Insider Tips For A Glowing + Natural Face

True beauty is not about the latest trends, a certain stereotype or being something that you are not. Beauty starts from within. Your body is a gift and it is your responsibility to honor and respect it. Beauty is about making the most of your natural assets so that you feel more confident and positive about whom you are.

Every day we are bombarded with savvy advertising campaigns from products promising us beauty, eternal youth and beautiful skin. Too often we are seduced by all the promises and clever marketing ploys. How many times have you purchased a product, used it for a while and then went back on the lookout for the next miracle cream? I bet many of you have a drawer overflowing with half used beauty products.

The secret to beautiful skin does not lie in the bottle of one super cream. Beautiful skin comes from choosing a healthier overall lifestyle. 

Eating well, exercising, practicing kindness and using the right skincare are essential ingredients to making the most of your own true beauty. However there are insider tips that can give you a little beauty boost and empower you to own your own unique beauty.

True beauty is ageless, it is not about the wrinkles or dress size. Finding true beauty comes down to taking care of yourself, living with an attitude of gratitude and having kindness in your heart. Here are our insider tips for a beautiful glowing face, mind + spirit:

Drink Loads Of Water

Water is nature’s own elixir designed to purify your body. Many people believe that water is the ultimate alternative cure for various health problems. It helps purify our blood, supplies more oxygen to our body and also eliminates harmful toxins and free radicals from our body.

Here are just a few of the benefits of drinking 2-3 litres of water a day:

• It helps you get rid of problems like acne, blemishes and also helps you fight age spots.
• It hydrates your skin and keeps it feeling nourished.
• Water also naturally repairs the skin cells and helps to prevent any further damage.
• Plumps out skin cells which will reduce fine lines and wrinkles along with keeping your skin looking firmer and toned.
• Maintains the natural pH balance of your body's cells which strengthens the immune system and helps in keeping various health problems at bay. Many health issues can simply be tackled by drinking plenty of water. 
• Helps you achieve a more even skin tone.
• Maintains the vitality and health of your skin cells and also helps generate new skin cells.
• Increases blood flow and raises oxygen levels in your body. This not only nourishes your skin but also gives you a natural and glowing complexion.
• Water intake helps to keep the natural detoxification process on track, maintaining a healthy flow of the excretory system + lymphatic system to move out toxins and cleanse cells of built-up waste.

Eat An Abundance Of Plants

The base of radiant skin begins with the glow of good health, which shines from within. Radiant, healthy skin is a reflection of optimum internal health. No foundation, powder or blush can look as radiant as beautiful healthy skin. Eat a diet high in plants, especially greens.

The vitamins, minerals and antioxidants obtained from eating raw or lightly cooked plants are not just good for the body’s immunity; they are also known to slow the aging process. It is extremely important to consume plenty of them in order to remain healthy and to keep you looking radiant. A great way to increase your raw plant intake is to drink a few green smoothies or green juices a day [get a few of my recipes here]. While plants are known for their overall goodness, some of their greatest benefits include:

1. The nutrients found in plants help increase blood circulation and collagen production to keep your skin looking youthful and nourished. 
2. Nutrient dense plants are proven to reverse signs of aging by increasing cell metabolism. The skin feels firmer and rejuvenated as the nutrients feed the skin whilst keeping it moisturised, plump and hydrated.
3. The nutrients help in the development of new skin cells and promote a more even skin tone. Thus they are powerful agents in not just restoring skin’s vitality but also in minimizing scars and pigmentation marks.

Eat Essential Fatty Acids 

Eat plenty of natural fats which include avocados, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut oil, olive oil, linseeds and activated nuts. The reason these fats are called  'essential ' is that your body can't manufacture them; you must obtain them from foods you eat.  Essential Fatty Acids fall into two categories - Omega 3 and Omega 6.

So what are the skin beauty benefits of these fats?

• Stop fine lines from appearing and maintain hydrated and radiant skin.
• They have a powerful effect on our hormones, which makes us feel more balanced and does not stress the skin.
• Improves the blood flow in the body which means more nutrients are being released – resulting in a more nourished skin.
• They are a strong anti- inflammatory, which means they can fight skin infections and disorders such as acne and psoriasis.

