Body maintenance should be an integral part of any beauty regime, enhancing the appearance of your body will improve your self-image and self-esteem.
BODY MAINTENANCE
Tending to your body’s outer beauty needs is just as important as looking after your face. If you are scrupulous about applying facial moisturizer, why would you neglect hydrating your .body? If you look after the delicate skin around your eyes, why would you overlook your decollete? Apart from making you look good and feel good, many body treatments are more than skin-deep. They can shift unwanted toxins and boost circulation to improve your general health. Pampering your body also provides the perfect opportunity to switch off, relax and completely unwind.
EXFOLIATION
On average your skin naturally renews itself every 28 days, but this process slows down as you age. Dead cells build up, making your skin look dull and feel rough . Regular exfoliation gives your skin a polished finish and increases circulation . Use a loofah, body mitt or scrub to massage damp skin, working over your body in small, circular motions. Pay attention to areas that are prone to dryness, such as your knees, elbows and feet. For the best result s, aim to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week.
BODY BRUSHING
Dry skin brushing is a more intense form of exfoliation. While whisking away dead cells, the brush strokes also stimulate lymphatic drainage and eliminate as much as one third of your body’s wastes. Dry skin brushing also offers your body the same stimulation as a good massage or 20 minutes’ exercise (although it should not replace physical activity). Before showering, use a soft-bristled brush and work over your body (but not your face) using long, sweeping movements. Start at the sales of your feet and work up your legs. Then work on your arms and torso, brushing up towards your heart. Work over your abdomen in clockwise strokes. Start with gentle pressure and as your skin becomes used to the sensation, increase the pressure. When you finish brushing, take a warm shower and then smooth moisturizer all over your body. As a result of the body’s purification process, you may find that the odd pimple appears on your skin after brushing.
BODY SOLUTIONS :
Create a body scrub. By mixing a handful of oatmeal and bran with a little rose water. Massage this mixture into damp skin and then rinse it off.
If you use a body brush. Wash it regularly in warm, soapy water to remove impurities and dead skin cells.
If you have sensitive skin. Rub a towel over your body instead of a body brush. This will be more gentle on delicate skin.
Don’t exfoliate or brush. Areas of skin prone to disorders such as psoriasis, eczema, varicose veins or any patches of broken skin. Instead, work around them.
If you brush your skin daily. Take a week’s break every month. Otherwise your body becomes used to the treatment, making it less effective. Care for neglected skin.
With a double-strength exfoliating treat. First massage a scrub into damp skin, then work over your body with a mitt or loofah while you are in the shower.
BATHING : Soaking in a bathtub can be a therapeutic experience for both mind and body. Warm water dissipates aches and pains and eases tension, so the temperature of the water should be approximately 35°C. If it is any hotter, your pulse rate will increase, making you feel drained and weak after bathing.
AROMATHERAPY OILS. Added to the bath can aid everything from skin complaints to muscle fatigue, depending on your needs (see page 1821. Always add oil to the bath after the water has run and then stir the water to disperse the droplets.
A SALT BATH. Is reputed to enhance a body-cleansing regime. Before going to bed, run a warm bath and add 250g Epsom salts and 250g sea salt. Relax for 10- 15 minutes, topping up the warm water when necessary. Do not use soap as this interferes with the activity of the salts. Afterward, pat your skin dry and get into a pre-heated bed. Expect to sweat profusely and sleep deeply – this is all part of the detoxification process. Ensure that you have a glass of water at hand to help replenish lost liquid. Have this type of treatment once a month.
HYDRATION : Just as your face requires moisturizer, so does your body. After showering or bathing, always slather on a hydrating preparation while the skin IS slightly damp. If you’re pushed for time, use a body spray for hydration. They are easy to apply and quickly absorbed by the skin. For an indulgent experience, use a scented body lotion that matches your existing fragrance.
GIVE YOURSELF A QUICK MASSAGE. While applying moisturizer if you have the time. This is a good opportunity to boost circulation, tackle cellulite, reduce water retention and alleviate stress all at once. Use the following basic massage movements to work on the problem zones of your body: start and end a massage with light, gentle strokes known as effleurage, which relax and warm the muscles. Then work on problem areas with petrissage, deep rhythmic, kneading movements. Using your fingertips and palms, these stimulating movements help to disperse toxin build-up In the skin cells. Follow with tapotement, invigorating slapping and cupping movements that improve overall muscle tone. (For self-massage, see page 178.)
