Beauty basics with SHAHNAZ HUSAIN
External beauty is what is visible. It includes the skin, hair, eyes, teeth, nails, figure and much more. For example, when we talk of the figure, we are not merely talking about height and weight but also posture and grace.
Many people think that cosmetic care will work miracles. But cosmetic care can give you short-term gains. If you wish to acquire, maintain and preserve all the aspects of beauty, you have to take some common factors and little things into consideration. These are physical fitness, nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress control and regular external care.
You do not have to be born beautiful. You can acquire it because beauty is the outcome of good internal health and regular external care. Internal health and external beauty are closely related. A beautiful woman has a vitality that comes from sheer good health. For flawless skin, shiny hair and a slim figure, good health must be on top of the list.
Some form of daily exercise is necessary for fitness, a slim and supple figure, good posture and grace. Yoga, cycling and jogging are great ways to work up a sweat. Make sure to wash your face before working out, especially if you are wearing makeup. Shower right after you work out to avoid reabsorbing everything you just sweat out.
Exercise, together with a balanced diet, can work wonders. Not only does it build up stamina and strength but improves blood circulation to the skin and scalp. Every tissue of the body needs oxygen, so begin your exercises by doing deep breathing in front of an open window. You should check with your doctor before beginning a regular exercise routine.
Walking is a good physical activity. About 25% of the body’s elimination occurs through perspiration. Keep things circulating by sweating. Sit in a sauna, exercise, or do both. Exercising also releases endorphins, and we know being happy makes you that much more beautiful. Also, getting your heart rate up will give your cheeks some colour while keeping your heart healthy.
I have observed that regular aerobic exercise can improve the skin’s composition. It makes the skin’s outer layer thinner and thickens the inner layers — the opposite of what happens as we age. This results in smoother, younger-looking skin.
The right diet is absolutely essential to good looks. The food you eat affects the skin, hair, eyes, teeth and nails. Dark under-eye circles, dull complexions, dandruff, hair loss, brittle nails and so on, are some of the beauty problems which are linked to dietary faults.
A diet for beauty should be high in vitamin-rich food and low in carbohydrates and sugar. These include leafy greens, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, and fatty fish, such as salmon. Adding probiotics to your diet may help treat and prevent skin conditions, such as eczema and acne, as well as skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) light.
Healthy fats like those found in nuts, flaxseed and avocados can help replenish your body’s ability to make healthy and strong cell membranes.
Fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts and yogurt (dahi) should be included in the daily diet. Eating such raw food ensures adequate supply of nutrients. Eat wholegrain cereals and exclude foods containing refined cereals (like maida). Reduce your consumption of tea, coffee and alcohol.
The over consumption of aerated drinks, coffee and alcohol can be a root cause for blood pressure spikes, diabetes and liver and kidney diseases. Excess consumption can cause weight gain, skin dryness, premature ageing and can even trigger skin conditions like rosacea or psoriasis.
Have freshly extracted fruit and vegetable juices, lassi and clear soups. Avoid fried snacks and foods. Avoid rich sweets and confectionary items. After your meals, keep to fresh fruits instead. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of water and have it first thing in the morning. Drinking adequate water helps to eliminate toxins and wastes from the system.
Adequate sleep is also essential to beauty. Sleep is a way of restoring energy to the body and is nature’s best cure. It is a beauty treatment in itself.
A positive attitude is also important because the mind and body are closely related. All of us encounter a certain amount of stress and anxiety in our daily life. Sadness wears on us, physically as well as emotionally. Negative emotions like depression, anger and stress can lead to digestive problems, weaken your immune system and decrease your life expectancy.
It is a matter of learning how to cope with negative emotions. We have to train our minds towards positive thinking and relaxation. Regular patterns of rest and exercise, along with hobbies and interests certainly help.
Going makeup-less one
day a week will give your pores a chance to breathe. If going without makeup doesn’t sound fun to you, make sure you use mineral makeup so your skin does not absorb toxic chemicals.