Reduce Coffee and Alcohol 

Coffee and alcohol dehydrates your skin and can overstrain your adrenal system, giving your complexion a grey, tired and dull look. When your skin is dehydrated fine lines are much more prominent. Excessive consumption can restrict the absorption of vitamins and minerals which are essential for optimum health and radiant skin. Switch to herbal teas –  green tea, peppermint tea and rooibos tea have all been linked to wonderful health properties such as detoxifying your body, relaxing your nervous system and healing your skin.

Reduce Sugar 

Sugar causes inflammation in the body which can breakdown collagen and cause the skin to lose its elasticity and resilience.

Detox Your Way To Glowing Skin

If your energy levels are low, your hair and skin are dull and lacking lustre and you have been over indulging lately - then maybe a detox is in order.

Detoxing for at least 10 days in a row is a part of any healthy lifestyle, by detoxing you are allowing your body to heal and repair itself. When you go on a detox your body is able to flush out all the toxins that build up throughout everyday modern living. Once your body is free from many toxins it then has the ability and energy to start repairing and healing other areas of your body such as illnesses, hair, skin, nails and everything else that may have been neglected.

The simple 10 day detox

To get started:

Start the day with a cleansing drink of lemon and water. Simply add the juice of half a lemon to a glass of warm water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. This will aid in removing some toxins along with nourishing your body with Vitamin C and
Potassium. Alternatively brew a cup of herbal tea if lemon is not your thing.

Eat cleansing foods:

• Avoid meat, dairy products, sugar, refined and processed foods, pasta, bread, rice, alcohol and coffee for the entire time.
• Increase your intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, juices and water.
• Drink at least two litres of water.
• Take 1000mg of antioxidant rich vitamin C to help cleanse and revitalize your system.
• Juice it - be sure to incorporate plenty of fresh vegetable and fruit juices, not only are they an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and fiber, they are also fabulous detoxifiers.

Detoxing Exercises:

• A gentle walk in nature.
• A refreshing ocean swim.
• Gentle session of yoga or pilates

When it comes to feeling refreshed and energised a detox is a satisfying ritual that is healing for both the mind and body. If you are up for a super challenge then why not try a 10, 14, 21 or 30 day juice fast. I am personally addicted to them as they make me feel so amazing. Read my article about the therapeutic benefits of juice fasting over at The OM Collective .

Get Moderate Sunlight

There is nothing more radiant than skin that has been delicately kissed by the sun. Sunlight gives energy to life. Plants need sunlight to grow and repair, we need sunlight to grow and repair. With all the negative reports on the harmful effects of the sun, we’ve gone from sun worship to sun dread. Sunlight infuses your skin and soul with goodness, and is rich in vitamin D. Yes, most certainly skin cancer should be taken seriously, but what about seeking a more balanced approach – wear a natural sunscreen and a hat

Exercise 

You don’t need to be slaving away at the gym six days a week, in fact the stress of that kind of impact can do more harm to your body than not. Aim to do moderate exercise three to four days a week between 30-60 minutes. Choose an exercise that you enjoy whether it is walking, swimming, yoga or running. By choosing to exercise every other day, it keeps your body oxygenated, which feeds and nourishes your skin. Exercise every second day, and give your body a chance to recover every other day, this causes less stress on your body, which in turn prevents the toxic build up in your fat cells. When you don’t have toxic build up you are also able to lose weight much easier.

Start Your Day With Apple Cider Vinegar

Start each day with a hot cup of water with a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar and two slices of lemon. This health tonic not only feels refreshing to drink it will give you glowing skin, a boost of energy, raise your metabolism, discourage the growth of bad gut bacteria, kickstarts the liver which then aids in pulling out toxins, balances the bodies pH levels [important for fighting inflammation and disease] and helps build a strong immune system.

Make sure you drink it on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before you eat. I personally have my hot apple cider lemon water then do an hour of yoga and then have my morning green juice. I never believed it would work - however I am now a believer and can't live without my morning wake-up drink.

