{"id":5180,"date":"2010-09-23T10:09:25","date_gmt":"2010-09-23T15:09:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress-367309-1145696.cloudwaysapps.com\/?p=5180"},"modified":"2010-09-23T10:09:25","modified_gmt":"2010-09-23T15:09:25","slug":"50-ways-to-great-skin-at-any-age","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/feelgoodstyle.com\/articles\/50-ways-to-great-skin-at-any-age\/","title":{"rendered":"50 Ways To Great Skin :: At Any Age"},"content":{"rendered":"

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SUN PROTECTION<\/h3>\n

UVA & UVB radiation are the predominant causes of aging and it can\u2019t be stressed enough how important it is to protect yourself from the harmful effects of too much sun exposure – all year round. Prevention rather than a cure is always the best approach.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

1.<\/strong> Sunscreen.<\/strong> Every time you step outside your skin is exposed to UVA & UVB radiation whether it\u2019s a cloudy or sunny day. It\u2019s advised that you apply sunscreen prior to sun exposure and again 20-30 minutes after being outdoors if you are in full sun. Reapply regardless of water resistance after swimming. The best kinds are those that contain no chemicals and instead use microfine titanium dioxide or zinc oxide which reflect and block the harmful rays from penetrating your skin.<\/p>\n

2. <\/strong>Find yourself a great SPF lip balm <\/strong>that contains good amounts of skin emollients like plant & nut butters to keep your lips protected and smooth.<\/p>\n

3.<\/strong> Invest in a decent pair of sunglasses<\/strong>, preferably the wrap around variety to protect the sides of your eyes\/face. It\u2019s also important that they have good quality lenses to shield the eyes and filter out UVA & UVB rays.<\/p>\n

4. <\/strong>Besides a killer pair of gorgeous shades, a hat<\/strong> is the next most important piece of clothing for Summer. There are a huge number of styles to satisfy even the most discerning fashionista among you!<\/p>\n

5. <\/strong>Throw on a cover-up<\/strong>. Lightweight but densely woven clothing is the best thing to act as a barrier. Remember, skin will burn even through your clothing so if you\u2019re spending extended time outdoors, make sure you still have sunscreen on underneath your clothes and move to the shade as much as possible.<\/p>\n

6. <\/strong>A pretty Chinese parasol or vintage umbrella<\/strong> will not only protect you but makes a beautiful and unique fashion statement.<\/p>\n

7.<\/strong> The peak hours for sun exposure are between 12-2pm in Winter. and in Summer from 10-3pm. Avoid exposure<\/strong> during these time frames. If you live in a really hot climate, use your judgment to adjust those hours accordingly.<\/p>\n

8.<\/strong> Keep off the Tanning Beds<\/strong>. They will burn you just as the sun will so don\u2019t be fooled into thinking it\u2019s a safe way to tan. If you simply can\u2019t give up your sessions, make sure you apply sunscreen so you protect your skin and won\u2019t burn.<\/p>\n

9. <\/strong>Use Fake Tan<\/strong>. We\u2019re not suggesting you give up wanting that healthy sun-kissed look \u2013 just that you do it in a healthy way. You can now get some great, natural fake tans that give a realistic, healthy, golden glow.<\/p>\n

10.<\/strong> If after all this good advice you still get burned \u2013 and let\u2019s face it, it happens – make sure you have some after sun care<\/strong> products just in case. Aloe Vera based products are particularly soothing. The skin can keep burning for hours after sun exposure without you realizing so keep your after sun care in the refrigerator – the coolness will help stop the burn.
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USE ORGANIC AND NATURAL BEAUTY<\/h3>\n

Very important for so many reasons. A myraid of toxic chemicals still find their way into our beauty products and the skin absorbs everything we apply to it. The ingredients in organic & natural beauty producs are carefully cultivated, selected, processed and formulated which ensures optimum potency and\u00a0 encourages healthy, balanced skin function.
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\n11. <\/strong>Keep it clean<\/strong>. Throughout the day your skin accumulates all kinds of unwanted debris as well as going through its\u2019 own cycle of renewal. It\u2019s especially important to clean at the end of the day to remove all of that so skin is refreshed and can breathe. In the morning it\u2019s a great way to freshen and prep skin for moisturizer and makeup.<\/p>\n

