Golden Words For Your Skin-Care Regimen: Word # 2

                                      

 Here is Golden Word Number Two: 

Hydrate: Keeping our skin hydrated is one of the most important aspects of our daily regimen. Moisturizers prevent water that is already present on the skin from evaporating. For this reason, it's important to apply moisturizer within about three minutes of bathing. Lightly pat your face dry after washing, then apply moisturizer (don't forget to keep your neck hydrated as well). Putting moisturizer on a dry face will prevent external moisture from reaching the skin and seal in dryness. We definitely don't want that!

Skin Care Specialists recommend using a daily facial moisturizer as part of your skin care routine. By gently cleansing and exfoliating your face, you are removing those dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria. BUT, you are also stripping the skin of much needed hydration. Water (not oil) in the skin keeps it plump and smooth. Dry skin loses it's elasticity, making it more prone to developing those pesky wrinkles. Also, when you don't give your skin the hydration it needs, you develop a dull/flaky appearance. If you have naturally dry skin, you should try a serum or a more intense night cream (since our skin dehydrates at night). I have also recently learned that sleeping with a humidifier in your room can help keep your skin from dehydrating at night, giving it that dewy glow we all love.

Make sure to always apply moisturizer after cleansing the face, with clean hands. Bacteria on hands can lead to breakouts, so try not to touch your face during the day unless you have just washed your hands. One of the main causes of acne and breakouts is clogged pores. Your pores can become clogged in several different ways. One way is the overproduction of our skin's natural oils (sebum) caused by our skin being dried out from harsh cleansers, toners, and lack of moisturization. It is important to cleanse and effectively moisturize so your skin doesn't overcompensate for the dryness by producing this excess sebum. No one wants to have that icky/greasy skin OR those annoying breakouts. Another way your pores can become clogged is by the use of synthetic versions of skin's oils that are in your moisturizer. When your pores are blocked, bacteria can become trapped inside, causing acne and breakouts. Stick with a high quality oil-free moisturizer if you have naturally oily or acne-prone skin to avoid this problem.

You can hydrate your skin externally by using moisturizers, etc. and internally by drinking plenty of water. While drinking water won't actually moisturize your skin, it will help your internal organs function properly, which affects your skin's health and beauty. Staying hydrated helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and leaves you with a younger, healthier appearance. Drinking about 8 glasses of water each day helps to keep your body hydrated. 

~MY Bag of Tricks~ Since I never can drink the recommended 8 glasses of water each day, I have turned to something else that helps give me the same about of hydration by drinking less. Coconut water is a very refreshing drink packed with electrolytes and minerals to replenish hydration levels within the body. The cytokinins (e.g., kinetin and trans-zeatin) in coconut water have been proven to show significant anti-ageing effects!

Keeping that youthful dewy glow is what we are striving for. This will help you will have soft, moisturized skin, free of shine, and you should notice a lessening in your breakouts as well.

Much Love~ MeG

Click here to see how to make your own hydration facial spray