From the scorching sun to the freezing winds, our skin constantly fights against the harsh elements. As a result, it gets dry, flaky, and prone to breakouts without proper skincare. But the good news is that you can keep your skin looking clean, young, and beautiful by following simple tips.
So let’s dive in and talk about some practical ways to keep your skin shipshape:
Avoid hot showers for natural skincare
We all love a good hot shower, but they are not so great for our skin. They can dry away the natural oils from the skin. Instead, you should opt for lukewarm water and keep your showers and baths short and sweet. This will help prevent your skin from drying out and getting overly wrinkly.
If you cannot bear the thought of giving up your hot showers altogether, limit them to once a week or so. And when you do indulge, make sure to moisturize your skin afterward to help replenish the skin’s oils.
Avoid asbestos-containing beauty products.
Asbestos was a common component in powdered beauty products until the FDA banned its use, and several famous brands had to take their products off the market. However, some beauty product manufacturers may not fully disclose their products’ contents. This can become a significant health risk since asbestos is a known carcinogen.
Talcum powder and skincare products contaminated with asbestos microfibrils can lead to malignant mesothelioma. Therefore, you must be careful when selecting what you apply to your skin. Only use trusted, FDA-approved brands.
Schedule regular skin checkups with a dermatologist
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. That is a pretty staggering statistic. However, when caught early, skin cancer is treatable. Thus, you must schedule regular skin checkups with a dermatologist.
In some cases, skin issues are challenging to detect. So even if you do not think you have any visible skin concerns, a dermatologist can identify potential problems early on and recommend the best course of treatment.
Moisturize daily for better skincare.
Moisturizing is like giving your skin a big ol’ drink of water. You know how you feel after a long hike, and you finally get to gulp down some cold water? That is precisely what moisturizing does for your skin.
By moisturizing your skin regularly, you are helping to lock in your skin’s natural moisture and prevent it from drying out. And when your skin is well-hydrated, it functions properly and maintains elasticity, keeping wrinkles and fine lines at a safe distance. Plus, hydrated skin looks fuller and more radiant. Moisturizing also soothes irritated or inflamed skin and balances oily skin by preventing the overproduction of oil.
Consider the following tried-and-true strategies for keeping your skin moisturized:
- Put on moisturizer before bed to let it work its magic overnight
- Apply a hydrating serum before your moisturizer to help lock in moisture
- Use a face mask once or twice a week to give your skin a deep hydration treatment
- Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells and allow your moisturizer to penetrate more deeply
Wear sunscreen
Whether you are soaking up rays on a beach or just going about your daily routine, those UV rays can do a number on your skin. The sun’s rays can penetrate and cause skin damage, even on cloudy or snowy days. That is why sunscreen is so important. Experts recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day.
However, do not just slap some sunscreen and call it a day. Before applying, check the expiration date and be generous with your application. Ideally, it would help to use about an ounce every two hours to stay protected and avoid sunburns. If you are spending the day outdoors, bring a travel-sized tube of sunscreen to reapply throughout the day.
Take a break from makeup.
Makeup can transform your look, boost confidence, and make you feel like a superstar. But even the best makeup cannot compete with the natural beauty of healthy, glowing skin. For this reason, it is a good idea to put cosmetics down every once in a while.
Giving your skin a chance to breathe can help prevent breakouts, minimize pores, and even out your skin tone. Besides, it is a great excuse to rock that fresh-faced, au naturel look.
Do not assume taking a makeup break means you have to sacrifice style. Plenty of ways to enhance your natural beauty without piling on makeup. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Experiment with hairstyles: Whether you wear your hair up or down, long or short, straight or curly, experimenting with different hairstyles can help you find a look that makes you feel confident and stylish.
- Pay attention to details: Little details, like well-manicured nails or clean shoes, will enhance your look and make you feel more put-together.
- Leverage Accessories: Jewelry, hats, scarves, and other accessories could add a pop of color or texture to your outfit, making you stand out in a crowd.
Get adequate sleep
Did you know getting enough sleep can help you look and feel more beautiful? When we sleep, our bodies go into repair mode and produce new collagen to keep our skin youthful and radiant. That is why a long nap is called a “beauty sleep.”
But getting a good night’s sleep is not just about how much time you spend in bed. It is also about the quality of your sleep. Experts recommend a consistent sleep schedule and a cool, dark environment.
Do not forget about your pre-sleep routine. Taking the time to wind down before bed can help prepare your body and mind for restful sleep. Try incorporating a relaxing activity, like reading or calming music, into your routine. And while you are at it, develop a nighttime skincare routine to help repair and protect it overnight.
Quit smoking for improved skincare.
Smoking causes your blood vessels to constrict. As a result, less oxygen and nutrients flow to your skin. Over time, this leads to a substantial decline in collagen production, making your skin more prone to wrinkles and sagging. Smoking can also damage your skin’s elastin fibers, leading to a dull, lackluster complexion. So if you want to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy, ditch those cigarettes and say hello to a brighter, clearer complexion.
Indeed, bidding farewell to cigarettes is easier said than done. But devising a well-thought-out plan will help you to accomplish this objective. For example, you can decide on a quit date and figure out how to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. You can also try gradually reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke daily or quitting cold turkey. In the worst-case scenario, get help by checking into rehab.
Avoid popping your pimples.
Have you ever had a pesky pimple pop up on your face and immediately thought about popping it? Well, we have all been there. That said, popping your pimples is not the best solution. Here is why: when you pop a pimple, you risk introducing bacteria from your fingers or other tools onto your skin. It may lead to an infection and worsen the inflammation, resulting in more scarring.
Instead, it’s best to leave the pimple alone and apply a topical benzoyl peroxide cream to spot-treat it. The cream will kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. So, the next time you feel the urge to pop a pimple, try to resist it.
Try chlorophyll for better skincare.
Want to give your skin the ultimate refreshment and hydration boost? Skip the coffee and go green. One excellent option is chlorophyll. Chlorophyll offers many benefits for your skin, including brightening, oxygenating, and hydrating it. What is more, it can reduce puffiness by stimulating the lymphatic system.
If downing a shot of chlorophyll does not appeal to you, consider getting your dose of this green pigment by drinking delicious and refreshing green juices. These juices are loaded with skin-loving nutrients, like vitamins A and C. You will notice a visible difference in your skin’s overall health and appearance in just a few days.
Conclusion on skincare
Even if you do not have the luxury of spending hours on skin care daily, there are still ways to pamper yourself and improve your skin. Adhering to a few essential skin care practices and healthy lifestyle choices can fend off your skin-related woes and keep aging at bay.