Skin Resolution – 2009

The following is an article I had written at the beginning of 2008, however, it never got published. Anyways, here it is:

Beauty is skin deep they say. And you better start believing what they say. Nothing makes a woman look more beautiful than a healthy glowing skin. Ever noticed the compliments women with clear complexions receive? It’s thanks to their healthy skin care regime!

So what are we waiting for…skin care products do work wonders but they alone can’t get us that lustrous gleam we all crave for. What we need is a skin resolution for the New Year. Following these simple steps is a sure road to success – unblemished, youthful, clear skin!

1. STOP SMOKING – All you women out there who can’t do without that nicotine stick every two hours – pay attention! Dermatologists have said that amongst their patients non smoking women generally had younger looking skin than those who smoked. Smokers end up having vertical wrinkles around their lips due to constant pouting to smoke and lines around their eyes as they squint to keep the smoke out. (Bet you didn’t know that!) Add to all this the havoc free radicals play on your skin once the delicate balance is disturbed by the smoke from the cigarette – lading straight to a lot of unwanted damage. So keep this single formula in mind – what’s bad for your lungs can never be good for your skin!
2. STRESS – DESTRESS – Hectic lives, hectic schedules, crazy working conditions, late nights, early mornings, client screaming, boss yelling, life falling apart – sounds familiar? If all this gets you down, doesn’t it? How do you think your skin reacts? Your skin needs relaxation too. Heck, it’s the largest organ in your body and you better pay attention to its needs or it is going to revolt. Revolt with bags under your eyes, dark circles, wrinkles and skin that looks dead. Want to avoid it? Take a break. Pamper your skin to some good night’s sleep. Don’t speak to that pest of a boy friend one night or skip that boring party and sleep. Get your honey to massage you one day o book yourself an exclusive distressing massage at a spa. Need more tips? Try using aromatic sea salt scrubs when you take a bath – your skin will thank you for it!
3. TRASH IT – Are you one of those who can’t throw away that vitamin-something-enriched-face-hand-foot-etcetera- cream you bought a year ago because you spent a bomb on it? Well then you are definitely heading for disaster! Nothing can cause as much harm to your skin as products that have been sitting on your vanity shelf long after their expiry date. Anything moist provides a favourable environment for bacteria to grow. Also, every time you use a product, a lot of bacteria are transferred from your fingers to the product. Dermatologists recommend that you throw away any product that has been with you for over a year as it could cause more damage than prevent it. As far as cosmetics are concerned – the time period is even shorter – 3 months. Cosmetics include a lot of chemicals and synthetic colours that degrade after a point of time. You need to update your vanity bag every three months to make sure what you use isn’t causing you any harm. 
4. CLEAN UP – Dirt, sweat and grime – numero uno enemies of your skin. Learn to wash your face at least 3 – 4 times a day. This simple routine could save a lot o trouble later on. A clean skin looks good, is healthy and makes you look fresh. Nothing can refresh you more than a splash of nice cold water on your face after that really long and boring meeting in the afternoon. Use a good face wash and dry your skin after washing it. Keeps stress, weariness, bacteria and pimples at bay!
5. EMBRACE ANTIOXIDANTS – Anti – oxidants are something that prevent free radicals in your skin, thus making it look younger, tighter and healthier. Oxidation of skin is caused due to pollution, smoke and constantly facing the elements of nature. What your skin needs is a safeguard against all these! And where do you get these safeguards? It’s easy; there are plenty of antioxidant rich foods to make your skin dance with joy. You can gorge on berries as they are one of the richest sources of antioxidants – it’s the strawberry season – so load up! Try the tuna fish salad or sub next time you are eating out – you’ll just up your antioxidant quotient. And if all this isn’t enough – sip on white tea and green tea – enough to arm you against those menacing free radicals. 
6. SIMPLIFY – All that glitters isn’t gold. Just because that lipstick cost you a wallet scrunching amount of money does not ensure its quality. Be sensible about what you buy. Make sure what you buy suits your skin. Ask for expert help if required. And honey, don’t apply everything from your vanity closet on your face. Stick to sunscreen, moisturiser and light make up. You can look gorgeous with just this much!
7. SING THE SUNSCREEN SONG – Listen to the song and follow the advice – you need sunscreen! Skin cancer cases world over are rising at an alarming rate. All it takes to protect yourself is some sunscreen. Anything with an SPF count of 15 is enough to keep you going. Don’t forget that sunscreens are not just for the summers – the sun rises during winters as well and can cause as much damage. So do yourself, your skin and your life a favour and use sunscreen!