This may seem pretty basic stuff, but all of it combined together is what does the trick for me! I have always taken really good care of my skin, and will continue to. You can find me always wearing hat+sunscreen+sunglasses. I think taking care of your skin should come pretty natural, but some people just don’t get in the habit of taking care of themselves, it’s never too late to start!
This is what I do to keep my skin glowing
Sleep
I strive for 7-8 hours of sleep every single night. This refreshes+detoxes your body and lets it heal and repair. If you aren’t getting enough sleep, collagen production slows and your skin will be dull. No thanks. I will never go without my silk pillowcase. Getting enough sleep will give you a natural glow+improve elasticity+increase collagen, plus a ton of other things. Get to bed, people. #beautysleep
Water
This is a no-brainer…you’ve got to drink all the water. I take my swell bottle with me everywhere. I mean, everywhere. Water is an essential part of your hydration. When you’re hydrated, your skin glows!
Food
It is true, you have to nourish your body from the inside out. You can use all the creams, mask, serums in the world, but if your diet is crappy, your skin will suffer. Eating real food is a priority for me. Yes, our grocery bill is sometimes out of control (more on that later). Choosing foods that aren’t processed+packaged+choc full of nasty preservatives is very important not only for your skin health, but overall health. They are just going to make you feel bad.
Some foods that are good for healthy glowing skin:
Healthy Fats
-avocado
-Salmon
-coconut
-raw nuts/seeds like cashews, walnuts, almonds, pumpkin, sunflower, pecans, brazil nuts
Vitamin C+antioxidants
-strawberries
-apples
-oranges
-kiwi
-pineapple
-blueberries
-(healthy) chocolate
-cacao powder
-tomatoes
All the greens
-spinach
-spring mix
-cabbage
-kale
-brussels
-green beans
-peppers
-zucchini
-cucumbers
Lean protein
(I don’t eat a ton of protein, but when I do it is one of these)
-chicken breast
-ground turkey
-tuna
-eggs
Things to avoid
-refined and processed carbs and high glycemic foods (think bread, pasta, white potatoes)
-sugar
-alcohol (consume in moderation, it’s dehydrating which means its bad for your skin. If you must, for every drink you have, have a glass of water with it)
-dairy (in my opinion, bad for your skin and causes other health issues)
-oils such as: vegetable, canola, grape seed, margarine. All processed and inflammatory.
Regular facials
I get facials once a month, not matter what. This is the number one thing I won’t go without. Ever. My skin benefits from it so so much.
Every time I go we start with dermaplaning which is essentially shaving your face. No, it doesn’t grow back darker or thicker. It removes all the hair+the dead skin sitting on top of your face. It’s a great exfoliation! Next, we do a facial–usually a scrub and a mask or peel with whatever my skin might need at the time, lastly my esthetician does a lymphatic drainage facial massage with steam. This pushes the toxins out, reduces inflammation, opens up sinuses, increases collagen production and blood flow–this is my very favorite step. Sometimes in between facials I will get this done because I love it so much.
I also do a beautycounter charcoal mask or resurfacing peel 4-5x each week at home. I think this is essential in maintaining a glow, and keeping my pores cleaned out.
Wash makeup brushes
I wash my makeup brushes every 1-2 weeks. This gets all the makeup and buildup out of them. I like to use Beautycounter charcoal soap. This gets them squeaky clean. I use lukewarm water, wet the bar and hold it in one hand while swirling the brush on the bar. Then rinse with the bristles pointing down, this will help keep water from getting into where the bristles are glued together. You may have to do this a few times to get all the makeup out. Then press with a towel and lay flat to dry. Do NOT blow dry. This will ruin your brushes.
Movement
I can’t talk about glowing skin without mentioning movement. Working out really gets all your blood pumping and flowing throughout your body. It will help to nourish your skin cells and help carry oxygen and nutrients to working cells! This will also help detox and carry waste products out! Not to mention the it’s a natural stress reliever. Yes, please! Try penciling in regular workouts into your schedule. Your mind+skin will thank you!
What works for you? Do you do something I didn’t list? I would love to know!