For beautiful skin use apple cider vinegar as a toner to help regulate and balance the PH level of your skin. Dilute one part of apple cider vinegar with two parts water and apply the soothing elixir to your face with a cotton wool ball. Great to use in the bath also.

Apple cider vinegar is also great for fading age spots, blemishes, stretch marks and acne scars. Simply apply a concentrated dab of apple cider vinegar on the blemish and leave overnight.

Forget the chemical based teeth whitening kits - apple cider vinegar does a great job naturally. Simply rub apple cider vinegar directly on your teeth to remove stains and brighten up your smile.

Keep Things Simple With A Daily Skin Care Routine

Many of us spend thousands of dollars on cosmetics but fail to follow a proper routine for our skin. If you follow these simple steps every day, you can achieve flawless skin in little time.

1. Cleanse, cleanse, and cleanse: Make sure your skin is squeaky clean at all times. It is crucial that you especially cleanse your face at night as the smog and pollution in the air gets into your skin. Remove this toxic layer every night so that your skin has the greatest chance to repair and renew while you sleep. Discover my all time favourite oil cleansing method with coconut oil
2. Exfoliation: Proper exfoliation is of utmost importance. It helps unclog pores and keeps blackheads at bay. You can use any natural scrub to remove dead cells and help generate collagen to renew and repair skin cells. 
3. Dry face brush: Every day after you have washed your face get in the habit of dry brushing your face with a natural jute brush. It sheds away dead skin cells whilst boosting your blood circulation which will help eliminate toxins, feed your skin and leave you with a rosy glow.
4. Always Moisturise: A good moisturiser helps retain moisture in your skin to give you a soft and supple feel. A high quality plant oil such as jojoba oil, almond oil or coconut oil works wonders as a moisturiser.

Map Your Face

By learning to map your face, you skin will tell you what is going on in the body. Learn to discover if your breakouts, dark circles and blemishes are caused from not enough sleep, to much coffee, bad lifestyle choices, toxicity in the body or hormonal imbalances. Read how to map your face here.

Use Only Natural Products On Your Skin 

The skin is the largest organ of the body, it is able to breathe in nutrients and it is able to expel waste. Your skin absorbs whatever you put on it – in fact 70% will be transferred into the bloodstream.

Unfortunately, the majority of products on the market are misleading as their labels promise one thing but their ingredient list proves another. Many contain synthetic ingredients + harmful chemicals known to disrupt hormones which can actually cause acne and various other skin conditions to worsen.

Have you ever read the labels of your cosmetics and personal care products? The ingredients are not only hard to say, but to the average person they have no idea what it is. Educate yourself and start knowing what you are putting on your skin. Learn about choosing natural beauty products here.

Here at Botanical Trader we take a holistic approach to beautiful glowing skin by choosing to partner with mother nature.  We believe in incorporating ingredients that nourish, strengthen and protect, instead of breaking down skin health with harsh chemicals, toxins and treatments that ultimately create inflammation, premature aging and depletion of essential nutrients.

Its also important to note that when switching over to natural products it is crucial to give your new skincare routine time to work. In a lot of cases, on starting or revamping a skincare routine, many people can experience breakouts. In some instances, this can simply be the skin detoxifying itself, and the impurities which may have been buried in the deeper layers of the skin coming to the surface, and being removed from the body. This is perfectly normal as your skin adjusts to the new skincare. If your skincare don’t settle down after about 10 days and you are concerned, then maybe consult a professional within the natural beauty industry or alternatively try another natural product.

Nourish Your Skin With The Goodness of Coconut

As we get older taking good care of our skin becomes critically important, and with all the products on the market it can become overwhelming what to buy. The secret is to follow a skin care regime that will keep your skin hydrated and nourished.

Coconut oil is a great source of nourishment for your skin along with having deep moisturising properties. Coconut oil offers deep hydration, skin nourishment and helps keep wrinkles and fine lines at bay.

It will aid in reducing inflammation in skin and help heal wounds.

The medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil also possess antimicrobial properties that can help treat acne and protect the skin from harmful bacteria.

It can be used daily over your entire face and body to keep your skin feeling soft, supple and hydrated. Or you may like to apply it as a night serum so that it feeds your skin while you sleep. Check out our No Monkey Business Coconut Oil [click here].

