healthy skin

Cut off pomegranate crown, and score rind in sections, without cutting all the way through. Place in a bowl of water for 5?10 minutes. Break rind away from seeds, which will sink; strain seeds. In a food processor, combine 2 tablespoons seeds and 1 cup uncooked oatmeal. Transfer to bowl; stir in 2 tablespoons honey (an antiseptic) and 2 tablespoons buttermilk. Apply to face for a few minutes, then rinse. For rough patches (like elbows), add 3/4 cup turbinado sugar. Enjoy remaining pomegranate seeds au naturel or with your favorite cheese.

These were originally invented to restore the natural pH of skin after it had been washed with an alkaline-detergent soap. If you re using a pH-balanced cleanser, there s no need for toner, Graf says. It ll only dry your skin.

This means their pH is in sync with skin, so they gently remove sebum (an oily substance secreted by the skin) and makeup without stripping natural oils, Graf says. Look for the words pH-balanced on cleansers that contain glycolic or lactic acids and on exfoliators, she adds, because some have a low pH, which can cause dryness.

Fragrance is the most common cause of skin-care-related allergic reactions. If you re sensitive, be sure to choose products that are labeled fragrance-free. The ones that are marked unscented typically contain small amounts of fragrance to help mask the odors of active ingredients.

A good day cream juggles two jobs hydration and protection. Pick one that has plant-based moisturizers (natural oils, butters, and essential fatty acids penetrate skin better than man-made emollients like petroleum, Graf explains) and antioxidants (those from natural sources may also contain bioflavonoids and other beneficial compounds not found in synthetic versions, Hammer says), plus nonirritating physical sunblocks, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Massage is beneficial for more than just our backs. A facial massage helps stimulate fibroblasts (or cells) in the skin to release collagen and restore elasticity thats lost as we age. Many facials offer massage techniques as part of the treatment.

Think your makeup brush gets dirty? Our hands are carrying around billions of bacteria at any given time -- that inevitably gets transferred onto our faces.Never put on makeup, use skincare products, or even touch your face until you have thoroughly washed your hands, Dr. Tabor says. Bacteria are the number one culprit in skin breakouts and, despite what people think, most of the germs that reach your face do not come from the air -- they come from your own two hands.

Closed pores means less absorption of product. For maximum benefit, preface your nighttime skincare regimen by opening your pores. The best way to do this is to take a wash cloth or hand towel, soak it in hot water, and then let it rest on your face for a few moments, Dr. Tabor says. Then, apply your nighttime serums and moisturizers.

As we age, we lose bone mass, including the bones in our face. Thats right, medical studies show that your face really does shrink as you age! Dr. Tabor suggests taking calcium supplements to support facial structure. The more you can delay osteoporosis by taking calcium, the better, he says. This is the best way to prevent the appearance of skin hanging off the face.

Vitamins do a body good -- in more ways than one. One of the most important skincare products every woman should have is a high-quality vitamin. After all, your skin reflects how well you are nourished. As you age, make sure your vitamin regimen includes antioxidants and omega-3 oils, Dr. Tabor says.