace any toxic products from your lifestyle with pure ingredients such as safe natural alternatives or organic versions.
5. Quit smoking:
Smoking not only smells awful, it makes your skin look older and is the cause of wrinkles - especially around the lips. 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. The best way to protect your skin is to say goodbye to smoking and don't look back.
This Month's Product Reviews
After numerous weeks of testing out some lovely products, I think it's time to share my findings in a blog post! In this month's blog, I review 4 great products from both the
Skin Naturalé brands; me.™ skin care and earth & body.
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me. ™ | Pink Clay and Jojoba Exfoliant
contains a combination of pink clay and non abrasive jojoba beads to absorb and draw out impurities, whilst gently removing dead skin cells to reveal radiant complexion.
Overall verdict: This product really is one of the best natural exfoliants I have tried so far! The pink clay works well to absorb oils from the skin and the jojoba beads gently exfoliate to lift away makeup and dirt. I have noticed my skin is brighter and less dull since using this product and it works almost like an exfoliating cleanser.
Pros: Gentle enough to use daily - especially in warmer weather. The generous 100ml size dispenses the product well without wastage and so far has lasted me over 3 months.
Cons: I can't think of anything except that the bottle needs to be shaken before use so the beads don't get trapped at the bottom of container.
Rating: 5 stars
me. ™ | Brightening Serum
is a part of the Hydrating range of products (Milk Cleanser, Pink Clay and Jojoba Exfoliant and the Hydrating Moisturiser); and best suited for problems such as skin discolouration, uneven tone and pigmentation. It contains a combination of Vitamin C, Gigawhite (extracts from seven alphine plants) and Liquorice in a fatty acid/oil base to penetrate the skin and help inhibit the transfer of melanin that is the main cause of pigmentation, dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Overall verdict: I love the me. range as it's not only suitable for light skin and sensitive skin types but it's mainly targeted at coloured skin tones such as mine, with pigmentation issues. I have olive/yellow skin tone and suffer from slight skin imperfections - freckles and uneven skin tone.
The serum is an oil based product but is light on application without that heavy feeling. It absorbs well - especially before moisturising and is practically odourless. I use this serum twice daily, concentrating on the problem areas and have noticed my skin tone is more even and less patchy.
Pros: A little goes a long way - only a small amount is required. My skin appears more radiant and my freckles/spots, appear to have faded slightly (started seeing results after about 5 weeks).
Cons: The first week of use, I noticed a slight tingling sensation on my skin - though this is normal as noted on the product's packaging.
Rating: 4 stars
earth & body | Vanilla Chai Nourishing Cream
is made from fruit and vegetable extracts and infused with Vanilla Bean, Manuka Honey and Cinnamon Bark. The blend of ingredients is ideal for problem skin as it's enriched with anti-bacterial Manuka Honey and anti-inflammatory properties in Cinnamon Bark.
Overall verdict: I used Vanilla Chai on our baby's cheeks as she was suffering dry chapped skin from the winter cold. It was applied after baby's bath daily for about a week. I love that the formula is gentle for even the most sensitive skin and it has a divine smell without being too overpowering. I noticed baby's skin improved after a weeks use and now only apply once every 2 -3 days.
Pros: It really works! Skin is hydrated without any oily residue and the cream is easily absorbed. Only a small amount is required. Love the pump bottle travel size!
Cons: Nil
Rating: 5 stars
earth & body | Charcoal Detox Hand & Body Wash
is a soap free hand and body wash infused with Grapefruit and Spearmint. This refreshing and purifying wash detoxes the skin, using charcoal, derived from coconut husks, to draw out odours, bacteria and impurities.
Overall verdict: I used this as a hand wash in the kitchen and it is fantastic at eliminating odours from the skin! It has a citrusy fragrance that is pleasant and smells fresh - exactly what any mum needs to wash the smell of strong kitchen odours from my hands or after nappy changing.
Pros: A good size bottle for hand washing. Excellent odour reducing properties and cleans well without over drying the skin.
Cons: For the 250ml size, it probably wouldn't be ideal as a body wash in terms of value for money.
Rating: 4 stars
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Skin Naturalé
Resources:
https://www.cancerqld.org.au/page/prevention/skin_cancer/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/skin-care/art-20048237
http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/beauty/news+reviews/skincare+tips+from+the+beauty+experts,14021
Image #2 from : http://whiteskin.cluster2.hostgator.co.in/mequinol
*Rating is out of 5 stars
