53 Easy to Follow Tips to Naturally Healthy Skin

Of course, we all want to have naturally healthy skin, but, in our pursuit of even and blemish-free complexions we often end up buying products that are laced with harmful and synthetic chemicals.

Shouldn’t the path to naturally healthy skin be natural? At Merkaela, we tend to think so.

So, we decided to put together some of the easiest DIY practices and skincare tips that you can incorporate into your daily life to get the best skin possible, naturally.

One thing I want to point out is that by adopting a natural skincare treatment means that you are adopting a connection with nature. Make sure that you set an intention to amplify the treatment.

Many of these I discovered on my personal journey to a natural holistic lifestyle. And some I have adopted from herbal authorities and top natural beauty blogs.

I can assure you that the more of them you include in your daily skincare routine and the better your skin will look. Enjoy and trust your intuition!!!

AFFIRMATION:

BEING BEAUTIFUL IS EASY. IF YOU JUST THINK BEAUTIFUL THOUGHTS, IT SHOWS.

Skincare Tips to Naturally Healthy Skin

 

HYDRATE

When it comes to getting naturally healthy skin, you have to start with a thoroughly hydrated body. Considering that our skin is made up of 30% water, how it looks is directly tied to how much we drink.

If you are dehydrated, your skin will look dry, flaky and dull. So make sure to consume more than your recommended eight cups of water.

EXFOLIATE

You probably know that skin is made up of layers. When the top layer ages, the cells break apart and begin to die out. Exfoliating the skin’s surface helps clear the way for fresh cells coming up from underneath. Otherwise, the dead cells clog pores and lead to breakouts, so make sure to exfoliate regularly.

GO WITH THE FLOW

To avoid stripping the skin of essential oils, adjust your exfoliating practices seasonally. Try exfoliating once a week during the winter, since the cold and dry air is already wrecking havoc on your skin.

Alternatively, it is wise to exfoliate a few times a week during the summer, since that is when you are a lot most prone to sweating.

KNOW YOUR ACIDS

For visible smoothness, fewer wrinkles and an even skin tone, exfoliate with a cleanser containing well-formulated alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), which are found in citrus fruit, dairy, and sugar cane. They do wonders for sun-exhausted skin and are wonderful for giving you a more radiant complexion.

EXFOLIATE DRY SKIN

You may have heard that olive oil is an excellent at-home cleanser for people with normal complexions. But to exfoliate extra dry skin, try mixing a quarter cup of olive oil with a teaspoon of brown sugar. Gently dab the mixture onto parched or flaky areas, wait 7 minutes and then wash it off.

BE KITCHEN SAVY

Want naturally healthy skin that is both silky smooth and blemish-free?

Mix a cup of sugar with a half a cup of olive oil and two teaspoons of honey, then gently apply the mixture to the body in a circular motion starting from the top of the neck going down to the end of your toes.

Let it sit for about 7 minutes and then rinse it off.

ALWAYS TEST DRIVE

Whether you’re starting a new beauty regiment, have sensitive skin or have developed some kind of condition, you should always test drive new products before using them freely.

Be sure to dab the new product on the inside of your wrist and leave it there for 24 hours to check for any manifestation of a reaction. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

MOISTURIZE

There is no way around it – you have to moisturize every single day if you want the naturally healthy skin. Dry skin makes you more prone to wrinkles, age spots and skin tags, which make you appear older and more tired.

So go ahead and apply some moisturizer, preferably right after you get out of the shower to seal in the moisture your skin just absorbed.

NECK IT GOOD

Always make sure to moisturize your neck and décolletage. Because the skin tends to be thinner around these areas, they are among the first to show signs of aging. It is a very simple but life-changing tip.

KEEP IT REAL

Consumers tend to buy high-end personal care products thinking that their price directly corresponds to their efficacy, but they don’t actually pay attention to what is in them. This causes a problem.

Ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate or isopropyl alcohol, which are common in over the counter moisturizers, can be irritating for people with acne-prone and sensitive skin. But products with ingredients you can easily read and understand.

LOTION IN MODERATION

Although moisturizing is very important, over moisturizing is not great for your skin. For example, applying lotion to areas that are very prone to sweating can cause you to break out and develop tiny white spots that are formed when dead skin cells get trapped. So, use good judgment when applying personal body care products if you want the naturally healthy skin.

TREAT YOUR FEET

Get smoother footsies in no time by rubbing them with olive oil after you shower. It’s not only an incredibly tasty cooking oil, olive oil is also a very powerful moisturizing agent that can be used to replace other creams.

