How Anyone Can Become Naturally Beautiful

Humans have been trying to augment their physical appearance with compounds and chemicals since they first started looking at one another. Even today, most men and women chase attractiveness by smearing their faces with thick makeups composed of who-knows-what. In fact, several studies have found that modern makeup usually includes compounds that can actually do astounding damage to the skin. For example:

• Phthalates, used to add fragrance, has been linked to late-life breast cancer.
• Triclosan, which limits bacterial growth, interferes with thyroid hormones.
• Parabens, preservatives in makeup, have been identified in breast tumors.
• Lead, found in more than 650 cosmetics, is a well-known neurotoxin.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to achieve naturally beautiful, radiant, youthful skin without doing untold harm to the body. These easy, natural tricks and tips will keep your mind, body, and soul beautiful as well as healthy.

Get Enough Vitamins

You probably know that your body needs nutrition to survive, but you might not realize how vital certain vitamins and minerals are for maintaining a beautiful and healthy appearance. Highly processed foods don’t usually contain enough nutrients, so a diet consisting wholly of junk and pre-packaged foods usually doesn’t produce the same glowing, youthful beauty as a diet of whole foods, like grains, fruits, and vegetables. To get the most out of your diet, here are the vitamins you should look for:

• Vitamin A rebuilds tissues, which will smooth wrinkles, lines, and rough skin.
• Vitamin C aids in synthesis of collagen, which makes skin supple rather than sagging.
• Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, removing free-radicals which cause premature aging.

Sleep More

Beauty sleep is more than a punchline: Sleep is the only time your body can devote all of its energy toward repair and maintenance. While you doze, your skin grows new, young cells replace the old, and your hormones rebalance. When you miss a few hours of precious sleep, your body won’t be able to complete its necessary changes, and you will wake up looking (and feeling) washed out and beat up. Thus, you should strive to uphold a strict sleeping schedule. You can also hedge your beauty sleep bets with a more comfortable and supportive mattress; most sleepers find they sleep better with a number bed, which they can program to the perfect position and firmness.

Cut the Stress

Prolonged, intense stress — like that originating from a trying career or a troubled family life — has myriad negative effects on the body, all of which in turn impact appearance. For example, stress can cause more acid to appear in the digestive system, which leads to dry, dull skin. Additionally, common facial expressions during times of stress, including the furrowed brow or clenched jaw, can cause deep lines and wrinkles on the face that persist for a lifetime.

Instead of turning to chemical peels and other harsh skin treatments, you should limit your stress as much as possible. There are dozens of effective techniques for combatting stress, from meditation, mindfulness, and massage to vigorous cardiovascular exercise. Your worries don’t have to show on your face.

Rely on Oils

From your very first pimple, you probably learned that acne is the result of body oils that clog pores and cause infections. As a result, millions of teenagers flock to products that counteract the supposedly dangerous oils and leave the face completely oil free.

Unfortunately, the skin needs oil more than any other substance to look radiant and healthy; the waxes, chemicals, and water commercial creams and washes substitute for oil actually interfere with the skin’s ability to repair, which causes lasting damage. Here are some oils you can apply topically for natural cleansing and strengthening:

• Almond oil
• Argon oil
• Avocado oil
• Carrot seed oil
• Coconut oil
• Cyprus oil
• Frankincense oil
• Lemon oil

Make Beauty Products at Home

There are dozens of store-bought beauty products that you can make from natural household products, and usually, your homemade creations are healthier and more effective than the chemical-laden items you have been paying for. Here are a few easy recipes:

Skin Softening Face Mask.Once a week, gently warm 1 tablespoon of raw honey (not processed or pasteurized honey) with your hands, and apply it to your face. Let dry for five to 10 minutes, then gently rinse off with warm water.

Natural Clarifying Shampoo. Mix 1/4 cup organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with 1 cup water, and pour through hair. Rise, and follow with conditioner for strong, smooth hair.

Hair Shining Treatment.Mix 1 raw egg and a ripe, mashed banana until a thick paste forms. Apply this directly to your hair, and let it set for about 30 minutes. Wash the mixture out with shampoo; there is no need to condition.