With the pandemic in full force, people are self-isolating to protect themselves, their families, friends, and neighbors. Now might be a good time to boost your beauty regimen in the comfort of your own home!
Beauty comes from within, and your skin is no exception. If you want beautiful looking skin, there are things you can do without even leaving the house. Drink lots of water to hydrate your body and skin, get plenty of sleep, wear SPF when you go outside, and exercise consistently.
In addition to drinking water throughout the day, you can achieve a natural “glow” by eating foods like fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables that nourish your skin.
Moisturize Your Skin Inside and Out
Your skin is made up of cells that are made up of water. Whenever you are dehydrated, you’ll notice that your skin feels dry and tight. Unfortunately, this can make your skin less resilient and more susceptible to wrinkling. To get your glow on, drink at least eight glasses of water daily.
Be sure to apply a hydrating moisturizer right after stepping out of your bath or shower. Use a product with hyaluronic acid (like Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel) before applying your moisturizer. This ingredient holds 1,000 times its own weight in water and not only attracts water to your skin, but it also keeps it there.
Beauty From Within
Get your vitamin A daily by eating foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy greens and broccoli. Vitamin A keeps your hair, skin and nails looking strong and supple. Include healthy fats like omega-3s found in coldwater fish like salmon, walnuts and almonds as they enable your skin to keep moisture in.
Drink this hydrating green smoothie daily with its beautifying and nourishing ingredients and watch how much your skin improves! Using a strong blender, blend these ingredients in the order listed on high for 3 minutes (or until the mixture is creamy). Enjoy!
Hydrating Green Smoothie
- 1/2 cup (or more) plain coconut water to get the desired consistency
- 2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup chopped pineapple
- 1 cup chopped ripe mango
- 2 cups spinach or kale
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1 tablespoon ground flax or flaxseed oil
Beauty From Without
Try using this hydrating Avocado Honey face mask as part of your weekly beauty routine. Avocados moisturize and soften skin and ease inflammation from eczema, acne, and psoriasis. Honey is antibacterial in nature, which helps tame acne and is moisturizing and antioxidant-rich.
Avocado, Lemon & Honey Face Mask
- 1/2 ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon pure honey
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice
In a small bowl, mash the avocado in a bowl and mix in honey and lemon juice; set aside. Wash your skin with warm water to start with a clean slate and then apply the mask. Let it sit on your face for 20 minutes. Rinse completely and enjoy how smooth and silky your face feels!
Exercise to Tone Your Body and Your Skin
Cardiovascular exercise like walking or running on a treadmill – or taking an aerobics or Zumba class – are all workouts that help you get smoother, more radiant skin. As blood flow increases, oxygen is carried to your working cells combatting free radicals. Increased circulation from regular exercise ultimately makes your skin look more vibrant.
Working up a good sweat is also like getting a mini facial. Your pores dilate as sweat gets rid of trapped dirt and oil (be sure to shower or bathe after your workout). Exercise also lessens inflammation in your body and opens up the tiny arteries in your skin. It allows your body to absorb nutrients that energize your skin’s production of collagen, which can prevent wrinkles.
Even a more gentle exercise like yoga helps your skin thrive. Yoga promotes relaxation to relieve stress. Stress releases your body’s cortisol, which breaks down elastin and collagen, which you need for plump and younger-looking skin.
Whatever you decide to do during this time being homebound, make the most of it by treating your body and skin with the love and care it deserves for a healthier and more vibrant you!