BE SUN SENSIBLE

When we talk about naturally healthy skin, we have to address the dangers of the sun over exposure. Cancer risk aside, spending too much time in the sun can result in darker scars and stretch marks as well as drier skin and hair. Make sure you apply a thick layer of sunscreen when you go out to keep yourself looking naturally younger – longer.

SCREEN UP

Though this may not be intuitive, it’s an excellent way to keep your skin looking naturally healthy for years to come – apply some sun lotion to your hands, face, and neck if you’re going for a long drive. The fact is, glass does not filter out UV rays. And you should apply the same logic when you hang out at home or at the office, the sun’s rays can still find you.

SHADE IT

No one wants crow’s feet around their eyes. That’s just a fact of life. So, when you find yourself outside in particularly sunny weather, wear shades. No need to spend tons of money on products that erase crow’s feet if you don’t have them, to begin with, right? It’s the easiest way to prevent lines from forming around the eyes.

BE ALL SEEING

If you want to prevent tiny little lines from forming around your eyes, you should always wear the correct glasses and contacts, otherwise, you will spend a lot of time squinting, which with time will lead to crow’s feet. To avoid unnecessary aging, visit your eye doctor at least once a year.

MASTER EYE CARE

The fact is the skin around your eyes happens to be thinner than in any other part of our faces, that’s why it’s the first to show signs of aging. Engaging in some preventative eye care now can save you a lot of unwanted little lines down the road. So, for naturally healthy skin, make sure to never neglect your eye care.

WITCH IT

Anyone who has ever used organic eye creams for treating under-eye-bags knows just how expensive the stuff is. Witch hazel is a fraction of the cost and is an amazingly useful (never mind natural) skin-tightening astringent you can find almost anywhere. Soak two cotton pads in a solution of cold witch hazel and let them cool your eyes for five minutes.

CHILL OUT

Cucumber slices are another natural solution for puffy eyes. While anything chilled will help de-puff the eyes, cucumbers are full of water that has been infused with various nutrients and vitamins, softening the skin around the eyes while nourishing it.

So, for naturally healthy skin around the eyes take fresh and chilled cucumber slices and places them on your lids for 15 minutes.

DOUBLE UP

One of the reasons eye creams cost so much more than other skincare products is they usually have a higher concentration of active ingredients. What this means in simpler terms is you can use eye cream to moisturize other sensitive and wrinkle-prone areas, like the areas around your mouth.

REMEMBER YOUR LIPS

Dry and cracked lips add years to your appearance. So, to make sure you have the smoothest lips possible try a honey lip mask.

Simply apply some honey to your pout for a few hours while watching TV or taking care of house chores and then just lick it off when you’re done. Plus, the antibacterial properties of honey will heal any forming cold sores – talk about bonus points!

WASH YOUR CHEEKS

Have you ever noticed that your chin and cheeks are prone to breakouts? We may not realize this, but we often press our dirty cell phones to these areas, along with all of the bacteria that had a chance to collect on them. Make sure to wash your face every evening and wipe your phone clean with a little white vinegar every few days to keep the germs off.

CLEAN YOUR BODY

While you may think you’re not applying hair products to the rest of your body when washing your hair in the shower, that’s not true. Residue can easily build up around your hairline, behind the ears, or even around your neck. So, clean your body after you clean your hair for less back acne and skin irritation.

EXERT YOURSELF

When you exert yourself physically, you sweat. But you also do wonders for your skin since exercise improves blood circulation, tones the body and clears out toxins from the bloodstream giving you naturally healthier skin.

As a result, your complexion is going to be clearer and more luminous, and that’s what you’re going for.

SWEAT STRATEGICALLY

Although regular exercise is definitely a big contributor to a naturally healthy skin, allowing sweat to stay on your face and body is guaranteed to cause blemishes and skin irritation. So, make sure to wash the sweat off as soon as your sweat session wraps up.

FORGET SMOKING

There are millions of reasons for why smoking is absolutely awful for you, and what it does to your skin is one of those. Smoking and being around smokers is actually very harmful to the skin since it makes it sag and wrinkle. Just think about the thousands of cancer-causing chemicals found in cigarettes – no wonder your skin will suffer if you decided to puff on one.

WINE-LESS

Those who drink a glass of alcohol a day tend to look older and more tired than those who don’t. That is because alcohol notoriously dehydrates the skin while inflaming tissue, which causes premature wrinkles. Try to drink as little as possible and make sure to keep very well hydrated if you do.

