The fact remains that even in our advanced generation, beautiful skin is so much more than skin deep. Yes, there are lunchtime peels, microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and other techniques to smooth and erase fine lines, but it is an undeniable fact that beautiful skin is still the result of a healthy, toxin-free body.
When we are young, our skin is soft, supple and glowing. Beautiful skin comes naturally in our youth. But, as we age, beautiful skin is a reward for taking proper care of our bodies. The skin is a barometer that reflects what is going on with us internally. Skin care is big business these days as baby boomers anxiously take part in staving off the signs of aging.
Stress, excessive sun exposure, liver malfunction, hormone depletion, smoking, alcohol, sugar, fried foods, caffeine and poor circulation all contribute to the condition of our skin. Age spots, wrinkles, dry skin, uneven skin tone, sallow complexion and acne are the result of how well our systems handle wastes.
For healthy, glowing skin, the following simple practices will greatly benefit you:
Skin Care Therapy
- Drink eight to 10 glasses of water each day.
- Add fresh lemon for added benefit.
- Make a fresh “liver cocktail” each day (use a juicer). The juice consists of 2 ounces of beet juice, 3 ounces of carrot juice and 3 ounces of cucumber juice.
- Avoid sugars, caffeine and red meat to prevent dehydration.
- Eat fresh fruit and vegetables each day; fruits are wonderful cleaners.
Body Therapy
- Reduce or prevent wrinkles by rubbing papaya skins on the face. (Papain is an enzyme that exfoliates the skin.)
- Manage stress.
- Practice deep breathing.
- Have a massage with almond oil, sesame oil or wheat germ oil to soften the skin.
- Moisturize immediately after bathing.
- Rub lemon juice on age spots or use 2 percent hydroquinone topical cream to reduce and fade age spots.
- Limit sun exposure and always use a sunblock SPF-15 or more to prevent further damage and to prevent age spots from darkening.
It’s a Beautiful Life
True beauty comes from the inner woman—her essence, her spirit. A truly beautiful woman possesses a radiance that cannot be duplicated by the most skilled plastic surgeon or the most expensive topical beauty serum.
People naturally gravitate toward beauty. Think of nature—how we all are drawn to pick a beautiful flower, or to at least pause to smell and admire the beauty of a fragrant rose. We are drawn because we instinctively know that flowers are beautiful inside and out. We pick them not only for their visual beauty, but also for their sweet essence. And so it goes for woman. True beauty comes from our very essence.
The Bible tells us, “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God” (1 Pet. 3:3-4).
The most beautiful woman I have ever known had an essence that drew men and women alike. Although her outward appearance would never suggest that she had such magnetism, her essence captured the hearts of those around her.
She was loyal, confident, strong, unselfish, dependable, unassuming, loving, a best friend, humorous, humble and gentle. She gave of herself, never sought approval, and she had faith and a sense of her true worth.
The beauty guidelines I have given you focus mainly on the outward appearance. But in order to experience beauty throughout your lifetime, you must cultivate it from within. Let it flow through you each day.
Live a beautiful life—let beauty radiate from your body, mind and spirit. Physical beauty is only skin deep and fades with the passing of time. But true beauty comes from your core and leaves a lasting impression.
Janet Maccaro, Ph.D., CNC, is a respected lecturer and the author of several books on health and nutrition. Her most recent release is 100 Answers to 100 Questions about How to Live Longer (Christian Life).
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