12.<\/strong> Exfoliate<\/strong>. Don\u2019t use a harsh scrub but do use an exfoliant that\u2019s been specifically formulated for delicate facial skin. This will polish, refine, and help your skin glow as well as stimulate blood flow and cell turnover. The number of times you should use one depends on your skin type \u2013 refer to manufacturer instructions on what\u2019s best for your skin.<\/p>\n

13.<\/strong> Moisturize<\/strong>. Use a moisturizer that\u2019s specifically formulated for your skin type. Moisturizers perform various functions such as preventing moisture loss (your skin loses a lot of moisture during the day without you realizing); creating a protective barrier while allowing skin to function normally; providing essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals vital to maintaining the structure, elasticity and youthful appearance of skin.<\/p>\n

14. <\/strong>Take care of your body. Your entire body needs the same care and attention<\/strong> as your face. Wash daily, exfoliate and moisturize to keep your skin looking great and functioning properly. Remember that certain parts of your body may be prone to extra dryness so use a richer moisturizing cream for these areas.<\/p>\n

15.<\/strong> Different skin types need different skin solutions. Make sure you assess your skin<\/strong> properly before selecting the skincare you use. Avoid harsh, drying formulations for oily skin \u2013 these will only serve to destabilize your skin\u2019s balance creating more problems than you started with. Similarly, don\u2019t go overboard with ultra rich creams for dry or dehydrated skin \u2013 these may over burden the skin with unnecessary hydration, also leading to problems.<\/p>\n

16. <\/strong>Hands off! <\/strong>Keep hands away from your face. Hands are subject to a myriad of germs and bacteria throughout the course of the day. Wash them regularly or use a hand sanitizer and try not to touch your face so you\u2019re not transferring those germs to your facial area. Particularly important for those who suffer from breakouts or have oil-prone skin.<\/p>\n

17.<\/strong> Do not pick or squeeze <\/strong>no matter how tempting it is or how crazy it drives you! Squeezing can cause scarring of delicate facial tissue, broken capillaries, and unsightly healing. Also, the area underneath your nails is full of bacteria so you can create more infection than you started with.<\/p>\n

18.<\/strong> Keep your hair clean<\/strong> \u2013 especially if you wear a style that falls on your face.<\/p>\n

19.<\/strong> Use organic and\/or natural foundation and wherever possible, use the lightest form of cover<\/strong> you feel works for you. You don\u2019t have to use it all over \u2013 you can use it only in the areas that need it. Also, if your foundation is a little on the heavy side to try and cover certain areas, you can mix it with your moisturizer to form a light, tinted cover for elsewhere.<\/p>\n

20.<\/strong> Don\u2019t neglect your feet<\/strong>. Taking care of this part of your body not only feels good but your feet contain a multitude of reflexology points that are great for restoring a sense of balance, calm and well-being. Plus we rely hugely on our feet \u2013 they deserve a little TLC!
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GENERAL HEALTH & WELLBEING<\/h3>\n

Internal beauty is just as critical as external. If you follow these guidelines you\u2019ll notice a change externally as well as internally. Your skin will reflect how healthy your body is and will act more youthful, radiant, clear and hydrated.<\/strong><\/p>\n

21.<\/strong> Water!<\/strong> It\u2019s generally considered that 8-10 glasses of water per day is a good amount to consume. The human body is approximately 70% water and needs a consistent supply to replenish what we lose throughout the day. Lack of hydration affects how the body is able to properly function and will lead to dry, dehydrated, dull looking skin.<\/p>\n

22.<\/strong> Sweet Dreams. If you\u2019re not sleeping properly or lacking sleep<\/strong> it\u2019ll show in your skin. Dark circles, discoloration and puffiness are some of the symptoms you might experience. The skin rejuvenates and restores itself during this important rest time so make sure you get enough.<\/p>\n

23. <\/strong>It doesn\u2019t matter if your exercise<\/strong> kick is jogging, yoga, running around with the kids or ballroom dancing \u2013 whatever you\u2019re into, make sure you get 30 minutes of some kind of exercise every day to promote healthy blood flow, oxygenate your system and generate a sense of vitality.<\/p>\n

24.<\/strong> Keep stress levels to a minimum<\/strong> and find healthy ways to relieve yourself of any build up. Stress is the cause of so many health issues \u2013 the more you can avoid it, the healthier and happier you\u2019ll be.<\/p>\n

