Let’s be honest, I’m getting older. And sometimes I have to do everything in my power not to frown at what I’m seeing in the mirror…mostly because I don’t want to make any more wrinkles. And I don’t know a single person who wants to look older when they look in the mirror. When we wake up, we want the well-rested glow of our youth leaving us looking fabulously refreshed and gorgeous. So what’s a maturing woman to do?
1. Hydrate
This may be the most obvious tip but how many of us really drink as much water as we should? I often start off well enough with a large glass of water upon waking and end up trying to make up for my midday deficiencies by drinking a ton of water before bed. Just remember that dehydration will make those wrinkles stand out like ketchup on a white shirt and keeps your body from thriving. Our bodies need water to cleanse. When we flush the toxins by drinking plenty of water, we prevent them from damaging our skin.
2. Sweat
Yes, I just told you to hydrate and now I’m telling you to sweat. No, I’m not a crazy person. As it turns out about 20% of your bodies detoxing happens when you perspire. So, whether you decide to sit around in a sauna or shake it off in a Zumba class, your body will thank you for the sweat session.
3. Bathe
By now you’re probably sensing a theme. Water is so crucial when it comes to beauty. It’s not called the blue planet for no reason. As it turns out we earthlings love our water. Baths are a great way to relieve stress–which by the way is killer on the skin. Epsom salts are said to be excellent for detoxification of the body. The salts are said to draw out impurities from the body. That can only be a good thing as far as I’m concerned.
4. Eat Beautifully
I’m sure by now you’ve heard the expression: You are what you eat. We all know that we should be eat a nutritious diet if we want to look and feel our best. However, there are some all stars when it comes to the skin. Sulfur is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and yet it is often overlooked. Sulfur keeps hair and skin soft and smooth. Eating cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and radishes are a good way to get more sulfur in your diet. Perhaps the Korean diet which includes plenty of sulfur-rich foods is responsible for their gorgeous skin. Just a thought.
5. Make Up for Makeup
Every now and then your skin should get a break from makeup. Skip the makeup and give your pores a chance to breathe.
If you really cannot imagine a day without makeup, be sure to use a clean foundation (free of toxins) with skin saving ingredients like sodium hyaluronate, a natural moisture magnet, to promote smoother-looking skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. My favorite foundation is Beautycounter Tint Skin Hydrating Foundation.
6. Warm It Up
Ever feel like you could use a bit of color? I get that way when I’ve…ahem…spent too much of my time in front of my computer. But before you even think about reaching for the bronzer consider eating some carrots. As it turns out dark orange foods– like sweet potato and butternut squash– high in beta carotene can help to warm your complexion.
7. Brush with Charcoal
While this is by far the messiest suggestion so far, brushing with charcoal powder will help to whiten your teeth naturally. Use it 2-3 times a week to detox impurities from your mouth and remove stains. I personally like to add it to my toothpaste.
8. Love Your Lashes
Women here in Hawaii are obsessed with lashes. They’ll literally spend hours and hundreds of dollars on lash extensions. While I’m not sure how you can get those long lashes without good genetics or a trip to the lash studio, you can take excellent care of your lashes by swiping a bit of eye cream on the tips of your lashes every night. This will keep them soft and prevent breakage.
9. Treat Your Tresses
If your hair is the crown on your head, does it need a good polish? Black tea or coffee can deepen hair color. Chamomile or honey can lighten it. Coconut oil can do wonders when left on as a mask for 20 minutes at a time.
10. Dry Brush
Our skin is our largest organ and yet many of us tend to give it little to no love. Dry brushing is a great way to exfoliate dry skin. It also helps to detoxify the body by increasing circulation. Supposedly it also helps to promote lymph flow. Dry brush 1-2 times per week for healthy-looking skin.
Getting older doesn’t have to be a downer. In fact, if you take the time to take care of yourself you’ll probably enjoy sharing these tips with all the people who want to know what you’ve been doing to look so good. Wink. Wink.
