Seeking healthier glowing skin? This guide will show you some no fluff ways to take care of your skin no matter your skin type. Time to step up your skincare game and add these to your skincare routine!
We’ve all had to deal with some sort of skin concern in our life (me probably being at the top end!) Even the most “perfect” skin isn’t as flawless as it seems. From oily to dry skin and every nuisance in between, the road to clear skin is pretty rocky.
However, even though everyone’s skin is different, there are a few basic and simple skincare steps we should all follow.
Healthy lifestyle choices and following a proper skincare routine is the key to maintaining healthy beautiful clear skin.
So here are 15 no-nonsense ways to take care of your skin so you’re ready for whatever unwelcome surprises it may bring!
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15 basic ways to take care of your skin
1. Drink water
It’s only right we kick this off with the most basic skincare principle. Dehydrated skin tends to look dull and lack moisture. Drinking water helps to flush out toxins, reduce puffiness and keep you and your skin hydrated. Think of it as feeding your skin from the inside to give it a healthy natural glow.
2. Use sunscreen daily
Sunscreen is your holy grail and best friend all year round (yes, even in winter and indoors!) Think of it as the fountain of youth. The sun is the biggest cause of premature skin aging and can also increase the risk of skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen offers protection against the odds. Look for sunscreens that deliver SPF 30 (or higher) and broad-spectrum protection. As a bonus, invest in moisturisers and makeup that contain SPF too.
3. Sleep on a silk or satin pillow
Sleeping on traditional cotton pillowcases causes friction between your skin and the fabric, causing wrinkles in the long run. They also soak up moisture from your skin whilst you’re sleeping leaving your skin dehydrated and looking dull. However, a silk or satin pillowcase does quite the opposite. They offer less friction, a smoother surface for your skin to “slip and slide” and keep your skin more hydrated.
4. Stop picking and touching your face
As tempting as it is to pop a pimple, don’t do it! The lasting damage (acne scarring, yikes) easily out weighs the satisfaction. I know touching your face can be a subconscious act, but it’s a big skin no no. Your hands go through a lot during the day and the amount of bacteria they accumulate easily transfers onto your skin and into your pores. That’s a lot of oil, filth and debris build up!
5. Be gentle
Daily cleansing and friction from shaving can take a toll on your skin. Be gentle with the way you take care of your skin. Being too harsh with your skin can lead to a loss in elasticity and can cause premature wrinkles. Top tips: use a mild cleanser, apply products in circular motions and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
6. Wash with warm water (not hot)
Your skin is delicate and it isn’t designed to withstand extreme temperatures. So as relaxing as a long hot bath sounds it can actually scald, irritate and strip your skin of its natural oils leaving it feeling dry, parched and sensitive. This applies to your face too. Instead, bath, shower and wash your face with lukewarm water for a much gentler experience!
7. Clean your make up brushes regularly
Your makeup brushes hold some dirty secrets. They collect oil, bacteria, dust and sweat and your smearing it all over your face every time you apply makeup. I think you can figure out how that plays out. We’re talking clogged pores, acne and pure filth. Not something you want to deal with! For best practice clean your brushes weekly.
8. Keep your skin moisturised
Whether you have oily skin, dry skin or anything in between, it’s important to moisturise daily. The right type of moisturiser could make a huge difference to your skin. Make sure to switch it up depending on the season with a rich moisturiser for winter and a light-weight moisturiser for summer. For added protection, apply a moisturiser that has SPF in it.
9 Remove makeup before bed
Now I know it can be a difficult step in your skincare routine when all you want after a long day is to jump in bed! But going to bed with makeup on, or not removing it properly, is a disaster waiting to happen! Not only are you sleeping with makeup, but also oil, dirt and toxins too. You’ll be dealing with a whole lot of consequences, clogged pores, breakouts and irritated skin. It’s just not worth the hassle!
10. Don't over exfoliate
Sure exfoliating will help buff away dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling renewed and silky smooth. But you have to be smart about it or else you’ll cause more damage to your skin. Remember, the skin on your face is much more delicate than anywhere else on the body. Try exfoliating 1-2 times a week with a gentle non-abrasive exfoliator to give your skin a chance to rest between treatments.
11. Eat better
What you put inside of you reflects on your skin. A healthy wholesome skin-loving diet rich in vitamins, antioxidants, fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains could do wonders for your skin. Avoid your intake of skin-damaging foods, those with added sugar and processed or refined carbohydrates. Even if you’re lucky enough to have gorgeous skin regardless of what you eat, it’s always best practise to eat healthier for your overall wellbeing!
12. Get more sleep
“Beauty sleep” is an actual thing! Not getting your daily dose of 7-8 hours of sleep can wreak havoc on your skin. Causing it to look puffy, dull and tired as well as invite shadows, bags and dark circles under your eyes. Sleep truly is the best medicine to reset and renew your skin (and everything else). If you have difficulty falling asleep, establish a calming night time routine to help prep and unwind your body and mind.
13. Manage stress
Easier said than done, I know! But taking steps to manage your stress levels is a key factor to help control and take care of your skin. Stress releases a hormone called cortisol, causing over secretion of oil, flare-ups and can worsen existing skin conditions. Try not to worry so much. So long as your incorporating healthy lifestyle choices in your life, things will eventually fall into place.
14. Exercise
If you’re in need of a natural glow, exercising will do the trick nicely! Exercising helps to increase blood flow in your skin, drawing in oxygen and nutrients. And if you exercise like a champ, the sweat will flush out toxins and free radicals from your skin too (someone get me some more dumbbells!) It even helps to reduce stress and allow you to sleep better so it’s a win win situation all around.
15. Use the right products for your skin
There’s millions of products boasting all sorts of promises. But despite all the temptation around you only using products formulated for your skin type and skin concerns will help your skin look and feel its best!
Top tips: Invest in gentle, natural and clean products, read the ingredient list carefully, use products high in antioxidants and commit to a skincare regime that best suits you.
Perfect, flawless skin may be a complete myth, but these basic ways to take care of your skin can help it look its best. If you’re ahead of the game and doing them already, stick to them. You’re well on your way to healthy, beautiful skin!
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Till next time! Fatima x
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