We cannot escape the grime and the dirt that pollution and exhaust fumes of vehicles gift our skin with. Our facial skin, being the most vulnerable, tends to wilt under the influence of these factors, which results in dull, lifeless skin tones. Our facial skin requires extra care to withstand this onslaught. A regular skin care routine should be followed, which consists of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing before applying any makeup.
There is a treasure trove in our kitchen when it comes to natural beauty aids. Internal and external nourishment is required to maintain a "look at me" skin.
Cleansing
Cleansing involves removing dirt and leftover makeup from your skin using a deep pore cleanser, then applying a scrubber to exfoliate (removal of the top layer of dead skin) the skin.
- Home-made Scrubber: Mix some honey, oatmeal, milk, and brown sugar. Rub this on the face. This will exfoliate the dead skin and make your skin glowing as new.
- Oatmeal: Mix oatmeal and milk and make a paste. Apply this on the face. Leave it on for some time and wash it off.
Toning
Toning stimulates the skin and helps in proper circulation of blood throughout the face. Toning is an important step between cleansing and moisturizing. Toning helps regain the pH balance of your skin quickly before moisturizing your skin and also tightens your pores. It clears any leftover dirt from your skin as well as reduces inflammation. Toners can be used on all skin types with good benefit.
Some Natural Facial Skin Toners
Toners should be applied to your face after cleansing. Using a clean cotton ball dipped in the toner is the most convenient way to tone your skin.
- Lemon: Lemon juice will help balance out the pH of your skin. Apply some lemon juice and leave it on for some time and wash it off well. This is a good toner. Do not use this if you have any cuts or bruises on the face, as it will give a burning sensation.
- Cucumber: Mix equal amount of cucumber juice and lemon juice and apply on your face. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and wash off well with water.
- Rose Water: Dip a cotton ball in rosewater and gently wipe your skin. Rosewater is an excellent toner, and gives a cooling effect to the skin, at the same time balancing the pH.
- Watermelon: Watermelon juice mixed with a little distilled water can be applied to the face using a cotton ball, after cleansing your skin. Rinse off with warm water. Watermelon also gives a cooling effect to the skin and is an effective toner.
- Green Tea: Steep green tea leaves in boiled water. Let it cool and then filter it. Gently wipe your face with a cotton ball dipped in this solution. This will give a refreshed feeling as well as tones up your skin.
Skin Lightening and Moisturizing
Regular application of these will keep your facial skin considerably lighter without allowing blemishes and brown spots to form.
- Milk: Milk is a natural bleach and helps to lighten your facial skin. It lightens the blemishes and scars. Apply milk daily on your face and see the difference.
- Honey: Honey is a moisturizer and antibacterial and it helps reduce the blemishes on your face.
Skin-Friendly Diet
Diet plays an important role in how your skin looks. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables taken regularly will keep your skin moisturized, soft, and glowing. Drink at least 3 liters of water a day. Hydrated skin looks taut and healthy.
Other Skincare Tips
All the factors that help you maintain a healthy body also helps you maintain a healthy skin. If you have any medical problems or any stress, it readily shows on your skin and nails. To maintain a good skin, apart from the regular skincare routine and diet, you need to follow certain healthy habits.
- Good Sleep: Minimum of 8 hours of sleep is a must. The skin repairs itself during sleep. Haven't you noticed that the skin looks rejuvenated first thing in the morning?
- Regular Bowel Movements: A sluggish digestive system gives rise to a spurt of acne on your face. Take fiber-rich diet to take care of this problem.
- Stress-free Life: This is easier said than done. However, for overall health, and specifically for maintaining a good skin tone, you need to incorporate stress-management techniques, such as yoga or meditation, in your daily routine.
- Exercise: Sweat is good for the texture of your skin. Regular exercise will keep your skin hydrated and make your skin soft and glistening.
The busy lifestyle of a career woman leaves her with very little time to attend to her own problems. Tender loving care is what she aspires. Similarly, natural ingredients have the capacity of giving tender loving care your skin aspires.
