You just bid adieu to 2017 and its party season. You admit that your skin went through a make-up overload, and now is the time to let the epidermis breathe. But is that enough for your skin’s health? Immediate, yes but long-term, no! The intention is not to scare you, dear ladies. It is the beginning of the year, and all we suggest is that you re-evaluate your beauty practices and make some resolutions (as clichéd as they sound) for the whole year. And once these rituals become inherent to your routine, there won't be any more beauty oaths to take, EVER! Let’s proceed chicas!
We put this as one of the resolutions, as this cements the foundation for the next nine in the checklist. Let us not be harsh on ourselves. Let us not overestimate our determination levels. Let us not make an attempt to blindly follow a regime that only a superstar can. Let us curate a list that is doable and necessary. And these should not include any fancy sounding fads. Thou shall stick to the basics!
Sure, your reaction is ‘how can applying sunscreen be a major beauty resolution? Tell us something new.’ Agree, but also ask yourself, do you religiously apply this essential beauty product before stepping out of your home. If the answer is no, then cease the debate NOW! In fact, research also suggests that wearing sunscreen is advisable, even if you are indoors. Make it an imperative part of your life just like eating, sleeping and drinking water. This is a skin insurance for life that you must invest in.
New term for you? Don’t take it literally, but figuratively yes it is. One of the biggest causes of wrinkles is dry skin and hence you need to nip it in the bud. Whatever your skin type, choose a moisturiser accordingly and apply it twice a day. Not just your face buddy, your whole body needs everyday moisturising. Also in winters, you might need to choose something that’s more effective in a dry and cold weather. Whatever the choice of product, use it at least once before the end of 24 hours. This too will reap benefits in the long run. It will slow down the skin’s ageing process incredibly.
Though we refuse to believe that you don’t know what this abbreviation stands for, we shall still decode it for you. It is Cleaning-Toning-Moisturising, and is followed in the order, it’s written. Let’s not get into the factors that make CTM such an imperative part of a beauty routine but we must reiterate the fact that this pivotal replenishment for your epidermis, is a must at least for the face and neck area. Here also, if you are unable to do it in the morning and night both, at least one round of CTM at night is vital. Choose a brand and product that will suit your skin type. Also, if you care for your skin a degree more than giving it a CTM, ideally cleanse your face with a face wash before your CTM ritual to rid it of every trace of leftover makeup or impurity of any form.
Banish chemical-laden face and body scrubs at frequent intervals and make your own beauty potions. Your own home garden, and your kitchen in particular store some fantastic natural alternatives. Sometimes a concoction or a blend of three regular ingredients can do magic to your skin. Try and experiment with them as per your skin type give your skin a natural detox, while saving some money too if that is any form of motivation.
Every dermatologist will not advertise to pay him or her a visit. And not every highly-advertised dermatologist is the best. Your neighbourhood Dr Skin could also prove to be perfect. However, forego the assumption that you must go to a skin specialist, only in case of a dire condition. Like we get our vitals checked, it’s desirable to visit a skin expert and get a skin examination done. Be apprised about a condition that needs attention that you have been ignoring simply because it hasn’t hurt you yet. Don’t wait for the alarm bells to ring. A once-a-year skin analysis is actually a good practice. Certain skin related problems can be rectified with a proper diagnosis and with over-the-counter products. Yet, if you sense a trap coming your way, then remember, the entry door is also your way back. Be wise and make an informed decision.
For some, this may sound like the next level of beauty hygiene. But treat your beauty corner and all its paraphernalia like an ICU. Any dirt, dust or grime will open the doors to allergies and infections, with some wreaking havoc on your skin. First things first, there should be a separate duster cloth for your cabinet and it should be regularly cleaned, perhaps with an antibacterial. Next come your scrubbing pads, make-up sponges, nail and cuticle cutters, filers, trimmers, scissors and even hair combs and brushes. Keep them squeaky clean. Buy a brush cleaning liquid or shampoo. In fact, give a ‘bath’ to whatever you can without damaging or letting water get in. Check the expiry dates on all products regularly and throw whatever has passed its shelf life. Do not neglect this aspect of your beauty and skin care. This is non-negotiable.
Trust, you have been underestimating the power of H2O. Water is the elixir of life. Just increase your water intake and see the difference in your health, body and skin. Add to your beauty regimen some extra vitamins, especially Vitamin E & C; they are superfoods for your hair and skin. If you hate popping pills, then go for vitamin capsules that you can tear and directly apply on your skin and hair. Want it easier, then go for beauty serums and oils that are fortified with various vitamins and are available in bottles. Uncap it to find your drop of goodness.
Everything you do is for your face only, just because that’s the most exposed part of your body. That's not an evolved thought. Love your body as well. It needs as much cleaning and scrubbing as much your face does, and believe you me, your own hands do not do full justice to this. If you are part of the shy-bridge and don’t like being touched by others, please shed your inhibitions, for the sake of yourself. Opt for female therapists, if that makes you comfortable. Indulge in body massages, polishes, scrubs and even body packs. Go for some luxurious spa sessions and give the body the care and pampering it deserves. The bonus, massages make you relaxed and happy too!
In the end, what’s on the inside comes out on the outside. Lead a healthy lifestyle. Perhaps you can’t remove but can reduce bad food items from your diet. If you can’t fit in a fitness regime just increase the scope of physical activity in your everyday life like taking the stairs, walking to a pickup point, doing some household chores even if you have a full-time help. Last but not the least, your face is a reflection of who you are. Expel all negative thoughts from your mind. Do not carry emotional baggages. Forgive those who have wronged you and relinquish all bad memories. Listen to good music, read inspirational books and above all love one and all. It’s an age-old beauty trick!
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