Having a glowing, flawless complexion is the dream of most people. But for those who haven't inherited the perfect genes, it can be challenging to achieve clear skin, especially with conditions like acne. While perfect skin may seem unattainable, nearly anyone can have great skin with some effort. A healthy, clear skin doesn't always require expensive treatments, sometimes small tweaks to your lifestyle and skincare routine can give good results over time. Let's get some tips for having a healthy, clear skin without spending a fortune.
# 1. Moisturize Properly
One of the biggest skincare mistakes you might be making can be waiting too long after washing to apply moisturizer. After cleansing, there is only a short window before moisture starts evaporating from the skin. So, waiting for a long time after washing your skin to apply moisturizer leads to skin dryness.
To prevent this, moisturizing your skin immediately after showering is recommended.
# 2. Consider Your Water
The quality of your water impacts the cleansing of your skin. Hard water causes insufficient lathering, prompting more cleanser use and dryness. A shower filter can remove minerals and contaminants from the water before it makes contact with your skin. Gentle, soap-free cleansers also minimize skin dryness.
Soft water, on the other hand, doesn't rinse soap well, leaving residue on skin. With soft water, use cleansers sparingly.
# 3. Always Wear Sunscreen
Sunscreen is key for preventing accelerated aging and wrinkles from sun damage. Dermatologists recommend wearing broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen daily. Reapply the sunscreen every two hours or after sweating or swimming. Seeking shade between 10am and 4pm when UV rays are strongest is also a good measure to take.
# 4. Gentle Cleansing
Harsh cleansing can compromise your skin's health. Instead, wash your skin gently with lukewarm water for a minute or two. Use a mild cleanser, gently massaging it into skin with fingertips. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
Exfoliating is also important to remove dead skin cells, but don't overdo it. Be careful not to scrub inflamed or broken-out skin, as it can worsen acne. Use gentle tools like a cleansing brush or rice enzyme powder exfoliant a few times weekly.
# 5. Moisturize Daily
Applying moisturizer regularly helps hydrate your skin and maintain a healthy moisture barrier. This prevents itching, rashes, and conditions like eczema. Daily moisturizing works against visible aging. Look for formulas with SPF for easy protection.
For very dry skin, you are better off using creamy moisturizers containing hyaluronic acid. Oils like jojoba, olive, and coconut can nourish your skin without clogging its pores. Seek lightweight gels for oily skin. Be mindful to use moisturizers that match your skin type.
# 6. Load Up on Antioxidants
Eating antioxidant-rich foods like berries, kale, and dark chocolate helps the production of collagen, an important building block of the skin that contributes to its elasticity.
Vitamins E, C, and A applied topically provide additional antioxidant benefits. Antioxidant serums like Ceuticals C + E + Ferulic help repair sun damage to the skin.
# 7. Protect Your Skin Barrier
The outer layer of skin acts as a barrier, preventing moisture loss and protecting from external threats. But harsh cleansing, intense scrubbing, sun exposure, and inflammation from conditions like eczema or acne can damage this barrier. Signs of a impaired barrier include redness, flaking, tingling, itching or
increased sensitivity.
To protect this outer barrier of your skin, be very gentle with cleansing and do it only once daily, and follow the cleaning process with thick emollient moisturizers. Avoiding fragrances, drying alcohols, and excessive scrubbing help protect the barrier too.
# 8. Manage Stress
When you’re stressed, the production of hormones like cortisol in your body is increased. This breaks down collagen and elastin, proteins that act as building blocks of your skin and give it elasticity, speeding up aging and wrinkling of the skin. Stress also increases oil secretion in your skin, leading to acne.
Managing stress protects your skin. Get enough sleep, limit obligations, and make time for enjoyable activities. Consider stress-reduction techniques like meditation and yoga. A calm mind does wonders for your complexion.
# 9. Eat Healthy
Diet impacts the health and appearance of your skin. For collagen production, antioxidant and nutrient-rich foods like berries, nuts, fish and legumes are needed. Drink plenty of water for hydration.
You will be better off limiting the consumption of dairy products too, as some their content may exacerbate acne, especially in those who are prone to severe breakouts.
# 10. Visit a Dermatologist
Seeing a dermatologist helps detect skin cancers early, when highly treatable. Get annual skin checks, and be vigilant about changes to moles or unusual growths on your skin. A dermatologist can also provide personalized advice and treatments for troublesome skin issues.
Achieving flawless, healthy skin requires diligence, but taking these dermatologist-approved steps will visibly improve your complexion over time without breaking the bank. Be patient and consistent with both lifestyle habits and skincare, and your skin will glow.
