Our skin is an amazing organ that serves several very important functions when it comes to our body's health. Our skin protects our body from damage from outside elements, regulates our body temperature, fights disease and infection, and is a water proof barrier. Skin also makes Vitamin D. Since the nerve endings in your skin are extremely sensitive your skin is always the first to feel changes in temperature, pressure, and pain.
Lastly, our skin reflects both our moods and internal health.
Woman suffering from a cold. Westend61/Westend61/GettyImages
When you have a cold your skin can really take a beating. While you are suffering from a cold your nose can get red and flaky, your lips can get chapped, and your skin can look dull and lifeless. Here's how to keep your skin looking great even when you are not feeling your best.
Take Care of Your Nose
Because of frequent nose blowing the skin around our nose starts flaking and becomes red when we have a cold.
First things first, be sure to purchase tissues that have lotion in them or even use a product such as Boogie Wipes Gentle Saline for Stuffy Noses that is both soothing and moisturizing. These wipes are also gentle enough to use on children as well.
Be sure to constantly moisturize your nose. You don't necessarily have to apply a heavy or thick moisturizer to your nose but rather find one that you like and just keep using it.
Over the moisturizer you can apply an oil or even mix the oil into your moisturizer in order to give your moisturizer some extra moisturizing and healing properties. You could use Vitamin E oil, jojoba oil, or even coconut oil in order to help the flaky skin around your nose. Make sure you always have a moisturizer within arms' reach or even in your purse so that moisturizing is easy. A moisturizing stick such as Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Lil' Face Butter Stick makes reapplying moisturizer a snap. When our noses are stuffed our lips can get chapped too so be sure to constantly moisturize your lips as well.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
When you are sick you need to make sure you get proper hydration both internally and externally.
So make sure you drink plenty of water while you have a cold. Be sure to eat foods rich in Omega-3s such as walnuts, tuna, and salmon. By hydrating your body from the inside out you can help your skin stay soft.
Also use a humidifier in your home so that there is enough moisture in the air around you.
Using a humidifier while sick or during the winter in general can make a very positive difference in how your skin feels. Your skin will definitely be less dry if you maintain a high moisture level in the air around you inside your home.
Not only should you constantly be moisturizing your nose be sure to moisturize your face often too. Use a moisturizing mask at night in order to give your skin a well needed boost of moisturizer before or while you sleep. You can use a moisturizing mask for about 20 minutes or so and wash it off. Or you can use a mask that is not meant to be washed off. These new kinds of masks, such as Olay's Regenerist Luminous Overnight Facial Mask Gel Moisturizer, are meant to be applied before bed so that in the morning you can wake-up to soft and smooth skin.
This isn't the time to bust out your strongest skin care products. There is no need now for harsh soaps or exfoliants. Instead baby your skin while you have a cold.
Finally, don't take long, hot showers. Yes, when you are sick it feels great to stand under hot water. Unfortunately that hot water can dry out your skin significantly. Instead take short showers, 5 to 10 minutes long, in warm water.
The food we eat can be one of the best things for our skin or one of the worst. The healthier the food we eat the better our skin is going to look (not to mention how much better we will feel and look overall). For example you probably already know that in order to be healthy you should avoid fried foods and processed foods. If you want your skin to look great you should avoid these foods as well since they can cause inflammation in the body and lead to skin aging and even acne in some cases.
But these are not the only foods you should avoid in order to maintain great looking skin.
Sugar
We all know that sugar can do terrible things to the health of our body not to mention our waistline, but did you know that eating too much sugar can cause premature skin aging too? When we eat too much sugar that sugar breaks down the collagen and elastin in our skin.
Collagen gives our skin its bounce and fullness while elastin gives our skin its snap. As you can tell both are essential for keeping our skin looking young. So when you eat too much sugar you are actually contributing to premature aging in your skin. Not only that but sugar also creates an environment in our bodies that causes bad bacteria to flourish and this can lead to more skin issues like acne.
Keep in mind that sugar hides in all kinds of foods not just candy and desserts. You can find sugar in processed foods, breakfast cereals, fancy coffee drinks, and those smoothies that appear to be so healthy. When in doubt check the food labels of the food you are buying in order to see just how much sugar they contain.
You could be very surprised to discover that some of your favorite foods contain a great amount of sugar.
Dairy
For many people dairy is a definite problem when it comes to their skin. The best way to figure out if your skin issues are caused by dairy is to stop eating all dairy products - milk, cheese, yogurt - for about two weeks to see if your skin looks better.
If it does than you are one of many people who needs to either cut diary out of their diet or severely limit their intact of dairy in order for their skin to look good.
