Your skin is your biggest organ. Taking proper care of it can make you look younger, healthier, and give you the extra “it” factor. Dry, sun-damaged skin not taken care of will add years to your appearance. Which nobody wants. Models make it their number one priority to have beautiful, glowing skin and so should you. The three major ways to slow down the process of aging and ensure youthful skin is by using sunscreen, eating healthy, and not smoking. Here are a few of my favorite tips to give me the extra freshness for great looking skin. Enjoy.
Your face is the first thing people look at. It will give a stranger their first impression of you and show others expression. Unfortunately, life shows up on your face. When you are tired, dehydrated, overexposed to sunlight, and show signs of stress it will be noticeable to others.
## Eye Puffiness
Showing up to important events in life with a swollen face could dissipate your natural beauty and confidence. If my eyes are puffy in the morning there are several beauty industry tricks makeup artists pull out in an emergency.
### Reducing puffiness:
1. One trick of the trade is aloe vera under the eyes. Not only does aloe aid in reducing puffiness, it can help with dark circles as well. Aloe firms the skin temporarily making it a soothing quick fix.
3. A cold washcloth or spoon can help reduce puffiness by increasing circulation.
5. Cool cucumbers and green tea bags both have anti-inflammatory properties. Lie down and relax with either on each eye, making sure both have been refrigerated and are nice and cool.
7. Hemorrhoid creams, such as Preparation H contain phenylephrine which will constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling. Try dabbing a little under each eye.
> **Dark Circles**
> Vitamin K used as a topical gel has been known to reduce dark circles under the eyes. Needed by the body for blood clotting and other important processes, this essential vitamin will reduce bruising, swelling, and those blasted dark circles under our eyes. However, if you DO have dark circles you shouldn’t rely solely on creams and makeup, dark shading could be a sign your body is telling you it needs more sleep and/or better nutrition.
## Exfoliate
Exfoliating is an important method for maintaining radiating skin. Dead skin could cause a dull, ashy and lifeless appearance.
To remove dead skin, make wrinkles less visible, create a glowing complexion, rid toxins, and rejuvenate skin cells exfoliate the face and body often. Use a daily cleanser with micro exfoliating beads/grains to gently wash away dirt and makeup. Twice a week use a wash cloth or facial exfoliating pads to do more of the heavy lifting. Scrub in small circles, paying extra attention to the areas where wrinkles are most likely to occur such as crows feet and laugh lines. Exfoliating not only allows your skin to breathe easier but allows makeup to be applied smoothly.
> **Blemishes and Exfoliating**
> Have you ever had a pimple you’ve picked incessantly, leaving it irritated making it impossible for concealer to hide? It’s imperative to exfoliate any blemish which decides to show, leaving the skin around the problem area smooth. Makeup can change the color of anything on skin including tattoos, but it can be difficult to change texture.
## Sunglasses
Any exposure to sunlight, whether in your car, at the beach, and even in winter can cause your eyes to squint. Wearing sunglasses drastically reduces this reaction. You naturally wrinkle your eyes for protection when it’s bright outside to shield yourself from harmful UV light, which can not only damage your eyes, but the thin layer of skin around your eyes. This extra damage and the act of squinting can cause fine lines and crows feet. Always cover your peepers!
## Sunscreen
Sunscreen is necessary in your everyday beauty routine. UV rays over a prolonged period of time will damage fibers in the skin causing elastin break down creating wrinkles, aging, sun-spots, discoloration, and even cancer. Most of us don’t realize driving and even walking to your car from the grocery store on a cloudy day can leave you exposed.
- Wear sunscreen everyday.
- Apply at least 15- 20 minutes before you go outside.
- Wear sunscreen with minimum of 30 to 50 SPF.
- Don’t forget arms, chest, ears and neck.
- If you are outside for a prolonged period of time, grab the highest SPF sunscreen and reapply every two hours.
- Make sunscreen a part of your beauty routine — SPF in lotions and face moisturizers.
- Carry chap stick with SPF in it.
- Clean your face with a gentle cleanser when you get back from sun exposure and use Aloe and Vitamin E.
- Always have a doctor look at weird shaped and transforming moles, freckles, and dark spots.
> **Check your sunscreen** bottles regularly to make sure they haven’t gone bad. Temperature changes like the heat from sitting in your car can cause a chemical reaction and break down your SPF making it less potent (this goes for lotions and makeup as well). The best way to check is by shaking the bottle to see if it has a watery consistency compared to the once thick sunscreen it started off as. Also, check with your doctor if your sunscreen or lotions are giving your skin any unusual reactions.
