Be fiercely flawless this season from head to toe —go ahead, you deserve it.
by paul aguirre
1. Wash up. Regular exfoliation and facial cleansing is essential to maintaining vibrance with the onset of fall weather when skin can succumb to drier climates. Scrubs gently clear away dead skin cells, leaving the complexion incredibly soft and smooth. Opting for natural ingredients will help revitalize skin, providing all the essential nutrients without comprising balance.
2. Sleep on it. Sleep has a whole-body effect, and not just on beauty. According to researchers from Laval University in Quebec, seven hours of sleep might do the trick in preventing obesity. The hormone ghrelin (signaling hunger in the stomach) was found to be 15 percent higher in those with too little sleep (five hours) than those with seven to eight hours.
3. C some more. A regular dose of vitamin C can protect cells from damage and help form and restore collagen, keeping capillaries and blood vessels glowing to help fight varicose veins.
4. True blue. Rutin, a bioflavonid found
in blueberries, blackberries and cherries, may also help prevent and treat the discomfort caused by varicose veins. When taken with vitamin C, this can help aid circulation and strengthen vein walls. Can anyone say “berry medley”?
6. Evening darling. A good source of fatty acids, omega-6 and linoleic acid, evening primrose oil has been shown to help treat eczema and other conditions associated with stressed skin. It also blocks the storage of fat, and helps relieve some pesky PMS symptoms like a swollen abdomen and breast discomfort.
7. Working it. Researchers have noted that regular exercise promotes circulation and provides great conditions for collagen production, keeping wrinkles away. Acne-prone skin can also benefit as exercise regulates DHEA and DHT (testosterone-related hormones) that contribute to flare-ups.
8. Green with envy. A favourite in many top-of-the-line face creams, green tea extract is rich in the anti-oxidant epigallocatechin gallate that helps plump the skin’s surface, rejuvenating it to look and feel healthier than ever.
9. Lady with red. You’ve probably heard this saying as of late: “a glass of red a day keeps the doctor away.” According to a study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, resveratrol, an antioxidant from red wine, has been touted not only for its cardiovascular benefits, but also for its possible skin care formulations. The study noted antioxidant activity 17 times greater than leader idebenone, but more research is still being conduced with high expectations.
10. Flower girl. Opt for organic safflower* oil in your diet, which contains omega-6 to help unclog pores and relieve acne. Also try to mointor your intake of foods that contain fatty acids and refined carbs for that bright complexion.
bonus tip
Use a night crème — and one packed with antioxidants. During sleep, skin has the optimal conditions for regeneration and healing from daily ‘wear-and-tear’ as well as the elements, as it’s free from makeup, air pollution and UV rays (think blank canvas). Skin’s ability to absorb active ingredients peaks at night and skin loses more essential moisture too. A proper cream with antioxidants like Astaxanthin that aid cell renewal, can work wonders during shuteye, helping to prevent and reverse damage.
