Why Buying New Skincare Products Probably Won’t Fix Your Skin Problems.
(From the archives 2/14/21)
Here’s something the beauty industry will NEVER tell you:
Looking good has nothing to do with spending lots of money.
Many of us have been guilty of the “fast food” beauty habit. It looks like this:
You have problem skin, it’s breaking out a lot or it’s super dry or blotchy and red so you go out and you drop a load of cash on a whole new skin regimen. You quickly find out this new regimen has little or no effect on your skin problem. Or you may get some temporary relief but then the problem comes back just as bad as before, or worse, the problem gets much worse and you wish you’d just hung on to your hard-earned money.
Many products out there that promise a quick-fix for your problem are loaded with cheap petrochemicals and preservatives and this overload of synthetic ingredients is just stressing the skin out and making the problem worse.
Here’s something I learned that literally changed the course of my health and the appearance of my skin: products don’t “fix” your skin.
The right products can assist your body and skin’s natural processes but they don’t fix anything. Instead you need to take a step back from mindless product collecting and start looking at ways to holistically care for your skin that don’t include a trip to the drug store or department store or hitting the “add to cart” button.
Here are four ways to healthier skin that don’t involve buying skincare products:
1. Sleep on it. Sleep is the most powerful rejuvenating cosmetic treatment available. Lack of sleep causes your body to send energy from already depleted resources to where it’s needed most like the heart, brain, and intestines. Skin is last on the list of priorities. This can lead to sallow skin, brittle nails and dark under-eye circles. If you’re having too many sleepless nights try eating cherries in all forms, fresh, dried, frozen or cherry juice. They are a highly concentrated source of melatonin, which can help enhance the natural sleep process.
2. Try a nutritional face lift. Eat lots of veggies full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Drink more water and green tea to hydrate your skin naturally. Stock up on healthy , anti-inflammatory oils like olive, avocado and coconut. Eat more fiber to regulate your blood sugar levels and keep inflammation at bay.
3. Think pretty thoughts. Be kind to yourself. Don’t judge or criticize yourself. Be your own biggest fan. Eliminate the mental junk-food and focus on positive thoughts and kind acts toward yourself. This will not only make you more beautiful, but you might live longer too.
4. Relax for beautiful skin. Meditation or other relaxation practices can do wonders for your complexion. Choose something that fits your personal beliefs and state of mind. I’ve had some success with all of these methods, as have many of the clients in my skincare practice. Healthy skincare products definitely have their place, but it’s more complicated than that. You have to nurture your entire self to have truly healthy skin.
The information in this post is not to be interpreted as medical advice or as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified health care professional when changing your diet or lifestyle.