25.<\/strong> Don’t diet<\/strong> and instead maintain healthy eating habits. Eliminating refined and processed foods, trans fats, excess saturated fat, too much meat, and sugar will have a huge impact on how vibrant and healthy you feel \u2013 and how your skin looks.<\/p>\n

26.<\/strong> Fresh fruit and vegetables<\/strong> are critical for maintaining overall health. With the exception of meat, if you must cook your food, steaming or grilling are two of the best methods to do this. Only cook your food as much as is necessary. Overcooking results in destroying the vital minerals, vitamins and nutrients.<\/p>\n

27.<\/strong> Spend time in nature whenever you can. Nature<\/strong> has a beautiful way of restoring clarity, calm and focus.<\/p>\n

28.<\/strong> Massage<\/strong> isn\u2019t a luxury – it\u2019s a necessity. Regular massage is very important not just because it feels good, but any kind of physical or mental stress can cause muscle tension over time that if left unchecked, can cause all kinds of greater issues.<\/p>\n

29. <\/strong>Smoking is one of the worst things you can do and the effects are widely documented. If you do smoke, your skin will not only suffer from lack of oxygen, it is bombarded with somewhere in the vicinity of 3,000 toxic chemicals<\/strong> every time you have one cigarette<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

30. <\/strong>While the bioflavanoids<\/strong> contained in one or two glasses of red wine can be beneficial for health, an over-indulgence in any kind of alcohol can become a problem for you, and your skin. Everything in moderation!<\/p>\n

31. <\/strong>There\u2019s no question we lead busier lives than ever in this day and age and we don\u2019t always have the option of eating the way we know we should. Supplementing your food intake with good quality vitamins & minerals<\/strong> will ensure you\u2019re getting everything you need on a daily basis.<\/p>\n

32.<\/strong> Make sure you include some kind of whole fiber<\/strong> in your diet to \u2018flush\u2019 out your system and help create healthy digestion.
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EATING FOR HEALTH<\/h3>\n

There are far too many foods with incredible health benefits to list here but the following are a good start. We’ve known about the benefits of natural and organic ingredients for thousands of years and there are discoveries being made constantly as science allows us to unlock the secrets of even more of nature’s most potent phytonutrients. <\/strong><\/p>\n

33. <\/strong>Antioxidants<\/strong> are the superstars of the skincare world. Behind sun exposure, the damaging effects of free-radicals are the second biggest cause of aging. Our skin is under constant siege from free-radicals that are formed when skin is over-exposed to conditions such as sun, smoking and pollution. Use skincare that contains high amounts of antioxidant ingredients to scavenge and neutralize free-radicals.<\/p>\n

34.<\/strong> Vitamins A, C & E<\/strong> are thought to be the most potent antioxidants but every day new discoveries are being made of plant sources rich in antioxidant ingredients. Australian Kakadu Plum, Green Tea and Oat Beta Glucan are some of these. Look out for antioxidant ingredients on the labels of your skincare.<\/p>\n

35. <\/strong>Otherwise known as Essential Fatty Acids<\/strong>, Omega 3, 6 & 9 are considered critical at a cellular level for healthy skin. Nut oils, butters, olive oil, borage oil, pomegranate seed oil, flax seed oil and fruit kernel oils are all good sources of EFA\u2019s. Beware, not all oils are considered equal. Cold-pressed, virgin and organic are the best to buy and make sure you store flax seed, borage and other temperature sensitive oils in a cool place to prevent the oils from becoming rancid.<\/p>\n

36.<\/strong> You can make your own body scrubs<\/strong> by mixing organic sugar or salt with your favorite oils. This is a great way to moisturize and exfoliate in one hit.<\/p>\n

37.<\/strong> Alpha Hydroxy and Beta Hydroxy Acids <\/strong>are amazing for dissolving dead skin cells, encouraging skin renewal and generally refining the texture and tone of skin. Using these gentle fruit acids will make your skin smooth, even, and radiant. Tip: The inside of pineapple rinds is full of fruit acids so before you throw them in your compost, smear them all over clean skin and leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse.<\/p>\n

38.<\/strong> Coconut<\/strong> is well documented for a myriad of health benefits. The oil is amazing for hair, skin, nails and wounds \u2013 in fact, it can be used for almost any kind of skin issue. On top of that, drinking coconut water daily provides more energy, natural salts and potassium than a sugar filled energy drink \u2013 without the calories.<\/p>\n

