Maybe you’re one of those people who has been plagued by acne your whole life, or perhaps you’re rarely afflicted by breakouts but instead suffer from a dull, unhealthy-looking complexion. Either way, you probably feel like it’s time for you to stop worrying about the appearance of your skin and start enjoying a more radiant look. Here are a few tips to get you on your way.
Don’t Forget the Simple Steps
All too often, myths about the skin are spread around and perpetuated. Many wise people fall prey to the gossip and begin to believe unfounded chatter that “washing your face is actually bad” or “too much moisturiser will clog your pores.” These myths might hold a shred of truth if taken to the extremes, but in normal circumstances they’re completely false. The real heart of the matter is that the same steps your mom and dermatologist have been recommending for years are still the best approach.
In other words, you need to cleanse and moisturise every single day. Use high-quality products, like those from Artistry, and especially seek out a skin cream that is ultra hydrating. Your skin will be nourished by it, not clogged by it. Also remember two additional simple, but valuable, gems of wisdom. The first is to clean your pillowcases often (every couple of days). And the second is to turn to home remedies, like lemon juice, if you need to clear up troublesome blemishes nearly overnight. These tips aren’t rocket science, but they’re time-tested and highly effective.
Protection Is Paramount
In addition to cleansing and moisturising, your skin needs to be shielded from the harmful rays of the sun. Start a new habit of applying sunscreen head to toe every single day, no matter what you think the day’s activities will bring. Even if you don’t spend much time outdoors, you’d be surprised by how much sun exposure you get simply by driving in the car or walking to and from parking lots.
The American Academy of Dermatologists recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which offers both UVA and UVB protection. And as long as you have an SPF of 30, you should be all set. Extra tip: Buy a variety that’s water resistant, so an unexpected stroll by some sprinklers or a little bit of sweat won’t leave you vulnerable. If you’re a female who thinks using sunscreen isn’t realistic, at least make sure your makeup foundation has an SPF of 30 in it. The rest of your skin still needs protection, but your face is some of the most sensitive skin on your body (and shows signs of aging very quickly).
Upgrade Your Lifestyle
Finally, one of the best things you can do for your skin is to improve your overall health. Work to get more sleep every night, and if you’re still smoking, quit. Sugar has also been known to wreak havoc on the skin because of the body’s response to insulin surges, so make your best effort to reduce your sugar intake (or cut it out completely). Some of the best foods to eat for radiant skin include those high in antioxidants (like blueberries, beans and artichokes), so try to incorporate these regularly into your diet.
Exercise also helps to give you that glow you’re craving, so consider beginning an exercise program if you aren’t dedicated to one already. An option like Bikram Yoga offers an amplified opportunity to sweat, which can further detox your skin and eliminate impurities.
