Bucket list of green ideas for that flawless look

April 17, 2015 9:20 PM

Since it can be difficult to totally redo your entire beauty routine at once, here's a seven-day go-green beauty task list.

Green beauty ideas

Sophie, a lifestyle author, is also a certified holistic nutritionist, and her latest writing focuses on how being more green conscious (both in terms of your grooming routine and eating plan) can make you look and feel even more beautiful.

Since it can be difficult to totally redo your entire beauty routine at once, Sophie created this exclusive seven-day go-green beauty task list.

So, are you up for the challenge?

Hydrate from within

The daily toxins you ingest dehydrate you, which can create dull skin and dark circles under your eyes. Divide your body weight in half, and that's how many ounces of filtered water you should drink.

If you are a coffee drinker, stick to one cup in the morning and switch to either green or hibiscus tea for the rest of the day since both contain a high amount of antioxidants.

Plus, hibiscus tea has been proven to lower blood pressure.

Exfoliate your face

Exfoliation is your best friend! Use a cleanser with natural ingredients (glycolic or lactic acid).

It is gentle enough to use daily when you shower to wash away dead skin and promote cell turnover.

Exfoliate your face, neck, and chest every morning in the shower.

Get more vitamin c

Vitamin C is one of the few antiaging ingredients that have been scientifically proven to minimize sun damage, fade brown spots, build collagen, and protect your skin.

If you aren't using it, you need to. Look for a serum that comes in a dark, opaque bottle to protect contents from light, and check that the form of vitamin C is stable.

Mix it in the palm of your hand, and rub your hands together until you feel the crystals dissolve. Then, apply it all over your face, neck, and chest. For best results, use it as you've cleansed your face, before you moisturize.

Fight inflammation with tumeric

Stock up on turmeric — a bright yellow spice, known for its amazing antiaging and antipimple benefits. You can either consume it — try adding 1 teaspoon turmeric into a glass of hot water with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a pinch of cayenne.

If you can't bear the taste, buy capsules, which can be found at your local health food store.

Or you can use it topically to fight inflammation.

Use coconut milk and oil

Here's how to make the most of this superfood this week:

Include coconut products in your beauty routine three times this week.

Revive your senses with essential oils

Essential oils impact our inner and outer beauty. When we are stressed, our cortisol levels increase, which reduces the ability of our skin to regenerate.

Use your favorite stress-reducing scent, such as rose (deep emotional calming), sandalwood (to balance and center), neroli (antidepressant), and frankincense (inner peace), and follow these simple rules to release your beauty bliss.

Begin and end your day by breathing in some soothing essential oils.