If you’ve always envied your best friend’s complexion, its time you got your own! Remember, women with gorgeous complexions weren’t necessarily born that way. Follow the six rules to beautiful skin and join the club!
1
They cleanse twice a day
Hot humid weather demands that you use a facial cleanser best suited to your skin in the morning and just before going to bed. Even more important, don’t just lather on and rinse; let the cleanser sit on your skin for a few minutes so that it breaks down makeup, dirt and oil. If you have oily skin, try Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash or Lotus Herbals Teatreewash. Meanwhile, gals with dryskin should use a gentle formula like Just Herbs Silksplash Neem-Orange Rehydrant Face Wash or Ducray Keracnyl Foaming Gel that doesn’t over dry.
2
They never forget to slather on sunscreen
The number one cause for wrinkles, fine lines and an uneven skin tone is sun exposure. Applying a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more in the a.m. is a lesser known but all important ‘gorgeous skin secret’. Remember sun shields are effective for just a couple of hours,and re application is a must.There’s no dearth of hard working, effective sunscreens you can choose from depending on your skin type. Take your pick from Sebamed Multiprotect Sunsreen Spf 50+, Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+, Avene Very High Protection Cream Spf 50+ + Emulsion. Remember, it’s not enough to apply sunscreen on your face; apply liberally on neck and décolletage as well. In fact dermatologist recommend applying sunscreen on all exposed areas including arms, legs and feet too.
3
They use retinoid creams
Retinol is your skin’s best friend. Period! Your BFF’s smooth, glowing skin owes its freshness to retinoid-based creams.There’s ample dermatologically certified proof that retinoids—vitamin A derivatives—actually work, offering multiple skin benefits from boosting cell turnover and acne control to fading fine lines and boosting collagen. Skin specialist Dr. Dhimant Goleria agrees that retinoids are the gold standard age defying ingredient in the most effective skin care creams and serums. If you’ve tried retinoid creams in the past and stopped because of sensitivity, give newer versions like L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Cream SPF 23, Lakme Youth Infinity Skin Firming Serum and Lakme Youth Infinity Skin Firming Day Crème a chance.
4
They eat skin-friendly foods
What you eat reflects on your skin. Over indulge in cakes, pizzas and chips and your skin—not to speak of your hips—will break out. On the other hand, women with beautiful skin eat plenty of fatty fish, nuts, seeds, veggies and fruit busting with antioxidants. Fish is replete with Omega 3 that hydrates skin inside out and reduces redness.You can get the same benefits from supplements like Inlife Fish Oil + CoQ10 (60 Caps) or Natrol Fish Oil + Vitamin D3. Also, do your skin a favor by eating plenty of dark and bright colored fruits and veggies including berries, mangoes and bell peppers. These contain antioxidants that fight the signs of aging and keep skin young for longer.
5
They work up a sweat
Getting off that beanbag and onto the treadmill or the great outdoors—even the neighborhood garden will do—is a great way to up your heart rate and get glowing skin. Sweating helps to excrete toxins via skin. Plus exercise gets your circulation going, boosting cellular oxygenation, giving you a natural high.
6
They get adequate zzzzs
Stressed people rarely have nice skin. That’s because the stress hormone cortisol ages skin, causes breakouts and darkcircles. Get enough sleep, at least seven hours a night if you want a clear,glowing complexion. If you toss and turn every night, stay off caffeine from 4 p.m. and ease yourself into a calming routine post 7 pm. You could sip herbal decoctions like True Elements Chamomile Tea and Organic India Tulsi Sweet Rose through the day.
