Discipline and routine haven't come easy to me, yet there is one area I don't stray from, my daily skin care. As a teen, I spent lots of time in the sun, with lemons, baby oil, iodine, and a salt water spray, attempting to tan. Before too long that I wanted to care for my skin more than I wanted to tan--vanity may have played a role here.
It's not just about having soft, healthy skin; it's also about feeling good inside and out. Granted genes play a part in the qualities of our skin, I thank my Sicilian mom for a bit of that. At 70-something, she has amazingly smooth supple skin.
What I do
- Eat healthy, organic, fresh, seasonal foods including my favorite Beauty-Enhancing Smoothie
- Whole Foods Cleanse 2 times per year
- Skin Cleansing: I use no or little soap on my face. I use oil (coconut or sesame, depending on the season) to remove makeup. My face cream and serum are handmade by people I know with organic ingredients and love. I use a rose or lavender water spray as a toner and to freshen up throughout the day.
- Facial Massage and Abhyanga
- Daily Yoga, Chanting and Meditation Practice. I use a slow, breath-based practice appropriate for my needs.
- Daily short, vigorous walk with my dogs
- Keep stress to a minimum (what I can control)
- Sleep at least 7 hours (I sometimes nap, which I never let myself do in the past.)
- Keep toxic chemicals off my skin and out of my diet
- Drink water and herbal tea (I do enjoy a nice cup of coffee, too.)
There are other routines I follow throughout the day. The ones listed above are the ones attributed to skin health. Thanks for reading everyone. If you're interested in working with me privately, please schedule a Complimentary Wellness Call.
I'd love to hear your take on keeping your skin care natural as well as any other wonderful products you know of.
PS-My practices and lifestyle have changed with age and need. Yogic practices are specific to physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs.Truly it's not one practice fits all.
Though we have 4
seasons here in parts of the US and other parts of the world, Ayurveda generally
considers three. They are based on the qualities of the seasons which
are most closely linked to the doshas or constitutional principles.
The
three doshas- vata, made of the elements air and space (also known as
ether) has cold, dry and windy qualities and depicts Fall to Winter;
kapha, made of the elements earth and water has moist, dense, and
sluggish qualities and defines winter to spring; and pitta, made up of
fire and water, has sharp, hot, and oily qualities which depicts spring
into summer. There are other qualities and I am simplifying, yet I think you will all get the picture.
In Utah we are completely into Spring and will soon move into Summer. We experienced the waking up from winter, the necessary cleansing and now we make sure that we are prepared to move into a hot, dry Summer. Of course, all of my suggestions will depend upon your personal constitution and your general health. Take this test to find out.
What can you do?
- eat locally grown,organic foods that are coming into season
- my sprouts are going crazy right now as are my son's strawberries
- eat lighter than in the winter and now you can eat cooler foods (like salads)
- continue with your morning and evening routines although some of you will wake up earlier with the sun and stay up a bit later
- begin with warm water with lemon, brush teeth, scrape tongue
- neti pot (nasal wash) with sterile, gently salted water helps to lessen allergic reactions
- be sure to still use your oil in your nose, eyes, gums, and on your skin
- dry brush the skin starting at the extremities and working your way in before oiling to slough off dead skin
- get outside (with sun protection-hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- exercise-swim, bike, walk, hike
- continue with a breathing practice, keeping any stronger kriyas in the mornings
- asana can be a bit more vigorous if appropriate for you (halasana for digestion)
- spend time with family and friends
- drink lots of fluid
- although you may stay up a bit later, consider settling down when the sun goes down
- think about disconnecting from electronics an hour before sleep
- continue to meditate because it's important to still spend quiet, quality inner time with yourself
- enjoy
I'm always interested to hear what my readers are doing so feel free to let me know.
