For a healthy body (with a healthy mind):
- Eat well. Make sure you get your daily supply of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and yes, even SOME fat.
- Drink plenty of water, or if you prefer, juice or non-caffeinated tea.
- Get some exercise - go out, let the breeze caress your skin.
- Don't abuse your body. Be nice to it, and not too crazy with it, and you'll see, it'll love you back.

Click on a topic:

• acne and problems
  
• arms
  
• back
  
• bikini area
  
• dry skin and moisture
  
• in the shower
  
• legs
  
• oily skin
  
• scrubs and exfoliants
  
• shaving and hair removal
  
• soaks and baths
  
• soaps and gels
  

Acne and Problems

• Don't pop your pimples! Don't pick at them and resist the urge to touch them - they WILL spread.
  
• To remove the infection from an inflamed pimple that is white at the top, you can use a warm compress over the area and then press it out gently. Be sure to use an antibiotic cream afterwards to prevent spreading the infection. Use this method only in extreme cases and never just before you go out (it'll leave redness).
  
• For blackheads, use a deep mask or a clay mask over the skin.
  
• Bacne (acne on your back) may be caused by perspiration. Wear cotton clothing and use powder to keep your back dry. If necessary, you can apply antiperspirant to your back (but don't do this if you are doing vigorous activity - sweating is necessary to keep you from overheating).
  
• A scrub of sugar and water is astringent and can help draw away oils that cause acne.
  
• Also try a paste of cucumber and lemon juice, which has astringent (oil-fighting) properties. Apply, leave 5 minutes, and wash off.
  

Arms

• Keep your arms looking beautiful by keeping them moisturized. Concentrate on your elbows as well.
  
• When you go out, don't forget sunscreen on your arms! Put it on even if you are wearing something long-sleeved, because not all fabrics are dense enough to stop the UV.
  
• To soften elbows, use a lemon or orange peel and rub the inside against the elbow.
  
• Another elbow softener: make a thick paste of sugar and water and rub into your elbows. Rinse off well.
  

Your Back

• Your back is often neglected. Don't scratch it too much, and make sure it's dry after you shower (don't rub too hard).
  
• Sit up straight - a straight back will be healthier and give you less pain.
  
• When you moisturize and wear sunscreen, get someone to put it on your back as well, especially in the hard-to-reach spots. This will keep your back smooth and spotless.
  

Bikini Area

• Razor or cream burn in your bikini area can be relieved with a generous coating of moisturizer, or use milk as a moisturizer. Apply lightly with a cloth or pad and rinse off.
  
• Keep your bikini area clean with soap and water, or some product designed specifically for it. Be sure to clean thoroughly.
  

Dry Skin and Moisture

• Dry skin can be helped with enough moisture. Use a moisturizer designed for it, and apply generously.
  
• Applying moisturizer directly after showering helps it absorb better. Wait until the moisturizer is absorbed before dressing.
  
• A spray bottle of oil and water (1 part oil to 2 parts water) can be used as a moisturizer (baby oil, olive oil, sesame oil, all work well). Shake the bottle well before using (substitute 1 part water for 1 part vodka for better solubility).
  
• When skin is dry, like in winter, warm up some oil in the microwave until warm to the touch (but not hot). Massage into your skin and wait 5 minutes before showering.
  

In the Shower

• If you use a bar soap, choose wisely. You can get ones that exfoliate, that works as both soap and shampoo, and that moisturize or deodorize or even fight acne. A simple bar like Ivory or a bar of glycerin soap will do the trick though, every time.
  
• Don't use HOT water. Keep the temperature warm but never scalding or cold - you'll dry out your skin with too hot water and won't cut the grease when it's too cold. Can't see your face in the bathroom mirror? It's too hot.
  
• Give yourself a specific amount of time in the shower
  
• Take an efficient shower: first shampoo, then while your conditioner sits, soap up. Rinse both off together, and then shave, after hair has been softened. (or find your own best routine)
  
• Try out a bath gel or liquid soap with a pouf. It lathers with little soap and feels luxurious. If you don't have a pouf and gel, try this: cut a slit in a sponge and insert a bar or sliver of soap. You can also use a washcloth rubbed with a bar of soap on both sides.
  
• Moisturize as soon as you get out of the shower, before you've finished toweling off. This helps the moisture absorb better. Wait while the moisture gets absorbed (use the time to get out your clothes, floss, or read!)
  
• Toweling should be gently not abrasive. Pat skin dry or press the towel against your skin.
  

Legs

• Your legs should feel soft. If you scratch and leave marks, they need moisturizer!
  
• Marks on your legs can be lessened by moisture (if they are not stretch marks). If you get your legs waxed, make sure the wax is not too hot. It could also be a skin condition caused internally, so see your doctor.
  
• Spider veins can be reduced by improving circulation. Give your calves a vigorous massage, take your vitamins, and don't stand around too much!
  

