Written by: Jordan Hathaway, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
One summer break in college, I decided to join some friends on a road trip from North Carolina to New York City. I did not return home with them! I always had this dream of being a model. As a little girl, I coveted fashion magazines so much so that I would thank God for them when I said my nightly prayers. I had experienced the loss of my father, and I realized how short life could be.
Writing this makes me smile; as I remember my unwavering confidence in myself. There was no plan B. I was going to be a model no matter what. I remember going from agency to agency only to hear "No" or that I was too old. I never gave up, and I eventually got a yes.
The crazy schedules, dense makeup, and not taking care of myself eventually caught up to me. Skin being our largest organ, mine began to tell all my secrets. Now, as an esthetician and coach, here are the things I wish I had known when I started my modeling career.
13 Skin Tips For Glowing Skin
1. Control your stress
I had NEVER heard of meditation until my mid 20’s, but what a game changer! Just a few minutes of daily meditation slows down the overall aging process.
2. Wash your face!
Wash your face every night, NO MATTER WHAT! Because our skin heals while we sleep, it is vital to have a clean slate. I like to think of it as washing the day away.
Speaking of sleep, I should have prioritized that more in my early 20s. I am sure we’ve all noticed the effects not sleeping has on our appearance and mood. Consistent sleep deprivation can cause rapid depletion of skin elasticity and collagen.
4. Drink Water
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! From flushing toxins to a healthy glow, water is a superhero.
5. Do not pick your face
Avoid picking at all costs. We’ve all been there, but the body knows how to heal itself. When we take matters into our own hands, we can spread bacteria and cause scars. I recommend pimple patches for my pickers.
6. Wear sunscreen every day
Wear SPF! Sun damage is the most common and the most difficult to treat. Save your future self.
7. Low and slow
Do not overdo it with harsh products. I like to tell my clients, “low and slow.” The skin takes time to repair. By overusing harsh products, you're creating inflammation and damaging the skin.
8. Stay away from sugar
Limit your sugar intake. There are zero health benefits to sugar. Sugar makes your skin age prematurely by breaking down collagen and elastin. It also causes inflammation in the body which can lead to acne breakouts.
9. Wash your pillowcases
Change pillowcases often. Ideally, you should be washing your pillowcases every 2-4 days.
10. Get Moving!
Exercise helps to balance hormone levels and detoxes the body.
11. Get regular facials
Skin is your largest organ! Why would you not go to a professional to make sure it is in its best shape? This is also a great time to ask any skin-related questions you may have.
12. Keep your dirty phone away from your face!
When using your phone opt for headphones or the speaker option. If you must put your phone to your face, make sure that it has been sanitized. Phones carry so much bacteria. The last thing you want to do is spread that bacteria to your face.
13. Ice, ice, baby!
Increase circulation. Before castings and shoots, I would fill up a big bowl with ice water and dunk my face in it. After the ice, I would massage my face with a moisturizing product. This combo helps to depuff, soothe inflammation, and reduce redness. It brings oxygen to the skin giving you an instant radiant glow!
Jordan Hathaway, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Jordan is an expert in holistic skin, integrative health & overall wellness. Jordan was a high fashion model in New York City, but as her success continued to rise, her health was declining on all fronts. She was living with chronic health conditions, was overmedicated, dependent on alcohol & had a lot of unresolved trauma. She finally decided to stop listening to all those who told her she was unwell & she slowly healed herself holistically. Creating a new lease on life, she has dedicated herself to helping others to do the same. She owns Hathaway Holistic of Miami, FL, where she focuses on holistic high-tech facials and assisting others to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.
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