Like it or not, in many beauty pageants facial beauty receives a score. As a pageant coach, I am quick to point out to all my clients that beauty is subjective and there isn't ONE definition of beauty. Everyone possesses features that are beautiful. For some people, it may be their eyes while other may have a great smile. However, the foundation to health and beauty lies in your skin.
It is true that some people are genetically blessed with flawless skin. However, we can all take action to nourish and condition our skin so that it's radiant and glowing.
Gently Cleanse Your Skin
Use a cleanser formulated for your skin type and DON'T squeeze pimples. This will cause damage to the under layers of skin and can cause scarring. Instead, look for cleansers that will dissolve and release the impurities from your skin. If you feel you must squeeze – try to follow these precautions in order to minimize damage.- Be sure to steam your face to open your pores.
- Take facial tissue and place it as a barrier between your fingers and the area that you are going to gently squeeze.
- Only apply enough pressure to release the clogging. If you are hurting yourself, you are only doing more damage. Also, don't repeat squeezing in the same area, once over should be sufficient.
- Apply a mild masque when you are done.
Drink Water
Did you know that if you waited until you felt thirsty to drink water; your body is already partially dehydrated?Headaches, lack of energy and feeling tired can result from being mildly dehydrated. The secret is to consistently drink water throughout the day to keep your body working smoothly and your skin to look its best. Don't consume all your water at one sitting.
Eat a diet rich in vitamins A, B, C, E and omega-3 fatty acids (EFAs)
This would include fruits, vegetables, nuts, yogurt, legumes, eggs, vegetable oils, whole grains, green tea and water. Here are some specific examples of high quality foods.
- A-Mangos, low-fat yogurt, cantaloupe, carrots,
- B-Whole grains, sprinkle wheat germ in yogurt, avocados,
- C- Acerola cherries (usually in drinks) spinach, broccoli, green beans, and berries.
- E- Almonds
- Selenium-Cottage cheese
- Omega-3 (EFAs) found in salmon, mackerel, walnuts, flaxseed and safflower oils. Just one teaspoon of flaxseed oil per day provides 2.5 grams of Omega 3s, which, in turn, hydrate the skin. Essential fatty acids also dilute sebum and unclog pores that otherwise leads to acne.
Wear Sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun
The most important way to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. A lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, freckles, age spots and rough, dry skin. Sun exposure can also cause more-serious problems, such as skin cancer. For the most complete sun protection:
- Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun's rays are the strongest.
- Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. You might also opt for special sun-protective clothing, which is specifically designed to block ultraviolet rays while keeping you cool and comfortable.
- Use sunscreen when you're in the sun. Apply generous amounts of broad-spectrum sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, after heavy sweating or after being in water.
Exercise, eliminate unnecessary stress from your life and get plenty of sleep
Exercise will keep things moving through your body, reduce the effects of stress and burn those extra calories that want to stay in your fat cells. The skin repairs itself at night when you sleep so try to get those 8 hours.
Our outer appearance is a reflection of our inner substance. We all know that when we consume higher quality foods and drinks, our outer appearance reaps the benefits. The same holds true of every thought and feeling we have as well. Positive thoughts and feelings produce positive actions. This week take a look at your mental diet. What types of information and dialogue have you been feeding your brain lately? Your outward actions are a direct reflection of what's going on inside. Are you getting the results you want? If not, contact me and let's take a look at what we can do to design a healthy mental diet.
By Rhonda Shappert
March 17, 2010 13:15 
