By MyDailyMoment.com Editorial Team
Pretty is as pretty does. And while it might seem like it’s clothes and cosmetics that make the woman, the reality is all-natural beauty boosters are actually found in the place you’d least expect it. We’re talking about your food.
Shiny hair, glowing skin and bright eyes are all the by-products of healthy habits like proper diet and physical activity.
While the right wardrobe and makeup can go a long way in making you look attractive and feel confident, there are natural beauty boosters that can do the same and have a positive impact on your health, too.
When it comes to reviving your appearance, it’s “super foods” to the rescue. You may be a skeptic, but many fruits and vegetables actually contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can work from the inside out to enhance your beauty. Consider them a food fountain of youth.
Below you’ll find a few tips about natural beauty boosters that can be found in common foods:
Load Up On Antioxidants: Foods high in antioxidants and vitamins can help slow the aging process by protecting the body against free radicals. Antioxidant rich foods include broccoli, tomatoes, garlic, red grapes, berries, spinach and tea.
Get Your Daily Dose of Vitamins and Minerals: For great hair, eat foods that have Omega 3s, vitamin B12 and plenty of protein. Try eggs, olive oil, nuts and fish.
Water, Water, Water: Drink plenty of water. A well-hydrated body tends to work more efficiently, flush away toxins, and maintain the energy needed for intense workouts. Water keeps skin from getting dehydrated so you’ll stay moist and smooth. With all these benefits, consuming plenty of water may be the best thing you can do for your health and your appearance.
Exfoliate: Make your own exfoliants. Combine a coarse product (sugar, salt, ground-up seeds) with a smooth base (such as honey, yogurt or avocado) to slough off dead skin and reveal a glowing, fresh face. Exfoliating products can be purchased at stores or made at home from everyday kitchen products. Try scrubs that contain corn or rice powder if you have oily skin and richer formulations that contain avocado or olive oil if your skin is dry.
Supercharge with Supplements: Taking a daily multivitamin can also ensure you get enough nutrients on a daily basis. It’s best to get nutrients from their natural sources, but a multivitamin can be a great supplement to your diet, particularly for when you’re eating on the go.
Mask the Flaws: Facial masks are created from a variety of ingredients and left on your face for about 15 minutes before being rinsed away with warm water. Some women prefer to make their own facial masks, but you can shop around in health food stores for facial masks that contain plenty of natural ingredients. Among the make-at-home favorites: egg whites (made by “painting” on the white of 1 egg) or oatmeal mixed with plain yogurt (try 1/2 cup of oatmeal ground to a fine powder and mixed with 1/4 cup yogurt).
Dry Ideas: Facial and body moisturizers are very important when it comes to achieving that heavenly glow that results from healthy skin. There are so many moisturizers on the market that claim to work wrinkle-zapping magic, but the best way to maintain a youthful appearance is be mindful about what you feed your skin. There’s a variety of simple natural moisturizing lotions, gels and creams available at health food stores and large retailers. Read labels and try to avoid products that contain excessive chemicals and artificial fragrances.
Zap Those Zits: If acne is an issue, some natural products can be applied topically to help you recover the blemish-free face you desire. Some essential oils, like lavender, tea tree and jojoba, have been shown to have a beneficial effect on blemish-prone skin. Apple cider vinegar and lemon juice have natural astringent and anti-bacterial properties.
When it comes to appearance it’s always important to remember, the better you look, the better you feel. Reducing stress, staying fit and spending time with friends will improve looks ten-fold, better than any make-up, or chemical-laden lotions and potions ever could. Listed below are a few natural beauty boosters that promote both physical and mental well-being:
Let’s get physical – and Stay That Way: Exercising not only keeps us trim and limber, but it also improves our circulation and the functioning of all our organs. Whole-person disciplines like yoga and Tai Chi are particularly effective for these purposes, but a jog around the neighborhood will get the heart pumping and bring a blush to your cheeks just the same.
We All Need the Human Touch. Physical interaction is an important part of life as well. Our bodies crave it and reward us for it by producing feel-good hormones that can help us look great too. This is one reason why women who are having great sex tend to glow naturally. Getting a massage can also help you look your best for some of the same reasons. It helps loosen the built-up muscle tension that leads to poor posture and the appearance of fatigue.
Relax, Don’t Do It. Another scientifically proven stress-buster is meditation. While you may not see yourself as the type of person who can sit for hours at a time chanting “OM,” you might benefit from giving it a try for several minutes a day. There are web sites and DVDs geared for beginners that are very simple to follow. Being at peace with yourself will show on your face. It will also manifest in the way you treat yourself and others. When you love yourself, you will look better, be more positive and draw others to you.
You’re Hot and you’re Cold: Treatments like hot stone therapy, cold mud therapy and saunas are great, natural ways to release tension and invigorate both your skin and your mental state.