Skin Care Tips for Beautiful Skin

• Lead a healthy, balanced lifestyle based on moderation
• Cleanse, hydrate and moisturise your skin twice a day
• If you wear make up regularly, be sure to give your skin an adequate break
• Apply a gentle exfoliative and clay masque at least once a week
• Drink at least 2 litres of water per day
• Avoid the sun, especially between 10 a.m.and 3 p.m.
• Always wear a hat, a long sleeved cotton shirt and natural sun screen when outdoors
• Eat mainly fresh organic fruits & vegetables
• Reduce your intake of dairy & wheat-based products
• Exercise moderately at least 3 times a week
• Make time for regular relaxation/meditation
• Eliminate cigarettes & alcohol
• Avoid foods & products containing artificial colours, preservatives and flavourings
• Avoid using soap on the face as this will having a drying effect by removing the skin’s natural oils; therefore, unbalancing natural sebaceous activity

FACTORS THAT AFFECT SKIN CONDITION

Sun
The ultra-violet rays produced by the sun and tanning beds are skin irritants. They cause a dilation of the blood vessels and potentially cause sunburn within 24 hours of exposure. Later, the ultra-violet rays are responsible for shrinking collagen and making the dermis thinner and less elastic. The surface of the skin will appear dehydrated, wrinkled and taut.

Smoking
Has been proven a major cause of wrinkling, perhaps even more damaging than old age. Nicotine also lessens surface blood flow.

Diet
Our diet, and what we are lacking (nutritionally) in our diet, affects our health, and our health is reflected on our face. A well-rounded, balanced diet is important in maintaining good health.

Health
Rest and sleep play a vital role in maintaining health, as the body repairs itself during sleep. Lack of sleep is reflected on skin by a change of colour and texture.

Emotions
Chronically sorrowful people age prematurely because of diminished blood supply to the skin and adverse biochemical reactions. Happiness helps maintain ideal circulation. Facial muscles remain firm, but not taut, so the facial contours are rounded. Optimistic, joyful people tend to age slowly.

Physical Trauma
Physical trauma, such as scraping, puncturing or burning, destroys the skin's barrier layer, allowing penetration of toxic agents and harmful bacteria.

Heredity
Genetics help direct the rate at which the body ages. To give you an idea on how you may expect to look as you grow older, take a close look at your parents, and take the necessary steps to counteract potential problems.

Climatic Conditions
Sun, wind, central air-conditioning and heating all have drying effects on the skin. Extremes of weather, humidity levels and temperature variations can combine to produce a state of severe moisture depletion. This problem is most common in the winter as it is greatly aggravated by wind and the extreme dryness of heated rooms.