It’s often said that beauty comes from within, and this couldn’t be more true when it comes to your skin. Whilst there’s no shortage of skincare products promising miraculous results, the key to achieving that radiant glow often lies in a holistic, natural approach both inside out and outside in!
How to glow from the inside out:
What you eat can significantly impact the appearance and health of your skin, and when it comes to vitamins, Vitamin A is top of the list. Vitamin A can be particularly helpful for people with eczema, psoriasis, acne or dry skin as it helps to stimulate the growth of new skin cells, break down old ones and stops pores from getting blocked. It also has antioxidant properties which protect the skin from both oxidative damage and environmental toxins which can cause premature ageing.
You can find Vitamin A in foods like dark green vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli, orange and yellow fruits and vegetables like carrots, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, mango, papaya and apricots as well as salmon and mackerel.
Top tip: If you want to increase the absorption of Vitamin A from dark, leafy greens slightly steam them.
Another route to happy, healthy skin is to stay hydrated. Most people aren’t drinking enough water and a so a good rule of thumb is to aim for 2 litres per day. Avoiding excess sugar and processed foods will also help as these can cause inflammation and lead to breakouts.
How to glow from the outside in:
You don’t always need to use expensive products to achieve beautiful, radiant skin and making your own spa-worthy facemask can be an excellent addition to your skincare routine. Homemade skincare products can be cost-effective but also give you control over the ingredients you use so you can avoid toxins and chemicals which may be harmful, damaging or irritating to the skin.
Have a go at these super easy homemade versions!
Hydrating & Soothing Aloe Vera and Honey face mask:
Honey’s anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and hydrating properties are great if you need a calming and moisturising facemask to help reduce redness and soothe dry, irritated skin. Honey can also help the skin retain moisture without feeling too oily. When used in combination with fresh aloe vera gel which is another natural moisturiser it’s even better! Just be sure to add less honey than aloe and use the 1:2 ratio (one-part honey to two-parts aloe vera gel is best) or the mixture can feel a bit too sticky. You can even add a few drops of Rosehip seed oil to help soften fine lines. Apply to your skin and leave on for 10 minutes. Then rinse off with warm water.
Hydrating & Moisturising, Aloe Vera and Coconut Oil face mask:
If your skin is feeling dry and in need of a hydrating boost this can be a wonderful addition to your skin care routine. Coconut oil is naturally moisturising for the skin, and great for people who suffer with eczema. When paired with hydrating aloe vera gel, it’s a powerhouse of a mask. However, if you a prone to acne-breakouts coconut oil can sometimes exacerbate the situation and clog pores, causing more breakouts so proceed with cation.
To create this mask simply mix together 1 tablespoon each of aloe vera gel and coconut oil. To add even more moisture add a few drops of Jojoba oil, which is suitable for all skin types. Apply to your skin and leave on for 10 minutes. Then rinse off with warm water.
Mask making tips:
1. Always do a patch test first to see how your skin reacts and make sure it doesn’t cause irritation. Test on an area of your body like the neck or forearm first before applying to your face.
2. Use the mask the same day you make it. When ingredients are exposed to air and bacteria they can very quickly go off, oxidise and cause skin irritation.
3. Store ingredients and any products you make in a cool dark place to avoid exposure to light and heat which may cause ingredients to separate or products to melt.
4. Label and date your product so you can easily identify what each one is and keep track of when you made it.
Achieving glowing skin naturally requires a combination of healthy lifestyle choices, a balanced diet and proper skincare practices. It’s important to remember that consistency is key, and results may take time, but making small changes and being patient with your skin can help unveil a radiant complexion that helps you feel more confident.
References:
10 Homemade Face Mask Recipe Ideas – How To Make A DIY Face Mask (elle.com)
How to make natural skincare products – CNM College of Naturopathic Medicine (naturopathy-uk.com)
5 Aloe Vera Face Masks For Hydrated, Glowing Skin | mindbodygreen