BODY SOLUTIONS :
If you have dry skin. Add two tablespoons of sweet almond oil to your bath, as well as your choice of essential oil
If you have sunburnt skin. Have a cool bath laced with eight drops of camomile oil and eight tablespoons of cider vinegar to soothe your skin. Never apply pure essential oils to burnt skin.
If you have a headache. Relax in a warm bath and put a steaming hot towel around your neck and shoulders to ease the pain.
Customise body products. By mixing fragrance-free moisturizer with a few drops of your favorite perfume. Enrich moisturizer by mixing it with a capsule of vitamin E oil.
If you run out of moisturizer. Use wheatgerm oil instead. It’s similar in structure to the skin’s natural lubricant, sebum, and is enriched with vitamins A, B, C and E, which condition your skin.
BODY KNOW HOW :
Improve the appearance of your body by taking problems with the latest beautifying treatments and take preventative steps to help maintain your overall body condition.
STRETCH MARKS : Stretch marks usually occur on the breasts and abdomen due to weight increase, during pregnancy or as a result of vitamin deficiencies. There is apparently no cure for stretch marks, but to lessen their appearance ensure that you have an adequate intake of zinc, silica and vitamin B6 in your diet and apply pure vitamin E oil to your skin. To temporarily disguise any marks, use a waterproof make-up base.
BODY ODOUR : On average you lose one litre of water through perspiration each day. Sweating is your body’s temperature control and waste disposal mechanism. Perspiration is actually odourless when it leaves your body – it only begins to smell when it comes into contact with bacteria, usually after about six hours. Antiperspirants block the pores to prevent sweating, which is not ideal as it can lead to toxin build-up. Deodorants are safer to use as they merely disguise the smell..
HAIR REMOVAL: Removing excess body hair can be tedious. Shaving is the quickest and easiest way to achieve smooth, hair-free legs and underarms. Instead of using shaving gels or creams, simply use hair conditioner – it does the lob and helps condition your skin at the same time. Waxing is the best method of hair removal as regrowth can take up to six weeks to appear. If you can’t stand the pain of waxing or want a permanent solution, there are treatments available that use lasers to zap hairs at the roots. After a course of these treatments, excess hair should have disappeared but it’s a costly procedure.
VARICOSE VEINS : Swollen and knotted superficial veins can be hereditary, or they can develop in association with pregnancy, obesity, vitamin deficiencies or as a result of standing for prolonged periods. To prevent varicose veins, eat fibre-rich foods and drink at least two litres of water daily. Avoid crossing your legs and standing for long periods and put your feet up regularly. Varicose veins can be removed with sclerotherapy.
CELLULITE : There is no miracle cure (apart from liposuction) to eradicate orange-peel thighs. Slathering on cream is not going to shift stubborn patches of cellulite. However, with an effective beauty regime, a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet and regular exercise, you can expect to see an improvement. Steer clear of alcohol, sugar. butter and animal fats, dairy produce and excess amounts of salt.
POSTURE : Good posture goes hand-in-hand with a better self-image. If you spend hours slaving over a computer, bending over or carrying heavy loads, it’s likely that your posture is out of balance, which can affect the proper functioning of the rest of your organs. Specific therapies performed under guidance focus on realigning the body to maintain optimum health.
Pilates. Promotes better body awareness through exercises that readdress muscle tone and balance. It works by stimulating the muscles opposite to those that are overworked . To accompany each movement, rhythmic breathing helps to release tension and rids the body of waste products.
Rolfing. Employs deep, sometimes painful. Massage movements that manipulate the muscles’ connective tissue to restore harmony to every part of the body.
The Alexander Technique. Addresses the mind- body link and looks at how stress and emotions affect the body’s alignment. Much emphasis is placed on the region at the base of the neck, where nerve fibres transmit information about the state of the body’s muscles and joints to the brain. When the muscles in this area become tense, the body falls out of balance. The Alexander Technique helps to control this imbalance.
THREAD VEINS : Thread veins can be hereditary, or the result of sun damage, excess weight loss or pregnancy. If you suffer from networks of surface veins, avoid saunas and steer clear of hot water as these veins. A fine needle is injected into the vein to expel the blood from flowing back in. Sclerotherapy is relatively painless and the only after-effect is a little bruising which lasts for several days. Thread veins can also be removed with laser treatments.
TARGET ZONES :
BREASTS & DECOLLETE : Often neglected, the delicate skin of the bust and decollete is susceptible to signs of ageing. A five-minute daily massage with a bust-care preparation will improve your skin’s texture and help postpone sagging. To massage, put one hand behind your head and using the other hand, work around the breasts in a figure of eight. Repeat using the other hand.
