Tidbits about your skin.
Antioxidants: The Pac-Men of skin care, such as vitamins C (also a collagen-builder) and E, beta-carotene and those within green tea and grape seed, gobble up the free radicals produced by factors like sun, pollution, stress and cigarette smoke, neutralizing their skin-weakening powers.
Tree oil: A natural antiseptic, to banish breakouts. Honey, I've heard, does the same thing. But it won't soak into skin alone so add moisturizer to it (I use aloe vera w/ honey as a mask).
Grapes: The main source of the antiaging powerhouse resvertatrol. When taken internally, it triggers health effects similar to a low-calorie diet and is believed to help prevent diseases including cancer and diabetes, as well as ward off weight gain and increase endurance. Found within the skin of the fruit, resveratrol offers several complexion benefits when applied topically - amped-up collagen production, protection from UV damage and defense against loss of elasticity.
Niacin: A derivative of vitamin B3, niacin helps the digestive system convert food to energy and assists nerve function. But skin-care gurus love it because niacin breaks down into nicotinic acid, which stimulates the release of leptin, a hormone that's been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation. Applied twice a day, a niacin-enriched, gentle product could fade brown spots and other discoloration over time.
Tea: Whether brewed as soothing beverages or added to a daily skin cream, these antioxidant superstars also contain large amounts of polyphenol, a known antiager. These types of tea (most potent are green, white and yerba mate) have been scientifically proven to defend against the formation of certain cancers when sipped daily, and there's evidence that they fight free radicals, minimize UV effects and repair damaged cells when applied to skin.
Yogurt: Low levels of lactic and alpha hydroxy acid make plain yogurt an ideal DIY exfoliant (leave on for five minutes then rinse) even for those with sensitive skin, while its probiotic content beats bad bacteria effectively on the skin's surface just as it does within the body.
Another tip: While so many skin care products are expensive, spend your money on items that will be applied and left on skin, such as moisturizers and night creams. Spend less on items that are washed off, such as cleanser and exfoliants. And, as always, drink water, use sunscreen and sleep!
Antioxidants: The Pac-Men of skin care, such as vitamins C (also a collagen-builder) and E, beta-carotene and those within green tea and grape seed, gobble up the free radicals produced by factors like sun, pollution, stress and cigarette smoke, neutralizing their skin-weakening powers.
Tree oil: A natural antiseptic, to banish breakouts. Honey, I've heard, does the same thing. But it won't soak into skin alone so add moisturizer to it (I use aloe vera w/ honey as a mask).
Grapes: The main source of the antiaging powerhouse resvertatrol. When taken internally, it triggers health effects similar to a low-calorie diet and is believed to help prevent diseases including cancer and diabetes, as well as ward off weight gain and increase endurance. Found within the skin of the fruit, resveratrol offers several complexion benefits when applied topically - amped-up collagen production, protection from UV damage and defense against loss of elasticity.
Niacin: A derivative of vitamin B3, niacin helps the digestive system convert food to energy and assists nerve function. But skin-care gurus love it because niacin breaks down into nicotinic acid, which stimulates the release of leptin, a hormone that's been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation. Applied twice a day, a niacin-enriched, gentle product could fade brown spots and other discoloration over time.
Tea: Whether brewed as soothing beverages or added to a daily skin cream, these antioxidant superstars also contain large amounts of polyphenol, a known antiager. These types of tea (most potent are green, white and yerba mate) have been scientifically proven to defend against the formation of certain cancers when sipped daily, and there's evidence that they fight free radicals, minimize UV effects and repair damaged cells when applied to skin.
Yogurt: Low levels of lactic and alpha hydroxy acid make plain yogurt an ideal DIY exfoliant (leave on for five minutes then rinse) even for those with sensitive skin, while its probiotic content beats bad bacteria effectively on the skin's surface just as it does within the body.
Another tip: While so many skin care products are expensive, spend your money on items that will be applied and left on skin, such as moisturizers and night creams. Spend less on items that are washed off, such as cleanser and exfoliants. And, as always, drink water, use sunscreen and sleep!
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