Upgrade your bath

Upgrade your bath
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Treat dry, rough, itchy skin with these bath add-ins:

  • 230g of sea salt and 450g baking soda. Soak until the water is cool to detoxify your skin and soothe the itch.
  • Two cups Epsom salt. In addition to soaking in it, while your skin is still wet, rub handfuls of Epsom salt on the rough areas to exfoliate skin.
  • A few bags of your favourite tea. The tea provides antioxidants as well as a delicious scent.
  • One cup uncooked oatmeal tied into an old stocking or muslin bag. Oats are not only wonderful for your inner health, but provide a healthy glow on the outside as well, leaving a film on your skin that seals in water.
  • Equal parts of apple cider vinegar, wheat germ and sesame oil. Apple cider vinegar is both antibacterial and alkalinising (meaning it helps maintain the proper acid balance), while sesame oil and wheat germ add moisture.
  • One cup powdered milk with one tablespoon grapeseed oil. The lactic acid in the milk will exfoliate your skin, and the grapeseed oil will give your skin a powerful dose of antioxidants.
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Repair skin while you sleep

Repair skin while you sleep
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For soft, young-looking hands and feet, slather on moisturising cream and then slip on thin fabric socks and gloves while you sleep.

Finding it hard to doze off? Here’s an essential guide to a deeper sleep.

Run a humidifier every night in the winter

Run a humidifier every night in the winter
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“A humidifier will provide additional moisture to the indoor air, especially in winter months when heating systems are running, resulting in hot dry air inside in addition to the cold dry air outside,” says Dr Brauer. Providing this moisture will not only ease itchy, dry skin, but you’ll be able to breathe the moist air more easily.

Considering a humidifier? These hand hints will help you choose the most suitable.

Hang room-darkening shades in your bedroom

Hang room-darkening shades in your bedroom
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They help avoid sleep disturbances or insomnia caused by ambient light. Sleep is critical to your skin’s health because most cell repair and regeneration occurs while you’re getting your Z’s; if you’re not getting enough rest, your skin cannot renew itself.

Know what to avoid

Know what to avoid
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Avoid these three skin destroyers: smoking, tanning salons and sunbathing. Most doctors agree that all three will age your skin prematurely.

Serious about quitting? These products will help you quit smoking.

Never, ever rub your eyes

Never, ever rub your eyes
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“Repetitive rubbing can cause irritation or inflammation that results in post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation, or dark patches around your eyes,” says Dr Brauer. “The skin may also become thickened, or lichenified, with increased skin markings.” Apply compresses instead. The skin on your face is extremely delicate, especially under your eyes. If your eyes itch, apply a cold compress or washcloth to the area, or try a cotton pad moistened with toner or witch hazel.

Keep your hands off your face

Keep your hands off your face
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Because your hands touch so many surfaces, they are a magnet for dirt and germs (as you probably know by now!). Rub your eyes, stroke your chin, cup your cheek, and you’ve transferred everything on your hands to your face – bad news if you want glowing skin. Use headphones or a headset when talking on the phone to keep hands and germs away from your face, too.

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Source: RD.com

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