Skin Beauty in the New Year

by Shahnaz Husain

A healthy skin is one of the main foundations of beauty. You do not have to be born beautiful. You can acquire beauty, because it is the outcome of good internal health and regular external care.

Skin health begins with physical fitness. You cannot expect a beautiful painting on a poor quality canvas. The skin is called the mirror of the body and rightly so, as no other organ reflects the state of internal health as faithfully as the skin. Good health and physical fitness are imperative for a flawless skin.

The health of the skin is directly related to the kind of nutrition the body receives. A balanced diet, which includes a variety of natural foods, is the best source of the essential nutrients. These are fresh fruits and vegetables, sprouts, unprocessed and unrefined cereals, yogurt, cottage cheese, dals, fish, etc. Apart from 6 to 8 glasses of daily intake of water, have freshly extracted juices of fruits and vegetables. Consult your doctor before making changes in your diet.

Exercise benefits the body as a whole and helps both the skin and hair. It improves the circulation of blood to the skin and scalp. It also improves oxygenation to the skin tissues. These are absolutely essential for the efficient functions of the skin and scalp. Exercise also helps to reduce mental stress, which can trigger off many skin and hair problems. Apart from diet and exercise, adequate sleep and relaxation are also necessary for beauty. Sleep is nature’s best restorer. During sleep, the body’s systems slow down and restoration work takes place, which also includes the building of new skin cells.

Moisture is most important for the skin. The amount of moisture, which the skin holds, determines its texture and the rate at which it ages. That is why dry skins are more vulnerable to early aging signs. Moisture helps to keep the skin soft, smooth and supple. Moisturizers are available in both liquid and cream forms. During the dry season, for normal to dry skin, it is better to use a creamy moisturizer, applying it after cleansing and toning. It should also be applied under make-up.

Oily skins hold moisture better than normal or dry skins. But, oily skins can also be short of moisture during the dry winter season. Heavy moisturizers should not be applied on oily skins, as the pores can get clogged with oil and lead to blackheads, open pores and even pimples. During the dry season, a light moisturizing lotion should be applied. At other times, when the weather is warm and humid, a rose or lavender based skin tonic may help to moisturize oily skins. If you have oily skin, look for an “oil-free” day cream or moisturizer.

We recommend the use of a moisturizer mixed with a sandalwood cream to protect the skin. Or, apply a sunscreen. While it protects the skin from the sun’s UV rays, it can also provide protection from air pollutants, for some time.

Honey is a powerful natural moisturizer and is suited to all skin types. It helps to soften the skin and smoothens out rough areas. It improves the skin’s ability to hold moisture. Apply honey on the skin and wash it off with water after 15 minutes.

For oily skin, mix honey with egg white or lemon juice and apply on the skin daily, washing it off after 20 minutes with plain water.

Mix well together 100 ml rosewater with one teaspoon pure glycerin. Keep in an airtight bottle. This helps to moisturize oily and combination skins and is also suitable for arms and legs.

Take 3 Tbsp of wheat germ oil, 3 tbsp of honey, one ounce each of rosewater, witch hazel and glycerin. Blend all the ingredients completely to make a cream. Store it in airtight jar for further use.

Aloe vera gel can also be applied on the skin to moisturize it and can also be added to face packs.

External skin-care can work wonders. A woman who has been on a daily skin-care routine and follows a healthy lifestyle, copes better with aging changes. The signs of aging are delayed and she looks and feels more youthful. Weekly facials at a beauty salon are most helpful. Many sophisticated anti-ageing treatments and techniques are also available.