We all dream of waking up with perfect, glowy skin every day. However, the reality is that maintaining beautiful skin requires a bit of work. Our skin is our body’s largest organ, and to keep it strong, healthy and able to protect us from infection, we need to take the steps to take care of it and take care of our bodies as a whole. Everyone’s body is different, and it’s important to pay attention to what your individual body is telling you. To get you started, I’ve put together a list of 10 essential tips for keeping your skin healthy and glowing.
Use Sunscreen, every single day.
Sunscreen isn’t just something for the hot, summer months. The harsh ultraviolet rays of the sun are always present, whether it’s a cloudy winter day or a sunny spring afternoon. Regular exposure of ultraviolet rays to the skin can cause wrinkles, discoloration and most notably, skin cancer. Not sure where to start with sunscreen? SkinMedica’s Total Defense + Repair sunscreen is suitable for all skin types and has SPF 34. For sun protection that gives some coverage, check out Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF.
Hydrated skin is happy skin! Drink water regularly.
When you don’t drink enough water, it affects your entire body, including your skin. When you’re not hydrated, your skin can get dry, tight and even flake or crack. Water helps your digestive system flush out toxins, and that includes from your skin, leading to clearer skin and a better complexion.
Find the best cleanser for your skin.
Everyone’s skin is different- yours may be dry, oily, combination or acne-prone, and the products you use on your skin should complement your skin type or work to combat concerns. Check out this post on cleansers to read up on what kind of cleansers will work best for your skin type!
Exfoliate- find out what works for you.
When we take the time to exfoliate our skin, dead skin cells that are stuck beneath the surface of our skin that clog our pores are discarded, whether that’s through chemical or physical exfoliation. This allows new skin cells to appear, allowing our skin to look and feel fresh and healthy. Allies of Skin Bright Future Sleeping Facial is a great chemical exfoliator, while Fur’s Silk Scrub is a gentle physical exfoliator option.
Wash your sheets regularly
If washing your sheets isn’t already on your weekly chores list, add it ASAP. This is not only for cleanliness sake, but for your skin. We rest our face and body on those sheets and pillows every night, and this causes dead skin cells, bacteria and dirt to build up on what’s supposed to be our cozy place.
After going through the time and effort to complete your skincare routine, you don’t want to lay your clean and hydrated skin on a dirty surface. Make sure you check on your detergent. If you have sensitive skin or allergies, the soap or fragrance might lead to increased skin irritation or breakouts. The Slip Silk Pillowcases (in Queen and King sizes) will help your hair AND your skin. The silk fibers used help keep your skin’s moisture and face and hair products where they belong – on your face and hair. The Slip silk will also help to reduce friction, which can reduce stretching and tugging on delicate facial skin.
Maintain a healthy diet
You hear it all the time- maintain a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, protein, etc. We know that eating well gives you more energy and keeps your body in tip-top shape. What does your food have to do with your skin? Here’s an example: Foods with healthy oils or fatty acids found in seafood, olive oil or nuts helps collagen production in the skin. In addition, if you have acne-prone skin, it’s best to avoid sugar or high fat foods or drinks that can lead to clogged pores. What we put into our bodies matters, and fueling it with a healthy diet will allow you to feel your best.
Incorporate ingredients that brighten your skin
Use products with ingredients known to brighten your skin tone and improve texture, such as azelaic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, kojic acid, and many more. Be proactive about incorporating these ingredients into your skincare routine. Spend the time researching what kind of ingredients will work best for your skin type and tone. iS Clinical’s Active Serum has glycolic acid and kojic acid for brightening, while DefenAge’s 8-in-1 BioSerum has niacinamide and hyaluronic acid- both great choices for skin-brightening ingredients.
Keep your sleep schedule on track!
Other than all the obvious reasons that sleep is important, it gives your skin time to heal and renew. When you’re sleep deprived, the body releases more of the hormone Cortisol, otherwise known as the stress hormone. Cortisol is known to encourage inflammation in the skin, leading to acne, eczema, etc. In addition, while you sleep, your body performs essential functions like cell renewal and fluid delivery. If these functions aren’t performed, you might find yourself with increased eye bags, wrinkles or texture of the skin. Get those 8 hours!
Invest in a good moisturizer and hydrator
The skin on our face, neck and chest are more sensitive than the skin on other areas of our body. This means that the skin cells in these areas need to shed and renew faster and need moisture to perform this function. A hydrator like Jan Marini’s Transformation Face Cream helps to reduce signs of aging while thoroughly hydrating the skin. For a moisturizer, Obagi’s Hydrate Facial Moisturizer is a solid option, naturally derived ingredients like shea butter, mango butter, and avocado, to help combat skin dryness!
Pay attention to your skin type
How does your skin feel after it’s freshly washed? This trick is a good indicator of what type of skin you have. Need help determining your skin type? Check out our blog post on How to Determine Your Skin Type. It’s important that you figure out what type of skin you have. One you know, you can be wary of what products you’re using on your skin. What you put on your skin matters! Be sure to take the time to look into what products and ingredients work for your individual skin.
Skincare does require some work, but taking care of your skin, and your body as a whole, is so important. Take the time to work on your well-being, including skincare. You’ll start to see changes, not only in your skin, but throughout your whole body.
