Get that winter glow

Winter is on its way, and to many this means a loss of the sun-kissed glow that makes summer so awesome. We are left looking and feeling pasty and worn out, eager for those warm rays and long days to return. However, this doesn't have to be the case. With a little understanding of health and nutrition, you can achieve a better, healthier glow than ever before. Before you head to the tanning salons to only improve your glow on the outside, follow this simple advice to make sure you shine from inside out. Don't wait until winter actually gets here. In this instance, the sooner the better.
You Are What You Eat
One of the best things you can do for yourself and your skin is to eat as many fruits and veggies as you can on a regular basis. The rule of thumb is to fill half of your plate with these delicious treats, and at least nine servings (approximately 4½ cups) per day. Fruits and veggies that are red, orange and yellow contain antioxidants called carotenoids, which help flush toxins and waste from your body, and brighten your complexion.


Drink Up
When it turns cold, it is tempting to drink coffee all day, every day. However, I recommend drinking as much water as you can, in order to keep your glow. Water cleanses from the inside out, purifying your body of toxins and waste, and hydrating your skin in the process.  Be sure to drink 8 to 10 glasses a day, and you will see an improvement in your skin tone, in addition to being healthier overall.

Furthermore, fruit juice, much like fruits themselves, can cleanse your skin from within. Orange juice, rich in Vitamin C, can help in collagen formation, improving your skin's elasticity and giving you a more youthful appearance. Carrot juice is full of carotene, which gives your skin a healthy glow. When shopping for fruit juice, be sure to look at the label, and only select brands that are 100% juice
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Pamper Yourself
The cold winter wind can have a drying effect on your skin, leaving your face red and chapped. Combat this by applying a light moisturizer to your skin at all times, particularly when you know you will be out in the cold. Additionally, don't be deceived by the winter sun. Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean that the rays are any less harmful to your skin. If anything, winter offers a double whammy, as the sun often reflects off of the snow and hits spots that the summer sun might miss. For this reason, be sure to use sunscreen just as you would in the summer.

If you insist upon getting a suntan during the winter months, visit a tanning bed. Tanning beds limit your exposure to harmful UV rays to the amount of time that you are in the bed, thus giving you a glow without the risk of overdoing it. Alternately, try a spray-on tanning product that will give you the illusion of a summer tan without the effects of UV rays.

The thing to remember is that your health begins within. If you take proper care of your health, and work out on a regular basis, you will have a naturally healthy glow that will persist throughout the year, regardless of the weather. Take care of yourself at all costs, and your body (and skin) will thank you for it!
(Guest Post by Ashley)