H
ave you ever made the resolution to take more time out for yourself? I bet you did. Most of us do. But somehow, between career, family responsibilities and life, down time seems to shrink to nothing. Care giver, nurturer - we women think about everyone else, and then if there is time we will take care of ourselves. Time out, health, eating better, pampering, fitness. May be ... eventually... when the children are grown up ... when this report is finish... When I have time.
Most of us get by, coping the best we can with busy, stressful lives. What we do not realize is the impact stress has on our life, health and skin.
And then we wonder why?
- Our skin complexion looks awful
- We are constantly trying to manage acne and rashes flare up
- You look in the mirror and cannot recognize the reflection looking back at you: wrinkles, grey hair, sad looking skin
- The dark circles under the eyes get darker and deeper.
- We feel sluggish with no energy
- We cannot let go of that feeling of depression - Everything feels and looks ... Blah!
Hiding under a pillow looks like a good solution, but it is not an option. So how about a quick makeover? Grab whatever skin care products that promises miracles and covers up the flaws? Go for the latest fad diet to loose 20lb in 10 days? Things get worse and rarely get better.
The skin is our largest breathing organ and a reflection of our physical and emotional health. Healthy skin is connected to a healthy body and mind. Stress is part of our modern life. A few adjustments in your lifestyle will help you cope with it better. When your body is in harmony, you feel and look good in your skin. Your self-esteem, confidence and energy level are up. It shows on your skin because your skin is a reflection of your inner being.
Taking care of your health and skin is like saving money:
- It starts with you first
- Do a little bit at a time
- Reap long term benefits
Six Steps to a healthy radiant look even when you are stressed:
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Take time for yourself, make a date. If you are so busy you cannot find the time to take time out, make an appointment with yourself, include that precious time-out in your schedule until it becomes part of your daily, weekly routine. Do something you really enjoy. If it means doing nothing, then do nothing without guilt.
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Add a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom. A few candles, a water fountain, fluffy towels or some aromatherapy will transform your bathroom into a place where you like spending time and relaxing. Cleansing baths, facial masks are affordable luxuries good for your skin and morale.
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Meditate and create some quiet moments in your day. Constantly being on the go and busyness overloads our brain. It is scientifically proven that meditation and quiet time enhance our health, increase clarity of the mind and productivity.
Deep Breathing brings more oxygen into the blood stream and helps the skin eliminate toxins outside the body and carry more nutrients to the cells.
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Exercise. It does not have to be something strenuous. Walk more, play with your children, walk your dog, ride your bike and find any excuse to move your body.
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Healthy Eating. Skin and diet are intimately connected.
Often a tired liver will show on the skin as a dull complexion. Extra toxins in the blood stream can cause acne. Basically the body is sending signals to the skin to let us know that something needs attention.
A healthy diet rich in whole foods, fruits and vegetables will provide the skin with most of the antioxidants, essential fatty acids and minerals it needs.
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Choose your skin care products with care.
Choose your skin care the same way you choose your foods - with care and always go for natural and as little processing as possible. Think of your cosmetic products as food for your skin. You want them to be nutritious and appropriate for your skin type. Natural face care with botanical and sea extract are always a good choice. Start with a
good facial cleanser, nutritious
facial creams to follow and weekly face masks. They are the basics of a proper skin care regimen.
Rosemary, juniper and lavender, for example, have anti-bacterial properties and will soothe and help with acne and oily skin. Chamomile, Aloe Vera are more appropriate for dry skin.
A combination of plant and ocean base ingredients will help your skin regain health and radiance.
If your skin is out of balance, try
Dead Sea products. Most skin conditions are due to an imbalance of PH. Essential minerals from the Dead Sea will help bring your PH back to neutral and reduce dryness, acne, psoriasis or eczema.
Your skin is the first indication that something is out of balance in your body and mind. A little bit of discipline, awareness and some tender loving care towards yourself can show more results on your skin than expansive skin care products. Do not be overwhelmed. Take it one step at a time and learn to be good to yourself. Your skin will thank you.
Catherine Potin is a successful entrepreneur and publisher of
Healthy Facial Care.
Her drive is to create a multi facet program to healthy skin from the inside out.
This concept brings together the interlink of
diet for a clear skin,
natural facial care and time-out in your home spa. Each step is unique and with that makes it easy to choose the appropriate regimen for your skin and well being.
