The hurried pace of back-to-school time can leave moms feeling stretched thin. Stress can increase the appearance of wrinkles and leave skin sallow and dull. Here are some tips to naturally relax the mind and body from award-winning skincare guru Vesna Stojanovic.
Beauty Sleep
Never under estimate the value of a good night’s sleep—it’s when your cells rejuvenate and gravity does its job to counteract signs of aging. Snack on cherries and walnuts and wash it down with chamomile tea before bed. These natural sources of melatonin will have you sleeping sound in no time.
Rather than spraying a synthetic fragrance, burn dried herbs to fill your home with therapeutic scents. Dried bay leaves reduce stress and help you relax. On the flip side, burn dried eucalyptus leaves for aromatic stimulation.
Skincare So Good You Can Eat It
Keep a moisturizing mask in the fridge for a refreshing way to end the day. Blend avocado, yogurt, and egg and apply on your face for 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water and your skin will be left smooth, tight, hydrated, and naturally glowing.
If egg on your face is not for you, try Biologique Recherche’s Masque VIP O2 (a la Mandy Moore) for an oxygenating and moisturizing “anti-pollution” treatment that restores radiance to stressed skin by stimulating epidermal regeneration. It’s great for sunburns too!
Food as Medicine
Start stress relief by naturally reducing your cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that, when not controlled, can contribute to hormone imbalance, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, high blood sugar levels, diabetes, osteoporosis, and body fat. Foods high in vitamin C, folic acid, glutamine, and vitamin B5 reduce cortisone levels. Add basil, golden root, sunflower seeds, and magnolia to a diet heavy in fish, legumes, and whole grains to naturally incorporate these vitamins.
DIY Detox
If you must have a glass of wine or coffee, counteract the negative effects on your body by drinking at least half a liter of water before bed and another when you wake up to flush out toxins. You can pull toxins through your mouth by swishing sunflower oil for 10 minutes. Spit the oil into the toilet once it has turned white and then rinse. Be careful not to swallow any of the now-toxin-filled oil. An added benefit to this trick is that it leaves teeth white.
Award-winning skincare guru Vesna Stojanovic founded La Jolie European Skincare to make her 30 plus years of experience in skincare accessible to her clients. She will be lending her expertise as Washingtonian MOM’s guest blogger.
