..."the unfading beauty
of a gentle and quiet spirit"

                              ... I Peter 3:4

Skincare

    Of course, we all know that true beauty comes from within, and I've learned that this is true in more ways than one.  But great skin is important for so many reasons, not the least of which is your appearance.

    Truth be told, healthy skin is really an indicator of a healthy body.  You can buy the best skincare products in the world, but if you're not taking care of your overall health, you’ll be fighting an uphill battle.  Sickness, imbalances, stress, and internal/external abuses will all eventually tell their story in the lines, blemishes, and scars on your face.  I'll admit... a few of the lines on my face are really badges of honor earned after facing some of life's most difficult challenges (health battles, divorce).  That doesn't mean I want to show them off, though!

    Another struggle in my case was a terrible acne problem from the age of 11 to well into adulthood.  For years I tried just about every topical acne product on the market.  Most irritated my skin, making it surface dry and flaky, and ultimately just compounding my problems.  And yet, the gentle products were not strong enough to clear the oil, making it worse as well.  I tried antibiotics for some time.  That’s really not a good idea for long term health, nor did it solve my skincare issues.

    It wasn't until I went through an internal cleansing routine for some other large health issues that I found my skin to be amazingly clear (a surprising “side effect"), in addition to the many other symptoms which were suddenly significantly improved.  Of course, by the time I finally got this “teenage” problem licked, I was thirty-something, and realized that my face was beginning to show small signs of aging, in addition to my already graying hair!  Wouldn't you know!  Below you'll find some basics I've found to be essential to natural skincare.


Diet

    Yes, it is absolutely important!  What goes in must come out.  Don't think for a second that your skin sidesteps this rule.

    Think of including plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables throughout your day as the equivalent to indulging in premium skincare products.  Who needs Lancome, when there are blueberries and pumpkins?  Natural foods help to keep the production of skin-damaging free radicals to a minimum because of their powerful antioxidant properties.  Free radicals are tiny molecules that destroy the skin, among other things.

    The vitamins and minerals contained in many fruits and vegetables also nourish and support skin cell function.  One of the keys is the natural production of collagen and elastin that help maintain skin elasticity.  This is what keeps you looking young!

    A diet rich in fruits and vegetables also helps keep the digestive system on track.   And how does that apply to your skin, you ask?  Well, your body must rid itself of any built up toxins in order to keep you from being, well… toxic.  If your intestines are clogged up and the impurities don’t move out freely, then they will be absorbed back into your body.  They may even try to get out through your skin (think: breakouts!).  If nothing else, you will have a lackluster appearance, at best.

    Also, it is important to note that you can greatly enhance the skincare benefits of a healthy diet by drinking plenty of water to keep skin hydrated and to flush out impurities.   And of course, reducing your intake of processed “junk” foods is certainly very helpful.


Exercise

    Exercise is an essential part of the best skincare simply because it increases the circulation of your blood, which nourishes your cells with life-giving oxygen.  Adding regular exercise to your daily routine can be as simple as doing what you already like.  Walking, swimming, biking, dancing, tennis or any activity that requires you to move can be an easy and fun way to get the exercise you need to improve not only your skin, but your overall health.

    Another benefit of a good workout is breaking a sweat.  Believe it or not, sweating plays a very important role in cleansing your body of impurities.  Just make sure to bathe well afterwards, rather than leaving those impurities to dry on top of your skin!


 Sun

    When going outside at peak sun times, wearing a hat and densely woven long sleeves will go a long way in protecting your skin from its rays.  Too much sun exposure can be quite harmful to skin, and will lead to premature aging.

    I personally avoid using regular sunscreen if possible.  Most drugstore varieties are filled with synthetic chemicals that can actually have damaging effects on the skin.  There are also questions of whether they may have carcinogenic effects, among other problems.  And in order to work, these conventional ingredients actually create a chemical reaction between your skin and the absorbed sun to be effective.  Sounds lovely, right?

    Instead, use a product made with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as its active ingredient.  These natural minerals create a physical barrier between the sun's harmful rays and your skin.  Thankfully, many cosmetics make use of mineral-based sunscreens, so by all means, keep your face protected!

    Of course, for very brief sun exposure, despite my very fair skin, I like to think that an opportunity for a little Vitamin D production is a great thing, so I’ll go without.  Yeah, I know what the experts say - but I just can't believe that shunning the sun completely is the wisest thing.  Respect it, and enjoy in careful moderation.


Products

    The best products are made from “real” ingredients that are designed to promote internal skin cells to strengthen and heal themselves naturally.  I find that looking for super foods in my skincare is just as important as including them in my diet.  And just as you should decrease your intake of “junk foods,” you should also decrease your skin’s reliance on “junk” products filled with, well… junk. 

    Synthetic mineral and petroleum-based oils are often used for moisturization, but are not a true friend to your skin, and can clog pores.  Try natural plant and vegetable-based oils such as avocado, which can soften skin, while still allowing it to breathe.

    Many companies commonly use alcohols, parabens, dioxanes, and fragrances.  These ingredients can make for great scents and textures, and are inexpensive, but essentially help out the marketability and profitability of the product, moreso than they improve your complexion.

    You’ll get the most “bang for your buck” out of topical products by regularly exfoliating your skin.  This will improve your skin's clarity by removing any dead skin cells, as well as toxins excreted through your pores.  Once that stuff is out of the way, your skin has the perfect opportunity to allow any creams, etc. you put on to really go to work!  Just be careful not to over-scrub, especially if you struggle with acne, eczema, or have sensitive skin.  A few times a week, using gentle circular motions is all that is usually needed.

    An exfoliant can be as simple as using your washcloth, or can be a scrub including walnut shells, apricot kernels, pomegranate seeds, or sugar.  I sometimes make my own homemade concoction:  1. Take some oats, and pulse them through the food processor with various dried herbs (rosemary, a little ginger, thyme - whatever you feel like).  2. Mix a small amount with a little warm water or cleanser and apply to face.  You can wash it off right away, or let it dry as a mask first.  The oatmeal is soothing to irritated skin and is great for absorbing excess oil, in addition to exfoliation.

    Once you begin experimenting in the kitchen, the possibilities seem almost limitless.  You can try mashing up a banana for a nice mask, and of course, there are the ever-famous cucumber slices for the eyes!  The natural acids found in fruits can do wonders for all skin types by keeping it clear and bright, and helping with regeneration.  For acne sufferers, products including natural fruit acids, peppermint, tea tree oil, cinnamon, and kaolin clay can all prove to be helpful.  Then there are always essential oils which can help with numerous issues - but do take care with these, as they are quite potent.


One Last Thing...

    When dealing with a change in skincare, as any other health issue, it's good to keep in mind that occasionally skin gets worse before it gets better.  Sometimes your body is just trying to bring all of the junk to the surface so it can heal.  This might mean a temporary bout of flaky skin, breakouts, or just a dull appearance.  When you radically change your diet, do an internal cleanse, or even just try out a new topical product, you may want to give it a week or two before automatically casting it aside at the first negative sign (note: allergic reactions are the exception here).  The journey to great skin, much like life, is not always without bumps and irritations:)

    One company that I'm beginning to love more and more for its super food-infused great skincare products at very reasonable prices is mark.

You can a look at their great products by clicking below. 

Amazing Skincare Solutions, Innovative Cosmetics, and Trendy Fashion Pieces!