We all want to look and feel more beautiful, even when we’re having one of *those* days. We wonder: are there quick tips to add to our beauty bucket list? You bet.
In fact, we asked a few beauty experts (you know, the ones who know everything about dermatology, longevity, psychology and even plastic surgery) to bring you 10 unexpected things you may want to try to feel more beautiful every day. And here they are.
10 UNEXPECTED THINGS YOU CAN DO TO FEEL YOUR MOST BEAUTIFUL
1. Drink only water for 30 days.
Imagine the benefits to your skin, hair, nails and overall body when you cut out sugars, caffeine, alcohol, and anything artificial and go straight H20.
We know it’s a tall order, and may even be impossible. But Dr. Christopher Calapai D.O., anti aging and stem cell specialist, suggests you drink pure water and if it gets boring add lemon, lime, or blueberries.
Within the first week, you will notice skin that is plump, glowing, clear and soft. By the second week, people will take notice and start asking what you have done. The difference, for those who stick to a water only beverage plan for 30 days, is astounding.
2. Ditch all facial products for a month.
Look at your bathroom countertop and drawers. Product overload? Yeah, us too. Perhaps you bought into the promises of one product then jumped to another and another. Clear the clutter and clear your skin. Dr. Kally Papantoniou, a New York dermatologist, says.
She urges people to get rid of old expired skincare products and get back to basics. If you use a simple non comedogenic facial cleanser and a moisturizer with SPF each day for a month, you will allow the skin to heal itself and return to a natural state. After two weeks of a simplified skincare regimen, you may see fewer and less intense breakouts, less dryness or less oil.
3. Change your hair colour and style.
It’s quite common for women to drastically change their hair after a break-up but why wait for an emotional upheaval? Have long hair? Try a pixie cut! Have a short brown bob? Go blonde or even pink!
Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a NYC-based neuropsychologist, explains that our hair is a huge part of our identity. When we really want a change in our lives, the fastest way to shift your mind towards forward progression is to alter our appearance in a major way. The best thing about experimenting with hair is that it can grow back and you can enjoy different styles during the grow out process. Go for it!
4. Give the girls a lift or go smaller!
Dr. John Zannis, a plastic surgeon from North Carolina, says that breast augmentation, especially on moms who breastfed, can be a game changer. These women often feel as if their breasts don’t match their zest for life. They want them lifted and fuller and back to what they once were.
Women whose smaller frame can’t handle large breasts may be suffering with back and neck strain and even nerve damage can benefit from breast reduction. For some, breast reduction changes lives. Women feel free going from an F cup to a full B. No more neck aches and shoulder pain not to mention bra straps digging into skin.
5. Learn to meditate.
Want to appear 5 – 10 years younger within a month? Start meditating. Studies have shown that people who meditate are more optimistic, more calm and able to remain focused. They seem to breathe more deeply and have this general vibe of self-awareness.
People who meditate know how to declutter their minds of worrisome thoughts that only perpetuate accelerated aging and illness. Dr. Hafeez encourages her patients to meditate by engaging all 5 senses. When we sit or lay still and focus on our breathing and immediate surroundings, we become fully present.
6. Get a skin check up, head to toe by a pro.
People mistakenly think that total body skin screenings are for the pale and cancer prone. This is not the case. Even people who never burn in the sun should have a check up.
There are places where precancerous moles like to hide such as in the scalp, behind ears, in-between toes and under nails. According to Dr. Papantoniou, it’s always good to be safe and get moles and other growths looked at as we age.
7. Get it “fixed.”
Maybe you broke your nose playing soccer at 14 and it never healed right, affecting your breathing and making even a common cold a catastrophe. Now that you’re an adult and your facial bones have settled into place, it may be time to consider a nose job.
Dr. Zannis warns that a broken nose can complicate breathing which can lead to sleep apnea and a host of other sinus issues. Most of the time it’s not only a cosmetic issue but it goes deeper than that. It’s important that the functionality of the nose is a priority.
8. Buy a luxurious bathrobe.
Those robes found at spas and 5-star hotels are comfortable, really really, really comfortable. It’s amazing how something so simple can really make you feel so beautiful. Adding a touch of luxury to your life is a kind way to pamper yourself.
Women of all shapes and sizes have body issues so if it feels great to wrap your body in a plush terry cloth robe so treat yourself at home.
9. Go back to bedtime.
When we sleep, our body repairs itself. When we are overworked, over worried and sleep deprived, our bodies don’t have the time to regenerate. This leads to a slower metabolism, poor organ function and sallow, wrinkled skin.
As we age, we need a set bedtime and wake-time. The sleep cycle is pivotal for cellular turnover. New mothers often see more wrinkles and a difference in skin texture and radiance because they are awakened several times during the night. Dr. Calapai recommends that adults make sure to get between 6 and 8 hours of sleep each night.
10. Get those earlobes repaired!
Are your lobes a mess? From the most simple ear lobe repair for a torn ear lobe, to the more complex repair of ear gauges, you can now have your ear lobe back. Dr. Papantoniou offers this procedure in office, with local anesthesia and stitches that are dissolvable. The ear heals very quickly and scars are minimal. The ear can be re-pierced 2-3 months after having the repair surgery.
Regardless of where you are on your beauty journey of life know that how we feel matters most and feeling good from the inside always makes the outside more healthy, vibrant and beautiful.
