How to bring out your natural beauty, naturally

Get that healthy, glowing skin with easy, no-fuss tips and natural ways

W hile I was doing research on important trivia about the skin, I was surprised to find out that skin already starts aging by your early 20s! This means, you’re never too young to take care of your skin, but it doesn’t mean that you need to stock up on expensive beauty creams and products. There’s no need for a complicated skin regimen. Here are basic yet necessary skin tips we often forget and some natural skin care essentials you can find at home: 1 Clean your hands thoroughly before touching your face. Just like how you should make sure that your makeup brushes are clean before using them, you should scrub your hands clean before you do your skin care. Certain germs come from our hands, so it’s best to prevent them from reaching your face. 2 Wear sunscreen. I remember the lyrics to this song where Baz Luhrman goes, “Ladies and gentleman of the class of ’ 97, wear sunscreen. If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.” I think there’s no other skin care advice as compelling as that! Make sure to use sun protection that has a broad spectrum of at least 30+ SPF and not lower. Remember that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10am to 4pm, and when you’re outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours. 3 . Be gentle to your skin. After taking a bath or washing your face, don’t rub your skin with a towel; pat it gently, better if you have a separate soft towel for your face. Use mild cleansers and avoid products with strong fragrances. Limit your bath time, because long showers tend to dry up the skin. If you’re using warm water, make sure to wash with cold water afterwards to close your pores. Rubbing your eyes is also a big no-no, as that area is sensitive. If your eyes are itchy, use a cold compress or soft washcloth and dab on the eyes gently. 4 Eat healthy and live a healthy lifestyle. We all know that what we eat and what we do affect our skin. Some research suggest that avoiding processed and fatty foods can help maintain a younger looking skin. Eat food that is rich in vitamins and drink plenty of water to compliment your skin care. Get plenty of sleep, as lack of it can cause dryness and can lead to the dreaded appearance of eyebags. A sound beauty sleep helps skin to rest and regenerate. 5 Avoid unhealthy habits or activities that cause harm to the skin. This includes smoking and sunbathing, as these can contribute to skin aging. 6 6 Read labels. If you’re using products that are bought off the counter, make sure to read the ingredients label first just like how you would a nutrition label on a food product. Health.com suggests, “Look for the words ‘pH-balanced’ on cleansers that contain glycolic or lactic acids and on exfoliators because some have a low pH, which can cause dryness.” Another tip from the site says that you should scan labels if they have natural and plant-derived ingredients, which are beneficial to the skin. 7 . Smile more often. Doing facial exercises every now and then can help lift up and tone our facial muscles. Frowning causes lines to deepen, and not to mention it brings about negativity within us and to others. Remember, a positive outlook makes you feel and look good inside and out. So, smile! It’s the easiest and priceless way to look beautiful.