After reading Lisa’s article, you’ve learned that certain factors can have a positive or a negative effect on the digestive system and that our skin will send a message through breakouts or skin conditions if digestion is not functioning properly. While we want to optimize our digestive tract by eating a balanced diet and minimizing the intake of sugar, dairy, caffeine, and alcohol, I’ve come up with a few “Dos” and “Don’ts” to incorporate into your beauty routine to keep your skin looking beautiful and radiant all season long.
Do…
- Exfoliate Twice a Week. This will help buff away dead skin cells & pore-clogging impurities. Aim for an exfoliate where you can’t see the grains or beads, as these will not age the skin in the long run from micro-damage.
- Change Your Pillowcases Every Week. It’s inevitable that your pillowcases will accumulate dirt and oil from your face and hair during the night, especially if you toss and turn, which is what will collect on your face each night and morning.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) as Face Toner. ACV is a cost-effective, natural & organic ingredient that can help balance & restore skin’s natural pH, reduce the appearance of pores & fine lines, prevent pimples, and even out skin tone.
Use a 3:1 ratio of water: ACV, mix & store in a small glass jar. Using a cotton pad to apply toner to a cleansed face every night and morning.
- Use a Yogurt Mask. A yogurt mask will help dissolve dead skin cells, moisturize, fight acne, diminish the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles and soften the skin.
Wash your face then evenly apply yogurt to your face and neck. Leave on for about 10 minutes then rinse with warm water. Repeat 2-3x per week.
- Use Cold Spoons or Tea Bags to Reduce Eye Puffiness.
– Chill 5-6 metal spoons in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. Hold the rounded portion of the cold spoon against the eye for a few minutes (until the spoon becomes warm) and then replace it with another cold spoon. This will tighten the skin around your eyes & relax the blood vessels.
– Put 2 used green tea bags in the fridge for 30 minutes. Place cold tea bags on closed eyelids. Sit back and relax for 15 minutes. The anti-irritant properties will help reduce swelling and relieve redness & inflammation. Repeat twice daily if desired.
Don’t…
- Sleep in Your Makeup. This can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Try keeping natural face wipes around for when you’re feeling lazy or too tired.
- Wash your Face with Hot or Cold Water. Whether sink or shower, avoid hot water as this dries your skin out & cold water will not open up your pores for effective cleansing.
- Exfoliate your Face with Baking Soda. Your skin is naturally mildly acidic; it works hard to keep the correct balance of good bacteria, oil & nutrients. Baking soda is not the right acidity for your skin; it actually cancels out all of the “good” things your skin is doing on its own & messes with the skin’s probiotic balance, oil production, texture, and molecular composition.
- Forget to Clean Your Phone. Debra Jaliman (M.D., NYC-based dermatologist) shares, “When you hold your phone to your face, there’s a mechanical stimulation that triggers the oil glands to produce more oil. Then, the bacteria from the screen-and the heat that it gives off that breeds more bacteria- mix together and results in a blemish.” Wipe down your screen at least once a week & use headphones while chatting!