It’s common knowledge that magazine covers use airbrushes and Photoshop to give celebrities absolutely flawless skin (sometimes with disastrous results). Even TV shows and movies use digital effects to erase blemishes, leaving celebrities with a skin glow once reserved for Greek goddesses. While these techniques are well-known, celebs still seem to have the best skin on the Red Carpet or at other public appearances.
Sure, some of that is due to the fact that they literally have millions to spend to keep their skin healthy. Yet, there are hundreds of articles out there in which celebrities share their favorite “drugstore products” they use every day on their skin. That’s good news for us who don’t have a fortune to spend on skincare. Here are 4 affordable ways to have healthy skin like a celebrity.
Take It Easy in the Bath
Science says you should bathe once or twice a week for healthy skin. Of course, that’s simply not an option for most people (for a variety of reasons). Of course, you want to feel (and smell) your best all the time, but doing so means your skin takes a beating. Over time, that can lead to dry, cracked or generally unhealthy skin. Change up your bathing routine to keep a healthy glow.
Instead of using the hottest water you can stand, go for a cooler temperature. Warm water is much better for the skin than hot water. Use gentle and unscented soaps, as strong and aromatic soaps tend to have more harmful chemicals (unless it’s all natural). Stay in only as long as you need to to get clean, then pat dry to keep moisture in your skin. Don’t forget the most important step: using a moisturizing cream. After all, dehydrated skin is the most unseemly.
Have a Holistic Approach to Health
While a better shower routine can improve the surface of your skin, total skin health requires a certain lifestyle. One of the most damaging habits to your skin is smoking. It narrows the capillaries in your skin, decreasing blood flow. Smoking also damages elastin and collagen, which keep your skin strong and tight. Plus, smoking is just plain nasty.
What you eat also has an effect on your skin. A steady diet of greasy or highly processed junk food does more than put a few inches on your waist. It can also cause your skin to be really unhealthy. The best foods for healthy skin? Vegetables of every color. They are packed with nutrients that help retain collagen and otherwise keep your skin healthier. Be sure to also get plenty of protein and whole grains, as a balanced diet is key to a healthy body and glowing skin.
Be Wise about Sun Exposure
Spring is here, and with it comes the urge to be outside and active. And being in the sun has numerous benefits After all, your skin produces Vitamin D when it’s exposed to the sunshine, which is immeasurably important to your overall health. Yet, as you may know, too much exposure is a quick way to get blotchy, wrinkled skin --- or worse, skin cancer. The good news is, you can still enjoy the sunshine and maintain your skin health.
Using sunblock is the easiest way to protect from harmful UV rays. Be sure it’s at least SPF 15, and reapply every couple of hours. If you are going to be outside for many hours, consider protective clothing. While you may not want to wear a long-sleeve shirt, at least opt for a wide-brimmed hat. Finally, avoid the tanning booth. While it is a quick way to get that summer bronze, the strong, direct UV rays are also a quick way to destroy your skin.
Put Down the Razor and Wax
With spring and summer also comes the need to keep your legs, armpits and bikini line smooth. Conventional wisdom says to shave while you’re in the shower (increasing the time spent under that hot water) or to get a wax. Yet, both of these methods are expensive in the long run, and can wreak havoc on your skin. For days after, you’ll likely deal with redness, irritation and bumps --- definitely not the healthy skin you had in mind.
According to a popular website in USA, www.bodydetails.comsays that one of the best solutions to the ever-present issue of getting rid of hair is laser hair removal. It’s gentle on the skin, leaving you with a long-term path to smooth, hair-free skin you can show off. It doesn’t damage or even irritate the skin, unlike waxing and shaving. Plus, even though it’s an investment upfront, it means you no longer have to pay for razors to cut up your legs or wax to painfully rip out hair.
While celebrities may seem like they’re on a whole different playing field when it comes to skincare, the truth is they put a good deal of effort into how they look. While bathing routines, a better diet, avoiding tanning booths and putting down the razor won’t give you the bone structure of Olivia Wilde, doing so can give you healthy, glowing skin to rival even the most gorgeous celebs --- without breaking the bank.