The skin is a protective wrapper and also a major organ of excretion. So taking care of the skin helps you to have a soft and glowing skin. Very few of us are gifted with a perfect skin, but with right care, one can do a lot to improve the general condition of the skin. The old saying goes like this “Prevention is better than cure“. So it is better to take care of your skin rather than treating it after a problem occurs. All you have to do is to lead a healthy lifestyle which will definitely reflect on your skin. Keep your skin clean as a clean skin is a healthy skin. Here are some natural and practical tips, which you can follow on a daily basis to have a glowing skin and also to improve the general health of the skin.
Diet
A healthy glowing skin needs the right food. What you feed yourself inside will definitely reflect on your skin. So make it a point to have a healthy diet which should include lot of fresh fruits and vegetables in the form of salads and fresh juices. Vitamin C does wonders to your skin. Some natural sources of vitamin C are lemon, oranges, cabbage, papaya, guava, strawberries, green peppers etc.
Avoid eating junk food which is not only bad for your skin but also for your health. Try to avoid eating fried and greasy food. Avoid maida (all purpose flour) and white bread instead include brown bread, whole grains and oat bran in your diet. Substitute white rice with brown rice, sugar with honey or molasses or dates, tea or coffee with green tea or buttermilk.
Treat constipation
Drink 2-3 glasses of warm water the first thing in the morning which will prevent constipation and therefore will have an effect on your skin or you can have a glass of warm lemon juice with a tsp of honey.
Soak 4-5 raisins in half a cup of water overnight and drink that water in the morning. It prevents constipation and gives a natural glowing skin.
Treat dandruff
Keep your hair clean from dandruff as dandruff can cause skin problems like acne and pimples
Follow the 4 golden rules of skin care
Use natural or mild products for your skin.
1.Cleansing-You have to keep the skin clean for it to be healthy. Invest in a good cleanser suited for your skin. Gently massage the cleanser and clean the pores with a moist cotton. It removes excess oil and dust. Before going to bed, see to it that you remove all traces of make-up. Do not apply anything, let your skin breathe.
2.Toning-Toning stimulates blood circulation and helps to tighten the pores.
3.Nourishing-Nourishing helps to rejuvenate the skin. Yoghurt, milk, almonds, honey, eggs, apricot are natural ingredients which are valuable in providing nourishment to the skin. Nourishing lotion or cream lubricates the skin and keeps it soft retaining the natural moisture present in the skin and prevents dryness of skin. Oily skin which produces excess oil does not need a rich nourishing cream.
4.Moisturizing is an integral part of skin care. It helps to keep the skin soft, smooth and healthy. As we grow old, our skin needs more moisturizing.
Protect your skin from pollution and strong sunlight
Wash your face whenever you go out and come back, to remove the dirt accumulated on your skin due to pollution. Also cleanse your face at least twice a day after you wake up in the morning and before going to bed. Instead of using soap frequently, you can use green gram flour or besan (bengal gram flour) to wash your face. Mix it with a little water to form a paste and use it to cleanse your face.
Use an umbrella (preferably a colored one), wear sunglasses while going out in the sun. It protects your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.
Keep your skin hydrated and cool
Have bath twice a day to keep your skin clean, cool and refreshed.
Drink enough water (at least 7-8 glasses per day) to keep your skin hydrated. Also drinking water helps to prevent a whole lot of skin problems and allergies.
Always bath in cool water or lukewarm water as hot water draws out natural oil from the skin and will dry your skin.
Good sleep
One should have adequate sleep to have a healthy and glowing skin. A good night’s sleep does wonders to your skin.
Regular Exercise
Do some form of exercise which you love, at least four days a week to improve blood circulation and to avoid stress.
I am sure that if you follow at least some of these natural skin care tips, you will have a soft and glowing skin.