## Bronzers
Bronzers can give you the look of a healthy tan without the sun while accenting your muscle tone. Applying to exposed skin leaves a beautiful, shimmery glow.
With a powder bronzer use a big powder brush for stroking chest, arms, and neck. Be careful not to over do it as too much powder can leave the skin looking fake or dirty. Adding a few extra vertical strokes in the middle of your bust can be appealing due to extra contouring. The same can be said for adding a little extra to your cheekbones for a bit more definition.
Bronzers also come in lotion form. This type is best applied straight out of the shower, allowing time to dry before getting dressed.
## Pimples, Eww!
Pimples are a nightmare, not only for models but everyone. Seeming to show up at the most inopportune moments in life, the stress surrounding important events are one way to get the cheeky little devils. Other causes of acne: dirt, clogged pores, pressure (like helmets or sports bras), cosmetics, medication, hormones, and heredity. Fast food and pizza isn’t necessarily good for your health, however, contrary to what most people believe it still hasn’t been proven food is the cause of acne.
When a pimple begins to show, try to leave it alone. The more you touch it the more you irritate it. Dabbing benzoyl peroxide directly on the problem then leaving on over night will reduce swelling and dry the pimple out.
Plan your attack when puss has come to the surface. Clean the area with rubbing alcohol and use the tip of a cauterized needle or a skin care extractor to gently push the puss out. Always wash around the area as well as your hands after this process to prevent further breakouts. Then apply a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid topical cream leaving it over night. Exfoliating the around the area will be the finishing touch in the morning. The once horrid pimple should now be small, clean, and smooth — ready for makeup to cover any redness which may still be left.
**Myths & Truths About Benzoyl Peroxide, Tea Tree Oil, and Toothpaste as Acne Remedies**
Benzoyl Peroxide
1 Most popular, successful, and frequently used acne treatment — used in most acne medications as the active ingredient.
2 Generally inexpensive.
3 How it works: Benzoyl peroxide introduces oxygen into the pore which will kill the bacteria population.
4 It also rids the follicle of excess dead skin cells — therefore preventative.
5 Must be used continuously.
6 Most common side effects are dryness and flaking.
Tea Tree Oil
1 Can kill bacteria and has fewer side effects then benzoyl peroxide.
2 Takes longer than benzoyl peroxide to show improvement.
3 Has to be diluted to less than 5%. Undiluted tea tree oil can cause skin irritation, redness, blistering, over drying, and itching.
> **Benzoyl Peroxide**
1. Most popular, successful, and frequently used acne treatment — used in most acne medications as the active ingredient.
2. Generally inexpensive.
3. How it works: Benzoyl peroxide introduces oxygen into the pore which will kill the bacteria population.
4. It also rids the follicle of excess dead skin cells — therefore preventative.
5. Must be used continuously.
6. Most common side effects are dryness and flaking.
> **Tea Tree Oil**
1. Can kill bacteria and has fewer side effects then benzoyl peroxide.
2. Takes longer than benzoyl peroxide to show improvement.
3. Has to be diluted to less than 5%. Undiluted tea tree oil can cause skin irritation, redness, blistering, over drying, and itching.
4. The research of using tea tree oil has not been as conclusive as benzoyl peroxide.4 The research of using tea tree oil has not been as conclusive as benzoyl peroxide.
> **Toothpaste**
1. The common myth of toothpaste being used is most likely due to its triclosan contact, which effectively kills bacteria. However, the other ingredients can do more harm than good.
2. Toothpaste can make your pimple look worse, often leaving it sore, inflamed, and red the next day.
## Salt Scrubs
If you haven’t tried salt scrubs you maybe missing out on the most luxurious your skin can feel. I’m always at my sexiest, softest, and most radiant after using a scented scrub.
Salt scrubs act as a skin buffer to remove dead, dull skin which in turn reveals your younger, more youthful skin underneath. It also cleans pours better then soaps or cleansers, allowing skin to breath easier. Salt scrubs stimulate blood circulation, helping future skin regenerate while removing daily toxins and strengthening skin tissue.
There are many different types of salt scrubs. The best and my personal favorite is dead sea salt because it’s less refined, leaving more natural minerals to be absorbed. These minerals include magnesium, potassium, bromine, calcium chloride and sodium, all vital to youthful and healthy looking skin.
