Mask Natural
They say it’s a challenge to age like wine. Celebrities who age gracefully just leaves us in a jaw-dropping awe. And with billboards everywhere highlighting those smooth, ceramic-like skin of celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Cindy Crawford, and Jane Fonda, we can’t help but ask ourselves if that could even be possible with regular folks like ourselves.
Society has driven mostly what we define in beauty: good skin, small waistline, and lustrous hair. We always compare the way we look at what we see in magazines, on the internet, on movies and television.
However, the pressure to look good falls greater on women rather than men. Because of this, a lot of cosmetics companies have offered a wide range of skin regimen products that claim to regain that youthful glow, or minimize those pores. In the United States alone, the cosmetic industry has generated 62 billion dollars for 2016 alone.
But, do you know that home regimens are actually as effective compared to those products found in department store shelves? From getting 8 hours of sleep, chugging that 2 liters of water to getting just enough sunlight, regimens should be a holistic discipline that aims to restore beauty and overall health.
Skin regimen hacks at home
Yeah, we’re all busy, and sometimes we need to tighten those belts and prioritize spending. Surprisingly, there are natural products found in our homes that can complete that nighttime routine. Additionally, hydration and a balanced diet greatly helps the body – both inside and out. Meantime, here are a few skincare hacks which you can do at the comfort of your own home:
1. Exfoliate
Exfoliation is proven to be a great routine as it removes dead skin cells, dirt, and other impurities. Regularly exfoliating with a scrub can help polish your skin.
2. Hydrate
Drinking water might sound passe, but it is still the best remedy for a lot of things. Our body in general needs to always be hydrated. This means by doing so, you are not only doing your skin a huge favor. Try drinking about 2 liters of water in a day.
3. Ice it up
If you want to achieve having smaller pores, you might want to consider submerging your face in an ice bath. I used to get ice cubes and rub it on my face at night. It forces the body to increase blood circulation to warm up, and give you that “rosy-cheeks” look. Cold water also closes your pores so it prevents dirt and bacteria from entering.
4. Moisturize
Moisturizers and serums are great products for retaining skin moisture. This will help prevent that dry flaky look.
5. Sun protection
Although we want to have that daily Vitamin D from the sun, we just can’t have too much of it every day. Don’t forget to put some sunscreen before heading out the door. Best to use organic SPF so you can avoid putting those harsh, synthetic chemicals on your skin.
6. Consume good fat
Collagen is a great way to maintain skin elasticity. Chow down some bone broth soup and protein-rich food like eggs, berries and meat. Similarly, integrate those flaxseed, coconut, olive or avocado oil in your salads and dressings. Avoid consuming trans fat so as not to cause skin inflammation.
7. Mix up your DIY hyaluronic acid serum
There’s so much you can whip up from the cupboard from facial masks to serums. You can even make your own hyaluronic acid serum. It’s so easy!
DIY Hyaluronic Acid Serum
What is hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It’s gel-like form retains moisture that plumps and hydrates the skin. Surprisingly, this substance is present in our bodies.
An average person would have 10 to 20 grams of this inside the skin. Our skin as we all know, is best protected when hydrated to promote skin cell production for that smooth and flawless glow. This incredible substance can absorb 1,000 times its weight in water, making it a great topical skincare to help maintain the skin’s supple texture.
Hyaluronic acid is usually used for anti-aging in the form of serums or drops. When using it for the first time, you can start by applying it once a day to see how your skin reacts to it. Once confident that you don’t have adverse effects from it, you may apply it once during the day, and again before your beauty sleep.
Homemade Hyaluronic Acid Serum Recipe
Creating your DIY hyaluronic acid serum is pretty easy. You just need a few ingredients and it can last you for a long time. Here’s what you need:
- ½ teaspoon hyaluronic acid in powder form
- ¼ cup distilled water
- Small bottle with dropper
Simply combine the ingredients together in a small container. Mix or shake well. It might look clumpy and chunky at first, but just allow it to set and it will be fine. Place in the fridge and see it thicken. This will be good for about a week or two.
Tips:
- When using your DIY hyaluronic acid serum, you may add a heavier moisturizer on top to help seal in the moisture. Although it’s in serum form, you can achieve a more moisturizing effect by helping it get sealed in.
- Achieve this serum’s full potential by applying it on damp skin. Best after washing your face or after shower. Make it your first step before going through the rest of your skincare regimen.
- Since the serum is great for moisturizing, you may also use it for your hands, tummy, and thighs.
Hyaluronic acid serum side effects
For some, using hyaluronic acid serum might not be as convenient compared with the others. There have been testimonials that claim to have blemishes after its first use. Some say that it makes pimples redder, too. Some cease to continue, while some who persist to use it claim that their skin eventually cleared after a few days. If symptoms persist, it’s always best to consult your dermatologist.
Conclusion
Hyaluronic acid is one of the hottest skincare trends today. Aside from the serum, it is also being added to other beauty products like moisturizers, sunscreens, and masks. Although it is greatly noted for its youthful effects on the skin, it is important to note that it doesn’t prevent acne, and is not a medicine for hyperpigmentation and other skincare problems. It’s simply an anti-aging formula that can aid in reducing those wrinkles, and help plump up the skin to bring out that natural youthful glow.
