Tips (tricks are below)
~ Avoid long showers also, shower in warm NOT hot water and end shower with cool water to close pores and seal hair cuticles
~ You don't have to shower twice a day!!! Your body needs time to replenish it's oils so if you shower twice a day you can end up throw off your pH balance. I would recommend to shower once before bed and then sleep on clean sheets. No need for another shower in the morning. (Unless you live in a really hot place or sweat A LOT, then only take a cool only-water shower in the morning, no soap)
~ Use a humidifier to open pores before using a nose strip or attempting to remove blackheads for maximum effects
~ Take biotin pills, can help grow stronger/healthier hair, skin, and nails
~ Always clean your skin in the morning
~ Start off with gentle cleansers
~ If you're in a pinch, it's okay to even just wash with water
~ Make sure to use SPF in the morning, and if you wear makeup make sure to put it on before primer
~ Go oil-free with your cleansers if you're acne prone
~ Moisturize as much as your skin needs (it all depends on dryness)
~ If you wear makeup, always take it off before bed
~ Let thoughts of your skin at 50, 60, 70 and beyond inspire your dedication to take care of your skin
~ Tanning by the sun or machine is not good for your skin and will cause premature aging as well as more sunspots when you're older
~ Natural products like licorice and mushroom extract are good ways to address pigmentation issues
~ Depending on your hair, use hair masks from once a week to once a month. I have short natural hair that I don't put a lot of heat on to (ironing, blowdrying, etc.) so I only use a hair mask once a month. If you have long, bleached hair with extensions that you constantly blow-dry or curl, once a week would be best. If you're not sure, the less the better. If you use them too often when you're hair doesn't need it, it could cause a protein build up. Ask your hairdresser/barber when you see them next on how often you should use them and if you should use an oil-based or water-based hair mask. (Note: oil-based hair masks should be applied to dry hair while water-based hair masks should be applied to freshly washed, damp hair)
~ If you have significant problems with acne after you have tried relaxation methods and natural products to combat acne, go see a doctor
~ Pay attention to what you eat (in the Eat Right chapter there are meal plans and portioning)
~ Stay hydrated (the 30 Day Water Challenge chapter can help with this)
~ Don't stress - every age is beautiful, you will end up having wrinkles at some point and that's 100% okay. You're not going to look 20/30 forever. As long as you are taking care of yourself, you're golden!
~ Learn how to do your eyebrows, they frame your face; every nice picture should have a nice frame. Careful, don't over-tweeze! Also, watch youtube videos to help you shape them
~ Go for a long walk by yourself
~ Listen to your favorite album/artist when you're feeling down
~ Take long breaths to gather your thoughts
~ Write in a journal about what's bothering or worrying you
~ Keep away negative people
~ Sleep on satin/silk pillowcases
~ Wear clean, ironed clothes
~ Freshen up throughout the day - bring gum, wipes, tissues, deodorant and essential oils with you (apply to wrists and neck)
~ Put vaseline on areas (like your wrists and neck) then put your essential oils/perfume/cologne on to make the scent last longer
~ Tea tree oil is a great spot treatment
~ If you have to pop a pimple, make sure your hands are clean and you wash the area around it after to avoid the bacteria spreading and causing more
~ Vitamin E oil is your friend
Tricks
Dry Brushing
Dry brushing has many potential benefits, from smoother feeling/looking skin to helping with lymphatic drainage.
In dry brushing, you should brush the skin in the direction of your heart, starting at the hands and feet and then brushing up towards the chest. It can be done daily over the body, ideally before showering. Start off with soft pressure and then work up to a firmer pressure over time. However, don't brush too hard! Skin can be slightly pink after but it shouldn't be red or sting. If it hurts, use less pressure!
You can use any dry brush, I like mine with a handle so I can also reach my back.
How to do it:
1. Starting at the feet, I brush the bottoms of my feet and up my legs in long, smooth strokes. I typically brush each section of skin 10 times. For lymph flow, I always brush toward the heart/chest area where the lymph system drains.