So why is dairy, in particular milk, so bad for some people's skin? Much of the dairy we consume, especially milk, is filled with growth hormones. These hormones make their way into the blood stream where they contribute to a rise in insulin in the blood which then causes inflammation and acne. Since dairy can contribute to inflammation in the body this can also eventually cause skin aging.
Though not everyone in the medical community agrees that there is a connection between dairy and breakouts it can worth trying to cut out dairy from your diet if you have tried everything to clear your acne and nothing has worked. After a period without dairy you can slowly try and incorporate it back into your diet in small amounts and try other forms of dairy such as goat's milk yogurt. Organic dairy usually has much fewer hormones than conventional dairy so you could try organic milk and see if that helps your skin or start experimenting with nut milks like almond milk.
Bottom Line
In order to have great skin focus on eating fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and organic dairy or dairy substitutes. This does not mean that you cannot eat something high in sugar occasionally just make sure it isn't the main part of your diet. Look into dairy substitutes in order to reduce breakouts.
One of the newest skin care techniques being used in professional facials and as part of a skin home care regime is actually an ancient beauty technique. If you are looking for a way to almost instantly revive and massage your skin look no further than to jade rolling. This easy to perform skin care trick involves very little monetary investment but gives great results.
What Is Jade?
First a little bit about jade itself.
Jade was discovered some 7,000 years ago and has been used by humans every since. Though usually associated with the color green jade actually comes in a wide range of colors including white, black, yellow, orange, and even violet. Though this gem is used widely in China but it has long been revered throughout the world.
Not only thought to be precious and beautiful this jem is also considered a symbol of good. In some cultures it is also seen as a lucky, healing, and protective stone.
What Is Jade Rolling and What Are The Skin Benefits Of This Technique?
Jade rolling is done with a jade roller which is a smooth piece of jade connected to a handle. The jade is carved so that it is cylindrical and moves easily along the face. A jade roller looks like a mini paint roller. Jade rollers can be easily purchased through Amazon and cost very little which makes this beauty tool accessible to everyone.
As already mentioned jade rolling is actually an ancient beauty tradition that originated in China. This technique is both relaxing and has many skin benefits as well.
The jade itself is slightly cool to the touch so rolling it all over your face is very soothing and can reduce redness and inflammation. This cold can also make pores appear smaller temporarily. If you would like your jade roller to be even colder just pop it in the fridge for a little bit before using.
Furthermore, jade rolling improves blood circulation to the area where it is being used. It also promotes lymphatic drainage which means it can reduce facial puffiness. Jade rollers can help under eye puffiness and darkness by helping to move fluids that are stuck under the eyes. If you are someone who has been looking for a solution of dark under eye circles or under eye puffiness than jade rolling may be just what you are looking for.
How To Do Jade Rolling
Jade rolling at home is very easy to do. You can even do it while watching TV, and it can be done morning or evening. Most people do jade rolling on their faces but it can actually be performed anywhere on the body.
Jade Rolling For The Under Eye Area
Use a small jade roller for this treatment; be sure to put the jade roller in the refrigerator so that it is extra cold before use. After washing your face apply eye cream under eyes . Gently roll under your eyes starting from the inner corner out. Bring the roller down towards your ear in order to promote fluid drainage. Repeat these strokes a few time. You can perform jade rolling under your eyes twice a day in the morning and evening.
Jade Rolling On Your Face
Clean your face thoroughly. Apply a serum, moisturizer, or even a mask to your face. Starting at the bottom of your neck move your roller up over your neck to your face. Move the roller in upward strokes over your cheeks, on both sides, and up to your forehead. Run the roller along the whole width of your forehead. You can do this for about 2 minutes. You could do this every evening but even a few times a week will help your skin.
If you used a mask rinse it off after using your jade roller. You can apply more serum or moisturizer after rolling since the roller will have helped the serum or moisturizer you applied before be absorbed into your skin.
We have all heard different ideas about how to treat acne - "just spend time in the sun to clear up your skin", "your skin is just dirty - wash it more", or "don't wear make up if you breakout". It is time to push aside the old wives tales and tell the truth when it comes to acne. Learn here what works and what doesn't when it comes to clearing up your skin.
Looking at the sun. Daniel Grill/Tetra images/GettyImages
Myth: The Sun Will Make Your Acne Better
One of the most persistent acne myths out there is that the sun is good for acne. People truly believe that the way to clear up breakouts is to spend time in the sun without sunscreen. Where does this idea even come from and why is it so wrong?
Yes, for a lot of people their skin does start to look clearer when they are out in the sun for a bit. This is because the sun suppresses the immune system which means that inflammation in the skin goes down and acne redness starts to improve. Sounds great, right? Hold on because just the opposite is true. If the immune system does not work properly you are setting yourself up for serious health issues in the future. Not only that but over time the sun does much more damage to our skin than good. The sun causes dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and in the worst case scenario skin cancer. It always best to protect your skin from the sun and to treat your acne is a different way.
