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by Kim deShawn
Beauty in a bottle? It is the promise of the skin care industry and sometimes the substance of our hope. One walk past the sleek cosmetic counters, and it is hard not to buy into the hype.
But are expensive products really the ticket to more beautiful skin? Hardly. Take it from someone who is the face advertising the products, the bottom line on top beauty advice is to take care of your skin like you are going to be in it awhile! Here are some strategies that really work to help your skin stay healthy and younger looking.
Moister, More Supple Skin - How to Really Get Hydrated!
Did you know that the absolute best way to moisturize your skin is to actually drink the recommended amount of water everyday? The best that you can hope for in the store bought moisturizer is to help hold in the moisture that your skin already has. Your best bet: moisturize where it counts, from within.
Don't forget these pointers.
- Three tall drinking glasses full of water will just about meet your daily need for 1.5 liters or 64 ounces of water.
- Reduce carbonated beverages, tea, and coffee to about 2-3 servings a day. Less is better if possible. They act as diuretics and make you lose the water you are drinking.
- Keep alcohol intake to a minimum. Staying in the range of about 1 or 2 drinks a week will help your skin maintain its moisture
Don't Just Fight Wrinkles- Help Prevent Them
When it comes to sun exposure and its damaging effects on your skin, the saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is wisdom worth heeding. The truth is that the number one way to avoid premature aging and wrinkles is to avoid the sun. It sounds so simple, but that is the real beauty to it. Relying on expensive products to cure what you can prevent is no way to treat your skin. Here's advice that will help you reduce your chances of premature aging related to sun exposure.
- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays with a SPF of 15 or higher.
- Wear your sunscreen everyday regardless of the weather. UVA rays, the most damaging to your skin, are just as strong on cloudy days and sunny ones.
- Many inexpensive moisturizers now come with a broad spectrum, SPF 15 sunscreen. Apply liberally to entire face and don't forget your neck and ears.
Skin Care Regimens- Whatever You Do, Do it Gently
Between the exfoliants and the toners, the pore strips, and the retinols, what is really best for your skin? Gentle consideration for your skin is a good place to start. Good technique in your skin care regimen and careful attention to the ingredients you are putting on your face will go a long way in giving your skin the care that it really needs.
- Avoid skin care products with perfumes and alcohol. Look for products that are labeled specifically as alcohol free. Alcohol is extremely drying and perfumes have no place on your face; they can be irritating.
- Use cotton balls or pads to cleanse your face. Tissue has wood fibers that can damage skin.
- Cleanse skin and apply makeup with care. Excessive rubbing, pulling, scrubbing breaks down skin's elasticity contributing to sagging skin.
~ Kim deShawn is a former Elite model who traveled the world in as an international model from 1983-1990. Today she lives with her husband and two children near Orlando Florida where she continues to work as a model while most of her time is devoted to her family and her freelance writing career. She is a contributing writer for End of Exile (Americas), a Jewish organization that promotes immigration to Israel. Visit www.kimdeshawn.com to see how Kim has used her experiences as a model beyond the fashion world.