Self care you need to be practicing,
if you aren't already
Whether you are 30 or 65, it's time to amp up your self-care.
The environment and beauty products have changed so much over recent years.
No one's found the fountain of youth but there's a lot out there you can do to keep
healthy and pretty and young!
Wear SPF every day- no excuses, rain or shine
Everything from moisturizers to BB and CC creams, primers and foundations
have an SPF. With so many choices, there's no reason to be lazy about protecting
your face. I also really like Colorscience's brush-on SPF . You can dust it on over
make-up before walking out the door and I keep one in my car as well, to sweep
over my hands to keep sunspots away. It's a dermatologist favorite.
Get your beauty sleep
Less sleep can be detrimental to both your physical health and your skin. Aim for
7-8 hours. Cortisol, the stress hormone, naturally decreases while we sleep, a good
thing. High cortisol levels - lots of stress-affect your physical well-being and can
cause premature aging. Collagen and new cell production are stimulated while we
sleep, especially when you use a retinol product ( next point). In short, a lack of
sleep keeps the body and particularly,your skin from repairing and rejuvenating.
Sleeping on your back is best. ( like a newborn ;) Sleeping on your side or stomach
has a greater chance of causing wrinkles. The head is heavy and puts pressure on the
skin on your face when positioned to the side. And to further decrease skin irritation-
you need a silk or satin pillowcase. Cotton pillowcases can draw moisture from your
face and hair, potentially drying and irritating your skin. A silk pillowcase also reduces
friction between skin and hair and the pillow. Some also say it prolongs your blow-out
and helps reduce morning tangles. Slip Silk Pillowcase $85 at Sephora or Celastial Silk
100% Mulberry silk case at Amazon $37.
Use Retinol or Retin A in your Routine
Retonic Acid or retinol works to increase cell turnover, hydrates skin, helps build
collagen fights, fine lines and wrinkles, helps fade dark spots and helps brighten dull
skin. ( And is effective in treating acne) Dermatologists call it the "gold standard" in
skin care.There are drug store products containing retinol or retinyl palmitate,while
your doctor can prescribe stronger tretinoin or tazarotine. Those with sensitive skin
should start slowly just a couple of nights a week building up to every night or every
other. Regardless which strength you start with, studies have shown that you will get the
same long term anti-aging benefits, whether you use a moderate or heavier strength one
as long as you are consistent. Working on the cellular, as opposed to merely topical
level, you'll also see plumper, brighter skin, smaller pores and diminished dark spots.
You apply it first, give it several minutes then use your serum or nightcream on top.
I have seen a real improvement in my skin using tretinoin for the past several years.
It will make your skin more sensitive to sun, so wear that SPF religiously.
Adding vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are great additions to your regimen to slow
aging and for younger, plumper looking skin. They both boost collagen production
and Vitamin C serums fight free radicals and sun damage and HA helps increase
moisture in our cells.
Drink More/Lots of Water
There are so many health advantages to drinking a lot of water, I have a hard time
understanding why more people haven't adopted this habit. Add cucumber, lemon,
lime, berries or most any fruit if you have a hard time drinking it plain.
Better skin- water hydrates your skin cells, flushes out toxins, aids circulation and
blood flow helping skin glow. Dehydration accents fine lines and wrinkles, so
staying hydrated helps your skin look better. .
Weight Loss- drinking more water is key to losing weight- every nutritionist and
every diet will attest to that. I know it's been a big factor in my own weight loss
and maintenance. It's a natural appetite suppressant and has zero calories. They
say icy cold water boosts your metabolism, as well.
Stress Relief- When you are dehydrated, your body and mind become stressed.
A significant part of the brain is made up of water, so for your mind and body to
function properly it needs to be adequately hydrated.
Improved Fitness- drinking water lubricates your joints and helps prevent muscle
cramps. Hydration enhances your performance and endurance.
Helps reduce Headaches- hydrating can help relieve headaches when dehydrated
Helps relieve Constipation- drinking plenty of water can help relieve and prevent
constipation on a regular basis
Clean up your Beauty Products both Literally
and Figuratively
Cleanse,tone, treat and nourish morning and night. Be smart about what you
use on your skin.So much of the beauty and skincare industry in our country
is unregulated, unlike Europe.. Chemicals are a big part of many beauty products.
Many ingredients disrupt hormones, may cause cancer and are skin irritants.
Look for skincare and make-up with natural and plant derived ingredients. Avoid
parabens, oxybenzone, formaldehyde, and things with just too many chemicals.
Companies like Beautycounter* have made it their mission to provide quality
skincare and makeup while adhering to health and safety standards beyond
what is legally required and protect you from harmful chemicals. In 2019
we need to be as aware of what we put on our faces , as well as the food we put
into our bodies.
Moisturizers, face creams, serums and eye creams have a shelf life of about 12 months.
It's not just that they lose their effectiveness, but the chance of bacteria causing
irritation or infection is increased. If something smells or the color has changed, it's
time to go. Mascara is the product most used after expiration date. It also harbors
the most bacteria,which could cause an eye infection. Liquid foundation and
concealers are safe for about a year. Powder eye shadows, blushes, powders, lipsticks
and eye and lip pencils can be safe for up to 3 years if kept clean and don't change
color or crack AND if you regularly clean your brushes. Most dermatologists recom-
mend cleaning your brushes- especially foundation and concealer brushes , at least
bi-weekly. Water and a mild soap can do the trick, or baby shampoo, olive oil or
vinegar and lemon juice. There are brush cleaners out there,too.Clean tools prevent
bacteria build up and provide a better application of products. A recent study showed
that the average woman owns at least 40 makeup products but only uses 5 daily. Time to
clean out your makeup drawer and when in doubt, throw it out!
*https://www.beautycounter.com/juliemorales1/social/486987
Move!
Exercise slows cell aging. It just doesn't make you feel younger, it may turn off the
aging process in your chromosomes.New research shows that regular physical activity
can reduce inflammation that comes with aging and can also help decrease your risk
of developing heart disease, depression, loss of muscle mass, builds immunity and more.
Regular exercise is a commitment to healthy living. People who maintain a regular
exercise routine are more aware of what they are eating. The trick is finding something
you enjoy doing for fitness and mixing it up when you start to get bored. A Brigham
Young University study on exercise and aging found "Just because you are 40, doesn't
mean you are 40 years old biologically. The more active we are, the less biological aging
takes place in our bodies."
If that's not enough to get you moving-
Exercise gives your skin a glow. Exercise helps you sleep more soundly.
Exercise improves your posture. Exercise helps relieve stress.
Exercise improves your flexibility. Exercise may help your memory.
Exercise boosts your mood. Exercise helps elevate your metabolism.
These simple steps toward taking care of you will start you year out right.
And pay off in the years to come,too!
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SLIPSilk Pillowcase - Standard/Queen
ITEM 1771260
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