Make your skin glow!

We are all born with good skin. A baby’s skin is soft, smooth and free from blemishes and problems. As we grow older, our skin is influenced by many factors like diets, habits, lifestyle and physical changes. Adolescence is a time when there is much hormonal activity, affecting the glands. The oil glands are stimulated, leading to an oily skin and the conditions associated with it. The skin looks dull and is prone to blackheads, spots, pimples and acne. So, as a teenager, you need to learn to understand your skin and give it the kind of care that it needs. You should also recognize the value of professional care and seek help in good time.

Good health and physical fitness are imperative for glowing skin. Daily exercise adds a healthy glow by improving blood circulation to the surface of the skin. It also helps to oxygenate the tissues, as every tissue of the body needs oxygen. Begin by doing deep breathing exercises like pranayama. Check with your doctor before starting exercise. Adequate sleep is a beauty treatment in itself. Diet plays an important role, too. Sweets, chocolates, cola drinks, fried foods and snacks can have a detrimental effect. Lack of fibre in the diet can lead to a congested system and congested skin, which in turn gives rise to dull skin and eruptive conditions. Include fruits, raw salads and sprouts in your daily diet. Drink plenty of water and take fresh fruit juices diluted with water. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of warm water and have it first thing in the morning.

“Cleansing” is the keyword for adolescent skin. The pores must be kept free of hardened oil and the oiliness of the skin must also be reduced. Use a face wash or cleanser that is specially formulated for oily skins. Use plenty of water to wash off all traces of the cleanser. Buy an astringent lotion and mix it with rose water in equal quantities. Keep it in the fridge. After cleansing, tone the skin daily with this chilled toner, using cotton wool pads. First wipe the skin. Then pat the skin briskly with the rose water-soaked cotton wool pads. This improves blood circulation to the skin surface and adds a glow.

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