Skip that “summertime sadness” – there’s plenty of reason to smile, especially with silky, seductive skin this summer. Your flesh has probably been in hibernation mode all winter, but it’s time to crawl out of the sweater cave and say hello to the sunshine. Because your skin has been hidden away for months, chances are it probably hasn’t had much interaction with many scrubs, razors and lotions. The following tips are healthy, all-natural ways to see your skin smile back at you.
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Eating Healthy
Beauty comes from within; this is meant in two ways – both from your shining personality and from the foods that you feed your body. Simply add super-powered foods such as red bell peppers, carrots, spinach, pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate (at least 80% cacao) to your daily diet for clear, smooth and younger looking skin. I guarantee that by eating these nutritious (and delicious) foods, you will see a transformation within two weeks. Also, an added bonus – Carrots contain carotene, which give you a natural golden glow from the inside-out.
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Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice
Make your own exfoliating concoction at home with every-day basic ingredients from your very own kitchen and bathroom. Mix one part of brown sugar to two parts of your favorite lotion to create a soothing and sweet exfoliator that won’t dry out your skin. You can add shredded ginger or ground coffee beans to increase circulation and combat cellulite. Gently scrub your exfoliator over your entire body and then rinse it off completely with lukewarm water. Be extra cautious with your face and maybe consider using less sugar granules for a softer exfoliator. One of the greatest skin-care tips to live by is, “Treat your face as if it were made of cashmere,” from my very wise and virtually wrinkle-free grandmother. Lightly pat dry with a towel and apply oil or lotion immediately afterward to lock in moisture.
Additionally, your lips can also undergo an incredible exfoliation with the same remedy. Simply replace the lotion for a sliced piece of lip balm and mix it with brown sugar. Use your finger to rub the exfoliator on your lips then rinse with cool water and tap dry for soft, sweet-tasting lips that are irresistibly kiss-worthy.
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Shave With Care
When purchasing a razor, choose one with three blades or more, preferably with an aloe strip, for a smoother shave. I personally prefer the Schick Intuition razor as it’s able to fluidly tilt around knees and ankles and the 100% natural aloe ribbon leaves your skin feeling silky smooth. To prevent any irritation and unsightly bumps, always shave with warm water which softens the hair and allows for a closer shave. Use a shaving oil or cream for additional comfort.
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Coconut Oil
This is a remedy you can apply on the outside as well as the inside. Drink a teaspoon of coconut oil every day and apply it onto your body after a shower. For extra intense hydration, treat yourself to what I call the “sock and glove manicure and pedicure” by lathering up your hands and feet with coconut oil and then wearing gloves and socks to lock in the moisture before you go to bed. This is by far one of my favorite uses (of the many) for coconut oil. It smells delicious and our skin loves to soak it up.
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Lemon for Even Skin
Lemon is a natural way to bleach the skin and remove unwanted dark spots. Apply fresh squeezed lemon juice to the effected area using a cotton swab; obviously, avoid the eye area or any open wounds. Let it sit and work it’s magic for 30 minutes and then rinse with cool water. Afterward, apply a natural sunscreen as lemon juice may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Lemon can also be used to combat blemishes and cleanse the pores. Bring a pot of water and lemon slices to a boil and then pour it into a bowl. Keep your face directly above the bowl allowing the steam to open and deeply cleanse your pores. This is a great natural alternative to over-the-counter products packed with harsh chemicals. Additionally, lemon smells wonderfully fresh and leaves the skin feeling cool and clean.
Bonus tip: You can put the lime lemon in the coconut (oil) and mix it all up! If you do this, be sure to rinse after an hour and apply sunblock afterward.
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Wear Natural Sunscreen
I am against commercial sunscreens as I’ve always felt that they do more harm than good. Recent studies have now proven my hunch right, ironically linking the use of sunscreen to cancer. An hour of organic vitamin D a day is actually healthy for you and will result in perfectly sun-kissed skin. If you intend on spending your entire day scantily clad outdoors, however, protect yourself from sunburn with a natural sunscreen such as this homemade sunscreen recipe from Wellness Mama, which is free from fake, harmful chemicals. Be sure to take advantage of the warm weather and get your daily dose of vitamin D for radiant health (and skin!)
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A Sunless Suntan
If you’re absolutely craving a deeper pigment, use an organic and subtle self-tanning lotion such as True Natural’s gradual self-tanner. This lotion will slowly build your tan throughout the summer without turning you obviously orange and Oompa-Loompa colored. Use it once a weak and rinse your hands thoroughly for natural-looking results.
Golden Sun Goddess
These skincare secrets are a safe way to obtain flawless skin. Start your routine now to see results in just a few weeks, right on time for beautifully smooth skin this summer. Radiate like the shining and shimmering Goddess you are.
Silvia Rodrigues is a Yoga Instructor, Graphic Designer and artist who is currently completing her 500-hour Yoga Teacher Certification Course. She is a Portuguese native who was raised in Santa Cruz, California but decided to go back to her roots and is now enjoying life in the beautiful town of Cascais, Portugal. Silvia believes in keeping the body fit by staying active... Read More
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