Oily Skin

• If your skin is regularly oily, blot it off in the middle of the day with blotting paper or just brown paper.
  
• Don't over-soap or use too-hot water to shower. This stimulates the oil glands so that they overcompensate for the moisture loss. Also don't rub too vigorously with your towel.
  
• Don't use moisturizer on oily skin, or if you do, look for an oil-free one (rosewater works well). Or use a bar soap and then add moisturizer after.
  
• Make sure your soaps and gels aren't heavy on the moisturizers and that they are oil-free.
  
• A scrub of sugar and water is astringent and can prevent oiliness.
  
• Also try a paste of cucumber and lemon juice, which has astringent (oil-fighting) properties. Apply, leave 5 minutes, and wash off.
  

Scrubs and Exfoliants

• Scrubs and exfoliants remove dead skin to reveal the newly growing skin below. They make skin brighter and looking healthier.
  
• Don't overuse any scrubs - they can cause redness and dryness if overdone.
  
• Scrubs can come in bar or gel form. Choose the form that suits you.
  
• A simple scrub you can make: combine coarse or sea salt with water to make a paste. This can be rubbed over your body, then rinsed off (or try pure beach sand!)
  
• Oily skin scrubs: sugar/water paste, cucumber/lemon juice paste, oatmeal paste
  
• Dry skin scrubs: yogurt paste, grated coconut, milk/crushed almonds, baking soda paste.
  
• Use a pumice stone to scrub at tough spots like hardened heels and elbows. It can rub off dead skin (but be gentle!)
  
• For a daily scrub, use a natural loofah instead of a pouf to soap up.
  
• You can add scrubbing items like sea salts, sugar, or baking soda to your regular bath gel to make it a scrub. Put your soap on your pouf, then add the salts (or whatever you choose to use), rub it all in together, and then apply to skin.
  

Shaving and Hair Removal

• Removing hair can be done in multiple ways: shaving or tweezing, creams, waxing, electrolysis-laser (from least to most permanent).
  
• Shaving is convenient and quick. The danger is that hair may grow back somewhat thicker. Always use shaving cream when shaving.
  
• If you don't have shaving cream, use hair conditioner. It works just as well to soften the hair for shaving.
  
• Tweezing is used to catch stray hairs. Like shaving, hairs can grow back soon.
  
• Creams for hair bleaching can be used on the body. Avoid the bikini area. Make sure to test for allergies and reactions first because these products are harsh!
  
• Creams for hair removal should also be tested. They give a smooth finish and often last a week or more. Thicker hair is more resistant.
  
• Waxing can be painful but lasts up to a month. It can be done on legs, underarms, and bikini area. A homemade wax: make a thick sugar syrup with sugar and lemon juice. While still warm, apply to skin (test that it's not too hot), and press with a cloth. Wait and then rip off AGAINST the direction of hair growth. Working fast prevents as much pain.
  
• After waxing, always cool the skin with a wet towel or ice pack. Apply lotion or powder. If you notice bleeding or irritation, discontinue.
  
• Electrolysis and laser treatments are time consuming and very expensive. However, they may be permanent.
  

Soaks and Baths

• Soaks and baths are a way to pamper your body. You can relax your mind at the same time!
  
• Set up a good atmosphere: a comfy pillow-towel for your head, a luxurious towel, music you enjoy playing softly (and far from the water), candles, even incense if it is far away from water.
  
• Make yourself a bath tea with either a store-bought one or by tying 2-3 bags of your favorite herbal tea (chamomile, rose, and peppermint are good choices) over the faucet. Allow the warm water to run over the teabags.
  
• Add sea salts or baking soda to your bath. You can also add a drop or two of your favorite perfume (don't pour in the whole bottle, it will be too much!).
  
• You can make an entirely milk bath or an oatmeal bath. Use nonfat dry milk (it comes in a box) or instant oatmeal. You can add luxury with some real rose petals.
  
• Make your own bubble bath with your favorite shampoo or bath gel. Run the water over it so that it bubbles up.
  

Soaps and Gels

• Choose the right soap for you. Is it a bar soap? Is it moisturizing? Deodorizing? Exfoliating? Scented? Unscented? Acne-fighting? With herbs? A cream? Gel? Choose something you like that suits your skin. Make sure you like the way it smells - you'll use it every day!
  
• The simplest soaps are bars of glycerin. If you have sensitive skin, try this or a bar of Ivory soap.
  
• In a pinch you can use your shampoo to wash your body and your bath gel for your hair. When you use shampoo on your body, rinse well. When you use your bath gel on your hair, if it's not moisturizing make sure you condition your hair.
  
• Make your own bath gel by softening a bar of soap in the microwave or in hot water, then mixing it into a liquid soap. Add whatever extra fragrance you like!
  

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