2. Always brush towards the center of the body
3. Repeat the same process with the arms, starting with the palms of the hands and brushing up the arm toward the heart. Again, I brush each section of skin 10 times.
4. On the stomach and armpits, brush in a circular clockwise motion.
5. I then repeat the process on my abdomen and back, and then switch to my face with the more delicate brush.
Note: This isn't a medical treatment and shouldn't be considered as one.
Double note: If you have really sensitive skin or a history of eczema or other skin conditions, this is one healthy habit you best skip. As a gentler option, try a detox bath instead (recipes found in the DIY chapter)
Oil Cleansing
The basic idea of oil cleansing is to use natural oils in a specific combination to cleanse the skin and naturally balance the skin's natural oils. This produces much more nourished and moisturized skin that traditional soap and detergent based facial cleaners.
All you need are a couple of natural oils and a clean washcloth.
The most common oils are Castor oil and Olive oil. Castor oil helps to pull impurities from the skin making it ideal for oily or combination skin. Castor oil should never be used undiluted on the skin, and always add at least twice the amount of other oil as Castor oil when making an oil blend.
Other good oils to use are sunflower, safflower and coconut oil.
Oily Skin: 1/3 Castor oil or Hazelnut oil, and 2/3 Olive, Sunflower or other oil
Combination Skin: 1/4 Castor oil or Hazelnut oil, 3/4 Olive, Sunflower or other oil
Dry Skin: All nourishing oils like Olive oil, or a very small amount of Castor oil or Hazelnut oil added to the nourishing oils
To find the best blend for you, start with the suggested amounts above for your skin type and adjust if needed. Mix very small batches (Eg. 1 tsp Castor oil and 3 tsp Coconut oil) until you figure out the right blend for you.
How to do it:
1. In the shower or at the bathroom sink, pour about a quarter size amount of the oil blend into your hand and massage into the skin on your face (don't wet skin first). Use smooth circular strokes and let this also be a gentle facial massage. Massage for at least a minute (two minutes is better) or until you are sure that the oil has saturated your skin. This will also remove make-up very effectively, so there is no need to remove makeup first. You can even leave the oil on the skin for up to 10 minutes to really deep clean pores.
2. Place a clean washcloth under very hot tap water (or shower water) until it is completely soaked and quickly wring it out. Open it and place over your face. This will create steam against the skin to remove the oils and any impurities in the skin. Leave the washcloth on for about a minute, or until it cools. Repeat if needed with the other side of the washcloth and then use the corners of the washcloth to gently remove any remaining oil. There will still be a thin layer of oil on the skin and this is beneficial.
3. Typically, no moisturizer is needed after the adjustment period, but if you still have dry skin, try reducing the amount of astringent oil and using a tiny bit of organic lotion to moisturize skin.
It is normal for it to take a week or so for the skin to adjust, you may even see it more oily or there may be more breakouts during this time as the impurities leave the skin. Reisit the urge to use strong soaps or facial cleansers as it will make the adjustment period longer.