VISUALLY AND MANUALLY EXAMINE YOUR BREASTS. Once a month, preferably the day after your period ends. Watch for variations in nipple size, dimpling of the skin and any color changes. Then either stand or lie down and use the pads of your fingers to examine each breast, pressing firmly and working in small, circular motions. Start at the outside of the breast, working inwards in a spiral towards the nipple. Then work up to the decollete and under the armpit. If you locate any suspicious lumps, consult a doctor for a thorough examination. The majority of breast lumps are benign.
UPPER BODY : Because of the amount of oil-producing glands on the back and shoulders, blemishes can be a common occurrence. Use a body brush or loofah to exfoliate this area, wash it with a medicated cleansing bar and then zap blemishes by dabbing on lavender oil. For serious conditions, see a doctor .
THE UPPER BODY, ESPECIALLY THE ARMS. Is a common site for malignant moles. Keep a check on any freckles and moles on your torso and the rest of your body. If you notice any changes, always have them checked by the experts.
HIPS & THIGHS : To keep your hips and thighs in shape, blitz them with a high-powered jet of water from the shower head. To break down cellulite and shift unwanted toxins, alternate the water temperature from warm to cold. Mountain biking, step aerobics and running will also help tone this region of your body.
ASSESS YOUR DIET. It’s true that what passes through the lips ends up on the hips and thighs. Research shows that specific foods are linked with cellulite. Avoid sugars and starches, choose chicken and fish instead of red meat, steer clear of animal fats such as butter and limit your consumption of salt and spices. Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.
LEG CARE : Beautiful legs thrive on two simple strategies: exfoliating and moisturizing. Your legs have fewer sebaceous glands than the rest of your body, so they are prone to dryness, especially on the shins. Keep moisture levels on your legs topped up and exfoliate regularly.
IF YOU HAVE TO STAND FOR LONG PERIODS. Rock to and fro on the balls of your feet to boost circulation and rotate each ankle to help the calf muscles pump blood back up your legs. If you have to sit down for hours, the flow of blood to the legs slows down, causing swollen feet and calves. To avoid this, get up regularly and walk around.
HANDS : Pay special attention to your hands when tending to your beauty needs. Exfoliate them regularly to remove dry skin and slather on hand cream. Use a preparation containing sunscreen whilst outdoors.
FINGER EXERCISES. Can help prevent Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS), formerly known as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). This syndrome occurs from constant, repetitive actions, such as typing. Exercise your fingers by clenching them into a ball, then slowly release them and stretch the fingers out. Rotate your wrists in circular motions.
TREAT YOURSELF TO A MANICURE. Each week. When shaping your nails, file in one direction only to prevent causing damage to the nail plate. Leaving old nail polish on while filing your nails will help protect them.
REMOVE OLD NAIL POLISH. Using an acetone formula. Press a cotton wool pad soaked in nail polish remover onto the nail plate for a few seconds, allowing the remover to soak through the polish. It can then be removed easily in one wipe.
TO TREAT CUTICLES. Soak your fingers in warm water mixed with One tablespoon of olive oil for 10 minutes. Then use an orange stick or cotton bud to push the cuticles back gently. Never trim them with cuticle clippers. Wash your hands with warm water (not soap), then dry them thoroughly with a tissue. This removes any residue in preparation for polish application.
TO APPLY NAIL POLISH. Paint one stripe down the centre of the nail from the base to the nail tip, then paint one brush stroke on either side, avoiding the nail edges. This elongates the nail and makes your fingers look slender. For the best results, apply two coats of polish. If you’re wearing colored varnish, always use a base coat to prevent staining the nail plate.
FEET : Care for your feet by exfoliating them regularly. After relaxing in a bath for 10 minutes, get to work on your soles with a pumice stone. Gently exfoliate, working in small, circular motions to remove stubborn patches of dry skin.
GIVE YOURSELF A REGULAR PEDICURE. Soak your feet in a bowl of warm water laced with a few drops of lavender or almond oil. Exfoliate your feet and gently scrub the cuticles with a nail brush. Cut your toenails straight across and smooth the edges with the coarse side of an emery board. Paint your nails with a polish of your choice.
BODY SOLUTIONS :
Nail polish. Can take over eight hours to dry until it’s dent-proof. Paint your nails before going to bed to allow maximum drying time.
Protect your hands. By wearing cotton-lined gloves when gardening or doing household chores and wear rubber gloves when washing up.
To strengthen your nails. Always wear a coat of clear polish.