DITCH THE COFFEE

Let’s say you partake in a fairly reasonable and sensible skincare regiment, but you still have dry skin. Caffeine may be the culprit. Try replacing your morning coffee with some herbal tea or fruit-infused H2O. This may provide you with some extra hydration without all of the dehydrating properties of coffee.

SLEEP IN

Not getting enough sleep can cause all kinds of problems – like stress, which leads to breakouts, dryness, and wrinkles. It’s absolutely imperative that you don’t deprive your body and, therefore, your skin of enough sleep.

Science how shown that skin uses the time you’re sleeping to regenerate and recover from the grind of the day.

FLIP IT & REVERSE IT

Are you the kind of person that sleeps on his or her side, face planted firmly between the sheets and the pillow? If so, you may want to try sleeping on your back for a more naturally beautiful skin.

You see, sleeping with a contorted face can cause wrinkles to appear over time. Simply changing your sleeping position can prevent this from happening.

PILLOW TALK

You need to have clean pillows for clear skin. When you sleep, the oils produced by your skin rub off on the pillowcases. Mix that with the dust particles flying around your house as well as bacteria and other germs, you get the perfect recipe for skin Armageddon. Switch up your pillowcase every week.

BECOME SLEEPING BEAUTY

If you are prone to acne, eczema or other types of skin conditions that are very hard to treat, try using an ultra-hydrating mask overnight. This way you can wake up with softer, more hydrated skin, which should also calm irritation, inflammation, and redness. Instead of washing off the mask, use a towel to wipe off whatever remains.

CLEANSE THE FACE

No matter how tired you are, ALWAYS remove all of your makeup before going to bed. If you don’t, the makeup will be absorbed by your skin, which means clogged pores, possible bacterial infections and junk on your pillowcase. While the bed may be calling you, make sure you cleanse before snoozing.

CLEAN UP

Every beautician will tell you that the bacteria found on dirty makeup brushes could be causing you to break out. Make sure to cleanse your makeup brushes once a week to prevent germ buildup.

RELAX OFTEN

While you should definitely be getting your beauty sleep, you should also be finding time to relax during the day. Whether you go to the spa, get a massage or a manicure and a pedicure, make sure to give yourself plenty of opportunities to relax. A healthy mind and spirit will make you appear more radiant and attractive.

UMM YOURSELF

This may not be obvious, but meditating is a great way to get a naturally healthy skin. You should aim to get in at least a few minutes of meditation before starting your day in the morning.

Getting focused right from the start will help you keep calm and collected, minimizing stress which is absolutely terrible for your entire body – from the inside out.

UP THE OMEGA

You’ve probably heard about the health benefits of fatty acids, so you’re likely not surprised to see them on this list. Fatty acids are responsible for the health of cell membranes; this makes them invaluable for naturally healthy skin. Get them from seafood like salmon and tuna, or from personal care products made from hemp oil.

THINK FAT

Although we should only consume limited quantities of saturated fat, we should be eating plenty of healthy fats, like the ones found in different kinds of nuts. Avocados are excellent sources of Vitamins C and E, which help the skin look plump and hydrated. Coconuts produce coconut oil, which is a healthy cooking oil as well as an excellent moisturizer.

SCHEDULE TEA TIME

Science has shown us that antioxidants are extremely important in preventative aging. Simply cleansing your skin with organic green or white tea can reduce inflammation, provide a good dose of antioxidants, calm irritation and even soften skin. So, next time you finish your cup of tea, use the tea back to cleanse your face.

EAT GREEN

If you want to have naturally healthy skin, you have to be mindful about what you put in your body. Eating greens like spinach, arugula or kale can lead to a beautiful, blemish-free complexion due to the high concentrations of antioxidants found in these leafy plants. Salad anyone?

INCORPORATE SUPERFOODS

Although dark leafy greens are excellent sources of antioxidants, so are carrots, tomatoes. These are packed with phytonutrients and antioxidants, both of which protect against damaging free radicals.

If you want to make sure you have naturally healthy skin, you have to make sure to eat a wide range of superfoods.

PICK YOUR BERRIES

Blueberries, blackberries and black current are jam-packed with powerful antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals. And, to make them even more impressive, they are notorious for helping the body manufacture collagen, which is what keeps your skin looking firm and smooth. So, stock up on berries right now!

GLOW BRIGHT LIKE A LEMON

Everyone wants to have a clear and brighter complexion, but it’s far from everyone’s reality. Instead of buying a ton of products promising to give you the face of your dreams, invest in some fresh lemons.

