Article Repost: How to Age Smarter

How to age smarter

Our skin suffers from pollution, dust and free radicals daily. Over time, it loses its glow and elasticity. Anything from blemishes, stress to the food choice you make can add years to your look. The truth is, there is no way of stopping the clock, unless you have a time machine. So what can we do to age smarter? I am going to share some of the common skin mishaps that add years and show you what you can do to feel more vitalized and look younger.

1. Dull, lifeless complexion

Our skin is constantly exposed to sunlight, dust and pollution. Impurities start to collect and block our pores. Dead skin cells start to accumulate on the surface of our skin. No matter what extra nourishing moisturizers or serums we use, these dead skin cells are blocking the way of our skin absorbing the true benefits of such products.

What you can do: Cleanse your face and body in the morning and before bed. It might be like a hassle but I will explain why: after a full day of walking around in the city, it is no surprise that your skin has collected dust and impurities from the air outside. It is important to remove these impurities from your pores to avoid accumulation. After a night sleep, oils naturally released from your hair and face builds up overnight, so it is important to do the cleansing procedure again in the morning.  Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells. If you have sensitive or dry skin, consider using oatmeal as a scrubbing agent. Enjoy a deep cleansing facial treatment such as a mineral clay mask, to give your skin cells a chance for a detox and renewal.

2. Acne

A lot of clients that I have spoken to in Hong Kong find that it is easy to get pimples but getting rid of them is a mission impossible; suffering from acne is due to a mixture of pollution, stress and poor diet. When you experience acne, that means your skin is out of pH balance. It is no surprise that tired, inflamed skin makes you look older. The most important thing is not to poke, or squeeze pimples with your finger nails, as they contain bacteria which will lead to infection and hence the redness and swelling. 

What you can do: Use cleansing soap daily which contains tea tree or lemon essential oils and fewer chemicals. Tea tree and lemon disinfects the wounds and speeds up the healing process. Change to a lighter and greener diet. Cut out the consumption of fried food and oil. Regular detoxification will release toxins that have been collecting in your body system. Green tea will also help boost immunity and release toxins from your body.

3. Dry Skin 

Temperature and humidity changes affect your skin quality. Do you notice that during winter your skin becomes tight, dry and wrinkly? And every time you get on a flight, you feel like something is sucking all the water out of your body? Additionally, if you constantly wash using harsh cleansing products and sanitizers which contain alcohol, the chances of having dry skin will be increasingly high. Irregular eating habits and poor choices of food will affect your metabolism and hence your natural skin balance. Overeating or undereating is never a good habit. On top of that, too much alcohol consumption definitely decreases your metabolism and stops organs functioning properly

What you can do: Avoid beauty products which contain alcohol. Exfoliating will remove dead skin cells to give you a softer and more glowing complexion. It will give your skin a chance for renewal. Moisturizing in office and in-flight are important as air-conditioning and temperature change will dehydrate skin. Keep a hydrating toner in your carry bag. Changing your diet will also improve your skin quality. Instead of overloading your meals with carbohydrates and sugar, opt for antioxidant friendly food such as whole grain products, berries, kale, beets and broccoli. Taking small regular meals and healthy snacks in between will maintain your metabolism. Almonds, fresh fruit, raw carrots, celery are great tea snacks. Yoghurt is getting more and more popular and it is a great refreshment in the hot summer! Cut down on the cosmopolitans and go to a juice bar instead. 

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4. Panda eyes

There are numerous reasons why we develop dark eye circles around our eyes. Having dark circle under your eyes not only tells the world you are tired and lack sleep, but also tells them the quality of life you have. Our skin pigment level increases as it is exposed to sunlight. Sun exposure will increase your skin's pigment (melanin) level and, as a result, the pigment (melanin) moves closer to the surface of your skin. The increase in melanin will make already existing dark circles even darker. 

What you can do: Arrange a regular sleep pattern.  Have a cup of chamomile tea before you go to bed. Keep the tea bag and place it under your eyes a minute or two the next morning for an instant wakeup call!

5. Make up mishaps

Heavy white powdery foundations are so 80s. Bright red lip color that glues your lips is only for Halloween. Don’t forget our skin has a natural glow, so why cover it with excessive products? Wearing too much make up will clog your pores and stop your skin from being able to breathe. Impurities build up over time and will lead to other skin issues such as acne and dry skin. Less is always more.

What you can do: everything in moderation is the key. BB cream, which stands for blemish balm cream, has become increasingly popular in Asia, because of its light-weight, hydrating and slightly concealing ability. A lot of them also contain sun screen protection. Choose the right color that flatters your skin color. A pop of peachy eye shadow will bring out your eyes and make you look more awake in the morning.  A touch of blush and lip color can transform your look and bring out your confidence and a lively spirit. Don’t forget to clean your make up tools on a regular basis to avoid bacterial contamination. 

For an instant skin glow, try this fool-proof diy recipe at home today: 

• 1 tbsp oatmeal, finely ground (optional)

• 1/2tp fresh squeezed lemon juice

• 1 tbsp live, organic yogurt (only the natural, non-flavored one)

• A few drops of honey

Mix everything together and gently massage the mixture onto your face. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and clean with water. Pad dry then spray some aloe vera toner and dab your face with your palms.

So what makes you beautiful? Here is my 3Big Cs rule: confidence and compassion give contentment.  Believe in yourself, eat smart and exercise regularly. By keeping your body and mind active will help boost your confidence. Whether it is donating to a charity or volunteering, helping others in need will make you feel more fulfilled. So enjoy life and care better for your skin, and you will always feel young and gorgeous.