If you have oily or highly sensitive skin, make sure to start slowly to assess your tolerance, give it a couple of weeks and if you are still breaking out then try jojoba oil instead.

Face Brush

Dry face brushing daily is highly recommended to keep skin healthy and problem free. Many think that face brushing is just a waste of time but if you take just a couple of minutes every day after cleansing your face  you are bound to notice the difference. Here’s why face brushing is highly beneficial for your skin:

1. Helps remove layers of dead skin cells leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth and supple.
2. Brushing in a circular motion improves blood circulation thus making your skin healthier and more energized.
3. Regular face brushing helps regenerate new skin cells giving you the flawless complexion you have always wanted.
4. Regular face brushing also energizes and stimulates nerves and nerve endings making your skin feel instantly rejuvenated.
5. It helps prevent clogged pores thus giving you a radiant,blemish-free complexion.

You don’t need to make a trip to a fancy salon or a spa for glowing skin; all you need is a natural bristle brush to do the trick. Choose a natural bristle brush like a jute face brush.

Steam Clean Your Face Once A Week

One of my favourite things to do on a lazy Sunday afternoon is give myself a beautiful botanical facial steam. You need to steam clean your face at least once a week to remove blackheads, dirt, blemishes and unwanted toxins. The moisture from the steam helps to plump up dehydrated skin cells, giving you a youthful glow. Experts claim that the heat can stimulate certain facial muscles, leading to fewer lines and wrinkles. Try our DIY Herbal Face Steam

Exfoliate Your Face

Exfoliating is one of the top three must dos in any healthy skin routine. When old skin is removed, it allows the new and brighter skin to be revealed. To reveal a fresher and more revitalized face, massage your face every night with either a face brush or cotton facecloth. And for an extra radiance boost use a natural face scrub 2-3 times a week.

Your skin cells regenerate new skin cells every 30 days. Mature skin renews a lot slower, therefore exfoliation is strongly recommended for people with mature skin as the removal of the surface dead cells encourages new cells to regenerate. Exfoliating the skin has so many wonderful benefits:

• Removes dead skin cells, grease and impurities from the surface of the skin.
• By shedding the old skin you will be left with healthy new skin that has less pigmentation, fine lines and flaws.
• The fresh layer of skin absorbs the nutrients from moisturisers and body treatments more easily.  

You should exfoliate 2-3 times a week after you have cleansed your face, using either a natural grainy scrub, organic cotton buffing cloth or a jute bristle face brush. I personally recommend using a scrub 3 times a week and a face brush everyday.

Buffing clothes are the most gentle way to buff the skin to a radiant polish. You can either buy a buffing clothe from your local beauty store, otherwise a cotton face clothe will do the job just fine. To exfoliate your face, wet the cloth with warm water, wring it out and gently press into your skin for a count of 10. Wipe away any residue and repeat 2-3 times.

Face brushes as mentioned prior work at increasing circulation whilst shedding old skin. They can safely be used in conjunction with natural grainy scrubs.

Natural grainy scrubs contain tiny particles which when massaged into your skin help to lift out impurities and remove old skin. You can make your own holistic and natural scrubs at home which are just as effective as their expensive counterparts.

Here are a couple of my favourite DIY natural grainy scrubs

Lemon and sugar scrub: Mix a handful of brown sugar with the juice of half a lemon. Massage gently into your skin. Wipe off with a damp cotton cloth. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry. Apply a nourishing face cream.

Chia seed scrub: Mix together 1 tsp. chia seeds, 1 tsp. almond meal and 1 tbsp. almond oil. Massage gently into your skin. Wipe off with a damp cotton cloth. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry. Apply a nourishing face cream.

Purify With a Clay Mask

Clay masks are a must. When applied, the high mineral content of clay rejuvenates the skin and naturally draws out any impurities and toxins, leaving the skin soft and supple. The grainy earthiness of the clay exfoliates and polishes the skin, removing dead skin cells and build-up in the pores to bring about a smooth healthy glow.