39.<\/strong> Jojoba Oil<\/strong> has an almost identical lipid profile as skin, so it’s able to be more readily absorbed into skin than almost any other oil. For that reason you\u2019ll find this beautiful, lightweight, emollient oil in a lot of organic & natural beauty products.<\/p>\n

40.<\/strong> Shea Butter<\/strong> is almost the holy grail of emollients. Absolutely loaded with good fats and oils it\u2019s renowned for its skin softening and healing abilities. You will find this in many organic and natural body products.<\/p>\n

41.<\/strong> Aloe Vera<\/strong> is one of the most potent skin healing plants on the planet. Particularly useful for after sun care and is often now used as a base in many skincare lines, replacing water.
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IMPORTANT TIPS & TRICKS<\/h3>\n

42. Avoid using temperature extremes<\/strong> of water on your face. Water that\u2019s too hot or too cold can cause broken capillaries, dryness, inflammation, and upsets the natural balance of skin.<\/p>\n

43. Not all skincare is created equal so choose wisely. There are varying degrees in the quality of ingredients used in beauty products. Do your homework, read labels<\/strong> and get the background on the companies you\u2019re buying your products from. At stores like Futurenatural<\/a> you\u2019ll find an onsite glossary, full ingredient disclosure and the wonderful stories behind the brands so you can make an informed decision about your purchases.<\/p>\n

44. All the natural scents & essential oils<\/strong> used in organic and natural beauty products<\/a> have aromatherapeutic value \u2013 they don\u2019t just make you smell good, they make you feel good. Avoid using brands that list the smell of their product as \u2018fragrance\u2019 and do not disclose what that \u2018fragrance\u2019 is. Often this masks some very nasty chemicals. Always opt for products that contain steam-distilled, cold-pressed or otherwise cleanly processed essential oils.<\/p>\n

45. Remember that every single purchase you make from a company that uses organic and certified natural ingredients<\/strong> contributes to a healthier planet and a healthier YOU.<\/p>\n

46. Be mindful of expiry dates<\/strong>. Everything has a shelf life and particularly with organic & natural cosmetics<\/a> it\u2019s important to observe these. Preservatives are often kept to a minimum using the mildest forms available. A general rule of thumb is to try and use your skincare and makeup within a year so you can buy a fresh, clean supply.<\/p>\n

47. If you live in a warm climate, make sure your organic & natural beauty products are kept in a cool, dry place \u2013 ideally below 75 deg to ensure the ingredients are kept fresh.<\/p>\n

48. Make sure your tools are kept clean. If you use brushes and sponges, make sure these are washed at least once a week. They become a breeding ground for bacteria, collect oils and grime from your skin, and will not work as well if dirty. Also, most good quality brushes<\/strong> are built to last a long time if you take care of them.<\/p>\n

49. Your skin changes with the seasons and so should your beauty routine. It’s important to adapt your regime <\/strong>to suit the ways in which skin alters during the hot and cold months of the year. What you use in Summer is likely to be lighter than what you use in the drier Winter months.<\/p>\n

50. Lastly, it’s been said many times but here is the most important thing to remember. Your skin absorbs up to 60% of what you apply to the surface depending on the formulation. Skin is a living, breathing, absorbing mechanism that is constantly bombarded with stresses and is in a constant cycle of renewal and defense. Among other things it’s responsible for regulating body temperature, protection, eliminating toxins and providing water resistance. Taking care of this magnificent part of our bodies by using natural and organic beauty products is not a luxury, it’s critical to our health. <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There is no single solution when it comes to maintaining our health and beauty; there are in fact books, websites, blogs and more with thousands of ideas for looking your best. Rather than bombard you with all that, here are 50 simple ideas that cut through the clutter to a gorgeous you… More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":80,"featured_media":5181,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_is_hidden":false,"apple_news_is_paid":false,"apple_news_is_preview":false,"apple_news_is_sponsored":false,"apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":"\"\"","apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false},"categories":[15,133,1],"tags":[5151,347,5152,161,131,37,5153,2948,602],"apple_news_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/feelgoodstyle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/09\/50ways.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/feelgoodstyle.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5180"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/feelgoodstyle.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/feelgoodstyle.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/feelgoodstyle.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/80"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/feelgoodstyle.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5180"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/feelgoodstyle.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5180\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/feelgoodstyle.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5181"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/feelgoodstyle.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5180"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/feelgoodstyle.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5180"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/feelgoodstyle.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5180"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}