There is such a thing as a single recipe for perfect balance without worrying about details.  Whatever your circumstances you can please all the doshas by doing just one simple thing: follow a nature-friendly routine not dissimilar to our ancestors.   What is a "nature-friendly" routine?  It is a routine that imitates natures daily and seasonal rhythm.  Day-night, spring-summer-fall-winter, birth-death.  The ancient sages saw in that rhythm more than a pattern, they found it was the key to happiness here on earth. Don't worry, be happy!!

It will be no surprise that toxic cosmetic ingredients contribute to aging of the skin.  Most of our cosmetics originate in the USA.  That country's National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health found that 884 of the chemicals available for use in cosmetics have been reported to the government as toxic substances.  The skin is extremely permeable, similar to a sponge.  That is why medications given in the form of patches are effective. One study showed that 13% of the cosmetic preservative butylate hydroxytoluene (BHT) and 49% of the carcinogenic pesticide DDT ( found in some cosmetics containing lanolin) are absorbed through the skin.  Both of these substances are extremely toxic to your body.  One solution to this scary problem is to do your best to use only skincare and cosmetics that do NOT contain these and other harmful ingredients.  Use a good moisturizer under your make up to help protect skin from absorbing these ingredients.  It is extremely difficult to find good quality skin care products that are made from organic, biodegradable and fairly-traded ingredients.  Do your research and read labels. Of course, Arbonne's pure, safe and beneficial products do comply to the above pre-requisites.  Check out their web site by hitting the "learn more" button on the Arbonne page.  There you have it, five skin sins that are making you look older than you are.  Implement what works for you and start seeing results quickly.

Dehydration ages your skin.  Plain and simple.  If you skin cells are leaking like a sieve from free radical damage, it doesn't matter how much you are drinking, your cells will not hold the water.  Your entire body will be dehydrated on a cellular level and that includes your skin cells.  The solution is to drink one to two litres of room temperature water a day.  Why room temperature?  It is more easily absorbed by your cells.  It is also a great idea to start a supplement program that includes an antioxidant, easily absorbed vitamins and minerals, omega-3 and 6 essential fatty acids, probiotics and glucosamine.  Arbonne's line of supplements are all vegan, gluten and soy free and have a high ORAC value. If you are going to spend money on supplements make sure and do your research before you buy. 

Not enough sleep is causing your skin to age.  It's called "beauty sleep" for a reason!  When you are re-charged and re-freshed, your immune system is stronger, your mind clear, stress is reduced because you are able to handle more and the cells in your body are at peak performance.  How do you know if you are sleep deprived?  Take a look in the mirror.  Do you have bags under your eyes?  Do they sink into your head? Is there discoloration on your eye lids or under your eyes?  Ayurveda suggests in bed by 10 and rise by 6.  Try it for a few weeks and see your energy skyrocket and your skin glow.  If sleep is something that is difficult for you try acupuncture or hypnotherapy.  Incorporating gentle movement like yoga or Nia will also help. Sleep well, live well!

There is some recent research that suggests that the sun isn't as bad for you that we once thought.  In fact the Vitamin D that it supplies is required to maintain optimum physical and mental health.  The damage is done with over exposure.  Like most things in Ayurveda, everything in moderation, but getting too much sun or being sunburned will damage your skin.   The solution is to avoid overexposure to the sun during midday but to enjoy the rays in the morning and late afternoon.  Avoid commercial sunblocks brands and stick to natural products similar to Arbonne's line of excellent sunscreens.   Many commercial brands are filled with harmful toxic chemicals that damage your skin.  Arbonne's products are broad spectrum for the best protection and are safe for use.  We have such a short summer, it is nice to enjoy it while we can!