Sufficient Sleep
Our skin repairs itself while we sleep. Research has shown that this activity is optimum between the hours of 11pm and 1am. Aim to have 6-8 hours of sleep each night. To ensure a peaceful night's sleep, massage the soles of your feet with sesame seed or coconut oil before going to bed or add a couple of drops of lavender oil to your pillow. Foods containing high quantities of the amino acid tryptophan (a precursor to the calming brain chemical seratonin) can help induce sleep. Try eating foods rich in tryptophan like bananas, figs, dates and yoghurt before going to bed.
Fresh Air
Seven per cent of the oxygen we take into our lungs is used directly by the skin. As we breathe in, the cells are supplied with vital oxygen and when we breathe out, we expel carbon dioxide (which could poison cells if it was not removed) and by-products from the body. As babies, our breathing activity is optimal - we take long, slow, deep breaths which oxygenate the whole body. However, as we get older, we do not breathe to our maximum ability and our skin can suffer.
Nutritious Eating
Our beauty starts from within so make sure you follow a balanced and nutritious eating regime. To help maintain a radiant complexion, you should try to avoid excessive amounts of sugar, refined carbohydrates and fatty, fried foods, and increase your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
Physical Notions
Exercising regularly benefits your skin, as well as keeping your body in shape. Aim to do 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity three times a week. This will boost your circulation and encourages blood flow. Do not wear foundation or moisturizer when exercising. It prevents the skin from sweating properly (which is one of the body's methods of eliminating waste products and toxins) and can lead to blocked pores.
Take Cover
Reveling in the sun might make us feel good, but it's one of the skin's deadliest enemies and is responsible for 90% of premature ageing. Any exposure to the sun, whether it results in a tan, sunburn or no visible reaction, prompts cellular damage which can lead to signs of ageing and serious complaints such as skin cancer. Even on a cloudy day the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate the clouds.
Liquid Assets
Aim to drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to flush your system, but drinking more than this puts unnecessary pressure on the kidneys. Opt for filtered tap water or still mineral water, at room temperature.
Rest and Relaxation
Tension can make skin oilier and constantly screwing up your face can lead to wrinkles. Research has shown we use far fewer muscles to smile than frown. Be happy - when we laugh, it relaxes tense muscles, eases tiredness and stimulates circulation.
Skincare Regime
Harsh cleansers and unsuitable skincare preparations will strip away essential lipids and cellular matter which are responsible for retaining the skin's moisture. This leads to heightened sensitivity, resulting in mild redness, rashes and dermatitis. The pores can become inflamed and irritated and this in turn upsets the skin's cell renewal process and can lead to blockages and acne. Look for gentle preparations which work in harmony with the skin's natural balance.
