Beauty: The Big Five

DRINK WATER!

If it sounds like a no brainer, it’s because it is. Hydrating your body is the number one way to improve the way your skin looks and feels - especially if you have more of an affinity for sugary or caffeine-laden beverages. Trust me, the more water you drink, the better you and your skin will look and feel!

Everyone is unique, but in general, remember that the eight cups a day rule should be in addition to whatever else your drinking. I strive for at least 72 oz. per day, which is made easier by carrying around a large BPA-free reusable water bottle that I refill as needed.

On board with the idea of water but not a fan of the taste? Try brewing some loose-leaf green or white tea (my favorite is jasmine infused). Lightly colored teas are low in caffeine and high in antioxidants. Great for the mind, body and taste-buds!
 

MOISTURIZE!
Spend a little time with me and you'll soon realize how addicted to this recommendation I am. I never leave the house without good hand lotion and lip balm. It's essential. Applying a high quality face creme (preferably one that includes a high SPF) as well as incorporating lotion into your daily routine for the rest of your body is a great way to look and feel refreshed. It also helps in the fight against fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin! What's not to love?

You'll want to make sure to only apply lotions specifically designed for use on the face, otherwise you will risk a break out. When using lotion on other parts of the body, pay particular attention to areas such as hands/cuticles, elbows, legs, knees and feet/heels.

Applying lotion after a shower (when the pores are open) tends to work best for most people - just remember to dry off first! (PS: It probably isn't a bad idea to bring some of your favorite lotion with you to the session...that way you'll be super refreshed and ready!)

 

EXFOLIATE
I debated for a long time as to whether or not this should be the second rule because in terms of order, you should exfoliate and then moisturize but...moisturizing is way more important than exfoliating in my book. Sorry, my beloved sugar scrub...

Exfoliating the face using a scrub (my favorite is a lemon sugar scrub - made with, you guessed it, the juice of one lemon and sugar (preferably organic as regular white sugars tend to be processed with harsh chemicals and bleaches), will not only remove all of those icky dead skin cells, but it will help to clear the pores, brighten the skin and soften dry patches. In the case of the lemon scrub, I have found that it also tends to even out redness in my skin and make pores appear smaller.
 

EAT MORE FRUITS, VEGGIES & NUTS!
Here's where I start to sound like the hippie that I am, but it's true. Incorporating more fruits and veggies while eliminating as much processed, salty/sugary, and high fat/cholesterol foods as possible will enable your body to heal itself from the inside and keep you healthy and beautiful for the long haul! This means cutting back on some of the foods most of us have been taught to believe is healthy over the years. Things like processed breads, meat, dairy, carbonated and caffeine-laden beverages (especially the one's labeled 'diet') and most packaged snack foods, if not completely cut out, should be eaten in extreme moderation.

Trust me, I know it can be difficult (I'm still very much addicted to dark chocolate), and it will take time, but this is your health we're talking about here! What could be more important? In fact, replacing just one or two snacks per day with a few pieces of raw fruit/berries & veg or a even handle full of raw (unsalted/unroasted) nuts will put you well on your way to a more healthy and beautiful you. So eat up! (PS: Berries not only taste great, but they are full of antioxidants which go a long way in terms of natural sun protection and anti-aging effects! Mmmm...mixed berry smoothies...)

 

GET MORE SLEEP
I am a through and through night owl. I'm really not a great morning person and I’m an even worse early morning person. I have trouble turning my brain off at night and often times do my best work while everyone else is snuggled in bed and floating in dreamland. So for me (and probably most of you) this rule will be a long-term work in progress.

I've heard talk of some people only needing 3 - 4 hours a night, but in the real world, most of us should probably strive for as close to a full, restful 8 hours as we can. Not only will it help with those pesky dark circles, but you'll also have a lot more energy for the fun stuff!