5 Healthy Tips For Naturally Glowing Skin

by Hey Fran Hey

How many of us have struggled (or are currently struggling) with having clear skin? Overwhelming, to say the least! It’s easy to fall victim to the beauty aisle at you local drugstore and late night infomercials, trying every product under the sun. Do I really need a 10-step facial cleansing system valued at a million dollars (exaggerating, of course) just to have pretty skin? I even visited dermatologists who prescribed expensive creams that somehow only made things worse. Hello, flaky cheeks! And to make matters worse, when your skin is bad you pick at it, stress about it and…make it worse. Such a vicious cycle. Most people just cover it up with makeup, but we all know that’s never going to fix anything. It took me a long time to understand the key to health was never going to be mailed to me in a UPS box or handed to me over a counter. I had to begin to treat my symptoms from the inside out in order to see some real and sustainable change. Clearing up my skin was not an overnight process. And I have hormonal days that can still make things a bit tricky. But for the most part, I can finally say I’ve figured out how to have clear and glowing skin without the aid of chemicals or prescriptions. Here are 5 natural and easy ways I got started:
 
 
Water
 
We hear it all the time but how many of us are really counting how many cups of water we’re drinking every day? Never seemed like a practical method for those of us with hectic lives and bad memories. I was roaming the aisles of Duane Reade, one night, and bumped into a BPA-free (toxic chemical commonly found in plastic) jug that was exactly 1 liter for only $2.99. It also came in tons of super-cute colors! Research suggests one should drink half their body weight in ounces to stay properly hydrated. I weigh 130 lbs, so I would need to drink 65 ounces of water a day for optimum health. This 1-liter jug was approximately 34 ounces; so drinking it twice would fulfill my needed servings. Way easier to remember! Tracking it made it an easier habit to form. Now I find myself drinking almost a gallon of water a day, since I exercise regularly, with no problem. Like anything, it’s something you have to condition your body to do. The more you drink water, the more your body will crave it. Water helps flush out toxins and wastes, so with diligence, you’ll end up with awesomely clear skin in no time.
 
Green Smoothies
 
Aside from proper hydration, we need nutrients to help us stay on top of our game. A lot of the fast and processed foods we’ve grown accustomed to were stripped of a lot of these essentials in order to maintain a longer shelf life. I was never one to grab salads or fill half of my plate with dark leafy greens. But I was able to ease into that habit by throwing them into freshly blended smoothies. Adding 2 or 3 leaves of Kale and a handful of spinach with my favorite fresh fruit, every morning as breakfast, changed my skin health completely. Not to mention the amount of awesome energy I felt throughout the day! It worked almost immediately, too. Within the first week of drinking it daily I already noticed a glow. It’s true when they say the closer you live to nature, the more naturally amazing you will feel. Try it!
 
Almonds
 
I’ve always been a huge snacker. Anything from chips to cookies and whatever little quick candies I could grab from the corner store. If your diet is high in sugar, your insulin levels will also be high. Why is this a problem? Insulin is what causes the inflammation of the skin, which results in excess levels of oils and clogged pores. In other words: acne. Research taught me that skin would thrive with foods containing Omega-3 Fatty Acids. These nutrients help repair skin damage from the inside out. Foods like lean meats, salmon and nuts are loaded with them! I immediately substituted my snack cravings with a simple and clean handful of almonds (25 is usually the daily suggested serving). I like to keep a sack of sliced almonds in my pantry to use in my smoothies or as toppings for my Greek yogurt. Now, I don’t even crave sugar because I’ve conditioned my body to go through the day without any.
 
Facial Cleansing With Almond Oil
 
Speaking of eating almonds for their Omega-3 Fatty Acids, I also cleanse my face with the oil they produce.  I use less than a dime-sized amount on my face every morning and night, as well as a dime-sized amount (if needed) to moisturize my skin afterwards. This method is called the Oil Cleansing Method is an all-natural way to clear your pores, gradually remove stubborn blemishes and promote a glow like no other. Combating your acne symptoms with the right nutrients from the inside as well as the outside will leave your pimples with nowhere to go!
 
Satin Bonnets & Clean Pillowcases
 
Cotton absorbs the moisture out of your skin and hair. The rough surface creates friction that causes breakage in your hair and dryness of the skin. Satin, on the other hand, is made of a fiber that creates a smooth surface for your hair and skin to easily glide across with no friction. I tend to keep my hair covered with a satin bonnet or I sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase. Both options are amazing for retaining glowing skin. There’s no interference with your skin’s natural oil levels, so there’s less chances of acne forming. It’s also nice to keep your hair covered so your skin won’t absorb all of the debris in your hair from outside pollution and days of products, while sleeping. Satin is also hypoallergenic which is helpful for those suffering from allergies.
 

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