French-manicure your nails. By painting the tip of each nail with white polish. Leave them to dry and then apply another coat to the nail tip. Finish with a layer of clear polish over the entire nail.
For odour -free feet. Wipe your soles with surgical spirit twice a day.
A foot massage. Can be a tonic for your entire body. Apply moisturizer or body oil and knead the sale of each foot. Then work over the top of the foot and up the leg with long sweeping motions.
To relieve aching feet. Rub your sales with cider vinegar or lemon juice.
III-fitting shoes. Are best avoided as they can cause problems later in life.
For a skin -softening treat. Smooth a thin film of Vaseline onto your feet and wear a pair of cotton socks to bed. The heat generated will intensify the skin-softening properties of the Vaseline.
BODY WORK :
Follow these steps to achieve top- to-toe beauty.
BRONZE LIMBS : Lightly tanned flesh can enhance your overall look, especially if it’s toned and supple. To give your les a flattering finish, apply self-tan. It can create the illusion that legs are longer and leaner than they really are.
SUSTAIN WEIGHT : Avoid faddish diets and eat sensibly, as a loss or increase of 2kgs can stretch your skin. Maintain skin suppleness and help tone down stretch marks by smoothing n lotions containing vitamin E or cocoa butter.
BODY REALIGN : Take not of your posture: slouching makes you look shorter and standing straight makes your stomach look flatter. Bad body alignment will also affect the proper functioning of your organs.
PERFECT SIZING : If your bra doesn’t fit properly, it can restrict circulation, give limited support and leave you with unsightly looking bulges. Have your bust measured professionally and incest in a bra that fits properly and offers the correct support.
SLEEP TIGHT: Get a sufficient amount of sleep as the body regenerates itself during the night. Ensure a peaceful night’s sleep by massaging the soles of your feet with sesame seed or coconut oil before going to bed.
PHYSICAL NOTIONS : Exercise regularly. Aim to incorporate at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity into your routine three times each week and also do muscle toning work such as yoga. This combination of activity improves your body and overall health.
WATER WORKS : Maintain healthy skin and regulate the functioning of your body’s organs by drinking one to one and half litres of water a day. On average, 10 cups of water a day are lost via evaporation, sweating and breathing.
VARYING HEIGHTS : Vary the height of heels you wear to avoid bad circulation, backache, muscle fatigue and poor posture. To take the strain off your feet, use cushioned insoles or make an effort to walk around without wearing shoes.
GOLDEN RULES : If you use fake tan, apply it carefully and ensure that you blend it thoroughly. A bronzed complexion and white earlobes will give the game away, and tanned legs and pale arms will leave you looking like a two-tone beauty.
FIRMING TREAT : Keep your bust in trim with simple wide-arm push-ups, breast stroke or training with light weights to strengthen the underlying muscles of your breasts. Good posture also plays a vital role in preventing the big sag.
PROBLEM AND SOLUTIONS :
[1] What hydrates your skin if you run out moisturizer? Employ hair conditioner to do the job – the creamy consistency is a great substitute,
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[2] How can you prevent In grown airs? Minimize ingrown hairs by using the hot wax rather than strip wax method of hair removal, Use a body scrub three times a week between waxes and always moisturize skin after bathing,
[3] Do you need to splash out on fancy exfoliating products? A handful of sea salt massaged into damp skin will work just as effectively as expensive scrubs.
[4] Is wallowing in the bath good for you? Limit your time in the tub to a maximum of 20 minutes as prolonged soaking dries the skin out. Make sure the water temperature is less than 35°C.
[5] When should you apply self-tanning products ? Apply self-tanning preparations before going to bed so the color can develop as you sleep, Avoid application straight after waxing or shaving your legs as the result will be uneven
[6] How can you give bare legs a flattering finish? Blend moisturizer with a small amount of foundation and smooth the mixture onto your skin.
[7] How can you relieve swollen ankles? To reduce swelling, drink spring water, but steer clear of tap or mineral water. These contain sodium, a mineral that increases water retention.
[8] Is there a solution to disguise streaky self-tan lines? Smooth whitening toothpaste onto streaky marks and leave for several minutes to lighten discoloration. Rinse off with warm water.
[9] Can you temporarily create a bigger cleavage? To accentuate a cleavage, make-up artists recommend using a bronze lipstick and drawing a line down between the breasts, then blending it into the skin with the fingertips.
[10] How can you ease shaving rash? Use a cotton wool pad douched with chamomile lotion to soothe irritation and reduce redness.
