5 free things that improve your skin
Improving your skin is something everyone wants to accomplish. Healthy radiant skin shows a reflection of your overall health. Here are 5 things you can do daily to improve your glow:
Breathe. Yep i know we all do it but I’m asking you to intentionally do some breathing. Box breathing is easy. Anyone can do it. I suggest you set aside 10 minutes a day to do some box breathing. How does this help your skin? The connection between your breath, your immunities, and your digestion is a well studied fact. Many physicians and therapists suggest that regulated breathing is healing to the body. You can do box breathing anywhere, anytime and without any special equipment. I personally use an app that guides me through the 10 minutes so I keep a consistent rhythm. You can download this free app here. If you have the commitment to do the 10 minute exercise twice per day that’s even better.
Stop scrubbing. I see multiple people a week who love to scrub. They use tools or products designed to “deep clean” their skin. All that scrubbing removes the protective skin barrier. The skin barrier is crucial to regulating sebum (oil production) to help naturally lubricate your skin. Our skin is super smart. Even when we aren’t. It will protect you. When you scrub it sends more oil. It is shinier and the roundy roundy roundy goes on and on. If you want less oily skin cleanse your skin with a gentle cleanser and protect your skin barrier. Well what about blackheads and clogged pores? Well the more you scrub the more inflamed and dry your skin is which causes more oil production which (see above is a vicious circle of breakouts). Please for the love of lower inflammation and happy skin, stop scrubbing. :-)
Hydrate your body. Let’s face it we all could do a better job at this. Some of us are fixated and drink maybe more than we need. The balance inside your body and your digestion is important. It allows you to sweat (expel toxins), urinate (expel toxins), and digest food (gain nutrients). Too many toxins or not enough nutrients is poor balance which leads to all sorts of trouble. A good rule of thumb is to drink half of your body weight in ounces per day. So for every 100 pounds you weigh drink 50 ounces. IF you are under extreme physical stress increase that amount but only while performing that activity.
Drink warm things. It is nearly the beginning of spring as I write this post. It is 83 degrees. It will get hotter. When you drink very cold water your body has to increase the temperature of that water in order to “use it” so it is working to get hydration. Your body likes the energetics of warm liquids versus very cold liquids. The energy of the cooling comes from what you choose to ingest. Green tea, very cooling and best taken into your body warm. It will help your digestion which will help your skin.
Move. Yes move your body everyday. I personally am not a “gym person”. I am an outside person. I like to be outside and walk around outside. I am no exercise expert however, when you move around I do know that your lymphatic system works better. Movement keeps things moving.
Stagnation is definitely not your skins best friend. If you aren’t a big exercise person consider tapping on your face with your middle and ring finger. Start at your forehead and work your way down the sides to your collar bone. Tap softly of course. You will feel the energy in your skin increase. You can also use a dry brush on your arms and legs. Start at the feet/hands and brush towards the core of your body. The tapping and the dry brushing moves the lymphatic fluid and activates your chi allowing you more energy and circulation.
These are simple easy things that cost you absolutely nothing. I give this advice to just about every client I meet. Sadly most do not fully embrace these practices. In reality it takes your time. The focus on self which is true self care. Take some time, refill you, expend your energy on your most valuable asset, yourself. If you have questions about your skin, how you can feel better and look better, reach out. I’d love to hear from you.