Natural Beauty Basics Yogastyle: a How to

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.