User post: It's not too late - Resolution 2010 - fight pre-mature aging with these simple steps

Carol Belanger

Did you know that your skin can tell a lot about how well you take care of yourself? Your skin can show how well hydrated you are, whether or not you are eating healthy and getting the nutrition and vitamins needed, and how much time you spend in the sun. Additionally a dull complexion can indicate a slowing down of the cell regeneration process and sluggish circulation.

This year make your resolution to take care of your skin. Below are simple steps to ward off aging and improve your overall complexion.

1: I will use sunscreen - I can not stress the importance of sunscreen everyday. As a woman over 50 the signs of sun damage are starting to show. I have to resort to home remedies or lightening creams to lighten age spots (brown spots). Had I used a sunscreen when I was younger I am sure that my skin would have far less age spots. I have read that the new recommendation for sunscreen is 30 SPF. So apply your sunscreen daily to avoid age spots later in life. You can read more about age spots/brown spots here.

2: I will not pick at my face - it is always so tempting to pick that blemish or blackhead, however doing so can leave scarring. Deeply embedded blemishes or blackhead should be extracted with the proper extraction tool or the right skin care product. You can get a homemade blackhead remover recipe.

3: I will not go to bed with my makeup on - well I am guilty of this, and when I do I always seem to wake up with a blemish. Leaving your makeup on can clog pores and skin irritation.

4: Eating right - this mean less processed foods and more food with the right fatty acids such as the Omega-3 fatty acids. Processed and fast foods contain so much sugar, salt and unhealthy fats. These ingredients do nothing for your health or your skin. There are some dermatologists that claim fried foods, and sugary snacks can cause skin breakouts.

5: I will give up sweetened beverages and drink more water - those high calorie drinks such as soda just add pounds and do nothing for promoting great skin. Consider herbal teas and water to stay well hydrated. Read about the benefits of green tea and other herbal teas here.

6 - I will not take long, hot showers - although this is very tempting during the long cold days of winter, hot showers strip the skin of its natural oils leaving your skin dry, flaky and sometimes itchy. Consider a warm and shorter shower, not only will you be eco-friendly, your skin and your water bill will thank you for it. After your shower, pat dry and apply a moisturizer. Also consider a moisturizing shower cream or gel that will moisturize as you clean.

7: I will simplify my skin care routine and stop spending money on miscellaneous beauty products - It is so tempting to buy the newest and greatest skin care product, however it would be best served to understand what your skin care needs are. Visit a dermatologist for a consultation or do enough research and come to understand your skin type and needs.

8: I will not smoke - I know this is a hard one! I am always trying to quit smoking. Smoking does absolutely nothing for your health or your skin.

Carol Belanger, author of 300+ Skin Care Recipes

For wonderful homemade skin care recipes, including body scrubs, toners, facial peels, clay masks, etc.,
Complete Skin Care Therapy

Check out more of my posts here on Shine, just click on my name at the top of this post, I appreciate and welcome all comments!