SKIN
Your skin is your biggest organ. Taking proper care of it can make you look younger, healthier, and give you the extra “it” factor. Dry, sun-damaged skin not taken care of will add years to your appearance. Which nobody wants. Models make it their number one priority to have beautiful, glowing skin and so should you. The three major ways to slow down the process of aging and ensure youthful skin is by using sunscreen, eating healthy, and not smoking. Here are a few of my favorite tips to give me the extra freshness for great looking skin. Enjoy.
Your face is the first thing people look at. It will give a stranger their first impression of you and show others expression. Unfortunately, life shows up on your face. When you are tired, dehydrated, overexposed to sunlight, and show signs of stress it will be noticeable to others.
Eye Puffiness
showing up to important events in life with a swollen face could dissipate your natural beauty and confidence. If my eyes are puffy in the morning there are several beauty industry tricks makeup artists pull out in an emergency.
Reducing puffiness:
- One trick of the trade is aloe vera under the eyes. Not only does aloe aid in reducing puffiness, it can help with dark circles as well. Aloe firms the skin temporarily making it a soothing quick fix.
- A cold washcloth or spoon can help reduce puffiness by increasing circulation.
- Cool cucumbers and green tea bags both have anti-inflammatory properties. Lie down and relax with either on each eye, making sure both have been refrigerated and are nice and cool.
- Hemorrhoid creams, such as Preparation H contain phenylephrine which will constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. Try dabbing a little under each eye.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating is an important method for maintaining radiating skin. Dead skin could cause a dull, ashy and lifeless appearance.
To remove dead skin, make wrinkles less visible, create a glowing complexion, rid toxins, and rejuvenate skin cells exfoliate the face and body often. Use a daily cleanser with micro exfoliating beads/grains to gently wash away dirt and makeup. Twice a week use a wash cloth or facial exfoliating pads to do more of the heavy lifting. Scrub in small circles, paying extra attention to the areas where wrinkles are most likely to occur such as crows feet and laugh lines. Exfoliating not only allows your skin to breathe easier but allows makeup to be applied smoothly.
Sunglasses
Any exposure to sunlight, whether in your car, at the beach, and even in winter can cause your eyes to squint. Wearing sunglasses drastically reduces this reaction. You naturally wrinkle your eyes for protection when it’s bright outside to shield yourself from harmful UV light, which can not only damage your eyes, but the thin layer of skin around your eyes. This extra damage and the act of squinting can cause fine lines and crows feet. Always cover your peepers!
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is necessary in your everyday beauty routine. UV rays over a prolonged period of time will damage fibers in the skin causing elastin break down creating wrinkles, aging, sunspots, discoloration, and even cancer. Most of us don’t realize driving and even walking to your car from the grocery store on a cloudy day can leave you exposed.
Wear sunscreen everyday.
Apply at least 15-20 minutes before you go outside.
Wear sunscreen with minimum of 30 to 50 SPF.
Don’t forget arms, chest, ears and neck.
If you are outside for a prolonged period of time, grab the highest SPF sunscreen and reapply every two hours.
Make sunscreen a part of your beauty routine – SPF in lotions and face moisturizers.
Carry chap stick with SPF in it.
Clean your face with a gentle cleanser when you get back from sun exposure and use Aloe and Vitamin E.
Always have a doctor look at weird shaped and transforming moles, freckles, and dark spots.
Bronzers
Bronzers can give you the look of a healthy tan without the sun while accenting your muscle tone. Applying to exposed skin leaves a beautiful, shimmery glow.
With a powder bronzer use a big powder brush for stroking chest, arms, and neck. Be careful not to over do it as too much powder can leave the skin looking fake or dirty. Adding a few extra vertical strokes in the middle of your bust can be appealing due to extra contouring. The same can be said for adding a little extra to your cheekbones for a bit more definition.
Bronzers also come in lotion form. This type is best applied straight out of the shower, allowing time to dry before getting dressed.
Pimples, Eww!
Pimples are a nightmare, not only for models but everyone. Seeming to show up at the most inopportune moments in life, the stress surrounding important events are one way to get the cheeky little devils. Other causes of acne: dirt, clogged pores, pressure (like helmets or sports bras), cosmetics, medication, hormones, and heredity. Fast food and pizza isn’t necessarily good for your health, however, contrary to what most people believe it still hasn’t been proven food is the cause of acne.
When a pimple begins to show, try to leave it alone. The more you touch it the more you irritate it. Dabbing benzoyl peroxide directly on the problem then leaving on over night will reduce swelling and dry the pimple out.
Plan your attack when puss has come to the surface. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol and use the tip of a cauterized needle or a skin care extractor to gently push the puss out. Always wash around the area as well as your hands after this process to prevent further breakouts. Then apply a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid topical cream leaving it over night. Exfoliating the around the area will be the finishing touch in the morning. The once horrid pimple should now be small, clean, and smooth – ready for makeup to cover any redness which may still be left.
“I Don’t Sweat, I Glow”
Women hate to sweat. Melting makeup, embarrassing stains, and smelling are the antithesis of femininity. However, no matter how inconvenient, sweat is wonderful for your skin and health. Benefits such as reducing muscle stiffness, burning extra calories, increasing blood circulation, promoting relaxation/well-being, and improving your immune system come with sweating. To give skin a kick, go for a 15 minute sweat session a few times a week.
There are different options for increasing sweat other than exercise such as a steam room or sauna. I prefer a steam room over the sauna because I find it easier to handle and I love the moisture. Steam rooms are also good for your respiratory system. However, people with breathing problems should probably opt for the sauna instead. Still, consult your doctor before using either.
After stepping into a steam room or sauna, you will immediately start to sweat to maintain your basal body temperature of 98.6 F. At first your body is able to fend off the heat but eventually it can no longer dissipate the heat and your body temperature inevitability begins to rise. Blood is then more forcefully shunted toward the surface of your skin causing a heavier sweat which can rinse out your pours. The increased blood circulation also brings more oxygen and nutrients to your skin’s surface.
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