ALL THAT ZAZZ

By Mary N. DiZazzo

Use Your H2O and Glow

Ciao bella,

We're always looking for old world ancient beauty rituals to keep us looking gorgeous and healthy. But all the cosmetic counters and commercial promises to encourage a more youthful complexion just can't beat the true fountain of youth --water.

Water, water everywhere --drink, drink, drink. It will help to remove the toxins from the body and give your skin a healthy and vibrant look. Eight "beauty secret" glasses a day to be sure the benefits can be seen and felt.

Water maintains moisture in each and every cell, keeping your skin feeling soft and elastic. As you purify your complexion, one should also notice fewer breakouts and blackheads. Since our bodies are largely made up of water, it makes sense to replenish the source.

As for external purposes, using warm water opens up the pores of your skin. Once your face is clean, splash it with cold water to close the pores, and enjoy totally clean skin. Never use hot water on your complexion to cleanse as it can split tiny blood vessels and dehydrate skin. Too much water on your skin can dry it out. Best to drink it.

Here are some tips for flavoring your water.

Slice some limes, lemons, and oranges into a large pitcher of water (spring, purified, or mineral). Refrigerate for a few hours -- delish. Honey is also a great and healthy sweetener.

Happy drinking. Buon Ano! And God bless the United States of America!


Have you missed any of Mary's columns in the Post-Gazette? Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns on her website www.mary4nails.com. She is a third-generation cosmetologist and owner of Mary for Nails, etc. natural nailcare salon in Andover, and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183. She also sees select clients by appointment in Boston at (617) 742-6881.