Looking good makes you feel great, but it can also make you healthier. Here are some beauty tips to try this winter that will prettify your skin while giving your body a stronger defence against illness.
Exfoliation
It’s a must to exfoliate once or twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin that clog your pores, lead to breakouts and leave your skin looking dry. Make use of natural ingredients to exfoliate your skin, such as sugar and olive oil. Mix these together and then apply the blend to your skin, concentrating on especially rough areas (such as elbows). While you’re gently scrubbing away dead skin cells, you’re also invigorating your body by boosting circulation. This helps to increase the supply of oxygen and nutrients to your skin, while strengthening your immune system.
Dry Brushing
This is when you use a dry brush on your skin in an upward direction from the feet to the chest, which is where the lymph system drains. You can also brush from the palms of your hands towards the chest. Dry brushing helps to release the body of toxins by boosting lymphatic drainage so that it can work better, also unclogging pores and the toxins that get trapped inside the skin. It even encourages your nervous system to be healthier because it stimulates the nerve endings. You want to choose a brush made with natural fibres, and one that has a long handle so you can reach all over your body.
DIY Massage
Stress can wreak havoc on your immune system, so you want to ensure you keep it at bay with regular relaxation. If you don’t have the time to head to a spa for a massage, here’s an easy way to give yourself one. You’ll need to place three tennis balls into a tube sock and then fasten the end with an elastic band. Once you’ve done that, lie down on a soft surface (such as a yoga mat or your bed) and then roll your body over the sock. You can do this on the front and back of your body. You want to breathe in deeply throughout the process, and pay some extra rubbing action to areas of your body that feel stressed or sore. By massaging your body, you keep stress hormones out of the picture. It’s also good for your skin. When you’re stressed your body produces more of the cortisol hormone which increases the skin’s production of oil and puts you at risk of breakouts.
Yogurt Face Masks
Consuming probiotics helps to balance your gut bacteria, which keeps your immune system working well. But you can also apply them topically to your skin. Some studies have found that probiotics can be highly beneficial to the skin and body when used in products because they improve the skin’s natural defence barrier, blocking out toxins. Yogurt contains probiotics and moisturises dry winter skin beautifully. Its Vitamin B content also keeps your skin protected against free radical damage which can lead to wrinkles. Just apply plain yogurt to your face and let it sit for about 20 minutes before rinsing it off with cool water. To make it feel even more luxurious, try one of these yogurt face mask recipes.
Image credit: Mikhail Malyugin / Dollar Photo Club