Rub a wedge of lemon on your face for 5 seconds and then wash it off. Make sure to moisturize to prevent irritation since lemons have high concentrations of ascorbic acid.

GET YOUR PROTEIN ON

Most of us understand how protein plays a vital role in the overall health of our cells and organs, but not all of us know that it’s also amazing for the production of collagen and elastin. So, if you really desire naturally healthy skin, eat reasonable portions of meat, fish, eggs, cheese, beans, soy, and lentils on a regular basis.

EGG YOUR FACE

If you’re battling oily skin, then you should try painting a thin layer of egg whites over a freshly washed face to help fight shine. Yes, we realize this suggestion may rub some of you the wrong way, but sometimes egging your face really is a great option for those with oily skin.

ORDER THEM OYSTERS

Oysters are excellent sources of zinc, which is essential for healthy cellular function. If you have a flaky scalp and are prone to dandruff, then loading up on oysters is a great way to combat this problem. But if they are not your thing, you can still obtain sufficient levels of zinc from dark-meat poultry, crabs, beans or dairy.

PRO THAT BIOTIC

When it comes to naturally healthy skin, you may want to incorporate probiotics into your diet. That’s because probiotics regulate stomach function and your metabolism, helping your body cleanse itself of harmful toxins that can cause bad skin problems.

MILK IT

When taking your next bath, try adding a few cups of milk to the mix. Lactic acid is considered to be a natural skin softener, which is why so many fashion experts tell you to put some yogurt or sour cream on the face.

For extra pampering experiences add a bit of honey, the anti-bacterial properties will cleanse your pores while the milk softens your skin.

KEEP YOUR HANDS OFF

YES, we know how tempting it is to mess with pimples that look like they’re about to pop, but try to keep your hands off. Popping pimples and picking at the skin will push dirt and bacteria deeper into your pores, which will only result in more breakouts. Why not just practice some restraint and have naturally healthy skin?

BUMP AWAY

Naturally, healthy skin should be smooth, luminous and clear. If you have little red bumps on the back of your arms, chances are you have keratosis pilaris—a harmless condition that stems from blocked hair follicles.

Try steaming in a hot sauna and then using brown sugar to gently exfoliate the area. Do not over scrub as that can make bumps worse. Instead, move slowly and use gentle circular motions.

BUST A MOVE

Cellulite is one of the most frequently voiced complaints that we get. Although there is no surefire way to get rid of cellulite, you can minimize the appearance by boosting blood circulation in the thigh area by spending a few minutes on rubbing your thighs. Keeping hydrated is another way to minimize the appearance of cellulite, so drink up.

BANISH RAZOR BURN

Razor burn doesn’t just make your skin look bruised and irritated, it makes you a lot more prone to infection. So, make sure to hydrate the skin before shaving with a cream that’s rich in essential oils. Oils prevent razors from dulling, causing less razor burn and smoother skin. HINT – products infused with Shea Butter are the best option.

HEAT IT UP

If you have cystic acne, try treating it with a warm or hot compress several times a day to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. The last thing you want to do is scratch it, causing more redness, irritation, and swelling.

At Merkaela, we get our inspiration from nature, that’s why all of our products are made with natural and/or organic ingredients.

Today’s advertising, however, would have you believe that you need to invest a lot of money in scientifically groundbreaking personal care products that are supposed to make you look naturally radiant.

That is absolutely not true. In reality, attaining naturally healthy skin takes the same vitamins and nutrients that you put in your body for it function to the best of its ability. But more importantly having a deep connection with the healing abilities of the natural ingredients will enhance the results.

Now…. that is magical.

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.

– Albert Einstein

References

http://blog.merkaela.com/compelling-reasons-to-drink-more-water/
https://www.naturopathica.com/system/user_files/attachments/6/original/Naturopathica_AHAs.pdf
http://blog.merkaela.com/best-moisturizing-oils-for-your-skin/
http://blog.merkaela.com/how-to-tell-which-skin-care-products-are-safe/
https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/smoking-and-its-effects-on-the-skin 
http://blog.merkaela.com/do-you-understand-the-importance-of-sleep/
http://blog.merkaela.com/peace-through-mindfulness-and-mediation/
http://blog.merkaela.com/why-hemp-oil-is-suddenly-popular/
http://superfoodprofiles.com/arugula-health-benefits
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/minerals/health-benefits-of-zinc.html
http://nymag.com/thecut/2014/06/can-probiotics-really-improve-your-skin.html