There are various clays used in beauty masks – all offering different healing properties. Below are a few popular clays

1. Rose Clay is a mild kaolin clay that can be used on normal to dry skin to gently cleanse and exfoliate the skin while improving the skin's circulation. Rose Clay is tinted with iron oxides and is often used to give a beautiful pink colour to soaps and powders.
2. White Kaolin Clay is the mildest of all clays. White Kaolin Clay is suitable for sensitive skin. It helps stimulate circulation to the skin while gently exfoliating and cleansing it. White Kaolin Clay does not draw oils from the skin and can be used on dry skin types.
3. French Green Clay is the most commonly used therapeutic clay. French Green Clay is rich in minerals and phyto-nutrients and often used in day spas for facials and body wraps. French Green Clay is highly effective at drawing oils and toxins out from the skin. This clay is not recommended for dry or sensitive skin.

Although there are many wonderful properties and benefits of clay masks, be careful if you have dry or sensitive skin. Always do a patch test on your skin and talk to a professional if you are unsure.

Try the French Green Clay Facial Mask (great for acne prone skin)

• 4 Tablespoons French Green Clay   
• 5 dried bay leaves
• 1 cup distilled water

Boil one cup of water and add bay leaves. Slowly add the liquid to the clay to form a thick paste. Apply to face and allow to dry. Leave on for 15 to 20 minutes then rinse with warm water.

Massage Your Face Weekly For A Dewy Complexion

Spend 5-10 minutes each week giving your face a gentle massage. Massage encourages increased blood flow which will rejuvenate slack skin, encourage lymphatic drainage (the shuttling of toxins away from cells) and add vitality to a dull complexion.

Giving yourself a massage is super easy. Simply rub your face and scalp in circular motions for five or ten minutes, focusing on spots of tension including your temples, across the bottom of your forehead and lower scalp. 

You can do this on completely dry skin or alternatively you may want to use a plant derived face + body oil.

Wear Make-up That Suits Your Skin + Face

While dramatic make-up can be great and definitely has its place in our culture, going for a more natural make-up will make you look much more natural, glowy, youthful and healthy. Learning to apply make-up can be tricky business - one that so many struggle, all to often see clumpy mascara, sharp eyebrows and bleeding lipstick. Learn a few tricks of the trade by reading our professional make-up guide.

Define Your Eyebrows 

Eyebrows are the most defining feature of your face – they frame your eyes. You need to tread lightly when altering your eyebrows as the mistake of one over-plucked hair can lead to major eyebrow mishaps. For eyebrow perfection follow these insider secrets

Put The Brakes On Premature Ageing

There are many factors that contribute to premature aging. Sitting in front of computers for hours on end, drinking copious amounts of coffee, snacking on sugary foods and living with high stress levels all attack the skin from the inside out. Then there are the outside elements such as central heating, sun exposure and atmospheric pollution. Whilst you cannot avoid all of these, you certainly can live with awareness and reduce your exposure as much as possible.

Your skin mirrors your lifestyle choice; the way it looks has less to do with your age than how it has been treated. Only 20 percent of lines are certain, the rest is down to the way you live your life. The positive news is that skin renews itself every 21-30 days - you just need to encourage it a little.

It is much easier to prevent damage than try to repair it, however there are ways to put the brakes on premature aging and get your skin back to a radiant glow.

• Stop smoking, after sun damage smoking is the biggest cause of premature ageing. This happens due to the nicotine constricting your blood vessels and decreasing the flow of oxygen to your skin.
• Renew and boost your skin with a weekly facial. There is no need for expensive salon visits you can easily do a DIY facial at home which will be just as effective. Block out 30 minutes in your calendar each week to give yourself a facial – make sure you include a cleanse, face massage, exfoliate, mask, face steam and finish off with a nourishing face moisturiser.
• Rain, hail or shine – make sure that you wear a sunscreen every day. It takes as little as 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure to damage your skin.
• Take time to relax and get a natural facelift. Stress wreaks havoc with your hormones, which can damage your skin. By taking the time to chill out your face muscles will relax and you will look much more soft and serene.
• Nourish and hydrate your skin with a daily moisturiser. Moisturising will plump out the fine lines to give you a radiant glow. Look for moisturisers that are derived from plant oils.

