The skin is the largest organ of the body and is a clear indicator of what’s going on internally. While you may be a person who can get away with eating tons of sugar without breaking out, you’ll still want to watch what you do so you can maintain an optimal appearance.
If you’re someone who prefers to go the natural route to take care of your skin, consider these ten natural and gentle ways you can have a youthful, glowing appearance.
1. Cleanse
It’s important to develop a consistent cleansing routine. If you prefer a more natural approach, look for facial soaps with organic and natural ingredients. Many brands make castile soaps and bar soaps that work perfectly for all skin types.
Never leave makeup on your face overnight. Start by using makeup wipes or a facial oil to remove the makeup. Then, use a warm towel to start the cleansing process and open up your pores. A facial brush is nice for ensuring all the dirt comes off.
2. Moisturize
Once you’ve completed the cleansing process, it is so important to moisturize the skin. Moisture is such an important element because cleansing with soap and water has a tendency to strip the skin of its natural oils.
If you forgo the moisturizing step, your skin will automatically begin to overcompensate and create excess oil because it needs moisture. This is especially true for people who struggle with oily skin. Once you’re finished cleaning your skin, add moisture within one to eight minutes for maximum results.
3. Use a Humidifier
Sleep with a cool-mist humidifier at night. Not only is this process good for the air, it’s also great for your skin because it’ll help your skin stay hydrated, moisturized and healthy. If you have dry skin, this process will be highly beneficial to you.
4. Tone
If you have an uneven skin tone, it can be really frustrating to deal with. A good toner will help to balance the skin tone and make it look even. The type of toner you’ll need to use is primarily based on your skin type. If you are someone who deals with acne, discoloration or a lot of oiliness, a toner with lemon juice and witch hazel will work well. A rosewater toner is also an amazing option for those who struggle with acne. If you struggle with dry skin, a chamomile tea based-toner will really work well.
5. Take vitamins and supplements
Even with eating all the right foods, there are times when you’ll need a little extra help. Vitamins and supplements are great because they provide a highly concentrated amount of a specific nutrient you need. The skin needs lots of Vitamin C and Omega fatty acids. While supplements shouldn’t replace the grilled salmon or oranges that should be in your diet, they are great for adding more nutrients to enhance your skin.
6. Lose weight
While carrying a lot of extra weight isn’t good for your organs and overall health, it also doesn’t do much for your skin. Your skin will naturally need to stretch in order to accommodate the excess fat. Stretch marks and unsightly scarring can happen as a result. Carrying extra weight in your face is one of the easiest ways to age you dramatically. If you’d like to get a youthful appearance, lose a few pounds.
7. Drink lots of water
Your body is made up of at least 70% water. Think of a toilet. After it’s been used, a toilet needs to be flushed. You don’t flush a toilet when you feel like it or it will get clogged and smell bad. The same concept applies to your skin.
It’s important to flush your body of the toxins inside with water. Your skin is the last organ that gets the water you drink. If you’re not drinking enough, it will show up in your face through dullness, dryness or even oiliness. Do your best to drink at least half of your body weight in fluid ounces for the best results.
8. Maintain a healthy diet
In order to build a healthy diet, you’ll need to include the essential items such as fruits and vegetables. Try your best to maintain a colorful plate of food. Make sure the color isn’t artificial. Avoid eating a lot of processed foods. Green, leafy vegetables, brightly colored bell peppers and avocados need to be in your grocery cart. The more color you have, the more your internal body will be grateful.
9. Protect skin from the sun
Even though a little Vitamin D from the sun is good for you, it can damage when it’s consumed in copious amounts. You don’t want to end up with skin cancer later on in life. If you know you’ll be in the sun for a while, be sure to apply a sun protectant lotion on the skin. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep your face cool and protected as well.
10. Steam your face
Facial steaming is a very healthy practice for your skin as it does a gentle deep cleanse. Using a facial steamer or a pot of boiling water, stand a few feet over the steam and allow it to open your pores. Stand over the steam for a few minutes. As your pores open up, this is the perfect time to apply a facial mask. This process will pull out impurities on the surface of your skin and leave it feeling smooth and clean.
These ten steps are guaranteed to leave you with naturally beautiful skin. If you struggle with a hormonal imbalance or another health ailment that blocks the success of these rituals, you’ll want to see a dermatologist for further assistance. Otherwise, enjoy the skin you’re made in!