Cures
Tiered -drink-> Black tea
Slow metabolism -drink-> Green tea
Sleepless nights -drink-> Chamomile tea
Common cold/flu -drink-> Elderflower/Chai tea
Stressed -drink-> Lemon balm tea
Nauseous -drink-> Ginger tea
Bloating -drink-> Peppermint tea
Sore Throat -drink-> Lemon & Honey tea
(Tumeric tea is anti-inflammatory)
Lemon Water
If you drink it every morning will improve digestion, boost the immune system, hydrate your body, boost energy, promote healthy and rejuvenated skin, reduces inflammation, alkalize your body, cleansing properties, reduce mucus and phlegm, freshen breath, boost brain power, and acts as a caffeine replacement
Coconut Oil
Haircare
- Oil treatment: Apply from roots to end, comb, wrap head in a towel. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Shampoo
- Dandruff treatment: Lightly massage into roots. Let sit for a few minutes. Shampoo
- Frizz Tamer: Smooth on ends or lightly over loose strands
Skincare
- Shaving balm: Smooth over legs before shaving
- Moisturizer: Smooth over lips or body
- Night cream: Mix with moisturizer
- Eye makeup remover: Place on a cotton ball and gently sweep over eyes
- Cheekbone highlighter: Sweep small amount (over makeup) on inner corners of eyes and apples of cheeks for a glow
Product & Benefits
- Argan Oil: Protects against skin issues like eczema, cracks & burns, while also being amazing for your hair
- Calendula Oil: A healer and skin tonic aiding everything from acne and rosacea to eczema and psoriasis
- Castor Oil: Hair loss remedy, longer lashes, soft lips, smooth feet, reduce cellulite, soft hands, lighten scar, healthy cuticles, fade wrinkles, thicker eyebrows, fade stretch marks, hair growth
- Chia Seed Oil: Used to sooth incredibly dry skin
- Coconut Oil: Tons of nutrients, protein, vitamin E, and fatty acids that the skin can easily absorb
- Jasmine Oil: Associated with dehydrated skincare, also a cicatrizant (fades scars caused by acne or stretch marks)
- Jojoba Oil: Contains almost all the vitamins and minerals essential for healthy skin/hair and replicates the oils found in our body for better absorption
- Macadamia Oil: Highly moisturizing and proven to help soothe itching and inflammation
- Rosehip Oil: Vitamin C and lycopene gently rejuvenate skin and help maintain elasticity. Great for stretch marks
- Tea Tree Oil: Great for fighting infections and acne
- Rosewater: Can be used as a pillow mist, shiny hair mist, body mist, setting spray and a facial mist. It will freshen your skin, hydrate and nourish it as well as adding a glow
- Vaseline: Smooth lips, dry skin, wrinkles, longer lashes, split ends, cuticle care, stronger nails, eye makeup remover, mix with lipstick to make creme blush for cheeks
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Rinse your hair with it to remove shampoo build-up, use as a skin toner to treat and prevent acne, use as a detangler, apply to dark spots on face
- Baking Soda: A natural bleach to whiten teeth, can tighten pores
- Aloe Vera: Can add to shampoo to make more moisturizing, face toner, brow gel
Spa Night
1. Clean your room and do your chores. Knock this out first so you won't be bothered when you get ready to relax
2. Fill a tub with hot water use the bubbles first then put in the bath bomb
3. Wash your face with African black soap then apply your face mask
4. Sit, soak and relax for as long as possible
5. Proceed to a shower immediately afterward
6. Shave in the shower with coconut oil
7. Put on warm, comfortable, fluffy clothing. Lay in bed and watch Netflix.
Healthy Habits (daily countdown)
9 thousand steps
8 hours of sleep
7 glasses of water
6 minutes of meditation
5 servings of fruits and vegetables
4 breaks, stretching and mentally
3 meals, and three healthy snacks
2 hours of no phone before bed
1 session of exercise
Take Yourself on a Date
1. Take a nice relaxing bubble bath with music and candles (putting a tbsp of vanilla extract in your bath will make you smell really nice after)
2. Deep condition your hair
3. Exfoliate with a sugar scrub (recipes found in the DIY chapter)
4. Rinse off your whole body and hair then slather shea butter everywhere
5. Before putting on clothes, spray yourself with your favorite scent
6. Dress up for yourself. Wear something you find cute and comfortable
7. Do your hair
8. Put on a face mask (recipes found in the DIY chapter)
9. Paint your fingers and toes
10. Sugar scrub your lips then put on some Vaseline or chapstick
11. Buy yourself some roses... this is a date after all
12. Take yourself to a nice restaurant or to go see a movie
Enjoy your own company! You will always have you
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Information
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/708191110128135543/
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/708191110125134473/
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http://theindianspot.com/diy-rosewater-spray-with-benefits-and-uses/
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http://theindianspot.com/castor-oil-skin-hair/
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/708191110125134518/
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/708191110125134532/
https://www.popsugar.com/beauty/Skin-Care-Tips-Women-30s-40683029?crlt.pid=camp.msJdOnfIJt6r
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https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/64317100913107983/
https://wellnessmama.com/26717/dry-brushing-skin/
https://wellnessmama.com/7569/oil-cleansing-method/
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/708191110130880129/
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