SKINCARE TIPS, LIFESTYLE TIPS, FOODS TO EAT AND FOODS TO AVOID TO REDUCE PIMPLES, TAN, DARK SPOTS, WRINKLES AND KEEP YOUR SKIN YOUNG.

A clear healthy and naturally glowing skin is one of the most precious possession, and it is completely possible to have it with home remedies. Our diet and lifestyle habits play a major role in keeping our skin smooth and shining naturally.

6 Foods for a clear and glowing skin.

1. Milk.

A cup of milk, is a great way to moisturize your skin from within. It makes your skin smooth, reduces wrinkles and keeps it looking young. Add 4-5 strands of saffron or kesar to milk for a natural glow. Avoid consuming raw and unpasteurized milk to avoid any infection.

2. Almonds

Almonds are a great source of Vitamin E, they keep your skin young and smooth. Have a teaspoon of almond butter daily to reduce dark spots, pigmentation and skin tan. Making the almond butter is very easy. Simply dry roast a few almonds, Let it cool, and then grind it to a smooth paste. Transfer the contents in an airtight glass jar, and store it in the refrigerator. It lasts for 3 – 4 weeks. Alternately, you can even have 5-6 soaked almonds in the morning.

3. Tomato Soup

Tomato soup gives a pinkish glow on your cheeks. Tomatoes have lycopene, a very powerful antioxidant which fights free radical damage caused due to dust, pollution and the harmful effects of the sun.

4. Whole grains

Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat are more nutritious than the refined ones. Whole grains contain bran which is the outer layer, and is rich in B vitamins, selenium and zinc. It helps keep the skin normal, reduces pimples, and protects the skin against damage. Avoid adding excess oil or butter to your preparations with whole grain. Have a phulka instead of paratha.

5. Fish

Rich in omega-3 and omega 6 fatty acids, fishes are great to keep your skin young and clear. They nourish your skin from within, and help remove pimples, dark spots and wrinkles. Have grilled fish, or choose preparations which do not need too much of oil. Avoid deep frying foods to keep your skin shining.

6. Broth or Collagen Rich foods

Collagen helps maintain the skin’s elasticity, and keeps the skin firm, young and glowing naturally. Collagen is mostly found in non vegetarian foods. Our body also makes collagen, and Vitamin C is a precursor to forming Collagen. Have foods like broccoli, pomegranate, custard apple, citrus fruits, which help the body make collagen for a naturally glowing skin at home.

Foods to avoid to keep your skin young and pimple free.

• Sugar – Excess sugar in cakes, biscuits, colas and packaged beverages, cause inflammation and hormonal imbalances, leading to pimples and acne. They also make your skin look aged faster. Avoid sugar to get rid of pimples fast and naturally.
• Junk Food and deep fried foods- These are high in empty calories, colours, preservatives and fats. All of which causes acne and also makes your skin dull. Have fresh foods and fruits as an in between snack. This will not only keep your weight in control, but also give you a smooth and shining skin.
• Foods that you are sensitive to – Each of us are unique, and we react differently to foods. If you feel that a particular food does not go well with your system, and causes acne or breakouts, like dairy products for some individuals, then avoid having them.

Apart from foods, our lifestyle also helps in keeping us looking young.

Lifestyle tips for a young and glowing skin.

• Exercise – Even a 30 – 40 minutes exercise minimum 5 days in a week offers many benefits, and a glowing skin is one of them. Exercise helps burn calories and reduces weight, this in turn reduces hormonal imbalances, making your skin clear and pimple free. Exercising also improves your blood circulation which makes your skin glow naturally from within. For those of you who do not want to sweat it out in the gym, try joining a dance class, play a sport like badminton or simply go for cycling or a run. Any moderate intensity exercise will keep your skin young and glowing. While sweating during exercise is good, ensure you wash it off immediately after your exercise session.
• Quit Smoking and Alcohol to reduce wrinkles – Chronic and excessive smoking and drinking habits makes us look aged faster, by giving wrinkles and fine lines. Alcohol robs the skin off moisture as it dehydrates the body, and makes the skin dry. When you quit smoking and alcohol, your skin regenerates itself, making the wrinkles and fine lines disappear within weeks.
• Reduce stress – stressing and worrying too much gives wrinkles and makes us look aged faster. Practice stress management, and also stay close to nature as it helps reduce stress. Gardening or spending some time pursuing your hobby are also great stress busters.
• Stay hydrated – Start your day with 2-3 glasses of water. It helps flush out toxins and also keeps the skin clear. Once in a week, have detox water. To a jug of water, add some mint leaves. A few slices of lemon and cucumber, and let it soak overnight or for a minimum of 4 hours. This helps clear the stomach and keeps your skin glowing.
• Moisturize your skin – Invest in a good moisturizer, with minimum chemicals and apply it daily to reduce skin dryness.
• Wear a sunscreen – This helps reduce sun tan, pigmentation , skin dullness and ageing. The early morning rays of the sun are essential for good health, but as the day progresses, the sun rays become harsh. Long term exposure to the sun’s UV rays can even cause sunburns and damage your skin. It is always advised to wear a sunscreen when stepping out in the sun post 10am in winter, and post 9 am in summer.
• Do not use harsh chemicals on your skin – avoid bleaching, and use make-up occasionally. Try not to use heavy make up on a daily basis as it clogs the pores. Remove make up after wearing it. Never wear it when sleeping. Cleanse your face so that your skin can breathe freely.

DIY Facepack to reduce pimples, dark spots, tan, blemishes and wrinkles.

YOUR HOME REMEDY FOR MOST SKIN PROBLEMS.

Ingredients:

• Multani Mitti or Fullers earth.
• Sandalwood powder
• Rose water
• Milk – for those with a dry skin. Avoid milk if you have an oily skin.

Mix the ingredients into a smooth paste. Then apply a thick layer of it on your face, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Do not let the face pack dry, remove it when it is still slightly wet. Apply this face pack once in a week and see your skin glow naturally from within.