By the way, the same thing goes for chlorine as well. Chlorine temporarily dries out the skin which makes it seem like your breakouts are improving, but over time chlorine just irritates the skin.
Lastly, if you have acne don't believe that sunscreen will make your breakout. With so many different sunscreens on the market you will have no trouble finding one that gives you great protection from harmful UV rays and won't cause breakouts. More »
Scrubbing face. Peter Dazeley/Photographer's Choice/GettyImages
Myth: You Need To Scrub Your Skin To Get Rid Of Acne
Another acne myth that never seems to go away is that acne is caused by dirt and in order to get rid of your breakouts you need to scrub your face clean. Nothing could be farther from the truth - acne is caused by the build-up of dead skin cells, excess production of oil, and bacteria. Yes, washing your face is important in order to get and keep clear skin but not because a dirty face is causing your acne. Washing your face helps to get rid of excess oil and dead skin cells, but scrubbing your face will not help your acne and can even make your breakouts worse. Washing your face twice a day is enough since over washing can lead to dryness and irritation. Definitely stay away from the aggressive facial scrubs as well.
brushing teeth. Eric Audras/ONOKY/GettyImages
Myth: Toothpaste Will Clear Up Pimples
Toothpaste has a mix of ingredients, especially the ingredient triclosan, which can dry out pimples. But toothpaste is meant to go in your mouth, never on your face. When you use toothpaste on your face you can cause redness, irritation, and even skin peeling. In the end instead of helping your skin if you put toothpaste on your pimples you can end up hurting your skin.
Anyone who has acne is always scared that if they apply the wrong product to their face they will make their breakouts worse instead of better. For this reason many people think that if you have acne you cannot use make up. Nothing can be further from the truth. Using make up until your breakouts clear up can boost your self esteem and help you cope better with your pimples because you feel better about how you look. Just be sure to buy make up that is labeled "oil free", "won't clog pores", or "non-comdegenic" in order to be sure that you are helping your skin instead of hurting it.
One of the easiest skin care products to make at home is a facial mist. Using a few, common ingredients you can create a product that can moisturize, soothe, and treat your skin.
What Are Facial Mists
Facial mists are pretty much what they sound like - a watery mist that you spray on your face. This product is definitely the unsung hero of the home skin care routine. While it can be easily overlooked and forgotten when used a facial mist will give your skin a much needed pick me up throughout the day while moisturizing and refreshing your skin as well.
During the summer spraying a facial mist on your face can feel fabulous because it cools your skin down quickly.
Since facial mists' ingredients can be tailored to different skin types you can have a facial mist that fights excess oil, or one that moisturizes, or one that soothes red and irritated skin.
This product is also a great way to get antioxidants onto your skin so that your skin is extra protected from environmental damage. Facial mists can even contain anti-aging ingredients.
How To Use A Facial Mist
Facial mists are very versatile when it comes to their use. One way to use a facial mist is before applying your moisturizer. Simply mist your face all over and wait for a few seconds, then apply your moisturizer on top. Moisturizer always works better when applied to damp skin instead of bone dry skin.
You can also mist your face after moisturizing and after applying your make up in order to set your make up. Spray your face throughout the day wherever you might be in order to feel revived and refreshed.
Facial mists are an excellent pick me up making your skin feel great and surrounding you with a pleasant scent as well. In this respect using a facial mist can even be a great way to destress during a busy day.
How To Make A Facial Mist
While you can purchase many different types of facial mists it is just as simple to make your own with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
This product can be customized for all different skin types so that your skin gets all the TLC it needs and deserves.
First things first purchase a few plastic spray bottles. I prefer the ones on the smaller size. You'll find that even with daily use your facial mist lasts a long time. There is no need to purchase a very large spray bottle.
Choose your ingredients according to your skin type. The base of your mist could be green or pomegranate tea - both are full of antioxidants which do wonderful things for the skin. Add in other ingredients to further customize your mist for your skin type. If you have oily skin use ingredients like coconut water and witch hazel. Use green tea and rosewater (recipe below) to soothe skin. Add a few drops of jojoba oil or vegetable glycerin to any mist in order to boost the hydration of the mist.
A Facial Mist Recipe For All Skin Types
My favorite facial mist recipe comes from Dr. Ava Shamban's book Heal Your Skin. This facial mist is a great pick me up for all skin types - it has antioxidants, soothes, hydrates, and refreshes the skin:
Green Tea-Rosewater Mist
You'll need: 1/2 cup water, 2 green tea bags, and 1/2 cup rosewater
Boil the water and then add the tea bags. Let this steep for 15 minutes. Remove the teabags and add the rosewater. Mix well. Allow to cool and then pour into your spray bottle. Keep in the refrigerator.