Look After Your Teeth

As we age, not only does our hair and skin suffer but also our teeth. A beautiful set of teeth not only enhances your smile but also makes your entire face brighten up. Now you can maintain your teeth with these effective home remedies that are natural and non-damaging to the enamel on your teeth.

Maintain good hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day.

Use a herbal toothpaste: My favourite at the moment is a natural charcoal toothpaste it’s a blend of warming, astringent and detoxifying herbs. Herbs promote gum circulation, tightening and cleansing.

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural whitener: For a whiter smile use hydrogen peroxide as a mouth wash twice a day. Use a 3% strength hydrogen peroxide.

Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda on your toothpaste for extra cleansing and whitening a couple times a week.

Clove oil for tooth pain: If you get a toothache, clove oil works wonders. Apply directly to the painful tooth with a Q-tip so you don’t get the burning oil on your gums.

Nourish and remineralize your body: Some ways to get minerals back into the diet are to increase the amount of greens you eat, drink green juices and smoothies, eat sea vegetables, sip on chlorphyll water, take  spirullina or chlorella. This will help balance out your PH and alkalise your body, which will help strengthen your teeth and reduce the acidic environment in your mouth — and your body

Move your body: Regular exercise gives you a healthy heart and improves your blood circulation. A better flow of blood to your gums will  ensure better oral health

Use an electric toothbrush: Electric toothbrushes are great at cleaning your teeth really well - if you don't have an electric toothbrush then make sure you are changing your toothbrush every three months.

Drop the mints and use natural breath fresheners: Chewing on Fresh Parsley, Mint leaves, Whole clove buds, Fennel seeds, Cardamom seeds or Anise seeds will freshen your breath and  heal your body.

Reduce your sugar to stop the decay.

Eat Coconut oil: Studies are now showing that Coconut oil is able to attack the bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Lemon: Lemon or just about any citrus fruit acts as natural bleach. Squeeze juice of half a lemon in a glass of water and rinse your mouth at least once a week with this.

Don't skip on the regular check-ups: Most importantly  have a dental check up every six months.

Yoga for Beauty

Yoga cleanses the body, mind and soul. All the negative energy is cleared and you are left with more clarity. Yoga leaves you feeling blissed out and radiating with positivity. Yoga leaves you with a glow. Yoga isn't just for relaxation it can also turn back the clock. Yoga cultivates calm by driving down levels of stress hormones that cause havoc with your general health and skin. The beauty benefits of yoga are endless. Here are just a few:

• Through breathing techniques (pranayama) and physical postures ( asana), yoga increases circulation which brings much needed nutrients and oxygen to your skin. This helps to rejuvenate and revitalise your skin leaving you with the 'yoga glow'.
• It switches on your internal calm, which then causes the facial muscles to relax. This  reduces wrinkles and gives the face a natural lift.
• Through the postures; it encourages blood circulation. This allows more nutrients to be carried in the blood; therefore your body gets a nutritious boost.
• Yoga restores digestion, strengthens the hormonal system and lubricates joints.
• Several of the postures also provide a gentle massage to your internal organs, stimulating them to gradually release toxins. When you stimulate your lymphatic system your body can get rid of toxins more efficiently, which ultimately means clearer skin.
• Yoga postures can increase blood supply to the hair follicles in your scalp. The boost of nourishment creates thicker, shinier and healthier hair

Oil Pulling

Oil Pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic treatment that promotes self-healing within. It aids in removing toxins from your body, and once toxins are removed your body will glow with radiance. Oil pulling is simple, affordable and totally safe. It is a gentle ‘do it yourself home remedy’ that promotes health and wellbeing. Oil pulling simply involves rinsing your mouth with one tablespoon (10ml) of a plant-based oil for 15 to 20 minutes and spitting it out.

Benefits of Adequate Sleep

Lack of  sleep can actually make cortisol rise – causing inflammation in the body which can flare up acne, reduce collagen production and promote premature ageing.  Sleep is essential for clear skin.

The human body needs about eight hours of regular sleep every day. However, generally due to our hectic lifestyles we often tend to neglect our sleep habits. It is very important to maintain healthy sleeping habits for maintaining a healthy skin. Lack of sleep causes dull, dehydrated skin and also triggers problems such as dark circles and age spots. Not to mention wreak havoc with our hormones.

