Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Wear It Wednesday ... The Skin You're In

Looking your best starts with glowing skin.


When I posted this photo a few weeks ago, there were numerous comments about my skin and my courage to be in a closeup with a woman who may not even be twenty yet. That's me with Abby Hathorn who is also a blogger at VintageInspiredPassionista. (There is no filter on the camera and I do not even know how to use Photoshop.) My skin is not as firm and smooth as Ms. Hathorn's, but I will be fifty-eight in three months and is about twenty years old.


I have also been asked many times about my skincare routine for the whole body, not just the face.

Our skin is constantly shedding and flaking off as new cells replace old ones. We often add oils and lotions to our skin, which also produces its own natural oils. The cells that should flake off can't, which leaves our skin not looking so smooth and clear. The skin can look a bit ashy instead of clean and bright or even break out because of trapped oils.



The secret weapons for my best skin include a natural bristle body brush, clean washcloth, olive oil, or coconut oil.


This natural bristle brush comes with a detachable handle and can be found in most drug stores as well as Walmart. I use the brush on my body before each shower. Sit down and relax while gently rubbing the brush in small circles over your whole body except for the face. Start with the feet and always work toward your heart. This sloughs off dead skin cells but also helps with circulation.

Hot water on a clean washcloth massaged into my face each morning feels wonderful. I use hot tap water as warm as my hands can tolerate and massage my face with the cloth until it starts to cool. Repeat this eight times. Follow with eight cold massages. Splash with cool water and then dry. 

Before bed each night, massage olive oil or coconut oil onto your face and body. After about five minutes, it has been absorbed, and your skin will feel smooth and soft. 

I use many items from the kitchen for skincare because I experience the least amount of reactions, such as redness and puffiness. A great exfoliant for the face (avoid the eye area) is sugar or salt mixed with your favorite cleanser. I often wear a hat when I am outside for long periods.



What you put in your body is important too! 

This pretty cut glass pitcher full of spring water and the juice of two organic lemons or cucumber slices is the first thing I see when I open my fridge. This is the water I sip all day.

Other items in my fridge are what contribute to healthy skin and body. Fresh fruit, unsalted natural nuts, seeds, and plain Greek yogurt are other items you will almost always find in my fridge. (Lower right corner... I wash grapes and keep them in a colander with a wet paper towel over them to keep them crunchy and fresh tasting.)

Get six or seven hours of sleep each night. Drink a glass of wine occasionally if you wish. Eat mostly fresh fruits and vegetables. Go for a brisk walk each morning for about a half-hour.

Now you know all my secrets!

10 comments:

Sheri said...

I do love the lemon/cucumber water idea. Great advice!

Anonymous said...

I like the lemon/water tip. Ever try freezing washed grapes. Love to snack on them especially on a hot day. Putting a few frozen grapes in a glass of white/rose wine adds a nice flair.

Sharla said...

Thank you, Susan, I love everything you share! ♥

Cindy said...

Susan, you always look fabulous and share wonderfully healthy tips. I am definitely going to use some sugar in my Neutrogena wash. I think you look particularly stunning in that photo because you have on what is arguably your best color...and so close to your face!
This should convince you to wear it more!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Well you look great! I think I'll be trying these tips!

Donna said...

Thanks for sharing a bit of your personal routine. I daresay the young lady would be wise to follow your regime. You always look so calm and rested, which is good for the skin. Have to try the water infusion...

Fancifrocks said...

Great tips . I'm a little older than you. Just turned 62. My skins not bad. Its not as clear as yours. You look like you have been blessed with good genes as well. Your mother and your sister also have lovely skin as noticed in a photo. As for dry brushing it is wonderful. My yoga teacher put me onto it a few months ago and my skin looks remarkably better. Thank you. Ann

Anonymous said...

Susan, you always look so fresh and beautiful in each photo you share with the many ladies who follow your posts....I was wondering if you use the organic coconut oil around your eyes or if not what do you use? Thanks you for all your helpful hints.Have a blessed weekend. Ramona

JacquiG said...

Your skin always looks wonderful and you are glowing in this picture. Thanks for sharing your routine and I will be trying some of your tips.

Pam said...

Wonderful tips! I am about your age, and my skin looked very young for my age until a couple of summers ago(the really HOT one), which I spent out in the sun, daily, without sunscreen, gardening. BAD idea. My skin aged considerably that summer. I love the idea of using olive or coconut oil. Do you use one of those in the morning after you clean your skin, or just at night? Thanks!