Salt scrubs can be expensive, however, there is a solution — you can make your own at home. By making your own you have the freedom to add essential oils of your choice, such as lavender or vanilla, as well as it can make a great gift for friends and family. It’s as easy as filling a clean jar with your choice of salt and an oil which is good for your skin. Oils good for your skin include; almond oil, coconut oil, grape seed oil, safflower oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, rose hip oil, sesame oil, macadamia nut oil, sunflower oil or olive oil. All that remains is filling the rest of the jar with a few drops of your favorite essential oil for scent.
## Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter lotion is a great choice to have as a body moisturizer. Naturally containing tons of vitamins like A, C and E, as well as phytochemicals working as mega antioxidants, which are all beneficial to skin’s health. The fat in cocoa butter acts as a natural emollient, giving suppleness to skin lipids (aids in stretch mark prevention) and acting as a barrier to protect skin from the harsh elements the environment can throw at you. Chocolate (cocoa) in general should be in your beauty diet because it contains polyphenols and other compounds which possess antioxidant properties ridding the body of free radicals — toxins which come from pollution, smoking, stress, and sun damage.
Since cocoa butter has been proven to be mild it can be used on most skin types. Even companies like Johnson & Johnson trust its use in their baby products. Doctors also recommend it for treatment of skin ailments like eczema and dermatitis.
## “I Don’t Sweat, I Glow”
Women hate to sweat. Melting makeup, embarrassing stains, and smelling are the antithesis of femininity. However, no matter how inconvenient, sweat is wonderful for your skin and health. Benefits such as reducing muscle stiffness, burning extra calories, increasing blood circulation, promoting relaxation/well-being, and improving your immune system come with sweating. To give skin a kick, go for a 15 minute sweat session a few times a week.
There are different options for increasing sweat other than exercise such as a steam room or sauna. I prefer a steam room over the sauna because I find it easier to handle and I love the moisture. Steam rooms are also good for your respiratory system. However, people with breathing problems should probably opt for the sauna instead. Still, consult your doctor before using either.
After stepping into a steam room or sauna, you will immediately start to sweat to maintain your basal body temperature of 98.6 F. At first your body is able to fend off the heat but eventually it can no longer dissipate the heat and your body temperature inevitability begins to rise. Blood is then more forcefully shunted toward the surface of your skin causing a heavier sweat which can rinse out your pours. The increased blood circulation also brings more oxygen and nutrients to your skin’s surface.
## Pat Dry Don’t Rub
To help retain natural moisture after bathing, pat dry then apply a moisturizer within three minutes of getting out of the shower. Gently blotting the skin helps lock in and retain moisture and is less irritating to dry sensitive skin. This insures sexy, soft, and touchable skin.
## Dry Flaky Lips
Dry cracked lips are usually a sign of dehydration and could also be caused by harsh weather. No picture can be pretty with a cracked pucker. The way to treat needy lips is to coat them with petroleum jelly, then leave it on for about 10 minutes to soften. Next use a warm damp washcloth to rub away the dead skin cells. Lastly, use another coat of lip balm on your kisser.
## Pro Tips
> **Piper Hinson — Model/Actress/Muscian**
“One of the best tricks I’ve learned through the years to keep my skin looking gorgeous is using rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab instead of an expensive toner. That’s right, I said it — Rubbing alcohol! Everything else (I.E. putting on makeup) will be easier with a clear foundation. Every night, I also wash my day’s makeup off with a bar soap.”
“Acne and pimples are caused by bacteria and dead skin cells clogging pores. Rubbing alcohol removes all of this and allows your skin to be totally dry and free of any germys! Therefore, keeping your pores “clean and clear and under control!” Your skin type will determine whether or not you need to put on a moisturizer after.”
“Makeup artists always RAVE about my skin, and it’s all due to this practice! (and staying out of the sun)”
> **Alex Noiret — Model**
“For glowing, clear skin, I wash my face at least three times a day with ice cold water. Occasionally, I will use some Neutrogena “heat glow,” a soft soft scrub which I’m able to use hot water with. This opens the pores to allow the chemicals to work, but I ALWAYS splash/rinse with ice cold water. I also always wear sunscreen and watch what I eat by staying away from greasy foods for clear healthy skin.”
> **Lisa Lakatos — Model/Actress**
“Protect your eyes! Sunglasses and eye cream with SPF are key when it comes to avoiding sun damage. Signs of aging are most noticeable in the eye area. Many young women don’t include eye cream in their beauty regime…yet, moisturizing the eyes is just as important as the face. I use a hydrating eye cream every night before bed and one with SPF every morning before I leave the house.”
