Every person has that one thing about how they look that they are obsessed with. For some girls (and a lot of guys too) it's their hair, for some it's their hips. For some guys it's their beer bellies and for yet others, like myself, it's their skin. So yes, I'm insanely, irrationally, psychotically obsessed with my skin. The first thing I notice in a person is their skin. For me it's your crowning glory. You could be average in every other way but if you have healthy, glowing skin, you're beautiful. I, in no way, am talking about complexion here because that's something you're born with and trying to alter your natural bearings does not go down well with me. Make the best of what you have and then make it better. That's my belief. (And fairness creams do not work. Period. They're a mean money making gimmick that plays on the most deep seated of insecurities, so you shouldn't even try)
Because I am neurotic about skin, I am forever looking for ways and means to make mine clearer, smoother and healthier. I've been to hundreds of dermatologists for that skin and religiously used the billion dollar products pushed in my face, but sadly, I do not vouch for them either. Another mean money making gimmick. The ONLY way for great skin is to work inside out. If you eat crap you look like it too. I know some people have the genes that let them eat what they want and still stay slim and gorgeous, but they are a rarity. For the rest of us, with problem skin, the following few things are sure to do the trick.
Green Tea is the one thing that you must start on immediately if you haven't already. It can't be more underrated! It's a powerful source of antioxidants and reverses the damage caused by the sun and pollution, two things you cannot avoid in today's day and age. It's very soothing for sensitive skin and fights redness and inflammation. Four cups a day and you'll be pleasantly surprised with how much smoother and radiant your skin looks. Ever wondered why the Chinese have such great skin?!
Another thing that works with every person is to start your day with a glass of warm water mixed with the juice of one lemon and 1/2 a teaspoon of honey. It cleanses the system and clean inside is clean outside.
Gorge on fruits! Fruits that must be eaten every day are apples, oranges and watermelons. I don't go a single day without an apple, watermelon juice and another seasonal fruit.
Irrespective of what your diet is make a glass of vegetable juice a part of it. The best ones to include are tomatoes, carrots, spinach, cucumber, amla, beetroot, sweet gourd (lauki) and bitter gourd (karela). It tastes very bad I admit but the glow on your face is inversely proportional to how bad it tastes. And anyway, I believe, after a certain age, you realize that the food you eat is less to do with taste and more with nutrition. That much discipline is required.
And most importantly, Water! Don't be rolling your eyes because it does work like magic and what they say is actually true. 4 liters of water, including juices, is needed.
I don't feel the need to harp about the benefits of any of the things I'm saying here because if you do them sincerely, you'll see the result yourself and the kick you'll get will keep you hooked. These things, if done regularly, not only work on normal skin but are also very very effective against bigger problems like acne and rosacea. If you can't manage to do them sincerely, it's because you don't want it enough and then you probably shouldn't get it because, well, let the ones who work hard get the glory right?!
Lastly three things, which even in small proportions cause a whole lot of damage, and that you should try to avoid are:
1) Refined flour (maida) i.e. biscuits, breads, pizzas, pastas etc of the non- whole wheat/ non- multigrain variety;
2) Sugary foods i.e. chocolates, cakes, mithais etc;
(When I think of any these, this small, really ugly creature with white eyes and horns like a devil comes to my mind and puts me off completely :P)
3) Fried foods.
I can't resist french fries. Once, when I avoided delicious looking french fries at the mall, I actually dreamt about them :D and they didn't leave my mind till I finally ate some! Now the thing about fried food is that it is the reuse of the same oil for frying that adds the saturated fats and cholesterol to the food. So if you're like me and you have occasional cravings, have food made at home and ensure you don't reuse the same oil for frying. This is for the once-in-a-while moods and does not mean home-fried food is okay, because it's not.
As of now, these things, which have become so ingrained in my routine that it doesn't feel like work anymore, do it for me! Hope they do it for you too!
Because I am neurotic about skin, I am forever looking for ways and means to make mine clearer, smoother and healthier. I've been to hundreds of dermatologists for that skin and religiously used the billion dollar products pushed in my face, but sadly, I do not vouch for them either. Another mean money making gimmick. The ONLY way for great skin is to work inside out. If you eat crap you look like it too. I know some people have the genes that let them eat what they want and still stay slim and gorgeous, but they are a rarity. For the rest of us, with problem skin, the following few things are sure to do the trick.
Green Tea is the one thing that you must start on immediately if you haven't already. It can't be more underrated! It's a powerful source of antioxidants and reverses the damage caused by the sun and pollution, two things you cannot avoid in today's day and age. It's very soothing for sensitive skin and fights redness and inflammation. Four cups a day and you'll be pleasantly surprised with how much smoother and radiant your skin looks. Ever wondered why the Chinese have such great skin?!
Another thing that works with every person is to start your day with a glass of warm water mixed with the juice of one lemon and 1/2 a teaspoon of honey. It cleanses the system and clean inside is clean outside.
Gorge on fruits! Fruits that must be eaten every day are apples, oranges and watermelons. I don't go a single day without an apple, watermelon juice and another seasonal fruit.
Irrespective of what your diet is make a glass of vegetable juice a part of it. The best ones to include are tomatoes, carrots, spinach, cucumber, amla, beetroot, sweet gourd (lauki) and bitter gourd (karela). It tastes very bad I admit but the glow on your face is inversely proportional to how bad it tastes. And anyway, I believe, after a certain age, you realize that the food you eat is less to do with taste and more with nutrition. That much discipline is required.
And most importantly, Water! Don't be rolling your eyes because it does work like magic and what they say is actually true. 4 liters of water, including juices, is needed.
I don't feel the need to harp about the benefits of any of the things I'm saying here because if you do them sincerely, you'll see the result yourself and the kick you'll get will keep you hooked. These things, if done regularly, not only work on normal skin but are also very very effective against bigger problems like acne and rosacea. If you can't manage to do them sincerely, it's because you don't want it enough and then you probably shouldn't get it because, well, let the ones who work hard get the glory right?!
Lastly three things, which even in small proportions cause a whole lot of damage, and that you should try to avoid are:
1) Refined flour (maida) i.e. biscuits, breads, pizzas, pastas etc of the non- whole wheat/ non- multigrain variety;
2) Sugary foods i.e. chocolates, cakes, mithais etc;
(When I think of any these, this small, really ugly creature with white eyes and horns like a devil comes to my mind and puts me off completely :P)
3) Fried foods.
I can't resist french fries. Once, when I avoided delicious looking french fries at the mall, I actually dreamt about them :D and they didn't leave my mind till I finally ate some! Now the thing about fried food is that it is the reuse of the same oil for frying that adds the saturated fats and cholesterol to the food. So if you're like me and you have occasional cravings, have food made at home and ensure you don't reuse the same oil for frying. This is for the once-in-a-while moods and does not mean home-fried food is okay, because it's not.
As of now, these things, which have become so ingrained in my routine that it doesn't feel like work anymore, do it for me! Hope they do it for you too!
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