Basic Skin Care Regimen

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      Our skin serves as a protective layer to keep much of the harmful environmental elements out. In order to make sure that your skin is taken care of after all of its hard work, it's important to treat it with a little extra TLC.
        One of the most important things to maintaining clear, healthy skin is a regular skin care regimen with the natural products that suit your skin type (try Good For You Girls: Starter Kit to get started with a simple regimen). Skin care is not "one-size-fits-all". It often takes time and close observation to determine your skin type and the best regimen for you.
     Choose one of the carefully selected products from our website that suit your skin type and show your face some love by following the steps below. 

Basic Steps to Skin Care

1. Cleanse

     The cleanser that you choose for your skin will be highly dependent on your skin type. Below provides a general overview.
     Rinse your face with warm water - not hot or cold. Hot water will dry out your skin and cold water won't loosen the dirt and oil from your skin. Apply a mild, non-sudsing cleanser to your skin and neck in gentle upward circular motion.
     Splash face with warm water to remove cleanser and gently pat dry with a soft towel.

2. Exfoliate

     Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, and in some cases replenishes your skin, allowing healthy skin to shine through. Your options here are plentiful: masks, scrubs, retinol, etc.  Again, choose wisely for your skin type and stick with what works for you. 
     Gentle methods of exfoliation can and should be used daily for bright, healthy skin. Retinol, gentle scrubs (think micro beads), or simply taking your cleanser off with a wash cloth will do the trick. 
     Less gentle methods, like masks and grainy scrubs should be used only 1-2 times per week. Using these more often can dry and often damage the skin. Try Antho: West Indies Scrub with poppy seeds for a gentle, all natural, organic, and vegan alternative. 

3. Moisturize

     Even with oily skin, moisturizing is a MUST (try Antho: Lullaby for Oily Skin). With the right, natural moisturizer for your skin type you can replenish your skin's much needed nutrients.
     With quality products, it likely takes a lot less than you have used in the past. Massage a no more than a pea sized amount in an upward circular motion on the face and neck. 

4. Protect 

     Use sun screen to prevent skin damage and early aging. The daily UV index is a tricky mistress. Whether or not you think you are at the risk of sun damage, apply sun screen and go about your day with a happier face. 

     Clear, healthy skin is just as much about what you put into your body as it is your skin care regimen. You can also protect your skin through the right nutrition. Read our article about the best foods for your skin in Eat Your Way to Healthy Skin. 

Eat Your Way to Healthy Skin

Everyone knows that our diet profoundly impacts our skin and overall health, but sometimes out of plain sight means out of mind.

These are Naturals Cove's Top picks for 2012.

Best Food (or Drink) for Healthy, Beautiful Skin

1. Water with lemon
Drinking plenty of water not only ensures that you stay hydrated allowing your skin to stay supple, it also cleanses your liver which is the body's filter for the garbage. Water will ensure that your body as a whole functions more smoothly.
Adding lemon to your water gives the cleansing effects of water an extra boost while helping to prevent disease, dissolving uric acid, and aids in digestion. Drink more than 2 liters per day and you will soon see an improvement in the skin. 

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2. Almonds
Although almonds are packed with all kinds of nutrients, Vitamin E is probably our favorite component for skin health support.
Vitamin E almonds helps to brighten and soften skin and hair - it also helps as an antioxidant to repair damage.

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3. Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the best sources for antioxidants. 
Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals. Antioxidants help prevent premature aging and fight the damaging effects of free radicals. Blueberries are also high in dietary fiber for all

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4. Spinach
Our favorite nutrients in spinach are theantioxidants and lutein helping to reduce free radical damage of the skin and eyes. In addition, spinach supplies Vitamin B,Vitamin  C, Vitamin D, potassium, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, iron, and magnesium. With all of its nutrients, increasing your spinach intake will positively impact more than just your skin.
This is a Naturals COVE favorite to add to any smoothie.

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5. Wild Salmon

We love salmon because it is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids - which comes with a whole slew of benefits. It is also a good source of Vitamin D and selenium. This means supple skin; a boost of protection from sun exposure; and bone, cardiovascular, over all good health.

 Omega-3 fatty acids are supplied primarily through the consumption of fish but can also be found in nuts and seeds. So eat sushi, grill salmon, add flax seed/hemp oil to your smoothie and soon nutrition will shine through in your skin.
This article from Dr. Weil demonstrates the importance of balance between Omega-3 & Omega-6.

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5. Guava
Guava is an excellent source of the best antioxidant for skin, Lycopene. Lycopene and other carotenoids seek and destroy free radicals while blocking visible and UV light. This does NOT mean that a diet high in lycopene suggests that sunscreen is unnecessary. 
Other lycopene properties include bone health support while reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer and other diseases.
Most pink fruits contain lycopene so pick your favorite and go wild: pink grapefruit, tomatoes (cooked), watermelon, guava, etc.
Read more about lycopene here.

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6. Greek Yogurt
Calcium, protein, and probiotic rich - greek yogurt is low in sugar and fuels your body's production of good bacteria to improve digestive health and reduce inflammation. Proper digestion can alleviate skin problems such as psoriasis, acne, and eczema.
A half cup for Greek yogurt contains up to 23 grams of protein. Protein is a building block of your skin (and body) and can help with the skin repair and production of collagen for younger skin.
Substitute it in baking for oil or eggs.

Conclusion:
You can "run" but you cannot hide. It's less about what you're eating and more about what you are NOT eating. In case you forget, your diet shows up in your skin and on your hips to remind you.
Show your skin love and give it the nutritional support it deserves. Avoid processed foods (entirely!) and eat nutrient rich foods like those listed above. There are simple ways to add all of these foods to your diet - even in a simple morning shake. Shine on!

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