Who says beauty is only skin deep? There is much more to your skin than what others see on the surface. Your body’s largest organ, your skin plays a very important role in regulating fluids and temperature. It contains the nerve endings that let you know if something is hard or soft, hot or cold, dull or sharp. Healthy skin is the sign of a healthy body. For optimum skin health:
1. Get adequate amounts of rest (this is one I find easier said than done). Strive for six to eight hours a night.
2. Drink lots of water and other liquids to help regulate the body’s fluids and temperature.
3. Don't smoke. (if you've already started, take steps to quit!) The nicotine in cigarettes causes blood vessels to constrict and prevents blood, oxygen and nutrients from flowing to body tissues.
4. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables – they’re the best source of the vitamins-C and A- that the skin needs -- whole grains and vitamin E-rich nuts like almonds are terrific, too.
Try this refreshing, moisturizing facial mask to keep your skin glowing. (An added bonus: it smells wonderful!)
Moisturizing Facial Mask
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dried rosemary leaves (or fresh, if you have it)
- Glass or plastic bottle with stopper or secure cap
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped or ground almonds
- Plastic container or jar with lid
1. Crumble rosemary leaves with your fingers into 1-quart bowl. Pour 2 cups boiling water over leaves. Let stand 15 minutes or until cool. Strain leaves from water; discard leaves.
2. Pour rosemary-infused water into bottle; seal.
3. Mix oats and almonds in container; seal.
4. To use mask, place about 2 tablespoons oats mixture in small bowl. Add about 2 tablespoons rosemary-infused water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until a thick paste forms. Set aside.
5. Wash your face, and apply a warm, wet washcloth for a few minutes.
6. Remove washcloth. Gently spread oatmeal mixture on face, avoiding eyes and lips. Leave on 15 minutes.
7. Wash off mask with warm, wet washcloth.
Soothe your feet with this relaxing, yet invigorating foot soak!
Foot Soak
- 2 cups Epsom salts
- Glass or plastic jar or container with lid
- Essential oil of your choice, if desired*
- Small bottle of body lotion, if desired
1. Pour Epsom salts into jar; seal.
2. Mix 1/2 cup Epsom salts and 1 gallon warm water in dishpan; add 8 drops essential oil. Soak feet in water at least 15 minutes. Towel dry.
3. Rub feet with lotion. Wear slippers or socks until lotion is absorbed to protect carpets.
*Do not apply essential oils directly to skin; always dilute with another oil or water.
Healthy Hair Begins on the Inside
Like your skin, your hair needs nutrition from the inside out. The hair base, the follicle, is fed with nutrients from the blood supply to the scalp. Shining, lustrous hair is a reflection of your inner health. The reverse is also true—specific nutritional deficiencies can affect your hair. Eating good food is the single best thing you can do to maintain the natural health and beauty of your hair. Trace minerals like zinc and magnesium affect hair, so be certain to eat foods like beef and potatoes, that are high in zinc and potassium. Also eat:
- Fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel, along with walnuts, almonds, canola oil and flaxseed. All are high in omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for overall health.
- Plenty of fruits and vegetables to get folic acid, vitamins A and C and antioxidants. Eat a variety of berries, citrus fruits, melons and grapes. Include dark leafy greens, beets, broccoli, carrots and fresh herbs.
- Milk and dairy products, which give you protein and calcium.
- Whole grains and legumes for B vitamins and antioxidants.
- Fish, chicken, eggs and soy for lean protein, iron and trace minerals.
- Drink lots of water to keep your hair and scalp hydrated.
Give your scalp a nice massage a few times a week to keep oxygenated blood moving to your roots. Not only is it good for your hair and scalp, it feels good and will relax you. The only thing better is to have someone else give you a head massage!