•  Our whole body including our skin cells goes into its repair mode when we sleep. Therefore, it is crucial to allow adequate time for our skin cells to repair the damage caused by the daily wear and tear.
•  Lack of sleep causes blood vessels around the eyes to dilate thus causing those ugly dark circles. There is no cosmetic or cream that can work wonders on tired eyes, like getting a good night’s rest can.
•  Healthy sleeping habits are also known to fight all signs of aging. When we get inadequate sleep, our skin tends to look dull and lack-lustre. It also causes fine lines and wrinkles as the skin dehydrates more when we don’t get adequate rest. Thus, if you want to fight signs of aging the natural way, never compromise with your sleeping habits.

Read my tips on getting a good nights sleep and creating a botanical sleep ritual for a tranquil nights sleep [click here]

Mindful Breathing for a Youthful Glow

Take a deep, slow breath in through your nose… and then gently out. Feel your shoulders drop, your heartbeat slow down, your face soften. The benefits of mindful breathing are immediate.

Deep breathing calms inflammation in the skin and body, boosts immunity, provides much needed oxygen to nourish and replenish vital nutrients to our blood and brain. It is said that if you practice effective and mindful deep breathing, you can win back the natural glow of your skin.

As we age, it is common for our skin to lose its lustre and increased stress levels worsen the problem. However, just five minutes of mindful breathing everyday can help you fight signs of aging and get back the youthful glow.

A lot of skin problems are largely a result of hormonal imbalance and as we age we suffer greatly because of our hormones. This is why we tend to get age spots, dark circles and pigmentation marks as we grow older. It is proven that mindful breathing exercises help maintain the hormonal balance of your body.

Mindful breathing exercises also help improve the blood circulation of your body. It also helps the blood absorb more oxygen and eliminate harmful toxins and free radicals from your body. Increased blood circulation helps repair damaged skin cells and also helps regenerate newer skin cells, thus giving you a more radiant skin.

Prioritise Reducing Your Stress

A lot of skin problems are directly linked to stress. Thus it is seen that when we lead a stress-free, healthy lifestyle we tend to have a more glowing complexion.

When our bodies undergo prolonged stress, the hormone cortisol is increased which can contribute to inflammation and make our skin more susceptible to breakouts. The effects of stress on the skin can appear differently depending on the individual (rashes, eczema, rosacea and psoriasis can all be stress-induced skin conditions).

When you feel stress rise in the body take the time to slow down and bring your attention to your breath - gently and slowly breath in through your nose and out through your nose.

Develop An Attitude Of Gratitude

Live with a grateful heart and natural beauty will radiate from within you. When you choose to be grateful for what you do have, you shine with positivity, you attract abundance and you become much happier in life. Whatever it is that you don’t like about yourself or your life – remember somebody else is doing it tougher somewhere else in the world. Take the time to write in a gratitude journal every night, write down three things that you are grateful for. Over time gratitude will become a natural habit in your everyday life.

Always be kind, compassionate and grateful as these are the qualities that instil beauty in a woman. Read my blog post on 10 ways to incorporate gratitude into your life.

Celebrate Your Age

Our society has a tendency of portraying age rather negatively. Even when we see media images, older people are always shown with health problems, skin problems, etc. Hence, it only but natural, that we tend to worry immensely about getting older! However, aging is a process driven by nature and there is nothing ugly about it – infact it is the opposite, it is a beautiful process.

As we get older, we also get wiser. Our years of experience tell on our face making us look even more beautiful. While, there is fresh energy and vibrancy in youth there is less grace, experience and class in it as well. Plus a definite lack of maturity.

So take your age in your stride and be proud to have come this far – every birthday is a blessing. Celebrate your age without feeling ashamed about it. While makeup and skin care remedies are all there to help you, nothing can make you look good unless you feel it deep within. For a little inspiration about ageing read my blog The Art Of Ageing Gracefully.

Break away from the barriers age and society tend to draw around you and enjoy the wisdom and experience age brings with it. You truly have a lot to offer the world. Never forget that.