I could make it short – to age with grace and look good there are three capital rules :
– keep clean
– keep hydrated
– sleep enough
In my family I certainly was lucky – I never had pimples! Freckles yes, and very proud of them. My father always said : “a woman without freckles is like a sky without stars”.
But I had and have a very dry skin. Not only on my face, but all over my body – a real problem if you try to look your best and healthy.
I admit I am also a compulsive cleaner – everything one cannot wash is not clean enough for me. And in most big cities the water is calcareous. This certainly dries the skin, you must have seen it. Taking sometimes two showers a day in very hot summer days becomes a problem, especially when using afterwards a rich cream or lotion just makes you swet anew. And so the third shower comes along.
Therefore I tried different methods.
Of course, using a nourishing lotion is a must. And I tried traditional or very expensive ones. The most expensive managed to give me pimples! And slowly I restrained the names of the producers.
I take twice a week a shower scrubbing my body with fresh coffee grounds. Not my neck and face. I also use rough hemp towels (for face and neck too). I know it is not easy to find them nowadays.
And after them comes the creamy side.
Face and neckline with the most normal Nivea (the dark blue box – I lately read japanese experts found it is the best facial treatment, as the active substances are in bigger quantity then in more expensive creams, where 70% of the price is going to the publicity). Of course, in the warm season, I put a very thin layer. I first cream my hands and massage what is left on them on my face and neckline.
I have to cream a little more on my leggs – yes, I told you my skin is very dry!
Secont important thing is to hydrate all the cells of the body. This includes the skin on face and neck, but also all internal organs. When young I thought myself to drink every day three liters of water (see the post: Granny’s water tips). It has not pleasant in the beginning but I went on. After 40 years I must say it is true, I am in very good health and satisfied with my looks. Even if in fact in these 3 liters one should include soups, fresh fruit juices, milk, etc. But when I don’t have time for them, water will do.
And here comes the third aspect : rest and sleep, as you have to keep in mind that the skin is nourished most while we sleep. If you come home late from a party and fall directly in the bed, you’ll wake up next morning with a tired face, dark circles and your skin will not have had time to regenerate after a tiresome evening, cigarette smoke and sweating, make up and excitement. It is essential to clean thoroughly the skin and nourish it. And, of course, have a good sleep.
At sea side in the summer, if the ionized air does a lot of good to your breath, sinuses, lungs and skin, on the other hand the salt in the air, the strong sun, the salted sea water do less good. Always rince your whole body with tap water, protect it from the strong UV rays and don’t forget to nourish it EVERY DAY with a good product. Greek tradition recomends olive oil ! It can be perfumed with one drop of lavender essential oil or rose if you prefer.
