Even in the hands of the most gifted facial plastic surgeon, good skincare practices both before and after a facelift are important. There are many natural, nutritionally beneficial and inexpensive ways you can practice good skincare habits at home. It all starts in your kitchen.
Many of the foods in your pantry and refrigerator are perfect for the skin, as they have properties that promote the renewal and youthful rejuvenation of the skin. Of course, these foods can be eaten as well as be applied topically. Three great examples of such foods are yogurt, honey and oatmeal. We will look at them individually below, followed by a DIY face mask recipe.
Yogurt
Rich in proteins and calcium, among other nutrients, yogurt is both healthy and delicious. It is packed full of multi-vitamins that are good for the body and skin when consumed or applied topically. Yogurt promotes healthy skin, hair and nails thanks to the following nutritional elements:
- Lactic Acid
- High levels of fat and live cultures
- Zinc
Some of the benefits of using yogurt for the skin include:
- Moisturizes skin and brightens complexion, giving the skin that healthy glow
- Fights acne
- Reduces dark spots, blemishes and discolorations
- Tightens pores, smooths wrinkles and fine lines and removes dead skin cells when used as a part of a hydrating scrub
- Heals sunburn
- Combats infections on the skin
- Has anti-aging properties
Yogurt can be applied to the skin on its own or as a part of a face mask or scrub, by way of a gentle massage. It is important to remember however, to buy plain, unsweetened yogurt when using it for the skin.
Honey
Honey has long been used as both a sweetener (sugar substitute) in beverages and foods of a wide variety, and well as for its skincare properties. Much like natural or plain unsweetened yogurt, raw honey is best when being used for the skin. This can be found in most health foods stores. Some of the most celebrated benefits of honey include:
- Treats skin irritations such as Rosacea, Eczema, and Acne
- Minimizes enlarged pores
- Reduces the effects of hyperpigmentation (dark spots & discoloration) and evens out skin tone
- Brightens dull skin
- Great for healing cuts, burns and killing bacteria and fungus on the skin
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is rich in carbohydrates, protein and fiber and for many persons is a part of a balanced and tasty breakfast. However, like yogurt and honey, oatmeal can be massaged directly into/onto the skin on its own or as a part of a homemade mask, with great results. Some of the skin benefits of oatmeal include:
- It naturally and safely deep cleanses the skin, removing dirt and oil build up from the pores
- Can be used to treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, poison ivy or chicken pox
- Removes dark spots and evens out complexion
- Relieves the itching of the skin
- Moisturizes the skin and minimizes dryness
Home-made Yogurt Face Mask
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon honey (raw honey is best)
- 1 teaspoon oats
Directions:
Combine all the ingredients above and mix well in a small mixing bowl. Apply a thick coat to your face with clean finger tips. Let it settle for 15 minutes. When the time is up, gently rinse your face with warm water and ensure the entire mask comes off. Splash cold water on your face to close up your pores. Pat dry with a soft clean towel.
Remember, this is only for occasional at-home use to refresh the skin. You should always seek a dermatologist for proper care of skin conditions and follow your plastic surgeon's instructions for care before and after facelift surgery.
